September 18, 2008 8:00 AM update - The power is back on and the office is open.

Our church buildings survived the hurricane without any real damage, just a few downed tree limbs. As of September 17th, there is still no electricity at either church. Father Ed stated that he is doing fine and has not missed a scheduled Mass. Father Kelley is doing well in his fancy new home with the help of a generator.

The regular scheduled Masses will be celebrated this Saturday and Sunday (September 20 and 21) with or without electricity.

Entergy states that electricity should be restored in Navasota by Monday the 22th but we are all hoping that it will be sooner at the church.
_______________________________________________________________
A note received by email from Francell Busa

We. along with many in the area, are without power (I have my little laptop with broadband internet). We are living in our camper over at one of the barns that still has power so we are doing o.k.

We tried running a generator to keep food in the freezers running but gave up since we had to go up to Bryan-College Station to get gas to run it which is a hassle. Relatives who still have power took our food in to save it so now our house is completely closed down.

Our diaconate class is sending in reports by email and keeping in contact. I thought you might be online and could scout around and post news of how conditions are around the area (and, particularly, how our parishioners are coping). Pictures would be nice, too.

Thank you, Francell

I apologize for a lapse of two months without 'A WORD FROM YOUR PASTOR' or installments on my October 2007 cruise. Like everyone, I guess, the time just rushes by and I find myself squeezed for a deadline. I have vowed to Gail, our secretary, that I would definitely have my part of the bulletin to her early because this is our Bazaar 2008 bulletin and I have been absent from these pages for too long.

He's Back!....To Stay
[For a long time, the Good Lord willing!]

Fr. Kelly is ensconced in his mobile mansion! He arrived Thursday, August 14th about 3pm with his entourage of 8 cats. He says that he already feels at home and is very appreciative of the warm welcome he has received.

Fr. Kelly is still very much teaching Scripture at the University of St. Thomas, though his schedule is limited to a couple of days a week, helping save time with the rather long commute. Fr. Kelly is no stranger to long drives, however, and spends his time busily on his cell phone. If he calls while driving, be prepared to entertain him....ha.

To clarify Fr. Kelly's position here at St. Mary/St. Joseph: He is in residence. That means he's primarily living with us and helping in the parish on Sundays, especially with one of the early Masses. He is not 'on call' and therefore his phone number will not be listed in the directory. Hopefully, he will be able to get rested and enjoy just being here with us, breathing in our country air.

Many thanks to the guys who have work long hours in the hot sun preparing for Fr. Kelly's arrival. They engineered and constructed a carport and ramps that Fr. Kelly needed to protect his car and scooter from the elements and ensure easy access into and out of his home. Fr. Kelly remarked that he didn't expect anything so well constructed or attractive. However, he has not yet received the tab for beer those guys have run up working those long hours in the hot sun.

Bridget [beagle], Y2K [cat], Benedict & Faustina and child [cockatiels], and I now have a neighbor.

Don't forget the Guardian Angels Monthly Officers' meeting on Tuesday, September 2 , 10:00am in the SM FLC.

Also... it's GAME DAY this month ... come join us on Thursday, September 18, 2008 in the SM Hall from 10:00am--2:00pm for good food, good company and plenty of fun!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008. Please contact Pam Alexander for more information.

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

Think about Christmas and Special Orders

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

The St. Joseph's Altar Society will not meet during the months
of July, August and September. The next meeting is Oct. 14.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008 @ 6pm in St. Mary's Hall.
Installation of Officers

CHRIST OUR LIGHT CATHOLIC CHURCH
24th Annual Homecoming Bazaar

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2008 ~ 11:30am until ????

Grimes County Fairgrounds ~ Navasota, TX

Air Conditioning ~ Auction 1:00 P.M. ~ Booths & Games

Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Breast with Krolczyk Sausage or Mexican Dinners

Bazaar Chairpersons are hard to find. Great Bazaar Chairpersonsare a Treasure! Hat Off and Bundles of Thanks To Stella & Sonny Yorek, this year's St. Mary Bazaar 2008 Chairpersons!!

And a whole Church Of helping hands & hearts Celebrating a fabulous Day!

The Bazaar Early Bird Drawing Winner of 4 Renaissance Tickets was: LENA UPTON

Help Us Please!

Since our food pantry is getting low on non-perishable foods, we are asking each family to bring a donation of food each week. A few canned goods from each family add up to a parish family reaching out, sharing and living the teachings of the gospel and St. Vincent de Paul. Large wicker baskets are provided in the foyer of St. Mary"s Hall and St. Joseph's Hall to accept your offerings.

Thank you!!

This month's meeting will be held on St. Vincent de Paul's Feast Day, Saturday, September 27. The time to be announced. In the meantime, if we can be of any assistance to you, please call the parish office, and leave a message. Following the model of St. Vincent de Paul, we are called to be kind and loving servants, and we encourage you to call and share your needs.

Mums the word! Chrysanthemums are great for our fall coloring. There are so many different colors to choose from. They are from Asia. Asian tea was made to treat influenza, fever, sore throat and acne. Of course we mostly use them as ornamentals. Fall is the time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs. We have such a short spring cause it goes from cold to HOT so fast. By planting these in the fall, they have the fall and winter months to set their roots. We tend to get more rain at this time so you don't have to water as often. Try some Texas Start bulbs: Narcissus xintermedius. Color: two shades of yellow. Plant Sept 1- Nov. 25. They will bloom in March. They are the size of a quarter and have a strong sweet smell. Hyacinths are also sweetly scented. Can be planted Sep/Oct. Plant them 6in deep and 8in apart. Apply compost for mulch. Amaryllis is one of my favorite bulbs.

So you just couldn't drag yourself out in that August heat to plant those seeds. That's ok. You still have time to get a garden in for the fall. Your neighborhood store sells plants just to give you that head start. You will need to plant your above ground crops Sept 3-7 or 10-11. Choose fast maturing varieties of tomatoes. Someone said to just cut back your spring tomatoes. I have never tried it but I might since my tomato plants did survive the summer. I think it was partially due to the newspaper I placed down at the base of the plants. I had let them get over grown in weeds, it happens, so I pulled the weeds and placed them on top of the paper to keep it from flying away. It helped to keep the ground from drying out. Well that and I waited to plant until April. Plant peppers, bush green beans, broccoli, cabbage, collards, lettuce or squash. For your root crop you will have to wait until the 18-20 or 23-24 of this month. Try planting carrots, beets, onions and such. We are always so glad when this heat lets up. The 22nd is the beginning of fall. Wouldn't it be nice to get some cooler weather! God Bless you and the ground he walked upon!

Send your gardening ideas to: rjbochat@netzero.net. Subject: God's Garden
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We still need someone to oversee the flower gardens around the church.

Starting in September your Saint Vincent de Paul Conference of St. Mary/St. Joseph will be partnering with Entergy Corporation to open a Power to Care Agency to service Grimes County. Started 25 years ago by Entergy Gulf States, Inc, the original name for the program was Project Care. The purpose of this outreach program is "to provide financial assistance to pay energy related expenses of persons residing within the Texas service area of Entergy Gulf States, Inc, who have demonstrated a need for assistance". In preparation to opening our Project Care office we have visited other Project Care agencies in Montgomery and Walker Counties. In addition, we are adding a porch to the Saint Vincent de Paul building with wheel chair access to service the public. Once our improvements are in place we will be hosting an open house for our parishioners.

The program will pay up to $400 toward utility related bills, (electrical, propane, weatherization, fans and 110 volt A/C units), in two $200 installments. Qualifications to receive assistance are: Entergy Customer, 55 years old and disabled, or 60 years old and can demonstrate a need for assistance.

We will be operating the agency similar to other Project Care offices. Our office will be located in the spare room of our food pantry now located in front of the new storage building. We will have a new phone line to accept request for appointments. Applications will be accepted by appointment only. Our initial office hours will be every Thursday morning 8:00am to Noon. We will be scheduling appointments for 30 minute interviews to fill out the required Entergy forms. The office will be staffed by Saint Vincent de Paul member volunteers. The entire program is funded by Entergy employee and customer contributions.

As a Saint Vincent de Paul Conference we are very excited about this new outreach effort. Our current efforts to assist the needy are restricted to the local area. With Project Care we will be assisting the needs of qualified Entergy customers from all of Grimes County.

Cemetery Committee Meeting on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm In the St. Mary's Family Life Center..

St. Mary Men's Club
Continues to grow and share talents and gifts

St. Mary Men's Club is a dynamic and active group of men whose dedication to Christ and His Church has been the foundation of their meeting and working in our community since its beginning eight years ago. The Club's leadership has been exemplary and continues to be the glue that keeps the members united and focused.

In August's meeting, new officers were elected for the year 2008-2009. They are:

President - Al Perez
Vice Presdient - Larry Alexander
Secretary - Ron Kloster
Treasurer - Nolan Ulbricht
Directors - Bob Armstrong and Jacob Diehl

The out-going officers of the years 2006-2007/2007-2008 were:

President - Bob Armstrong
Vice President - Larry Alexander
Secretary - Ron Kloster
Treasurer - Mike Donnellan
Directors - Chris Ulicnik and Neil Rosenberg

Special thanks to the out-going officers whose time and dedication enriched not only the club membership but the entire community. Bob Armstrong's leadership as president for two years has been a blessing to all and a bright torch for his successor. Each officer and member contributes to the success of this wonderful group of guys who enjoy each other's company, work and play together well, and invite newcomers with open arms. They are a Pastor's Dream Team.

Meetings are on the 3 rd Tuesdays of each month at 6:30pm, beginning with an on site supper cooked by a volunteer team of guys each month. Cooking experience isn't necessary.

A good appetite is.

"Parish societies serve the parish community in various ways.
The life and vitality of these societies depends on
Leaders and members who are willing to give
Their time and talent." 

+Book of Blessings, The Roman Ritual, Revised by decree of the 2 ndEcumenical Council
and published by authority of Pope John Paul II.

NEXT MEETING
Tuesday, September 16, 2008.

Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the SM Hall.

Would you like to experience the fullness of the unity God intended for marriage? Have you been led to believe that you need artificial birth control to manage your reproductive system and be happy? Get the TRUTH about your fertility. Get off those unhealthy methods and learn the natural way to plan your family. Come learn about the recently updated Couple-to-Couple League sympto-thermal method, an effective form of family planning that is good for your body, your marriage, and your soul. A class series will begin at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe on Tuesday, September 9 in the St. Thomas room. The class will use the recently updated course materials, just published for 2008. Join us and begin building a better marriage! Call Gerard or Amy Kubelka at 936-520-7880 or email geramy71@mac.com before August 31 to register.

THE GABRIEL PROJECT is the parish-based crisis pregnancy intervention program. If you have any baby items (cribs, playpen, clothes, blankets, 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 are someone in need of the services of THE GABRIEL PROJECT, please use the contact information above. Information will stay confidential.

How long did you date your beloved? If married, how long were you engaged? If parishioners were asked these questions, answers would vary greatly. So when individuals decide to get to know God and develop an intimate relationship with Him, who are we to know His time-schedule? Each person's journey is based on God's time and God's grace, rather than on our parish calendar and a published RCIA "program."

The Rite itself implores us to respect the individuality of each person's journey: "The rite of initiation is suited to a spiritual journey of adults that varies according to the many forms of God's grace, the free cooperation of the individuals, the action of the Church, and the circumstances of time and place" (RCIA, #5).

Your St. Mary's/St. Joseph's RCIA Team is attempting to meet the needs of all inquirers. While we've begun informal discussions over the phone with people and in the FLC on Sundays, we welcome anyone at any time throughout the year. We urge all parishioners to recognize their Baptismal promise of fulfilling their own Catholic identity by evangelizing to non-Catholics. YOU, too, are a member of our initiation ministry! Please do your part by encouraging others to join our discussions of faith. Check out our Sunday topics, and join us yourself to continue your lifelong catechesis of Catholicism. All are welcome!!!!!

(Dr. Sharon Skeans, RCIA Director; contact her at skeans@consolidated.net)

(Arthur Plessala -- September, 2008)

Though I have been out of school a long time, September remains that back-to-school month reminding us that on our spiritual journey with Christ, we never stop learning. I have chosen this month to focus on the Solemnity of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross which falls this year on Sunday, September 14. The image of the exalted cross is forever displayed for us in the center of our sanctuary at St. Mary's above the statue of the resurrected Sacred Heart in brilliant white in the dome just below the illuminated Holy Spirit. How lucky we are to view it each time we enter our historic church!

The sacred central point of this world is the sign of the Holy Cross, embracing the far corners of the universe---north, south, east, and west---in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. From the beginning of time, the universe has been charged with the grandeur of God permeated with the self-communication of creation through LOVE. Jesus calls us to be friends, to love our enemies, to be companions to the true Friend, Jesus Christ, and to live in joy as co-creators and people of peace.

We exalt, we honor, we glorify and praise the cross, for it represents the triumph of love over hate. It's not about the details of the story of the crucifixion. It's not about the garden or the soldiers or the way they divided up his clothes. It's not about Peter or Pontius Pilate or those who watched his death on the cross. It's all about how Jesus took upon himself the fullness of the sorrow and suffering of humanity. And what does that sorrow and suffering look like?

...Betrayed by an ally...Abandoned by a friend...Denounced by his community...Shouted at by crowds...Handed around from authority to authority...Judged by someone who didn't understand his situation...Physically abused ... Mocked and humiliated...Misunderstood when explaining who he was and what he was doing...Labeled...Mislabeled...Stripped of his clothes...Stripped of his dignity...Put on display...Tortured...Executed.

When we hear the Gospel (John 3:16-17), "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life," we should recognize the daily experiences of people in our community and around the world. It's not just a story about Jesus. It is a story about all of us. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."

Triumph....of the cross? A 33-year-young man with nails through his hands and feet, hanging on a cross until he suffocated? What kind of triumph is that? Essentially, it is a triumph of love over hate. All his life, Jesus proclaimed about the love of God and of others. Remember the good thief---considered a lost lamb---called to glory? Remember when Jesus healed the sick and forgave sinners? Jesus didn't just talk about loving his fellow man, he lived it! Most of all He lived it on the cross. He could have hated the ones who were crucifying Him. Instead, he said: "Father, forgive them." And love triumphed.

The cross is also the triumph of faith over despair. How sad it is to hear people whose lives have been shattered by tragedy and who then live out their days in despair and hopelessness. How great the temptation must have been for Jesus to abandon all hope as he hung on the cross. Jesus could have given in to despair; but instead he died saying, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." And faith triumphed.

Jesus chose to believe that God could transform bad into good. That belief resulted in the triumph of love and faith. Today, when we are faced with adversity, we can also choose not to let hate or despair overcome us. As we struggle with the crosses in our own personal lives, may we always choose to make love and faith triumphant in our world.

On the Sundays of September, when returning to our fall routines and life is good, the readings shake us out of complacency--personally and collectively--to radical conversion. They call us to open our hearts generously and close the chasm that exists between the rich and the poor. I urge you to be open to the inspirations of the "Holy Spirit from on high." Where there is love, willingness, and a thirst for the living God, all things are possible with God's grace.

Open House/Parent Meeting
September 10th - In the Hall @ 7:00 PM

Come meet your children's Catechist and see their classrooms. You'll also have an opportunity to see the books they will be using.

Confirmation Orientation
September 10th - In the Hall @ 7:45 PM

All Level I & II students need to attend. If you miss this orientation, you must call and make an individual appointment for the student to be admitted.

Our Confirmation Level 3 class is changing its name to ISP (Immediate Sacramental Prep) and the first class is Sunday, September 7th @ 12:00PM in room 203. Parents are welcome to attend this first class.

First Night of Class
September 17th - 7:00 to 8:15 PM

First night of class for grades K - Level II.

Catechist Formation
September 3rd - In the FLC @ 7:00 PM

All Catechists are invited to attend this Mass, during which you will be commissioned as a Catechist with a special blessing.

Northern Catechist Day
September 27th - 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM

Prince of Peace Church
19222 Tomball Parkway
Houston , Texas

Gabriel Project Baby Shower
September 28th - In the Hall, after Mass

The Confirmation Students are hosting a baby shower to benefit the Gabriel Project. Please join us for this special occasion and bring baby items to donate.

Office Hours

Remember, our C.C.E. Office is staffed on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 - 4:00.

The Confirmation Students are hosting a baby shower to benefit the Gabriel Project. Please join us for this special occasion and bring baby items to donate.

September 28th - In the Hall, after Mass

Attention!!! High School & Confirmation Students

First Wednesdays is a new program geared towards High School students this year. We will be praising God through music, games and discussion activities. Food will be provided as well!!!

Come join us before class time for fun and great company!!

First meeting is Wednesday, September 10th @ 6:00 PM in the Hall.

The St. Mary Catholic Church Cemetery Committee and Fr. Ed have been working on improvements to St. Mary Cemetery for some time. They are in the process of installing a new wrought iron fence around the cemetery and are requesting families or individuals to sponsor a 10' section of the fence for $500 per section. A permanent plaque at the front of the cemetery will denote sponsorships.

Donations are still being accepted for the St. Mary's Restoration fund. There are spaces still available and sponsors will be recognized on a permanent plaque.

Call the parish office at 936-894-2223 for more information on both projects.

The Ladies of St. Joseph are compiling a cookbook for the 100-year Anniversary of St. Joseph Catholic Church which will be available in 2009.

We are interested in everyone's favorite family recipes. Please help us by turning them in as early as possible so we can get this together and sent to the publisher.

Make sure your name is on the recipes submitted. Phone numbers for clarification would be helpful. All recipes can be dropped in the collection basket at St. Joseph during the 7:30 mass, dropped by the office at St. Mary or turned in to any of the below contact persons from St. Joseph.

Thank you in advance!

~~Stories & Especially Pictures Needed ~~

We are preparing a Family/History book to celebrate 100 years at St. Joseph. We are looking for family stories, lore, and genealogy for this publication.

The 'founding fathers" those who put their fortunes on the line to buy the land and build St.
Joseph's church have descendants today who still populate the area. Whether you now belong to St. Mary's, or wherever, if you are a descendant, we want your story and your genealogy.
We are attempting to show what happened to these original St. Joseph families.

If you have family buried in St. Joseph Cemetery, we want your story, whether or not your
family belonged to those "founding fathers."

Pictures will be greatly appreciated and returned unhurt, and or 'touched up." Stories and
pictures can be emailed to Nance Shaw: nance7@embarqmail.com. Stories and pictures can be snail-mailed also. Please include SASE IF YOU WISH YOUR STUFF RETURNED and a phone number where you can be contacted for clarifications.

Nance Shaw ~~ 16911 Lone Star Road ~~ Navasota, Texas 77868 ~~ 936-894-2512

Ever since the earliest days of the church, bereaved families and close friends have gathered together at the death of a Christian. Prayers and rituals bring comfort and consolation for those who are grieving. St. Mary's is offering a workshop on to familiarize you with the different liturgical roles and decisions you will want to know about in planning a Catholic funeral.

The workshop will be held from 9am until noon on Saturday, October 18, in St. Mary's Family Life Center. Awareness of the meaning and significance of each role will assist you and other family members in planning and participating in funeral liturgies.

Come find out what our faith teaches us about death and burial, and about celebrating life. For more information, contact Linda Armstrong at 936-825-0565 or leave a
message at the Church office.

Beginning with the first CCE class on September 17, St. Mary's Choristers will rehearse in the Church from 6 -- 7pm on CCE class evenings (Wednesdays), and St. Mary's Chimes Choir will rehearse in the Hall. These new programs for 1st through 8th grade students will be open for registration with CCE registration on Aug. 17 and Aug. 24.

The Choristers and Chimes Choirs will be singing and playing at regular Sunday Mass approximately once every month and at many special events, such as First Communion, Confirmation, Christmas, and Easter. Help your children to learn about the music of our faith so that they can truly fully participate in worship.

For more information, contact Linda Armstrong at 936-825-0565, or leave a message at the church office.

Saturday, September 13, 2008
St. Stanislaus Church
Anderson, TX

Come and enjoy a Festival Concert of sacred music at 5:30pm, and join in the celebration of Eucharist at 6pm at St. Stanislaus in Anderson. This event is hosted by St. Mary's, St. Joseph's, Christ Our Light, and St. Stanislaus. Musicians from churches all over the Archdiocese will participate in the choir, directed by Felipe Gasper, Director of Liturgical Music at Christ the Redeemer in Houston, who is also a gifted composer; Felipe's music will be featured at the concert. The Mass will be concelebrated by Father Ed and Father Raul, pastor of Christ Our Light and St. Stanislaus.

The Adult Choir has begun preparation for Advent and Christmas. If you are interested in participating during this season, please mark your calendars and plan to attend choir practice every Wednesday at 7pm in the Church. We would love to have you!

We are in need of instrumentalists for the choir: flute, oboe, guitar, trumpet, violin, or whatever your instrument of choice happens to be. If you are interested in participating, please contact Linda Armstrong at 825-0565, or call the church office and leave your name and phone number. Jubilate Deo!

IT'S CEMETERY CLEANUP TIME AGAIN!!

October 4th is Cemetery Cleanup Day. All old flowers and worn items will be removed from the graves. If you have any items that are sentimental to you, please remove them from your loved one's gravesite. The next cleanup day will be the first Saturday of Lent.

Anyone and everyone is invited to gather at 9:00am to begin cleanup.
~~Bring a lunch to share to make a fun day for all.~~

Each month, for the next several months, the Music Ministry will provide an article about one of our musicians. We believe that it is important for the entire parish family to know who we are and what we are about. This month, we introduce our Director of Music Ministry at St. Mary's and St. Joseph 's, Linda Armstrong .

Being a member of the choir, or the director, or the organist -- or all of the above -- is part of who I am. At the age of eight, I began playing the organ at Mass in my home parish of St. Joseph 's in Baytown . This was done with the "encouragement" of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word, who were the teachers in our school, and the teachers of piano; it was really more of an involuntary "volunteering." The old organ was the pump style; I was too short to push the pedals to pump air into the organ, so one of the bigger kids had to sit beside me and pump.

Things got better in the organ department at St. Joseph 's when the new church was built, and a beautiful new pipe organ was installed. What a glorious day!

I became a member of the adult choir while in high school, stepped away for a few years of college, then back as a member, and eventually choir director, which I did for over twenty years. This was a labor of love back then, and it still is here at St. Mary's.

My formal music training was done at Lee College in Baytown and Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio . I now serve as "Saturday organist" at Christ Our Light in Navasota since 1999, and currently have 27 piano students. I have also participated with several organizations, including the Baytown Symphony Orchestra, the Baytown Community Chorus, and the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra.

It has been a joy to be involved in the music ministry at St. Mary's and St. Joseph's, and to see us grow from a "sort of" singing assembly to an assembly that truly sings praise to God. We have formed a stable adult choir and have seven cantors who serve regularly at all Masses on Sundays and holy days. We will be forming a children's choir starting in September. The adult bell choir (the Bells of St. Mary's) and the children's chimes choir add beauty to all our special celebrations.

Thank you to all for being so accepting of the things we have asked you to do, for putting your hearts into your music, and for your continuing support of our work. A special thanks to our pastor, Father Ed, who is always supportive of the music ministry, and even lets us try out some really crazy things! I hope to enjoy a few more years of serving St. Mary's and St. Joseph 's, God willing.

Sept. 24 thru Nov. 2 at St. Mary's and St. Joseph 's

1. Community Outreach : no matter his or her denomination, visit - neighbor to neighbor outreach, write letters to the editor, put a sign in your yard, BE PUBLICALLY PRO-LIFE. Get out of your comfort zone, babies are dying and women are crying while we sit and say, ‘We'd never do that.” 

2. Prayer and Fasting : Every Christian is asked to join in this profound Heaven-Storming. Sign up to pray every day for an end to abortion, and fast to double your prayer. Fast as you do in Lent - give up something you like, something that keeps you from devoting yourself to God, or go hog wild and live on bread & water, just fast. Also, we will have PUBLIC PRO-LIFE PRAYER with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each Wednesday from 9 - 12 noon at St. Mary's. (http://www.40daysforlife.org) 

3. Vigil : Take a stand for life in front of Planned Parenthood, either in Bryan or in Houston . NO VIOLENCE, NO MARCHING, NO PROTESTS, prayer, Prayer, PRAYER, with a lot of love. 24 hours a day available. Go once, once a week, or camp out, again it's your call. 

4. Rallies : “Gather the people, declare a fast, turn back to the Lord”. We will rally in Hempstead at the Gazebo on Tues., Sept. 23, in Navasota on Monday, Sept. 22 at Cedar Creek Park at 7pm (bi-lingual) and on Sun., Nov. 2, and God willing, once in Prairie View. Please plan on attending one or two rallies.

Also, on the first Sunday of October, October 5, we will participate in the Life Chain . (http://www.nationallifechain.org/). In Navasota, in Conroe , in Hempstead and in Waller, along with over 1300 cities/towns in the US and Canada , between 2:30 and 3:30 in the afternoon, we will “wait one hour” with the Lord.

On Saturday, October 18, we all are asked to pray the Life Rosary 9-10 a.m. This is part of a world wide prayer chain to end abortion. St. Mary's at 9 a.m., St Joseph 's at 9:30 a.m.

Attention all teens: Sept. 24 will be “See You at the Pole” day. Pass out bracelets for 40 Days and talk pro-life. For more information, call Nance Shaw at 936-894-2512.

-------------------------------------------------------

“BeingHuman” World Premiere – Take 2!

EWTN Global Television Network

• Sunday, September 21 (just before the start of 40 Days for Life)
• 9 PM Eastern (8 PM Central, 7 PM Mountain, 6 PM Pacific)
• 30-minute documentary about 40 Days for Life, filmed by an Emmy-award-winning director right here in College Station .
• Hosted by Bryan 's own Shawn Carney, on the national 40 Days for Life team
• Highlights the results of the previous national 40 Days for Life campaigns
• Interviews local and national leaders and volunteers who were involved in making this local campaign such a success
• Get more information, watch video trailers, and more at: http://www.beinghumanshow.com

In Remembrance
Prayer Service for the Dead
Blessing of St. Mary's Cemetery

Eternal Rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

"May He support us all the day long till the shades lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done, then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last."
- Cardinal Newman

In observance of All Souls' Day and in remembrance of our loved ones who have died, St. Mary's will host a special prayer service on Sunday, November 2, 2008, at 3pm in the Church. Following the prayer service, we will have the blessing of St. Mary's Cemetery.

If you have lost a loved one and would like his or her name to be included in this special remembrance, please fill out the form below and drop it in the box provided in the hall; you may also call Linda Armstrong at 936-825-0565, or email at LINDA@SMSJ.ORG to give this information. The name will be included in the prayer intentions for the service, and prayer candles will be provided for all in attendance. It is not necessary that the deceased had been a member of St. Mary/St. Joseph parish to be included.

We also encourage you to bring photos or other momentos to be placed on our Remembrance Table in the hall during the weekend of Nov. 1-2, 2008.

All family members and friends, as well as all parishioners, are encouraged to participate in this service, and the entire parish family is asked to offer their prayers for the repose of these souls.

A pot-luck dinner will follow in the hall after the service. Ham and drinks will be provided; please bring a side dish or dessert to share with others.

BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASSES
Scheduled for Saturday, September 6th @ St. Mary's from 9-12 in the Family Life Center

With Baptisms to follow September 14th

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

Sept 1 [Labor Day]: 1 Cor 2:1-5 * Ps 119:97,98,99,100,101,102 * Lk 4:16-30 16

Sept 2: 1 Cor 2:10b-16 * Ps 145:8-9,10-11,12-13,13-14 * Lk 4:31-37

Sept 3 St. Gregory the Great: 1 Cor 3:1-9 * Ps 33:12-13,14-15,20-21* Lk 4:38-44

Sept 4: 1 Cor 3:18-23 * Ps 24:1-2,3-4,5-6 * Lk 5:1-11

Sept 5: 1 Cor 4:1-5 * Ps 37:3-4,5-6,27-28,39-40 * Lk 5:33-39

Sept 6 [BVM]: 1 Cor 4:6b-15 * Ps 145:17-18,19-20,21 * Lk 6:1-5

Sept 7, Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Ez 33:7-9 * Ps 95:1-2,6-7,8-9 * Rom 13:8-10 * Mt 18:15-20

Sept 8 The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Mi 5:1-4a * Ps 13:6,6 * Mt 1:1-16,18-23

Sept 9 St. Peter Claver: 1 Cor 6:1-11 * Ps 149:1-2,3-4,5-6,9 * Lk 6:12-19

Sept 10: 1 Cor 7:25-31 * Ps 45:11-12,14-15,16-17 * Lk 6:20-26

Sept 11: 1 Cor 8:1b-7,11-13 * Ps 139:1-3,13-14,23-24 * Lk 6:27-38

Sept 12 [The Most Holy Name of Mary]: 1 Cor 9:16-19,22b-27 * Ps 84:3,4,5-6,12 * Lk 6:39-42

Sept 13 St. John Chrysostom: 1 Cor 10:14-22 * Ps 116:12-13,17-18 * Lk 6:43-49

Sept 14, The Exaltation of the Holy Cross: Nm 21:4b-9 * Ps 78:1-2,34-35,36-37,38 * Phil 2:6-11 * Jn 3:13-17

Sept 15 Our Lady of Sorrows: 1 Cor 11:17-26,33 * Ps 40:7-8,8-9,10,17 * Jn 19:25-27* or Lk 2:33-35*

Sept 16 Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian: 1 Cor 12:12-14,27-31a * 11Ps 100:1-2,3,4,5 * Lk 7:11-17

Sept 17 [St. Robert Bellarmine]: 1 Cor 12:31--13:13 * Ps 33:2-3,4-5,12,22 * Lk 7:31-35

Sept 18: 1 Cor 15:1-11 * Ps 118:1-2,16-17,28 * Lk 7:36-50

Sept 19 [St. Januarius]: 1 Cor 15:12-20 * Ps 17:1,6-7,8,15 * Lk 8:1-3

Sept 20 Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions: 1 Cor 15:35-37,42-49 * Ps 56:10-12,13-14 * Lk 8:4-15

Sept 21, Twenty-fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time: Is 55:6-9 * Ps 145:2-3,8-9,17-18* Phil 1:20c-24,27a * Mt 20:1-16a

Sept 22: Prv 3:27-34 * Ps 15:2-3,3-4,5 * Lk 8:16-18

Sept 23 St. Pio of Pietrelcina: Prv 21:1-6,10-13 * Ps 119:1,27,30,34,35,44 * Lk 8:19-21

Sept 24: Prv 30:5-9 * Ps 119:29,72,89,101,104,163 * Lk 9:1-6

Sept 25: Eccl 1:2-11 * Ps 90:3-4,5-6,12-13,14,17 * Lk 9:7-9

Sept 26 [Sts. Cosmas and Damian]: Eccl 3:1-11 * Ps 144:1-2,3-4 * Lk 9:18-22

Sept 27 St. Vincent de Paul: Eccl 11:9--12:8 * Ps 90:3-4,5-6,12-13,14,17 * Lk 9:43b-45

Sept 28, Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Ez 18:25-28 * Ps 25:4-5,6-7,8-9 * Phil 2:1-11 * Mt 21:28-32

Sept 29 Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels: Dn 7:9-10,13-14 * Ps 138:1-2,2-3,4-5 * Jn 1:47-51

Sept 30 St. Jerome: Jb 3:1-3,11-17,20-23 * Ps 88:2-3,4-5,6,7-8 * Lk 9:51-56