I wonder sometimes about many of our church customs which might be disappearing because we don't take the time or realize how enriching these customs can be to help us appreciate our faith. Some of the customs that I grew up with are memories that I treasure now but, honestly, didn't think that much of when at home with my family. But they were the fabric of our family life around which so much that we did as a family revolved. Certain times of the year had their special customs or rituals, the most special was the time of Advent leading to Christmas.

A Last Thank You To Someone Special Who Has Left Us:
Laura Sechelski 

On Thursday, November 9th, Mrs. Laura Sechelski died at the age of 84, leaving behind a large family [10 children...How Catholic is that!] and a host of relatives and friends. She was buried at St. Joseph Cemetery on Monday, November 13th from a packed church who all thanked God for her love and friendship.

Ms. Laura also left behind something very tangible and important to our community of St. Joseph . Were it not for Ms. Laura and her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Sechelski Nowak, the original statues of St. Joseph would most probably have been lost forever. In 1968 she rescued and kept in her home the statues of the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Mother. Ms. Elizabeth kept the statue of the Risen Christ in her home.

Ms. Laura graciously and generously coordinated the returning of the statues to St. Joseph in 2001 when the restoration of the sanctuary began. It was a painful day when the statues were picked up and taken to be restored and eventually returned to their original places in the church. Two bedrooms had these very precious images as part of their décor for so long that they looked bare when removed. Tears were shed, but Ms. Laura put on her big smile and knew that she would see them and be sharing them with so many others in the place which they had originally graced.

We will miss Ms. Laura but we will never forget how indebted we are to her and to her love of the Church and the church of St. Joseph and how that love would not permit an important part of our history to disappear.

Eternal rest grant to her, O Lord and let perpetual light shine on her. May she rest in peace.

Kids! Sunday, December 10th is candy cane Sunday !

We're Celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas, which was on December 6th, that day. Come on down for your candy cane!

St. Nicholas is scheduled to be here!!!

Next Infant BAPTISMS are planned for Sunday, Jan. 7 th 

The next Baptism Preparation Class is planned for Saturday, Dec. 9th from 9-12 am.

Please call early to register for the Class.

The classes are a requirement for parents or expectant parents of children up to 5 years old before baptism. Godparents are encouraged to attend as well. For further questions, call Francell Busa (936)870-4145 or email her at fbusa@earthlink.net

Confirmation Students And Parents Please Read.

Student and Parents - we had our first Retreat November 3 rd /4 th . As you know it is mandatory to go to a full week-end retreat each year. We have made it into 2 mini retreats for our students with no charge. We had 30 students come to the First mini retreat. However, there were a few who did not come both days. If you did not come for the full retreat come by the RE office to see what is needed to complete the first mini retreat. Students that did not come at all will have to complete a retreat at another church by March 1, 2007 plus come to the February retreat at St. Mary's. Parents and students it is your responsibility to call the area churches to find out when they will have their confirmation retreat and make arrangements for your child to attend. You will need a make-up confirmation form. Pick it up at the RE office before you attend the retreat. The second part of our retreat will be in February. Make sure you can attend.

Confirmation Students. We have the Living Nativity in December. You must participate in one of the days the full amount of time. Anyone that did not do the other projects may catch up by doing both Living Nativity Days.

December 3 5:00 pm Sunday Project/Activity class. Parents please make sure your child is at this class. All Confirmation students must attend. This is like a regular class. We will be preparing for the Living Nativity.

December 10 Living Nativity St. Mary's 9am-12 noon Participation mandatory

December 17 Living Nativity St. Mary' 9am-12 noon Participation mandatory

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From the R.E. Staff

We would like to thank the Confirmation Students for making the Fall Festival a success. Also, thanks to the young adults for serving the coffee and food at the Sunday Morning Socials on December 12 in the hall. Awesome Accomplishments!!

December 13 last class for the year. K-6 will Practice for the Children's Christmas Mass. Following practice they will have a short Christmas Party.

January 10 Classes will begin.

Out of Cycle Students began their Classes November 15 th . If you have a child that is supposed to be in this class but has not received the Out of Cycle books and schedule please contact Fran Marek @ 936-894-2916 ASAP.

RE and Confirmation Parents and Students: We need a copy of your child's Baptism and First Communion Certificate. If you received a notice from the office please get the information to the RE Office. Your child will not be allowed back to class on January 10, 2007 without this information posted in the RE office records.

TEACHERS: SUNDAY DECEMBER 17 TH CHRISTMAS PARTY ATST. MARY'S HALL. 6:30 P.M.

Spouses invited. RSVP required by Dec. 10 th .

St. Mary's Choir has begun preparation of Advent and Christmas music. If you have been meaning to join the choir but just haven't gotten around to it, now's the time! Join us at choir practice on Wednesdays at 7pm in the Church, and raise your voices in God's praise.

The children from second through sixth grades will participate in the children's choir for Christmas Eve at the Children's Mass at 4pm on 12/24/2006 (at least those who are still in town for the holidays). The first rehearsal will be on Wednesday, Dec. 13, during regular CCE time, followed by their holiday party. Additional rehearsals will be scheduled, and details will be sent home with the children from CCE on 12/13.

Pews in the front of the church will be reserved for the families of the children participating in the music at this Mass; caroling will begin at 3:40 pm.

Please call Linda Armstrong at 936-825-0565 for further information.

(December 24th Sunday Obligation—Regular Sunday Mass Schedule)

Sunday, December 24th, Christmas Vigil Masses
4:00pm @ St. Mary’s 6:00pm @ St. Mary’s 8:00pm @ St. Mary’s

9:30pm @ St. Joseph’s

(no midnight mass)

Monday, December 25th, Christmas Mass
9:00am @ St. Mary’s

Caroling will begin 30 minutes before each mass.

(December 31st Sunday Obligation—Regular Sunday Mass Schedule)

Sunday, December 31st, New Year’s Day Vigil Mass
5:30pm @ St. Mary’s

Monday, January 1st, New Year’s Day Mass
9:00am @ St. Mary’s