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 2: 6:00pm Sunday, March 3: 7:30am 10:00am 12:30pm 4:00pm Tuesday, March 5: 12:00pm

Gilbert Garcia† By:Kolenc Family People of the Parish Becky Saucier† By:Frances Zann Monica Cantu† By:Joseangel & Saidy Garcia Ernesto Guzman Sr.† By:Guzman Family Parishioners Battling Illness

7:00am Liturgy of the Word with Ashes 8:30am Mass with Ashes All the Faithful Departed 12 Noon Liturgy of the Word with Ashes 6:30pm Mass with Ashes (Bi Lingual) All the Faithful Departed Marita Hooper† By:Peggy Holland

Friday, March 8: 8:30am Special Intention for Mr. & Mrs. David Moore By:Heasty Family Saturday, March 9: 6:00pm Emil Schaider† By:Schaider Family Sunday, March 10: 7:30am Danny Cavazos† By:Sylvia Cavzos 10:00am Vicky Martinez† By:Sabrina Lopez 12:30pm People of the Parish 4:00pm Special Intention for Jerry Verret By:Aunt Peggy

FORMED...

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

Ash Wednesday, March 6:

Thursday, March 7: 8:30am

February 23 & 24, 2019 Weekly Goal $12,000.00 Regular Collection $10,268.00

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 other problems, please contact Tracy [email protected]. She will contact you and walk you through the steps to register.

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 Galveston-Houston. 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.

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.

Dear parish family, Diocesan Services Fund Sunday I am so grateful for the generous people of our parish that keeps our church going; we are able to pay our bills and meet the up keeping of our parish. We all know that the lifeblood of our parish church is our weekly contributions. And so each year we are reminded also that the lifeblood of our larger church community, our archdiocese, is the yearly DSF campaign. This year DSF video highlights the Diaconate program, Ethnic ministry, the ProLife ministries, and Catholic Charities, just 4 ministries among the many financed by the DSF. There are more than 60 archdiocesan ministries and programs that are able to feed the poor, support our clergy, evangelize all people in our archdiocese and pass on to the next generation of Catholics. This week, all registered parishioners will receive a letter from our Archbishop, Cardinal DiNardo, along with a personalized pledge card, inviting you to heed Christ’s call to be merciful and respond with your generous participation in this year’s Diocesan Services Fund. Pray about your DSF 2019 commitment, then complete the enclosed pledge card and return it via mail in the special envelope provided or bring it Mass next weekend, or submit it to the parish office. If you prefer, you may go online at www.argh.org/ dsf to make your donation. Your generosity will allow our Catholic community to continue many vital programs and services. The budget this year to run the various 60 plus archdiocesan programs, ministries and services is $ 14,079,150.00. Our parish goal this year is $ 52,000.00. Through your support to the DSF, the archdiocese will continue to be the hands and feet and the compassionate face of Jesus to all who seek, as Pope Francis says, “the signs of the closeness of God.” This year’s theme is “Do not Neglect to Share What you Have.” I am happy to report that last year we were able met our goal. With your kindness and generosity, we can be sure to meet our goal again. I only beg those who have not yet participated to get involved - even a token of your kindness is very much welcome. The bottom line is actually not about meeting our goal, but meeting our obligation as a Christian - as followers of the Lord who calls us to answer the needs of others. It is not that we are giving to structures or purely human endeavors, but that we are responding to message of Christ. As pastor of this parish, I am so grateful to the people and families of this parish who had consistently supported the DSF. May God touch the hearts of others to do a Christian act of charity also, please let us all support the DSF. Blessings to you and have a good week! Fr. Tony Querida familia parroquial, Domingo del Fondo de Servicios Diocesano (DSF) Estoy muy agradecido por la gente generosa de nuestra parroquia que mantiene a nuestra iglesia en marcha; podemos pagar nuestras cuentas y cumplir con el mantenimiento de nuestra parroquia. Todos sabemos que el elemento vital de nuestra iglesia parroquial son nuestras contribuciones semanales. Y así, cada año se nos recuerda también que el alma de nuestra comunidad eclesiastica más grande, nuestra arquidiócesis, es la campaña anual de DSF. Este año, el video de DSF destaca el programa de Diaconado, el ministerio étnico, los ministerios de ProLife y las Caridades Católicas, solo 4 ministerios entre los muchos financiados por la DSF. Hay más de 60 ministerios y programas arquidiocesanos que pueden alimentar a los pobres, apoyar a nuestro clero, evangelizar a todas las personas en nuestra arquidiócesis y pasar a la siguiente generación de católicos. Esta semana, todos los feligreses registrados recibirán una carta de nuestro Arzobispo, el Cardenal DiNardo, junto con una tarjeta de compromiso personalizada, que lo invitará a escuchar el llamado de Cristo para ser misericordioso y responder con su generosa participación en el Fondo de Servicios Diocesanos de este año. Ore por su compromiso con DSF 2019, luego complete la tarjeta de compromiso adjunta y devuélvala por correo en el sobre especial que se le proporcionó o llévela a misa el próximo fin de semana, o envíela a la oficina parroquial. Si lo prefiere, puede ingresar a www.argh.org/dsf para hacer su donación. Su generosidad permitirá a nuestra comunidad católica continuar con muchos programas y servicios vitales. El presupuesto de este año para administrar los más de 60 programas, ministerios y servicios de la arquidiócesis es de $ 14,079,150.00. La meta de nuestra parroquia este año es de $ 52,000.00. A través de su apoyo al DSF, la arquidiócesis continuará siendo manos y pies y el rostro compasivo de Jesús para todos los que buscan, como dice el Papa Francisco, "los signos de la cercanía de Dios". El tema de este año es "No Negligencia en compartir lo que tienes ". Me complace informar que el año pasado pudimos alcanzar nuestra meta. Con su amabilidad y generosidad, podemos estar seguros de volver a alcanzar nuestro objetivo. Solo les ruego a aquellos que aún no han participado que se involucren, incluso una muestra de su amabilidad es muy bienvenida. En realidad, no se trata de cumplir con nuestra meta, sino de cumplir con nuestra obligación como cristianos, como seguidores del Señor que nos llama a responder a las necesidades de los demás. No es que estemos dando a estructuras o esfuerzos puramente humanos, sino que estamos respondiendo al mensaje de Cristo. Como pastor de esta parroquia, estoy muy agradecido con las personas y las familias de esta parroquia que siempre han apoyado a la DSF. Que Dios toque los corazones de otros para hacer también un acto de caridad cristiano, por favor, apoyemos al DSF. Bendiciones para ti y que tengas una buena semana! P. Tony

MINISTRY SCHEDULE ASH WEDNESDAY MARCH 6, 2019 Liturgy of the Word with Ashes 7:00am Lector Susie Burgess Extraordinary Ministers Joe Sturm, Kathy Sturm of the Eucharist Mass with Ashes 8:30am Lector Nick Barrera Commentator Brigitte Barrera Extraordinary Ministers Geraldine Leslie, Brgitte Barrera of the Eucharist Liturgy of the Word with Ashes-12 Noon Lectors Pat Stanton Extraordinary Ministers Richard Florance, of the Eucharist George Rodriguez Mass with Ashes - 6:30pm Altar Servers Sarahi Arrona, Jasmine Rodriguez Lector Jaime Vasquez Commentator Mercedes Arrona Extraordinary Ministers Eloy Lara, Vanessa Lara of the Eucharist

MARCH 9 & 10, 2019 SATURDAY 6:00pm Altar Servers Lauren Lara, Payton Lara Lector Isabelle Salas Commentator Pat Stanton Extraordinary Ministers Tim Hughes, Isabelle Salas of the Eucharist SUNDAY-7:30am Altar Servers Natalie Molina, Saoirse Molina Lector Nick Barrera Commentator Brigitte Barrera Extraordinary Ministers Diana Ortiz, Robert Ortiz of the Eucharist SUNDAY-10:00am Altar Server Sergio Reyes, Jacob Jenkins Lector Tracy Avallone Commentator Wayne Christensen Extraordinary Ministers Felicia Reyes, George Rodriguez of the Eucharist SUNDAY-12:30pm (Spanish) Altar Servers Alejandro Rodriguez, Jasmine Rodriguez Lectors Blanca Rodriguez, Olivia Rodriguez Extraordinary Ministers Jose & Juany Gracia of the Eucharist SUNDAY-4:00pm Altar Servers Dylan Rowen, Ean Lopez Lector Lyndsey Hernandez Extraordinary Ministers Lyndsey Hernandez, Maria Reyes of the Eucharist

Are you Single or Single again? If you would like to get to know or visit with other single members of our parish, join us after the 7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass on March 3, 2019, at Denny’s Restaurant for breakfast. The address is 928 Hwy 146 S., La Porte, located on the east side of Kroger’s, facing the 146 access road. If that’s not your Mass, we’ll be there around 8:30 a.m. Questions? Contact Victoria, 281-991-4780, or email: [email protected].

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.

Interested Candidates call the parish office. Applica ons addressed to: Search Commi ee for DRE St. Mary Parish Church

Activities of the Week

Fourth Annual Catholic Men’s Conference Saturday March 9, 2019 Sun. March 3: CCE, EDGE & Life Teen Baptisms after 10am and 12:30pm Masses 8am—3pm Bible Study RH Conf. Rm 11am Sylvan Beach Pavilion Oremus, Bible Timeline RH 5pm 1 Sylvan Beach Dr. Wed. March 6: See Ash Wednesday Mass Schedule La Porte, TX Thurs. March 7: RCIA 5-9pm $40. Before March 1 or $45. Fri. March 8: Spanish Prayer Group Chapel 7pm After Groups & Students $35. Sat. March 9: Grief Share 9am PH Conf. Rm Light Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks included. Speakers: Please Pray For Our Troops and … Joe McClane, Deacon Daid Michael Moses, Andrea Pina, Pam Nunley, Hector Castro, Cody Rex Moses, Mark Houck & Tim Scott 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, Julia Dautriel, 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 Norman Key Our Sympathy to Valeria Key and family on the loss of her husband Norman 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.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for March :

Info./ Registration, Speaker Bios www.gc-cmc.org

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 March 3, April 7, May 5

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; begins February 17, 2019. 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 rosary Hall conference Room and 9:15am Wednesday mornings. 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:Sir 17:20-24; Ps 32:1-2, 5-7; Mk 10:17-27 Tuesday:Sir 35:1-12; Ps 50:5-8, 14, 23; Mk 10:28-31 Wednesday:Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6ab, 12-14, 17; 2 Cor 5:20 — 6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday: Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 9:22-25 Friday: Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6ab, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15 Saturday: Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk 5:27-32 Sunday:Dt 26:4-10; Ps 91:1-2, 10-15; Rom 10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13

Bay Area Deanery Council of Catholic Women

Helping Others ~ BADCCW devote March to doing service. Join us March 5 as we help the Christian Renewal Center prepare a mass mailing. To carpool, meet at St. Paul’s at 9:30am. You can bring your own lunch or eat out. March 19 join us in bringing a covered dish to dine and visit with the women at Angela House as they prepare to transition back into society after incarceration. Meet at St. Bernadette at 11:30am and return by 3pm. For more information contact Yvette Blanchard, 281-245-8639 or [email protected]

Grief Share Seminars

St. Mary’s Samaritan Ministry Bereavement Support Team will host weekly Grief Share seminars began Saturday, February 16, 2019. Meetings are 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Our weekly seminar topic this Saturday will be 4) The Journey of Grief, Part Two; 5) Grief and Your Relationships/Why?; 6) Guilt and Anger; 7) Complicating Factors/Stuck; 8) Lessons of Grief, Part One; 9) Lessons of Grief, Part Two; 10) Heaven; and 11) What do I Live for Now? Please join us if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. It is most beneficial to attend all of the sessions however 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. Pick up a pink brochure in the back or sides of the church doors for detailed information. For additional information please contact the Team Coordinator Nelda Shealy at 281471-2000. 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.

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].

Classes Today 8:45am & 11:15am Contact Jessica Jaramillo Monday 9am-12noon at 281-471-2000 [email protected]

Life Teen Mass 4pm Life Teen’s Spring Retreat When: March 8-10, 2019 Where: Cat Springs Retreat Center

Jr. High Program, 6, 7 & 8th Grade Class Today 5pm DEAD GROWTH~ A Night on Lent

Parent Meeting tonight at 6:00PM. Please be there. Randy Tercero EDGE Coordinator: [email protected] or Angie 713-826-0633

Have questions or need more information? See one of the Core Members Tonight

Class Today 5pm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bible Study Wed. @ 7pm

Info. contact Shari @ 281 435 5708