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

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.

DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND Saturday, April 27: 8:30am Sunday, April 28: 7:30am 10:00am 12:30pm 4:00pm Tuesday, April 30: 12:00pm

People of the Parish Special Intention for Life Teen Special Intention for Life Teen Special Intention for Life Teen Special Intention for Life Teen Special Intention for Mary Noble By Irene Johnston

Wednesday, May 1: 8:30am Shirley Stanton† By Pat Stanton Thursday, May 2: 8:30am Special Intention for Mary Noble By Irene Johnston Friday, May 3: 8:30am Special Intention for Paul Neuman By Angeles Sullivan Saturday, May 4: 8:30am Art† & Sara Jayne† Brossette By John Magliolo Sunday, May 5: 7:30am Leo Villarreal† By Rpbert & Diana Ortiz 10:00am Delia Lopez† By Joe Lopez 12:30pm Rebeca Bernabe† By Family 4:00pm People of the Parish

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 69pm. 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: $33,555.00 Amount Paid: $24,910.00 (47.90%) Total # of Participants 83

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. Please take time during the next few weeks to learn more about the campaign and the needs we will address together. Please prayerfully consider your commitment!

Dear parish family,

2 Easter – Divine Mercy Sunday

Many bad things happen in the world and thus many too entertain doubts about the goodness of God and even question whether He cares. All crises of faith and doubts reflect what Thomas says in our gospel this Sunday, “I cannot believe unless I will see him or put my finger at the wound at his side.” The answer of the Lord is always the same, “Put your finger in my nail mark and touch the wound at my side.” In a way, He is telling us, “don’t tell me that I do not understand your suffering and pains. I suffered even more than you do.” And perhaps more profoundly he is telling us in this way, “Understand that every time you suffer, I suffer with you too. Accept the cross the way I do and I will help you through. And together we glorify the Father. Just believe in me, trust me, and do not persist in your unbelief.” The Lord of life rose from death, new life arise from ashes; even tragedies to be turn to something good that we do not see at the present. The words of the Lord underscore what true faith is, “blest are those who have not seen yet believed.” We can apply this to say that blessed are those who believe, love and hold on to the Lord even though they have not tasted the blessings of good health, or have not tasted the blessings of material riches because it means that their faith is not based on the categories of the world but on the things of the Lord. Or we can apply its meaning to say that blessed are those whose faith remain strong even though they suffer or even though bad things happen. For it means to say that their faith is unshakable and they don’t lose hope in God. It means to say that their faith is tested by fire; it is a genuine faith, pure as gold. There is of course a strong link between inner peace and strong faith. The greater our faith in God the stronger we are to face and overcome the difficulties, the problems, challenges, and trials that may come along the way. So as we celebrate the feast of the Divine Mercy this second Sunday of Easter, let us make the habit of praying, “Jesus I trust in you” as St. Faustina asked as to do. Indeed, it is in trusting the Lord that gives us inner strength when we are weak and inner peace amidst our world full of troubles. Blessings to you and have a good week! Querida familia parroquial,

Fr. Tony 2 domingo de Pascua – Divina Misericordia

Muchas cosas malas suceden en el mundo y muchas llevan a dudar la bondad de Dios y hasta preguntarse si a Él le preocupa. Todas las crisis de fe y dudas se reflejan en lo que dice Tomas en nuestro Evangelio de este domingo, “Hasta que no introduzca mi mano en la herida de su costado, no creeré.” La respuesta del Señor es siempre la misma, “Pon aquí tu dedo y mira mis manos; extiende tu mano y métela en mi costado.” En una manera Él nos está diciendo, “no me digas que yo no entiendo tus sufrimientos y tus dolores. Yo sufrí hasta más que tú.” Y quizás aún con más profundidad Él nos está diciendo, “Entiendan de que cada vez que sufren, yo sufro con ustedes también. Acepta la cruz como yo y yo te ayudare. Y juntos glorificaremos al Padre. Solo cree en mí, confía en mí, y no persistas en tu incredulidad.” El Señor de la vida resucito de la muerte, nueva vida resucita de las cenizas; aun las tragedias se vuelven en algo bueno que no vemos al presente. Las palabras del Señor subrayan lo que la verdadera fe es, “felices los que aún no han visto y creen.” Podemos aplicar esto en decir felices son los que creen, aman y se mantienen cerca del Señor aunque no hayan probado la bendición de buena salud, o no hayan probado la bendición de riquezas materiales porque esto significa que su fe no eta basada en la categoría del mundo sino en las cosas del Señor. O podemos aplicar el significado en decir felices son los que su fe se mantiene fuerte aunque ellos sufren o aunque cosas malas suceden. Puesto que esto significa que su fe es inquebrantable y no pierden la esperanza en Dios. Esto significa que su fe es probada por el fuego; es una fe autentica, pura como el oro. Hay por su puesto un enlace fuerte entre la paz interior y fe fuerte. Entre más grande sea nuestra fe en Dios más fuerte somos en enfrentar y sobrellevar las dificultades, los problemas, desafíos, y tribulaciones que puedan venir en el camino. Así que al celebrar la fiesta de la Divina Misericordia este segundo domingo de Pascua, vamos a formar un hábito en orar, “Jesús en ti confió” así como Sta. Faustina nos pide hacer. Efectivamente confiando en el Señor tendremos fortaleza interior cuando somos débil y paz interior aun en nuestro mundo lleno de problemas. ¡Bendiciones para ti y que tengas una buena semana!

Padre Tony

Ministry Schedule May 4 & 5, 2019 Palm Sunday, April 13 & 14, 2019 Weekly Goal $12,000.00 $11,305.19 Holy Thursday, April 18, 2019 $3,745.00 Good Friday, April 19, 2019 Holy Land Collection ~ $1,888.21 Easter Collection ~ April 20 & 21, 2019 $11,306.50

Activities of the Week

Sunday, April 28: CCE, EDGE & Life Tee Mon. April 29: Novena for the Holy Spirit , Chapel 6-9pm Wed. May 1:Singles Group RH 9am Discipleship Gathering RH 7pm Thursday, May 2: RCIA Introduction 6pm Friday, May 3: LCSC Seminar RH 6pm Saturday, May 4: Grief Share 9:00am SM Conf. Rm, “Lessons in Grief Part I” Sunday, May 5: First Holy Communion 12:30pm Mass (Spanish) 4:00pm Mass (English) Baptisms after 10, 12:30 & 4pm Masses

SATURDAY 6:00pm Altar Servers Andrew Nguyen, John Paul Nguyen Lector Debbie Wade Commentator Tim Hughes Extraordinary Ministers Dennis Swenson, of the Eucharist Victoria Swenson SUNDAY-7:30am Altar Servers Natalie Molina, Saoirse Molina Lector Lisa Raymundo Commentator Demetris Guzman Extraordinary Ministers Mose Davis, Leslie Davis of the Eucharist SUNDAY-10:00am Altar Servers Reece Schoppe, Ryan Schoppe Lector Tracy Avallone Commentator Kathy Nastally Extraordinary Ministers Richard Florance, of the Eucharist George Rodriguez SUNDAY-12:30pm (Spanish) Altar Servers Victor E. Velasquez, Jasmine Rodriguez Lectors Juanita Velasquez, Marielena Constantivo Extraordinary Ministers Jose Gracia, Juany Gracia of the Eucharist SUNDAY-4:00pm Altar Server Eli Lopez, Dylan Rowan Lector Lyndsey Hernandez Extraordinary Ministers Cecilia Lopez, of the Eucharist Maria Reyes

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 …

Alexandria Riley, Brigitta Dobmeier, Rosie Hernandez, John “Blackie” Odam, Joel Rivera, 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, 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 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.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: Acts 4:23-31-37; Ps 2:1-4, 7-9; Jn 3:1-8 Tuesday: Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93:1-2, 5; Jn 3:7b-15 Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34:2-9; Jn 3:16-21 or (for the memorial) Gn 1:26 — 2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Ps 90:2-4, 12-14, 16; Mt 13:54-58 Thursday: Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20; Jn 3:3136 Friday:1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-5; Jn 14:6-14 Saturday: Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; Jn 6:1621 Sunday: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Rev 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19 [1-14]

ALTAR FLOWERS

Easter Flowers on the Altar 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. ***A very special thank you to the Altar Society and all those who helped clean and decorate the Church for Easter. MAY ALTAR DUTY ASSIGNMENTS ALTAR: Mary Edwards LAUNDRY: Leticia Villalobos

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!

Spring Is Here… Need a New Ride?

2016 Kubota (268 Hours) Z724kw - 54 Zero Turn Mower

Asking $6,000.

User’s Manuel and all paperwork available. Original Price $8, 100.

If you are interested, or would like to come by and look at it, please call the office during regular office hours @ 281-471-2000.

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

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.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

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. Is God Calling You? 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. St. Mary’s Samaritan Ministry Bereavement Support Team Weekly Grief Share seminars will continue this coming Saturday. This week’s topic will be (May 4, 2019, 9:00 am to 10:30 am) the session on “Lessons in Grief Part 1”. 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.

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].

8:45am & 11:15am End of Year Celebration Today Contact Jessica Jaramillo Monday 9am-12noon ~ 281-471-2000 [email protected]

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

Last Class Tonight 5pm Randy Tercero EDGE Coordinator: [email protected] or Angie 713-826-0633

Life Teen Mass Today Life Night Tonight 5pm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bible Study Wed. @ 7pm Info. contact Shari @ 281 435 5708