1. No category

St. Mary Magdalene
Catholic Church
Served by the Missionary Society of St. Paul
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
JANUARY 3, 2016 — THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
527 South Houston Avenue, Humble, TX 77338
Office: (281) 446-8211 Fax: (281) 446-8213
Office Hours: M-F 8:00 A.M. — 4:30 P.M.
Website: www.st-mm.com
Weekend Mass
English: Saturday Vigil: 5:30 P.M.
Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, & 11:00 A.M.; 5:00 P.M. (Youth)
Español: Sábado (Misa de Víspera): 7:00 P.M.
Domingo: 1:00 P.M.
Weekday Mass
Monday--Friday: 8:30 A.M. (English)
Martes: 7:00 P.M. (Misa en Español)
1st Friday Devotion Mass: 8:30 A.M.
1st Saturday Devotion Mass: 8:30 A.M.
Reconciliation (Confession)
Tuesday: 6:00 P.M.—6:45 P.M.
Saturday: 3:30 P.M.—5:00 P.M.
Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration
9:00 A.M.—9:00 P.M. (Mon.—Fri.)
Sacrament of Baptism:
Parents requesting baptism for their child must call the
parish office two months prior to the desired month of
baptism. There are no baptisms during Lent or Advent.
Sacrament of Matrimony:
Couples interested in marriage at St. Mary Magdalene
must contact the office at least six months prior to their
desired wedding date. Please contact the office for more
information.
Anointing of the Sick
Please call the parish office if you or a loved one wish to
receive sacramental anointing of the sick.
Sacramento del Bautismo:
Padres que quieran bautizar a sus hijos deben de llamar
a la oficina por lo menos 2 meses antes de la fecha del
bautismo. No hay bautizos durante la Cuaresma o el
tiempo de Adviento.
Sacramento del Matrimonio:
Parejas interesadas en casarse en Santa María Magdalena
deben contactar a la oficina por lo menos seis meses
antes de su fecha preferida de matrimonio. Por favor
llamen a la oficina para mayor información.
Unción de los Enfermos:
Por favor llame la oficina si usted o algún ser querido
desea ser ungido.
Pastor: Rev. Felix Ilesanmi Osasona, M.S.P.
Parochial Vicar: Rev. Anthony Udoh, M.S.P.
Deacons: Nick Caruso & James Meshell
Weekly Message
Following the Star
My dear people of St. Mary Magdalene parish: welcome to the New Year 2016. It is going to
be an exciting year. Well, it is a leap year, and I love leap years! I pray that we will all experience the blessings and joy of the Lord during this year. We are in the Year of Mercy already.
There are opportunities for people all over our Archdiocese to make pilgrimages to a designated holy site during this year. I hope groups in the parish will be able to go as pilgrims to
some of the designated churches.
We celebrate the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord today. Jesus, who was born a Jew but whose mission is
for all peoples, revealed himself to Gentiles represented by the Magis from the East. The story of the magi is
found only in the gospel of Matthew. It described how they saw a star and had intuited that something new
and unique had happened. They were not Jews, so they did not know the scriptures. Nonetheless, God revealed to them through natural means that someone or something very important had just happened. They
soon discovered that it was Christ Jesus that was born in Bethlehem. The Magi from the East were well
known as astronomers and interpreters of omens and dreams. They were conscious of the world around
them as they identified different stars and their movements. They noticed something unusual about a particular star and decided to search for its meaning.
In order for them to follow the star, they had to let go of many other comforts, including their familiar
world. They had to endure untold hardships on their way, yet they did not allow the star to get away from
their sight. The star led them to Jesus, the prince of peace. When they found Jesus, they felt fulfilled, and
they paid homage to Jesus and presented gifts to him. Tradition has it that the magi were three kings. As
kings, they seemed to have acknowledged the supremacy of Jesus as they paid him homage. This was unlike
Herod, who not only did not recognize the supremacy of Christ, but also perceived him as an enemy. He was
so self-centered and selfish that he became brutal, killing innocent children in his quest to destroy Jesus.
We are all looking for fulfillment in life. We are on a journey to fulfilling our dreams, our vocations. On this
path, the “star” that appeared at the beginning may soon begin to fade, and we may start to lose hope. The
magi for a while lost the star, or rather, they did not see clearly where the star was leading them. They got
confused and had to ask questions as they progressed on their journey. As they asked questions, they also
reflected on what they were experiencing. They were single-minded and refused to be put off by difficulties
and trials. We are to imitate them. Our doubts must not make us lose faith; rather, we are to press on and
find the star again. A fulfilled life is not without hardship and difficulty. The Magi experienced some rough
times, but because they were focused, they found Christ.
As we dream and strive to achieve our goals, we ought to think of the common good, rather than just our
individual selfish interests. The person who destroys others in order to succeed brings destruction on him or
herself.
May the year 2016 be a Year of Fulfillment for all of us! Amen.
—Fr. Felix
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your
light has come, the glory of the Lord
shines upon you.
— Isaiah 60:1
P. 2
Time & Talent Ministries
Are you new to our parish or have been coming for a while but are not yet registered? We offer
you a warm welcome to St. Mary Magdalene parish. Becoming an active parishioner begins
when you are counted as a parishioner. Please talk to one of the Ministers of Hospitality after
Mass about how to register. You can also come by the church office during the week to register.
MASS / LITURGY
ART & ENVIRONMENT
Jean Johnson - (281) 358-3416
June Domengeaux - (281) 852-2555
ORGANIZATIONS
KEENAGERS (60+)
Barbara Walker - (281) 852-4103
ALTAR GUILD
Shirley Jones - (281) 852-0670
YOUNG AT HEART (50+)
SENIOR TRAVEL GROUP
Jan Crawford - (281) 852-3508
ALTAR SERVERS
Vickie VanGordon - (832) 496-9876
Jimena Farfán (Esp.) - (832) 513-0812
RED HAT SOCIETY
Loretta Schermock - (832) 640-9357
Jo Smith - (281) 381-9892
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS
OF HOLY COMMUNION
Freda Monk - (281) 852-7257
Horacio Garcia (Esp.) - (281) 808-1647
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
COUNCIL 6878
Greg Forestieri - (281) 441-2711
INSTITUTED ACOLYTE
Ron Cecil - (281) 590-7528
MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY
Bert Guempel - (281) 852-1549
Nelly Fernandez (Esp.) - (832) 405-2735
LECTORS
Denise Ruffino - (281) 300-8534
Francisco Saldaña (Esp.) - (832) 875-3116
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF WORD
Ben Bates - (281) 454-7575
Ericka Gonzalez (Esp.) - (281) 731-6050
MUSIC MINISTRY
Perci Cacanindin - (281) 446-8211
Yvette Rodriguez - (281) 548-1674
DEVOTIONS
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Gilbert & Linda Alfaro (281) 852-4573
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - 4TH
Phil Ardoin - (281) 852-8773
COLUMBIAN SQUIRES
Chief Counselor
Alejandro Aramburu - (713) 966-0547
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS
Virginia R. Eckert - (713) 823-8951
MOVIMIENTO FAMILIAR CRISTIANO
Julio & Cristina Romero - (832) 488-3367
FAITH FORMATION
ADULT FAITH FORMATION,
BECOMING CATHOLIC (RCIA),
INFANT BAPTISM, ADULT
CONFIRMATION, RETREATS
Ivana Meshell - (281) 446-8211
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Geneva Green - (832) 758-6475
Kay Huggins - (409) 656-6587
YOUTH MINISTRIES
Mike Smith - (281) 446-8211
DIVINE MERCY
Terry Mares - (832) 790-0837
JÓVENES EN ACCIÓN POR CRISTO
Ana Maria Ortega - (713) 405-0652
LEGION OF MARY
Barbara Rivera (Eng.) - (281) 913-9631
Maribel Subias (Esp.) - (832) 444-7211
SCHOOL MINISTRIES
SCHOOL BOARD
Joshua Raab - (281) 446-8535
GRUPO DE ORACIÓN
Eduardo Farfán - (708) 945-2579
Sub-Coord.: German Pereira - (281) 703-2418
HEARTS AFIRE
Cynthia Meneses - (832) 492-1742
STEWARDSHIP
Tom Kleypas - (281) 852-7937
MINISTERIO HISPANO
FORMACIÓN DE FE PARA ADULTOS,
SACRAMENTOS DE CONFIRMACIÓN Y
COMUNIÓN, EL PROCESO DE RICA,
PATROCINADORES DE MATRIMONIO,
BAUTISMO DE NIÑOS DE 0-6 AÑOS,
QUINCEAÑERAS
Vickie Cortez - (281) 446-2933
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
SOCIAL SERVICES
Wanda Conley - (281) 540-1907
PRISON MINISTRY
Mary Hernandez - (713) 299-8493
HOSPITAL MINISTRY
Margarita Rodriguez - (832) 445-6318
HOMEBOUND MINISTRY
Marvin Corbitt - (281) 852-3111
RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
Teresa O’Brien - (919) 623-5343
([email protected])
BLOOD DRIVE
Loretta Schermock - (832) 640-9357
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
Madeline Graham - (281) 446-8044
NURSING HOME MINISTRY
Humble Health Center, Oakmont & Park Manor, Deerbrook Nursing Home
Monica Fontenot - (281) 913-5221
ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE
Darril B. - (281) 852-4230
Wayne B. - (281) 777-9217
Florentino V. - (832) 605-1881
Susan G. - (281) 813-0575
PRAYER CHAIN MINISTRY
Ron & Ann McCuen - (281) 852-4743
([email protected])
PRAYER QUILT MINISTRY
Jean Chebret - (281) 441-7365
HELPING HANDS MINISTRY
Jan Crawford - (281) 852-3508
HOME AGAIN MINISTRY
(FURNITURE BANK/HOUSEHOLD ITEMS)
Carolyn Wise - (713) 898-6611
Lori Scherr - (281) 360-9112
Tammy Broussard - (832) 777-1878
OTHERS
NURSERY
Wanda Conley - (281) 446-8211
FALL FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Tony Butera - (832) 279-7072
Neha Delphin - (713) 927-8239
PASTORAL COUNCIL
Tony Butera - (832) 279-7072
FINANCE COUNCIL
Bert Guempel - (281) 852-1549
SECURITY TEAM
P.3
John Garza - (832) 875-1377
CHURCH STAFF
Wanda Conley, Business Manager
Rick Swanson, Facilities Manager
Jose Garcia, Maintenance Technician
Jorge Acosta, Maintenance Technician
Susie Zamarrón, Parish Secretary
Vernon D. Walker, Bookkeeper
Perci Cacanindin, Director of Music and Liturgy
Vickie Cortez, Director of Hispanic Ministry
Ivana Meshell, Director of Adult Faith Formation
Ginger Herrington, Adult Faith Formation Assistant
Michael Smith, Director of Faith Formation-Children/Youth
Diana Mendoza, Faith Formation Secretary
Carissa Bull, Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Madelyn Cañas, Bulletin Editor
Estela Treviño, Receptionist
Ryan Rivera, Receptionist
Lupe Gonzales, Receptionist
Wanda Conley, Nursery Coordinator
Patricia De Los Santos, Nursery Attendant
Isabel Gonzalez, Nursery Attendant
Emily Mendoza, Nursery Attendant
Jenna Meza, Nursery Attendant
Rachel Meza, Nursery Attendant
Samantha Meza, Nursery Attendant
ST. MARY MAGDALENE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
530 Ferguson St. Humble, Texas 77338
Phone: (281) 446-8535
Fax: (281) 446-8527
www.smmcs.org
Accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department
Joshua Raab, Principal
Trish Duhon, Director of Admissions
Tom Walsh, Athletic Director
Cathy Brown, Director of Before & After School Program
Carol Poston, Director of Development
April Dandridge, Director of Marketing and Alumni
Laura Valladares, Counselor
Christy Keeling, Academic Coach
Laura Rocha, Administrative Assistant
Kelli Pitt, Bookkeeper
Donna Mohrman, Nurse
Sam McKinney, Secretary
BULLETIN DEADLINES
January 10th, 2016
January 17th, 2016
Offertory for December 19-20 & 26-27, 2015 —
Not available at time of publication
DSF Update (As of 12/14/2015)
2015 DSF Goal — $160,220.00
Contribution to Date — $152,779.24
Amount Pledged to Date — $160,135.82
Number of Participants — 490
Thank you for using Online Giving! Parishioners who
use the service are pleased with how easy it is to set
up and manage. If you have not yet signed up for
Online Giving, please consider this option. This is a
perfect tool for anyone who shops online! By using
Online Giving, you are helping the parish improve our
operational efficiency. Visit our parish website at
www.st-mm.com and select “Online Giving.”
NURSERY STAFF
ISSUE
Stewardship Offering
DUE BY
January 4th, 2016
January 11th, 2016
E-mail bulletin articles or announcements to
[email protected].
A New Year’s Resolution: Make your marriage a true gift for
yourselves, your family, and everyone in your life. Attending this
weekend can help you to make this truly happen. Marriage Encounter
is offering a Valentine’s Weekend this year! Register early! Valentine’s weekend fills up fast! The next scheduled weekend is February 12 – 14,
2016. Find out more or sign up at: www.houstonme.org or call (713) 482-1791.
Second Collection for January 10th, 2016
Next weekend’s 2nd collection is for ST. MARY
MAGDALENE CATHOLIC SCHOOL to assist
them with their programs for our young students. Thank you for your support.
VIRTUS Training
The next “Protecting God’s Children” VIRTUS class here at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church will be held on
Saturday, January 16th, 2016 from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M.
in St. Mary’s Hall.
The Archdiocesan Office of Safe Environment requires that
all volunteers and employees of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic
Church attend VIRTUS Training.
If you took the Protecting God’s Children class before 2010,
you MUST take a Keeping the Promise Alive refresher class
to maintain your VIRTUS status. If you do not complete the
refresher, you CANNOT participate in anything involving
minors.
Please make every effort to maintain your VIRTUS status.
Visit www.virtus.org for registration. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Enloe at (281) 389-1820 or
e-mail Linda at [email protected].
P.4
This Week in the Parish
Sunday
January 3
6:00 a.m. FLC - KC Breakfast
1:15 p.m. FLC - KC Rosca de Reyes
3:00 p.m. CP - Divine Mercy Chaplet
Monday
January 4
Tuesday
January 5
9:30 a.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
216 - Hearts Afire
CH - Coro en español
Lib - Legión de María (Esp.)
SMH - Prayer Quilt Ministry Mtg.
216 - Consoling the Heart of Jesus
SJH - Junta Coord. Grupo Oración
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:45 p.m.
CH - Confessions
SMH - Helping Hands
215 - RCIA Team Formation Night
FLC - Grupo de Oración
101 - Legion of Mary (Eng.)
CH - Coro Abba Padre
Wednesday
January 6
6:00 p.m. MGH - KC Officers Meeting
7:00 p.m. CH - Second Power Rehearsal
7:30 p.m. SMH - Divine Mercy
Thursday
January 7
5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
CH - Children’s Choir Rehearsal
YR - MS Youth Night
CH - Adult Choir
MGH - Columbian Squires Mtg.
Friday
January 8
6:30 p.m. CH - Coro en español
7:00 p.m. FLC, SMH - 2016 Sponsor/
Candidate Meeting
7:00 p.m. CH - Eucharist Ministers Training
Saturday
January 9
8:00 a.m. CH - Acolytes Training
8:45 a.m. SMH - Clase para bautizos
3:30 p.m. CH - Confessions
Sunday
January 10
3:00 p.m. SPC - CCE Elementary & Youth
3:00 p.m. CP - Divine Mercy Chaplet
6:00 p.m. YR - HS Youth Night
Mass Intentions for the Week
Saturday
Jan. 2
8:30 am
5:30 pm
7:00 pm
Adoración Yañez †
Ivan Santana †
Sunday
Jan. 3
7:30 am
9:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
5:00 pm
Lionel † & Catherine Hammock †
Paul Osdoba †
Enya † & Joan Angeles †
Isabel Del Valle †
Roy Domengeaux †
Monday
Tuesday
Jan. 4
8:30 am
Margarita Toves & Family (SPI)
Jan. 5
8:30 am
7:00 pm
Lara Flynn (SPI)
Edward Krohn †
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Jan. 6
8:30 am
Marlene Hawkinson †
Jan. 7
8:30 am
Fr. Paul Procella †
Jan. 8
8:30 am
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mesa, Jr. &
Family (SPI)
Saturday
Jan. 9
5:30 pm
7:00 pm
George † & Bob Tiblier †
Jose Guardado
Sunday
Jan. 10 7:30 am
9:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
5:00 pm
To reserve a Mass, please stop by the Parish office and
reserve your date and time for the intention.
READINGS AND SAINTS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:
(St. John Neumann)
1 Jn 4:7-10; Ps 72:1-4, 7-8; Mk 6:34-44
Wednesday:
Thursday:
—Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.
(St. Elizabeth Ann Seton)
1 Jn 3:22 — 4:6; Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a;
Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
Tuesday:
Jubilee Year of Mercy
In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, Epiphany celebrates
God’s mercy shining on the magi from a guiding
star. Their kingdoms were far from Jerusalem, their
religions far from God’s covenant with Israel. At first
the star led the magi to Jerusalem, where they could
“recalculate” their quest with the help of God’s own “GPS,” the
Jewish scriptures. How challenging and humbling for the magi to
discover that they would find the world’s Messiah not in a palace but with a poor couple in an insignificant village. That’s
where God’s mercy, shining in the star, led the magi to worship
Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Today the magi invite us to
“recalculate” our life’s journey during this Jubilee Year—to follow the star of God’s mercy along the way of humble love, to
discover a renewed personal relationship with Jesus ourselves
and so become “guiding stars” leading other seekers to find
Jesus, too.
Lucille Wise †
Sidney † & Effie Thibodeaux †
Colleen Randazzo †
People of STMM
Justine † & Eleanor Gordon †
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
(St. André Bessette)
1 Jn 4:11-18; Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13;
Mk 6:45-52
(St. Raymond of Penyafort)
1 Jn 4:19 — 5:4; Ps 72:1-2, 14, 15bc, 17;
Lk 4:14-22a
1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Lk 5:12-16
1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6a, 9b; Jn 3:22-30
Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 29:1-4,
3, 9-10 or Ps 104:1b-4, 24-25, 27-30;
Acts 10:34-38 or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7;
Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
Word of Life
“Each of us has his or her own personal identity
and is capable of entering into dialogue with
others and with God himself.”
— Pope Francis, Laudato Si, no. 81 © 2015 Libreria
Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. P. 5
Weekly Announcements
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Church Nursery Attendant
(Part-Time)
Ministry Purpose:
To provide safe, secure, nurturing, clean, and efficient
care for our children, ages 0-3, while working in the
church nursery. Will work 4-10 hours per week under the
direction of the Nursery Coordinator and Pastor.
•
•
•
•
•
Requirements:
Experienced in the care of children 0-3 years of age
with the ability to adapt to and interact with a variety
of personalities and characteristics.
18 years of age or older
Must have a high school diploma or GED
Willing to submit to background check
Must be willing to work weekends
Please send your résumé to Wanda Conley at
[email protected] or drop it off at the parish office.
ANNUAL TRAINING FOR CURRENT EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
For EMHCs who missed the annual refresher
training/update on November 14th, we have scheduled
another session (English and Spanish) on Friday, January 8th from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. in the church. At this
session we will review current guidelines and procedures and discuss new procedures.
Some EMHCs have served for a long time and others
are fairly new, but regardless of experience, ALL
EMHCs are encouraged to attend an annual training
session in order to stay current on our procedures and
to share your experiences and questions with other
EMHCs.
1 Church, 1 Day Prayer Initiative
A 24-hour Prayer vigil on the
3rd Friday of every month
Can you imagine what would happen if all the churches in our city, regardless of denomination, joined together in continuous prayer? That’s what the 1
Church, 1 Day Prayer Initiative is about. KSBJ 89.3
radio has committed to sponsor this program as part
of their 5-year strategic plan and will work closely with
pastors and prayer coordinators from 30 area churches to assure success in this massive undertaking to remove all evil from our city by establishing 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week prayer.
Our official day of prayer will be the 3rd Friday of
every month.
Each church will cover a specific day of the month
with volunteers committed to cover one hour in prayer for 24 hours. Two or more people are preferred
for each hour, if possible. This is very similar to our
Adoration program, but instead of coming to the
chapel or church to pray, each volunteer will pray at
the location of their choice during their assigned hour:
home, work, lunch, quiet time, chapel, your choice, as
long as you pray for the full hour. Prayers for our
church and community will be prayed for first, followed by a set of assigned prayers that will eventually
cover 7 spheres of influence in the greater Houston
area.
Details will be forthcoming, and volunteers are being
accepted and assigned now in anticipation of this incredible event!
No need to register in advance, but we will ask attendees to sign in so we will know who attended.
Look for a notice in your FlockNote group, your email, the church website and church bulletin. Speakers and information stewards will also be available to
explain this program in more detail. Our Prayer Coordinator for our parish for this initiative is Ron
McCuen, who can be contacted at (281) 852-4743 or
[email protected].
ATTENTION YOUNG ADULTS! Come and join hundreds of young adults ages 18-35 years
old celebrate the Jubilee of Mercy at the Archdiocesan Young Adult Day. “The Door of
Mercy: Blessed be the Merciful” will be held on Saturday, February 27th, 2016 from
8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Workshops, fun, music, prayer, and Eucharist. Get inspired by
international, national, and local speakers who are living the works of mercy. Presented in
English and Spanish. Closing Mass with Bishop George Sheltz. Location: St. Pius X High
school, 811 W. Donovan Street, Houston, TX 77091. Early Bird Registration is $25
by January 31st or $35 after February 1st . Group Discounts available. Register online at
www.archgh.org/yacm. For more information, call (713) 741-8778.
NORTHEAST CATHOLIC SINGLES, A MINISTRY FOR SINGLES
AGES 40+, has its next event on Wednesday, January 6, at
Schlotzsky’s Deli, 9781 FM 1960 Bypass West in Humble. On Saturday, January 9, join us for 5:30 pm Mass at St. Martha’s in Kingwood,
4301 Woodridge Pkwy.; meal afterwards at Taqueria Alma Latina at
24660 Hwy. 59 in Kingwood (on southbound side of freeway about 1 ½
miles north of Northpark). Meet in the narthex at 5:15 pm. For more
info, contact Elizabeth Schields (281-441-2552 or [email protected])
or subscribe to us on Flocknote at St. Mary Magdalene’s website. P. 6
Weekly Announcements
Father Felix’s
Christmas /New Year
Wish List
I hope it is not too late for me to make my
Christmas wishes to “Santa Claus”:
1.
Screen Projectors in the church for
improved active participation of our
parishioners in worship ($50,000)
2. An 84 x 58 framed image of
the Divine Mercy for the parish
3. An LED sign (digital marquee)
for the parish ($25,000)
If you are able to help with any of these,
kindly make the check out to the parish
and write the purpose on the memo.
God bless your generosity.
Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year!!!
—Fr. Felix
Training for Extraordinary Ministers of
Holy Communion for the Homebound
If you would like to take communion to the
homebound, please contact Marvin Corbitt at
(281) 750-5137 or [email protected].
Please note: you must be an Extraordinary Minister of
Holy Communion (EMHC) before you can take the training for taking communion to the homebound.
Young at Heart, 50+
Anheuser Busch Brewery Tour and Tasting
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
The Day Fresh Tour experience allows you to follow the making of Budweiser as well as special visits to the Brew House, Lager Cellar, Packaging
Floor and Finishing Cellar.
This experience is a walking tour and lasts approximately 75 minutes with NO rest stops. Please plan
accordingly. In the Tasting Room, you will enjoy 2
complimentary samples. Dinner will be “on your
own” at Monument Inn. You can find their menu
online.
The cost of the trip is $12.00 per person. The bus
arrives at 12:30 p.m. and departs at 1:00 pm. We
will return after dinner at approx. 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
The bus is limited to 30 passengers.
Reservations are accepted on a first-come, firstserved basis. If you would like to join us for the Anheuser Busch Brewery Tour and Tasting, please
contact Jan Crawford at 281-852-3508 or
[email protected]. Deadline for reservations
and payments is Wednesday, January 13, 2016.
When your reservation has been confirmed, please
drop off a check made payable to St. Mary Magdalene at the parish office. Place the check in an envelope clearly marked: Young at Heart, Anheuser
Busch Brewery Tour. This tour is non-refundable.
Mark your calendars for Precinct 4 bus trips:
Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Marriage and A New Way to Love
St. Martha Catholic Church
4301 Woodridge, Porter, TX 77365
Marriage is sacred, exciting, and fun, but it can also be boring,
challenging, and just okay at times. A NEW WAY TO LOVE
is a six-week marriage enrichment series on living God’s purpose for your marriage. You will also learn simple yet powerful
tools to communicate more effectively. It will start Tuesday,
January 19, 2016, 7:00 pm in the Family Life Center
(Woodland Hills). It is a great gift to give your spouse whether
you are engaged to be married or have been married for six
months or 60 years. Registration is required. For questions or
registration, email Francine at [email protected]. Childcare
may be requested with your registration. To cover the cost of
the participant manuals, $40.00 will be collected at the first
session for each couple ($20.00 per person).
P. 7
Weekly Announcements
What is National Catholic Schools Week?
Please bring your family and join us for our
Annual School Open House
Sunday, January 31st, 2016
9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Serving grades Pre-K3 & K4(Ages 3 & 4) thru 8th
National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It
starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week,
which in 2016 is January 31st - February 6th. The
theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2016 is
“Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith,
Knowledge and Service.” Schools typically observe
the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these
events, schools focus on the value Catholic education
provides to young people and its contributions to our
church, our communities and our nation.
Help St. Mary Magdalene School earn $ by shopping!
Deerbrook Mall is offering SMMCS
the opportunity to win $10,000
with their “My School Is Cool“ contest!
Turn in any receipt from Deerbrook
Mall from August through now to help
us earn points. Receipts can come
from anyone (SMMCS students, parents, family
members, friends, etc.). Anyone who wants to support our school can help us by turning in their receipts. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the
school year, and if we have the most points, the
school can receive $10,000! Send or email your
receipts to Carol Poston at [email protected].
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that lets
customers enjoy the same
wide selection of products,
low prices, and convenient
shopping features as on Amazon.com. The difference is
that when customers shop on AmazonSmile
(smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation
will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to
St Mary Magdalene Catholic School.
P. 8
Youth Ministry News
“Youth Nights”: Weekly youth events will return this week! There will be a high school youth event this Sunday, January 3rd from 6:30pm – 8:00pm in the Youth Room; we will focus on a New Year’s reflection and have a
Mario Smash Brothers tournament (bring your Wii remote). Our middle school youth will meet on Thursday,
January 7th from 6:00pm – 7:30pm in the Youth Room; join us for a New Year’s reflection and “sardines.” Be
sure to invite a friend… and why not bring a snack to share? Please join our new “Remind” text message groups
for high school youth and middle school youth (see below!).
Youth Adoration Hour: Please make plans to join our second Eucharistic Adoration event on Monday, January
4th from 7:00pm – 8:00pm in the Chapel. Fr. Felix will lead this worship experience, which is open to ALL parishioners and families… although the event is specially geared to our youth! This will be an opportunity for prayer
and reflection, along with a special message and music to enhance this time of worship! We will follow the adoration with a complimentary pizza dinner in the Family Life Center.
2016 Confirmation CLASS: Parents who missed the “Parent / Sponsor Meeting” last Thursday, December 17th
should contact the Youth Office immediately to pick up the materials and information discussed at this important
gathering. All candidates should have selected a sponsor to accompany them during the Confirmation faith journey… the “Sponsor / Candidate Meeting” is scheduled for Friday, January 8th at 7:00pm in the Family Life Center. Our weekly Confirmation sessions begin on Wednesday, January 13th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm; candidates are
allowed only two absences from the Wednesday classes.
CCE / Faith Formation Classes: Our parish CCE / Faith Formation classes are currently on Christmas break,
and all classes will resume next Sunday, January 10, 2016! If you are a baptized, confirmed adult who is in communion with the Catholic Church, we could use some help with substitute catechists at our Sunday afternoon,
Tuesday evening, or Wednesday evening CCE sessions. Just let me know if you are interested! Please note there
are a few, scattered spaces for students who are not yet registered for CCE / Formation classes; parents should
contact the Formation Office immediately to check on session and grade-level availability.
First Reconciliation Meeting: If your student still needs to complete their sacrament chapters [1-6] or Reconciliation interview / prayers, please plan to have that completed and scheduled by Monday, January 18th – we will
conduct make-up interviews on that day from 6:30pm – 8:15pm. If your student passed their Reconciliation interview, please plan to attend our special First Penance Service, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd at
10:00am in the Church. Several priests will be available to hear your child’s confession! The Eucharist preparation sessions will begin in late February 2016.
2017 Confirmation CLASS: Parents of students who are currently in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grades and who are
NOT participating in the 2016 Confirmation class, should make plans to attend the 2017 Confirmation Orientation Meeting on Friday, January 22nd at 7:00pm in the Family Life Center. We will be reviewing archdiocesan
and parish Confirmation guidelines, calendars, and retreat details… Students are welcome to attend, but parents
MUST attend. You can also sign up for text message reminders by registering for the “Remind” service listed below.
Text Message Reminders: We are pleased to offer text message reminders which can be sent straight to your cellphone / mobile device. Simply enter 81010 in the “To:” field, and send the following message to register for specific messages for our programs…
2015 – 2016 Reconciliation / Eucharist preparation: @sacprep
2016 Confirmation candidates / parents: @conf2016
2016 Confirmation TEAM (plans and runs the program): @smmconteam
2017 Confirmation candidates / parents: @conf2017
High School Youth Ministry: @stmmHS
Middle School Youth Ministry: @stmmJR
Mike Smith, Director of Faith Formation for Children and Youth [email protected]
Carissa Bull, Coordinator of Youth Ministry [email protected]
Youth Office: (281) 446-1241
CCE Office: (281) 446-2933
P.9
Children’s News
2015 - 2016 CCE / Formation Classes Our CCE classes have one more
week of Christmas break… We will return next Sunday, January 10th in
the St. Paul Center. If you are a baptized, confirmed adult who is in communion with the Catholic Church, we could use some help with substitute
catechists at our Sunday afternoon, Tuesday evening, or Wednesday evening CCE sessions. Just let me know if you are interested! There are a few
scattered spaces left for students who are not yet registered for CCE / Formation classes; please contact the Faith Formation Office as soon as possible to verify session /
grade-level availability!
First Reconciliation Update: If your child still needs to complete their sacrament chapters [1-6] or Reconciliation interview / prayers, please plan to have those completed and
scheduled by Monday, January 18th – we will conduct make-up interviews on that day from
6:30pm – 8:15pm. If your child passed their Reconciliation interview, please plan to attend
our special First Penance Service, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd at
10:00am in the Church. Several priests will be available to hear your child’s confession!
The Eucharist preparation sessions will begin in late February 2016.
Adult Faith Formation CATECHESIS AND EVANGELIZATION OF ADULTS
Ivana T. Meshell, M.A., Director, [email protected] Assisted by Ginger Herrington, [email protected]
The Year of Mercy
I thought it would be important for all of us to see our archbishop’s letter concerning the
Year of Mercy, especially to know the names of the pilgrim churches in our Archdiocese
for this year. Thus, I have printed his letter in place of my usual bulletin article this week.
May we make this year a truly holy one, opening ourselves to God’s mercy. Watch for more
activities in our parish related to the Year of Mercy, and pray for the people of our parish.
RCIA and Adult Confirmation resumes on January 12th at 7:00 P.M. in McGivney Hall.
Become Catholic! Our next start date for newcomers is January 12th. Ask for an RCIA Welcome Packet.
Bible Study resumes on January 14th at 9:30 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. in room 215-216 of the Education Building.
A Mass for the repose of the soul of Msgr. Paul Procella is set for 8:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 7th.
EXPECTING A BABY? DO NOT DELAY YOUR CHILD’S BAPTISM! Parents who are expecting a
child are encouraged to participate before the baby is born so as to avoid delaying baptism. Parents, please
pick up a Baptism Welcome Packet at the parish office; godparents are not required to attend. Next preparation retreat is Saturday, January 16, 2015 from 12:15-5:00 P.M. For Spanish baptism, contact Vickie Cortez.
ADULTS, GET CONFIRMED THIS YEAR! Confirmation will be celebrated on Pentecost Sunday, May
15, 2016. Pick up an Adult Confirmation Welcome Packet at the parish office to register. It is not true that you
have to be confirmed before you can get married in the Church, but every Catholic should be confirmed.
P.10
P.11
Especialmente para nuestra Comunidad Hispana
Siguiendo la Estrella
Mi querida gente de la parroquia de Santa María Magdalena: bienvenidos al nuevo
año 2016. Este va a ser un año muy emocionante. Es un año bisiesto, ¡y me encantan
los años bisiestos! Yo pido que todos podamos experimentar las bendiciones y la alegría del Señor durante este año. Ya estamos en el Año de la Misericordia. Hay oportunidades alrededor de toda la arquidiócesis para hacer peregrinajes a sitios santos aquí
mismo en la arquidiócesis durante este año. Espero que grupos de esta parroquia puedan ir como
peregrinos a algunas de nuestras iglesias designadas.
Hoy celebramos la fiesta de la Epifanía del Señor. Jesús, quien nació judío pero cuya misión es para todos los pueblos, se reveló a los Gentiles, quienes son representados por los Magos del Oriente.
La historia de los magos se encuentra solamente en el evangelio de Mateo. La historia cuenta como
ellos vieron una estrella y percibieron que algo nuevo y único había ocurrido. Ellos no eran judíos y
entonces no conocían las escrituras. Sin embargo, Dios les reveló a ellos a través de medios naturales que algo o alguien muy importante había sucedido. Pronto descubrieron que fue Cristo Jesús
quien había nacido en Belén. Los Magos del Oriente eran muy conocidos como astrónomos e intérpretes de presagios y sueños. Ellos estaban conscientes del mundo que los rodeaba ya que identificaban diferentes estrellas y sus movimientos. Ellos notaron algo inusual de una cierta estrella y decidieron seguirla para averiguar su significado.
Para poder seguir la estrella, ellos tuvieron que dejar muchas comodidades, incluyendo el mundo
que conocían. Ellos tuvieron que enfrentar muchísimas dificultades en su camino, pero aun así no
permitieron que la estrella se apartara de su vista. La estrella los llevó a Jesús, el príncipe de la paz.
Cuando encontraron a Jesús, ellos se sintieron realizados, entonces le rindieron homenaje a Jesús
y le presentaron regalos. La tradición dice que los magos eran tres reyes. Siendo reyes, ellos reconocieron la supremacía de Jesús mientras le rendían homenaje. Esto fue muy distinto a Herodes,
quien no solamente falló en reconocer la supremacía de Cristo, sino también percibía a Jesús como
un enemigo. Él era tan egocéntrico y tan egoísta que se hizo muy cruel, matando a niños inocentes
en su búsqueda para destruir a Jesús.
Todos estamos buscando ser realizados en la vida. Todos estamos en un viaje para cumplir nuestros sueños, nuestras vocaciones. En este camino, la “estrella” que apareció al principio pronto
puede marchitarse, y nosotros, en cambio, podemos empezar a perder la esperanza. Los magos
perdieron la estrella por un rato, o más bien, no podían ver claramente adonde los estaba llevando
la estrella. Ellos se confundieron y tuvieron que hacer preguntas mientras progresaban en su camino. Mientras hacían preguntas, ellos también reflexionaban en lo que estaban experimentando.
Ellos eran de una sola mente y no permitían ser desanimados por las dificultades y los retos. Nosotros debemos seguir su ejemplo. Nuestras dudas no deben hacernos perder la fe; más bien, debemos seguir adelante y buscar la estrella de nuevo. Una vida realizada no está libre de dificultades.
Los magos experimentaron tiempos difíciles, pero porque estaban enfocados, ellos encontraron a
Cristo.
Mientras soñamos y nos esforzamos a lograr nuestras metas, debemos pensar en el bien de los demás en vez de simplemente en nuestros propios intereses egoístas. La persona que destruye a los
demás para poder triunfar trae destrucción a sí mismo.
¡Que el año 2016 sea un Año de Realización para todos nosotros! Amen.
—Padre Felix
P.12
Ofrenda Semanal
Ofrenda del 19-20 y 26-27 de diciembre 2015 —
Información no disponible al tiempo de publicación
Informe del DSF (A partir de 12/14/2015)
Meta del DSF 2015 — $160,220.00
Contribución a la fecha —
$152,779.24
Monto comprometido a la fecha
— $160,135.82
Numero de participantes — 490
Segunda Colecta para el
10 de enero del 2016
La segunda colecta del próximo fin de semana es para la ESCUELA CATÓLICA DE
SANTA MARÍA MAGDALENA para asistir con
los programas para nuestros estudiantes.
Muchas gracias por su apoyo.
ROSCA DE REYES
Los Caballeros de Colón los invitan
a compartir la Rosca de Reyes y
chocolate hoy, 3 de enero 2016, en el Centro Familiar después de la Misa de la 1:00 P.M.
¡Los esperamos!
Palabra de Vida
“Cada uno de nosotros tiene en sí una identidad personal, capaz de entrar en diálogo con los demás y con el mismo Dios”.
— Papa Francisco, Laudato si’, 81 © 2015 Libreria
Editrice Vaticana. Se utiliza con permiso.
AVISO IMPORTANTE SOBRE LOS
BAUTIZOS
Las próximas preparaciones bautismales
serán el sábado, 9 de enero y
sábado, 6 de febrero del 2016.
Los próximos bautizos serán el
domingo, 17 de enero y
domingo, 7 de febrero del 2016.
Si desea bautizar a su niño(a), favor de llamar a la oficina
de la parroquia para hacer una cita para una entrevista
personal.
Recuerden de traer a la entrevista la acta de nacimiento
(original) y nombre, teléfono y dirección de los padrinos
en completa comunión con la Iglesia.
Vickie Cortez: (281) 446-8211
Año Jubilar de la Misericordia
En este Año Jubilar de la Misericordia, la Epifanía celebra la misericordia de Dios brillando
sobre los reyes magos desde la estrella que
los guía. Sus reinos estaban muy lejos de Jerusalén, sus religiones muy lejos de la alianza de
Dios con Israel. Al principio la estrella guio a los magos a
Jerusalén en donde ellos podrían “recalcular” su búsqueda con la ayuda del propio “GPS” (localizador) de Dios,
las Escrituras judías. Que humilde y consternado debió ser
el momento en que los magos vieron al Mesías del mundo
no en un palacio sino con una pareja pobre en un pueblito
insignificante. Ahí es donde está la misericordia de Dios,
brillando en la estrella que guio a los magos a adorar a
Jesús, el Príncipe de la Paz. Hoy los reyes magos nos invitan a “recalcular” nuestro camino de vida durante este
Año Jubilar, siguiendo la estrella de la misericordia de
Dios a lo largo del camino de amor humilde, para descubrir una relación personal renovada con Jesús hacia nosotros mismos para que podamos convertirnos en “estrellas
guías” dirigiendo también a otros buscadores a encontrar
a Jesús.
—Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.
Abra Su Casa a la Virgen Peregrina
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
La Legión de María le invita a reservar su
espacio este año 2016 para recibir en su hogar a
nuestra Madre, la Virgen de Guadalupe. Usted y su
familia recibirán muchas bendiciones a través del
Santo Rosario . No deje pasar esta gran oportunidad;
déjense guiar por Nuestra Madre hacia su Hijo Jesús. Para más información, llame a Sylvia Zavala al
(832) 866-1520 o Esperanza Garza al (281) 513-9118.
La Legión de María les invita a rezar el
Santo Rosario todos los viernes a las 7
PM y los domingos a las 12:30 P.M. en
la Capilla. ¡La Oración es poderosa!
TALLERES DE ORACIÓN Y VIDA
Para adultos
APRENDER A ORAR PARA
APRENDER A VIVIR
Te invitamos a profundizar en el conocimiento del Señor y
de ti mismo, a través de esta experiencia personal.
INICIAN: miércoles, 27 de enero 2016
DE: 10:00 A.M. a 12:00 P.M. Y 7:00 a 9:00 P.M.
Para mayor información, por favor llamen a Lupita Borjas
al (832) 892-2945.
P.13
CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS
St. Mary Magdalene Church #515133
527 S. Houston Avenue
Humble, TX 77338
TELEPHONE
(281) 446-8211
CONTACT PERSON
Madelyn Cañas
SOFTWARE
MS Publisher 2007
Adobe Acrobat 8.0
Windows XP Professional
PRINTER
Dell 31101
TRANSMISSION TIME
Tuesday, December 15th, 2015 @ 4:25 p.m.
SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION
January 3rd, 2016
NUMBER OF PAGES SENT
1 through 14
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Please deliver by Thursday Noon