[4th installment of Fr. Ed.'s Cruise 2007....]

I have to say that the Turkish bath experience was one of the highlights of the cruise. Not only was it 'going native', but the bath house itself was remarkable. It dated to the 15th century and has been in continuous use. There must be a special price for the natives and one for the tourists. I should have been suspicious when I saw the Mastercard logo on the window of the cashier. When I looked through my Mastercard billing, I almost fainted when I discovered that bathing in Turkey is expensive: about $80. Surely the natives don't pay that price...not the guys in there that day. If they do, they bath once a month, at most. [ha]. After the bath and a late supper, I slept like a log.

Palm Sunday ~ March 16
Regular Sunday Mass Schedule

Holy Thursday
Mass of the Lord's Supper ~ March 20
7:00 pm @ St. Joseph's

Good Friday
Passion of the Lord ~ March 21
3:00 pm at St. Mary's

Stations of the Cross
7:00 pm @ St. Joseph's {No Stations at St. Mary's}

Easter Vigil ~ March 22
8:30 pm @ St. Mary's
Reception following in St. Mary's Hall

Easter Sunday ~ March 23
Regular Sunday Mass Schedule

5:30-8:30pm Wednesday,March 12, 2008

(Fr. Kelley will assist Fr. Ed)

Remember...

Stations of the Cross

Fridays during Lent at 7pm at St. Mary & St. Joseph.

Come and enjoy a spaghetti dinner, traditionally meatless, at St. Mary's parish hall provided for everyone in the parish. Your only cost is to bring a sack of non-perishable items to help benefit those in our Parish community who are in need.

Dinner will be served after the 10:30am Mass on March 9, 2008.

THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU EACH AND EVERY DAY.

St. Mary's ~ St. Joseph's
MEN'S RETREAT

The Fourth Annual St. Mary's / St. Joseph's Men's Retreat will be held April 25, 26 & 27, 2008 at the Holy Name Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.
The theme for this year's retreat Is "Christian Living in a Secular World."

VATICAN CITY, FEBRUARY 11, 2008 - Benedict XVI is promoting retreats known as spiritual exercises, saying the days of prayer are an opportunity of a strong experience with God.

In an audience Saturday with the Italian Federation of Spiritual Exercises, the Pope made an appeal for the promotion of retreats, which are based on a practice begun by St. Ignatius Loyola.

He affirmed that spiritual exercises are "a strong experience of God, sustained by listening to His Word, understood and welcomed in one's personal life under the action of the Holy Spirit, which in a climate of silence, prayer and by means of a spiritual guide, offer the capacity of discernment in order to purify the heart, convert one's life, follow Christ, and fulfill one's own mission in the Church and in the world."

The Pope contended that "in an age in which there is an ever stronger influence of secularization, and, on the other hand, in which there is experienced a widespread need to encounter God, the possibility of offering spaces of intense listening to His Word in silence and prayer should not falter."

Please join the Men of St. Mary's/St. Joseph's for the
2008 Men's Retreat which will specifically address the "influence of secularization" spoken of by Pope Benedict. This weekend may be just what you need to recharge your spiritual batteries.

For information on the drawing for a free retreat for first timers at Holy Name,
Or on this year's retreat and how to obtain registration forms, please call
Fred Seale at 936-582-7095 or at fseale2@yahoo.com.

Don't forget the Guardian Angels Monthly Officers' meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 10:00am in the SM FLC.

Also... it's GAME DAY this month ... come join us on Thursday, March 27, 2008 in the SM Hall from 10:00am--2:00pm for good food, good company and plenty of fun!

(Because of Easter, our Game Day is one week later than usual.)

TOPS stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly. This non-profit international organization was started in 1948. TOPS meets on Thursday evening in the FLC at 7:00 p.m. The meetings last 1 hour and are for support and education. Your family doctor will need to set your goal weight and plan of attack. Who can become members? It is for women, men and children. What is the Cost? It is $24.00 in yearly dues to the national organization and $4.00 per month for local dues. So, if you are needing help in losing that weight, we are here for you. You are welcome to visit for one meeting before joining. For more info please contact Mildred Rosenberg at 936-873-2579 or Cell# 713-504-9362.

The St. Joseph's Altar Society will be meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, after the 9am mass.

What's Happening This Month??? - MARCH, 2008

St. Mary's Altar Society Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 @ 6pm in St. Mary's Hall.

**Proposed bylaw revisions will be passed out and discussed at this meeting. Please plan to attend this very important meeting.**

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's Hall and St. Joseph's Hall to accept your offerings

Meditation: St. Joseph's Table and its connection to our very own St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Tradition says that March 19th is the birthday of St. Joseph. This feast day honors all fathers. St. Joseph is the patron of workers and those in need of work. Prayers for the unemployed are often included in this day of celebration. Red was chosen as the color to be worn that day.

The origins of a St. Joseph's Table started several centuries ago in Sicily. A severe drought plagued the area for an extended period of time. No crops would grow, and many people were suffering and starving to death. The people had only their faith to rely on. St. Joseph was known as the protector of the Holy Family, so Italians with strong family relationships prayed to God for rain, and they also prayed for the intercession of St. Joseph on their behalf. They made a promise that if God would cause it to rain, they would have a Feast to thank God and St. Joseph. BY MIRACLE, THE RAIN CAME. As the famine came to an end, the grateful farmers erected an Altar in honor of St. Joseph. They promised to make annual offerings of their most precious possession-food.

THE FARMERS INVITED THE POOR TO SHARE THEIR FOOD.
The St. Joseph's Table tradition was brought to the United States in the late 19th century. Items used at the Tables have been generously donated to those in need. AT OUR TABLE, the foods go to the St. Vincent de Paul Pantry.

Through the centuries, people who have prayed for a favor and have been granted that favor, use this as a day to show their thanks. The favor must not be for personal gain or benefit.

Reflection: Oh, gracious St. Joseph, help us to follow your example of complete trust and faith in Divine Providence. Open our minds and hearts to love and serve the poor, the suffering, and those rejected or ignored by society.

St. Mary's Catholic Church Men's Club is sponsoring their Seventh Annual Golf Tournament
at Walden Golf Club on Lake Conroe--Monday, April 14, 2008--10:00am (Rain out date: Monday, May 19)

Includes:
Green Fees--Cart
Box Lunch--Free Drinks
Silent Auction--Dinner
Live Auction--Range Balls

Prizes:
Door Prizes
Win a "CAR" with a Hole-In-One

Format: Four Person Scramble

For More Information Contact:
John Tryon at 936-448-1342 or Neil Rosenberg at 936-873-2579.

$CHOLAR$HIP

The Saint Mary's Men's Club is again sponsoring a scholarship for a student within our Parish. Applicants must be active members of St. Mary/St. Joseph Catholic Church, be a graduating senior and be planning to attend an accredited trade school, college or university in 2008.

Applications are available through the Parish Office and completed applications must be
turned in by April 15, 2008. The office contact is Gail Sowell.

ST. MARY'S MEN'S CLUB
. . . will be holding their monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the SM Hall.

MARCH CLASS SCHEDULE
03-05-08 - CLASS
03-12-08 - NO CLASS
03-19-08 - CLASS
03-26-08 - NO CLASS

CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL OF SAINTS

SUNDAY, APRIL 6TH 3-5 P.M.

GRADES K-6TH

Come out for games, refreshments, and our Saint Costume Contest. We look forward to seeing you all there!!

CONFIRMATION NEWS

Students should have all of their requirements completed (with exception of the children's festival work) and all of their forms and paperwork tuned in by Wednesday, April 2nd.

In Stoneham, Texas
St. Joseph's Feast Day
5:30 pm Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Church

Followed by the STEW SUPPER

Fantastic Beef Stew served with wonderful Bread
& Homemade Pies

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Supper served immediately following Mass (Approximately 6:15pm)in the Parish Hall

ADULTS-$6.00 / CHILDREN(12 & under)-$3.00

Raffle includes Phil's handmade quilt and Leland's homemade porch swing and more!

The Catholic communities of St. Mary/St. Joseph extend a heartfelt welcome to the following individuals who will join our Catholic faith at Easter Vigil:

Receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist: Elaine DeLeon

Receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist: Daniel Polhamus

All parishioners are cordially invited to attend the Easter Vigil on Saturday, March 22, beginning at 8:30 p.m. and the reception afterwards in St. Mary's hall.

Saturday, March 1st
@ St. Mary's from 9-12
in the Family Life Center

With Baptisms to follow on March 30th

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.
Call: Francell Busa(936) 870-4145(fbusa@embarqmail.com)
Gaby Tryon (936) 448-1342,
Anita Thornton (936) 448-2974
En espanol: Maria Pena, (936) 588-4765

Adult Confirmation Classes for 2008 Is Here!

All Catholic Adults (no matter what age) who have not been confirmed have the opportunity to attend Adult Confirmation Classes this spring to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation by the Bishop on Pentecost Sunday, May 11

Initial Sign-up/class begins on Sunday, March 9, 2008 @ 12:15 pm til 2:00 pm in an upstairs classroom at St. Mary's Family Life Center

Tentative Calendar of Classes:

Sunday, March 16.....Faith/Church
Sunday, March 23.....EASTER....No Class
Sunday, March 30.....Creed
Sunday, April 6.....Prayer
Sunday, April 13.....Christian Initiation / Confirmation
Sunday, April 20.....Jesus/Gifts of the Spirit
Sunday, April 27.....Moral Life (Social Justice)/Beatitudes
Sunday, May 4.....Sin/Sacrament of Penance
Sunday, May 11.....PENTECOST...Meet Bishop for Confirmation

Just seven sessions is all it takes to complete your Sacraments of Initiation.

Remember: Confirmation, rather than imparting the Spirit, is a release of the gifts and powers of the Spirit in the life of the individual. Among the effects of Confirmation is the strengthening to proclaim and defend the faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. As with all sacraments, Confirmation is effective in the dispensation of graces.

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 597-6328 or tjobrien911@hughes.net to see how you can put your specific talent to use. If you are someone in need of the services of THE GABRIEL PROJECT, please use the contact information above.

Information will stay confidential.

Mar 1:Hos 6:1-6 * Ps 51:3-4,18-19,20-21 * Lk 18:9-14

Mar 2, Fourth Sunday of Lent: 1 Sm 16:1b,6-7,10-13a * Ps 23:1-3,3-4,5,6 * Eph 5:8-14 * Jn 9:1-41 7

Mar 3 [St. Katharine Drexel] : Is 65:17-21 * Ps 30:2,4,5-6,11-12,13 * Jn 4:43-54 8

Mar 4 [St. Casimir]: Ez 47:1-9,12 * Ps 46:2-3,5-6,8-9 * Jn 5:1-16

Mar 5: Is 49:8-15 * Ps 145:8-9,13-14,17-18 * Jn 5:17-30

Mar 6: Ex 32:7-14 * Ps 106:19-20,21-22,23 * Jn 5:31-47Mt 23:1-12

Mar 7 [Sts. Perpetua and Felicity] : Wis 2:1a,12-22 * Ps 34:17-18,19-20,21,23 * Jn 7:1-2,10,25-30

Mar 8 [St. John of God] : Jer 11:18-20 * Ps 7:2-3,9-10,11-12 * Jn 7:40-53

Mar 9, Fifth Sunday of Lent: EZ 37:12-14 * Ps 130:1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8 * Rom 8:8-11 * Jn 11:1-45 9

Mar 10: Dn 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62 or Dn 13:41c-62 * Ps 23:1-3,3-4,5,6 * Jn 8:1-11 10

Mar 11: Nm 21:4-9 * Ps 102:2-3,16-18,19-21 * Jn 8:21-30

Mar 12: Dn 3:14-20,91-92,95 * Dn 3:52,53,54,55,56 * Jn 8:31-42

Mar 13: Gn 17:3-9 * Ps 105:4-5,6-7,8-9 * Jn 8:51-59

Mar 14: Jer 20:10-13 * Ps 18:2-3,3-4,5-6,7 * Jn 10:31-42

Mar 15 St. Joseph: 2 Sm 7:4-5a,12-14a,16 * Ps 89:2-3,4-5,27,29 * Rom 4:13,16-18,22 * Mt 1:16,18-21, 24a

+HOLY WEEK

Mar 16, Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion: Mt 21:1-11 * Is 50:4-7 * Ps 22:8-9,17-18,19-20,23-24 * Mt 26:14--27:66

Mar 17: Is 42:1-7 * Ps 27:1,2,3,13-14 * Jn 12:1-11

Mar 18: Is 49:1-6 * Ps 71:1-2,3-4,5-6,15,17 * Jn 13:21-33,36-38

Mar 19: Is 50:4-9a * Ps 69:8-10,21-22,31,33-34 * Mt 26:14-25

Mar 20, Holy Thursday: Ex 12:1-8,11-14 * Ps 116:12-13,15-16,17-18 * 1 Cor 11:23-26 * Jn 13:1-15 11

Mar 21, Good Friday of the Lord's Passion: Is 52_13--53:12 * Ps 31:2,6,12-13,15-16,17,25 * Jeb 4:14-16;5:7-9 * Jn 18:1--19:42

Mar 22, Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil): Ex 14:15--15:1 * Ex 15:1-2,3-4,5-6,17-18 * Rom 6:3-11 * Ps 118:1-2,16-17,22-23 * Mt 28:1-10 12

+EASTER SEASON

Mar 23, Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord: Acts 10:34a,37-43 * Ps 118:1-2,16-17,22-23 * Col 3:1-4 * Jn 20:1-9 13

Mar 24 Easter Monday: Acts 2:14,22-33 * Ps 16:1-2,5,7-8,9-10,11 * Mt 28:8-15

Mar 25 Easter Tuesday: Acts 2:36-41 * Ps 33:4-5,18-19,20,22 * Jn 20:11-18

Mar 26 Easter Wednesday: Acts 3:1-10 * Ps 105:1-2,3-4,6-7,8-9 * Lk 24:13-35

Mar 27 Easter Thursday: Acts 3:11-26 * Ps 8:2,5,6-7,8-9 * Lk 24:35-48

Mar 28 Easter Friday: Acts 4:1-12 * Ps 118:1-2,4,22-24,25-27 * Jn 21:1-14

Mar 29 Easter Saturday: Acts 4:13-21 * Ps 118:1,14-15,16-18,19-21 * Mk 16:9-15

Mar 30, Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday): Acts 2:42-47 * Ps 118:2-4,13-15,22-24 * 1 Pt 1:3-9 * Jn 20:19-31

Mar 31 The Annunciation of the Lord: Is 7:10-14;8:10 * Ps 40:7-8,8-9,10,11 * Heb 10:4-10 * Lk 1:26-38