St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church … · 2020-06-17 · St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston Houston 816 Park Dr. La

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston Houston

816 Park Dr. La Porte, Texas 77571 281-471-2000 Fax:281-471-9365

Website:www.stmaryslaporte.com E-mail:[email protected] Parish Office Hours

Monday - Friday 9:00 am-12:00 Noon 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm

Eucharistic Celebrations Saturday: 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. (Spanish) 1:00 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Chapel Monday (No Mass) Tuesday & Wednesday – 12:00 noon Thursday, & Friday – 8:30 a.m.

Parish Staff Rev. Tony A. Castro, Pastor Deacon Hector Cantu Deacon Julio Matallana Deacon Stan Avallone Bookkeeper-Nelda Shealy Bulletin/Sacramental Records– Cheryl Frobenius Maintenance– Steve Regan Parish Secretary-Jessica Jaramillo Receptionist-Peggy Holland C.C.E. Director-Shari Davis C.C.E. Coordinator - Graciela Lopez EDGE Coordinator-Randy Tercero

Vision Statement

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic Community of Believers called to serve Christ by gathering together at the Lord’s Table in worship and praise, by serving our brothers and sisters in Christ, and by being a welcoming beacon of light to all. We are many parts, yet one body in Christ.

Sacrament of Baptism Baptisms are celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Classes are held on the 2nd & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Please come by the Parish Office to register or call for more information. Reconciliation The Sacrament of Penance is offered on Saturdays, from 4:30p.m. to 5:30p.m. or by appointment. Sacrament of Marriage Please contact the Parish Office at least (6) six months prior to your desired wedding date to arrange a meeting with Father Tony or one of the Deacons. If you want a Mass, you must call Father Tony. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Are you a non-Catholic who is interested in joining the Catholic faith? Are you a baptized Catholic who has never received the sacraments of 1st Communion and Confirmation? If your answer is yes to either of these questions, call the Parish Office. Sacrament of First Reconciliation/First Communion First Reconciliation/Communion candidates must be baptized, at least in the second grade, and have been attending CCE classes for at least TWO full years prior to entering into sacramental preparation. Adults will be referred to the RCIA program. Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation is a separate more intensive examination of the faith and our responsibilities as practicing Catholics. Confirmands will meet once per month in addition to attending Life Teen faithfully, both one full year prior to the beginning Sacramental preparation and during the preparation year (no more than three absences either year). Parents/Sponsors will also be required to attend once per month meetings. Confirmation candidates must have previously received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion. A habit of attending weekly Mass is required for both years. Please, note the above represents the minimum requirements. Adults will be referred to the RCIA program.

DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND “Bring Your Greatest Gifts to the Lord”

Parish Goal 2020 $52,000.00 Amount Pledged: $28,300.00 Amount Paid: $21,800.00 (41.92%) Total # of Participants 97

Our 2020 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) has begun in every parish throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Christ calls us to serve one another and reach those who are sick or in need, to bless and serve them. Your compassion and generosity is needed by the Archdiocese. When you share your greatest gifts with the Lord, you enable us to reach out to people in this parish and throughout the entire Archdiocese through more than 60 important ministries. To give online, please visit www.archgh.org/dsf. gratitude.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for June The Way of the Heart:

We pray that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus.

Spiritual Holy Communion

For various reasons we may be prevented from receiving the Eucharist at Mass. We may have broken the one hour fast, be in a state of mortal sin, or we could even be homebound, unable to leave our home to attend Mass.

In these cases the Church encourages us to make an act of “spiritual communion,” where we unite ourselves to God through prayer. It is a beautiful way to express to God our desire to be united with him when we are unable to complete that union in the reception of Holy Communion.

Below is a traditional prayer of spiritual communion that many saints have prayed over the years. It can be prayed if you find yourself at Mass unable to receive the Eucharist, or even in the midst of your daily work, lifting up your thoughts to God.

The ultimate goal of our lives should be communion with God and an act of spiritual communion can help a person draw closer to that goal.

My Jesus, I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself

wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen

Sunday Offertory Donations June 13/14, 2020

Collection $2,805.00

If you would like to send your weekly donations, please visit St. Mary’s website and go to the Online Giving icon, Flocknotes or mail them to St. Mary’s, 816 Park Dr., La Porte, TX 77571. www.stmaryslaporte.com

Thank you for your generosity.

Saturday, June 20: 5:30pm All Fathers, Living & Deceased

Sunday, June 21: 9:00am All Fathers, Living & Deceased 11:30am All Fathers, Living & Deceased 1:00pm All Fathers, Living & Deceased

Tuesday, June 23: 12:000pm Charles Buren† By: Heasty Family Wednesday, June 24:

12:00pm Vo Nguyen† By: Nguyen Family Thursday, June 25:

8:30am Special Intention for Logan Paschal By: Paschal Family Friday, June 26:

8:30am Charles Buren† By: Wichlep Family Saturday, June 27:

5:30pm Emil Schadier† By: Family

Sunday, June 28: 9:00am Zosimo † & Sinforosa† Dapitan By: Distefano Family 11:30am Pedro Bermudez† By: Bermudez Family 1:00pm People of the Parish

Dear parish family, 12 Sunday in Ordinary Time

As we honor our fathers this Sunday we hear Jesus in the gospel reassure his disciples by reminding them of the tender care of his Heavenly Father. Our heavenly Father watches over us faithfully and lovingly. Let us recall all the time our own fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures – living and deceased – made us feel safe and secure with their care. We now return to our “regular scheduled program” (Tv language) in the Church liturgical year cycle. Notice the Green Color of the Vestments and banners – Green as the Liturgical color for Ordinary Time. June and summer months evoke a verdant shade of green, that of trees resplendent with new leaves. This will go on for several Sundays till the falling leaves – and back then to the new cycle. On this Sunday we return to the readings of the Gospel of Matthew, now back in progress till Christ the King (34th Sunday). We have not heard from Matthew in over two months. Not because of the Pandemic (nothing to do) but because of the “Special Reports” of the Easter Season, Ascension, Pentecost, and the big Solemnities of Trinity and Corpus Christi Sundays. So this Sunday we hear Jesus send his disciples on their mission. Their marching orders are quite intimidating. And we hear Jesus reassures them, despite rejection and persecution at hand. The words we hear from the gospel we can translate into our own situation in whatever circumstances, “Do not be afraid of those that kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” With so many different dimensions in life that we are really afraid of today, the Lord is telling us to be strong. It is our SOULS, we have to take care of and not to be afraid to do anything to nourish and strengthen our spiritual life. The words of Jesus today are so clear enough, “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my Heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.” Happy Father's Day!

Stay Safe always, and blessings to all and have a good week. Fr. Tony

Querida familia parroquial, 12vo. Domingo del tiempo ordinario

Al honrar a nuestros padres este domingo, escuchamos a Jesús en el Evangelio tranquilizar a sus discípulos al

recordarles el tierno cuidado de su Padre Celestial. Nuestro Padre celestial nos cuida con fidelidad y amor. Recorde-

mos todo el tiempo que nuestros propios padres, abuelos, tíos y figuras paternas, vivas y fallecidas, nos hicieron sentir

seguros con su cuidado.

Ahora volvemos a nuestro "programa regular determinado" (lenguaje de televisión) en el ciclo litúrgico de la Igle-

sia. Observe el color verde de las vestimentas y pancartas: verde como el color litúrgico para el tiempo ordinario. Los

meses de junio y verano evocan una sombra verde y verdeante, la de los árboles resplandecientes con nuevas hojas.

Esto continuará durante varios domingos hasta que la caída de las hojas llegue, y luego empieza el nuevo ciclo.

En este domingo volvemos a las lecturas del Evangelio de Mateo, ahora en progreso hasta Cristo Rey (34º domin-

go). No hemos tenido noticias de Matthew en más de dos meses. No por la pandemia (nada que ver) sino por los

"informes especiales" de la temporada de Pascua, Ascensión, Pentecostés y las grandes solemnidades de los domin-

gos de la Trinidad y Corpus Christi. Entonces este domingo escuchamos a Jesús enviar a sus discípulos en su misión.

Sus órdenes de marcha son bastante intimidantes. Y escuchamos que Jesús los tranquiliza, a pesar del rechazo y la

persecución a la vista. Las palabras que escuchamos del evangelio podemos traducirlas en nuestra propia situación

en cualquier circunstancia: “No temas a los que matan el cuerpo pero no pueden matar el alma; más bien, tenga mie-

do de quien puede destruir el alma y el cuerpo en el lugar del castigo eterno ".

Con tantas dimensiones diferentes en la vida que realmente tememos hoy, el Señor nos dice que seamos fuertes.

Son nuestras ALMAS, las que tenemos que cuidarlas y no tener miedo de hacer algo para nutrir y fortalecer nuestra

vida espiritual. Las palabras de Jesús hoy son tan claras: “A todos los que me reconocen ante los demás, los recono-

ceré ante mi Padre Celestial. Pero quien me niegue ante los demás, lo negaré ante mi Padre Celestial ".

¡Feliz Día del Padre!

Manténgase protegido; bendiciones para todos y que tenga una buena semana. Fr. Tony

St. Joseph’s Chapel Needs You Is God Calling You to spend one hour a week with Him? Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held on Tuesday from 12noon to Thursday at 8:30am. We currently are in need of someone to fill the hour on Tuesday’s from 6-7pm for the next 2 to 3 months due to medical leave. If you can fill this hour, would like to schedule a weekly Holy Hour or be placed on the sub list, please call the office.

IGNITE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Parish Goal $469,301.00

Amount Pledged: $231,090.95 (49.24 % of Goal)

Amount Paid: $97,900.00(21.29%) Total # of Participants 71

Our Faith, Our Mission Begins! Addressing the Short and Long-term Needs of Our Church and those God calls us to serve.

We seek to raise over $150 million over the next 4 years to prepare our faith family for the future. At its heart, this campaign is about supporting our future by focusing on our parishes, our future priests, Catholic Education and Faith Formation as well as Rebuilding in Light of Harvey and ensuring a future Disaster Fund. Please prayerfully consider your commitment!

Spiritual Direction Feeling stuck in your faith? Deeper intimacy with Our Lord Is possible. With gentle en-couragement from a spiritual director and your commitment of 30-60 minutes a day you can enter into a deeper relationship with Our Lord than you ever thought possible. Spiritual direction can help you learn to pray better. Interested in spiritual direction? Contact Tracy:[email protected].

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Prayer in the Time of the Coronavirus

Comfort us, O Lord, for we are like your disciples on the storm tossed seas, unset-tled by what lies ahead. We turn to You, our Healer and Guide, to still our hearts in our time of need and hear our prayer: Heal those who are sick with the coronavirus and protect the elderly and most vulnerable. Give strength to all who tend to our health and wisdom to researchers who work toward a cure. Open our eyes and hearts, as you did during Hurricane Harvey, that we may look beyond our immediate needs to care for others who need help. Through the Holy Spirit, guide our leaders to make wise decisions for the welfare of all the people they serve. Grant eternal rest to those who have died from the virus. May Mary, Our Mother, who has heard our pleas in the storms of our lives, intercede to her Son, that we may find healing and a prompt end to this illness.

Mary, Star of the Sea, pray for us.

Stay Connected at Home JOIN FORMED

Incredible online gateway to the best Catholic Content, all in one place. Go to stmaryslaporte.formed.org to register. If you are having any trouble getting registered, or any oth-er problems, please contact Tracy [email protected]. She will contact you and walk you through the steps to register.

VIRTUAL Marriage Encounter Weekend

“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.” Let God amplify the love in your marriage by participating in a VIRTUAL Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend, June 26-28 or July 31-Aug 02. Con-tact Brian & Tina Little at 281-773-4014 for more information. Or go on-line to www.houstonme.org.

Activities for the Week Sunday, June 21: Happy Father’s Day

First Communion Mass 11:30am & 1pm Thursday, June 22: KC Mtg. Rosary Hall, 6pm RCIA Rosary Hall Conf. Rm 6pm

RCIA Classes Thursday 6pm Rosary Hall

(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Who should do the full RCIA program? If you are not baptized or were baptized in another Christian denomination and are interested in possibly becoming Catholic, RCIA is for you. If you are a baptized Catholic adult who needs First Holy communion and confirmation, then you should attend RCIA to receive those sacra-ments. Coming once (or twice… or more) obli-gates you to NOTHING. For additional information about RCIA call the office or email Tracy, [email protected].

St. Mary’s facilities are now open for scheduling of meetings. As a reminder, we currently DO NOT HAVE A CLEANING CREW due to the financial impact the pandemic has had on our finances. The CDC guidelines of social distancing, wearing a mask and proper hand sanitation, as well as cleaning the designated mtg. space after each meeting are still in effect . In order to sched-ule a meeting, please contact the office to check on availability as meeting space is limited to certain areas. Thank you for your

The Lighthouse Catholic Media Kiosks… There are several books and DVD’s of infor-mational material designed to help us grow in our faith. Go by and check them out! The re is a Kiosk located at the back of the church and in Rosary Hall.

ONLINE GIVING

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your generosity in assisting St. Mary's with Parish Support through the COVID-19 Donations and your Regular Offertory Giving. As a result our offertory and COVID-19 donations, collections have increased and the shortfall has changed to 50% from the original 70%.

St. Mary's continues to budget in areas where we can. We are currently able to maintain our monthly personnel salaries, utilities and maintenance as re-quired.

I cannot Thank You enough for assisting St. Mary's during this crucial time. Your donations will be cred-ited to your account and you will receive a tax form for the IRS at the end of the year.

If you need help to register for Online Giving, please call the office at 281-471-2000.

If you prefer to donate by check please mail to: St. Mary's Church, 916 Park, La Porte, Tx 77571

My prayers for good health are with you and your family during this pandemic.

With You In Christ, Fr. Tony Castro Pastor

FYI...Our former Pastor, Fr. Gary Rickles is currently recovering from brain surgery, due to a fall he had recently. We have spoken to him this week and he is still in the hospital. The surgery was successful, he just needs time to heal. If you would like to send him a cheer card you may send it to his residence, St. Dominic's Center, Fr. Gary Rickles, 2409 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77021.

"In our darkest moments, when we sin or are disoriented, we always have an appointment with God." - Pope Francis

Please Pray For Our Troops and …

Ron Johnston, Bob & Barbara Jennings, Darcy & Virgil Blackstock, Lynn Garner, Danny Miguel Saul, Lisa Medina, Destiny Perez, Chuck Driscoll, Johnny Hughes, Leon Arron, Hernan Enrique Caceres, Veronica Natalia Chavez, Maria Sol Montel, Laura Andrea Cáceres, Veronica Rodriguez, Luz Alejandra Bringas, Carolina Silvia Brizuela Perez, Andrea Emilia Bernabey, Rodolfo Martin Arruabarrena, Angel Esteban Arrua Gustavo Caceres, Enrique Cáceres, Candaleria Ortiz, Lorena Rodriguez, Ann Mullins, Micha Nelson, Ann DuBois, Raeland , Becky Smith,, Dianne Lemons, Paula Lambright, Dave & Cindy Schmitz, Dennis, Peggy & Erica Hargens, Ruth Christian & family, Don & Allie Fay Mathews, Cathy & Bill Eberle, Cheral Sides, Javier Martin Vera, Eileen Gaynor, Tony McCrory, Joe Lozano Jr, Casey Samollow, Elenor Joan Samollow, Rick Novak, Devon Tiffin, Bobby Hayes, Jennifer Dowing, Norman Ross, Tina Martinez, Susan Tolley, Aaron Binkley, Jordon Binkley, Mary Ann Cloyd, Rene Lozano and Don Gore Continue to Pray for Joey Bernal, Joe Bernal, Wal’Dean Lundquist, Fr. Gary Rickles, Julian Buentello Jr., Deacon Hector Cantu, Edward D. Palacios, Joe Lopez, Maria Garcia,, Ladd Puskus, David Gonzalez, Vicki Farias, Nell Turk, Rosie Yznaga, Teresa Mills, Joe Lozano, Sr., Angeles Sullivan, Tim Hellstein, Leroy Marchan, Geraldine Christensen, Kathy Strader, Daniel Vasquez, Herlinda Robles, Rosa Harness, Randy Hanks, Jeanette Tilley, Albert & Christina Palacios, Marisol Leyva & family, Marisol Luna, Pete & Juanita Sanchez, Betty Flynn, Orville Burgess, Pat Riley, Edward Salinas, Mar-lene Orellana, Humberto Villalobos, Kathy McBride, Margaret Espinoza, Romela Nolan, Fr. Gary Rickles, Renee Cortez, Aurelia Hinojosa, Cathy Hanzelka, Msgr. Boli Zientek, Gayle Phillips, Jane Middleton, Rosa Reyes, Deacon Tom Lewis, Irene Templet, Preston Wolf, Lawretta Foots, Marcos Vasquez, Gavin Binkley, Clarence Lewis, Red Cornejo, Linda Jaramillo, Deacon Merce Leal, Sue Crockett, Ben Munoz, Diana Ortiz, Bob Davis, Janet Hoffpauir, Nick Martin, Barry Armstrong and those requesting prayer via our web site. Remember Our Shut-Ins Mary Boatman, Lydia Rubio, Trinidad Arrindon, Soledad Hernandez, Elida Peterson, and those battling terminal illness and the residents of La Porte Care Center and Parson’s House Repose of the Souls of Josie Funda and Maria Ines Sanchez de Carrasco Our Sympathy to Beverly Funda and family on the loss of her mother, Josie, and the family of Maria Ines Sanchez de Carrasco Please Note: Names on our “Please Pray For” list are left on for four weeks. If someone needs to be put back on the prayer list or added please call the Church Office.

Upcoming Baptismal Dates July 12, August 9

Baptism classes are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in English. Due to COVID we are unable to have classes in Spanish, but everyone is welome to attend the English classes. Baptisms will be held the 2nd Sunday of each month after the 1pm Mass. If you are baptizing here, you need to fill out a registration form for your child’s baptism, and we will need to make a copy of their birth certificate from the state before you attend the class. If you do not live in La Porte, you must be a registered, active member of St Mary’s to baptize your child here. You cannot register in our parish only to baptize your child. Please call the office to make arrangements to obtain the paperwork.

Parish Events Calendar As we navigate the changing Mass times and schedules in light of COVID 19, please visit our website and go to the events calendar for updates. If you are planning a meeting or need to make any adjustments for your ministry you are involved with, please call the office and let us know so we can keep it updated. Website www.stmaryslaporte.com

ALTAR SOCIETY

Church Sanctuary Candle In Loving Memory of Marcus Edwards

By Edwrds Family

Chapel Sanctuary Candle Special Intention for Joe Lopez

By Tom & Donnis Davies

altar flowers

~ Available Flower Dates ~

June 27/28 July 4/5, 25/26

August 1/2, 15/16, 29/30

Altar Flowers contact Rose Kolenc 713-202-3283 or [email protected].

Samaritan Corner We are currently trying to update our Samaritan Telephone Tree in

order to reach out to those who may be interested to know when we have a funeral here at St. Mary’s. If you were on the telephone tree previously or would like to become part of the list we will call please call the office and give us your updated information.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 2 Kgs 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18; Ps 60:3-5, 12-13; Mt 7:1-5 Tuesday: 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36; Ps 48:2-4, 10-11; Mt 7:6, 12-14 Wednesday: Vigil: Jer 1:4-10; Ps 71:1-6, 15, 17; 1 Pt 1:8-12; Lk 1:5-17 Day: Is 49:1-6; Ps 139:1-3, 13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80 Thursday: 2 Kgs 24:8-17; Ps 79:1b-5, 8-9; Mt 7:21-29 Friday: 2 Kgs 25:1-12; Ps 137:1-6; Mt 8:1-4 Saturday: Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19; Ps 74:1b-7, 20-21; Mt 8:5-17 Sunday: 2 Kgs 4:8-11, 14-16a; Ps 89:2-3, 16-19; Rom 6:3-4, 8-11; Mt 10:37-42

First Communion Please join in the welcoming the following young people to the banquet of the Lord. Keep them and their families in your prayers as the take this next step in our shared pilgrimage . Sunday, June 21st

11:30 AM Mass

~ Miriam Lucatero ~

1:00 PM Mass

~ Darby Romines & Tammie Willet ~

Questions/Concerns Contact Shari ( Director) [email protected]

Please pray for Our Lady’s intercession and protection for this school year. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide teachers, parents and the community in support of the children of the parish!

Confirmation Please send contact information for

your sponsor to [email protected]