Sacraments Reconciliation: Tues.-Fri. 8:30 - 9:30 am Saturday 3:30 – 4:30 pm Baptisms: Contact the parish office Matrimony: 6 months in advance Anointing of the Sick: 8am Mass 1st Fri. of each month or call the parish office First Eucharist & Confirmation: Call the parish CCE office Parish Staff Pastor Fr. Christopher Nguyen Deacon Sidney “Butch” Prewitt

Deacon Rafael Millet Parish Manager Tom Mayhew Parish DRE Marlene Grauvogl Dir. Youth Ministry Sylvia Perez Assoc. Youth Minister Matt Thai Music Director Bookkeeper Marita Karger Parish Secretary Mary Ann Ford Assistant Secretary Sandra Medrano Campaign Support Mary Ann Zanoff Pastoral Council Brenda Hoppe 281-468-2334 Finance Council Glynn Trahan 713-292-7571 Building Committee Jerry Strenk 936-449-6686 Capital Campaign Cabinet Tom Condon 281-382-8097 Acolytes Chris Hillman 281-252-9233 Arts & Environment Deborah Okopinski 832-588-0732

Catholic Daughters Yolanda Garcia 281-356-3631 Communications/Website Mary Ann Zanoff 713-857-9582 Families for Our Youth Mary Ann Zanoff 713-857-9582 Friends of St. Francis Kim Herben 281-259-4773 Funeral/Wedding Ministry Sandy Bartlett 936-597-6420

Goldenrods Ginny Mock 281-252-6043 Grupo de Oración Jobo Aguirre 832-326-5764 Guadalupanos Leticia Chavez 281-536-0565 Hospitality Maria Cuellar 281-252-3661 Knights of Columbus Denton Rowley 281-794-8223 Legion of Mary Ignacio Villanueva 832-671-0421 Men's Club Marco Quintanilla 936-931-9036 Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Agustin Rodriguez 281-814-6564 RCIA Catherine Smith 281-259-8840 Respect Life Danica R. Vassigh 832-515-8463 St. Vincent de Paul Steve Dinnell 281-259-7300 Stewardship Committee Kathleen Oates 281-356-6294 Ushers / Greeters Debbie Stachowiak 281-356-3615

Celebration of the Eucharist Monday - Word & Sacrament Service, 8:00 am Tuesday - Friday - Mass, 8:00 am Saturday Mass - 5:00 pm, English Sunday Masses - English 8:00 & 10:30 am Spanish 1:00 pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Monday - Thursday - 8:30 am - 9:30 am Friday - 8:30—12:00 pm

www.st-matthias.net Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 am– 5:00 pm The Parish Offices will be closed Friday, December 8, 2017

302 South Magnolia Blvd. Magnolia, Texas 77355-8535

Office: 281-356-2000 Fax: 281-789-4243

Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come (Mark 13) Velen y estén preparados, porque no saben cuándo llegará el momento. (Marcos 13)

St. Matthias the Apostle Catholic Church “ A welcoming community, committed to fostering a deeper love of Jesus through faith, family, and service to others.” Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston Established 1978 December 3, 2017 First Sunday of Advent

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2017 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 4 - December 10, 2017 Monday 8:00 am Word and Sacrament Service Tuesday 8:00 am Dr. Donald & Mary Lintner † Wednesday 8:00 am Frank Krider † 7:30 pm Fr. Bruce Noble † Thursday 8:00 am Ernesto Tovar † 7:00 pm Friday 8:00 am Tom Brown † 12:00 pm Kathryn & Joel Hester (liv) 7:00 pm Maria del Consuelo Robledo † Saturday 5:00 pm John Holub † Sunday 8:00 am Joseph Tiem † 10:30 am Buddy Harrison † 1:00 pm Parishioners of St. Matthias Parish Deceased † Living (liv) Please contact the parish office to request a Mass Intention. Also, if you would like to furnish flowers for the altar for a special occasion or in memory of someone, please contact the parish office.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK IN OUR PARISH: Dalia Carpen-tier, Keila Galisia, Lázaro Camacho, Kathy Ezamack, Jovita Vasquez, Abel Sajardo, Richard Roesner, Michael Crone, Ramon Dimas, Dante Ruiz, Sergio Vargas, Sixta Cardozo, Josh Erikka, Harvey Degeyter, Kenshin Degeyter, Gregory Nolan, Margaret Mary Gebura, Waultraud Hernandez, Billie Rowley, Mireyda García, Dottie Derden, Mary Dolli-son, Edward Regino Jacqueline Foster, Edwina Kaminski, Romulo and Martha Alvarado, Michaele Czimny, Larry Irving, James & Marlene Gondek, Carter Lively, Patty Havlin, Walter Roesner, Richard Nava, Antonio Nava, Tom McDermott, Andrea Corolla Phillips, Jim Jacobs, Kimberly Copeland, Greg Stepanek, George & Vivian Nolan, Carolyn & Bob Foster Names on the prayer list will be removed after 2 months. If you want a name to continue longer, please contact the parish office. If a family member, a neighbor or someone you know from our parish is homebound and is in need of Holy Communion and/or prayer, please notify the office so that arrangements can be made for home or hospital visits. You may also call for assistance in leading rosaries for your deceased loved ones 's funeral.

WORSHIP GOD HAS A DIFFERENT PLAN

We begin the season of Advent with a heartfelt call for our own repentance. We remember God’s faithful love for us, and call upon God to help us to turn back. For “behold, you are angry, and we are sinful” (Isaiah 64:4). In the first reading and in the psalm, we recall God’s promises and lament our unfaithfulness and our guilt. We call upon God’s might and power in order to save us. With Isaiah, we ask God to “rend the heavens and come down, with the mountains quaking before you” (Isaiah 63:19).

Yes, God is faithful to us, because we are the work of God’s hands. God is the potter, we are the clay. And yet, our concept of how God will come to save us is rooted in our own expectations of a war-rior God who crushes mountains and thunders into our lives with great noise and glory. But God has a different plan: the Incarnation. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35 — 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85:9-14; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8

Ornaments to Remember Your Loved Ones Parishioners are invited to hang a special ornament on one of the Christmas trees near the Altar before or after Mass on the weekend of Dec 16-17 to re-member a loved one. The ornament will help us remember that they are closer to God and will be remembered as part of our Masses during Christmas.

Celebration Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe The Guadalupano Group cordially invites you to pray with us! Novena of Our Lady of Guadalupe Date: Monday, December 4, 2017 thru Tuesday, December 11, 2017 Time: 6:00 p.m. Place: St. Matthias Church Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration Mass Tuesday, December 12 - 7:00 p.m.

Advent Reconciliation Service Our parish Advent Reconciliation Service will be held on Wednesday, December 20. Fr. Chris and a number of visiting priests will be available for Confession starting at 6:30 p.m. To help you prepare for Confession, Deacon Rafael will present a video and discussion on Tuesday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the church in Spanish and on Wednesday, December 20, at 5:45 p.m. in the church in English. This presentation will help you begin the process of examining your conscience and pre-paring for Confession. What a great way to prepare for the coming of our Lord at Christmas.

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY A Holy Day of Obligation Mass Schedule Thursday, December 7 - 7:00 p.m., Vigil Mass, English Friday, December 8 - 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., English 7:00 p.m., Spanish

WEEKLY COLLECTION November 18/19 Collection Envelopes (215) - $ 8,295.00 Checks & Cash - $ 4,228.15 Online Giving - $ 740.30

Capital Renewal - $ 63.00 Children’s Collection - $ 87.00 Campaign for Human Development - $ 1,778.59 November 25/26 Collection Envelopes (218) - $ 8,550.50 Checks & Cash - $ 2,754.78 Online Giving - $ 581.33 Capital Renewal - $ 34.00 Children’s Collection - $ 100.25 Youth & Faith Development - $ 2,072.53 Second collection next weekend — Retirement Fund for Religious Our deep gratitude to parishioners and guests for your support to the ongoing work of Christ at St. Matthias.

As we begin Advent, we are called to “Be watchful! Be alert” as we stand in joyful anticipation for the grace of Christmas to once again bless our lives.

Monthly needed items: boxed turkey or chicken stuff-ing mix, sweet potatoes, canned mix fruit, turkey gravy mix, boxed mash potatoes, macaroni & cheese

OUR NEW CHURCH “Together in Faith-Honoring our Past, Building Our Future” As of November 28, 2017 Phase I Construction Cost Est: $9,500,000 Families Pledging: 547 (out of 1700 registered)

Campaign Pledges: $ 3,010,038 Pledges Donations Received: $ 1,657,264 Additional Pledges Needed: $ 2,300,000 Thanks to those who have pledged recently, the campaign for our new church has reached the $3,000,000 mark in pledg-es. To-date, we have received donations for 54% of the amount pledged. Thank You to all who are supporting the campaign. We are approaching the half way point in our 3 year Redemption Period (July 2016 – June 2019). We still have a lot of work to do so PLEASE continue to pray for the success of our campaign and a ground-breaking shortly after June 2019. There is still a need for additional pledges to keep any debt we would assume to an affordable level for our par-ish. At a minimum, an additional $1,000,000 in pledges is needed to allow us to break ground and minimize our debt. The Campaign team will be reaching out to new parish-ioners and area foundations and business for additional sup-port. Any amount that you can contribute will help our parish get closer to our goal. The Building Committee is looking for ways to reduce the construction cost of the new church. Cam-paign information is available in the narthex including pledge cards. You can also contact our campaign team through Tom Condon at 281-382-8097.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION FUNDRAISER On Sunday, December 10, starting at 2pm until 8pm, come celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe. There will be 2 Hispanic bands, good food and drink, and activities for the kids highlighted by a horse parade honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. Fr. Chris will bless the parade of over 50-100 horses as it arrives at our parish about 2:30 p.m. The “Queen of the Parade” will be crowned with the winner selected based on the amount of funds raised for our new church. If you and your horse would like to partici-pate in the parade, contact Pablo Vásquez at 281-808-6484 for details. All proceeds from this event will go toward our new church.

Father is Looking for New Pastoral Council Members Forms are available in the narthex for you to nominate a fellow parishioner, or yourself, as a prospective member of the Pasto-ral Council. The Pastoral Council meets with Father monthly and assists and advises him on matters of the parish. Each year, 2 members complete their 3 year term and new members are selected through a Discernment Process which will take place on Saturday, Jan 13, at 8am. Please pray about this op-portunity to serve our parish and assist Fr. Chris. Nominations are due by Dec 17 and can be dropped in the collection basket, the box in the narthex, or turned in to the parish office.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) distribute the precious Body and Blood of Jesus at Mass, or bring Holy Communion to the homebound. To be an EMHC, you must be at least 18 years old and a confirmed Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church. If you are married, your marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church. St. Matthias is asking all prospective EMHC’s to complete an application to collect sacramental information. We also ask that you submit a current Baptismal Certificate with notations of reception of Confirmation and Marriages. Applications can be picked up in the minister’s room of the church, at the church office or down-loaded from the parish web site. EMHC should also be VIR-TUS trained and cleared. VIRTUS training will offered at St. Matthias this summer in English and in Spanish. Training for service at the altar in English for current and po-tential EMHC after the 5:00 PM Mass on December 2 and after the 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM Masses on December 3. If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Butch Prewitt 832-521-3008. butchprew@aol.com

Check Presentation to Sylvia Perez Thanks to the generous support of many parishioners, Fr. Chris presented a check to our parish Youth Director, Sylvia Perez, for $3,310. Sylvia’s home was severely flooded during Hurri-cane Harvey. Thank You to all who donated to this effort to assist Sylvia who has done so much for our parish.

Men’s Club Present Check to Fr. Chris

On Oct 13, the Men’s Club hosted a dinner and reverse raf-fle. All 250 raffle tickets were sold in advance and close to 300 people attended the dinner. The $10,000 grand prize was won by friends of a parishioner whose home had been flooded during hurricane Harvey. The Men’s Club presented Fr. Chris with a check for the event proceeds for $14,840 which will ben-efit the campaign for our new church. Thanks to all who supported this fun event.

Sun., Dec. 3

All Masses All Masses 8:00 am 9:00 am 9:05 am 10:30 am 11:35 am 1:00 pm 2:30 pm

Capital Campaign Fundraiser, Parish Hall KCs taking orders for Holiday Briskets Mass, English RCIA, St Mary Rm (13/14) Elementary CCE Mass, English Elementary CCE Mass, Spanish Family Movement Posadas Rehearsal, Parish Hall

Mon., Dec. 4

8:00 am 8:30 am 9:00 am 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm

Word & Sacrament Service Adoration Women ACTS, St Jerome Rm (17) Guadalupano’s Novena, Church Boy Scouts, St Philip Neri Rm (9/11), St. Francis Xavier Rm (5), St Catherine Laboure Rm (7) Hispanic Prayer Group Leaders, Parish Hall

Tues., Dec. 5 8:00 am 8:30 am 10:00 am 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

Mass Adoration & Confessions Legion of Mary, St Mary Rm (13/14) Guadalupano’s Novena, Church Christ Renews, St John Paul, II, Rm (15) RCIA, Children, St Catherine Laboure Rm (7) Basic Faith Formation, St Philip Neri Rm (9/11)

Wed., Dec. 6 8:00 am 8:30 am 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:30 pm

Mass Adoration & Confessions Guadalupano’s Novena, Church TEEN Gather, Parish Hall TEEN Parent’s Session, Church TEEN/Family Mass

Thurs. Dec. 7 8:00 am 8:30 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

Mass Adoration & Confessions Wild Goose, St Mary Rm (13/14) AMSIF, Parish hall Goldenrod’s, Prayer Service, Church, Meeting & Christmas Party, Parish Hall Guadalupano’s Novena, Church English Choir Practice, St John Paul II Rm (15) Hispanic Prayer Group Meeting, St Philip Neri Rm (9/11) Immaculate Conception Vigil Mass, English

Fri., Dec. 8 8:00 am 8:30 am 12:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

Feast of the Immaculate Conception Parish Offices closed Mass, English Adoration & Confessions Mass, English Guadalupano’s Novena, Church Mass, Spanish

Sat., Dec. 9 8:00 am 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm

FPMC, Parish Hall Bible Study Plain & Simple, St Philip Neri Rm (9/11) Confessions Mass, English Bereavement Dinner, Parish Hall Guadalupano’s Novena, Church

Sun., Dec. 10 All Masses 8:00 am 9:00 am 9:05 am 10:30 am 11:35 am 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 6:00 pm

Pick-up KCs Holiday Briskets Mass, English RCIA, St Mary Rm (13/14) Elementary CCE Mass, English Elementary CCE Mass, Spanish Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration & Horse Parade, Pavilion Guadalupano’s Novena, Church

MEETINGS, ETC.

GOLDENROD’S All seniors of the parish, 50 and above, are invited to join The Goldenrods on Thursday, December 7, for their monthly meeting and

Christmas celebration. We begin with a prayer service in the church at 10:30 a.m., then a meeting in the hall followed by a fully catered meal. Entertainment by the Cookie Crumbs will top off our holiday festivities. Come and enjoy this fun packed gathering. Contact our president, Ginny Mock, with questions at 281-252-6043.

LAY MINISTERS - Dec. 9/10 5:00 p.m. Mass Coordinator: C. Yost Acolytes: M. Zanoff, R. Yoars, Volunteer Eucharistic Ministers: Deacon/Inst. Acolyte, P. Souriall, C. Yost, P. Yost, M. Olszweski, K. Oates, P. White Lectors: P. Souriall, G. Zanoff Ushers: L. Herzog, J. Scott Greeters: P. Ratcliff, D. Ratcliff Rosary: M. A. Zanoff 8:00 a.m. Mass Coordinator: M. Sullivan Acolytes: A. Braun, R. Crabb, M. Nguyen Eucharistic Ministers: Deacon/Inst. Acolyte, E. Jauma, E. Krueger, M. Sullivan, D. Barron, K. Barron, A. Meyers, P. Taake, J. Okopinski Lectors: E. Jauma, J. Okopinski Ushers: T. Condon, R. Arce, J. Daskalos, R. Holub Greeters: D. Barron, K. Barron Rosary: S. Smith 10:30 a.m. Mass Coordinator: R. Tamborello Acolytes: K. Nigliazzo, T. Palombo, W. Palombo Eucharistic Ministers: Deacon/Inst., L. Honeycutt, S. Tamborello, R . Tamborello, T. Mayhew, G. Trahan, T. Hancock, B. Lloyd, J. Strenk Lectors: I. Villanueva, S. Wrobleski Ushers: T. Denison, J. Denison, C. Stroberg, M. Garcia Greeters: D. Strenk, J Strenk Rosary: L. Honeycutt

Time to Start Planning our 2018 Annual Bazaar Wow! Seems like we just wrapped up our bazaar for 2017 and it’s already time to start plan-ning our 2018 event. The 2017 bazaar was a huge success. The weather was great, we had a lot of good food, the Men’s Club worked their magic on the BBQ dinner again, the kids had some exciting rides and games to enjoy, the bidding at the auctions was lively, we had Mexican bingo for the first time, The Lonely Road band played some great country music, and everyone in the large crowd had a good time. Thanks to a great team and all the support from parishioners, we sent a new record for profit of $126,546. For 2018, our bazaar will be held on Sunday, May 6. Mark this date on your calendar!! Our first bazaar planning meeting will be on Thursday, Dec 14, at 7pm in the St. Mary Room (13/14). We are always looking for new members on our planning committee. A few members from 2017 have decided to get involved in the church in other areas so we have some roles to fill and always are in need of new ideas and young energy (some of us are just getting old!). A lot of work goes into mak-ing our bazaar a success but the team has a great time working together. This is our parishes largest social event and fundrais-er of the year. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the parish office at 281-356-2000 and ask for Tom or just come to the meeting on Dec 14. God Bless

ANNUAL GIVING TREE The St. Vincent DePaul Giving Tree is now in the narthex. We hope to be able to provide gifts for over 250 needy children this year. Please take a tag and bring the wrapped gifts with the tag attached to church by Dec 10. The tags have the family number and child name with suggest-ed gifts. You do not have to get everything on the tag but please do what you can. If you are interested in helping or if you have questions, please call Debbie Stachowiak at 281-356-3615. Thank you for your support!

OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Marlene Grauvogl at 281-356-2000 x 14

E-mail: mgrauvogl@st-matthias.net

SACRAMENT PARENTS Thank you to the parents that attended the Sacrament Information Meeting on November 30. This is a very important year for your child and your co-operation is very much appreciated. In addition to attending Faith Formation and having good attendance the children are required to attend the additional sacramental clas-ses on Thursday evenings. The children and at least one parent must attend these classes which are offered only once. Make sure to mark the following dates on your calendar: Reconciliation sessions are Thursday, January 25 and February 22 from 7-8:30 p.m. Eucharist sessions are Thursday, April 5 and April 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. If you did not purchase your book at the meeting, they are available in the RE office.

CALLING ALL CHILDREN We are on the lookout for children to participate in the annual Nativity Play at the Christmas Eve Children’s Mass. If you would like your child to participate,

please contact the RE office as soon as possible to sign up. Parts are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. The Children’s Christmas Eve Mass will be at 4:00 p.m. More information on costumes, rehearsals etc. will be coming at a later date. WEDNESDAY TEEN SCHEDULE 6:00 p.m. – Gather / Fellowship / Food 6:30 p.m. – Proclaim (teaching portion of night) 7:00 p.m. – Small group (Opportunities for students to have discussion) 7:30 p.m. – Youth / Family Mass 6:30pm - 7:15pm – Presentation in the Church for parents.

FORMATION

OFFICE OF YOUTH MINISTRY Sylvia Perez at 281- 356-2000 x 12

E-mail: sperez@st-matthias.net

Confirmation Classes Year 1 & 2 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

January 7 February 11 February 25 March 4 April 8 April 22 Students, parents, and sponsors are required to attend these classes.

SMTAY – JR. HIGH, 6th – 8th 2017/2018 Youth Gatherings Wednesdays, 4:00pm—6:00pm Youth Room December 6, 2017 March 7, 2018 January 10, & 24, 2018 April 4, & 18, 2018 February 21, 2018 May 15, 2018

SMTAY – HIGH SCHOOL, 9th – 12th 2017/2018 Youth Gatherings Wednesdays, 4:00pm4:00pm——6:006:00pm pm –– Youth Room Youth Room December 13, 2017 January17, & 31, 2018 February 28, 2018 March 21, 2018 April 11, & 25, 2018

FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE Texas Rally for Life in Austin, Tx. The Texas Rally for Life in Austin, TX will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2018. Come stand with Catholics from around the State in support of life from conception to natural death. If you are interested in attending this event, please contact the Office of Pro-Life Activities at 713-741-8728 for more information. Busses will be going from parishes locat-ed around the Diocese. Contact the Pro-Life Office for a list of bus departures. Service Project with Young Adults Come be the “hands and feet of Christ” with hundreds of young adults ages 18-39 at the Archdiocesan Young Adult Day of Service, prayer and fellowship on Saturday, March 17, 2018. You will be part of a team that will help serve those in need like Harvey victims, the sick, the poor, the hungry, homeless, prisoners and immigrants. The day begins with 8:30 a.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Sheltz, followed by breakfast then head out to serve in teams all over the city. Online registration required www.archgh.org/yacm or call 713-741-8778. Participants can choose from a list of availa-ble service projects. $10 includes t-shirt/breakfast.

WEDNESDAY REMINDER

All Wednesday night students that are picked up in the car-pool line MUST be picked up in the back and NOT the front

of the church. Please adhere to the dismissal procedure for the safety of your children.

COMUNIDAD HISPANA COMUNIDAD HISPANA Declaración de la Misión Parroquial

“Una comunidad acogedora, comprometida a fomentar un amor más profundo por Jesús, por medio de la Fe, la familia y el servicio a los demás.”

DIOS TIENE OTRO PLAN

Comenzamos el tiempo de Adviento con un llamado sincero al arrepentimiento. Recordamos el amor fiel que Dios siente por nosotros y le pedimos que nos ayude a emprender el camino de regreso: "estabas airado porque nosotros pecábamos" (Isaías 64:4). En la prime-ra lectura y en el salmo, recordamos las promesas de Dios y lamenta-mos nuestra rebeldía y nuestra culpa. Invocamos el poder de Dios para salvarnos. Con Isaías, le decimos a Dios: "Ojalá rasgaras los cielos y bajaras, estremeciendo las montañas con tu presencia" (Isaías 63:19).

Sí, Dios nos es fiel, porque somos hechura de las manos de Dios. Dios es el alfarero, nosotros el barro. Y sin embargo, nuestro concepto de cómo Dios vendrá a salvarnos se origina en nuestra expectativa de un Dios guerrero que estremece las montañas y llega a nuestra vida con ruido y gloria. Pero Dios tiene otro plan: la Encarnación.

Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

MINISTROS PARA EL VIERNES 8 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2017

Lectores: 1ra. Lectura: Elva Sánchez 2da. Lectura: Yadira Merino Ministros: C. Hernández 1b, C. Hernández 1c, Á. Ramírez 2b,

I. Ramírez 2c, F. Alvarado 3b, M. Velázquez 3c, E. Osorio 4c, D. Young 5c, Y. Merino 6c

Monaguillos: N. Juárez y Valentín Pacheco Ujieres: M. García, M. Estrada, R. Campos, E. Guzmán, M. Guevara Ofertorio: F. Alvarado, S. Estrada, M. García Coordinador de la Misa: Leticia Chávez, Ángel e Isabel Ramírez Intención de la Misa de Hoy: María del Consuelo Robledo †

Día de la Inmaculada Concepción de la Santísima Virgen María Viernes, 8 de Diciembre de 2017 Misas a las 8:00am (Inglés) 12 de mediodía (Inglés) y 7pm (Español). **Día de Precepto**

Celebración en Honor a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

¡El Grupo Guadalupano cordialmente los invita al novena-rio a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe! Empezando mañana lunes 4 de diciembre al martes 11 de diciembre a las 6pm en la Iglesia San Matías.

El Día 12 de Diciembre Mañanitas con Mariachi, Danza de Matachines y Rosario 5:00am a 7:00am en la Iglesia

Danza de Matachines en el Jardín de Oración 5:00pm a 5:45pm

Apariciones Guadalupanas 5:45pm a 6:30pm

Misa en Honor a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe 7:00pm

MINISTROS PARA EL DOMINGO 10 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2017

Lectores: 1ra. Lectura: Carlos Hernández 2da. Lectura: Rosa Espínola Ministros: G. Silva1b, C. Silva 1c, J. Aguirre 2b, J. Aguirre 2c,

A. Guevara 3b, B. Rodríguez 3c, M. Torres 4c, A. Navarro 5c, E. Merino 6c

Ministros para el Salón Parroquial: Diácono Rafael Millet Monaguillos: D. Benítez, V. Pacheco, L. Guevara, A. Benítez Ujieres: B. Vásquez, O. Velázquez, A. Campos, J. Adame Ofertorio: Gabino y Carmen Silva Visita de la Virgen Peregrina a familia: La Virgen se queda en la Iglesia Coordinador de la Misa: Ángel e Isabel Ramírez Rosario: Martha Torres (empezar a las 12) Intención de la Misa de Hoy: Para los Feligreses de San Matías

LAS POSADAS

Quizás muchos de nosotros esperamos ansiosos la Navidad para dar o recibir regalos, y preparar una rica cena rodeado de amigos y familiares ; pero, y la razón de la Navidad donde queda? Esa es la pregunta que deberíamos de hacer-nos como Cristianos Católicos, y buscar dentro de nosotros la respuesta; es el cumpleaños de Jesús, y cuantos regalos el recibe de nosotros; demos lo mejor

en estas fiestas navideñas, compartamos con nuestro prójimo amor, paz y felicidad y tendremos el mejor regalo que Dios nos envío ,a ”JESÚS” dentro de nuestros hogares y corazones y verán que la navidad tendrá un mejor sabor.

Estaremos celebrando Las Posadas a las 7:00pm aquí en San Matías en el salón parroquial e invitamos a toda la comunidad a participar, todos son bienvenidos, rezaremos el rosario, pedire-mos posada, tendremos convivió y sobre todo compartiremos juntos como una sola familia.

Sábado Dic. 16 Grupo Guadalupano

Domingo Dic. 17 Fecha disponible

Lunes Dic. 18 Fecha disponible

Martes Dic. 19 No habrá Posada - El Diácono Rafael tendrá una Presentación en Español

Miércoles Dic. 20 No habrá Posada - Servicio de Reconciliación de Adviento Jueves Dic. 21 Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Católico

Viernes Dic. 22 Grupo de Oración

Sábado Dic. 23 No habrá Posada - Misa de Nochebuena a las 7pm en Español

Domingo Dic. 24 Comunidad de San Matías

Si alguna persona o familia gustaría patrocinar una de estas dos fechas disponibles. Por favor llame a la oficina parroquial

con Sandra al 281-356-2000.

03 de Diciembre de 2017 Primer Domingo de Adviento

♦ ¡Feliz Cumpleaños a todos los que nacieron en el mes de Diciembre! ♦ ¡Feliz Aniversario de Boda para todas las parejas que contrajeron

matrimonio en el mes de Diciembre! ¡Muchas felicidades y bendicio-nes en su Aniversario! Las bendiciones de Cumpleaños y Aniversario de Bodas son el primer domingo de cada mes.

El Club de Hombres presentan un cheque al Padre Chris

El 13 de octubre, el Club de Hombre organizo una Cena y Rifa Inver-sa. Todos los 250 boletos de la rifa se vendieron por adelantado y cerca de 300 personas asistieron a la cena. El gran premio de $ 10,000 fue ganado por amigos de un feligrés cuya casa se había inundado durante el huracán Harvey. El Club de Hombres presento al Padre Chris, con un cheque por el evento de $14,840 de ganancias que beneficiará la campaña de nuestra nueva iglesia. Gracias a todos los que apoyaron este divertido evento.

Oficina de Educación Religiosa Marlene Grauvogl al 281-356-2000 ext. 14

Correo Electrónico: mgrauvogl@st-matthias.net

NOTICIAS DE CONFIRMACIÓN Clases de Confirmación para Candidatos de 1er y 2do Año

Los Domingos de 3:00pm a 5:00pm Enero 7 Febrero 11 Febrero 25 Marzo 4 Abril 8 Abril 22

Oficina de Ministerio Juvenil Sylvia Perez al 281-356-2000 ext. 12

Correo Electrónico: sperez@st-matthias.net

SACRAMENTOS Gracias a los padres que asistieron a la reunión de información sacra-mental el 30 de noviembre. Este es un año muy importante para su hijo/a y su cooperación es muy apreciada. Además de asistir a la For-mación de Fe y tener buena asistencia, los niños deben asistir a las clases sacramentales adicionales los jueves por la noche. Al menos un padre y el niño/a deben asistir a estas clases, se ofrecen una sola vez. Asegúrese de marcar las fechas en su calendario.

Las sesiones de Reconciliación son el jueves, 25 de enero y 22 de febrero de 7 a 8:30 p.m.

Las sesiones de Eucaristía son el jueves, 5 de abril y 19 de abril de 7pm a 8:30 p.m.

Si no compró su libro en la reunión, están disponibles en la oficina de educación religiosa.

LLAMANDO A TODOS LOS NIÑOS Estamos buscando a niños participen en el juego anual de la Natividad en la misa de los niños de Nochebuena. Si desea que su hijo/a partici-pe, por favor llame a la oficina de educación religiosa lo antes posible para inscribirse. Las partes se asignan por orden de llegada. La misa de Nochebuena de los niños será a las 4:00 p.m. Más información sobre disfraces, ensayos, etc. vendrá en una fecha posterior.

SMTAY - Reuniones de Jóvenes 2017-2018 Reunión de Jóvenes - los Miércoles

4:00 p.m. a 6:00 p.m. en el salón de jóvenes

Adolescentes en grados 6º - 8º December 6, 2017 March 7, 2018 January 10 & 24, 2018 April 4 & 18, 2018 February 21, 2018 May 15, 2018

Jóvenes en grados 9º - 12º

Diciembre 13, 2017 Febrero 28, 2018 Enero 17 y 31, 2018 Marzo 21, 2018 Abril 11 y 25, 2018

Recaudación de Fondos - Cabalgata en Honor a Nuestra Virgen de Guadalupe

El domingo, 10 de diciembre, empezando a las 2 p.m. hasta las 8 p.m., venga a celebrar a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Habrá 2 conjuntos hispanas, buena comida y bebida, actividades para los niños y una cabalgata (desfile de caballos) en Honor a Nuestra Señora de Gua-dalupe. El Padre Chris bendecirá el desfile de más de 50 a 100 caba-llos cuando lleguen a nuestra parroquia acerca de las 2:30pm. La "Reina del Desfile" se coronará también con el ganador seleccionado por la cantidad de fondos recaudados para nuestra nueva Iglesia. Si usted y su caballo desean participar en el desfile, comuníquense con el Sr. Pablo Vásquez al 281-808-6484 para obtener más detalles. Todas las ganancias de este evento irá hacia nuestra nueva Iglesia. Por favor, done pequeños juguetes o dulces envueltos que puedan ser usados para premios para los juegos de niños. Estos pueden ser ar-tículos nuevos, de bajo costo, que los niños o niñas disfrutarían recibir por jugar un juego. Por favor marque las donaciones y llévelas al nártex o a la oficina parroquial.

Es hora de empezar a planificar nuestro Bazar Anual 2018 ¡Guau! Parece que acabamos de terminar nuestro bazar 2017 y ya es hora de comenzar a planificar nuestro evento 2018. El bazar de 2017 fue un gran éxito. El tiempo fue

excelente, tuvimos mucha rica comida, el Club de Hombres trabajó con magia en la cena de BBQ de nuevo, los niños tuvieron juegos emocionantes y juegos para disfrutar, las subastas estaba lleno de ener-gía, tuvimos bingo mexicano por primera vez, el conjunto Lonely Road tocó buena música country, y todos en la gran multitud la pasa-ron muy bien. Gracias a un gran equipo y todo el apoyo de los feligre-ses, tuvimos un nuevo récord de ganancias a $126,546. Para el 2018, nuestro bazar se llevará a cabo el domingo 6 de mayo. ¡¡¡Guarde la fecha!! Nuestra primera reunión de planificación del bazar será el jueves, 14 de diciembre a las 7 p.m. en el salón Santa María (13/14). Siempre estamos buscando nuevos miembros en nuestro comité de planificación. Algunos miembros de 2017 decidieron involucrarse en la iglesia en otras áreas, por lo que tenemos algunos roles que cumplir y siempre están en necesidad de nuevas ideas y energía joven (¡algunos de nosotros nos estamos haciendo viejos!) Se necesita mu-cho trabajo para que nuestro bazar sea un éxito, pero el equipo tiene un gran tiempo trabajando juntos. Este es el evento social más grande y recaudación de fondos del año. Si está interesado en participar, comuníquese con la oficina parroquial al 281-356-2000 y pregunte por Tom o simplemente asista a la reunión el 14 de diciembre.

Servicio de Reconciliación de Adviento

Nuestro Servicio de Reconciliación de Adviento se llevará a cabo el miércoles, 20 de Diciembre, varios sacerdotes estarán aquí para asistir al

Padre Chris. Para ayudarlo a prepararse para la confesión, el Diá-cono Rafael presentará un video el martes, 19 de diciembre a las 7:30pm en la Iglesia en Español y el miércoles 20 de diciembre a las 5:45pm en Ingles. Esta presentación te ayudará a comenzar el pro-ceso de examinar su conciencia y prepararse para la confesión. Qué gran manera de prepararse para la venida de nuestro Señor en Navi-dad.

Adornos para Recordar a Sus Seres Queridos

Los feligreses están invitados a colgar un adorno especial en uno de los arbolitos de Navidad cerca del altar antes o después de la Misa en el fin de semana del 16 al 17 de diciembre para recordar a un ser querido. El adorno nos ayudará a recordar que ellos están más cerca de Dios y serán recordados como parte de nuestras Misas durante la Navidad.

Presentación de Cheque a Sylvia Pérez

Gracias al generoso apoyo de muchos feligreses, el Padre Chris pre-sentó un cheque a nuestra Directora de Jóvenes, Ms. Sylvia Perez, por $3,310. La casa de Sylvia se inundó severamente durante el huracán Harvey. Gracias a todos los que donaron a este esfuerzo para ayudar a Sylvia que tanto ha hecho por nuestra parroquia.