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.

DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND Holy Saturday, April 20: 8:30pm Easter Vigil Mass Sunday, April 21: 7:30am People of the Parish 10:00am Delia Lopez† ByJoe Lopez 12:30pm Special Intention for Humberto Villalobos & Family

No 4pm Life Teen Mass Today Tuesday, April 23: 12:00pm

Special Intention for Sherry Paschal By Paschal Family

Wednesday, April 24: 8:30am Jesus Calderon† By Cano Family Thursday, April 25: 8:30am Virginia Brick† By Marie Gonzalez Friday, April 26: 8:30am Jerri Duncan† By Heasty Family Saturday, April 27: 8:30am People of the Parish Sunday, April 28: 7:30am Special Intention for Life Teen 10:00am Special Intention for Life Teen 12:30pm Special Intention for Life Teen 4:00pm Special Intention for Life Teen

Nine Week Novena

Join us in praying a nine-week novena for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit at St. Mary’s. We began April 8 and will continue until Pentecost on June 9. We will begin each week with 3 hours of Adoration in the chapel on Monday evenings from 6-9pm. Come for as much or as little of the Adoration time as you can, and if you can’t come to Adoration at all you can still join us in prayer and meditation with special intentions for each week. Email Tracy at [email protected] for information and/or to sign up to receive our weekly meditations and intentions by email.

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

Amount Pledged: $18,965.00 Amount Paid: $12,147.50 (23.36%) Total # of Participants 64

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.

IGNITE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Our Faith, Our Mission Begins! Addressing the Short and Long-term Needs of Our Church and those God calls us to serve. All parishes in the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston are joining together for the IGNITE Campaign. 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. The 150 million will be used for Rebuilding Our Parishes & Schools in Light of Harvey, Faith Formation, Catholic Education, Parish Support, Future Disaster Recovery Fund and St. Mary’s Seminary. Please prayerfully consider your commitment!

Dear parish family and visiting faithful,

EASTER MESSAGE

“The Lord has risen! He is not found in the tomb, he is alive!” We have to ask ourselves today, is the Lord has arisen also in us; is he alive with us in our day to day life? Today’s celebration must remind us of the big gap between simply knowing in contrast to living what one knows and simply believing compared to doing what one believes. If the Lord exists only in our minds and not in our hearts then we may not feel intimacy with Him. If this is so, then this is the same as if the Lord is dead. If the Lord exists just in our knowing and not in our doing, then it is just same as if the Lord is lying in the tomb. St. James said, “Faith without works is a dead faith. It is worth nothing (James 2.17).” Living and active faith! This is what the celebration should mean to each of us. In practical language it means to say to live out the gospel values as the church teaches us, participate in church life, get involve in church activities, and live a life of faithful stewardship of the gifts we receive from the Lord God. Absolutely it is not accurate to say that we have a living and active faith when we come to church only in times of necessity but not in times when things go well. Our God is not a Genie whom we come to bow down only for our needs. He is the Lord of life who in Jesus showed us the way, the truth, and life in our journey in this passing existence towards the resurrection in life to come. We must admit that there may be moments in our life that we feel our faith being so dry even if we already believed in the Lord. There may be those moments that may be feeling as if God is dead. This happens when we just lay in our tombs of indifference, of egoism and individualism, of laziness in engaging to make our faith alive and active in our personal life. Our Lord Jesus wants us to get out from these tombs and have Him alive in our day-to-day lives. And make our faith in Him manifest in our values and in our relationships with others. We should live the Easter message to become “Easter” people. That means we are meant to rejoice not only in the Lord’s triumph but also of our own. And realize that we cannot experience this kind of triumph unless we allow the Lord to be really alive in us not only in our thoughts but also in our hearts. And let what we believe to flow in our actions and the way we live. Blessings to you and Happy Easter everyone! Querida familia parroquial y fieles visitantes,

Fr. Tony MENSAJE DE PASCUA DE RESURRECCION

“¡El Señor ha resucitado! ¡No se encuentra en la tumba, está vivo! Tenemos que preguntarnos hoy, si el Señor ha surgido también en nosotros; ¿Está vivo con nosotros en nuestra vida cotidiana? La celebración de hoy debe recordarnos la gran diferencia que hay entre vivir simplemente lo que a uno le parece o vivir con lo que uno sabe y lo que uno cree. Si el Señor existe solo en nuestras mentes y no en nuestros corazones, entonces no podemos sentir intimidad con Él. Si esto es así, entonces es lo mismo que si el Señor estuviera muerto. Si el Señor existe solo en nuestro conocimiento y no en nuestro hacer, entonces es igual que si el Señor estuviera en la tumba. Santiago dijo: “La fe sin obras es una fe muerta. No vale nada (Santiago 2.17) ". ¡Fe viva y activa! Esto es lo que la celebración debe significar para cada uno de nosotros. En un lenguaje práctico, significa vivir los valores del Evangelio como la iglesia nos enseña, participar en la vida de la iglesia, involucrarse en las actividades de la misma y vivir una vida recta administrando fielmente los dones que recibimos del Señor Dios. Absolutamente no es exacto decir que tenemos una fe viva y activa cuando venimos a la iglesia solo en momentos de necesidad, pero no en momentos en que las cosas van bien. Nuestro Dios no es un Genio a quien venimos a inclinarnos solo por nuestras necesidades. Él es el Señor de la vida que en Jesús nos mostró el camino, la verdad y la vida en nuestro viaje en esta existencia pasajera hacia la resurrección en la vida venidera. Debemos admitir que puede haber momentos en nuestra vida que sentimos que nuestra fe es tan seca, incluso si ya creemos en el Señor. Existen esos momentos que pueden sentirse como si Dios estuviera muerto. Esto sucede cuando simplemente reposamos en nuestras tumbas de indiferencia, de egoísmo e individualismo, de pereza al comprometernos para hacer nuestra fe viva y activa en nuestra vida personal. Nuestro Señor Jesús quiere que salgamos de estas tumbas y lo tengamos vivo en nuestras vidas cotidianas. Y hacer que nuestra fe en Él se manifieste en nuestros valores y en nuestras relaciones con los demás. Debemos vivir el mensaje de la Pascua para convertirnos en personas de la "Pascua de Resurreccion". Eso significa que estamos destinados a regocijarnos no solo en el triunfo del Señor sino también en el nuestro. Y darte cuenta de que no podemos experimentar este tipo de triunfo a menos que permitamos que el Señor esté realmente vivo en nosotros, no solo en nuestros pensamientos sino también en nuestros corazones. Y dejar que lo que creemos fluya en nuestras acciones y en la forma en que vivimos. Bendiciones para ti y feliz Pascua a todos!

P. Tony

Ministry Schedule April 27 & 28, 2019

SATURDAY 6:00pm Altar Servers John Paul Nguyen, Joseph Nguyen Lector Tim Hughes Commentator Isabelle Salas Extraordinary Ministers Isabelle Salas, Pat Stanton of the Eucharist SUNDAY-7:30am Altar Servers Jeremiah Arredondo, Jorge Arredondo Lector Nick Barrera Commentator Brigitte Barrera Extraordinary Ministers Margaret Espinoza, of the Eucharist Robert Espinoza SUNDAY-10:00am Altar Servers Isabella Melton, Sophia Melton, Madeleine McBride Lector Debbie Wade Commentator Kerry Regan Extraordinary Ministers Mary Edwards, of the Eucharist Carolyn O’Neal SUNDAY-12:30pm (Spanish) Altar Servers Victor E. Velasquez, Jasmine Rodriguez Lectors Enrique Rincan, Sergio Calvillo Extraordinary Ministers Victor Velasquez, of the Eucharist Juanita Velasquez SUNDAY-4:00pm Altar Server Ean Lopez, Dylan Rowan Lector Jason Woods Extraordinary Ministers Maria Reyes,

April 6 & 7 2019 Weekly Goal $12,000.00 Regular Collection $9,654.16 Easter Flowers $2,236.00

A very special thank you to Ron & Rose Kolenc and Family for the donation of the upgraded lighting they purchased and installed recently in St. Mary’s Church and St. Joseph’s Chapel. Counting our blessings!

Activities of the Week

Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil Mass 8:30pm Easter Sunday, April 21: Masses 7:30am, 10:00am & 12:30pm No 4pm Life Teen Mass Mon. April 22: Office Closed Novena for the Holy Spirit , Chapel 6-9pm Wed. April 24: Live Christ/Share Christ 6:30pm Thurs. April 25: First Reconciliation Church 6pm Saturday, April 27: Grief Share 9:00am SM Conf. Rm “Complicating Factors”

Life in Christ Seminar Saturday, May 4, 2019, 8:00 am —5:00 pm St. Mary’s Church, Rosary Hall, 816 Park Drive, La Porte, TX 77571 Live Christ Share Christ (LCSC), a free mini-retreat, seeks to help every Catholic meet Christ, live Christ, and share Christ. Whether or not you have attended a session before, you are welcome to attend this Spirit-filled program, learn how the Holy Spirit can move within you to affect positive change in your personal, professional, and spiritual life, and how to share your faith with others. A light breakfast and lunch will be served for attendees. For more information or to register* please contact, Patty Mossor (281) 683-4674, Ellen Gillis at (281) 799-9583, or the Parish Office at (281) 471-2000. *You may also register at the door.

Please Pray For Our Troops and …

Paul Newman, Jerry Verret, Maryellen Carew, Martha Love, Jonathan McBride, Hope Villarreal, Susan Massey, Charlie & Rosemarie Michna, Mr. Zamora Lawrence Farias, Alma P., George Hanson, 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 & Barbara Riley, Seth Permenter & Family, Parker Dixon & Family, Jeremy & Diana Cassidy & Family, Kendra Ramirez & Family, Raelynd and Family, Amanda Zan, 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 Rosa Harness, 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, 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 Soul of Maurice Flynn and J. J. Meza Our Sympathy to the family of Maurice Flynn and the family of JJ Meza 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 Julia Dautriel Family wishes to thank St. Mary’s staff and parishioners for their prayers and support during her illness and funeral, and a big thank you to the Samaritan Ministry for the reception afterward. We greatly appreciate all that was done to make her funeral a very memorable tribute to her. Pope’s Prayer Intention for April Universal: For doctors and their humanitarian collaborators in war zones, who risk their lives to save the lives of others.

ALTAR FLOWERS

No Flowers during Lent Available Dates for Altar Flowers 2019 June 1/2, 8/9, 29/30 July 6/7, 13/14/, 27/28 To place flowers on the altar contact Jan Hughes @ 281–402-5401 or 903-780-5090.

Church Sanctuary Candle In Loving Memory of John Mills By Mark & Kathy McBride Ladies, join us as Deacon Bob Hebert invites us to examine our relationship with Jesus as he presents “Are We Followers or Disciples of Jesus?” Wednesday, April 24 @ St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, 2921 Center St., Deer Park. The Bay Area Deanery of Catholic Women Social begins at 9:30am followed by presentation, meeting, and eating at local restaurants. Free babysitting or more info, contact Gretchen Mitchell @ 832-6058360 or [email protected]. READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday:Acts 2:14, 22-33; Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7 -11; Mt 28:8-15 Tuesday:Acts 2:36-41; Ps 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; Jn 20:11-18 Wednesday:Acts 3:1-10; Ps 105:1-4, 6-9; Lk 24:1335 Thursday:Acts 3:11-26; Ps 8:2, 5-9; Lk 24:35-48 Friday:Acts 4:1-12; Ps 118:1-2, 4, 22-27; Jn 21:1-14 Saturday:Acts 4:13-21; Ps 118:1, 14-21; Mk 16:9-15 Sunday:Acts 5:12-16; Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; Jn 20:19-31

Upcoming Knights of Columbus Garage Sale Saturday, May 11th 7am-2pm

We are currently accepting items for the sale during regular church office hours, or you may contact Rueben Salinas @713858-0154 if you are in need of donated items to be picked up. All proceeds will be used to support our youth programs and Knights of Columbus Charities. Thank you for your continual generosity & support!

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 Help us to support the Bishops’ Initiative on Marriage! Couples who make a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend not only rediscover the joy, intimacy & romance in their relationships, but also become more active in their parishes. Together, we are making marriages, families and our Church stronger & healthier. Are you looking to put Christ in your marriage? Deepen your communication, rekindle your romance and renew your Sacrament by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. The next 2 weekends are May 17-19 or June 21-23. contact Brian & Tina Little @ 281-7734014 for more information or go online to www.houstonme.org.

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].

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.

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

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The Lighthouse Catholic Media Kiosks…

There are several books and DVD’s of informational material designed to help us grow in our faith. Go by and check them out! We have a new Kiosk in the church office. They are also located at the back of the church and in Rosary Hall.

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. Able bodied Men and Women. 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 May 5, June 2, July 7

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 Pre K-5, Class Today Contact Jessica Jaramillo Monday 9am-12noon ~ 281-471-2000 [email protected]

Jr. High Program, 6, 7 & 8th Grade

No Class Tonight Randy Tercero EDGE Coordinator: [email protected] or Angie 713-826-0633

No Life Teen Mass Today No Life Night Tonight

Happy Easter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bible Study Wed. @ 7pm Info. contact Shari @ 281 435 5708