Fr. Paul Chovanec, Pastor Fr. Peter Thang Nguyen, Parochial Vicar Deacon Corney Llorens Deacon Nhat Tran
ADULT BAPTISM AND ENTERING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH The Rite for the Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process is ongoing. Contact one of the priests in the parish office.
ADULT CONFIRMATION FOR PRACTICING CATHOLICS Please phone the parish office.
SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Please contact Dolores Gonzalez at 281-902-5711 or [email protected] six months to two years prior to the desired date.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM FOR CHILDREN Baptism for children through age six is held monthly except during the season of Lent. There are no private baptisms.
There are required preparation sessions for the parents. At least one parent must be a registered member of the parish and a practicing Catholic. Expectant parents are asked to begin this process during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Please phone the parish office.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM FOR CHILDREN SEVEN AND OLDER Please contact the Religious Education office about the RCIA process, 281-902-5701.
SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please phone the parish office as soon as you or someone in your family schedules surgery/hospitalization or suffers an
illness or injury. PLEASE DON’T DELAY in this prayer for Christian healing! The Sacrament is celebrated the fourth Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. Mass.
FIRST COMMUNION, FIRST PENANCE , CONFIRMATION AND QUINCEAÑERA CELEBRATIONS Please contact the Religious Education office, 281-902-5701.
NURSERY The nursery is open during weekend Masses and other parish activities. It is located in the Christian Formation Center building.
YOUTH MINISTRY AT ST. JUSTIN MARTYR There are various activities for Middle and High School Youth throughout the year. Youth Nights take place every
Wednesday 7-8:30 p.m. and are a time for youth to make friends, have fun and learn more about their faith. For more information contact the Youth Ministry Office at 281-902-5710.
ST. JUSTIN MARTYR PRESCHOOL Early childhood education - 18 months to Pre-K Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
For information, please call 281-556-1260.
ST. JUSTIN MARTYR PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Other times, call 281-556-6882. Fax is 281-752-5985.
BULLETIN DEADLINE Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Bulletin e-mail: [email protected]
WELCOME TO ST. JUSTIN MARTYR Please let us know you have arrived. We are anxious to meet you. Contact the parish office for a welcoming packet.
ST. JUSTIN MARTYR PARISH BOUNDARIES Beginning at a point on Barker Reservoir Dam at Briar Forest Street, East on Briar Forest to Dariy Ashford; thence South on Dairy Ashford to Westheimer Road; thence East on Westheimer Road to Old Westheimer Road; thence South on Old Westheimer Road, to Alief-Clodine; thence West on Alief-Clodine to Dairy Ashford; thence South on Dairy Ashford Bellaire Blvd; thence West on Bellaire Blvd. to Eldridge; thence South on to Beechnut; thence West on Beechnut to Addicks-Howell Road (Hwy 6); thence South on Addicks Howell Road to Keegans Bayou; thence West on Keegans Bayou to O’Brien Road; thence North on O’Brien Road to Barker Reservoir Dam; thence Northeast along the Dam to the point of beginning at Briar Forest.
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Financial Stewardship Pastoral Staff
Dolores Gonzalez Coordinator of Adult Ministry
Lisa Hachicho Director of Preschool
Jackie Baca Coordinator of Religious Education
Karen Rachal Parish Administrator
Martha C. Garza Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Weekend Collection
November 18 $13,799 On-line Giving $ 1,278 Received via mail $ 2,305 Total $17,382 November 25 $14,441 On-line Giving $ -0- Received via mail $ 5,490 Total $19,931
Required Weekly Budget Amount $20,300
Building Improvements $ 627
Social Ministry $ 400
Registered Families 2164
Campaign for Human Development $1,127
Diocesan Services Fund 2018
Parish Goal: $124,780
Parish Amount Pledged: $119,222
Parish Contributions: $114,027
Balance Due: $ 10,753
Number of Participants 478 Adult Ministry Coordinator Needed
St. Justin is presently interviewing for the position of Adult Ministry Coordinator. This position is specifical-ly assigned the duties of Adult Sacraments, Wedding Coordinator, Spanish Baptism preparations, and coordi-nating all other adult faith and prayer groups. It is a 30 hour per week (full time) position and requires a flexible schedule to meet with different groups and with couples preparing for marriage. Resume & application to Mrs. Karen Rachal in the parish office. Night Clerks Needed
St. Justin is presently interviewing for Night Clerk posi-tions. Candidates should be service oriented, have a friendly personality and expect to work weekends. They must be computer-literate and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Resume and applica-tion to Mrs. Karen Rachal in the parish office.
Clergy Reflection
Generosity, Redefined
Many are shocked at the idea of biblical tithing. Give 10 percent—10 percent—of our resources to the Lord? Who would do this? Yet some Christians do it as a mat-ter of course. No statistics indicate that anyone ever died of tithing—or of generosity exercised on any scale. The gospel doesn’t follow the widow who put her whole livelihood into the temple treasury after her signature gesture of trust. Yet we’re led to believe God will care for her with the same extravagance that she shows. The best counsel on generosity remains: give until it scares you. Readings: 1 Kings 17:10-16; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44.
“But she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had.”
Novenas & Prayer Chains.
Please do not leave novena sheets or booklets in the church. When we find them, we put them in the recycling bin.
Retirement Fund for Religious Collection
Next weekend, December 8 & 9, is the annual Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal. Almost 33,000 women religious and more than 5,500 men religious are past the age of 70. Though they may withdraw from a paid full time ministry, religious continue to visit the sick, tutor chi8ldren and volunteer in parishes among refugee populations. Your donations help alleviate the spiraling cost of health care. Thank you for your support.
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Parish Events Sunday, December 2nd - First Sunday of Advent 8:00 a.m. Mass 10:00 a.m. Mass 10:00 a.m. Little Church 12:00 p.m. Vietnamese Mass 5:00 p.m. Spanish Mass 6:30 p.m. Middle School & High School CCE Monday, December 3rd 5:30 p.m. Elementary CCE 7:00 p.m. Mass 7:30 p.m. Adult Bible Study Tuesday, December 4th 6:30 p.m. Penance 7:00 p.m. Mass 7:00 p.m. Adult Sacrament Class 7:00 p.m. Young Adults 7:30 p.m. Perpetual Help Devotion Wednesday, December 5th 9:00 a.m. Mass 9:30 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration 7:00 p.m. RCIA Pre-Catechumenate 7:00 p.m. RCIA 7:00 p.m. Elementary CCE 7:00 p.m. Middle School Youth Night Thursday, December 6th 9:00 a.m. Mass Friday, December 7th 9:00 a.m. Mass 6:30 p.m. Mass Saturday, December 8th 9:00 a.m. Mass 9:00 a.m. Elementary CCE 4:00 p.m. Penance 5:30 p.m. Mass Sunday, December 9th - Second Sunday of Advent 8:00 a.m. Mass 10:00 a.m. Mass 10:00 a.m. Little Church 12:00 p.m. Vietnamese Mass 5:00 p.m. Spanish Mass 6:30 p.m. Middle School & High School CCE
Prayer Needs
December 1st ~ December 9th
Sat. Dec 1st 5:30 p.m. People of St. Justin
Sun. Dec 2nd 8:00 a.m. Carlos Nunez
Sun. Dec 2nd 10:00 a.m. + Benita Lopez
Sun. Dec 2nd 12:00 p.m. Peter
Sun. Dec 2nd 5:00 p.m. + Gustavo Botero
Mon. Dec 3rd 7:00 p.m. + Peter Tran
Tue. Dec 4th 7:00 p.m. + Maria Leonilde Jerez
Wed. Dec 5th 9:00 a.m. + Gregor Thomas
Thurs. Dec 6th 9:00 a.m. Alvarez Family
Fri. Dec 7th 9:00 a.m. An Duong
Fri. Dec 7th 6:30 p.m. No Mass
Sat. Dec 8th 9:00 a.m. Maria Nguyen
Sat. Dec 8th 5:30 p.m. Imma Igbo
Sun. Dec 9th 8:00 a.m. People of St. Justin
Sun. Dec 9th 10:00 a.m. + Natosha Mouton
Sun. Dec 9th 12:00 p.m. + All Souls
Sun. Dec 9th 5:00 p.m. + Elias Chavana
Fri. Dec 7th 7:00 p.m. Thanks to Mary
Mass Intentions
Readings for the Week Sun., Dec 2nd: Jer 33:14-16/1 Thes 3:12—4:2/ Lk 21:25-28/34-36 Mon., Dec 3rd: Is 2:1-5/Mt 8:5-11 Tues., Dec 4th: Is 11:1-10/Lk 10:21-24 Wed., Dec 5th: Is 25:6-10a/Mt 15:29-37 Thurs., Dec 6th: Is 26:1-6/Mt 7:21,24-27 Fri., Dec 7th: Is 29:17-24/Mt 9:27-31 Sat., Dec 8th: Gn 3:9-15,20/Eph 1:3-6,11-12/ Lk 1:26-38 Sun., Dec 9th: Bar 5:1-9/Phil 1:4-6,8-11/ Lk 3:1-6
Vocation Brief
All too often we forget to express appreciation to those in service-oriented jobs, including priests, sisters and brothers. We forget because we think, “It’s their job to help.” Priests and religious aren’t superhuman. They need genuine support from those they serve. Let them know how you feel.
Serra for priestly and religious vocations
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Parish Life Many Thanks
To Vivian Emokah & Family for providing the hosts for St. Justin Martyr for the month of December. It was in memory of Peter Ugochukwu Emokah.
Also, thanks to an anonymous parishioner and their family for providing the wine.
Hosts & Wine for St. Justin Martyr
The honor of providing the Bread and Wine at every Mass, can be yours. The bread and wine are consecrated into the Body and Blood of Christ. The hosts are made by the cloistered Dominican Sisters in New Caney, Texas, and the wine (made and sold for use in the Mass) is made by the Christian Brothers in California. Those who would like to donate the Hosts and Wine for the Masses of each month are invited to do so. The hosts and wine could be given in memory of departed loved ones. The offering for the hosts for one month would be $270 and the offering for the wine for one month would be $150. To make this donation, contact Karen Rachal in the parish office, 281-556-5116. ___________________________________________
African Parishioners of St. Justin Martyr
First Sunday: General Meeting - December 2 Second Sunday: African Catholic Women Third Sunday: Executive Meeting/Choir Practice Fourth Sunday: Family Prayer Meeting All meetings take place in the CFC building, room 212 after the 10:00 a.m. Mass. Third Wednesday: 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Conference Prayer line Tel: 712-451-0606 Access Code 975858# December 16 - Christmas Party. January 13 - Youth/Young Adult Elections. For more information please click on www.africancommunitysj.org. or call 832-526-6668.
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Next weekend the Ministry Spotlight
will be on the
-ACTS Apostolates-
Visit the table in the Narthex after Mass next weekend to learn more about
this Ministry.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception The solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary is the day we remember and celebrate that she was conceived without original sin in preparation for her vocation as the Mother of God. Mary, under this title, is also the patroness of the United States of America.
We will celebrate the Holy Day at the following Masses:
December 7 7:00 p.m. Vigil Mass (Multicultural) No 6:30 p.m. Vietnamese Mass
December 8 9:00 a.m. (English)
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Everyone is invited to attend this special celebration on Wednesday, December 12; Mananitas and Rosary at 5:30 a.m. Evening service will begin with a rosary at 6:15 p.m. followed by Holy Mass at 7:00 p.m. There will be a reception in the parish hall after Mass where traditional foods will be served. Please join us in honoring our Blessed Mother. All services will be in Spanish.
Simbang Gabi Everyone is invited to attend the annual Simbang Gabi a Filipino Christmas tradition on Friday, December 14. It will begin with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 7:00 p.m. The celebrant is Rev. Rolando Diokno. For more information please call Phillip Mendoza at 832-491-3767 or Connie Herber at 832-877-4557.
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Prayer Blanket Ministry
Join us. First Tuesday of each month Next Meeting: December 4
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CFC, Room 110
Join us in this beautiful and heartfelt ministry to bring comfort to the sick while sharing in fellowship and fun. We gather to sew, knit and crocket blankets and shawls and to teach those who want to learn.
We provide fabric, yarn and the tools to work with. For details, contact: Guadalupe V. Mussio at 281-896-4368.
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News About the Mavericks
December 7 – Friday – 9:00 a.m. – First Friday Mass. December 7, 8 and 9 – Three-day trip to San Antonio. December 11 – Tuesday – 3:00 p.m. – Monthly birth-day party for residents at West Oaks Geriatric Center. If interested in bringing cheer to these shut-ins, call Joanne at 281-395-2123. December 15 – Saturday – 1:30 p.m. – Club Christ-mas party in the parish hall includes a pot-luck dinner with ham & turkey followed by a “white elephant” gift exchange. December 16 – Sunday – Bus trip to Conroe to see “Glitz! The Little Miss Christmas Pageant Musical” at the Creighton Theater. Cost $18. Dinner at El Bosque Mexican Grille. Entrees $10 - $15. Will then see Christmas lights and decorations in North Houston. Bus leaves at 12:30 p.m. from church parking lot. Call Marge at 281-498-3413 to see if there is space available on bus.
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Social Ministry News
While he lived St. Nicholas gave the little ones he met, small gifts . . . some candy, a toy. The children learned what a beautiful thing giving is. He once said: “It’s good to give and have only God know.”
St. Justin is celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas on Sunday, December 2. We invite everyone to celebrate the gift of
giving.
Your giving will bring joy to a child whose Christmas might otherwise be sad, as well as helping your family to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. God bless you. Reminder: Wish Ornament gifts are due back by December 9.
St. Justin Martyr Catholic Preschool News
It is unbelievable that the Advent season is upon us! The children are busy learning
their songs for our annual Christ Extravaganza which will be on Friday, December 21, at 11:30 a.m. We hope everyone will plan to join our little angels and hear them perform Christmas favorites!
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Daughters of Isabella Unity, Friendship and Charity
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.” Ps. 100 We are having our Christmas Party at Lasagna House, December 9, at 2:00 p.m. Spouses and adult children are welcome. If you want to participate in the gift ex-change, please bring a wrapped gift costing between $15-$20. Please RSVP to Mary Christo at 832-788-5897 by December 6. Our next meeting is January 14. If you are interested in finding out more about or joining our wonderful organization please call Bette Breaz at 281-493-6855.
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Knights of Columbus SJM Council 8293
We are still selling raffle tickets for our fall raffle. We are only selling 200 tickets
total and we have some still available for the four $1,000 gift cards to be given away on December 2, at the St. Nicholas Day celebration in the parish hall between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. That is the same day we bring new toys for our Social Ministry to distribute to needy families for Christmas. Our next business meeting is Thursday, December 6, in the parish hall. We break bread at 6:30 p.m., please bring a covered dish, and we will start the meeting at 7:00 p.m. We will elect Knights to honor for November at this meeting so be thinking of your choice. _________________________________________
St. Justin, pray for us!
Parish Life
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Parish Life
St. Justin’s Young Adult Group
Are you, your child, or your grandchild between 18 and 35ish? Join the Young Adults for faith and fellowship. December 4 - Bible Study. Join us in CFC 201 at 7:00 p.m. as we enjoy snacks and explore the readings for the week. December 11 - Advent Penance Service. Join us in the Church at 7:00 p.m. and take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Christmas. December 18 - Monthly Dinner. Carpool from the church at 7:00 p.m. to a nearby restaurant for food and fellowship. Let Robert know if you plan to meet us there. December 25 - No Meeting! Merry Christmas We want to hear your ideas for weekly meetings and other events. Questions or comments, contact Robert Ontko at [email protected] or 832-372-9928. World Youth Day Houston & Eucharistic Vigil Come and join hundreds of young adults (ages 18-39) in celebrating WYD in Houston. We will celebrate it locally at St. Jerome Catholic Church (8825 Kempwood Dr, Houston TX 77080) on Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 1pm-8pm. The event will include fellowship, multicultural music, talks, and a Vigil Mass. Cost to attend WYD-Houston is $20 per person and presented in English & Spanish. Then, join us for a Eucharistic vigil with all-night adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 8:00pm-6:00am. Each hour will include music and meditations prepared by 30 young adult groups. Come for all or part of the night. The vigil is a free event and open to families. For more information and registration, contact the Office for Young Adult & Campus Ministry at 713-741-8778 or www.archgh.org/yacm. _________________________________________
A Stewardship Prayer
Jesus, I give my whole life to You, I thank You for creating me, dying for me, and rising for me.
Please give me a spirit of service and love so I can pour out myself for others as You did for me.
In gratitude, I offer myself to You, asking for the grace to keep You first in my heart.
Help me to use everything You have given me to serve You, my parish, and all those around me. Amen
Sleeping Bags For The Homeless
The Respect Life committee will collect and distribute sleeping bags to homeless people again this winter. Please bring clean, preferably new, sleeping bags to the parish hall now through December 12. They will be distributed during the first cold snap of December. Anyone wishing to help the committee distribute the sleeping bags, is welcome to submit a request in writing (with name, address and phone number/e-mail address) addressed to the Respect Life committee and bring it to the parish office. _____________________________________________
Donations for Christmas
Donation envelopes are available in the pews to contribute to the cost of poinsettias and greenery for Christmas. Please help if you are able. Thank you. All memorials will be published in the bulletin. _____________________________________________
Food Sales
December 2 Youth Ministry Breakfast December 9 Vietnamese Breakfast _____________________________________________
Advent Penance Service
The Advent Penance Service is Tuesday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. We will have priests available that speak English, Spanish and Vietnamese. There is NO 7:00 p.m. Mass _____________________________________________
Recently Deceased
For the soul of the recently deceased, Maria Tran Thu Van. May eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Martha Garza, M. Ed. Coordinator of Youth Ministry [email protected] 281-902-5710
Contact
God needs YOU! Flu season is upon us. If you are VIRTUS trained and can serve at a moment’s notice, please consider being a substitute catechist on Sundays from 6:30pm-8:00pm We give thanks to God for all who serve the youth at St, Justin Mar-tyr.
Youth Ministry Brunch—Dec. 2nd after 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Mass MS/HS Catechist meeting December 8th 10:45am-3:00pm
Remember You Can Still Register For CCE Classes!
Call: 281-902-5712 or Online: https://sjmtx.org/cce-registration-online
Sacrament Class
The next Sacrament class for those students receiving a Sacrament next
year will be held on Saturday, December 15
from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Students must attend all 14 classes!
Check Your Calendars
There will be NO CCE from December 22 through
January 8.
Classes resume on January 9.
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INFORMATION SHEET: Church name & address St. Justin Martyr #515169 13350 Ashford Point Drive Houston, Texas 77082 Contact person: Martha Martin @ 281-556-5116 Software used: Win 7, MSPub 2010, AA-9 Date of publication: December 2, 2018 (Sunday’s date) Number of pages transmitted: Cover + 7 text pages + this page = 9 (2 ad pages) Special instructions for Production:
FedEx shipping address: 13350 Ashford Point Drive, Houston, Texas 77082 Special instructions for FedEx delivery: FedEx tracking e-mail: [email protected]
