february 23, 2020 - St. John Vianney Catholic Church

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

In Pace Christi,

Living Faith Changing Lives Making a Difference

Archdiocese of Galveston — Hou-

625 Nottingham Oaks Trail

Houston, TX 77079

Tel.: 281-497-1500 Fax: 281-584-2024 www.stjohnvianney.org

___________________________

PARISH CLERGY

Rev. R. Troy Gately Pastor

Rev. Richard Hinkley Parochial Vicar

Rev. Charles J. Talar In Residence

Deacons Fred Kossegi Dale Steffes Greg Stokes

Al Vacek Jeff Willard

___________________________

PASTORAL STAFF

Adult Formation Yvonne Gill

Pastoral Care and Spiritual Life

Jeff Willard

Music Ministry Michael Madrid

Parish Life/ Activity Center

Richard Fairly

Social Service Ministries

Deborah Alvarenga

Youth Formation Carolina Sayago

Business Office C.J. Pete Prados

_________________________________

WSt. John Paul II Catholic School

1400 Parkway Plaza Dr. Houston, TX 77077

281.496.1500 Pre K-8th Grade

Dear Friends in Christ,

Recently, the parish conducted a survey of over 2100 women in the parish. Thanks to all who participated and responded. We received some very good feedback. The main purpose of the survey was to attempt to gauge the “temperature” of where folks are at. Overall, the responses were extremely favorable to what we are doing in the parish. Those who responded overwhelmingly found our programs and offerings to be excellent and beneficial. That was very affirming and good to know. There were some insightful observations made that we will study and consider. However, there were two areas that surfaced that, while not exactly positive, were nonetheless enlightening and useful to know. Neither issue is new, but both speak to needs that should be addressed. The first issue brought forth concerned programs or activities that people would like to see here at the parish. In almost all of the instances named, the programs or activities that were being asked for, we already have! It is simply that the respondents were unaware. Even though we publish in the bulletin and have a very detailed website, print catalogues and brochures, use e-mails and social media, many parishioners still do not know of all of the offerings and opportunities here at the parish. This points to a communication problem that needs to be addressed.

The second issue that surfaced is also tied to communication and misunderstanding. The survey showed there is a lack of appreciation of how serious the priest shortage is. The survey indicated a desire for additional masses, confessions, priest involvement, etc. These are good and wonderful desires, but quite honestly, they are unrealistic. Currently, we have 8 Masses every weekend and 7 weekday masses. Confessions are heard twice on Saturdays. During Advent and Lent, we have 15 weekday masses and 17 confessions times per week! We average more than 80 funerals and another 80+ weddings each year. Last year, nearly 400 parishioners received the Sacrament of the Sick. That is a lot! This is in addition to the numerous hours of counselling, appointments, classes and meetings each and every week. All of this is wonderful! But it is a lot.

In the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, there is a ratio of active priests to Catholics of 1:4,462. Twenty years ago in 2000, the ratio was half that amount at 1:2078. In 1990, the ratio was 1:1419, in 1980 - 1:930 and in 1970 - 1:844. That is five times more people per priest in 50 years. During this time, the average age of priests has also increased dramatically. In 1970, the average age of priests was 35 and today it is 63 with over half of the priests past 70 years of age. In the U.S., the total number of priests has fallen from close to 60,000 in 1970 to 37,000 today. In 1970, there were 54 Million Catholics in the U. S. Today, there are more than 76 million. The end result is that there are fewer priests, who are older, serving many more people in much bigger parishes. This is true here at SJV, our ratio is 1:7,500. In 1970, there were 2 priests serving 800 families, today there are 2 priests serving 5000 families. It is also true in our archdiocese and it is true throughout the United States. The reality is that the situation is going to get worse before it gets better and it is not going to get better anytime soon. I do believe the situation can change and I pray that it will change soon, but it is going to take many years.

So what can we do? As always, we must pray and work for more vocations and put our trust in the Lord. We need to encourage our children to live holy lives by the example of our lives. All of us need to help families stay close to the Church and strong in their Catholic Faith. We each need to encourage young men and women, our own children and grandchildren, to prayerfully and seriously consider a religious vocation. We must also change our expectations and adapt to new realities. Expecting parishes to run like parishes did in 1950 or 1980 or even 2000 is not going to bring satisfaction. The world has changed and so has the Church. Schools, hospitals and businesses have all changed over the years and so have parishes. Wanting something different is fine, but when it does not happen, we need to accept, adapt and adjust our expectations accordingly.

7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Let us Pray

For the souls of the recently deceased, Dorothy Gunder, Eleanor Paseman, Sophia Bushkuhl, Guido Bulgarelli. May Eternal rest grant

unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.

Print The Heart of your Community

Your print ad puts your business at the heart of your community.

Every week your neighborhood Catholic church is filled with your friends, neighbors and fellow business owners. They are potential and current customers who actively visit businesses that support the local Catholic Church.

Every week your print ad is there too. In full color and in the hands of your customers.

John Hardwick, Diocesan Sales Manager,

will be at SJV

Monday, March 2 thru Thursday, March 5,

Monday , March 9 thru Thursday, March 13

Mobil 512-422-3949; Phone: 800-633-1122

In Memory of Eleanor Paseman

Donated by: Her many cherished friends

MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday Vigil 5:30 p.m.

Sunday 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m.,

11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

Spanish: 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.

Weekdays Monday - Friday

9:00 a.m. Tuesday & Thursday

7:00 p.m.

LITURGY OF THE HOURS

Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

NOVENA & ROSARY

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.

Novena of the Sacred Heart

1st Fridays following 9:00 a.m. Mass

Divine Mercy Chaplet & Rosary after 9:00

a.m. daily Mass

________________________________________________________

CONFESSIONS Saturday

10:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.

_______________________________________________________

BAPTISMS Classes offered

monthly. Please contact the

Parish Office

MARRIAGE Please contact the

Parish Office at least eight months prior to

desired date

ANOINTING OF THE SICK/COMMUNION

TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND

Please contact the Parish Office

,-_____________________________________________________________________________________

OFFICE HOURS Monday – Friday

8:30 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Mass Intentions Monday, February 24, 2020 9:00 a.m. † Sonny Lovoi

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

9:00 a.m. † G.P. “Butch” Barber

7:00 p.m. † George Davis

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 6:30 a.m. † Richard Francis Prados 9:00 a.m. Chictre Caesare 12:10 a,m. † David M. Driver III 5:30 p.m. Mary Gleason 7:00 p.m. Sister Margaret Coyne 8:15 p.m. Sean Mehrabadi

Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:00 a.m. Gerry & Helga Meneilly 12:10 p.m. † Sr. Margaret Ramsden 7:00 p.m. Mr. and Mrs. Ulises Zamora

Friday, February 28, 2020

9:00 a.m. † Sara de Cadena

12:10 p.m. † James Martin

7:00 p.m. † Gustavo Viecco

Saturday, February 29, 2020 5:30 p.m. † Tom Sawers

Sunday, March 1, 2020 8:00 a.m. President Donald Trump 9:30 a.m. Missa Pro Populo 11:00 a.m. † Christina Leong 12:30 p.m. Mr & Mrs. Ulises Zamora 2:00 p.m. Delfino Jesus Lopez 5:30 p.m. L/D Capellie and Higbee Family 7:00 p.m. † Amanda Peters de Valle-Quintero

Other Remembrances †Ursuline Smith, S. Bockholt,

And the Two Shall Become One Let us Rejoice and Pray for these

soon-to-be married couples:

Erin Kuffel and William Flato

Mass Readings Monday Jas 3:13-18; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Mk 9:14-29

Tuesday Jas 4:1-10; Ps 55:7-11, 23; Mk 9:30-37

Wednesday Ash Wednesday Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6b, 12-14 and 17; 2 Cor 5:20—6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Thursday Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Lk 9:22-25

Friday Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6b, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15

Saturday Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk 5:27-32

Sunday First Sunday of Lent Gn 2:7-9, 3:1-7; Ps 51:3-6, 12-13, 17; Rom 5:12-19 or Rom 5:12-19; Mt 4:1-11

New Parishioners Welcome to our St. John Vianney Family Nicholas and Jennifer Scholz, Joseph and

Mary Meegan, Randall and Kelly Willbanks, Cameron Nikmard and Maria Mora-Sanchez, Michael and Caroline Freeto, Craig and Laura

Garrison, Wilmer Sardinha and Rossbi Valente, James Hulbert, John Michael and

Sona Emmanuel, Raymond and Patricia Larkin

In Memory of Birgit Hatzenbuehler

Donated by: Ray and Kris Hamby

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence

Fasting binds all persons who have completed their 18th birthday through those who have completed their 59th years, unless prevented by poor health. On days of fast, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals sufficient to

maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s own needs. Eating between meals is not allowed although fluids may be taken.

Abstinence binds all persons who have completed their 14th birthday, unless prevented by poor health. On days of abstinence during Lent, the consumption of meat of mammals or fowl is not allowed. The Church strongly encourages

the observance of Friday abstinence throughout the year, but a failure to do so is not regarded as sinful.

Lent is a penitential season and as such religious practice such as daily Mass, reception of the Sacrament of Penance, the devotion of Stations of the Cross, works of charity and justice, and acts of self-denial are highly encouraged.

FEBRUARY 26, 2020

Mass 6:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 12:10 p.m.

5:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and

8:15 p.m. (Spanish)

Liturgy of the Word with

Distribution of Ashes

1:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

All Services in the Church

Daily Mass Schedule:

Monday - Friday

9:00 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 7:00 p.m.

Confessions in the Chapel

20 minutes before

all daily masses

Stations of the Cross - Fridays

12:45 p.m., 5:00 p.m. (Children)

7:30 p.m.

7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Music ministry

The Seven Last Words

and Triumph of Christ:

A Lenten Organ Recital

by Dr. Jacob Benda Thursday, March 12, 2020

7:30pm

St. John Vianney Catholic Church

Monday, April 6th (8:00pm; Chapel)

Tenebrae Service featuring the Vesper Choir

Director,, Dr. Michael Ging

Thursday, April 16th (7:30pm; Church)

Piano Concert featuring, Pablo Martinez

SJV Spanish Choir Director

Tuesday, April 21st (7:30pm; Church)

Vernet-Meckler Organ Duo Concert

featuring Olivier Vernet and Cedric Meckler from France.

Friday, May 8th (7:30pm; Church)

ECHO Concert (Energy Corridor Houston Orchestra)

featuring the St. John Vianney Sanctuary Choir. Ticketed event

Upcoming Music Events at St. John Vianney

Please contact the Music Ministry Office for more information about these upcoming events.

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

SAUSAGE/CHICKEN GUMBO, RED BEANS & RICE

KING CAKE & CASH BAR LIVE JAZZ BAND & KID’S PARADE

WE WILL SERVE UNTIL WE RUN OUT

Please RSVP by February 23, 281-497-1555 or email us at [email protected] or visit our website stjohnvianney.org

and go to the Mardi Gras Event

This Tuesday

February 25

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Activity Center

Mardi Gras Party

Free For Everyone

Parish life

St. John Vianney Summer Day Camp 2020

Ages 4 - 12 Monday - Friday June 1 - July 31

For information: [email protected] or visit our website stjohnvianney.org

Summer Volunteer Opportunity!

For ages 13-15

We are now accepting applications during the month of February.

For more information about this Opportunity, applicants should email

[email protected]

Application accepted through February.

TUNA FISH FRIDAYS

Fridays during Lent St. Jude Hall

Free Tuna Sandwich, Chips & Drink

Following 12:10 p.m. Mass & Stations of the Cross

Take Out or Dine-In!

COFFEE & DONUTS

Next Sunday, March 1

Served after All Morning Masses Activity Center

7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Parish life

Lenten Dinner - Shrimp Scampi Catered by Piatto Ristorante

Reservations by this Wednesday, February 26

Reserve & Pay Online by visiting stjohnvianney.org To reserve and pay at the door call 281-497-1555 or email us at [email protected]

Dinner served and bussed by our Hispanic Community Desserts are provided by our Women’s Ministries

For the entire list of our Lenten Meals please visit our website

Sautéed Shrimp in a wine butter herb sauce served over pasta with salad, bread and dessert.

$15 person

Free Fish & Chips Meal for Kids 8 & Under

The Fish Meal is available for ages 9 and up for $10

This Friday, February 28 5:30—8:00 pm

Activity Center

Douglas Birkbeck and Therese David Wirfs and Patricia

It is herewith announced that Douglas Birkbeck and David Wirfs, candidates for the order of Deacon, will be instituted into the ministry of candidate on February 22, 2020 at a Mass to be celebrated by

Bishop George Sheltz. If any person knows of a serious reason why these candidates should not be called to this ministry, please notify Deacon George Silva, Director of Formation, Office of the Permanent Diaconate,

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, 713-686-4345, [email protected]

Please keep Douglas and David in your prayers as they are instituted in to the ministry of candidate.

Banns - Rite of Institution as Candidate for

Douglas Birkbeck and David Wirfs

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

The Lord Has Need of Your

Hands...

...To serve as an

Extraordinary Minister of

Holy Communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMs)

assist with the distribution of Holy Communion in

Mass—on the weekends and/or in daily Mass—and

also have the opportunity to bring Holy Communion to

those who are homebound, hospitalized, or in a care

facility.

Training Session: March 7

9-11am

(in the Church)

To add your name to the training roster send to:

[email protected]

The Great Adventure continues with a

walk through the book of Revelation:

The Kingdom Yet To Come.

The Apocalypse or, Revelation to John, the last book in

the Bible, is one of the most difficult to understand due

to the unfamiliar and extravagant symbolism contained

within. This Book cannot be properly understood

except against the historical background that

occasioned its writing. It is resistance literature written

to address a crisis!

The 11 week study begins March 9,

7:00pm - 9:00pm,

A/V Room;

27.00 for study materials

Register on the parish website, in the Adult Formation Office

Lord, For Your Faithful People Life Is Changed Not Ended!

Planning a Catholic Funeral

Nothing can quite prepare us for the death of a loved one. In a similar way, nothing can prepare our loved ones for our death.

It is never too soon to consider and attend to the practical and financial arrangements for a Catholic funeral. In doing so you

can provide your loved ones and yourself with peace of mind.

You are invited to attend a free informational seminar about planning ahead which will also include a

presentation by Fr. Richard Hinkley on Catholic Funeral Liturgies.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020, 11:30 am, in the Audio/Visual (A/V) Room

Lunch will be provided by Ciro’s Italian Grill, courtesy of Dignity Memorial

To ensure ample materials and refreshments RSVP to 281/989-9958 or register on the parish website: www.stjohnvianney.org/funeral-planning

Hosted by Adult Formation, Pastoral Care and Spiritual Life, and Social Services Ministry

Adult formation

7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Adult formation

Women’s Lenten Day of Reflection

Find Something More!!

March 2, 10am—2:30pm, Activity Center

$15 includes breakfast refreshments & Box Lunch

Childcare available @ $5 per child

A day of reflection and renewal facilitated by Kendra Von Esh, Speaker, TV News Anchor, Radio Host, and Author

Register on the parish website www.stjohnvianney.org/womens-lenten-day

Forms also available in the Ministries Building

Adult Confirmation Preparation

For Baptized Catholic Adults

Tuesday evening classes, in English:

March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12; 7-9pm Audio/Visual Room +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thursday evening classes, in Spanish March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7 7-9pm St. Jude Hall

The celebration of Confirmation occurs on Pentecost weekend (50 days after Easter).

Register on the parish website or in the Adult Formation Office

No fee for sacrament preparation

RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Pray for the women and men going through the RCIA process in our parish. They will

celebrate the Rite of Sending on Sunday, March 1, in the 11am Mass, and the Rite of

Election/Call to Continuing Conversion, later that day. These Rites move the Elect and

Candidates on to the third phase in the Initiation process, the Period of Purification and

Enlightenment.

Remember also in prayer their godparents, sponsors, and RCIA team members, who journey

with them as they look forward to full Initiation and Communion with the Catholic Church.

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

SJV trips

March 20-22, 2020 Holy Name Retreat Center

Theme: Standing on Holy Ground: The Call to Holiness in Today’s World

Registration: https://holynameretreatcenter.com/catholic-men-retreat-march-20-22-2020/

Space is limited…register to hold your spot!

For information please contact David Cole (713-562-2932, [email protected]) or Tom LaFaver (281-221-5551,

[email protected])

Time Out For Prayer

SJV Men’s Lenten Parish Retreat In sports, a timeout is called to give players a rest or

to change momentum. In life, you can accomplish the same thing with a

Lenten retreat experience!

It’s a BIG world out there – come join us!

Check out where we’re going and

what we’re working on…

2020 Young Adults France December 4-12, 2020 (Singles/Couples Ages

21-39 please) Registration ongoing

New Year’s Eve Cruise on Royal Caribbean Dec. 27th – Jan. 3rd

(Eastern Caribbean) Registration ongoing

2021 SJV Choir with Friends & Family Austria & Italy

(mid to late June) Planning Stages

Spain: Barcelona & Madrid (late October/November)

Planning Stages

2022 Holy Land (late January/February) Planning Stages

For more information or to be placed on an “Interested List”,

please email Carolyn Greene at [email protected]

ACTS Retreat for Women

When: Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26

Where: St. Agnes Le Thi Thank (LTT) Retreat Center 20303 Kermier Rd, Waller, Texas 77484

Contact: Patty Wirfs 281-381-7827

Register: www.stjohnvianney.org/retreats You may also register and pay online via WeShare

Cost: $250

Pastoral care and spiritual life

Sunday, March 8

After all the Masses

Mass for the Blessing

of Expectant

Mothers

Mass for the

Anointing of the Sick

T h urs d a y ,

M a rc h 1 2

9:00am and 7:00pm

World Marriage Encounter puts the spark back in your marriage

Sign up today to attend one of the upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend

March 13-15 or May 15-17. Contact Brian and Tina Little at 281-773-4014 or

go on-line to www.houstonme.org

7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

In your 20s or 30s? Check out SJV’S Young Adult Ministry!

Email: [email protected] Website: www.stjohnvianney.org/youngadults

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJVYoungAdults Instagram: SJVYA

Called to

Loving Like Christ A Lenten Bible Study

Grace

Explore Christ’s call to Love in Scripture

Mondays’ 7-8:30pm St. Jude Hall March 2 - April 6

Registration $15 Online

To Join Email [email protected]

SPIRITUAL SPAGHETTI

Thurs, Feb 27th 7-8:30pm St. Jude Hall

$10 for dinner from Lasagna House

Start your lent off right with a night of prayer, fellowship and food. RSVP by 2/24 to [email protected]

#SJVYAFrance2020 For more details email [email protected]

Highlights Included Lourdes on Dec 8th

(Feast of the Immaculate Conception) Visit the Crown of Thornes See Remnant of True Cross

Paris in Christmas Season Dinner at the Eiffel Tower

A Free Day in Paris And much more...

Join this once in a lifetime trip!

Land Only Package: $3,353 Full Package with Airfare: $4,283

Join SJV Young Adults in Lourdes and Paris

Friday, Dec 4 - Saturday, Dec 12, 2020

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Bible Story Time

Bible stories, crafts, prayers and fun for children 5 years old &

younger. Join us again this Wednesday, February 2

Room E-8 at 10:30 am. No registration required,

just come!

Registration for our Spring Break

Mission Trip is now open!

High School Spring Break Mission Trip to

Eagle Pass, Texas is now open

March 15th—21st

Cost: $360

The number of spots is limited to 10.

We are going to be joining a number of the local

catholic schools on this Mission Trip to

Eagle Pass.

Please register online for this trip.

Spring Break Mission Trip: www.stjohnvianney.org /hs-mission

Vacation Bible School 9:30 am—12:30 pm Week 1: July 27—31 Week 2: August 3-7

On-line Registration Coming Soon

Save The Date

Youth formation

I A M T H E L O R D ’ S T E M P L E

A ministry for parents and caregivers of children struggling with mental illness

First Meeting March 4th 7-8:15pm Room C-24 Join the conversation, you are not alone!

“By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust shall be your strength” -Isaiah 30:15

7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

FREE TAX PREPARATION February 1 - April 15, 2020

Tax Return Preparation, Electronic Filing

& Tax Questions Answered.

Social Security Cards &

Photo IDs Required.

Wednesdays, 12 - 4 pm

Saturdays, 10 am - 2 pm

St. Basil the Great Greek

Orthodox Church:

1100 Eldridge Pkwy,

Houston, 77077

S O C I A L S E RV I C E M I N I S T RY

Be someone who matters to someone

who matters Spring Branch ISD’s SpringBoard Mentor Program works

with students ‘on the brink of success’. No tutoring

required… students just need the extra support of a

caring adult to be a friend, role model and guide.

Mentors visit their students once a week for 30-45

minutes during the school day. This award-winning SBISD

program is making a difference in kids’ lives. Be someone

who encourages them, helps them discover their gifts

and talents and believes in them so they believe in

themselves.

Upcoming training dates include February 26 and March

3 & 26. For more information about the SpringBoard

Mentoring program contact visit their website at https://

www.springbranchisd.com/engage/mentors/training, or

call Mary Uribe Pizana at 713.251.2212

“Every child is one caring adult away from being a

success story.” - Josh Shipp

FOOD DRIVE THIS WEEKEND: FEBRUARY 22 & 23

We offer fresh produce and non-perishable food, as well as other items such as toiletries, paper products,

cleaning supplies, and more at our pantry. You can also purchase some of our most needed items & have them

delivered directly to the Pantry. Check out our Wish List on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2Nfs6aQ

Please drop off your donations to Food Drive volunteers outside the church before and after each mass this Saturday &

Sunday, or to the Social Service Ministries office Mon-Fri, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Please check expiration dates. We cannot distribute expired food or food that has been opened.

Many of us understand the challenges of caring for a loved one or the struggles of seniors to retain independence as they become less able to do things for themselves that they once

could do. Second Family is a sustaining presence to those who need us and will bless those who serve as volunteers.

We invite you to prayerfully consider joining SJV’s Second Family Care Team! A couple of hours a month can give com-

fort, hope, and reassurance to our fellow parishioners in need so that they are not forgotten or alone. If you are interested in learning more about Second Family, please contact the So-

cial Service Ministries office at 281.497.4434 or [email protected]

“Aware of the irreplaceable role of the elderly, the Church becomes a place where generations are called

to share God’s loving plan, in a relationship of a mutual exchange of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Both old and young are the future of the Church.” - Pope Francis