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 CCE Office Hours During CCE School Year: Sunday 8:30 am-12:00 pm Eucharistic Celebrations Saturday: 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) 4:00 p.m. Life Teen Mass St. Joseph’s Chapel Monday (No Mass) Tuesday – 12:00 noon Wednesday – 8:30 a.m. & (1st Wednesday Only 6:30 p.m.) 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-Debbie Heasty Receptionist-Peggy Holland C.C.E. Director-Jessica Jaramilllo EDGE Director-Randy Tercero Life Teen Director-Shari Davis

Sacrament of Baptism Baptisms are celebrated on the 1st 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 Communion First Communion candidates must be baptized, at least in the second grade, and have been attending CCE classes for two full years previous to their receiving the Sacrament. Adults needing First Communion should refer to the rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation candidates must have previously received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Communion. They must have faithfully attended Life Teen for at least one full year prior to beginning preparation for the Sacrament (more than three absences without a valid excuse can alter the process). A signed form stating that the parent/guardian and the candidate understand all requirements is also necessary before the preparation begins. Adults needing confirmation should refer to the Rite of Christian initiation of adults.

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.

Saturday, March 9: 6:00pm Sunday, March 10: 7:30am 10:00am 12:30pm 4:00pm Tuesday, March 12: 12:00pm

Emil Schaider† By:Schaider Family Danny Cavazos† By:Sylvia Cavzos Vicky Martinez† By:Sabrina Lopez People of the Parish Special Intention for Jerry Verret By:Aunt Peggy Carolyn Douglas† By:Family

Wednesday, March 13: 8:30am Gloria Cruz† By:Ilustre Family Thursday, March 14: 8:30am Julia Dautriel† By:Heasty Family Friday, March 15: 8:30am Special Intention for Betty Frobenius By:Family Saturday, March 16: 6:00pm Steve Martin† By:Family Sunday, March 17: 7:30am Sherry Paschal Birthday Celebration By:Paschal Family 10:00am Delia Lopez† By:Joe Lopez 12:30pm Maximina Rios† By:Rios Family 4:00pm People of the Parish

Friday Lenten Stations of the Cross 6:30PM English 7:15PM Spanish

Date March 15 March 22 March 29 April 5 April 12

Celebrant Deacon Hector Cantu Fr. Tony Castro Deacon Stan Avallone Deacon Hector Cantu Fr. Tony Castro

7:15PM (Spanish) Deacon Julio Fish Fry 5:30 - 8pm

March 2 & 3, 2019 Weekly Goal $12,000.00 Regular Collection $11,902.05

DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND “Do Not Neglect to Share What you Have” Parish Goal 2019 $52,000.00

Amount Pledged: $1,995.00 Amount Paid: $1,045.00 If you have not already offered your pledge in this year’s Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), please do so today. DSF 2019 reminds us, the Church, to Not Neglect to Share What you Have, and through our willingness to share our blessings, benefit ministries that serve thousands and thousands of our brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston. With your generous support of DSF, you offer praise to God and care to the many pressing needs that cannot be addressed individually or by one parish alone. Our parish goal for 2019 is $52,000. With every parish family’s full participation, we will surely exceed this amount advancing the work of the Church in our community. To give online, please visit www.archgh.org/dsf. For those of you who have already responded with a gift, please accept our sincere gratitude.

Area Lenten Penance Services St. Bernadette (Clear Lake) 281-486-0337 Thursday, March 14, 7pm St. Hyacinth (Deer Park) 281-479-4298 Tuesday, March 19, 7pm

St. Mary’s (La Porte) 281-471-2000 Wednesday, March 20, 7pm

St. Mary’s (League City) 281-332-3031 Thursday, March 21, 7pm St. Clare of Assisi (Clear Lake) 281-286-7729 Tuesday, March 26, 7pm St. Paul the Apostle (Nassau Bay) 281-333-3891 Wednesday, March 28, 7pm Mary Queen (Friendswood) 281-482-1391 Tuesday, April 2, 7pm St. Luke (Houston) 281-481-6816 Wednesday, April 3, 7pm St. Helen (Pearland) 281-485-2421 Thursday, April 4, 7pm

Dear parish family,

1 Sunday of Lent C

We now enter the Lenten season. Our spiritual exercises of prayer, fasting and almsgiving can be helpful as we consider those things that really matter. This Sunday’s Gospel tells about the first “Lent,” when we see Jesus in the desert. His forty days of fasting and prayer present us a model of faithfulness as opposed to the faithlessness of Israel during its forty years in the desert. He is the totally committed Son, whose adherence to the Father’s will is absolute. The temptations of Jesus help us see where our own vulnerabilities are and give us an example to fortify us in our own spiritual struggles. His answers to all the temptations revolve around his complete dedication to God. Perhaps we could look at the individual temptations as symptomatic for different areas of struggle that afflict us all. “Turn these stones to bread.” Material concerns are in the forefront of many people’s daily lives. But Jesus’ refusal to turn stones into bread points to authentic human priorities. If we wish to live as Christ did, we must realize that we do not “live on bread alone.” While our faith provides us with no shortcuts for alleviating material needs, it does keep them from taking the first place in our lives. If we feed our souls on the word of God and, above all, the Bread of Life, we will ward off that hunger that is far more dangerous than the physical: spiritual emptiness. When we put God first in everything and live by the word of the Lord instead of living from the bread of the world then we can be able to: “Fast from fear; Feast on Faith Fast from despair; Feed on hope. Fast from depressing news; Feed on prayer. Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude. Fast from anger and worry; Feed on patience. Fast from negative thinking; Feast on positive thinking. Fast from bitterness; Feed on love and forgiveness. Fast from words that wound; Feast on words that heal. Fast from gravity; Feast on joy and humor.” (Adapted from “A Lenten Prayer” by William Arthur Ward) The church gives us opportunity for personal spiritual journey/retreat for 40 days. Aside from intensifying our prayer life, avail Penance Service; why not also attend Bible Studies offered here? Or more easy, why not making a habit availing the many programs at FORMED.ORG which are free? If we can do a little bit lifting up our spiritual life, we can surely anticipate to joyfully and fruitfully celebrate the glory of Easter soon to come. Blessings to all and have a good week.

Querida familia parroquial,

Fr. Tony

1 domingo de Cuaresma C

Ahora entramos en la temporada de Cuaresma. Nuestros ejercicios espirituales de oración, ayuno y limosna pueden ser útiles si consideramos las cosas que realmente importan. El Evangelio de este domingo habla de la primera "Cuaresma", cuando vemos a Jesús en el desierto. Sus cuarenta días de ayuno y oración nos presentan un modelo de fidelidad en oposición a la infidelidad de Israel durante sus cuarenta años en el desierto. Él es el Hijo totalmente comprometido, cuya adhesión a la voluntad del Padre es absoluta. Las tentaciones de Jesús nos ayudan a ver dónde están nuestras propias vulnerabilidades y nos dan un ejemplo para fortalecernos en nuestras propias luchas espirituales. Sus respuestas a todas las tentaciones giran en torno a su completa dedicación a Dios. Quizás podríamos ver las tentaciones individuales como sintomáticas para diferentes áreas de lucha que nos afligen a todos. “Convierta estas piedras en pan”. Las preocupaciones materiales están en la vanguardia de la vida cotidiana de muchas personas. Pero la negativa de Jesús a convertir piedras en pan apunta a auténticas prioridades humanas. Si deseamos vivir como lo hizo Cristo, debemos darnos cuenta de que no “vivimos solo de pan”. Si bien nuestra fe no nos proporciona atajos para aliviar las necesidades materiales, les impide tomar el primer lugar en nuestras vidas. Si alimentamos nuestras almas con la Palabra de Dios y, sobre todo, con el Pan de la Vida, evitaremos ese hambre que es mucho más peligrosa que el vacío físico: espiritual. Cuando ponemos a Dios primero en todo y vivimos por la palabra del Señor en lugar de vivir del pan del mundo, entonces podemos: “Ayuno del miedo; Alimentarse en la fe Ayuno de la desesperación; Alimentarse de la esperanza Ayuno de noticias deprimentes; Alimentarse de la oración Ayuno del descontento; Alimentarse de gratitud. Ayuno de la ira y la preocupación; Alimentarse de la paciencia. Ayuno del pensamiento negativo; Alimentarse con pensamiento positivo. Ayuno de la amargura; Alimentarse con amor y perdón. Ayuno de las palabras que hieren; Alimentarse con palabras que sanan. Ayuno de la gravedad; Alimentarse de la alegría y el humor ".(Adaptado de "A Lenten Prayer" por William Arthur La iglesia nos da la oportunidad de un viaje / retiro espiritual personal durante 40 días. Aparte de intensificar nuestra vida de oración, haga uso del Servicio de Penitencia; ¿Por qué no asistir también a los estudios bíblicos ofrecidos aquí? O más fácil, ¿por qué no hacer un hábito haciendo uso de los muchos programas en FORMED.ORG que son gratuitos? Si podemos hacer un poco más para elevar nuestra vida espiritual, seguramente podemos anticipar que celebraremos con gozo y fructífera la gloria de la Pascua que se avecina pronto. Bendiciones a todos y que tengan una buena semana.

P. Tony

MINISTRY SCHEDULE MARCH 16 & 17, 2019

SATURDAY 6:00pm Altar Servers John Paul Nguyen, Joseph Nguyen Lector Pat Stanton Commentator Tracy Avallone Extraordinary Ministers Tracy Avallone, of the Eucharist Isabelle Salas SUNDAY-7:30am Altar Servers Alex Molina, Natalie Molina Lector Susie Burgess Commentator Sheridan Lewis Extraordinary Ministers Joe Sturm, Kathy Sturm of the Eucharist SUNDAY-10:00am Altar Server Sophia Melton, Isabella Melton Lector Kerry Regan Commentator Tracy Avallone Extraordinary Ministers Richard Florance, of the Eucharist Mary Edwards SUNDAY-12:30pm (Spanish) Altar Servers Adrian Rodriguez, Alejandro Rodriguez Lectors Nelida Velez, Sergio Calvillo Extraordinary Ministers Carlos Cirnigliario, of the Eucharist Graciela Cirnigliario SUNDAY-4:00pm Altar Servers Benjamin Tercero, Oliver Tercero Lector Randy Tercero Extraordinary Ministers Rosie Molina, of the Eucharist Angie Tercero St. Mary’s Samaritan Ministry Bereavement Support Team Weekly Grief Share seminars will take a 3 week break. The next Saturday's Topic (April 6, 2019, 9:00 am to 10:30 am) is the 5th session) Grief and Your Relationship. Please join us if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Each session is “self-contained”, so you do not have to attend in sequence and you will be able to pick up any session you missed in the next Grief Share seminar cycle.

Job Opening at St. Mary

Director of Religious Educa on (DRE) Jessica Jamarillo is moving to a full me job at the Catholic Chari es downtown. We are so grateful for her valuable ministry in our parish church as DRE for the past years. She will finish her responsibili es here by the end of the school year this May. We are now beginning in search for her replacement. Qualifica ons: • Must be an ac ve Catholic in good standing with the Church. • Minimum of 4 year college degree in religious educa on, religious studies or another relevant field or significant equivalent experience. • Archdiocesan Catechist cer ficate and has training in sacramental prepara ons and as parish cateche cal leader. • Minimum experience of three years of parish cateche cal experience. • Must have excellent organiza on and communica on skills. • Proficient in MS so ware, Excel, Word and Publisher. • Must be fluent in English, Spanish is a plus. Basic job descrip on (details upon interview) • Planning and oversight of parish religious program through grade 12, including sacramental prepara ons. • Facilita ng parent and catechist mee ngs, retreats and workshops. • Communica ng an enthusiasm for the Catholic faith among our young people and their families. • Manage and maintain the Safe Environment Policy compliance requirements for catechists and ministry volunteers. • Must be available to work on weekends and evenings.

Pick up a pink brochure in the back or sides of the church for detailed information. For additional information please contact the Team Coordinator Nelda Shealy at 281-471-2000.

Interested Candidates call the parish office.

St. Mary’s Samaritan Ministry Bereavement Support Team is currently training facilitators. If you are interested in becoming a facilitator in this Ministry, please call Nelda Shealy at 281-471-2000.

Applica ons addressed to: Search Commi ee for DRE St. Mary Parish Church

Activities of the Week

Sun. March 10: No CCE, No EDGE-Spring Break Life Teen Retreat Cat Springs all Weekend Bible Study RH Conf. Rm 11am Adult Confirmation Class 2pm Bible Study - OREMUS, RH 5pm Wed. March 13: Bible Study-OREMUS, Conf. Rm, 9am Thurs. March 7: RCIA 5-9pm Fri. March 15: Fish Fry 5:30pm, Stations 6:30(English) & 7:15 (Spanish) Sat. March 16: No Grief Share March 16, 23, 30

Please Pray For Our Troops and …

Alan Buxkemper, Andrea Pina, Pam Nunley, Hector Castro, Cody Frankoviac, Tim Sturm, Isaac Aaron Torres, Deana Mickna, Craig Wade, Jennifer Wade, Bob & Barbara Jennings, Dianne Lemons, Paula Lambright, Jennifer Minor, Dave & Cindy Schmitz, Faith A., Dennis, Peggy & Erica Hargens, Ruth Christian, Marilyn James, Christina C., Chuck & Susan Thompson, Don & Allie Faye Mathews, Brad & Barbara Riley, Marilyn N., Seth Permenter & Family, Parker Dixon & Family, Willetta House, Jeremy & Diana Cassidy & Family, Kendra Ramirez & Family, Raelynd and Family Amanda Zan, Chuck Thompson, Manuelita Salinas, Arthur Vidal, Sue Gonzalez, Lynn Guio, Susan Tolley, Aaron Binkley, Jordon Binkley, Erica Cantu, Salvador Vasquez, Maria Moreno, Elyssa Molina, J.B., Myron Rose, Daniel Vasquez, Michelle Meehan, Maridna Salinas, Maria Cano, Anthony Luna, Joel Rivera, Alex Knaak, Sally Nadju, Brigitta Dobmeier, Tamara Batten Continue to Pray for Maria Garcia, Jeanette Tilley, Christina Palacios, David & Mary Gonzalez, Marisol Leyva & family, Marisol Luna, Juanita Sanchez, Cynthia de la Cerda, Maurice & Betty Flynn, Orville Burgess, Ron Balsam, Pat Riley, Joe Sturm, Edward Salinas, Marlene Orellana, Humberto Villalobos, Mary Sigala, Kathy McBride, Margaret Espinoza, Romela Nolan, Joe Bernal, Fr. Gary Rickles, Renee Cortez, Pedro Sanchez, Aurelia Hinojosa, Cathy Hanzelka, Msgr. Boli Zientek, Gayle Phillips, Jane Middleton, Rosa Reyes, Tom Noonan, Deacon Tom Lewis, Gene Contreras, Irene Templet, Preston Wolf, Lawretta Foots, Marcos Vasquez, Clarence Clipper, Gavin Binkley, Clarence Lewis, Red Cornejo, Linda Jaramillo, Lois Johnston, Deacon Merce Leal, Sue Crockett, Joanne Jarrell, Ben Munoz, Diana Ortiz, Bob Davis, Janet Hoffpauir, Nick Martin, Barry Armstrong and those requesting prayer via our web site. Remember Our Shut-Ins Lydia Rubio, Trinidad Arrindon, Josie Funda, 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 Julia Dautriel, Felicitas Escobal and Purification Castro Our Sympathy to the family of Julia Dautriel, and Fr. Tony and family on the loss of his Aunt Felicitas and Aunt Purification 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.

ALTAR FLOWERS

No Flowers during Lent Available Dates for Altar Flowers 2019 May 25/26 June 1/2, 8/9, 15/16, 22/23, 29/30 To place flowers on the altar contact Jan Hughes @ 281–402-5401 or 903-780-5090.

Come Pray With Us… Rosary for Life

Monday, March 11 - Please join us in praying the Holy Rosary, asking for our Blessed Mother’s intercession for the unborn, elderly, disabled, sick and all special intentions in St. Joseph’s Chapel @ 7:00pm.

Upcoming Adult Confirmation Classes

If you have been baptized, have received your First Communion but need to be confirmed, we will be having Adult Confirmation Classes on Sundays @ 2pm in the Parish Hall Conference Room for 5 weeks, starting the first week of Lent (Sunday, March 10) . Due to the limited sessions, you will not be able to sign up late. Please contact Deacon Hector if you have any questions, @ 281-382 -8672 or call the office.

Upcoming Baptismal Dates April 7, May 5, June 2

Baptism classes are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in English and the 3rd Tuesday of the month in Spanish @ 7pm. Baptisms are the first Sunday of the month after the 10am & 12:30pm Masses. 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 come by or call the office to fill out the paperwork.

Encuentro Martimonial Mundial Los invita a vivir un Fin de Semana Conoce como puedes vivir mas intima y profundamente tu relacion. AQuieres recuperar la relacion con tu esposo (a)cunado eran novios. 281948-8690, 281-948-8640, Marco & Mercedes Arrona, [email protected] Los Testigos del Poder de Dios Nuestra Asamblea de Oración les invita a reunirse como hermanos en Cristo para ALABAR, BENDECIR, y GLORIFICAR a nuestro Dios, Padre, Hijo y Espiritu Santo. Vengan pequenos y grandes todos los viernes de 7:30-9:00p.m. en la capilla de San Jose. Te invitamos a una Hora Santa en comunidad Todos los mièrcoles De 7-8 p.m.En la Capilla de San Josè. Para más información Puedes comunicarte con Marta y Reino Fernández 832-985-1799

UPCOMING BIBLE STUDY Back by Popular Demand

OREMUS: A Guide to Catholic Prayer. Take some time this Lent to deepen your prayer life. No matter how good or bad your prayer life is, there is room for more. This study will help you deepen your relationship with God and those around you. We will be meeting 5:15pm in the Rosary Hall Conference Room and 9:15am Wednesday mornings in the Parish Hall Conference Rm. Contact Tracy [email protected] to register.

Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible:

This 8 part study will give you an overall picture of the Bible and help you relate it to everyday life. This Study will begin May 9, 2019, and meets Thursday evenings @ 6pm in the Conference Room next to the church office. Cost will be $20. for materials. Contact Tracy [email protected] to register.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday:Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mt 25:31-46 Tuesday: Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7, 16-19; Mt 6:7-15 Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Lk 11:29-32 Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8; Mt 7:7-12 Friday: 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-3a, 4-6; Mt 16:13-19 Saturday: Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mt 5:43-48 Sunday: Gn 15:5-12, 17-18; Ps 27:1, 7-9, 13-14; Phil 3:17 — 4:1 [3:20 — 4:1]; Lk 9:28b-36

Are you Single or Single Again? Please join us Monday, April 1, 2019, for a trip to the Japanese Gardens in Hermann Park. Meet at the Chapel at 9:15 am to ride the East Harris County bus, $3 donation requested. Hopefully, the cherry trees will be in bloom. Free Admission. There is a train ride through the gardens and other areas of Hermann Park for $3.50/pp. Lunch will be at the Pinewood Café on the garden premises. Here is a link to their menu: https://www.hermannpark.org/visit/pinewoodcafe. Please RSVP as soon as possible to Victoria, 281991-4780, [email protected].

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

St. Mary’s Church,816 Park Dr., La Porte, TX

Low-Low Prices

Clothing, Shoes, Houseware/Glassware, Hardware ~ New Merchandise Every Day ~

Hours: 9:00am to 11am Closed: Thursday & Sunday

All proceeds are used to help the needy in our community with their rent and utility bills. If you or someone you know, who lives in La Porte, is in need of assistance, please call or have them call the office to make an appointment to come in for help. Thank You for Your Support! Our Resale Shop here at St. Mary’s is in need of volunteers (Especially able-bodied males). You can pick any day you are able to work. If you are available to help out, please contact Norma @ 281-471-1752.

Our new RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

Class is beginning May 2 and is for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith whether you want to join or not. RCIA is also for baptized adult Catholics who need First Holy Communion and confirmation. RCIA meets from 6-9pm on Thursday evenings in the conference room next to the Church office. For additional information about the RCIA program, call the office or email Tracy, [email protected].

Spring Break Classes Resume March 24 Contact Jessica Jaramillo Monday 9am-12noon at 281-471-2000 [email protected]

Jr. High Program, 6, 7 & 8th Grade ~ Spring Break ~ Classes Resume March 24th Randy Tercero EDGE Coordinator: [email protected] or Angie 713-826-0633

Life Teen Mass 4pm Life Teen’s Spring Retreat This Weekend Cat Springs Retreat Center Have questions or need more information? See one of the Core Members Tonight

No Life Night Tonight ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bible Study Wed. @ 7pm Info. contact Shari @ 281 435 5708