SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME……….FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Reverend John Kha Tran, Pastor ● Reverend Michael Pham, CRM, Parochial Vicar Deacon Dennis Hayes ● Deacon Bob Henkel ● Deacon Steve Klak

Deacon John Naber ● Deacon Matt Rust ● Deacon Joe Weir

EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION (MASS): Saturday: 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM

Weekdays: 8:30 AM (Monday through Saturday)

RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION): We have Confessions on Saturday from 3:30 - 4:30 PM, and at other times by appointment.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK:

Someone who is seriously ill, at home, or in the hospital, or who is about to undergo major surgery, should call the parish office, and arrange for a Priest to celebrate with them the sacrament for the ill.

BAPTISM: ADULT BAPTISM: Adults who are preparing to become

Catholic, will participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation at Easter. INFANT BAPTISM: We celebrate infant Baptism on the 2nd

Saturday of each month, except during Lent. Parents and Godparents of infants to be baptized should attend Baptismal classes, preferably before the child is born.

CONFIRMATION: Adults and older youth who have not been Confirmed should contact the Parish office. MARRIAGE:

Couples who are considering marriage should contact the parish office, at least six (6) months before the couple's projected wedding date.

PRAYER: Rosary: Wednesday at 6:30 PM in Immaculata Chapel Evening Prayer: Wednesday at 7:00 PM in Immaculata Chapel Eucharistic Adoration: Daily in Immaculata Chapel Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Saturday at 4:30 PM in Church Rosary: Sunday following 10:00 AM Mass

PARISH STAFF Mary Alice Greaney—Music Director Dana Henkel—Parish Stewardship Director Jennifer Henkel—Youth Ministry Director Beth Jones—Parish Business Manager Eileen Mace—Kolbe Kids EC Program Director Lupe Mendez—Custodian Yvette Neider—Parish Night Clerk David Nguyen—Custodian Sister Vinflora Onije—Pastoral Assistant Miguel Perdomo—Maintenance & Handyman Phyllis Schoelman—Parish Secretary Molly Smith—Director of Evangelization and Catechesis Diana Thomas—Faith Formation Assistant

PASTORAL Anna Cardona Jason Donat Madelyn Henderson Judy Quinn Christian Munoz (Recorder) Pam Munoz Mitch Reece (Facilitator)

COUNCIL Esteban Teron Paul Simon Eileen Torres Jorge Torres Chuck Woodruff Paul Yim Ken Zavatsky

FINANCE

Martha Alvarado Sean Kennedy Wilfred Krenek (Facilitator) David Ricke

COUNCIL

Bob Charnock Mark Kohlschmidt Evie Ornelaz

10135 West Road Parish Office: (281) 955-7324 Office Hours: Sundays 8am-11am Houston, TX 77064 Fax: (281) 955-7328 Monday—Friday 9am-5pm www.stmaximilian.org Kolbe Kids: (281) 970-0979 Evenings: Mon and Wed 5pm-8:30pm www.cmgconnect.org 2nd and 3rd Saturdays: 9am-3pm

SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH Page 2 HOUSTON, TEXAS

FOOLISHNESS Sometimes the idea of repentance seems old-fashioned, naïve, even foolish. But if you’re looking for real foolishness, you will find it in today’s readings. We begin with Leviticus and the admonition, “Take no revenge and cherish no grudge” (Leviticus 19:18). We have heard that message before, of course, so we might for-get how far it is from the so-called “practical realities of life.” Saint Paul warns us about being practical, though. Whoever considers oneself wise had better “become a fool,” because “the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God” (1 Corinthians 3:18, 19). This “foolishness” continues in the Gospel: “Offer no resistance to one who is evil” (Matthew 5:39). In fact, offer the other cheek when you’ve been slapped. Hand over your coat as well as your shirt. Be like God, who sends sunshine and rain on the bad as well as the good. “So be perfect,” says Jesus, “just as your heavenly Father is perfect” (5:48). Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Wednesday, February 26th Mass with Distribution of Ashes

8:30 am in the Church 7:00 pm in the Church

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fri-days during Lent are obliga-tory days of abstinence. For members of the Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning absti-nence from meat are binding upon members of the Catho-lic Church from age 14 on-wards.

FASTING AND ABSTINENCE

Did you know…the colors of the beads thrown at Mardi Gras hold more significance than the act of throwing them. The Purple represents Justice, the Green symbolizes Faith and the Gold exemplifies Power.

OUR PARISH MISSION

We are the Christian Community of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, a Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Embracing our many and diverse gifts, we are united in Christ Jesus. Challenged by the teachings of Our Lord, and inspired by the example of our Patron, we strive to serve God, and to minister to others, in prayer, sacrament, faith formation, and charity.

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Have You Moved? Changed your Phone Number or Email Address? If you have it is important to let us know in the parish office. Please call 281-955-7324 to update your information. Thank you!

The “Gulf Coast Fellowship of Catholic Men” con-tinues to inspire with their 5th annual men’s con-ference on Saturday, February 29th from 8am - 3pm at St. Paul the Apostle Church (18223 Point Lookout Drive in Nassau Bay, TX). The event is hosted by Joe McClane – Catholic Speaker, Ra-dio Host, and Documentary film maker. Featured speakers will be John Sablan – The Man on Fire, co-founder/president of World Ablaze Inc. and Father David Michael Moses – ordained at age 25 and parochial vicar at St. Faustina in Fulshear, TX, a Musician, Songwriter, & founder of "Concert for Life". And finally Mark Hartfiel - VP of Para-disus Dei and National Program Director of “That Man Is You”. Early Bird specials: $40 for single ticket or $35 for 2 or more by February 24th or $45 at the door. Priest, Seminarians and Clergy are free. All meals and snacks included as well. To carpool with someone from St Maximilian, call/text Don Sextro @ 713-818-7164. Register online at www.gc-cmc.org

ASH WEDNESDAY Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving: these disciplines, prescribed by Jesus himself in the Sermon on the Mount, along with strict instructions not to flaunt them in public to win recognition and praise (Matthew 6:1-18), have been embraced by all the saints at the beginning of every Lent for almost two thousand years. But mention Lent, and many react with a grimace or slight shudder—even now, years after official obligations have been reduced to a minimum! No wonder the Eastern Rite’s “Lenten Announcement” sounds surprising: “Let us receive with joy, O faithful people, the divinely inspired announcement of Lent! The Lenten Spring shines forth! Begin the fast with joy! Let us fast from passions as well as food, taking pleasure in the good works of the Spirit, and accomplishing them in love!” Saint John Chrysostom, whose feast is September 13, elaborates: “Do you fast? Give proof by your works. If you see a poor person, take pity. An enemy, be reconciled. A friend gaining honor, do not be jealous.” A positive approach! May the saints help us keep such a Lent! Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

FORGIVENESS People who cannot forgive others break the bridge over which they must pass if they are to reach heaven; for everyone has a need to be forgiven. George Herbert STRONG BELIEFS Strong beliefs win strong people and make them stronger. Walter Bagehot FORGIVING AN ENEMY Who has not forgiven an enemy has not yet tasted one of the most sublime enjoyments of life. Johann Kaspar Lavater REPENTANCE Of all human acts, repentance is the most di-vine. The greatest of all faults is to be con-scious of none. Thomas Carlyle

While fish, lobster and other shellfish are not considered meat and can be consumed on days of abstinence, indulging in the lavish buffet at your favorite seafood place sort of miss-es the point. Abstaining from meat and other indulgences during Lent is a penitential prac-tice. On the Fridays of Lent, we remember the sacrifice of Christ on Good Friday and unite ourselves with that sacrifice through abstinence and prayer.

SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH Page 4 HOUSTON, TEXAS

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — Take no revenge and cherish no grudge; love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18). Psalm — The Lord is kind and merciful (Psalm 103). Second Reading — You are the temple of God, and holy (1 Corinthians 3:16-23). Gospel — Offer no resistance; love your enemies (Matthew 5:38-48). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass (c) 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corpora-tion. All rights reserved.

That Man is You! On Fridays - Breakfast at 5:30am in Kolbe Hall, followed by a video and small group discussion. All men are welcome. Call or text Tom Comstock at 281-380-0403 for more information.

KOLBE SENIORS

Upcoming bus trips: March 6th—Monument Inn for lunch. April 7th—Houston Zoo. April 21st—Houston Astros vs Tampa Bay.

All Seniors are welcome to join!

Call or text Becky Keels @ 713-724-1075 for more information, or you may email her at stmax.kolbe.seniors@gmail.com.

For Safety! Please do NOT let small children ap-proach the candle stands unattended. Parents, watch your children when near the candles. Thank you! Wanna watch a

movie??

Saturday, February 29th after 5pm Mass Lillies of the Field

Free Hot Dog Dinner and Popcorn! FREE ADMISSION

There will not be any regularly scheduled Baptisms during the Season of Lent (March and April). Please plan accordingly.

TROOP 1277 A SCOUTS BSA TROOP FOR GIRLS AGE 11 TO 17

Join us on Monday evenings at 7pm in the Ga-jowniczek Building. We are accepting applications for youth and adults in the newly sponsored Troop 1277 for girls. This is an opportunity for our daugh-ters to participate in the Scouts BSA program that our sons have enjoyed and benefitted from for over a century. If you have questions, please email Scoutmaster Linda Porras-Pirtle at Scoutmaster.Troop1277@TroopMaster.email

Stations of the Cross Every Friday during Lent

7pm in the Church

We follow the way of Jesus from the me of His condemna on, to His death, to His burial in the tomb. Make these Sta ons part of your own Lenten journey.

Benjamin Bellami, Chris Buckley, Bill Carew, Michael Cartafalsa, Patricia Carter, Denise Caskey, Patria Cillo, Emilio Chavez-Cody, Kayson Clay, Patricia Crim, Martha Dardnel, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Deacon Fred Dinges, Mark Durocher, Jearald Dyer, Bobby Embesi, Aurora Enciso, Karen English, Jennifer Foty, Missy Fouts, Sheri Friecke, Joseph Gallagher, Carol Ann Geary, Eric Gensch, Richard Geveshausen, Beatriz Gonzales, Kenny Gordon, Adria Gould, Francisco Grados, Jesse Guevara, Ofelia Guevara, Rudy Guevara, Mack Harper, Mitzi Harper, Charles Hebert, Janelle Hoffart, Herb Holly, Rachel Huebel, Irma Jacinto, Linda Johnson, Monsignor Milam Kleas, Corine Konvicka, Laurine Krejci, Della Kubeskie, Tommy Kubeskie, Mrs. Hoang Le, Neveah Leger, Rachele Marchisio, Ashley Mueller, Mark Neagli, John Oggero, Father Roy Oggero, Kristen Ornelaz, Richard Ornelaz, Carmen Ortiz, Jerry Pendlum, Stan Petty, Drake Pope, Chris Raggio, Oralia Ramirez, Carol Rodriguez, Kent Rogers, Nelda Ruiz, Alveraize Saizan, Maria Senjudo, Ernest Sepulveda, Doug Shepherd, Tony Sliva, Grace Smith, Lance Smith, Nancy Snyder, Irma Sosa, Marilyn Stocker, Christine Swiech, Ken Switzler, Diana Thomas, Vick Anthony Todaro, Ruth Tolentino, Annette Triska, Father John Ulm, Janet Vasko, Megan Waggoner, Jerelyn Walker, Linda Webb, and Adam Wendel.

Monday, February 24 David and Camila Thiam † 8:30am James W. Cozart, Jr. †

Tuesday, February 25 Alveraize Saizan, Intentions 8:30am Karen Kaping †

Wednesday, February 26 Ash Wednesday Norma Skowronek, Intentions 8:30am Fred and Toni Kopecky † 7:00 pm

Thursday, February 27 Dominic Bui † 8:30am

Friday, February 28 Patrick Nelson † 8:30am Thang Van Tran † Jose Raymund A. Yano, Intentions

Saturday, February 29 Michael Williams † 8:30am Helen Adams † 5:00pm Lisa Permea, Intentions

Sunday, March 1 First Sunday of Lent Parishioners of St. Maximilian 8:00am Lindsay Bowker † 10:00am Mary Olague 12:00pm

Reconciliation Saturdays at 3:30pm

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME FEBRUARY 23, 2020

If you would like someone added to our Parish Prayer List, please contact the parish office @ 281-955-7324. Going forward the Prayer List in the bulletin will be reviewed periodically and names on the list over 90 days will be removed unless we receive notification to retain them. May God bless you, protect you and please keep all those on our list in your prayers. Thank you.

SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH Page 6 HOUSTON, TEXAS

Power Hour Prayer Time; Mondays @ 7pm

Immaculata Chapel Call Jeanette @ 281-914-3676

for more information.

www.formed.org our parish code: BVPDYC

We invite you to spend 10, 15, 20, 30 minutes or an hour with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in the Immaculata Chapel. There are about 300 commit-ted and dedicated adorers in Adoration praying an hour every day so that you can come and visit Jesus exposed in

the Holy Eucharist. If you would like to commit to an hour of Adoration, please call Susie Charnock at 281-813-1492.

Day of the week Hours Needed Monday 1:00 a.m.—2:00 a.m. Monday 3:00 a.m.—4:00 a.m. Monday 6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Tuesday 3:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m. Wednesday 3:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m. Thursday 2:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. Thursday 3:00 a.m.—4:00 a.m. Saturday 12:00 a.m.—1:00 a.m. updated: 01/14/2020

The Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Daughters award the Deacon Auburn Higgins Memorial Education Scholarships each year to graduating 12th grade high school youth of our parish. Both groups use the same applica-tions and essays that are submitted. For more information please contact Joe Kopecky @ 713-385-6927 or Adrian Dupoint @ 281-682-1211 to receive an application. The deadline for submitting your application is April 15th.

Attention Ladies who have attended a WATCh Retreat! You are invited to join the team for the 2020 Women's WATCh Retreat. Questions? Contact Cassy Hunter - cjhunter@flash.net or text to 713-516-0774

Kolbe Kids’ Early Childhood Program Kolbe Kids’ accepts children 18 months through 4 years old. If you are interested in enrolling your child or taking a tour of our school, please contact Eileen Mace @ 281-970-0979.

Attention Men who have attended a WATCh Retreat! You are invited to join the team for the 2020 Men’s WATCh Retreat. We will be meeting every Sunday at 7:30am in the Kol-be Room until the Team is discerned. Con-tact John Garcia @ 281-660-8605 or Tom Comstock @ 281-380-0403 for more infor-mation.

How can married couples change the world? By using the gifts they have re-ceived from God: unconditional love, for-giveness, healing, joyfulness, faithfulness, Godliness, generosity, and care. One weekend together can bless couples and everyone around them. Register now to secure your place for March 13-15 www.houstonme.org or call 713-482-1791

Priests vs. Seminarians Basketball Game Friday, March 6th

houstonvocations.com/tickets

****There will be a planning meeting for the International Food Extravaganza on Sunday, March 1st at 11:15am in Room 201. Please join the Fellowship Minis-try as they work on this fun-filled event!********

There will be a second collection on Ash Wednesday for the Archdiocesan Social Ministries Collection. Please be generous.

Having difficulty on your grief journey? If you feel like your grief journey is not progressing after the loss of your loved one, the Grief Ministry will meet with you to help you. We are willing to listen and help you cope during this difficult time. Please call Louise Widacki at 281-970-2770 for an appointment.

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME FEBRUARY 23, 2020

OUR PARISH DEBT Original Loan, October 2010: $5,200,000 Amount to be paid: $251,363.73

Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy. Leviticus 19:2b

Pledged

Paid

Percent Paid Pledged Under Goal Paid Under Goal Number of Participants Average Participant Pledge Total Number of Households 1,995

BRING YOUR GREATEST GIFTS TO THE LORD DSF 2020 Parish Goal: $138,000.00

IGNITE: Our Faith, Our Mission Parish Goal: $1,442,331.00 Pledged: $698,515.00 Paid: $254,603.61 Percent Paid: 17.65% Percent Pledged: 48.43% Pledged Under Goal: $743,816.00 Paid Under Goal: $1,187,727.39 Number of Participants: 210 Total Number of Households: 1,995

Friendly Reminder: IGNITE donation checks should be made payable to IGNITE. All IGNITE checks are sent to the Archdio-cese for processing. Thank you for your generosity.

Are you registered at St. Maximilian Kolbe? It is important to register as a member of a parish so we can better serve the needs of all our parishion-ers. To register, pick up a registration form in the Narthex of the Church or come by the parish of-fice.

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS

Please!! Do not tape, staple, or glue your offertory/donation envelopes.

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Matthew 5:44 Love your enemies, easier said than done, no doubt. But, remember, the foundation of steward-ship is prayer. When we are in close communica-tion with God, it opens our heart and it turns our attention away from “me” and moves it towards God and others. It allows us to have a little more empathy for “our enemy”. When we pray for oth-ers, even “our enemies”, maybe it softens their hearts as well.

The Holy Father’s Intentions for 2020: FEBRUARY: Universal Prayer Intention: Listen to the Migrants’ Cries We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered.

SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH Page 8 HOUSTON, TEXAS

WE SHARE THEIR GRIEF

We offer our sincere condolences to Becky Keels and her family at the passing of her mother, Mary Patricia Holt.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May Mary’s soul, and the souls of all Your faith-ful departed, by Your loving mercy, rest in peace.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Jas 3:13-18; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mk 9:14-29 Tuesday: Jas 4:1-10; Ps 55:7-11a, 23; Mk 9:30-37 Wednesday: Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6ab, 12-14, 17; 2 Cor 5:20 — 6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday: Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 9:22-25 Friday: Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6ab, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15 Saturday: Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk 5:27-32 Sunday: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Ps 51:3-6, 12-13, 17; Rom 5:12-19 [12, 17-19]; Mt 4:1-11

CMG CONNECT SAFE HAVEN

CMG Connect Safe Haven is the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Safe Environment program that is required training of any individual, 18 years of age and older, who has the desire to work with children and youth. This online safe environment training replaces the previous program, VIRTUS, Protecting God's Children®. The CMG Connect program consists of three vignette style training videos that can be completed at your conven-ience and usually in less than one hour. Previous VIRTUS users sign in to CMG using your (old) VIRTUS login and the password: 1234. New CMG users create a username and password for CMG Connect. Contact Beth Jones in the parish office if you need assistance! Thank you! www.cmgconnect.org

Fish Fry hosted by Knights of Columbus

Every Friday evening during Lent

6:15pm serving starts $10/plate

Proceeds from the dinners go to fund scholarships for graduating high school

seniors from our parish family. This is a weekly Lenten study...join as a group, as an individual or ask to be added to a group. Father Andrew Apostoli pro-vides simple steps to holiness that can help us grow in pray-er, conquer our faults and ac-quire virtues that enable us to

grow in intimacy and walk more closely with God. For more information contact Molly Smith in the parish office.

CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS MAY 31, 2020

Are you a baptized Catholic that has re-ceived First Eucharist and only need Confir-mation to complete your sacraments? Or are you looking for an opportunity to refresh your understanding about the teachings of our faith? If so, St. Maximilian will be offering Adult Confirmation classes beginning on Wednesday March 11th at 6:30pm. Please contact Deacon Matt Rust at 281-300-9923 or matt.rust@stmaximilian.org for more infor-mation.

Sunday, February 23 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Men’s WATCh Retreat Meeting Room 212 7:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 8:00 am Coffee/Donuts Fellowship Gajowniczek Building 9:00 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 10:00 am RCIA Session Room 215 11:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 12:00 pm Youth Faith Formation, Confirmation Rehearsal Church 2:00 pm Youth Faith Formation, Confirmation Prep Class Kolbe Hall 2:00 pm Youth Faith Formation, Sunday Session Gajowniczek Building 2:30 pm Monday, February 24 ESL Classes Room 206 8:15 am Eucharist (Mass) Chapel 8:30 am Kolbe Kids ECP Gajowniczek Building 9:15 am Youth Faith Formation, First Communion Meeting Kolbe Hall 6:30 pm Youth Faith Formation, RCIC Class Room 210 7:00 pm Boy Scout Troop Meeting Gajowniczek Building 7:00 pm Devotional Power Hour Prayer Chapel 7:00 pm Tuesday, February 25 Eucharist (Mass) Chapel 8:30 am Kolbe Kids ECP Gajowniczek Building 9:15 am Jr. High Youth Group Higgins Building 6:30 pm Rosary Making Ministry Meeting Room 202 7:00 pm Wednesday, February 26 Ash Wednesday ESL Classes Room 206 8:15 am Eucharist (Mass and Ashes) Church 8:30 am Kolbe Kids ECP Gajowniczek Building 9:15 am Food Pantry Open Higgins Building 3:30 pm Rosary Chapel 6:30 pm High School Youth Group Higgins Building 6:30 pm Evening Prayer Chapel 7:00 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal Canticle Hall 7:00 pm Eucharist (Mass and Ashes) Church 7:00 pm

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Thursday, February 27 Eucharist (Mass) Church 8:30 am Kolbe Kids ECP Gajowniczek Bldg 9:15 am Youth Faith Formation, Thursday Session Gajowniczek Bldg 6:30 pm Friday, February 28 That Man is You Ministry Kolbe Hall 5:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 8:30 am Lenten Fish Fry Dinner Gajowniczek Building 6:30 pm Stations of the Cross Church 7:00 pm Saturday, February 29 Eucharist (Mass) Chapel 8:30 am Legion of Mary Meeting Room 203 9:15 am Reconciliation Church 3:30 pm Eucharist (Mass) Church 5:00 pm Parish Movie Night! Kolbe Hall 6:00 pm Sunday, March 1 First Sunday in Lent Men’s WATCh Retreat Meeting Kolbe Room 7:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 8:00 am Coffee/Donuts Fellowship Gajowniczek Bldg 9:00 am Women’s WATCh Retreat Meeting Room 212 9:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 10:00 am International Food Night Plan Mtg Room 201 11:15 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 12:00 pm Youth Faith Formation, Sunday Session Gajowniczek Bldg 2:30 pm

Children’s Liturgy of the Word Prayerfully consider serving Jesus and our children in this manner. **Serve while you attend Mass **Bring children closer to Jesus **Strengthen your own under-standing of the Word of God **Flexible commitment (usually once per month) Contact Molly Smith at 281-955-7324 for more infor-mation about this ministry. Our Lord says: “Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

ST. JOSEPH’S ALTAR SATURDAY, MARCH 21 after 5pm Mass

Kolbe Hall

WHAT TO EXPECT: Come honor St. Joseph for his Feast Day in this Italian tradition with a complete spa-ghetti dinner, a Tupa Tupa ceremony and homemade desserts for sale. Funds raised will go towards the pur-chase of a St. Joseph statue for the church grounds. Donations are greatly appreciated. PRESALE TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER MASS: Dinner-$8/plate; Children (ages 5-12) $5. Any-one named Joseph or Josephine will eat for free. CHILDREN ARE INVITED TO BE PART OF THE TUPA-TUPA CEREMONY FOR $25 DONATION PER CHILD--(12 children maximum). Children may dress as different saints for the specially decorated, designated saints ta-ble for the event for dinner. To register, contact Valerie Sweeten at sweeten4@sbcglobal.net. Deadline is March 1st. What is "Tupa-Tupa" (Knocking) for St. Joseph's Day? Part of the celebration of St. Joseph's Table or Altar is the Holy Family knocking door-to-door for food and shel-ter before finding the Table. The custom of the Holy Family's search for food and shelter is an integral part of the St. Joseph's Altar celebration.

All our best to our long-time parishioners, Ed and Adria Gould as they move to Wimberley, Texas to be closer to their daughter. We will miss seeing the two of you around St. Maximilian on a regular basis – you best come back for a visit now and then! ♥

There will be a second collection next Sunday, March 1st for the Archdiocesan Black and Indi-an Missions Collection. Please be generous.