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, February 16: 6:00pm Steven Martin† By: Family Sunday, February 17: 7:30am People of the Parish 10:00am Jesse t. Garcia† By:Family 12:30pm Carlos Lopez† By:Lopez Family 4:00pm Babies Lost to Miscarriage, Abortion or other causes By: Rena Hellstein Tuesday, February 19: 12:00pm Special Intention for Madalyn Tercero By:Family Wednesday, February 20: 8:30am Special Intention for Heasty Family Thursday, February 21: 8:30am Special Intention for Arthur Vidal By:Linda Robles Friday, : February 22: 8:30am Robert Sullivan Sr.† By:Angeles Sullivan Saturday, February 23: 6:00pm Special Intention for Deacon and Mrs. Tom Lewis By:Heasty Family Sunday, February 24: 7:30am Carolyn† & Sam† Magliolo By:John Magliolo 10:00am Carolyn Douglas† By:Family 12:30pm Maximina Rios† By:Shari & Richard Davis 4:00pm People of the Parish

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.

February 9 & 10, 2019 Weekly Goal $12,000.00 Regular Collection: $ 9,489.99 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. Weekly seminar topic this Saturday will be 2) Challenges of Grief. Remaining Sessions will be 3) The Journey of Grief, Part One; 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. Advanced registration is helpful but not necessary. 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. For detailed information and a complete schedule, please pick up a pink brochure in the back or sides of the church. 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 the Bereavement Support Ministry, please call Nelda Shealy at 281-471-2000.

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, @ 281-3828672 or call the office.

Dear parish family,

6 Sunday C

There are Beatitudes we hear this Sunday from the readings in Jeremiah, Psalm and Luke. They declare blessed those whose lives are focused on God and who live dependent and trusting in God. Jeremiah puts it succinctly: if we rely solely on our human strengths and self-sufficiency, we will only have misery. We will be, the prophet warns, like plants in the desert struggling to survive. These plants live, but what’s the value of their lives? He advises that there is an immense gap between us mortals and the Lord. Our Psalm today echoes the blessing Jeremiah proclaims: "Blessed are they who hope in the Lord." In the gospel this Sunday, Jesus calls the poor, the hungry, the weeping, the persecuted, as “blessed.” While he issues woes to the rich, the full, and those laughing. At the outset, it is seemingly a complete reversal of our desires and values. But we must however know how to read and understand a biblical language. Jesus absolutely didn’t glorify or approve poverty neither is he glad when one weeps or is hungry. Jesus didn’t condemn the rich or disdains one who is somehow enjoying life. Rather in a peculiar sympathy and compassion of the downtrodden, he declares the poor, the hungry, the weeping to be blessed for they have nothing but God as their consolation and help. In contrast with those who are rich and already have everything when they feel as if they don’t need God. It is therefore the sense of dependence, of trusting and hoping in God that Jesus glorifies. Authentic happiness therefore does not come from what we have but of who we are – as children of God. Happiness does not derive from what we achieve but from what we receive – God’s gift of himself to us. Happiness doesn’t mean having to possess external things that won’t last, but it means having to possess “blessed attitudes” that carry us through life. They are treasures we just have to discover within us. True happiness doesn’t need to be expensive; it comes casually from our good relationship with people and right relationship with our God. Then realize further that it is only when we experience an authentic relationship with God that we know the meaning of "Blessed." Blessings to all and have a good week!

Fr. Tony

Querida familia parroquial,

6 domingo C

Hay bienaventuranzas que escuchamos este domingo de las lecturas en Jeremías, Salmo y Lucas. Ellos declaran bendecidos a aquellos cuyas vidas están enfocadas en Dios y que viven dependientes y confiando en Dios. Jeremías lo explica de manera resumida: si confiamos únicamente en nuestras fortalezas humanas y en la autosuficiencia, solo tendremos miseria. Seremos, advierte el profeta, como plantas en el desierto luchando por sobrevivir. Estas plantas viven, pero ¿cuál es el valor de sus vidas? Él aconseja que existe una inmensa brecha entre nosotros, los mortales y el Señor. Nuestro Salmo hoy hace eco de la bendición que Jeremías proclama: "Bienaventurados los que esperan en el Señor". En el evangelio de este domingo, Jesús llama a los pobres, a los hambrientos, a los que lloran, a los perseguidos, como “bendecidos”. Mientras que él hace aflicciones a los ricos, a los llenos y a los que ríen. Al principio, parece ser una inversión completa de nuestros deseos y valores. Pero sin embargo debemos saber leer y entender un lenguaje bíblico. Jesús absolutamente no glorificó ni aprobó la pobreza, ni se alegra cuando alguien llora o tiene hambre. Jesús no condenó a los ricos o desprecia a quien de alguna manera disfruta de la vida. Más bien, en una peculiar simpatía y compasión de los oprimidos, declara que los pobres, los hambrientos, los que lloran son bendecidos porque no tienen más que a Dios como su consuelo y ayuda. En contraste con los que son ricos y ya tienen todo cuando sienten que no necesitan a Dios. Asi que, Jesús glorifica el sentido de dependencia, de confianza y esperanza en Dios. Por lo tanto, la felicidad auténtica no proviene de lo que tenemos, sino de lo que somos, como hijos de Dios. La felicidad no se deriva de lo que logramos, sino de lo que recibimos: el regalo de Dios de sí mismo para nosotros. La felicidad no significa tener que poseer cosas externas que no durarán, sino que significa tener "actitudes benditas" que nos llevan a través de la vida. Son tesoros que solo tenemos que descubrir dentro de nosotros. La verdadera felicidad no necesita ser costosa; proviene de nuestra buena relación con las personas y de la relación correcta con nuestro Dios. Luego, comprenda que es solo cuando experimentamos una relación auténtica con Dios que conocemos el significado de "Bendito". Bendiciones a todos y que tengan una buena semana .

Fr. Tony

MINISTRY SCHEDULE FEBRUARY 23 & 24, 2019

SATURDAY 6:00pm Altar Servers Andrew Nguyen, John Paul Nguyen Lector Tim Hughes Commentator Debbie Wade Extraordinary Ministers Walter Hayes of the Eucharist Tim Hughes SUNDAY-7:30am Altar Servers Alex Molina, Natalie Molina Lector Lisa Raymundo Commentator Demetris Guzman Extraordinary Ministers Evarist Coryat, of the Eucharist Dianne Gerdes SUNDAY-10:00am Altar Server Madeleine McBride, Isabelle Melton Sofia Melton Lector Commentator Tracy Avallone Extraordinary Ministers Greg Bremer, Eloy Lara of the Eucharist SUNDAY-12:30pm (Spanish) Altar ServersVictor E. Velasquez, Jasmine Rodriguez Lectors Nelida Velez, Juanita Velasquez Extraordinary Ministers Carlos Cirnigliario, of the Eucharist Graciela Cirnigliario SUNDAY-4:00pm Altar Servers Sergio Reyes, Dylan Rowan Lector Jason Woods Extraordinary Ministers Felicia Reyes, of the Eucharist Maria Reyes

The Live Christ Share Christ Team invites you to join them for their February Fellowship Meeting in Rosary Hall on Wednesday, February 20th at 7pm. By gathering monthly, we can get to know each other, learn together, encourage, and share with each other the challenges and victories of our faith journeys. For more information please contact Patty Mossor at (281) 6834674 or Ellen Gillis at (281) 799-9583.

Fourth Annual Catholic Men’s Conference Saturday March 9, 2019 8am—3pm Sylvan Beach Pavilion 1 Sylvan Beach Dr. La Porte, TX $40. Before March 1 or $45. After Groups & Students $35. Light Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks included. Speakers: Joe McClane, Deacon Daid Michael Moses, Rex Moses, Mark Houck & Tim Scott Info./ Registration, Speaker Bios www.gc-cmc.org

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. reli• Minimum of 4 year college degree in gious 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. Feb. 17: CCE, EDGE & Life Teen Altar Society BINGO 1-5pm Tues. Feb. 19: Baptism Class (Spanish) PH 7pm Conf. Rm Thurs. Feb. 21: RCIA 5-9pm Fri. Feb. 22: Spanish Prayer Group Chapel 7pm

Please Pray For Our Troops and …

Manuelita Salinas, Arthur Vidal, Sue Gonzalez, Lynn Binkley, Jordon BinGuio, Susan Tolley, Aaron kley, Erica Cantu, Salvador Vasquez, Dena Michna, 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 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.

Catholic Mutual Group Safe Haven

The Catholic Mutual Group Safe Haven online training is replacing the,VIRTUS training. The training consists of 3 vignette style training videos that is approximately 60 minutes and will include a criminal background check that must be completed. These trainings are available in English and Spanish. We will no longer offer live trainings, all Safe Environment trainings will only be available online. •All new employees and volunteers will complete the Safe Haven online training program instead of VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training. The turnaround time for approval may be approximately two weeks or less. • All individuals must complete the training and complete a background check prior to the start of employment and/or volunteer service. • The 5-year anniversary date is still in place individuals who recently attended VIRTUS will not be due to complete refresher trainings until they have met their t-year anniversary date. • As the 5-year anniversary date is met, individuals will need to log into CMGConnect with their previous personal VIRTUS user id and 1234 as the password. Once the individual logs into their CMGConnect account, they will be able to change their password. If they do not remember the user id, they may contact Jessica Jaramillo [email protected]. The following individuals below will now be required to complete Safe Haven online training as well: 1. Individuals who have never attended training. 2. Individuals who are currently due for refresher training and had not attended VIRTUS training. 3. Individuals who are currently due and have not attended VIRTUS training. 4. Individuals who are out of compliance or past due.

galvestonhouston.cmgconnect.com

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 ~

~ Weekend Retreat ~ Feb 22-24, 2019

Hours: 9:00am to 11am Closed: Thursday & Sunday

Jesus, Our Healer @ Mother of Per- All proceeds are used to help the needy in our community petual Help Retreat Center (3417 W. 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 Little York Road Houston, TX have them call the office to make an appointment to come in 77091). The Marian Servants of the In- for help. carnate Wisdom invite you to spend the weekend with Fr. Richard McAlear, OMI, whose gifts of teaching and healing are powerful indicaPope’s Prayer Intention for February: tors of the healing love of Jesus Christ being poured Universal: out on today’s world. Fr. McAlear is also the author For a generous welcome of the victims of of multiple books, including The Power of Healing Prayer. Registration required. Contact Kelly Chen at human trafficking, of enforced prostitution, and of violence. 832-677-1931 or [email protected]

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

ALTAR FLOWERS

Available Dates for Altar Flowers 2019 February 9/10, 23/24 March 2/3 May 18/19, 25/26 To place flowers on the altar contact Jan Hughes @ 281–402-5401 or 903-780-5090.

Church Sanctuary Candle

Special Intention for Elizabeth Edwards By Mom

Chapel Sanctuary Candle

Special Intention for Trampas & Heather Martin By Mary Edwards

Don’t Forget… BINGO Today RH 1-5pm UPCOMING BIBLE STUDY Back by Popular Demand

Rosary Hall Clean Up…..

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.

Is God calling you? 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.

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.

We are in the process of cleaning out the cabinets in the kitchen at Rosary Hall. Many of the food items and containers are expired. If your ministry has items specifically for your meeting please mark them appropriately. We will be emptying out all cabinets the week of February 25. Please call the office if you have any specific requests.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: Gn 4:1-15, 25; Ps 50:1, 8, 16bc-17, 20 -26; Mk 8:11-13 Tuesday: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; Ps 29:1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, 9c-10; Mk 8:14-21 Wednesday: Gn 8:6-13, 20-22; Ps 116:12-15, 18-19; Mk 8:22-26 Thursday: Gn 9:1-13; Ps 102:16-21, 29, 22-23; Mk 8:27-33 Friday:1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-3a, 4-6; Mt 16:13-19 Saturday:Heb 11:1-7; Ps 145:2-5, 10-11; Mk 9:2-13 Sunday:1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 1 Cor 15:45-49; Lk 6:27-38

Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible:

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

Jr. High Program, 6, 7 & 8th Grade Class Today 5pm

YOUTH RALLY FEBRUARY 23 ST. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH Randy Tercero EDGE Coordinator: [email protected] or Angie 713-826-0633

When: March 8-10, 2019 Where: Cat Springs Retreat Center Retreat fee: $75 Feb. 1st $25deposit Feb. 15th $25. Second payment March 1st $25. Final payment

Final day to register Friday, March 1st Have questions or need more information? See one of the Core Members at Life Teen

Class Today 5pm

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Bible Study Wed. @ 7pm

Info. contact Shari @ 281 435 5708