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 call for more information. CCE Office Hours During Reconciliation CCE School Year: The Sacrament of Penance is offered on Saturdays, from Sunday 8:30 am-12:00 pm 4:30p.m. to 5:30p.m. or by appointment. Sacrament of Marriage Eucharistic Celebrations 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 Are you a non-Catholic who is interested in joining the St. Joseph’s Chapel 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 for two full years previous to their receiving the Rev. Tony A. Castro, Pastor Sacrament. Adults needing First Communion should refer Deacon Hector Cantu to the rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Deacon Julio Matallana 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.

March 16 & 17, 2019 Weekly Goal $12,000.00 Regular Collection $ 10,444.10 Saturday, March 23: 6:00pm Sunday, March 24: 7:30am 10:00am 12:30pm 4:00pm Tuesday, March 26: 12:00pm

Cristela Davila† By:Deanna Amaya People of the Parish Marita Hooper† By:Jack Hooper Special Intention for St. Mary’s Youth Norman Key† By:Richard & Shari Davis

Wednesday, March 27: 8:30am

Special Intention for Baby Raelynn By:Frobenius Family Pat Young† By:Heasty Family

Thursday, March 28: 8:30am For All Those Battling Illness Friday, March 29: 8:30am For Our First Holy Communion Students Saturday, March 30: 6:00pm Charles† & Concetta† Magliolo By:John Magliolo Sunday, March 31: 7:30am In Thanksgiving By:Angelles Sullivan 10:00am People of the Parish 12:30pm Emma Garcia Loredo† By:Alvarez Family 4:00pm Special Intention for St. Mary’s Life Teen & Core Team

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

Date March 29 April 5 April 12

Celebrant Deacon Stan Avallone Deacon Hector Cantu Fr. Tony Castro

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

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.

St. Mary’s Family Bazaar October 21, 2019 Need a Chairman. Is It You??? Area Lenten Penance Services

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,

3 Sunday Lent C

PARISH “IGNITE” CAPITAL CAMPAIGN KICKOFF Our Archdiocesan Community has been blessed with tremendous growth, but with that comes unprecedented challenges. If these challenges are not address now, they will affect the ability to fulfill our primary mission of proclaiming the Gospel message and serving the people of God. So at this time, we are entering into the largest capital campaign in the history of the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston. Other parishes had already started theirs 2 years ago and others just a year ago. We are the “third block” – 3rd group of parishes which will kick off the campaign in their respective parishes this year. And soon you will hear more presentations about this. We must keep in mind that this is entirely different from the Diocesan Services Fund which is a yearly campaign to finance the more than 60 plus programs and Ministries of the Archdiocese. While “IGNITE: OUR FAITH AND MISSION,” is a capital campaign that will run for 4 years to fund these 4 components, namely: Upgrading the Seminary facilities, Rebuilding the Parishes and Schools in the Light of Harvey, Future Disaster Recovery Fund, Funding Catholic Education and Faith Formation, and Parish Support – 33 % of what we will raise will come back to us for our specified parish projects. It is a “Good effort Capital campaign” – meaning we’ll not be penalized if we can’t meet our goal. But the bigger we are able to raise then the bigger we can get for our projects. It seems too big at the outset but in reality the pledges we make in the span of 4 years is not really a big burden for a very necessary campaign so much needed at this point in time in the history of the Archdiocese. Because we are an integral part of the larger Catholic Community, I hope you will listen to the future presentations and read flyers. And I pray that you have an open mind and heart to consider how you can take part in this important mission of the Church. After hearing the details, I humbly ask your commitment in support of the campaign to the best of your ability. Blessings to all and have a good week.

Querida familia parroquial,

Fr. Tony Castro

3 Domingo de Cuaresma C

CAMPAÑA PARROQUIAL ”IGNITE” Nuestra comunidad arquidiocesana ha sido bendecida con un tremendo crecimiento, pero con eso vienen desafíos fuera de lo comun. Si estos desafíos no se confrontan ahora, afectarán la capacidad de cumplir nuestra misión principal de proclamar el mensaje del Evangelio y servir al pueblo de Dios. Así que en este momento, estamos entrando en la campaña de capital más grande en la historia de la Arquidiócesis de Galveston Houston. Otras parroquias ya habían comenzado las suyas hace 2 años y otras solo hace un año. Somos el "tercer bloque": el tercer grupo de parroquias que iniciará la campaña en sus parroquias respectivas este año. Y pronto escucharás más presentaciones sobre esto. Debemos tener en cuenta que esto es completamente diferente del Fondo de Servicios Diocesanos, que es una campaña anual para financiar los más de 60 programas y ministerios de la Arquidiócesis. Si bien "IGNITE: NUESTRA FE Y MISIÓN", es una campaña de capital que durará 4 años para financiar estos 4 componentes, que son: Modernizar las instalaciones del Seminario, Reconstruir las parroquias y las escuelas a la luz de Harvey, Fondo para la recuperación de desastres futuros, Financiamiento Educación católica y formación en la fe, y apoyo parroquial: el 33% de lo que recaudaremos nos regresará para nuestros proyectos parroquiales específicos. Es una "campaña de Capital de buen esfuerzo", lo que significa que no seremos penalizados si no podemos cumplir con nuestra meta. Pero cuanto más podamos recaudar, más grandes las posibilidades de obtener fondos para nuestros proyectos. Parece demasiado grande al principio, pero en realidad las promesas que hacemos en el lapso de 4 años no son realmente una gran carga para una campaña muy necesaria, tan necesaria en este momento en la historia de la Arquidiócesis. Debido a que somos una parte integral de la comunidad católica en general, espero que escuchen las futuras presentaciones y lean los folletos. Y oro para que tenga una mente y un corazón abiertos para considerar cómo puede participar en esta importante misión de la Iglesia. Después de escuchar los detalles, le pido humildemente su compromiso para apoyar esta campaña lo mejor que usted pueda. Bendiciones a todos y que tengan una buena semana.

P. Tony Castro

MINISTRY SCHEDULE MARCH 30 & 31, 2019

SATURDAY 6:00pm Altar Servers Andrew Nguyen, Joseph Nguyen Lector Dennis Swenson Commentator Victoria Swenson Extraordinary Ministers Debbie Wade, of the Eucharist Victoria Swenson SUNDAY-7:30am Altar Servers Alex Molina, Natalie Molina Lector Demetris Guzman Commentator Kathy Nastally Extraordinary Ministers Leslie Davis, Mose Davis of the Eucharist SUNDAY-10:00am Altar Server Reece Schoppe, Ryan Schoppe Lector Vanessa Maduzia Commentator Kerry Regan Extraordinary Ministers Richard Florance, of the Eucharist Vanessa Lara SUNDAY-12:30pm (Spanish) Altar Servers Adrian Rodriguez, Alejandro Rodriguez Lectors Enrique Rincan, Olivia Rodriguez Extraordinary Ministers Jose Rios, Yoli Rios of the Eucharist SUNDAY-4:00pm Altar Server Jeremiah Arredondo, Jorge Arredondo Lector Jason Woods Extraordinary Ministers Jose Lopez, Cecilia Lopez of the Eucharist 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. 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. 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.

Job Opening at St. Mary Deadline to Apply April 15

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 Sun. March 24: CCE, EDGE, Life Teen Bible Study RH Conf. Rm 11am Adult Confirmation Class 2pm Bible Study - OREMUS, RH 5pm Mon. March 25: FHC Volunteer Mtg. 6:30pm PH Tues. March 26: Ignite Mtg. 6pm. PH Conf. Rm Wed. March 27: Bible Study-OREMUS, Conf. Rm, 9:15am Thurs. March 28: RCIA 5-9pm Fri. March 29: Fish Fry 5:30pm-8pm Stations 6:30(English) & 7:15 (Spanish) Sat. March 30: FHC Retreat 9am-5pm RH No Grief Share Saturday, March 30

Please Pray For Our Troops and …

Linda Zeller, Oscar Cantu, Alan Buxkemper, Andrea Pina, Pam Nunley, Hector Castro, Cody Frankoviac, Tim Sturm, Isaac Aaron Torres, Dena Michna, Craig Wade, Jennifer Wade, Bob & Barbara Jennings, Dianne Lemons, Paula Lambright, Jennifer Minor, Dave & Cindy Schmitz, Faith A., Dennis, Peggy & Erica Hargens, Marilyn James, Christina C., Chuck & Susan Thompson, Don & Allie Faye Mathews, Brad & Barbaran Riley, Seth Permenter & Family, Parker Dixon & Family, Jeremy & Diana Cassidy & Family, Kendra Ramirez & Family, Raelynd and Family, Amanda Zan, Chuck & Susan Thompson, Manuelita Salinas, Arthur Vidal, Sue Gonzalez, 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

Repose of the Souls of Lynn Guio, Francisco Rodriguez Our Sympathy to Shan Revak and family on the loss of her sister in law, Lynn, and the family of Francisco Rodriguez 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.

Is God calling you this Lent? Due to work schedules, we are in need of someone to be a second person in the Chapel from 4-5pm on Wednesday’s. If you can help or would like to be placed on the sub list, please call the office. The Gabriel Project is designed to help women and teenagers who are in a crisis pregnancy. If you are in need of assistance or know someone who is, please contact Belinda @ 713-805-4961 or the Church 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.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 7:10-14, 8:10; Ps 40:7-11; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38 Tuesday: Dn 3:25, 34-43; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6-7bc, 8-9; Mt 18:21-35 Wednesday: Dt 4:1, 5-9; Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Mt 5:17-19 Thursday: Jer 7:23-28; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Lk 11:14-23 Friday: Hos 14:2-10; Ps 81:6c-11ab, 14, 17; Mk 12:28-34 Saturday:Hos 6:1-6; Ps 51:3-4, 18-21ab; Lk 18:9-14 Sunday: Jos 5:9a, 10-12; Ps 34:2-7; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 Alternate readings (Year A): 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Ps 23:1-6; Eph 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41[1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38]

Give of Your Time Sat. March 30

~ Be a Volunteer~ First Holy Communion Retreat Mtg. Mon. 6:30pm

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.

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].

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.

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.

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

Jr. High Program, 6, 7 & 8th Grade Classes Resume Today 5pm Randy Tercero EDGE Coordinator: [email protected] or Angie 713-826-0633

Life Teen Mass 4pm Life Night Tonight 5pm A very special thank you to everyone who helped make our retreat to Cat Springs possible. Our teens are a true blessing to all of us. Thanks you for your prayers and continual support.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bible Study Wed. @ 7pm

Info. contact Shari @ 281 435 5708