Planning is already well underway for our new year of religious education for our children and youth. Each year is, of course, always building on the previous year's experiences with an eye to making an already good program even better. We are blessed with some of the best teachers in the Archdiocese and the most dedicated staff in any parish. We take seriously our responsibility to pass on the Roman Catholic Faith that has been handed down to us.

Tuesday
July 31st
7:0pm in the Parish Hall

ST. MARY BAZAAR DAY

SUNDAY, SEPT 2ND, 2007

  INGREDIENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BAZAAR

652 Families
+
Each doing their part
=
AN EASY BAZAAR 2007

Necessary Ingredients:  

1 Auction Item (something that will knock their socks off!)

1 Bingo Item

1 Flowering or Green Plant

1 Toy

1 Bag of Groceries

1 Craft Item

2 Cakes or Pies on Friday or Saturday before B-Day

1 Restaurant Gift Certificate

2 Helping Hands

1 Positive Attitude and Welcoming Smile

The hall foyer is open 24 hours for midnight delivery. Tag your item for its specific booth. Tables will be designated in the hall to put your items. (If you need help unloading, call ahead @ 936-894-2223.) Friends of St. Mary who live at a distance are encouraged to send items via relatives or US Mail or UPS. Shipping address is 8227 CR 205, Plantersville , TX 77363 .

Jesus, our brother, you entrusted to us the mission of your Church: to transform society through the power of your truth and love. Help us know how to encourage men and women to lead us through the ministries of priesthood, diaconate, religious life, and lay ministry. Amen

Please join us every Wednesday at 9:00am Mass as we pray before the Blessed Sacrament for those being called to religious vocations.

THE GABRIEL PROJECT is the parish-based crisis pregnancy intervention program. If you have any baby items (cribs, playpen, clothes, toys, etc.) that you would like to donate, these items will be passed along with Love to the women and babies that need our help and support. If you would like to assist with this ministry, please contact Wanda O'Brien at 936-597-6328 or tjobrien911@hughes.net to see how you can put your specific talent to use. If are someone in need of the services of THE GABRIEL PROJECT, please use the contact information above.

Information will stay confidential.

ATTENTION CATHOLIC HOMESCHOOLING FAMILIES

Please join us for a HOMESCHOOL BLESSING MASS. This will be on Wednesday, August 22 at 9:00am at St. Mary's. We will follow this with fellowship in the Hall. Please bring a snack to share and meet other homeschooling families in the parish. If you have any questions please call Wanda O'Brien 597-6328 or by e-mail at tjobrien911@hughes.net

The next Baptisms are scheduled for
Sunday, August 12th

Preparation classes for baptism are a requirement for parents or expectant parents of children up to 5 years old and are generally held every other month.

Godparents are encouraged to attend as well.

We invite you to call early in your pregnancy to register for a class. For further questions, call Francell Busa (936)870-4145 or email her at fbusa@earthlink.net

A bell is a simple sound making device. The bell is a percussion instrument and an idiophone. Its form is usually an open-ended hollow drum which resonates upon being struck. The striking implement can be a tongue suspended within the bell, known as a clapper, a small, free sphere enclosed within the body of the bell, or a separate mallet.
Bells are usually made of cast metal, but small bells can also be made from ceramic or glass. Bells can be of all sizes: from tiny dress accessories to church bells weighing tons. The Bells of St Mary's are made of Brass metal.

One significant Bell is the Liberty Bell that was rung on Independence Day July 4, 1776. It was a very important day in History of which we celebrate to this day.

The Bells of St Mary's Bell Choir has been formed. We have approximately have 15 bell choir ringers. We also will be forming a children's Hand Chimes Choir beginning in August, 2007. The Bells of St Mary's Bell Choir meets at 6pm on Monday evenings. Anyone interested in joining, please come to Bell Practice on Monday, beginning August 6th.

More to come next Month on the History Of Bells.

First Confirmation Class for Students will begin August 29 at 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Students please meet in the Parish Hall.

Teacher and Classroom Aides Meeting ~ for K-8th grades will be held at 7 p.m., August 29 in the Family Life Room. Teachers you need to attend this important meeting. We have a lot of new and exciting topic to discuss that will make this year a great year for you and your students.

Pictures for IDs will be taken.

Office Aides, office personnel, and anyone that would like to help with the RE program meeting ~ Meeting at 7.p.m. in the Family Life Room. Pictures for IDs will be taken September 5th.

Teacher and Aides from the RE program in the years past ~ ~ PLEASE, turn in your books and videos. We are missing several copies of videos and teachers' books for the RE program. Turn them into the Parish Office. We need them before the start of school. Thank you.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The RE staff is working to get ready for the 2007-2008 R.E. program. If you have not filled out your child's registration and returned it to the office, please do so ASAP. If you need a form come to the RE table in the parish hall on August 5 th after the 9:00 and 10:30 mass, or download one from our website at www.smsj.org/forms . Once the classes are filled we will not accept any more students for the 2007-2008 school year.

Classes will begin for grades Kindergarten through Eighth on September 12 at 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. There will also be a mandatory parents meeting that night.

TEACHERS AND AIDES NEEDED .

Are you having a hard time trying to figure out how to fulfill your stewardship obligation? Sign up to volunteer as a RE teacher, a RE aide, or a RE monitor. Please fill out a volunteer form on August 5 th at the RE table located in parish hall after the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. mass, or download one from our website at www.smsj.org/forms or call the parish office to leave your name and phone number with Margaret.

STUDENT REGISTRATION, FAMILY INFORMATION AND VOLUNTEER FORMS
for the 2007-2008 school year available on our website at www.smsj.org/forms

We completed our 6 week study of Luke - The Good News of God's Mercy with a mixed group of 10 to 12 people each week and enjoyed learning together. Everyone agreed it was a good session and looks forward to the next one starting in September. The new series, Psalms: An Invitation to Prayer, is a guided discovery for groups and individuals by Kevin Perrotta.

The Bible invites us to explore God's word and reflect on how we might respond to it. This practical series of Bible discussion guides offers guidance and the right tools for discovery in a concise six-week format. They provide meaningful insights that explain Scripture while helping readers make connections to their own lives. Each guide

• Is faithful to Church teaching and is guided by sound biblical scholarship
• Presents the insights of Church fathers and saints
• Includes questions for discussion and reflection
• Delivers information in a reader-friendly format
• Gives suggestions for prayer that help readers respond to God's word

Appeals to beginners as well as to advanced students of the Bible

We will start September 20th at 10 am and will meet for 6 weeks.. If you would like to join us in the fall, please call me, Barbara Kapchinski at 936-825-1779 or Margaret at the church office. Please call by September 1st so we will be able to order enough books for everyone.

I look forward to studying God's Word with you,
Barbara

• Have YOU been worshipping with us, but have never taken the steps to become Catholic?
• Have YOU been away from the Church for whatever reason, but would like to revisit the beliefs and doctrines of the Catholic Church?
• Do YOU know of anyone who has shown an interest in the Catholic faith but needs a little nudge?
• Do YOU know of spouses or adult children of parishioners who are non-Catholic and yet who might want to learn more about Catholicism?
• Are YOU aware of any baptized Catholics, who for one reason or another, were not raised in the church?

Our baptismal promise requires that each of us be disciples of Christ, encouraging others to know, love, and serve Him. St. Mary's/St. Joseph's RCIA program can only be successful with the help of all parishioners. Please do YOUR part! Either contact adults who are interested in learning more about our Catholic faith...or call Sharon Skeans (936-448-2740) with names and phone numbers, and she'll contact them.

Inquirers or parishioners may also contact Sharon Skeans at skeans@consolidated.net

Training for NEW Extraordinary Ministers will be held on Saturday, August 11th from 10:00am to 12:00pm in the St. Mary's Family Life Center. In order to be scheduled as an EM you must attend this meeting. Current EM's are encouraged to attend. If you have any questions, please call Jeannie Hibbison @ 936-597-4653

St. Mary's Men's Club will be holding their monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 21, 2007. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the SM Hall.

The First Sunday of the Month is Food Pantry Sunday.

A few can goods from each family add up to a parish family reaching out, sharing and living the teachings of the gospel and Saint Vincent de Paul. Large wicker baskets are provided in the foyer of the St. Mary hall and St Joseph to accept your offerings.

There will be no St. Vincent de Paul meeting this month

Tips For Success: The Fall Vegetable Garden

The biggest obstacle to having a successful fall garden is overcoming the oppressive heat of July and August.

Of course this is just the time most Texas Gardeners need to start soil preparation and planting. If you can get past the heat, the benefits of an autumn garden are many. First of all, you are able to extend the production and enjoyment to a second growing season. Secondly, once established a fall garden is a joy to manage as it matures and produces during those wonderful Indian summer days of autumn. Also, since the days are getting shorter many vegetable crops store more sugar and have better flavor than spring grown crops. Here are some tips to help make your autumn efforts successful.

Soil Preparation

Summer is a great time to add compost to the garden. When purchasing commercial compost be sure to purchase only thoroughly composted material. Material that is only partially composted will contain bark, twigs, straw, etc. and will deplete nitrogen from your soil as it decomposes. Thoroughly composted material has a dark, earthy texture and has no odor. Ask your supplier if the product is thoroughly composted before purchasing it. Take advantage of the heat of summer to solarize your soil. This is particularly beneficial if you have been plagued by root knot nematodes (those microscopic worms that produce galls on plants roots - especially okra). To solarize your soil simply rototill the soil four or five times at three to five day intervals. Each time you till you will expose the nematodes and other pathogens to the deadly rays of the sun.

Starting Seed

It is usually more difficult to start seed during hot dry weather. It can be helpful to start larger seed such as okra, peas and beans overnight between two paper towels. Smaller seeds, particularly carrots should be covered with a light application of mulch or compost to help them retain enough moisture to sprout. Some seeds will not germinate at all during hot weather and planting should be delayed until temperatures moderate such as after a cool-front. Frequent watering can also improve germination. Once your seedlings are established water deeper and less frequently.

Don't forget the Guardian Angels Monthly Officers' meeting on Tuesday, August 7, 10:00am in the SM FLC.

Also... it's BINGO this month...come join us on Thursday, August 16, 2007 in the SM Hall from 10:00am--2:00pm for good food, good company and plenty of fun!

The St. Joseph's Altar Society will not be meeting this month.

August 2007
What's Happening This Month???
General church cleaning Tuesday, August 14, at 4pm in the church prior to the meeting. Anyone wishing to help is welcome. Cleaning supplies will be furnished.

St. Mary's Altar Society Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 @ 6pm in St. Mary's Hall.
The meeting will adjourn at 6:45 to accommodate those wishing to attend the
Assumption Vigil Mass at St. Joseph's at 7:00pm.

Coffee Fellowship

Altar Society Meeting Hostesses for July:
Ethel Barbossa & Ann Swonke

Our Lady of Guadalupe
One-Week Novena
Schedule: 

August: St. Mary's
September: St. Joseph 's
October: St. Mary's
November: St. Joseph 's

A simple one week Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Have her blessed picture in your home and honor her with a daily rosary and your petitions.

St. Mary's : A sign up sheet is available in the parish hall.

St. Joseph 's : A sign up sheet is available in the church entry.

The picture of Our Lady is to be returned at the end of the week.

Store Hours:

Saturdays: Open after 5:30 p.m. Mass
Sundays: Open 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Mon thru Fri: Stop by the Parish Office between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for Assistance

Gift Certificates Available

Inventory Sale Starting July 7!

We’re now carrying DVD’s and great books for summer reading! Featuring:

Jesus of Nazareth
written by Pope Benedict XVI
and
The Spirituality of Imperfection

Religious Articles ~ Prayer Books
Bibles ~ Rosaries~ Children &
Adult Books ~ Baptism Gifts &
many other Gift Items

Attention Texas A&M Incoming Freshman and Transfer Students

St. Mary's Catholic Center at Texas A&M in College Station invites incoming freshman and transfer students to the 2007 Welcome Weekend Retreat, Friday, August 24 through Sunday, August 26. Welcome Weekend is a great way to start college life, learn about the dynamic Catholic presence at TAMU and make new friends. For more information or to register, call 1-888-240-TAMU or visit www.aggiecatholic.org.

On this great feast day the Church commemorates the happy departure from mortal life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Her translation into the kingdom of Her Son, where He crowned Her with immortal glory and enthroned Her above all the other Saints and heavenly spirits.

Mass Schedule for the Feast of the Assumption
Holy Day of Obligation

Tuesday, August 14th, 7:00pm
Vigil Mass @ St. Joseph's

Wednesday, August 15th, 9:00am
Holy Day Mass @ St. Mary's

Parish Office will be Closed on Wednesday, 8/15

Jimmy Morris, Joey Morris, and Josh Morris, grandsons of Leland and Barbara Fougeron are serving in the Armed Forces.

Craig McMahon, serves in the U.S. Air Force and was deployed to Iraq. Craig and his family are friends of Robert & Mary Shearon.

Sgt. Allen W. Thomson, son of Robert & Florinda Thomson, son-in-law of Ronald & Dot Holguin (Parish A/P Secretary) of the 82nd Airborne Unit from Ft. Bragg, N.C. was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq via Kuwait on January 2, 2007. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as the war continues.

Cassandra Thomson, daughter-in-law of Robert & Florinda Thomson assigned to the USS Milius DDG-69 in San Diego, Ca was deployed overseas. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Joseph Swonke, son of Charles & Rita Swonke, is in Iraq at a base 25 miles south of Bagdad. Please pray for his safe return.

Michael Bielamowicz, grandson of Verna Kaminski, has been deployed to Afghanistan. Please keep Michael in your prayers

Five year old Hannah would like to ask for prayers for her daddy, Alex Anderson, who is serving in Iraq as an interrogator. Hannah is the great grand-daughter of our parishioner, Bernice Miller.

Please keep all of our men and women in the military in your prayers. If you have a loved one serving in the armed forces and would like to include them in our prayers, please contact the parish office by phone at 936-894-2223 or e-mail at info@smsj.org.

Aug 1 St. Alphonsus Liguori: Ex 34:29-35 * Ps 99:5,6,7,9 * Mt 13:44-46

Aug 2 [St. Eusebius of Vercelli , St. Peter Julian Eymard] : Ex 40:16-21,34-38 * Ps 84:3,4,5-6,8,11 * Mt 13:44-46

Aug 3: Lv 23:1,4-11,15-16,27,34b-37 * Ps 81:3-4,5-6,10-11 * Mt 13:54-58

Aug 4 St. John Mary Vianney: Lv 25:1,8-17 * Ps 67:2-3,5,7-8 * Mt 14:1-12

Aug 5 Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23 * Ps 90:3-4,5-6,12-13,14,17 * Col 3:1-5,9-11 * Lk 12:13-31

Aug 6 The Transfiguration of the Lord: Dn 7:9-10,13-14 * Ps 97:1-2,5-6,9 * 2 Pt 1:16-19 * Lk 9:28b-36

Aug 7 [St. Sixtus II and Companions, St. Cajetan] : Nm 12:1-13 * Ps 51:3-4,5-6,6-7,12-13 * Mt 14:22-36

Aug 8 St. Dominic: Nm 13:1-2,25—14:1,26a-29a,34-35 * Ps 106:6-7,13-14,21-22,23 * Mt 15:21-28

Aug 9 [St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)] : Nm 20:1-13 * Ps 95:1-2,6-7,8-9 * Mt 16:13-23

Aug 10 St. Lawrence: 2 Cor 9:6-10 * Ps 112:1-2,5-6,7-8,9 * Jn 12:24-26

Aug 11 St. Clare: Dt 6:4-13 * Ps 18:2-3,3-4,47,51 * Mt 17:14-20

Aug 12 Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wis 18:6-9 * Ps 33:1,12,18-19,20-22 * Heb 11:1-2,8-19 * Lk 12:32-48

Aug 13 [ Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus] : Dt 10:12-22 * Ps 147:12-13,14-15,19-20 * Mt 17:22-27

Aug 14 St. Maximillian Mary Kolbe: Dt 31:1-8 * Dt 32:3-4,7,8,9,12 * Mt 18:1-5,10,12-14

Aug 15 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a,10ab * Ps 45:10-12,16 * 1 Cor 15:20-27 * Lk 1:39-56

Aug 16 [St. Stephen of Hungary ]: Jos 3:7-10a,11,13-17 * Ps 114:1-2,3-4,5-6 * Mt 18:21—19:1

Aug 17:Jos 24:1-13 * Ps 136:1-3,16-18,21-22,24 * Mt 19:3-12

Aug 18 [ St. Jane Frances de Chantal; BVM] : Jos 24:14-29 * Ps 16:1-2,5,7-8,11 * Mt 19:13-15

Aug 19 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jer 38:4-6,8-10 * Ps 40:2,3,4,18 * Heb 12:1-4 * Lk 12:49-53

Aug 20 St. Bernard: Jgs 2: 11-19 * Ps 106:34-37,39-40,43-44 * Mt 19:16-22

Aug 21 St. Pius X: Jgs 6:11-24a * Ps 85:9,11-12,13-14 * Mt 19:23-30

Aug 22 The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Jgs 9:6-15 * Ps 21:2-3,4-5,6-7 * Mt 20:1-16

Aug 23 [St. Rose of Lima ]: Jgs 11:29-39a * Ps 40:5,7-8,8-9,10 * Mt 22:1-14

Aug 24 St. Bartholomew: Rv 21:9b-14 * Ps 145:10-13,17-18 * Jn 1:45-51

Aug 25 [ St. Louis of France, St. Joseph Calasanz, BVM]: Ru 2:1-3,8-11; 4:13-17 * Ps 128:1-2,3,4,5 * Mt 23:1-12

Aug 26 Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time: Is 66:18-21 * Ps 117:1,2 * Heb 12:5-7,11-13 * Lk 13:22-30

Aug 27 St. Monica: 1 Thes 1:1-5,8b-10 * Ps 149:1-6,9 * Mt 23:13-22

Aug 28 St. Augustine : 1 Thes 2:1-8 * Ps 139:1-3,4-6 * Mt 23:23-26

Aug 29 The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist: 1 Thes 2:9-13 * Ps 139:7-8,9-10,11-12 * Mk 6:17-29*

Aug 30: 1 Thes 3:7-13 * Ps 90:3-5,12-13,14,17 * Mt 24:42-51

Aug 31: 1 Thes 4:1-8 * Ps 97:1-2,5-6,10,11-12 * Mt 25:1-13

Copyright 2006 by Creative Communications For The Parish. Used by permission.