St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 281-463-7878 www.SeasCatholic.org The Season of Advent The word Advent is from the Latin adventus for "coming" and is associated with the four weeks of preparation for Christmas. Advent always contains four Sun- days, beginning on the Sunday nearest the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, (November 30) and continuing until December 24. It blends together a peniten- tial spirit, very similar to Lent, a liturgical theme of preparation for the Second and Final Coming of the Lord, called the Parousia, and a joyful theme of getting ready for the Bethlehem event. Since the 900s Advent has been considered the beginning of the Church year. This does not mean that Advent is the most important time of the year. Easter has always had this honor. The traditional color of Advent is purple or violet which symbolizes the peniten- tial spirit. Religious traditions associated with Advent express all these themes. Continued on page 11...
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The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 1
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 281-463-7878
www.SeasCatholic.org
The Season of Advent The word Advent is from the Latin adventus for "coming" and is associated with the four weeks of preparation for Christmas. Advent always contains four Sun-days, beginning on the Sunday nearest the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, (November 30) and continuing until December 24. It blends together a peniten-tial spirit, very similar to Lent, a liturgical theme of preparation for the Second and Final Coming of the Lord, called the Parousia, and a joyful theme of getting ready for the Bethlehem event. Since the 900s Advent has been considered the beginning of the Church year. This does not mean that Advent is the most important time of the year. Easter has always had this honor. The traditional color of Advent is purple or violet which symbolizes the peniten-tial spirit. Religious traditions associated with Advent express all these themes.
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The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 2
Dec. 4 Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Matthew 8:5-11
Dec. 5 Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72 Luke 10:21-24
Dec. 6 Isaiah 25:6-10 Psalm 23 Matthew 15:29-37
Dec. 7 Isaiah 26:1-6 Psalm 118 Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Dec. 9 Isaiah 30:19-26 Psalm 147 Matthew 9:35-10:1-8
On the Cover: The Calling of St. Matthew (detail). Michelangelo Merisi da Caravag-gio; 1599-1600. Oil on canvas. The church of San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome, Italy. For more information about this painting in its parish setting, go to:
saintlouis-rome.net
Senior Pot Luck Lunch Our next luncheon will be on Thursday, December 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This will be our farewell and final luncheon.
Simbang Gabi The Holy Mass for our annual Simbang Gabi will be on Friday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m., followed by fellowship at the Community Life Center. For more information please call Julian Ob-maces at 281-463-6104, or 832-875-3753; or Cora Benavidez at 281-859-0668, or 832-497-6588.
Pancakes with Saint Nicholas Sunday, December 10 in the Community Life Center
7:30 a.m.—Noon
Featuring: pancakes, sausage, juices, milk, coffee, hot chocolate,
and special Christmas toppings at the pancake topping bar!
Visit with St. Nicholas and enjoy the sounds of the Advent season.
Have fun in the Elves Workshop and more!
$3.00 Kids $5.00 Adults
$6.00 All the pancakes you can eat!
Panqueques con Papá Noel Domingo, 10 de diciembre en el Centro Comunitario
Aderezos y coberturas de Navidad para los panqueques!
Visiten a Papa Noel y disfruten los sonidos de la temporada de adviento.
Diviértanse en el Taller de los Duendes y mas!
$3.00 Niños $5.00 Adultos
$6.00 Todo los panqueques que pueden comer!
Bring your camera!
¡Traigan su cámera!
The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 3
Pancakes with St.nicholas…….........….….. p. 2 The Immaculate Conception…........…..... p. 3 Charismatic Prayer Group…….………...... p. 4 CD of the Week……...…………….………... p. 5 Fiesta Guadalupana..………......…..……… p .6 Las Posadas…………………........................ p. 7 That Man is You…………..……….….……... p. 8 Blood Drive………...……....….…………….. p. 9
School News………………....….….....… p. 10 The Advent Wreath….……...…...…...... p. 11 Guide to Confession….....…..…..…......p. 12 Como Confesarse Bien.…..…………... p. 13 Mass Intentions …………..……...……... p. 14 Diaper Drive……….....……….…….…… p. 15 Parish Directory…………………………. p. 16 St. Ambrose………..………….....Back Cover
Mass Schedule Monday—Friday 6:30 a.m. English 9:00 a.m. English 7:00 p.m. English On Friday, the evening Mass is in Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)
7:30 p.m. Miércoles en Español Saturday 9:00 a.m. English
Anticipated Masses 5:00 p.m. English 6:30 p.m. Español 8:00 p.m. Tiếng Việt
Sunday Masses 7:00 a.m. English 8:30 a.m. English 10:30 a.m. English 12:15 p.m. English 2:00 p.m. Español 5:30 p.m. English 7:30 p.m. Español
7:30 p.m. Vietnamese (CDH) 8:30 p.m. Santa Misa en Español
The Doctr ine of the Immaculate Concept ion-from The Catechism of the Catholic Church
490 To become the mother of the Savior, Mary "was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role." The angel Gabriel at the moment of the annuncia-tion salutes her as "full of grace.” In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God's grace. 491 Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, "full of grace" through God, was redeemed from the moment of her con-ception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854:
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The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 4
St. Joseph’s Freedom Men’s Group We are a confidential support group and our goal is to de-velop skills to win the battle against alcohol, chemical, and porn/sexual addiction. Meetings are Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Wife and family member meetings are held upon request on the last Saturdays of March, June, September, and December. More information is available at :HTTP://saintjosephfreedomgroup.blogspot.com/ and [email protected] Northwest Ultreya Ultreya is part of Cursillo, a Catholic lay movement that offers an opportunity to meet Christ in a more complete way. Cursillo provides a lifetime plan for following Christ through prayer, study and action, in friendship with others. We meet at 9:45 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month in the FLC. Contact Duane King 281-615-8942. Helping Hands Ministry We assist families in pre-planning for funerals. To schedule an appointment, please call Beth Wood at 281-413-9682. Bereavement support in the form of printed Carenotes spe-cific to a family’s need is provided at the time of a Funeral or Memorial Mass. Parish Nursing Ministry The Parish Nursing ministry is comprised of health care pro-fessionals and others who have the health of our parishion-ers at heart. They are nurses, therapists, educators, and experts in the fields of health promotion. Some work in home health, elderly assistance, aging, hospice, gen-eral medicine, surgery, oncology, obstetrics, domestic vio-lence and intensive care. They work to coordinate care for parishioners in their time of need. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month. Please feel free to call Wyona (281-433-5365) or Kim (832-746-1135) if you have health ques-tions or would like to join this growing ministry. S.E.E.D.S. Pre-School Registration Our preschool program serving children 18 months to five years of age. We are Nationally Accredited through NAEYC. We are currently enrolling for 2 day, 3 day and 5 day session options, but filling up quickly. If you are inter-ested in enrolling your child in our quality program contact our office at 281-855-2503. We offer tours at your conven-ience please call or stop by. www.seedsrootedinlove.org
Sunday Offering—November 18-29 Regular Offertory $ 33,442 St. Vincent dePaul Society $ 10,778 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) Parish Goal $270,000 Pledged-to-date $192,359 Paid-to-date $180,287 Number of participants 599
Charismatic Prayer Group
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life (Ps. 23). The celebration of Jesus’ birth brings the warmth of His peace to a world that can feel bitterly cold. May we rejoice in Jesus’ coming. If you are looking for more ways to connect your life with your faith, please join us on Friday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Prayer Room of the Family Life Center for live music of praise and worship, sharing God’s Word and intercesso-ry prayers for healing and thanksgiving. Fellowship and light refreshments follow.
December 8: No meeting.
December 15: “Make straight the way of the Lord.”
December 22: “May it be done to me according to thy Word.”
December 29: “My eyes have seen your Salvation.” Discussion topics at our December gatherings are from the Gospel of: Mk: 13:33-37, Jn 1:6-28, Lk 1:26-38, 2:22-40
Parish Apostolates
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R.C.I.A. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is for people who are thinking about the possibility of becoming Catho-lic. It is for people who have not been baptized, people of other faiths or people who have been baptized Catholic but did not complete the sacraments of Initiation. We gradually explore the beliefs of the Catholic Church and discern, over a period of many months, the path to union with the holy Church. If you are interested, or have a rela-tive, friend or co-worker who has expressed this interest, please call: Nadia Jara: 281- 463-7878 ext. 337 or at [email protected] English Classes Free English class on Mondays, Sept. 25, 2017-May 21, 2018, 9:00-11:00 a.m. & 7:00- 9:00 p.m. at Copperfield Church, 8350 Highway 6 North #C-8 (behind Wings‘N More). Contact Jan Garza 832-443-4248, [email protected] You must be 18 or older. (no baby-sitting provided). ¡Gratis! clases de Ingles para adultos, los lunes, el 25 de Septiembre– el 21 de Mayo, 9:00-11:00 a.m. y 7:00-9:00 p.m. Puede empezar cualquier semana. Copperfield Church, 8350 Highway 6 North #C-8 (detrás de Wings ‘N More). Contacto: Jan Garza 832-443-4248 o [email protected]. Tiene que tener 18 años o más. LỚp HỌC TIẾNG anh MIỂN phi Các ngày THỨ HAI, Ngày 25 tháng 9/2017 - Ngày 21 tháng 5/2018, từ 9:00-11:00 sáng & 7:00 - 9:00 chieu' Tại nhà Thờ Copperfield, 8350 Highway 6 North #C-8 (ở sau Wings 'N More) Xin liên lạc Jan Garza 832-443-4248. [email protected] Phải từ 18 tuổi trở lên. Eucharistic Adoration Some of our regular adorers are not able to continue for the time being, due to the flooding from hurricane Harvey. For the next few weeks, we have need of adorers at the following hours: Monday: 4:00—5:00 p.m.Tuesday: 1:00-2:00 a.m., 2:00 –3:00 a.m.; 4:00 –5:00 p.m.; Wednesday: 3:00 –4:00 p.mm., 6:00 –7:00 p.m.; Thursday: 6:00 –7:00 p.m.; Fri-day: 11:00 a.m.-Noon. Contact Suzanne Porter at 281-855-7235 or at [email protected] Respect Life Committee For information about upcoming pro-life activities, you are invited to call Lia Mclean at 832-766-2634, or contact her by e-mail: [email protected].
Parish Apostolates
Knights of Columbus Council no. 8096 If you are a Catholic man and you are not a member of the Knights of Colum-bus, you are missing a wonderful oppor-tunity to transform your life. As a Knight, you have the opportunity to support your parish, give back to your community, grow in your faith plus many more bene-fits.
We meet the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month at 7:30pm, with a small meal served @ 7pm, in the Community Life Center (CLC). Contact Grand Knight Bob Kossman @ [email protected] or Membership Director, Michael Hamilton @ [email protected]. Visit us at KofC8096.org
Lighthouse CD of the Week A Journey Through Advent, by Bishop Robert Barron
Get the most out of Advent by fol-lowing along with Bishop Robert Bar-ron's homilies as he unpacks these profound scripture readings. The homilies presented on this CD will correspond to the Scriptures for Sunday Masses throughout Advent and Christmas 2017
Your generous donations to cover our cost will assure con-tinued availability of these wonderful resources! K of C Holiday Nut Sale Nuts will be offered for sale for your Thanksgiving and Christmas. Knights will be present after the 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Masses on Saturday, Nov. 18 and Dec. 9. Nuts will also be for sale on Sunday, Nov. 19 and Dec. 3, and Dec. 10 from after the 7:00 a.m. Mass until after the 2:00 p.m. Mass. Varieties include: jumbo pecan halves; honey roasted pe-cans; praline pecans; mixed nuts; cashews; English walnuts; whole natural almonds; honey roasted peanuts. For more information, please contact Chuck Blumentrit at 713-205-8819 or email: [email protected].
The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 6
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M a s a v i s o s e n p a g i n a 8 . . .
The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 8
Legión de María
Formación de Adultos Martes FLC 9 7:30 p.m.
Patricia Romo 713-302-1272
Martes FLC 10 7:30 p.m. Liliana Díaz 281-723-2328
Viernes FLC 9, 6:15p.m.
Marlene Rocha 832-410-5273
Jóvenes 10-18 años Viernes FLC 9 7:45 p.m.
Marlene Rocha 832-410-5273
Wednesday mornings 5:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.
in the Community Life Center
It’s never too late to join in!
Invest a little time in yourself to become a better husband, father and spiritual leader in your family! Coffee, juice, donuts & kolaches are served to jump start your morning. No cost, preparation or outside commitments! Just come, listen and learn!
Fall Program: The Unveiling of Love
This Week’s Program: Love is Unconditional Love Has its’ Own Reward Love as a True Good The Freedom to Love The Challenges of Love Money, Health and Interpersonal Issues as Sources of
Stress Overcoming the Stress of the World Love is Unconditional Visit our website at www.paradisusdei.org and click on “Learn More” in the That Man is You section or contact Carlos Alatorre at 832-265-7708 or by e-mail at: [email protected] Wherever you are in your spiritual life, Jesus Christ wants to meet you right there and take you further!
Grupo de Jóvenes Adultos S.E.A.S. Pescador Te invita todos los martes en el Prayer Room (FLC) a las 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. A formar parte del Grupo de Jóvenes Adultos de tu comu-nidad St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (18-35) años edad requerida. Te esperamos, todos los jóvenes de la parroquia son bien-venidos y formar parte de su Comunidad SEAS Pescador. Visión: Guiados por 1 Timoteo 4:12 (que nadie te menospre-cie por tu juventud) a ser pescadores de jóvenes adultos siendo fuertes y valerosos no temas ni te acobardes por que el señor, tu Dios estará con nosotros a donde quiera que vayamos (Josué 1,9). Grupo de estudio Bíblico Les invitamos a ser parte de nuestro grupo de estudio Bíbli-co, que se reúne todos los martes durante el año escolar, de 12:30-2:30 p.m. en el FLC. Nuestra próxima reunión será Sept 12, 2017. Favor de mandar mensaje por texto con cualquier pregunta al 281-620-8308 attn: Guadalupe Ortiz. Grupo Carismático Misión: Dar testimonio del papel determinante de los caris-mas en la predicación del Evangelio y en la construcción de la comunidad cristiana. Facilitar la Educación en la Fe y la Experiencia de Comunidad Cristiana entre Adultos. Asambleas: Todos los Viernes de 7:30 a 9:45 pm., en los sa-lones A&B del Edificio de FLC.
Av i sos en Español
The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 9
R.I.C.A. para Adultos Proceso de preparación para la celebración de los sacramentos del Bautismo, Primera Eucaristía y Confirmación para Adultos. ¿Está pensando en la prepara-ción sacramental de Adultos? RICA, Rito de Iniciación Cristiana para Adultos, es un proceso de discernimiento y preparación para las personas interesadas en aprender más sobre la Iglesia Católica, Para aquellos que nunca han sido bau-tizados, o han sido bautizados en otras denominaciones, o que han sido bauti-zados en la Iglesia Católica pero no han recibido los sacramentos de iniciación (Eucaristía y Confirmación). Este es un bellísimo proceso sin ningún compromiso a través del cual se explora lentamente las enseñanzas de la Iglesia Católica. Si usted está interesado, o un pariente, amigo o compañero que le ha manifes-tado interés anímelo a comunicarse con: Nadia Jara al 281- 463-7878 ext. 337 [email protected]
Impor tant Announcement
Please be advised that a former priest by the name of Carlos Rodolfo Alvarado Escobar Zenon has been present in the Archdio-cese of Galveston-Houston, offer-ing to celebrate Masses and exor-cisms in private homes, despite his dismissal from the clerical state (priesthood) by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome in 2013. He is NOT authorized to engage in priestly ministry or present himself as a priest. Please note that he may be using any one of the fol-lowing or a combination of names listed below to identify himself:
Carlos Alvarado Rodolfo Escobar Rodolfo Alvarado
Carlos Zeron Carlos Escobar Rodolfo Zenon
If you have any information re-garding Carlos Rodolfo Alvarado Escobar Zenon or his wherea-bouts, please contact eh Chan-cellor’s Office of the Archdiocese at 713-652-8203.
Today! Sunday, December 3 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
In the CLC
Sign Up Online! Go to giveblood.org sponsor code: 1349
Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts,
that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ you Son was made
known by the message of an An-gel, may, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Who
lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever.
The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 10
Come join a Pilgrimage to Germany and Austria
with Fr. Paul Lockey
May 11 – 20, 2020
This is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Germany and Austria visiting religious and cultural sites in Munich, Freising, the Obersalzberg Mountains, Berchtesga-den, Salzburg, Regensburg, Nuremberg, and Rothenberg concluding with the 42nd performance of the world-famous Passion Play in Oberammergau.
This unique production only takes place every decade. The history of the Pas-sion Play dates back to 1633. In the middle of the Thirty Years War, after months of suffering and death from the plague, the Oberammergau villagers swore an oath that they would perform the "Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ" every ten years.
The villagers have fulfilled their promise to God every ten years since this pledge. What a tremendous and unique way for us to unite our own spir-itual journey with this extraordinary tra-dition of faith. Flyers are located in the Church narthex and in the parish office.
Continued from page 3... The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of origi-nal sin. 492 The "splendor of an entirely unique holiness" by which Mary is "enriched from the first instant of her conception" comes wholly from Christ: she is "redeemed, in a more exalted fashion, by reason of the merits of her Son.” The Father blessed Mary more than any other created person "in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" and chose her "in Christ before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless before him in love.”
The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 11
Continued from the front cover… The Advent Wreath One of the most evident of Advent customs, familiar to most, is the Advent wreath, which is a beautiful way of marking the progression of the Advent sea-son and for preparing for the great feast of the Nativity of Our Lord. Fr. Francis X. Weiser, SJ, in his work, Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs, he says this about the custom of the Advent wreath: The Advent wreath originated a few hundred years ago among the Lutherans of eastern Germany. It probably was suggested by one of the many light sym-bols which were used in folklore at the end of November and beginning of De-cember... The Christians in medieval times kept many of these lights and fire symbols alive as popular traditions and ancient folklore. In the sixteenth century the custom started of using such lights as a religious symbol of Advent in the houses of the faithful. This practice quickly spread among the Protestants of eastern Germany and was soon accepted by Protestants and Catholics in other parts of the country. Recently it has not only found its way to America, but has been spreading so rapidly that it is already a cherished custom in many homes. The Advent wreath is exactly what the word implies, a wreath of evergreens (yew or fir or laurel), made in various sizes. It is either suspended from the ceiling or placed on a table, usually in front of the family shrine. Fastened to the wreath are four candles standing upright, at equal distances. These candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Daily at a certain time (usually in the evening), the family gathers for a short reli-gious exercise. Every Sunday of Advent one more candle is lit, until all four can-dles shed their cheerful light to announce the approaching birthday of the Lord. All other lights are extinguished in the room, and only the gentle glow of the live candles illuminates the darkness. After some prayers, which are recited for the grace of a good and holy preparation for Christmas, the family sings one of the traditional Advent hymns or a song in honor of Mary. The traditional symbolism of the Advent wreath reminds the faithful of the Old Testament, when humanity was "sitting in the darkness and in the shadow of death" (Luke 2:79); when the prophets, illumined by God, announced the Re-deemer; and when the hearts of men glowed with the desire for the Messiah. The wreath -- an ancient symbol of victory and glory -- symbolizes the "fulfillment of time" in the coming of Christ and the glory of His birth. In some sections of Europe it is customary for persons with the name of John or Joan to have the first right to light the candles on the Advent wreath and Christ-mas tree, because John the Evangelist starts his Gospel by calling Christ the "Light of the World" and John the Baptist was the first one to see the light of di-vinity shining about the Lord at His baptism in the Jordan. With regard to the form of the Advent wreath, within North America and quite possibly within the English speaking world generally, the most common sight is of Advent wreaths with three violet colored candles and one rose, approximating the liturgical colors of each respective Sunday of Advent. (To this as well, some will also add a central white candle to be lit on Christmas Day.) In Germany, the traditional custom has been (and still is), not for violet and rose candles to be used, but instead, red.
The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 12
How to go to Confession In order to make a good confession, we examine our conscience, asking God’s help to know our sins and to be truly sorry for them.
R i te of Reconci l iat ion
Priest: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Penitent: Amen. Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (say how long) since my last confession. My sins are (confess your sins). When you are done, the priest will give you spiritu-al advice and assign a penance. He will then ask you to pray an Act of Contrition, for example: Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
- or- O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they have offended Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve wit the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen. The Priest then says the Prayer of Absolution while the penitent listens. At the conclusion of the pray-er, make the sign of the Cross and say, “Amen.” Priest: Go in peace. Penitent: Thanks be to God.
Complete your penance as soon as possible. If you were giv-en prayers to say, try to pray them in church before departing.
How to Make a Good Confession Confession is not difficult, but it does require preparation. We should begin with prayer, placing ourselves in the presence of God, our loving Father. We seek healing and forgiveness through repentance and a resolve to sin no more. Then we review our lives since our last confession, searching our thoughts, words and actions for that which did not conform to God’s command to love Him and one another through His laws and the laws of His Church. This is called an examination of conscience. Examination of Conscience Ask God to help you make a good confession. In quiet reflection ask yourself: Since my last confession… Did I pray to God, daily and from my heart? Did I live and witness to my Catholic faith, joyfully &
courageously? Did I take God’s name in vain? Did I curse anyone or make false oaths? Did I engage in superstitious or occult practices?
Did I attend and participate actively at Mass on Sun-days and holy days of obligation? Did I fast & abstain on prescribed days?
Did I respect people in authority? My employer? Did I honor my parents?
Was I violent or unnecessarily aggressive (e.g., physi-cally, verbally, psychologically, etc.) with anyone?
Was I prideful, stubborn, or rude with anyone? Did I hold a grudge?
Did I abuse alcohol, prescription medications, or ille-gal drugs? Did I overindulge in food?
Did I consent to, recommend, advise, or actively take part in an abortion? Did I use abortifacient drugs?
Did I view pornography, entertain lustful thoughts, conversations or actions?
Was I unloving to my spouse? Did I engage in adul-terous activity (e.g., sexual, emotional, virtual, etc.)? Did I use contraceptives?
Was I neglectful of the spiritual, intellectual, emotion-al, or physical needs of my spouse, children, or fami-ly?
Did I steal or damage another’s property? Was I hon-est and just in my business relations? Did I waste time at work?
Did I contribute to the needs of the spiritually and materially poor with my time and resources?
Did I engage in gossip? Did I lie? Did I speak poorly of others? Did I judge anyone unfairly?
Did I envy anyone? Was I jealous of others or or cov-et another’s belongings?
The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 13
Pasos básicos para confesarse Entra al confesionario sin miedo, confiando en la misericordia de Jesús: Penitente: Ave María Purísima. Sacerdote: Sin pecado concebida. Penitente: Bendígame padre porque he pecado. Hace ... de mi última confesión. Mis pecados son los siguientes... Confiesa todos los pecados desde tu última con-fesión. No es necesario ilustrar detalles de lo ocurrido. Por ejemplo: "Ofendí gravemente a mis padres de palabra" en vez de: "Íbamos en el carro y papa sacó una vieja conversación.... me habló de una novia... reaccioné....entonces..." Confiesa tus propios pecados y no los ajenos. El confesionario no es para desahogarse contando lo que nos han hecho otros. Sacerdote ofrece algún consejo e imparte la pe-nitencia. Penitente reza el Acto de Contrición, por ejemplo: Pésame Dios mío y me arrepiento de todo corazón de haberte ofendido. Pésame por el infierno que merecí y por el cielo que perdí; pero mucho mas me pesa porque pecando ofendí un Dios tan bueno y tan grande como vos; antes querría haber muerto que haberle ofendido, y propongo firmemente ayudado por tu divina gracia, no pecar mas y evitar las ocasiones próximas de pecado. Amen Sacerdote imparte la absolución con estas pala-bras: "Dios, Padre de misericordia..." y despide al penitente en paz.
Como Confesarse Bien Antes de confesarnos realizamos un examen de concien-cia . Vamos a un lugar tranquilo, preferiblemente ante el sagrario, para orar. Solo Dios puede iluminar nuestra reali-dad y darnos los medios para responder a la gracia. La confesión solo puede hacerse ante un sacerdote.
Examen de Conciencia: ¿He rechazado o abandonado mi fe? ¿Me he preocupa-
do por conocerla mejor? ¿La he defendido, o me he aver-gonzado de ella? ¿Hay algún aspecto de la fe que no acepto?
¿He tomado el nombre de Dios en vano? ¿He hecho espiri-tismo o he confiado en adivinos u horóscopos? ¿He mostra-do falta de respeto por las personas, lugares o cosas san-tas?
¿He faltado voluntariamente a Misa los domingos o días de precepto?
¿He recibido al Señor en la Sagrada Comunión teniendo algún pecado grave en mi conciencia?
¿Le he recibido sin agradecimiento o sin la debida reveren-cia?
¿He sido impaciente, he tenido celos o me he enfadado?
¿He albergado rencores o he estado poco dispuesto a perdonar?
¿He sido violento con otras personas verbal o físicamente?
¿He cooperado o alentado a alguien a abortar, destruir embriones, a la eutanasia o a otro medio para acabar con la vida humana?
¿He tenido odio o he hecho juicios críticos de pensamiento o de obra? ¿He menospreciado a otros?
¿He hablado mal de otros?
¿He tomado alcohol en exceso? ¿Heconsumido drogas?
¿He mirado vídeos o páginas web pornográficas? ¿He co-metido actos impuros conmigo mismo o con otras perso-nas? ¿Vivo con alguien como si estuviéramos casados sin estarlo?
Si estoy casado, ¿procuro amar a mi cónyuge por encima de cualquier otra persona? ¿Pongo mi matrimonio en pri-mer lugar? ¿Y mis hijos? ¿Tengo una actitud abierta a nue-vas vidas?
¿Permito que mi trabajo ocupe tiempo y energías que co-rresponden a mi familia o amigos?
¿He sido soberbio o egoísta de pensamiento o de obra? ¿He desatendido a los pobres o a los necesitados?¿He gastado dinero para mi comodidad o lujo personal olvi-dando mis responsabilidades hacia otros y hacia la Iglesia?
¿He dicho mentiras? ¿He sido honesto y diligente en mi trabajo? ¿He robado o engañado a alguien en el trabajo?
¿Me he dejado llevar por la pereza? ¿He preferido mi co-modidad personal al servicio a los demás? ¿He desatendi-do mi responsabilidad de acercar a los demás a Dios con mi ejemplo y mi palabra?
The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 14
ARMY Salvador E. Zapata, Christopher Porras, Kristin Baron, Juan Vega Jr. Jessie H. Treviño II, Jesse Sinfuentes, Henry García, Gilbert Álvarez, Michael Wright, Ray Banda, Manny Hernández, Jim Branson, Joshua A. Chavira, Richard Christie, Melissa Comiskey, David García, Antonio R. Delgado, Mike Fitzgerald, Ky V. Truong, John García, Jack Longmire, Chris Lawrence, Gabriel de la Garza, Juan Manuel, Matthew O’Dowd, Marc Maziarz, Joshua Salsgiver, Tim Woods, James Scherwitz, Matthew Soileau, Tony Thompson, Michael Carty, Jessie H. Treviño, Christian Urena, Danny Morales, Jerry Morales, Joshua A. Treviño, Michael Hori, Scott Pfirman, Timothy Soto, David Freeman, Cameron J, Saltus, Trevor Marshall, Daniel Pruitt, Joseph Nadasky, Roosevelt Harris, Christina González, Evan Adams, Janet González, Alberto Moreno, Victor Delgado, Luis Rosales, Sgt. Christopher Farías, Louis Hendershot, Jr.
Rudy Banda III, Elvia Ayala, Manuel James López, Andy Huayamave, Sarah Campo, Maximilian Klein, Sgt. Epigmenio Gómez Jr., Chris Figeria, Alexis Roman, Hunter Thigpen, Marco Hernandez, Thomas Stovall, Jorge Rodolfo Cantu Darien Moore
NAVY Jessica López, Matthew Rodríguez, A.J. Edwards, Joe Vaughn, Christopher McMullin, Linsum Flores, Michael Fruggiero, Chris Rode, Stuart Marshall, Gabriela San Martin, Jason Rodríguez, Mark Riddle, Raymond J. Reyes, Cristian Shirl, Sean V. Saluzzi, Thomas Roche, Justin J. Trudeau, William Wilkerson, Paul Zielinski, Candy Flores, Jonathan Hyacinth, Alejandro Alatorre, Jonathan Young, Sean G. McBeth, Justin Ryan Keyser, Patricia Meehan. Donna Angeolind
MARINES Brad Harless, Zachary Bond, Adam Garcia, Marvin Boruca, Kleber Villalva, Frank Campos, Omar García, Stefan Barcik, Steven E. Jiménez, Patrick Lambert,
Stephen Mayeaux, Randall T. Schindler, Jimy Perafan Peter Tate Jr., Vincent Flores, Albert García, Jason Wood, Joseph Mooney, Hunter W. Moffitt, Anetor Asibor, Albert García , Sergio Perez, Keith Breeckner, Ricky Isaac Hernández, Vinny Escobar, Ryan Foley, Victor Carrión-Martínez, Christopher Unger, Kidany Vaquero, Ryan DeKay, Codie M. Barnett, Sherry L. Sola, Kevin Flores, Matthew Araiza, Jakob Murray Lysias Jovian Maciel
AIR FORCE Coy Daniel Incaprera, Christie Scherwitz, Phillip M. Doria, David Nordel, Vincent Becklund, David Harrison, Robert N. Lobit, Sean Huggins, Dennis J. Morosin, Don Sarmiento, Raphael Ashe, Kenzie O’Leary, Tsg.Srg. Don Park, Nathalie Rodríguez, David Anthony, Nathalie Huayamave, Nelvin Rodríguez, Maurice James Hardy II, Ricardo Villalva Jr.
NATIONAL GUARD Camilo Orozco Ed Dextraze Tony Nies Jerry Torres Kevin Westlund Cynthia Tobon
Monday, December 4 6:30 a.m. Barbara Sorondo 9:00 a.m. Faithful departed of SEAS 7:00 p.m. Delia Castro Molina
Tuesday, December 5
6:30 a.m. Ben Tomasetti 9:00 a.m. Emanuel Alvarez Gomez 7:00 p.m. Felix & Isabel Orozco
Wednesday, December 6
6:30 a.m. Ellen Cavanel 9:00 a.m. Jairo Guerrero
7:00 p.m. Federico Arias
7:30 p.m. Bonfilia Murillo
Thursday, December 7 6:30 a.m. Socorro Padilla 9:00 a.m. Frank Jr. & Josephine Coselli 7:00 p.m. Francis Layton
Friday, December 8
6:30 a.m. Intention of celebrant 9:00 a.m. Pro Populo
7:00 p.m. Zoila Alvarado
Saturday, December 9
9:00 a.m. Albert C. Baroski 5:00 p.m. Restituta T. Vera 6:30 p.m. Arnoldo Merino 8:00 p.m. Paola Hernandez
Sunday, December 10
7:00 a.m. Luis Renato Mendez 8:30 a.m. Lisa Sicola
Noon Maria & Juan Delgado 5:00 p.m. Intention of celebrant
7:30 p.m. Intention of celebrant 8:30 p.m. Hugo Toro
The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 15
Let us Pray for God’s Healing for all the Sick (If your family member or friend is no longer in need of our prayers, please advise us in order to remove his/her name. (A) Luis Acosta, Rita Aguilar, Manuel Alvarez, Dave Anderson, Kristy Anders, Jan Arnold, Kathryn Arnst, Jack Aultman, Vicenta Avellaneda, (B) Mary Borelli, Don Barnes, Estefano Bermejo, Carmen Vazquez Blan-co, Dianne Blevins, Anita Blomberg, Laure Boconvi, Lin Boehlert, Jo-anne Brown, Maria Borrero (C) Humberto Fabian Caballero, Fabian Cabrello, Carolina Cabrello, Juan Antonio Cabrera, Marlaina Cadena, Sarah Callans, Diane Calzado, Lucia Angela Carbone, Ricardo Cas-taneda III, Margarita Castano, Sally Castro, Yok Chang, Henry Chang, Maria Elena Chavez, Chavez-Vargas Family, Marilyn Cisar, Gilberto S. Cisneros, Elizabeth Cisneros, Victor H Cisneros, Kayson Clay, Maria Co-lon, Erin Conney, Mike and Julie Cook, Roger Corkill, Edward Costello Jr., Michael Alfred Crewell, Grant Cruise Family, Emmanuel Cubillos, Remedios Cuevas, (D) Vuong (David) Minh Dao, Ray DeBock, Alex Diaz, Luis Enrique Diaz, John Doll, Mary Dorelli, Dale Le Duc, Bobby Duenas, Marlene Dunlap, Gertrude Dunlap, Marlon Dunlate, Debbie Dunn, Maria Duran (E) Faye Edwards, Marisa Ehrig, Luis Madico Escude-ro, (F) Sgt. Christopher Farias, Jody Ferguson, Steve Flannery, Jonhy Francisco, Yorley Frias, Samuel Fuentes, AA Fuentes III, (G) Joseph Gal-lagher, Gerard Gallegos, Jonahs Galloway, Mavis Gann, Victoria Alana Garcia, Juan Alberto Garcia, Rosa Garcia, Lydia Ann Garcia, Elizabeth Gardner, Homer Garza, Gene Gessert, Kelly Gillespie, Mariana De Jesus Gonzalez, Nelly Abby Gonzalez, John A Guillespie, Roland Gusman, (H) Caroline Hallford, Milton Hanas, Renee Hanna, Bob & Francis Hartnett, Joyce Hennessy, Olivia Hernandez, (J) Jessica Jacobson, Cecilia Jimenez, Dana Jones, Gene Juranka, (K) Elih Kars, Megan Kelly, Sharon Kettner, Lane Kimble, Gene Kimble, (L) Netta Laird, Scott Laird, Jose Lara, Carlos Humberto Bolivar Lara, Christian Lebanc, Mike Leditin, Julio Lezama, Doug Lidiak, Gary Lindig, Stanley Loziek, Mitchell Lyon, (M) Ines Madice, Agustin Madona, Gerardo Madrigal, Kevin Malanaphy, Adelaida Maldonado, Judy Mamaclay, Karen Berenice Margarito, Evelyn Marinas, Roy Martin, Bradley Martinez, David Martinez, Emily Martinez, Walter Mayko, Lia McLean, Karlin Medlin, Nelson Mejia, Carol Melz, Nenita Mendiola, Rudy Mendoza, Frank Meyer, Lilvon Michael, Byron Michael, Manuela Alicia Ortiz Molina, Jose Manuel Monreal, Lamar Montalvo, Sergio Montoya, Margie Morales, Sandra Morales-Negron, Drake Motolet, (N) Ryan Naulty, Virginia Neiser, Mary Nem-inach, Vicky Nevares, Andres Nevares, Alpha Newgene, Shirley Ngang, Gam Thi Nguyen, Janell Noeth, (O) Rodolfo Ocampo, Julie Ojonta, Leonor Orozco, Danna Paola Osollo, (P) Robert Parker, Blake Patrick, Melanie Pearson, Julian Gregory Pearson, Maria Antonia Medina Perez, Robert D. Perez, Robert A. Perez, Lisa Peterson, Timothy Petrich, Benja-min Poblete, Bobby Prize, (Q) Jeannine Quintero, (R) Doris Ramirez, Robert Ramirez, Rodolfo E. Ramirez Jr., Chris Ramirez, Nery Randa, Jer-rene Randall, Jack Randall, Valentin Rangel, Sonia Reyes, Olga Sarahi Reyna, Joel Rivera, Lynette Roberts, Mark Rodriguez, Olefia Rodriguez, Sidney Rojo, Marcela Ramirez Roldan, Jose Rosas, Oralia Rosas, Familia Montes Ruiz, (S) Gisela Sachs, Elizabeth Salas, Judge Deborah Sanchez, Jose Santistevan, Marie Sauceda, Lee A. Sauseda, Khris Scherwitz, Mary Jane Schillinger, Evan Schuessler, Lupita Scotka, Tommy Sebesta, Daniel Shay, Mrs. D. Florence Sicola, Johnny Sicola, Jose Sion, Douglas Smith-Barry Jr., Amelia Soarces, Bob Sommers, Mariana Soto, Jo Stew-art, Fred Stoehr, Thomas Stovall, Hanna Stoval, (T) Dolores Tallman, Dick Taylor, Justin Thacker, Verneta Thomas, Martha Toledo, Claude Tour-nay, John Trevino, David Turilli, (V) Dioselvia Lozano de Vargas, Jose Vargas, Guadalupe Vasquez, Edith Vazquez, Linda Villanueva, (W) Jim Wade & Jamie Wade, Ashley Wade, Nancy Wannamaker, Claire Way, Irma Guadalupe Westry, Wilder Family, Marshall Williamson, Mike Wil-son, Mary Wilson, Gale Winberley, (Z) Gilberto Zamora, Leticia Zarzoza, Leo Zerguche, and all others who also need our prayers. If you know anyone who is sick or in need of prayer support, please call 281-463-7878. Comuníquese al teléfono anterior si conoce algún enfermo que necesita el apoyo de la oración de nuestra familia parroquial.
Prayer for our Country
God, our Father, giver of life, We entrust our nation to your loving care. Your are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for your glory and dwell among your people. Send your spirit to touch the hearts of our nation’s lead-ers. Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human free-dom. Remind your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing your will. Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, patron-ess of our land, grant us the courage to reject the “culture of death”. Lead us into a new millennium of life. We ask this through Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Diaper Drive The SEAS Ladies Auxiliary and The ACTS Apostolate invite you to participate in our Diaper and Wipes Drive to benefit the Foundation for Life. Members from both organizations will be at the flagpoles collecting donations of diapers, wipes and if you wish, money to purchase these items the weekends of Decem-ber 2-3; and December 9-10 after all Masses. Won’t you join us in a spirit of giving during this holy sea-son? For more information about our Diaper & Wipes Drive con-tact Dolores Nevares at [email protected] or call her at 713-582-3100. Christmas Magnet Fundraiser
The ACTS Apostolate invites you to help remind everyone what the season of Christmas is really about. After every Mass on the weekends of December 2-3 and December 9-10, members will be at the flag-poles selling magnets that can be displayed on your cars or in your home for only $5 each. This is a great stocking stuffer!
The First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2017 16
Parish Office 281-463-7878
Pastor Rev. Stephen B. Reynolds
Parochial Vicar Rev. Antonio Ortiz
Parochial Vicar Rev. Gregory Tran, C.R.M.
Parochial Vicar Rev. Preston Quintela
Deacons Ola Branche German Godoy Peter Tuu Hoang Tom Jeffers
Gilbert Johnson Chuck Pennell Alfonso Sosa
Managerial Administrator Deacon German Godoy
Director of Finance Linh Nguyen
Director of Liturgy & Music Carmen Delgado
Director of Religious Education Becki Brumbaugh
Director of Spanish Ministries Lucia Rueda
Director of Vietnamese Ministries Deacon Peter Tuu Hoang
Director of Family Life Nadia Jara
Director of Adolescent Catechesis & Evangelization
Parish Office Hours Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
Coordinator of Vietnamese CCE Toan Pham
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church 6646 Addicks-Satsuma Road Houston, Texas 77084-1599 281-463-7878 www.SeasCatholic.org
Bulletin Deadlines Submissions for the bulletin are due on Noon Monday, thirteen days in advance of publication date. Submit your information to Mrs. Patti Bergholtz at her e-mail: [email protected]. All submissions must be an MS Word document (no PDF files), us-ing Century Gothic font, size 9. Please do not use any other for-matting (i.e., all caps, bold, italics, underlining, colored text, text box-es, etc...). Graphics and photos are subject to editing. Bulletin Date Deadline
December 17 December 4 December 24 December 8* December 31 December 8* January 7 December 8*
* Note early deadlines! There will only be one bulletin for the Christ-mas Season, Dec. 24-Jan. 7.
281-463-7878 SeasOf f ice@SeasCathol ic .org
Thank you for your support of the Annual Fund/Lighting the Way Campaign. You may now enroll online with Faith Direct to make a monthly contribution and/or a one-time gift. Visit faithdirect.net and enter code TX417. Search for SEA-SCS Annual Fund. All gifts are tax deductible.
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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 6646 Addicks-Satsuma Road Houston, Texas 77084-1520
S t . Ambrose December 7
Saint Ambrose, also known as Aurelius Ambrosius, is one of the four original doctors of the Church. He was the Bishop of Milan and became one of the most important theological figure of the 4th century. Ambrose was born around 340 AD to a Roman Christian family. He grew up with his siblings, Satyrus and Marcellina, in Trier, Belgic Gaul (present-day Germany). It is believed by many that when Ambrose was just an infant, a swarm of bees landed on his face and left behind a drop of honey. To his father, this was a sign that Am-brose would become someone great with a wonderful sense for speaking. Ambrose became bishop of Milan in 374, and preached the faith effectively against heretics, called Arians, who denied the divinity of Christ, despite many per-sonal attacks. In defense of the truth of the faith, Ambrose said: “ If you demand my person, I am ready to submit: carry me to prison or to death, I will not resist; but I will never betray the church of Christ… I will die at the foot of the altar rather than desert it.” Ambrose baptized the future St. Augustine, and was a great influence upon him.
