JULY 17, 2016 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 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 Advien- to. 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 ofici- na para mayor información. Unción de los Enfermos: Por favor llame la oficina si usted o algún ser querido desea ser ungido. St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Served by the Missionary Society of St. Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston 527 South Houston Avenue, Humble, TX 77338 † (281) 446-8211 † www.st-mm.com Office Hours: M-F 8:00 A.M. — 4:30 P.M. Pastor: Rev. Felix Ilesanmi Osasona, M.S.P. Parochial Vicar: Rev. Anthony Udoh, M.S.P. Deacons: Nick Caruso & James Meshell 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.) PARISH MISSION STATEMENT: “We are one family in Christ with a welcoming heart called to serve.”
Transcript
JULY 17, 2016 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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 Advien-to.
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 ofici-na para mayor información.
Unción de los Enfermos: Por favor llame la oficina si usted o algún ser querido desea ser ungido.
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Served by the Missionary Society of St. Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration 9:00 A.M.—9:00 P.M. (Mon.—Fri.)
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT: “We are one family in Christ with a welcoming heart called to serve.”
A Parish with a Welcoming Heart The parish Pastoral Council, with the pastor’s approval, recently modified the existing mission state-ment of our parish to “We are one family in Christ with a welcoming heart called to serve.” This one-line statement says a lot about who we are as St. Mary Magdalene parish. The wel-coming spirit that exudes from parishioners of St. Mary Magdalene is one thing that new and old parishioners talk about. Our parish has that spirit of welcoming people of all backgrounds, and we are truly blessed to have people of various nationalities, races and color in our parish. One of the cards I received two years ago when I became pastor here has the words “Welcome
Home” written on it. Those words meant a lot for me. When we did a survey in the parish early last year, there were many who saw the welcoming spirit of parishioners and the diversity of the community as a big strength. Our various ministries are avenues for people to feel at home in the parish. The smiles and greetings of our hospitality ministers as they welcome the faithful to the church every weekend is just something beautiful to see. I am proud of a parish with such spirit and diversity as we all strive to be one family of God. We can say that we are already one family, but we are also still trying to be one family. Jesus Christ, whom we are following, emphasized service to his disciples, and so we see that as the ultimate call for the Christian. We are to serve the corporal and spiritual needs of our neighbors. Thus, part of our service is to evangelize and bring the good news to those who have not yet received it. Stories of gods visiting people as disguised travelers abound in many religious traditions. In the first reading from Genesis 18:1-10, Abraham saw three travelers in a hot afternoon and invited them to rest in his house. He not only gave them water to drink and washed their feet; he and his wife, Sarah, also gave them food to eat. He saw the need of these strangers and welcomed them to his house without knowing that he was actually playing host to God. Abraham and his wife were rewarded by God for such a kind gesture by giving them a child. In the gospel from Luke 10:38-42, Jesus continues his journey towards Jerusalem. On the way, he entered a village where Martha and Mary welcomed him. Both sisters and Lazarus, their brother, were friends of Christ. Martha and Mary were kind to Jesus in different ways: Martha by preparing the meal and serving Jesus, and Mary by just listening to what Jesus had to say. The sisters gave Jesus the hospitality he needed at the time. In this gospel, it would seem that Jesus appreciated Mary, who was listening to him, more than Martha, who prepared his meal. Jesus always praised the service of others and wanted his disciples to go out in action. However, in this instance, he praised the one who was listening, who appeared to be doing nothing. It seems to me that Martha was so over-anxious about serving Jesus that she lost the joy of that service. She seemed to have gotten her priorities wrong. This could be true of us, too. We some-times get ourselves too busy that we push aside the most important thing that we should give attention to in our lives – worshipping God. The Ministers of Hospitality in our parish are doing very wonderful work, and so is the Welcome Ministry. They wel-come and greet parishioners as they enter the church for worship. They help them find seat or anything else that may help them to be more comfortable, and they generally ensure order during Mass. We need more generous parishioners to join these ministries. Is God calling you to serve in this way? Talk to one of the ministers after Mass. As our mission statement suggests, we must remain a welcoming parish. If we take this welcoming spirit home and to our places of work, we will be sowing the seed of care and love in the community and thereby making Christ better known in our world. On July 22nd, we will celebrate the feast day of our patron, St. Mary Magdalene. She was one of the women who provid-ed for Jesus out of her resources and also witnessed the resurrection of Jesus. As we celebrate the feast of St. Mary Magdalene this week, we pray that she will intercede for each and every parishioner in our needs.
Last Sunday’s “Good Samaritan” parable concluded with Jesus’s command: Go provide hands-on mercy to the next person you meet, no conditions, no limits, no exceptions. But today, Jesus seems to criticize Martha’s hands-on mercy of hospitality, while praising Mary’s “hands-off” as “choosing the better part” (Luke 10:42). Mary sat listening (10:39), leaving Martha “burdened with much serving by herself” (10:40). So, is the contemplative life of prayerful silence “superior,” but the active life of earning a living, raising a family, running parishes, schools, hospitals, and social service ministries “second-class” discipleship? No; Je-sus’s example is not either/or, but both/and: silent communion with God, boundless compassion for people. If we do not seek Jesus in silent prayer, how will we find Jesus in all others? If we do not serve Jesus in others, will our worship, despite its beau-ty, be anything but empty ritual? This Jubilee Year of Mercy offers us Jesus’s two-fold challenge: both “go and do” and “sit and listen.”
FAITH FORMATION (K-12) Mike Smith - (281) 446-2933 Ginger Herrington - (281) 446-8211
YOUTH MINISTRY Carissa Bull - (281) 446-1241
JÓVENES EN ACCIÓN POR CRISTO Ana Maria Ortega - (713) 405-0652
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION Geneva Green - (832) 758-6475
SCHOOL MINISTRIES SCHOOL BOARD Joshua Raab - (281) 446-8535
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 Chris Rubio - (281) 540-1907
RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY Teresa O’Brien - (919) 623-5343 ([email protected])
BLOOD DRIVE Rosa Herrera - (281) 687-5823
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY Madeline Graham - (281) 446-8044
NURSING HOME MINISTRY Humble Health Center, Oakmont & Park Man-or, 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 LITTLE DRESSES FOR AFRICA Dottie Gauthier - (337) 344-2461 HOME AGAIN MINISTRY (FURNITURE BANK/HOUSEHOLD ITEMS) Carolyn Wise - (713) 898-6611 Lori Scherr - (281) 360-9112 Tammy Broussard - (281) 852-5114
OTHERS NURSERY Wanda Conley - (281) 446-8211 FALL FESTIVAL COMMITTEE Tony Butera - (832) 279-7072 PASTORAL COUNCIL Jocelyn Waggoner - (281) 435-9208 FINANCE COUNCIL Bert Guempel - (281) 852-1549
SECURITY TEAM John Garza - (832) 875-1377 P.3
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 stop by the Welcome Ministry table in the nar-
thex to register. You can also come by the church office during the week to register.
CHURCH STAFF
Wanda Conley, Business Manager Rick Swanson, Facilities Manager
Jose Garcia, Maintenance Technician
Jorge Acosta, Maintenance Technician
Ester Castro, Housekeeper
Susie Zamarrón, Parish Secretary
Irma Bueno, Bookkeeper
Chris Rubio, Director of Family Life and Social Concerns Perci Cacanindin, Director of Music and Liturgy
Becky Bibens, Pianist
Kathy Yoo, Pianist Vickie Cortez, Director of Hispanic Ministry Ivana Meshell, Director of Adult Faith Formation Ginger Herrington, Coordinator of Formation for Adults & Children Michael Smith, Director of Faith Formation-Children/Youth
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
ISSUE DUE BY
July 31st, 2016 July 21st, 2016 August 7th, 2016 July 26th, 2016
Offertory for July 9 & 10, 2016 — $33,151.00 Online Giving — $1,836.00
Total — $34,987.00
Second Collection (St. Vincent de Paul) — $8,189.00
DSF Update (As of 07/11/2016) 2016 DSF Goal — $165,000.00
Contribution to Date — $103,073.83 Amount Pledged to Date —
$126,608.20 Number of Participants — 347
NURSERY STAFF
Wanda Conley, Nursery Coordinator Patricia De Los Santos, Nursery Attendant
Isabel Gonzalez, Nursery Attendant
Alexis Mendoza, Nursery Attendant
Emily Mendoza, Nursery Attendant
Jenna Meza, Nursery Attendant
Rachel Meza, Nursery Attendant
Samantha Meza, Nursery Attendant
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 par-ish website at www.st-mm.com and select “Online Giving.”
You can also download the Online Giving app by going to
the App Store, Google Play, or OLGapp.com and registering with our church ID of 1814.
Second Collection for July 24th, 2016
Next weekend’s second collection is for St. Mary Magdalene Social Services. Your generous dona-tions help support the Outreach Ministries of the
parish, which allows us to feed the hungry, visit the sick and homebound, comfort the grieving, visit the imprisoned, support life, and provide emer-
gency financial support to families in our commu-nity who may be facing homelessness. Please indi-cate “Social Services” on your check if you do not have an envelope. Thank you for your generosity.
Flower Bouquets for the Sanctuary
A wonderful way to remember a deceased loved one, or to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary, birthday, or special intention, is to place a bouquet of flowers in the
sanctuary for Sunday Masses. Your name and the name of the person you are honoring will be published in the Sunday bulle-tin. A donation of $75 will help defray the cost of the flowers.
Stop by the parish office; they will be glad to help you with this. Please allow at least two weeks before your special date(s)
so that they will make the bulletin deadline. NO REQUESTS DURING ADVENT OR LENT. P.4
Mass Intentions for the Week
Sunday July 17
8:00 a.m. FLC - K of C Breakfast 12:00 p.m. CP - Santo Rosario 3:00 p.m. CP - Divine Mercy Chaplet 6:00 p.m. CP - St. Mary Magdalene Novena 6:30 p.m. YR - HS Youth Night
Monday July 18
6:30 p.m. SJH - Consoling Heart of Jesus 7:00 p.m. CP - St. Mary Magdalene Novena
Tuesday July 19
6:00 p.m. CH - Confessions 6:00 p.m. CP - St. Mary Magdalene Novena 7:00 p.m. 101 - Legion of Mary 7:00 p.m. FLC - Grupo de Oración
Wednesday July 20
10:00 a.m. SJH - Talleres Oración y Vida para Adolescentes 6:00 p.m. MGH - KC 4th Degree Meeting 6:00 p.m. CP - St. Mary Magdalene Novena 7:00 p.m. CH - Second Power Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. SJH - Marriage Prep Mtg. #1 7:00 p.m. CP - Divine Mercy Chaplet 7:00 p.m. Lib - Legión de María (Esp.)
Thursday July 21
6:00 p.m. CP - St. Mary Magdalene Novena 6:00 p.m. YR - MS Youth Night 7:00 p.m. CH - Ensayo para los Ministros de Eucaristía 7:30 p.m. MGH - Columbian Squires Mtg.
Friday July 22
6:00 p.m. CP - St. Mary Magdalene Novena 7:00 p.m. SMH - AYC Meeting 7:00 p.m. CP - Santo Rosario
CH — Church CP — Chapel CR — Conference Room (inside parish office) RG — Rose Garden FLC — Family Life Center SMH — St. Mary’s Hall SJH — St. Joseph’s Hall MGH — McGivney Hall SPC — St. Paul Center (CCE Building) YR — Youth Room (located within the St. Paul Center) EB — Education Building (School) Lib — Library (located within the education building) 101, 207, 214, 215, 216 — Various classrooms located within the education building
Weekly Announcements
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Blood Drive — Sunday, July 24, 2016
Our parish will hold a Blood Drive on
Sunday, July 24th in the Family Life Center from8:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M. You can sign up for an appointment
today after each Mass in the Narthex. When you donate, you save up to 3 lives. All blood types are needed.
Sponsored by
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas
“The Singin’ Saints” Concert & Potluck Lunch Saturday, July 23rd, 2016
St. Mary’s Hall Concert at 11:00 A.M., Lunch after concert
(Rescheduled from April 30, 2016)
Come and join us for an afternoon of praise, worship, and fun as the gospel group “The Singin’ Saints” performs
southern gospel music selections at our parish! The Singin’ Saints vocal band is a group of eight to nine men from the Sec-
ond Baptist Baytown choir. They have been singing southern gospel music since 1998.
A potluck meal will be available
after the concert, so please bring your favorite dish!
Please call the parish office at (281) 446-8211 to
RSVP. Make sure to provide the number of persons attending, what food you are bringing, and a phone
number to contact you at.
St. Mary Magdalene’s Feast Day: July 22nd
St. Mary Magdalene was one of the few who remained with Christ during His
agony on the Cross. She visited His tomb with two other women and found it emp-
ty. It was to her that our Lord first ap-peared after His Resurrection. He asked her to announce
His Resurrection to the Apostles.
A Prayer to St. Mary Magdalene
Saint Mary Magdalene, woman of many sins,
who by conversion became the beloved of Jesus, thank you for your witness that Jesus forgives
through the miracle of love. You, who already possess eternal happiness
in His glorious presence, please intercede for us, so that some day
we may share in the same everlasting joy. Amen.
We will honor our patron saint at the 8:30 A.M. Mass on Friday, July 22nd.
Social Ministry Update
“The social mission of the parish begins in the gospel's call to conversion; to change our hearts and our lives; to follow in the path of charity, justice, and peace. The parish is the place we should regularly hear the call to conversion and
find help in answering the Lord's call to express our faith in concrete acts of charity and justice.”
—(Communities of Salt and Light, USCCB)
Thank you!!! In June 2016, 324 Households (1159 individuals) received food benefits. In addition to food, several other
families received eviction and utility assistance. We are ex-tremely grateful to the parish and our amazing Social Minis-try Core Members for their love and dedication in serving
the poor & vulnerable in our area. If you have an interest in joining the food pantry team, please call Chris Rubio at (281)
540-1907. We would love to meet you!
Food Pantry Needs (New Items Please)
• Toothbrushes & Toothpaste • Deodorant (men and women)
• Razors and Shaving Cream • New Towels (bath and hand)
• New Combs and Brushes • Shampoo and Conditioner
ALTAR SERVER & MC TRAINING
Calling all NEW & Returning Altar Servers! There is a training for Altar Servers & MCs on Saturday, July 23rd from 8:30 – 10:30 A.M. All parents are required to attend
the first 45 minutes for an information meeting.
If you are currently an Altar Server or MC, you are re-quired to attend this for refresher training!
If your child would like to become an Altar Server and is at least in the 2nd grade and has made their 1st Holy Com-
munion please plan on attending.
If you have any other questions, please email Vickie VanGordon at [email protected] or call
(832) 496-9876.
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
The Prayer Chain and the 1 Church 1 Day minis-tries are a great way to pray!
On Sunday, the 10th of July, Deacon James gave a
stirring homily that is so appropriate to our country’s degenerating moral and spiritual status that I feel compelled to mention it here. He stressed that the only way to recover our country, stop the violence
and return to a more God-fearing and loving life was through the power of prayer and love of our neigh-bors. We must pray not only when it is easy and for someone we care about, but we must also pray for those who may be difficult for us to pray for. We
must love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
I am truly humbled to represent the 1 Church 1 Day and Prayer Chain ministries for our parish. Most of you know about or may have heard about these pray-er-oriented ministries. The 1 Church 1 Day (1C1D) group helps provide an umbrella of continuous pray-er for our community by praying for 24 consecutive
hours on the 3rd Friday of every month.
The Prayer Chain is open to everyone to either re-quest prayers for themselves or others in need, or to pray for those in need. Requests are compiled as I
receive them and distributed to the “Prayer Warriors” as often as possible.
Neither ministry requires meetings or specific places to pray; however, the 1C1D does have specific hours
assigned since it is a 24-hour vigil.
Please consider joining one or both of these prayer-filled ministries.
You can sign up now by sending an email to
[email protected], calling (281) 852-4743, or texting (713) 504-7838. Your name, phone number
and e-mail address will be required to join either ministry.
Ministry representatives will be available to assist you with information and sign-up forms in the narthex after each Mass on 07/30/2016 and 07/31/2016.
Weekly Announcements
NORTHEAST CATHOLIC SINGLES, A MINIS-TRY FOR SINGLES AGES 40+, gathers on Wednesday, July 20, at 7:00 P.M. at Spring Creek BBQ, 5613 East FM 1960 in Atascocita. For more info, contact Elizabeth Schields ((281) 441-2552 or [email protected]) or subscribe to us on Flocknote at St. Mary Magdalene’s website.
Upcoming Knights of Columbus Breakfasts
Thanks for all your patronage of our breakfasts. All net proceeds of these breakfasts go to sup-
port the St Mary Magdalene School Scholarship, the Gold Envelope for St Mary Magdalene parish debt reduc-
on, Birthright, Family Time, Family Promise, and many other great causes in concert with Church teachings. ALL
breakfasts in the Family Life Center.
July 17th — Mexican Breakfast July 24th — Country Breakfast
Thanks for your patronage! Even if you’re not ea ng,
come by for coffee and fellowship.
Silver Anniversary Jubilee Mass
The 2016 Wedding Anniversary Jubilee Mass honoring couples celebrating their Silver (25th) Anniversary of marriage in the
Catholic Church will be held on Sunday, August 14th at 3 P.M. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, which is located at 1111 St. Joseph Parkway, Houston, TX 77002. Whether or not a couple attends the ceremony, they are eligible to receive a
special recognition. Reserved seating will be limited. For more information, contact Regina Vasquez with the Office of Family Life Ministry at (713) 741-8720. Registration can be completed
at http://www.familylifeministryhouston.org/wedding-anniversary-jubilee.html. P. 8
Loving Embrace Infertility Support Group
Loving Embrace is a Catholic educational support group for couples who have en-dured or are presently enduring the pain
and suffering of infertility. The group provides support for coping with infertility and explores resources, meth-ods, and options that are morally faithful to the teach-ings of the Catholic Church. The group meets on the
third Thursday of every month from 7:30-9:00 P.M. The monthly meeting rotation is as follows: Couples Dinner,
Ladies Dinner, and Couples Discussion.
For more information, contact Shannon Lassen at (832)978-6716 or [email protected].
Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy Hosted by
Fr. Felix Osasona, M.S.P. Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene Church, Humble, TX
This Year of Mercy is marked by the unmerited gift of God’s mercy in our lives. What a better way to conclude the year
other than with a pilgrimage to Rome and passing through the Holy Door of Mercy at St. Peter’s Basilica! Our pilgrimage will also take us to various holy shrines in Venice, Padua, Florence,
Assisi, Lanciano, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant’Angelo, and others.
We still have few more open spaces, so please call the parish office at (281) 446-8211 or email Fr. Felix at
Forming the complete child through Faith, Reason & Virtue
530 Ferguson St. Humble, TX 77338 * 281-446-8535 * www.smmcs.org
• Accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department and a member of the National Catholic Educa-tion Association
• Formal Academic Enrichment Programs beginning in PK-3 • Middle School Electives include: Yearbook, Music, Multi-
Media, Art, and many others • Middle School Pre-AP Classes • Pre-K3 through 5th grade specials: Spanish, Music, Art,
PE, Technology, & Library • Daily Religion Classes including weekly Mass • Before & After School Program • Extracurriculars: Chess Club, Spirit Club, Cheerleading,
Soccer (Intramural/GHCAA), Football, and many others
ENROLL NOW FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR!!!
Weekly Announcements
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“I wish we had done this years ago!” is a frequent state-ment that we hear after this wonderful marriage enrich-ment. Worldwide Marriage Encounter is designed to deepen and enrich the joys a couple share together, whether they have been married for only a short time or for many years. This can be just what you have been looking for. Be the couple that you have wanted to be. The next scheduled weekend will be July 29-31. Find out more or sign up at: www.houstonme.org or call (713) 482-1791.
Youth Ministry News
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“Youth Night”: We will hold the final install-ment of “Heroic Summer” for our high school youth on Sunday, July 17th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm in the Youth Room. The middle school “Virtuous Summer” series will wrap up this Thursday, July 21st from 6:00pm – 7:30pm in the Youth Room. Next week: There will be no high school youth event on Sunday, July 24th (getting ready for AYC) or middle school youth event on Thursday, July 28th (getting ready for AYC).
2016- 2017 Formation / CCE Reg-istration: If you still need to sign up your child(ren) for next year’s formation and sacrament prepara-tion classes, please make plans to attend the “regular registration”
event on August 27th from 2:00pm - 5:00pm in the FLC. This day will be the FINAL opportuni-ty to register for CCE before classes begin {the week of September 18th}. Please note that CCE tuition is expected to be paid in full at the time of registration, though no one will be turned away due to an inability to pay… All you need to do is talk to Fr. Felix before August 27th, and he can approve a tuition waiver. For those who miss the August 27th event, we will accept “late registra-tions” on Sunday, October 2nd… Absences will accrue for students who miss classes due to late registration.
Youth Ministry on Social Media: If you would like to follow our events and activities via social media, we are located at the following sites…
Facebook: St. Mary Magdalene Youth Ministry Twitter: Stmm_youth
Instagram: Stmm_youth
Text Message Reminders: We 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…
2017 Confirmation TEAM (plans and runs the program): @smmconteam
2017 Confirmation candidates / parents: @conf2017 High School Youth Ministry: @stmmHS
Genesis Retreat: There is only one more day to get registered for the next high school Genesis re-treat! The registration deadline is Monday, July 18th. The event, which is required for the 2017 Confirmation class, is scheduled for Saturday, July 23rd from 9:30am - 6:30pm in the Family Life Center. Absolutely NO late registrations will be accepted after Monday, July 18th! Retreat paperwork was included in the 2017 Confirma-tion orientation packet that parents received earli-er this Spring.
Catechists for 2016 - 2017: Do you enjoy being Catholic? Want to share you faith with others? We are look-ing for a few men and women (aged 21 - ??) to share their faith with our children and youth in the Faith Formation / CCE programs at St. Mary Magdalene. There are many grade levels available, three different sessions scheduled throughout the week, and even 2-month “mini-mesters” if you can’t commit to a full 22-week catechetical year! You don’t have to be a professional teacher - though you are also wel-come! - or have all the answers; if you love your faith and like kids, we need you! God’s already given you what you need. It’s time to respond and be a light in the darkness. The children of our parish are coming to learn about the Catholic faith… Will you be there? Please contact Mike Smith at [email protected] or (281) 446-2933.
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From The Ultimate Catholic Quiz by Karl Keating (Ignatius Press; Ignatius.com) (Reprinted with permission)
Can you correctly answer this question?
Q. In terms of religion, what is a mystery? (a) a story with an unexpected ending; (b) something
contrary to reason but not contrary to faith; (c) a religious truth that we cannot know everything about; (d) There are no mysteries in the Catholic faith since everything can be understood from the Catechism; (e) none of the above.
Your church needs you!: Sign up as a new recruit, or re-up your service as a catechist. The only way we can offer the CCE classes needed by so many families in our parish is through the generous stewardship of our adult catechists. Please con-tact Mike or Ginger for additional information about serving as a catechist.
Reaching Ginger: If you need to reach Ginger, our Coordi-nator of Formation for Adults and Children, you can email her at: [email protected] or you can call her at (281) 446-8211, extension 249.
Children’s News and Adult Faith Formation
Adult Faith Formation CATECHESIS AND EVANGELIZATION OF ADULTS Ivana T. Meshell, M.A., Director, [email protected] Assisted by Ginger Herrington, [email protected]
Do you want to become a better person? Are you ready for a change? Walking Toward Eternity is Changing Lives!
Is it time for a change? Walking Toward Eternity is an inspiring series designed to help you live your faith more fully by developing and nurturing characteristics that are essential to the Christian life. Through daily prayer and meditation with Scripture, you will be drawn
into an intimate and life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. As you prayerfully reflect on God’s Word, you will begin to hear the subtle ways that God is speaking to you, and you will be challenged to set aside those things in your life that keep you from growing closer to him. By putting it into practice, you will be able to make real changes in your life, chang-es that will make you more like the person God created you to be. Daring to Walk the Walk, the first series of Walking Toward Eternity, introduces seven key virtues and outlines practical steps for living them out in your life.
Save the date to join us for Walking Toward Eternity, an eight-week experience starting on Thursdays after Labor Day, at 9:30 am or 7:00 pm, Thursday, September 8. A suggested offering of $20.00 is requested by not required. Re-serve your copy today by emailing [email protected].
Experience a Lively Faith in Yourself and in Others: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) We are preparing for a new season to welcome those adults and children who wish to be-come Catholic through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Those of us who are already Catholic didn’t earn it or deserve it—salvation is a gift from God for which we are to be forever thankful. Serving on one of our RCIA teams or serving as a sponsor for someone is a chance for you to give to others what has been gifted to you. We need people like you to help us in various ways in this rewarding and enjoyable ministry. Currently, our greatest need is finding activity leaders for the 15 children ranging in age from 8-16 who have asked to be baptized during the Easter Season of 2017. If you think you might like to serve or have questions, please let us hear from you. Please PRAY that we find team members—we must be able to continue this vital ministry as we serve these persons in need.
The answer is (c). While a mystery is a religious truth, it is not one about which we can know everything. A mystery is a truth about which we know something because it has been revealed to us by Christ and concerning which we can draw true inferences and deductions, yet a mystery remains fundamentally beyond what the capacity of the human mind can comprehend fully.
Breaking Open the Word for Children: Reprinted with permission from aliveinchrist.osv.com/family
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Reading I : Genesis 18:1-10a The Lord God is begged: “Please stop and stay with us.” In today's reading from Genesis, Abraham offers hospitality with the generosity typical of a nomadic chief. (“Nomadic” means someone who does not have a fixed home; they move around throughout the year). Even though the guests were unknown, Abraham entertained them lavishly – very richly. Through this, he earned the satisfaction of having entertained the Lord who had come to repeat his promise of a son to Abraham. Reading II : Colossians 1:24-28 The mystery of Christ is your hope. The Letter to the Colos-sians presents a third image of discipleship. Paul was por-trayed as a prisoner who suffered for preaching the good news of Christ. He had become a minister of the Word. Do people suffer today for preaching the Good News? Gospel : Luke 10:38-42 Jesus cries out: “Martha, Martha!” In today's Gospel story, Martha exercised the role expected of women in her culture when she entertained her guest. Mary assumed the role of the disciple. The story illustrated that Christian discipleship was open to both men and women.
For more information and downloadable resources, please visit aliveinchrist.osv.com/family.
Reflecting on Mercy
Ivana T. Meshell, Director of Adult Faith Formation
"Beloved, let us love one another because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way, the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us” (1 John 4:7-12). Today’s reflections are from the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (www.USCCB.org) . Each month during the Year of Mercy, they offer Moments of Mercy, which are brief reflec-tions on mercy and concrete suggestions of how we can live out the mercy that God offers us all. These are per-fect for busy days, since they help us to slow down for just a few minutes and think about the gifts God has blessed us with and how we can share them.
Our response of love toward God is inspired by God's love for us. Our worship, participation in the sacraments, acts of charity and mercy, etc., are all tangible expressions of our hearts turning towards God and responding to the love that he always offers us. The way we choose to live out our life—in particular, the way we live out our identity as baptized Christians—reflects the things we hold as spiritually important. One of the most important of these spiritual realities is that God is love. Pope Francis points out that this truth is manifest in Jesus and in Je-sus's life: "The signs he works, especially in favor of sinners, the poor, the marginalized, the sick, and the suffer-ing, are all meant to teach mercy. Everything in him speaks of mercy. Nothing in him is devoid of compas-sion" (Misericordiae Vultus.no. 8).
While Jesus is no longer visibly present with us, we still interact with the love of God on a daily basis. For example, the love of God is present when we have dinner with our family, when we let someone go in front of us in line at the grocery store, or when we visit someone who is sick or homebound. In the First Letter of John, we are reminded of our role in our communities—that even though we have not seen God, when we love one another, God's love is lived out on Earth. We can spread the love of God by loving others as Christ loved us. Christ gave us the example to follow by his ministry to the poor and suffering and his ministry to us in his Death and Resurrection. The saints and martyrs of the Church serve as reminders and witnesses of this love. We also serve as witnesses to God's love in our families, workplaces, and communities. Through the acts of mercy and compassion by God's faithful, God's love is present here on Earth.
Moments of Mercy What does mercy look like through the eyes of another person? We know how we would like people to act with mercy towards us, but what is mercy to a family member, our coworker, or the person we walk by every day? For each of us, there are particular things that are meaningful to us and speak to our need for mercy. In spite of these differences, we are still able to minister to one another because the love of God surpasses our differences and draws us all into the one Body of Christ. In order to show others the love of God through acts of mercy and com-passion, we need to be attentive to their needs and the way in which God is working in their lives.
Some Suggestions, based on the U.S. bishops’ recommendations: • Spend some time talking with a younger or older relative or friend. Sometimes we ignore those whose per-
spective on life is different or far removed from ours (being much younger or much older than us). Listen to what is important to them, recognizing God's love acting in their life and the way in which you can best act with mercy and compassion toward them.
• Volunteer some of your time this month at local community center, a food bank, or a homeless shelter, or at our own Magdalene House here at St. Mary Magdalene. Though everyone might have different needs, all are searching for the love and mercy of God. Reflect on the way your need for God's love is similar to their need for God's love.
• Dare to be compassionate! When you hear the local news, recognize where there is a need in your community and pray for those who are in need and for those caring for them. Support our public service personnel, includ-ing first responders, and tell them we appreciate their work.
• Volunteer at a local charity organization this month. If there is a need that you have come to recognize in your community, see if there are particular organizations that your parish is involved in and join with others in sup-porting your community. P. 12
Una Parroquia con un Corazón Acogedor
Con el permiso del pastor, el Consejo Pastoral de la parroquia recientemente modificó la actual declaración de la misión de nuestra parroquia a “Somos una familia en Cristo con un cora-zón acogedor llamados a servir”. Esta declaración de una línea dice mucho acerca de quien somos como la parroquia de Santa María Magdalena. El espíritu acogedor que se difunde de los feligreses de Santa María Magdalena es algo del cual siempre hablan tanto los feligreses nuevos como los que han estado aquí por mucho tiempo. Nuestra parroquia tiene ese espíritu de darle la
bienvenida a toda clase de persona, y somos muy bendecidos de tener a personas de varias nacionalidades, razas y colores en nuestra parroquia.
Una de las tarjetas que recibí hace dos años cuando me hice pastor de esta parroquia contiene las palabras “Bienvenido a casa”. Estas palabras significaron mucho para mí. Cuando conducimos una encuesta en la parro-quia temprano el año pasado, hubo muchos que vieron el espíritu acogedor de los feligreses y la diversidad de la comunidad como una gran fortaleza. Nuestros varios ministerios son avenidas para que las personas se sientan en casa en la parroquia. Las sonrisas y los saludos de nuestros ministros de la hospitalidad mientras les dan la bienvenida a los fieles a la iglesia todos los fines de semana es algo hermoso de ver. Yo estoy muy orgulloso de esta parroquia que tiene un espíritu y una diversidad tan grande a medida que nos esforzamos a ser una familia de Dios. Podemos decir que ya somos una familia, pero también aún estamos intentando ser una familia. Jesu-cristo, a quien estamos siguiendo, enfatizó el servicio a sus discípulos, y es por esto que vemos el servicio como el llamado definitivo para el cristiano. Nosotros debemos servir las necesidades corporales y espirituales de nues-tros prójimos. Es por esto que parte de nuestro servicio es evangelizar y llevar la buena nueva a los que aún no la han recibido.
Historias de dioses disfrazados como viajeros que visitaban a ciertas personas abundan en muchas tradiciones religiosas. En nuestra primera lectura de hoy de Génesis 18:1-10, Abraham vio a tres viajeros en una tarde muy caliente y los invitó a descansar en su casa. Él no solo les dio agua para beber y les lavó sus pies; él y su esposa, Sara, también les dieron comida. Él vio la necesidad de estos desconocidos y les dio la bienvenida en su casa sin saber que en realidad estaba hospedando a Dios. Abraham y su esposa fueron recompensados por Dios con un hijo por este gesto tan amable.
En el evangelio de hoy de Lucas 10:38-42, Jesús continua su camino hacia Jerusalén. En el camino, él entró a un pueblo en donde Marta y María le dieron la bienvenida. Las dos hermanas y Lázaro, su hermano, eran amigos de Cristo. Marta y María fueron amables con Jesús de dos diferentes formas: Marta al preparar la cena y servir a Jesús, y María al simplemente escuchar a Jesús. Las hermanas le dieron a Jesús la hospitalidad que él necesitaba en ese tiempo. En este evangelio, pareciera que Jesús apreciaba a María, quien lo estaba escuchando, más que a Marta, quien preparó su comida. Jesús siempre elogiaba el servicio de los demás y quería que sus discípulos sa-lieran en acción. Sin embargo, en este caso, él elogió a la persona que estaba escuchando, quien parecía estar ha-ciendo nada. Yo pienso que Marta estaba tan ansiosa por servirle a Jesús que perdió la alegría de ese servicio. Parecía que ella se había equivocado en sus prioridades. Esto también puede ser cierto de nosotros. A veces nos ocupamos tanto que hacemos a un lado la cosa más importante en nuestras vidas a la cual debemos prestarle nuestra atención—alabar a Dios.
Los ministros de la hospitalidad en nuestra parroquia están haciendo un maravilloso trabajo, al igual que el Mi-nisterio de Bienvenida. Ellos saludan a los feligreses mientras entran a la iglesia para la alabanza. Los ministros ayudan a los feligreses a encontrar un asiento o cualquier otra cosa que les pueda ayudar sentirse más cómodos, y generalmente también mantienen la orden durante la misa. Necesitamos que más feligreses generosos se unan a estos ministerios. ¿Te está llamando Dios a servir de esta forma? Habla con uno de los ministros después de misa. Como lo sugiere nuestra declaración, debemos permanecer una parroquia acogedora. Si llevamos a este espíritu acogedor a nuestras casas y lugares de empleo, estaremos sembrando la semilla de amor y esmero en la comunidad, y de esta forma, daremos a conocer a Cristo en nuestro mundo.
El 22 de julio estaremos celebrando el día de fiesta de nuestra santa patrona, Santa María Magdalena. Ella era una de las mujeres que le ayudó a Cristo de sus propios recursos y también fue testigo de la resurrección de Je-sús. A medida que celebramos la fiesta de Santa María Magdalena esta semana, oremos para que ella interceda por cada uno de nuestros feligreses y sus necesidades.
Ofrenda del 9 y 10 de julio del 2016 — $33,151.00 Ofrenda enviada por Internet — $1,836.00
Total — $34,987.00
Segunda Colecta (San Vicente de Paul) — $8,189.00
Informe del DSF (A partir del 07/11/2016)
Meta del DSF 2016 — $165,000.00
Contribución a la fecha — $103,073.83
Monto comprometido a la fecha — $126,608.20
Numero de participantes — 347
Año Jubilar de la Misericordia
La parábola del domingo pasado terminaba con la orden de Jesús: vayan a hacer obras de misericordia a su prójimo, sin condiciones, sin limites, sin excepcio-nes. Pero hoy, Jesús parece que reprocha que Marta esté practicando la obra de Misericordia de la hospita-lidad, y por el contrario, parece que elogia a María “quien está haciendo nada” como que “escogió la me-
jor parte” (Lucas 10:42). María está sentada escuchando (10:39), dejan-do a Marta “sola con todo el quehacer” (10:40). ¿Entonces parece que la vida contemplativa del silencio es “superior” y una vida activa, de trabajo, de familia, de hacer algún tipo de actividad pastoral en la Iglesia, en la escuela, en un hospital o de asistencia social es un disci-pulado de “segunda clase”? La respuesta es NO. El ejemplo de Jesús no es esto/aquello, sino ambos/y; una comunión en silencio con Dios, una compasión sin límites por las personas. Si no buscamos a Jesús en la oración en silencio, ¿cómo encontraremos a Jesús en nuestros próji-mos? Si no servimos a Jesús en el prójimo, ¿nuestra adoración, alaban-za, culto, pese a su hermosura, será cualquier cosa además de un ri-tual vacío? Este Año Jubilar de la Misericordia, Jesús nos ofrece dos desafíos de Jesús: ambos “vayan y hagan” y “siéntense y escuchen”.
Únete a este grupo una vez a la semana durante 6 semanas en preparación para la Consagra-
ción Mariana. Este retiro está basado en el libro del Padre Michael Gaitley, M.I.C.
1. Lee las lecturas seleccionadas en el libro de retiro
2. Reflexionar sobre la lectura diaria 3. Reunirse semanalmente con su grupo para discutir las
lecturas 4. Obtén nuevos conocimientos sobre la Consagración Ma-
riana
Lugar: Parroquia Sta. María Magdalena FECHAS: Ago. 31, Sept. 7, 14, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 2016
HORARIO: 6:30 – 8:45 P.M.
Fecha de Consagración: Oct. 7 – Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Costo: $4 para el material
Consiga una de las formas de registración en la iglesia donde se encuentran los boletines. El último día de registración
es el 10 de agosto. P. 14
El Ministerio de Bienvenida tiene una mesa en el atrio de la iglesia para asistir a los visitantes y los nuevos miem-bros de nuestra parroquia con información acerca de la Iglesia Santa María Magdalena. La mesa se encuentra cer-
ca de la puerta del cuarto de los niños.
Vengan y pregunten cualquier pregunta que tengan; los ministros que están presentes tratarán de asistirlos lo
mejor que puedan. Estamos aquí para hacerlos sentir en casa.
Segunda Colecta para el 24 de julio del 2016
La segunda colecta del próximo fin de semana es
para los Servicios Sociales de Santa María Magdale-na. Sus donaciones generosas apoyan a los ministe-rios de ayuda de esta parroquia, los cuales nos ayu-
dan a darles de comer a las personas que tienen hambre, visitar a los enfermos, consolar a los que
están de luto, visitar a los encarcelados, apoyar a la vida, y proveer ayuda financiera para familias en nuestra comunidad que están en peligro de que-
darse sin hogar. Por favor indiquen “Servicios Socia-les” en su cheque si no tiene un sobre. Muchísimas
gracias por su generosidad.
Anuncios de la Semana
Campaña de Donación de Sangre —
Domingo, 24 de julio 2016
Nuestra parroquia tendrá una campaña de donación de sangre el domingo, 24 de julio de
8:30 A.M. a 2:30 P.M. en el Centro Familiar. Pue-den programar una cita hoy después de todas las
misas en el atrio de la iglesia. Cuando donas sangre, salvas hasta 3 vidas. Se necesitan todos los tipos de
sangre.
Patrocinada por La Sociedad de Hijas Católicas de las Américas
AVISO IMPORTANTE SOBRE LOS BAUTIZOS
Las próxima preparación bautismal será el sábado, 3 de septiembre del 2016.
El próximo bautismo será el domingo, 11 de septiembre 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
P. 15
Inscripciones para las Clases de Catecismo del año escolar
2016-2017
Si todavía necesitan inscribir sus hijos para el catecismo del próximo año, por favor
hagan planes de asistir al evento de “inscripciones regula-res”, el cual será el sábado, 27 de agosto de 2 a 5 P.M. en el Centro Familiar. Esta será la ÚLTIMA
oportunidad para inscribirse para las clases de catecismo antes del inicio de clases el 18 de septiembre. Se requie-re pago en su totalidad cuando se inscriban; sin embargo, nadie será rechazado si no pueden pagar. Simplemente hablen con el Padre Felix ANTES del 27 de agosto para ver si les puede autorizar una exención de matricula.
Anuncios de la Semana
TALLER DE ORACIÓN Y VIDA PARA ADOLESCENTES DE 12 A 17 AÑOS
“Y Jesús crecía en sabiduría, en edad, y en gracia, ante Dios y los hombres”
— Lucas 2, 52
APRENDER A ORAR PARA APRENDER A VIVIR † Te presentamos la figura deslumbrante de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo de una manera cercana y vital, como un referente para
el adolescente, para que, sintiéndose atraído por Él, decida imitar su estilo de vida. † Está centrado en la Palabra de Dios, para que “sintonice” sus pensamientos con los pensamientos de Dios. (Biblia) † La tarea fundamental del Adolescente es descubrir su propia identidad; es decir, percibirse y aceptarse a sí mismo, sus ras-
gos, su figura, como una obra maestra salida de las manos divinas de Dios.
CUANDO: Cada miércoles DE: 10 A.M. a 12 P.M.
DIRECCION: Iglesia Santa María Magdalena (527 South Houston Avenue, Humble, TX 77338)
Para mayor información, por favor llamen a: Maricarmen Tusell — (281)870-2423 y Mónica Lozano — (832) 671-6444
El Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Católico es un ministerio que ayuda
a las familias a crecer en la fe, en amor y comprensión. El nuevo ciclo está por comenzar, y Dios te hace el
llamado a pertenecer a nuestro ministerio. Para más información, por favor llamen a Julio y Cristina Ro-
mero al (832) 488-3367 o al (832) 488-8485.
Formación para el Ministerio Cristiano: Semestre II
La Formación para el Ministerio Cristiano (FPMC) es un programa que ofrece la base teoló-gica y el crecimiento espiritual para todos aquellos católicos adultos mayores de 18 años que quisieran profundizar su
compromiso con Jesucristo y su Iglesia, fortaleciéndolo en un discípulo maduro.
Las clases comenzarán aquí en nuestra parroquia el viernes, 26 de agosto de 7 a 9 P.M. en McGivney Hall. Para mayor
información, por favor comuníquense con Elizabeth Pereira al (281)570-8286 o con Vickie Cortez al (281) 446-8211.
Journey For Homeby Deanna Light & Paul Tate
Spoken and musical reflections toaccompany your faith journey. Ideal for
times of grief, struggle or longing.CD with mini journal $$1144..9955..
800-566-6150World Library Publicationsthe music and liturgy division of J.S. Paluch Co., Inc.www.wlpmusic.com
TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHERis what community is all about.
