March 13, 2016 - Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community

Epiphany of the Lord
Catholic Community
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
1530 Norwalk Drive • Katy, Texas 77450
Telephone: 281.578.0707 • Fax: 281.578.9161
www.epiphanycatholic.org
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Masses: Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m.
Saturday (Vigil): 5:30 p.m.*
Sunday:
8:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m.*, 11:30 a.m.*, 5:30 p.m.
*Nursery available
Reconciliation: Saturday 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.; or appointment with a priest
Eucharistic Adoration: Tuesday after 9:00 a.m. Mass until 7:30 p.m.
St. Vincent de Paul Society: 281.578.3845
March 13, 2016 • Fifth Sunday of Lent • Readings on p. 1030
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PARISH CLERGY
Rev. Tom Lam
Administrator
Rev. Thomas Joseph
Parochial Vicar
Deacon John Evanoff
Pastoral Associate
Deacon Don Kish
PARISH STAFF
Business Manager
Craig Shemon
Gerry Broussard, Verna Goertz,
Dan Stamps, Mary Tran
Religious Education
LouAnn Svoboda, Director
Beth Harvey, Charlotte Fulton,
Maria Laiseca
Youth Ministry
Dave Clark, Director
Joey Harvey
Music Ministry
Christian Mondragon, Director
Liturgy Ministry
Dominick Aquila, Director
Outreach Ministry
Schottsie Hill, Director
Lisa Gilkeson
Facilities Manager
Kirk Harris
Young Kim, Karim Valdez
COMMUNITY LIFE
Nursery Coordinator:
Anne Salazar
Bingo: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
281-578-3905
Welcome Newcomers
If you would like more
information on our Parish
Community, please visit
www.epiphanycatholic.org
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A Reflection by Pope Francis
n Chapter 15 of Luke’s Gospel, we find three parables of mercy: that of
the sheep, that of the coin found, and the great parable of the prodigal
son, or rather, the merciful father. It would do us well for each of us to
open the Gospel, this Chapter 15 of Luke, and read the three parables.
Inside the Lenten itinerary, the Gospel presents to us this last parable of the merciful
Father, featuring a father with his two sons. The story makes us understand some
features of this father as a man always ready to forgive and to hope against hope. It
affects primarily his tolerance before the younger son’s decision to leave home: he
could resist, knowing that he is still immature, a young boy, or seek some lawyer to
not give him his inheritance, still being alive. Instead, he allows him to leave, having
predicted some possible risks. God works with us like this: He lets us be free, even to
make mistakes, because in creating us, He has given us the great gift of freedom. It is
for us to put it to good use. This gift of freedom that God gives us always amazes
me!
But the separation from his son is only physical; for his father always carries
him in his heart; confidently, he awaits his return; he scans the road in the hope of
seeing him. And one day he sees him appear in the distance. But this means that this
father, every day, climbed on the roof to see if his son came back! Then he is moved
to see him, he runs toward him, embraces him, kisses him. How much tenderness!
And this son had made big errors! But the father welcomes him so.
The same attitude the father also reserves for the eldest son, who has remained
at home, and is now indignant and protests because he does not understand and does
not share in all that goodwill toward his brother that had wronged. The father comes
out also to meet this child and reminds him that they were always together, they
share everything, but you have to accept with joy your brother who has finally returned home. And this makes me think of something: When one feels they are a sinner, they feel like they are nothing, as I’ve heard someone say: “Father, I am a little
piece of dirt,” and therefore, this is the moment to go to the Father. Instead, when
one feels righteous–“I always did the right thing,” equally, the Father comes to seek
us, because this attitude of feeling “right,” is evil: it is pride. It comes from the devil.
The Father waits for those that recognize themselves sinners and goes to search
those who feel themselves “right.” This is our Father!
In this parable, you can also take a glimpse at a third child. A third child?
Where? He’s hidden! And it is, “Who, though he was in the form of God, did not
regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave.” This Son-Servant is Jesus! He is the extension of the
arms and heart of the Father: He welcomed the prodigal Son and washed his dirty
feet; He has prepared the feast for the feast of forgiveness. He, Jesus, teaches us to
be “merciful as the Father.”
The figure of the Father in the parable reveals the heart of God. He is the Merciful Father who, in Jesus, loves us beyond all measure, always awaits our conversion
every time we wrong; He awaits our return when we turn away from him thinking,
we can do without Him; He is always willing to open up His arms no matter what
happened. As the Father of the Gospel, God also continues to consider them His
children, even when they are lost, and comes to us with tenderness when we return
to Him. He speaks to us so kindly when we believe we are right. The errors we commit, even if large, do not scratch away the fidelity of his love. In the Sacrament of
Reconciliation, we can always start out afresh: He welcomes us, gives us the dignity
of being His children and tells us: “Go ahead! Be at peace! Get up, go ahead!”
For more reflections by Pope Francis visit the new section of our parish webpage dedicated to
Pope Francis’ Press Release: http://epiphanycatholic.org
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Events & Meetings This Week
SUNDAY, MARCH 13
9:45 & 11:30 AM, Nursery: 0-5 years:
Room 214
MONDAY, MARCH 14
9:00 AM, ESL 4 Conversation: Rm.301
1:00 PM, Rummikub: Outreach Center
7:00 PM, Job Networking: Rec Room
TUESDAY, MARCH 15
9:00 AM, ESL 1: Room 303
9:00 AM, ESL 4 Conversation: 304
9:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Adoration: Chapel
9:30 AM, Quilters: Room 411
10:00 AM, Holy Hour Rosary for
Respect Life: Chapel
1:00 PM, ESL 2: Room 301
4:00 PM, Holy Hour Rosary for
Vocations: Chapel
7:00 PM, Rosary: Chapel
7:30 PM, Evening Prayer: Chapel
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
9:00 AM, ESL 4: Room 301
9:00 AM, ESL 3: Room 308
THURSDAY, MARCH 17
9:00 AM, ESL 1: Room 303
9:00 AM, ESL 4 Conversation: 304
9:30 AM, ESL 4: Room 308
12:30 PM, ELC Knitting Group: 304
7:00 PM, Pastoral Council: Main
Conference Room
7:00 PM, Line Dancing: Family Center
Baptisms
Please contact parish office for
preparation classes.
Baptism Session for Parents
2nd Saturday of February,
May, August, November
10:00 AM – Noon
To register call
LouAnn Svoboda
(281-578-8271)
FRIDAY, MARCH 18
11:30 AM, Forever Young: Family Center
5:30 PM, Lenten Fish Fry: Rec Room Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults (RCIA)
7:00 PM, Stations of the Cross: Chapel
7:30 PM, Bingo: Family Center
SATURDAY. MARCH 19
5:30 PM, Nursery: 0-5 years: Rm. 214
SUNDAY, MARCH 20
COFFEE & DONUTS
9:45 & 11:30 AM, Nursery: 0-5 years:
Room 214
For information call
LouAnn Svoboda
(281-578-8271)
Sacrament of Marriage
Must be a registered, active
member of the parish at least
six months. Contact parish
office eight months before
wedding to begin preparation.
Finance Council Chair
Denny Dellinger
Pastoral Council Chair
Tom McGeehan
Parish Devotions
Tuesdays
Eucharistic Adoration
9:30 am – 7:00 pm
Pro-Life Rosary
10:00 am
Divine Mercy Chaplet 3:00 pm
Vocation Rosary
4:00 pm
Evening Prayer & Rosary 7:00
Fridays
Stations of the Cross 7:00 pm
Knights of Columbus
Steve Zoeller, Grand Knight
http://www.kofc9759.org/
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Cynthia Viator
Ladies Club
Joan McManamy
Forever Young
Barbara Hajjar, Clare Snow
Bulletin Deadline
The deadline for article
submission is Thursday at noon
(ten days before publication). Your
article
can
be
sent
to
[email protected].
Check
our
website
for
Liturgical & Faith Formation
Schedules.
[email protected]
Child’s Play Learning Center, Alyce Gabrysch, Director, 281-578-9332; 281-578-0507 Fax; childsplaykaty.com
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Liturgy & Prayer
Through the waters of
Baptism the following infants
LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK
SPECIAL REMEMBRANCES
Saturday, March 12
5:30 PM
Sunday, March 13
8:00 AM
9:45 AM
11:30 AM
5:30 PM
Monday, March 14
9:00 AM
Tuesday, March 15
9:00 AM
Wednesday, March 16
9:00 AM
Thursday, March 17
9:00 AM
Friday, March 18
9:00 AM
Saturday, March 19
5:30 PM
Sunday, March 20
8:00 AM
9:45 AM
11:30 AM
5:30 PM
Vigil-Fifth Sunday of Lent
†Patti Paetow
Fifth Sunday of Lent
†Anne Ausmus
For the People
†Gerard Fromm
†Emil Schaider
Lenten Weekday
†Gilbert Rios
Lenten Weekday
Jason Langberg
Lenten Weekday
†Anthony Mercaldi
Lenten Weekday
†Bernard Worthington
Lenten Weekday
†Charles Watts
Vigil-Palm Sunday
†Sam Mercaldi
Palm Sunday
†Jerry Dinkins
†Suong Lam
For the People
†Anita & Raymond Beard
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:
Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 [41c-62];
Ps 23:1-6; Jn 8:12-20 (or Jn 8:1-11 if Year
A readings were used on Sunday)
Tuesday:
Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21-30
Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-56;
Jn 8:31-42
Thursday:
Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9: Jn 8:51-59
Friday:
Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:31-42
Saturday:
2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29;
Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or
Lk 2:41-51a
Sunday:
Lk 19:28-40 (procession);
Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24;
Phil 2:6-11; Lk 22:14 — 23:56 [23:1-49]
now have begun their journey of
faith in the Christian Community:
Maddox Christopher Box, Laila
Faith Dean, Carter David Garcia,
Lucas Andres Garcia, Juan Jose Gil, Levy Christopher Jerrels, Kgaugelo Thabiso Khaba Manthata,
Reed Edward Marble, Amelia Elizabeth Mendez,
Farrah Adaeze Obinwugo, Gracie Scott Viktorin.
PRAYER LIST FOR THE SICK
Please keep the following people in your
thoughts and prayers this week as we
wish them a return to good health:
Jason Sides, Andrew Bencivengo, Jackie Alfonso,
Madison Schenk, Michael “Matt” Patrick Ryan,
Theresa McCluskey, John Cahoon, Daniel Kristek,
Janet Cuccia, Robert Davidson, Brenda Schmitt,
Haley Williams, Emedes Contreras, Caroline
Montello, Rhonda Janak.
To make a request for someone to be on our
prayer list, please call the parish office at 281578-0707. Your loved one’s name will appear on
our prayer list for six consecutive Sundays. If a
longer period of time is needed, please call the
parish office to renew your request.
Beginning their life of love together
Jacquelyn Sugianto & Tyler Zellers
We offer our prayers and extend our
joy and support to them.
Rosary—You are invited to come
Please pray for our
military men and women.
and pray the rosary every
Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in
the chapel.
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Our Stewardship
Stewardship – March 5/6
Sunday Offering
Catholic Relief Services
St. Vincent de Paul
Registered Households
$42,070.89
$8,348.00
$5,992.00
6,789
“For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things
and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain
Christ…” (Philippians 3:8)
The first commandment says that we shall not put
other gods before the Lord. Detaching ourselves
from material possessions and considering them
”rubbish” does just that. It strengthens our
relationship with Jesus and allows us to live more
freely and joyfully.
“HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER”
2016 DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND
If you have not already offered your
pledge in this year’s Diocesan
Services Fund, please do so today.
DSF 2016 is focused on His Mercy
Endures Forever, in which your gifts
will benefit the Archdiocesan ministries that serve
thousands and thousands of our brothers and sisters
in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Through
your generous support of DSF, we bring Christ’s
comfort and care to the many pressing needs that
cannot be addressed individually or by one parish
alone.
Our parish goal for 2016 is $398,000. With
every parish family’s full participation, we will
surely exceed this amount and do our share to help
so many in need, advancing the work of the
church in our community. To give online, please
visit www.archgh.org/dsf. For those of you
who have already responded with a gift, please
accept our sincere gratitude.
Campaign Update - $2,753,995 in pledges
received (As of March 4)
Thank you to the families who have generously
pledged $2,753,995 to Epiphany’s campaign for our
new Catholic school. This amount has been pledged
by less than 170 families. For more information
about the campaign go to
www.epiphanycatholic.school. The web site can
also be found on the parish web site’s home page.
Why We’re Supporting the Faith in our Future –
Investing in Catholic Education Campaign
We believe building a Catholic school here at
Epiphany is important in two main ways. First, it is
an investment in the future generations of children.
A Catholic school will provide an educational
environment that nurtures both academics and
Christian faith. Secondly, it promotes and unites our
parish community. The future of our faith is in our
children. A Catholic school at Epiphany of the Lord
will provide families an alternative choice to public
school should they wish to provide a Christian faithbased education to their children. Please consider
making your own investment in the future of our
children and our Catholic faith.
Sue & Noel Rando,
Parishioners since 1993
Epiphany of the Lord would like to let
you know that JS Paluch is currently
working on our Church Bulletin. If you
would like to advertise your business in the
Church Bulletin please contact: Donnie
Taylor, Advertising Sales Executive, for JS
Paluch Company at 281-744-8062 or email
[email protected]
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News in the Parish
We welcome into our community:
Brian & Monica Box, Daniel &
Thaisla Courtney, Chris & Christina
Garcia, Huyen Nguyen.
Vocations Corner
Discover the Road Less Traveled- 6:30-9:00
pm- Thursdays- Apr. 14 May 12- Come and join other young men ages 18 and older discerning the priesthood and religious life. Meets every second Thursday
at St. Mary’s Seminary. Join priests and seminarians
for fellowship, prayer, music, dinner, and talks about
discernment for the priesthood and religious life. 9845
Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77024
www.houstonvocaitons.com/discover
Women Seeking the Road Less Traveled6:30 -9:00 pm – Thursdays- Apr. 14, May 12- A
monthly discernment gathering for women ages 18
and older who are discerning a vocation to religious
life. Meet in different convents around the Archdiocese, every second Thursday of the month from September to May. Program includes supper, a brief
presentation and time for sharing, followed by prayer.
Sisters from several religious orders who live and minister in the Archdiocese will be present. Information
on sites, registration and video program in available at
www.houstonvocations.com/women-seeking
Community Life
The Knights of Columbus The Knights of
Columbus have fired up the fryers for their famous
fish dinners. This year’s
menu includes fried and
baked fish, fried, boiled, and
spicy shrimp, mac and
cheese, pizza, onion rings,
and hush puppies. We are
bringing back two of our new
items from last year; fish
tacos and the 10 piece spicy nugget appetizer. This
year’s proceeds will be benefiting Katy area
charities, Seminarian and youth scholarships,
Epiphany school project and the Epiphany youth
New Mexico trip.
We would like to thank all the folks that
have shown up to the dinners and we would like to
invite anybody who has not had a chance to come
by to give us a try. This week we are offering all
first timers 1 dollar off the meal. Just tell the
cashiers you are a first timer and get your dollar off.
This offer is good for March 18th.
We start serving dinner at 5:30 p.m. and
promise to get you out in time for Stations of the
Cross which start at 7:00 pm. We will be serving
until 7:30 and once again you can dine in at the
PAC center or drive-thru at the west end of the
PAC center.
Thank you for your continued support and
we look forward to cooking for you and your
family. This will be our last fish fry. Thank you
for your support.
FLOWERING
The flower does not bear the root, but the root
the flower . . . The rose is merely the evidence of the
vitality of the root.
—Woodrow Wilson
FOREVER YOUNG invites you to
join us in the Family Center on
Friday, March 18th at 11:30 a.m. for
a covered dish luncheon. At this time
we will be collecting $10 per person
for a catered lunch from Red River BBQ in April.
Waley Pat Gavin " the Singing Cowboy " will be
back to entertain us.
All senior members of the parish are invited
to join. For information please call the parish office
at 281-578-0707.
Epiphany Ladies Club
invites you to attend our
meeting on April 8 at 9:30
AM in the Family Center.
Members of the Harris County’s Constable Office
will present a talk on women’s safety. Please come
join us! Any questions, please contact
[email protected]. “Like” Us on
Facebook to keep up with all the fun.
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HOLY WEEK
Sunday, March 20 — Palm Sunday
Regular Mass Schedule
March 24 — Holy Thursday
7:00 p.m. – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Night Watch until 11:30 p.m.
March 25 — Good Friday
3:00 p.m.— Good Friday Service
March 26 — Easter Vigil
No reconciliation at 4:00 p.m.
NO 5:30 p.m. Mass
8:30 p.m. — Easter Vigil
Sunday, March 27 — Easter Sunday
Masses in the Church
8:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
Masses in the Family Center
8:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
NO 5:30 p.m. Mass
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Outreach Ministry – 281-578-0707
Outreach Events in March:
Standing Meetings: Mon.—Epiphany Job Net-
working at 7 p.m. in the PAC; Tues.—Respect
Life Rosary at 10 a.m. in the Chapel.
22nd: Second Family meeting
25th: Good Friday
27th: Easter Sunday
29th: Respect Life meeting
See www.epiphanycatholic.org for details.
Bo’s Place
Volunteer twice a month with spring
training for Volunteers on Saturday
April 30 and Sunday May 1. Registration required, please call Carla
Bagalay at 713-942-8339 or email
[email protected].
Angel Gowns by Diane
Donations of wedding
dresses and other formals are lovingly disassembled by volunteers
and are redesigned as
beautiful gowns and
wraps for precious newborn babies to help their
grieving families.
Web Site:
www.angelgownsbydiane.com
KATY CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Community Garden: Maintenance (yard work),
Harvesting and Planting
Administration: Receptionist, Data Input,
Fundraising Assistant.
Call: 281-391-5261
Email: [email protected]
Year of Mercy
The Church is or should go
back to being a community
of God's people, and priests,
pastors and bishops, who
have the care of souls, are at
the service of the people of
God...Pope Francis
Know of an elderly person who could
use a friend? You’ve found one!
Second Family is a team comprised of individuals who have a one-on-one relationship with an
elderly, ill, or disabled person, and they have fantastic volunteers who are awaiting to befriend a
“CarePartner”. If you know of someone who
could benefit, please call Outreach at 832-7720306
Showing Appreciation
for our Troops, send a letter
We invite individuals and
families to write cards, letters, and prayer messages
of appreciation for our military, past and present. It is
our goal to see that our military – active, reserve, and
veterans – receive these messages, whether they
are serving at home, abroad, or are injured in
hospitals.
See the Church Web Site for the guidelines and
drop them off at the Outreach Center for
delivery.
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Adult Faith Formation
CALLED TO BE MOM will not meet on
March 16. Enjoy Spring Break!
Contact [email protected] for more
information.
Tuesday Morning Scripture Study is
taking a break. Scripture Study will resume
on Tuesday, April 5 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
in the PAC.
Discover the Riches of the Mass
in this five-part DVD series
featuring Dr. Edward Sri
Mondays 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25 and May 2
PRAY FOR all adults and
young people who are preparing for full initiation into
the Catholic Church during
the Easter Vigil Mass, in
particular those who participate in Epiphany’s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and RCIA adapted for children processes. Their photos and/or names are
located outside the sacristy.
Adult Confirmation Preparation
Preparation for the Sacrament of
Confirmation for Adults will
begin with an on-site day
retreat on Saturday, April 2
from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,
followed by six Thursday
evening classes from 7:00—
9:00 p.m. beginning April 7 through May 12.
Participants must be at least 18 years old, not
presently in high school, baptized Catholic and
received first holy Communion, and, if married,
marriage must be sacramental in the Catholic
Church. Registration closes March 21.
An initial interview is required. Contact
[email protected] or call LouAnn at
281-578-8271, ext. 283.
Parish Activity Center, Upstairs
Cost is $20/person and includes: workbook and
textbook. The deadline for ordering materials
is Monday, March 21. Contact 281-578-8271 or
[email protected]. Register and pay
online at: https://epiphanycatholic_
org.sites.ecatholic.com/biblical-walk-mass
Join us to re-ignite your enthusiasm and
obtain a deeper understanding for the Mass!
TV Mass for the Homebound
Now on KUBE channel 57
at 10:30 a.m.
Cable and Satellite Channels
AT&T U-verse channel 57/1057 HD
Comcast channel 53/653 HD
DirecTV channel 57
Dish TV channel 57
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Children’s Faith Formation
Epiphany Youth Ministry
Operation Rice Bowl:
This
is a Lenten activity during the Season of Lent. All CFF children received their bowls in class. If your
family would like to have one, you
may find them in the Family Center
or call the Faith Formation Office and we can
get one for you. (281-578-8271). You may return bowls the week AFTER Easter to CFF to
benefit Catholic Relief Services.
Visit
www.crsricebowl.org for more information.
Epiphanic is coming!
A
family picnic to celebrate the
close of our Faith Formation
year will be held on Sunday,
April 24th on the softball field after the 11:30
Mass till 3 P. M. Seeking a Volunteer Coordinator for this wonderful day! Call the Faith Formation Office to get involved. Let’s get the
whole parish joining in the fun! If you would like
to participate by supplying a carnival game, call
Beth Harvey to volunteer. (281-578-8271).
V
B
S
Vacation Bible School
will be held
June 20-24, 2016. Station Leaders email
Stephanie
Brierty
at
[email protected] to claim your station. We follow Jesus, the Light of the
World! Registration for VBS will begin
on Sunday, April 24 at the Epiphanic!
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
(CLW).
CLW will not be held during the Season of Lent.
We will return after Easter, April 3. If you
are interested in joining our team please call the
CFF office (281-578-8271). All adult (18+) volunteers working with children must be VIRTUS
trained.
Saturday April 16th from 10-4pm at
Holy Family in Missouri City, TX.
Teams of 6 students take on other
teams from around the Archdiocese!
Registration is $25 until March 28th.
Registration is $40 after March 29th
until April 4th!
Sign up online!!
8th Grade Retreat: Soul Wars
April 1st-3rd, Forest Glen Camps
Registration now available online!
Www.EpiphanyCatholic.org/8thgraderetreat
“Go on 8th
Grade Retreat
You Must!”
-Yoda
Steubenville
Lone Star
Dallas, Texas June 1719! All High School
Students
Registration is available online. Please register early as
spots are limited! Registration is now $350!
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