St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Served by the Missionary Society of St. Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston 527 South Houston Avenue, Humble, TX 77338 Office: (281) 446-8211 Fax: (281) 446-8213 Office Hours: M-F 8:00 A.M. — 4:30 P.M. Website: www.st-mm.com Pastor: Rev. Felix Ilesanmi Osasona, M.S.P. Parochial Vicar: Rev. Anthony Udoh, M.S.P. Deacons: Nick Caruso & James Meshell Weekend Mass English: Saturday Vigil: 5:30 P.M. Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, & 11:00 A.M.; 5:00 P.M. (Youth) Español: Sábado (Misa de Víspera): 7:00 P.M. Domingo: 1:00 P.M. Weekday Mass Monday--Friday: 8:30 A.M. (English) Martes: 7:00 P.M. (Misa en Español) 1st Friday Devotion Mass: 8:30 A.M. 1st Saturday Devotion Mass: 8:30 A.M. Reconciliation (Confession) Tuesday: 6:00 P.M.—6:45 P.M. Saturday: 3:30 P.M.—5:00 P.M. Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration 9:00 A.M.—9:00 P.M. (Mon.—Fri.) JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY DECEMBER 2015—NOVEMBER 2016
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St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Served by the Missionary Society of St. Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration 9:00 A.M.—9:00 P.M. (Mon.—Fri.)
JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY DECEMBER 2015—NOVEMBER 2016
Weekly Message
Rejoice in the Lord Always
Today, the third Sunday of Advent, is Gaudete Sunday, the joyful or rejoicing Sunday. Our entrance antiphon invites us to rejoice always. In fact, this is not just an invitation but a command to be joyful. We show our joy in our liturgy today as we light the rose candle of the Advent wreath. The child Jesus brings joy to the world, and we are commanded to show that joy in all that we do or say. Advent, the season of hope, prepares us for the joy of Christmas, and because we know that our Joy is in Christ, we wait in hope for his coming. A
joyful heart does not depend on material wealth or status; rather, joy comes from knowing that our savior Jesus Christ has “removed the judgment against us and has turned away our enemies” (Zeph. 3:15). It is about giving part of ourselves for others, our families, our church and our community. In today’s gospel (Luke 3:10-18), people came to John the Baptist and asked him what they must do to share in the kingdom. The question was not about others but rather about themselves. They wanted to know their purpose in life and their role in the kingdom. As we prepare for Christmas, we should also be asking the same question: What am I to do, what are we to do, as we wait for the coming of the kingdom? The answer that John the Baptist gave to the people then, he gives to us now. Each of us must see where we can correct the mistakes we have made and bring joy to people’s hearts. We must avoid cheating and exploiting others. We are to be charitable, giving to the poor from what we have. We are called to be hon-est, not using our positions to enrich ourselves. We are to avoid harassing and intimidating people as the soldiers do. As we begin the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis invites us to reflect on ways in which we can show the mercy of God to other people. We are to practice both the Corporal and the Spiritual Works of Mercy. Maybe we can begin by just reminding ourselves what these are and how we can practice them.
Corporal Works of Mercy are: 1. Feed the hungry;
2. Give drink to the thirsty; 3. Clothe the naked;
4. Shelter the homeless; 5. Visit the sick;
6. Visit the imprisoned; 7. Bury the dead.
Spiritual Works of Mercy are:
1. Instruct the ignorant; 2. Counsel the doubtful;
3. Admonish sinners; 4. Bear wrongs patiently;
5. Forgive offenses willingly; 6. Comfort the sorrowful;
7. Pray for the living and the dead.
The world needs to change for the better, and we are the ones to make it happen. Let us put a smile on the face of someone who is troubled. John the Baptist challenged those who came to him to be a people of love and compassion. He also challenges us. He challenges us to adopt a whole new attitude in life, one that thinks of the good of others. This is what will draw others to the kingdom, and our joy will overflow for helping someone along the way. Have a blessed Gaudete Sunday!!
—Fr Felix P. 2
Time & Talent Ministries
MASS / LITURGY
ART & ENVIRONMENT Jean Johnson - (281) 358-3416 June Domengeaux - (281) 852-2555
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION Geneva Green - (832) 758-6475 Kay Huggins - (409) 656-6587
YOUTH MINISTRIES Mike Smith - (281) 446-8211
JÓVENES EN ACCIÓN POR CRISTO Ana Maria Ortega - (713) 405-0652
SCHOOL MINISTRIES SCHOOL BOARD Joshua Raab - (281) 446-8535
MINISTERIO HISPANO
FORMACIÓN DE FE PARA ADULTOS, SACRAMENTOS DE CONFIRMACIÓN Y COMUNIÓN, EL PROCESO DE RICA, PATROCINADORES DE MATRIMONIO, BAUTISMO DE NIÑOS DE 0-6 AÑOS, QUINCEAÑERAS Vickie Cortez - (281) 446-2933
OUTREACH MINISTRIES SOCIAL SERVICES Wanda Conley - (281) 540-1907
RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY Teresa O’Brien - (919) 623-5343 ([email protected])
BLOOD DRIVE Loretta Schermock - (832) 640-9357
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY Madeline Graham - (281) 446-8044
NURSING HOME MINISTRY Humble Health Center, Oakmont & Park Man-or, Deerbrook Nursing Home Monica Fontenot - (281) 913-5221
ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE Darril B. - (281) 852-4230 Wayne B. - (281) 777-9217 Florentino V. - (832) 605-1881 Susan G. - (281) 813-0575
PRAYER CHAIN MINISTRY Ron & Ann McCuen - (281) 852-4743 ([email protected])
PRAYER QUILT MINISTRY Jean Chebret - (281) 441-7365
HELPING HANDS MINISTRY Jan Crawford - (281) 852-3508
HOME AGAIN MINISTRY (FURNITURE BANK/HOUSEHOLD ITEMS) Carolyn Wise - (713) 898-6611 Lori Scherr - (281) 360-9112 Tammy Broussard - (832) 777-1878
OTHERS NURSERY Wanda Conley - (281) 446-8211
FALL FESTIVAL COMMITTEE Tony Butera - (832) 279-7072 Neha Delphin - (713) 927-8239
PASTORAL COUNCIL Tony Butera - (832) 279-7072
FINANCE COUNCIL Bert Guempel - (281) 852-1549
SECURITY TEAM John Garza - (832) 875-1377 P.3
Are you new to our parish or have been coming for a while but are not yet registered? We offer
you a warm welcome to St. Mary Magdalene parish. Becoming an active parishioner begins when you are counted as a parishioner. Please talk to one of the Ministers of Hospitality after
Mass about how to register. You can also come by the church office during the week to register.
CHURCH STAFF
Wanda Conley, Business Manager Rick Swanson, Facilities Manager
Jose Garcia, Maintenance Technician
Jorge Acosta, Maintenance Technician
Susie Zamarrón, Parish Secretary
Vernon D. Walker, Bookkeeper Perci Cacanindin, Director of Music and Liturgy Vickie Cortez, Director of Hispanic Ministry Ivana Meshell, Director of Adult Faith Formation Ginger Herrington, Adult Faith Formation Assistant Michael Smith, Director of Faith Formation-Children/Youth
Accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department
Joshua Raab, Principal Trish Duhon, Director of Admissions Tom Walsh, Athletic Director Cathy Brown, Director of Before & After School Program Carol Poston, Director of Development April Dandridge, Director of Marketing and Alumni Laura Valladares, Counselor Christy Keeling, Academic Coach Laura Rocha, Administrative Assistant Kelli Pitt, Bookkeeper Donna Mohrman, Nurse Sam McKinney, Secretary
BULLETIN DEADLINES
ISSUE DUE BY
January 10th, 2016 January 4th, 2016 January 17th, 2016 January 11th, 2016
Offertory for November 28 & 29, 2015 — $26,530.91 Mail-In Offertory — $1,600.10
Online Giving — $95.00 Total — $28,226.01
Thanksgiving Collection (11/26/2015) — $1,273.00
Offertory for December 5 & 6, 2015 — Not available at time of publication
DSF Update (As of 11/30/2015)
2015 DSF Goal — $160,220.00 Contribution to Date — $149,259.30
Amount Pledged to Date — $158,700.82 Number of Participants — 488
NURSERY STAFF
Wanda Conley, Nursery Coordinator Patricia De Los Santos, Nursery Attendant
Isabel Gonzalez, Nursery Attendant
Emily Mendoza, Nursery Attendant
Jenna Meza, Nursery Attendant
Rachel Meza, Nursery Attendant
Samantha Meza, Nursery Attendant
Thank you for using Online Giving! Parishioners who use the service are pleased with how easy it is to set up and manage. If you have not yet signed up for
Online Giving, please consider this option. This is a perfect tool for anyone who shops online! By using
Online Giving, you are helping the parish improve our operational efficiency. Visit our parish website at
www.st-mm.com and select “Online Giving.”
Respect Life Rosary Next Sunday
December 20th, 2015 6:15 P.M. in the chapel
Second Collection for December 20th, 2015
Next weekend’s 2nd collection is for St. Mary Magda-lene Social Services. Your generous donations help
those in need of food, clothing and other assistance in the Humble area. Please indicate Social Services on
your check if you do not have an envelope. Thank you for your generosity.
Training for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for the Homebound
If you would like to take communion to the home-bound, please contact Marvin Corbitt at
To reserve a Mass, please stop by the Parish office and reserve your date and time for the intention.
Sunday Dec 13 7:30 am 9:00 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm 5:00 pm
Mable Melancon † Marcus Flynn (SPI) Vernon † & Edith Brooks † Guadalupe Gonzalez † Mr. & Mrs. Ismael Alfaro †
Monday Dec 14 8:30 am Monica Morales †
Tuesday Dec 15 8:30 am 7:00 pm
Lionel † & Catherine Hammock † Agapito Medina †
Wednesday Dec 16 8:30 am Marian Varghese †
Thursday Dec 17 8:30 am Caroline Yanez (SPI)
Friday Dec 18 8:30 am George † & Bob Tiblier †
Saturday Dec 19 5:30 pm 7:00 pm
Santana Family † Wiliam Webking †
Sunday Dec 20 7:30 am 9:00 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm 5:00 pm
Javier Canales † Helen † & Antoine Carriere † Colleen Johns Randazzo † Mercedes Soto † Eleanor † & Justine Gordon †
Saturday Dec 12 9:00 am 5:30 pm 7:00 pm
Harry Reynolds Guadalupe Z. De Leon † Ramón Peña Ayōn †
This Week in the Parish
READINGS & SAINTS FOR THE WEEK Monday: (St. John of the Cross) Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc-9; Mt 21:23-27 Tuesday: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23; Mt 21:28-32 Wednesday: Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21b-25; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 7:18b-23 Thursday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Friday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Saturday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45
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Nursery Closed
Due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the Nursery will be CLOSED on
Sunday, December 27th, 2015 and Sunday, January 3rd, 2016.
Jubilee Year of Mercy
Pope Francis chose to inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy last Tues-day because December 8 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the closing of Vatican II. That council, Pope Francis reminds us, inaugurated a new
phase in the Church’s history. The Spirit called the Church to tear down the walls that for far too long had made it a fortress, and to proclaim the gospel in a new, more accessible way. Pope Francis quotes Saint John XXIII in declaring the Church’s preference for “the medicine of mercy,” and Blessed Paul VI in propos-ing the Good Samaritan as our model for discipleship (Misericordiae Vultus, 4). Pope Francis adds that God’s mercy is “the beating heart of the Gospel,” and that mercy “must penetrate the heart and mind” of every disciple (MV, 12). Three times today’s Gospel asks, “What should I do?” Pope Francis would say: Imitate Jesus, who came not wielding the fiery judgment that John the Baptist had threatened, but instead imparting healing, compassion, forgiveness—mercy!
Our parish has grown so much from modest beginnings. We have wonderful parish facilities and have added to it
by acquiring the former Lakeland Baptist Church on Isaacks Rd. Our church, school, Family Life Center, and offices provide comfortable spaces to worship and minis-ter to our spiritual needs, but just like your home, these
facilities come at a cost. We have expenses, for our mort-gage, utilities, and general upkeep. We also have a won-derful staff to assist you in pursuing your faith. Our life journey is a walk in faith, from birth/baptism, to death,
and we are intertwined with our church. Since everyone benefits from these facilities, it is important that all mem-
bers of this parish help in the financial cost.
We are once again blessed this year to have a number of parishioners who agreed to match your Christmas dona-tions. Please include St. Mary Magdalene on your Christ-
mas list. Prayerfully consider and make a meaningful Christmas gift this year. The value of your gift will be doubled, and you can continue to enjoy our beautiful facilities with pride. God
bless your generosity!
St. Mary Magdalene will be holding a joint penance service together with St. Martha on Thursday, December 17th. All
parishioners are invited and encouraged to attend this service at St. Martha’s campus.
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Adoration News
The devotion to the Holy Souls in Purgatory continues on Monday, De-cember 14th at 7:00 P.M. in the chapel. Come and pray for those souls
who ask our help in entering heaven early due to our prayers, sacrifices, and suffrages that we offer for their release. Some of them may be souls we loved
while they were alive and now ask for our help in the next.
There will be NO EXPOSITION of the Blessed Sacrament on December 24th and 25th and also on December 31st, 2015 and January 1st,2016. Adoration resumes on
January 4th, 2016 after the 8:30 A.M. Mass. The Adoration Group extends a happy and Spirit-filled Advent and Christmas Season to our parish family.
Ministers of Hospitality Meeting
There will be a brief (30 – 45-minute) meeting of the Ministers of Hospitality on Saturday, December 19th at
9 A.M. in the church for AED training and review of overall security measures.
All are encouraged to attend.
Weekly Announcements
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Weekly Announcements
KEENAGERS ALL ADULTS AGES 60 AND UP
ARE INVITED
Fellowship — Bingo — Lunch
MONDAY — DECEMBER 14, 2015 St. Mary’s Hall 9:30 A.M. — 1:00 P.M.
Just bring a Snack or Dessert to share Volunteers & Helpers always welcome
THERE WILL BE NO KEENAGERS MEETING IN JANU-ARY. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Church Nursery Attendant
(Part-Time)
Ministry Purpose: To provide safe, secure, nurturing, clean, and efficient
care for our children, ages 0-3, while working in the church nursery. Will work 4-10 hours per week under the
direction of the Nursery Coordinator and Pastor.
Requirements: • Experienced in the care of children 0-3 years of age
with the ability to adapt to and interact with a variety of personalities and characteristics.
• 18 years of age or older • Must have a high school diploma or GED • Willing to submit to background check • Must be willing to work weekends
Please send your résumé to Wanda Conley at [email protected] or drop it off at the parish office.
Please bring your family and join us for our
Annual School Open House
Sunday, January 31st, 2016 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Serving grades Pre-K3 & K4(Ages 3 & 4) thru 8th
What is National Catholic Schools Week?
National Catholic Schools Week is the annual cele-bration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2016 is January 31st - February 6th. The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2016 is
“Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” Schools typically observe
the annual celebration week with Masses, open hous-es and other activities for students, families, parish-
ioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our
church, our communities and our nation.
Upcoming Knights of Columbus Breakfasts
Thanks for all your patronage of our breakfasts. All net proceeds of these breakfasts go to sup-
port the St Mary Magdalene School Scholarship, the Gold Envelope for St Mary Magdalene parish debt reduc-tion, Humble Area Assistance Ministries, K of C Wheelchair
Mission, and many other great causes in concert with Church teachings. ALL breakfasts in the Family Life Center.
Dec 20th – No breakfast; week of Christmas Dec 27th – No breakfast; week of Christmas
Jan 3rd, 2016 - A Team Country Breakfast
Thanks for your patronage! Even if you’re not eating come by for fellowship.
Knights of Columbus Council 6878 St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
Catholic Daughter Christmas Bake Sale December 13, 2015 Family Life Center
7:30 A.M. — 12:30 P.M.
Come by and shop for Christmas goodies and treats!
Next CDA Bake Sale: February 14, 2016
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Youth Ministry News
CCE / Faith Formation Classes: As we wrap up our fall semester, week #11 of our Faith Formation classes will be held on Sunday, December 13th at 3:00pm // Tuesday, December 15th at 6:00pm // Wednesday, December 16th at 6:00pm in the St. Paul Center. All CCE classes will be on a 3-week Christmas break beginning next week; classes resume the week of January 10, 2016! As we finish the first half of our year, we send a special note of thanks to our catechists and aides who make our For-mation programming possible. There are a few spaces left for students who are not yet registered for CCE / Formation classes; parents should contact the Formation Office immediately to check on ses-sion / grade-level availability. “Youth Nights”: With the last week of school approaching before Christmas break, we will hold two youth ministry events: There will be a high school youth event on Sunday, December 13th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm (special Q & A session and “Whose Line is It Anyway?”) and a middle school youth event on Friday, December 18th {note the special day - not Thursday} from 6:00pm - 7:30pm (Christmas pajama par-ty). Both of these events will be held in the Youth Room. Home-Based Catechesis Meetings: We will hold the HBC status meeting for our elementary students (Kinder - 5th grade) on Wednesday, December 16th at 6:15pm in room 309 of the St. Paul Center. Stu-dents should bring their textbooks in for review! 2016 Confirmation CLASS: The “Parent / Sponsor Meeting” is set for Thursday, December 17th at 7:00pm in the Family Life Center (FLC). As the name implies, 2016 Confirmation candidates (as well as children between the ages of 2 - 17 years of age) will NOT be allowed to attend this meeting. This gathering is critically important… Please do whatever is necessary to be present. All candidates should be working to select a sponsor to accompany them during this faith journey… The “Sponsor / Candidate Meeting” is scheduled for Friday, January 8th, 2016 at 7:00pm in the Family Life Center. Our weekly Confirmation sessions begin on Wednesday, January 13th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm; candidates are al-lowed only two absences from the Wednesday classes. First Reconciliation Update: If your student still needs to complete their sacrament chapters [1-6] or Reconciliation interview / prayers, please plan to have those completed and scheduled by Monday, Jan-uary 18th, 2016 – we will conduct make-up interviews on that day form 6:30pm – 8:15pm. If your stu-dent passed their Reconciliation interview, please plan to attend our special First Penance Service, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd at 10:00am in the church. Several priests will be available to hear your child’s confession! The Eucharist preparation sessions will begin in late February 2016. Text Message Reminders: We are pleased to offer text message reminders which can be sent straight to your cellphone / mobile device. Simply enter 81010 in the “To:” field, and send the following message to register for specific messages for our programs…
2016 Confirmation candidates / parents: @conf2016
2016 Confirmation TEAM (plans and runs the program): @smmconteam
2015 - 2016 CCE / Formation Classes We will be wrapping up the fall semester this week! Week #11 of our CCE classes are scheduled for Sunday, December 13th at 3:00pm // Tuesday, December 15th at 6:00pm // Wednesday, December 16th at 6:00pm in the St. Paul Center. A big “THANK YOU” to all our catechists and aides who worked so hard to make our programs pos-sible… may God bless you! CCE classes will resume after a three-week Christmas break during the week of January 10, 2016. There are a few scattered spaces left for students who are not yet registered for CCE / Formation classes; please contact the Faith Formation Office immediately
to verify session / grade-level availability! Children’s Live Nativity: We are looking for some elementary students -- grades 1 through 5 -- who would like to participate in the “Live Nativity” on Christmas Eve. Parents should bring their child(ren) to the next Nativity rehearsal on Thursday, December 17th from 6:45pm - 7:30pm in the Church. The dress rehearsal will be Wednesday, December 23rd and the children will present the live nativity story during the 4:00pm “Children’s Mass” on December 24th. Costumes are provided!
First Reconciliation Update: If your child still needs to complete their sacrament chapters [1-6] or Reconcilia-tion interview / prayers, please plan to have those completed and scheduled by Monday, January 18th – we will conduct make-up interviews on that day form 6:30pm – 8:15pm. If your child passed their Reconciliation inter-view, please plan to attend our special First Penance Service, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd at 10:00am in the Church. Several priests will be available to hear your child’s confession! The Eucharist prepara-tion sessions will begin in late February 2016.
Adult Faith Formation CATECHESIS AND EVANGELIZATION OF ADULTS Ivana T. Meshell, M.A., Director, [email protected] Assisted by Ginger Herrington, [email protected]
The Year of Mercy Welcomed on December 8, 2015
Participate in the Year of Mercy! Go to the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: www.usccb.org. Visit the Year of Mercy pages. Throughout the year, Pope Francis will do "Jubilee" signs of mercy. Find out what they are and how you can do something similar in your life! Find short monthly suggestions for working mercy into your everyday life. Learn more about the Corporal Works of Mercy and the Spiritual Works of Mercy and how you can live them. Reflect more deeply on God's call to mercy through these monthly scripture reflections. Do them on your own, with family, or with small groups. Want to share where you see Mercy in Motion? Check out our social media pages to see what others are doing to put mercy in motion: on Twitter: #mercyinmotion.
How can we show others the mercy of God? We say that God is compassionate, but we ignore the poor. We say that God loves us and has mercy on us, but we hold
grudges against our friends. Our actions need to authentically reflect God's mercy. Click below to explore the different ways that you can live out that mercy every day!
Joy is the Fruit of Mercy Ivana Meshell, Director of Adult Faith Formation We are at the beginning of an auspicious year in the Catholic Church throughout the world. Pope Francis has declared this liturgical year (as of December 8) to be a jubilee “Year of Mercy.” Many times people don’t feel as though they are worthy of God’s mercy, and so they live with the pain, regret, fear and loneliness that accompanies the aftermath of sin and poor choices. As this holy year begins, we want to have an ongoing conversation about what “mercy” means—God’s mercy toward us as well as our mercy toward one another. To begin this conversation, I have here reprinted an article from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s website (www.usccb.org) by Mary McClusky. In the coming months, we will learn more about this topic, and how we can more fully give and receive mercy in our lives. Have a blessed Advent. — Ivana “I felt I’d committed the unforgiveable sin.” So many women with abortion in their past have said things like this. They often feel deep shame, regret, loss, or despair. They may have a hard time accepting that God loves them, and so stay away from the spir-itual and psychological help offered by the Church and the healing balm of the sacraments. Pope Francis has a message for these suffering mothers—and all others who have been involved in an abor-tion: Great joy can be found in Christ’s unfailing mercy and love for us sinners. He recently called for the cele-bration of a Jubilee Year of Mercy from December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016. In the announcement, he said, “I am convinced that the whole Church will find in this jubilee the joy needed to rediscover and make fruitful the mercy of God, with which all of us are called to give consolation to every man and woman of our time.” In his Easter Vigil homily (of 2015), Pope Francis reflected on the challenge of finding joy despite the experi-ence of sin. He described how the women who entered Jesus’s tomb that Easter morning entered into the mystery of Christ’s suffering, death, and Resurrection. They came face-to-face with the reality of death and of their own existence as sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. At the same time, they encountered His love, which is greater than the greatest of sins. The power of the Resurrection gives us the courage to face our sins, confess our mistakes, and then humbly receive God’s forgiveness and accept the joy that comes with new life in Christ. Accepting God’s mercy brought happiness to “Sophia”* in her healing journey from abortion. “As the mystery of God’s way unfolded, I recovered peace. That sense of peace has brought with it for me real joy and new hope for the future,” she said. Pope Francis’s focus on mercy challenges us to not only accept Christ’s mercy ourselves like “Sophia” did, but also to be merciful to others. A beautiful way to answer his call is to be aware of and address the particu-lar needs of those who suffer from abortion. Offer your attentive listening and non-judgmental attitude to someone you know who is suffering after abortion. Pray that you will see Christ in the mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, and others who have been affected by abortion, and tell them about God's mercy with love and tenderness. Offer them hope for relief of their pain and suffering, and provide information on nearby help. Project Rachel, the diocesan-based post-abortion healing ministry of the Catholic Church in the United States, offers confidential, non-judgmental help; see the “Find Help” map at www.hopeafterabortion.com. These websites include prayers, abortion stories, research, and other helpful information. Throughout this upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy, may each of us find the hope and consolation we need in the mystery of God’s mercy. May we be empowered by Him to be merciful ourselves and share the hope and help that are available so those who suffer abortion’s aftermath might also find joy in the great gift of mercy. *Name has been changed to protect confidentiality. P.11
Especialmente para nuestra Comunidad Hispana
Siempre Regocijen en el Señor
Hoy, el tercer domingo de Adviento, es el Domingo Gaudete, el domingo de alegría o rego-cijo. Nuestro canto de entrada nos invita a estar siempre alegres. De hecho, esto no es una in-vitación, sino, más bien, una orden a ser alegres. Demostramos nuestra alegría en la liturgia de hoy al alumbrar la vela color rosa de la corona de Adviento. El niño Jesús trae alegría al mundo, y somos obligados a demostrar esa alegría en todo lo que hacemos y decimos. El Ad-viento, la época de esperanza, nos prepara para la alegría de Navidad, y ya que sabemos que
nuestra alegría está en Cristo, esperamos su venida con esperanza. Un corazón alegre no depende de rique-zas materiales o estatus; más bien, depende del conocimiento que nuestro salvador, Jesucristo, “ha levanta-do su sentencia contra nosotros y ha expulsado a todos nuestros enemigos” (Sofonías 3:15). Se trata de dar parte de nosotros para los demás, para nuestras familias, nuestra iglesia y nuestra comunidad. En el evangelio de hoy (Lucas 3:10-18), la gente llegó con Juan el Bautista y le preguntaron qué era lo que debían hacer para poder compartir en el reino de Dios. La pregunta no se trataba de los demás, sino de ellos mismos. Ellos querían saber que era su propósito en la vida y su puesto en el reino. Mientras nos prepara-mos para la Navidad, nosotros también nos debemos preguntar la misma pregunta: ¿Qué debo hacer yo, qué debemos hacer nosotros, mientras esperamos la venida del reino? La respuesta que Juan el Bautista le dio a la gente en ese tiempo es la misma que nos da hoy. Cada uno de nosotros debemos ver en donde pode-mos corregir los errores que hemos hecho y llevar la alegría a los corazones de las personas. Debemos evitar engañar y aprovecharnos de los demás. Debemos ser caritativos, dando a los pobres de lo que nosotros tene-mos. Somos llamados a ser honestos, a no usar nuestros puestos de poder para enriquecernos. Debemos evi-tar hostigar e intimidar a las personas como los soldados lo hacen. Ya que comenzamos el Año de Misericordia, el Papa Francisco nos invita a reflexionar en maneras de las cuales podemos demostrar la misericordia de Dios a los demás. Debemos ejercer tanto las Obras Corporales como las Obras Espirituales de Misericordia. Tal vez podemos comenzar solo con recordarnos qué son estas obras y como las podemos ejercer.
Las Obras Corporales de Misericordia son: 1. Dar de comer a los que tienen hambre
2. Dar de beber a los que tienen sed 3. Vestir a los desnudos
4. Dar albergue a los que no tienen hogar 5. Visitar a los enfermos
6. Visitar a los prisioneros 7. Enterrar a los muertos
Las Obras Espirituales de Misericordia son:
1. Instruir a los ignorantes 2. Dar consejo a los que tienen dudas
3. Reprender a los pecadores 4. Aguantar las penas pacientemente
5. Perdonar las ofensas voluntariamente 6. Dar consuelo a los afligidos
7. Orar por los vivos y los muertos El mundo tiene que cambiar por el bien de todos, y nosotros somos los indicados a realizar esto. Pongamos una sonrisa en la cara de alguien que está preocupado. Juan el Bautista retó a los que fueron hacia él a ser gente llenas de amor y compasión. Él también nos reta a nosotros. Él nos reta a adoptar una nueva actitud en la vida, una que piense en el bien de los demás. Esto es lo que llevará a los demás al reino, y nuestra ale-gría desbordará al haber ayudado a alguien en el camino. ¡Tengan un Domingo Gaudete muy bendecido!
—Padre Felix P.12
AVISO IMPORTANTE SOBRE LOS BAUTIZOS
Las próximas preparaciones bautis-males serán el sábado, 9 de enero y
sábado, 6 de febrero del 2016.
Los próximos bautizos serán el domingo, 17 de enero y
domingo, 7 de febrero del 2016.
Si desea bautizar a su niño(a), favor de llamar a la oficina de la parroquia para hacer una cita para una
entrevista personal.
Recuerden de traer a la entrevista la acta de naci-miento (original) y nombre, teléfono y dirección de los padrinos en completa comunión con la Iglesia.
Vickie Cortez: (281) 446-8211
Ofrenda Semanal
Ofrenda del 28 y 29 de noviembre — $26,530.91 Ofrenda enviada por correo — $1,600.10 Ofrenda enviada por Internet — $95.00
Total — $28,226.01
Colecta del Día de Acción de Gracias (11/26/2015) — $1,273.00
Ofrenda del 5 y 6 de diciembre 2015 — Información no disponible al tiempo de publicación
Informe del DSF (A partir de 11/30/2015)
Meta del DSF 2015 — $160,220.00 Contribución a la fecha — $149,259.30
Monto comprometido a la fecha — $158,700.82
Numero de participantes — 488
Segunda Colecta para el 20 de diciembre 2015
La segunda colecta del próximo fin de semana
es para los Servicios Sociales de Santa María Magdalena. Sus contribuciones generosas ayu-
darán a las personas que necesitan comida, ropa y otros tipos de ayuda en el área de Hum-
ble. Favor de indicar Servicios Sociales en su cheque si no tiene un sobre. Muchísimas gra-
cias por su generosidad.
Junta para Lectores
Miércoles, 16 de diciembre 2015 5:30 P.M.
En la iglesia
P.13
Año Jubilar de la Misericordia
El Papa Francisco eligió inaugurar el Año Jubilar de la Misericordia el pasado martes
porque el 8 de diciembre marca el quincua-gésimo aniversario de la clausura del Con-cilio Vaticano II. El Papa Francisco nos re-
cuerda que el Concilio inauguró una fase en la historia de la Iglesia. El Espíritu llamó a la Iglesia a derrumbar muros que la habían hecho una fortaleza por mucho
tiempo, y a proclamar el Evangelio en un modo nuevo y más accesible. El Papa Francisco cita a san Juan XXIII declarando la “preferencia por la medicina de la mise-ricordia” de la Iglesia, y al beato Pablo VI proponiendo “al Buen Samaritano como nuestro modelo de discipu-lado” (Misericordiae Vultus, 4). El Papa Francisco añade: “la misericordia de Dios es el corazón palpitante del Evangelio” y que esa misericordia debe “alcanzar la
mente y el corazón” de cada discípulo (MV, 12). En el Evangelio de hoy, tres veces se pregunta “¿Qué tene-mos que hacer?” El Papa Francisco diría: Imita a Jesús, quien vino no empuñando el juicio de fuego que Juan el Bautista anunciaba, sino en su lugar sanando, siendo