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

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 CCE Office Hours During call for more information. CCE School Year: Sunday 8:30 am-12:00 pm Reconciliation The Sacrament of Penance is offered on Saturdays, from 4:30p.m. to 5:30p.m. or by appointment. Eucharistic Celebrations Sacrament of Marriage Please contact the Parish Office at least (6) six months Saturday: 6:00 p.m. prior to your desired wedding date to arrange a meeting Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., with Father Tony or one of the Deacons. If you want 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) a Mass, you must call Father Tony. 4:00 p.m. Life Teen Mass Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults St. Joseph’s Chapel Are you a non-Catholic who is interested in joining the Catholic faith? Are you a baptized Catholic who has Monday (No Mass) never received the sacraments of 1st Communion and Tuesday – 12:00 noon Confirmation? If your answer is yes to either of these Wednesday – 8:30 a.m. & (1st Wednesday Only 6:30 p.m.) questions, call the Parish Office. Thursday, & Friday – 8:30 a.m. Sacrament of First Communion First Communion candidates must be baptized, at least in Parish Staff the second grade, and have been attending CCE classes Rev. Tony A. Castro, Pastor for two full years previous to their receiving the Deacon Hector Cantu Sacrament. Adults needing First Communion should refer Deacon Julio Matallana to the rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Sacrament of Confirmation Deacon Stan Avallone Confirmation candidates must have previously received Bookkeeper-Nelda Shealy the Sacraments of Baptism and First Communion. They Bulletin/Sacramental Records– must have faithfully attended Life Teen for at least one Cheryl Frobenius full year prior to beginning preparation for the Sacrament Maintenance– Steve Regan (more than three absences without a valid excuse can Parish Secretary-Debbie Heasty alter the process). A signed form stating that the Receptionist-Peggy Holland parent/guardian and the candidate understand all C.C.E. Director-Jessica Jaramilllo requirements is also necessary before the preparation EDGE Director-Randy Tercero begins. Adults needing confirmation should refer to the Life Teen Director-Shari Davis 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 16: 6:00pm Sunday, March 17: 7:30am 10:00am 12:30pm 4:00pm Tuesday, March 19: 12:00pm

Steve Martin† By:Family Sherry Paschal Birthday Celebration By:Paschal Family Delia Lopez† By:Joe Lopez Maximina Rios† By:Rios Family People of the Parish Mary Moore† By:Heasty Family

Wednesday, March 20: 8:30am Jose Manuel Alvarez† By:Daughter Thursday, March 21: 8:30am All those Suffering Illness Friday, March 22: 8:30am Julia Dautriel† By:Peggy Holland Saturday, March 23: 6:00pm Cristela Davila† By:Deanna Amaya Sunday, March 24: 7:30am People of the Parish 10:00am Marita Hooper† By:Jack Hooper 12:30pm Special Intention for St. Mary’s Youth 4:00pm Norman Key† By:Richard & Shari Davis

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

Date March 22 March 29 April 5 April 12

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

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

March 9 & 10, 2019 Weekly Goal $12,000.00 Regular Collection $7,077.07 Ash Wednesday $1,751.00 Black & Indian Missions $1,572.00

DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND “Do Not Neglect to Share What you Have”

Parish Goal 2019 $52,000.00

Amount Pledged: $8,995.00 Amount Paid: $6,905.00 Total # of Participants 26 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.

Area Lenten Penance Services 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, 2 Sunday Lent C This second Sunday of Lent somehow deviates from the gloom of Lent to hear the story of the Transfiguration. The chosen disciples got a glimpse of Jesus’ divinity, a foretaste of Easter. This tells us that our Lenten journey can be the setting of a new transfiguration of Jesus in our lives! There comes the mystical moment for the chosen disciples to see and experience the glory of Jesus when they went with him to the mountaintop to pray. Peter exclaimed, “Oh how good it is to be here!” But it was only a momentary glimpse of the divine. Jesus wanted them to go back to the reality of the world by coming down that mountain and be ready to face the challenges ahead including accepting trials even up to death on the cross. The final glory still waits at the Resurrection. This Lent is opportunity for us to find time to get away for awhile from the hustle and bustle of our day to day life in order that we can listen and to contemplate closely on the Lord. We need to create the necessary conditions to be able to hear his voice and to contemplate on his divine yet unseen presence. And then inwardly “transfigure” our spiritual life and so we too can be ready to face whatever challenges we face in life. We’ll miss the point of Jesus’ Transfiguration when our attention is only about the mystical change of his appearance without paying attention to the equally significant aspect of the story - the voice from Heaven that says, "This is my beloved son, listen to him." It is because to listen to Him is the key for our own “transfiguration.” Today the world is full of confusion, it listens to so many things ... things that draw our attention away from listening the transforming words of the gospel. Oftentimes we are also carried away by the confusing messages of the secular world rather than be transformed by the words of the Lord. Lent is the most appropriate time for us pay attention to the Lord, to really “listen to Him,” and let him transform us, and so in our own little ways we too can transform the very immediate world we live. We have a great opportunity this week. In this Wednesday’s Penance Service we can do a little “housecleaning” for our souls that we can experience the transforming grace of God in us. Blessing to you and have a good week. Fr. Tony Querida familia parroquial, 2 domingo de cuaresma C Este segundo domingo de Cuaresma se desvía de la penumbra de cuaresma para escuchar la historia de la Trasfiguración. Los discípulos escogidos tuvieron un vislumbrar de la divinidad de Jesús, un adelantarse de la Pascua. ¡Esto nos dice que nuestra jornada de Cuaresma puede ser un ajuste de una nueva trasfiguración de Jesús en nuestras vidas! Llega un momento místico para los discípulos escogidos en ver y experimentar la gloria de Jesús cuando fueron con él a la montaña para orar. Pedro exclamo,” ¡Oh que bueno es estar aquí!” Pero solo fue una vislumbre momentánea de lo divino. Jesús quiso que regresaran a la realidad del mundo en bajar de la montaña y estar listos para enfrentar los desafíos que vienen por delante incluyendo aceptando tribulaciones hasta la muerte en cruz. La gloria final aún se espera en la Resurrección. Esta Cuaresma es una oportunidad para que nosotros encontremos tiempo para escapar del ajetreo y bullicio de nuestro diario vivir para poder escuchar y contemplar de cerca al Señor. Necesitamos crear las condiciones necesarias para poder escuchar la voz y contemplar en su divinidad y presencia que no se ve. Y luego transfigurar interiormente nuestra vida espiritual para poder estar listos al enfrentar cualquier desafío de la vida. Perdemos el punto de la Transfiguración de Jesús cuando nuestra atención es solo sobre el cambio místico de su apariencia sin poner atención al aspecto igualmente significativo a la historia – la voz del Cielo que dice, “Este es mi hijo amado, escúchenlo.” La llave de nuestra “trasfiguración” esta al escucharlo. Hoy el mundo está lleno de confusión, escuchan a muchas cosas…cosas que nos quitan la atención en escuchar las palabras trasformadoras del evangelio. Muchas veces también nos dejamos llevar por los mensajes confusos del mundo secular en lugar de ser trasformados por las palabras del Señor. La Cuaresma es el tiempo apropiado para ponerle atención al Señor, para verdaderamente “escucharlo,” y dejar que él nos transforme, y así en nuestras formas pequeñas podemos transformar el mundo en que vivimos. Tenemos una gran oportunidad esta semana. En el Servicio de Penitencia de este miércoles podemos “limpiar nuestra casa” para que nuestras almas puedan experimentar la gracia transformadora de Dios en nosotros. Bendiciones para ti y que tengas una buena semana. Padre Tony

MINISTRY SCHEDULE MARCH 23 & 24, 2019

SATURDAY 6:00pm Altar Servers Andrew Nguyen, John Paul Nguyen Lector Kathy Nastally Commentator Demetris Guzman Extraordinary Ministers Kathy Nastally, of the Eucharist Felipe Sanchez SUNDAY-7:30am Altar Servers Jeremiah Arredondo, Jorge Arredondo Lector Neal Broussard Commentator Lisa Raymundo Extraordinary Ministers Evarist Coryat, of the Eucharist Dianne Gerdes SUNDAY-10:00am Altar Server Elaine Munoz, Trysten Munoz Lector Cindy Bremer Commentator Kerry Regan Extraordinary Ministers Greg Bremer, Eloy Lara of the Eucharist SUNDAY-12:30pm (Spanish) Altar Servers Jasmine Rodriguez, Victor E. Velasquez Lectors Carlos Cirginliario, Graciela Cirnigliario Extraordinary Ministers Victor Velasquez, of the Eucharist Juanita Velasquez SUNDAY-4:00pm Altar Servers Dylan Rowan Lector Lyndsey Hernandez Extraordinary Ministers Lyndsey Hernandez, of the Eucharist Maria Reyes 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 16: No CCE, No EDGE-Spring Break No Life Teen-Spring Break Bible Study RH Conf. Rm 11am Adult Confirmation Class 2pm Bible Study - OREMUS, RH 5pm Tues. March 19: Baptism Class (Spanish)7pm Wed. March 20: Bible Study-OREMUS, Conf. Rm, 9:15am Thurs. March 21: RCIA 5-9pm Fri. March 22: Fish Fry 5:30pm-8pm Stations 6:30(English) & 7:15 (Spanish) Sat. March 23: No Grief Share March 23, 30

Please Pray For Our Troops and …

Oscar Cantu, 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 Randy Hanks, 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 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.

The L

is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? — Psalm 27:1

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. Church Candle Special Intention for Carson Bryan By Grandma Chapel Candle In Loving Memory of John Mills By Peggy Holland

Is God calling you this Lent? Due to work schedules, we are in need of someone to be a second person in the Chapel hour from 4-5pm on Wednesday’s. If you can help or would like to be placed on the sub list, please call the office. Pope’s Prayer Intention for March Evangelization: That Christian communities, especially those who are persecuted, feel that they are close to Christ and have their rights respected.

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:Dn 9:4b-10; Ps 79:8, 9, 11, 13; Lk 6:36-38 Tuesday:2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a Wednesday:Jer 18:18-20; Ps 31:5-6, 14-16; Mt 20:17-28 ThursdayJer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 16:19-31 Friday: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a; 17b-28a; Ps 105:16-21; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 Saturday:Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps 103:1-4, 9-12; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 Sunday: Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15; Ps 103:1-4, 6-8, 11; 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12; Lk 13:1-9 Alternate readings (Year A): Ex 17:3-7; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Rom 5:1-2, 5-8; Jn 4:5-42 [5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42]

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