November 29, 2015 - 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
November 29, 2015 • First Sunday of Advent • Readings on p. 993
1
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
Spencer Schuyler, Director
Merle Vahlkamp
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
More information about our
parish can be found at:
www.epiphanycatholic.org
Pilgrimage Reflection from the
Chairman of our Pastoral Council
M
y wife, Debbie, and I were blessed to be in the company of 54
other pilgrims, mostly from the Epiphany of the Lord community, on a pilgrimage to Italy two weeks ago. Our hope was to
visit holy Christian sites with a prayerful intent to gain graces and spiritual growth.
On the first day of the pilgrimage in Venice, as Father Tom celebrated our
opening Mass in front of the relics of the Evangelist, Saint Mark (in the crypt
of the Cathedral named after him), I was struck in awe contemplating the history of the Church, it’s connection to the present, and the saints and martyrs
that came before us.
A powerful yet sorrowful moment that also affected me deeply occurred while
our group was crawling up (on our knees) the actual 28 steps Jesus climbed
after being scourged on his way to see Pontus Pilate in his praetorium. These
steps were brought to Rome by Saint Helen, mother of the emperor Constantine. Two of the steps had a drop of Our Lord's blood encased under glass. Silently ascending each step, knee by knee, with a short prayer in between was a
humbling experience.
Another special moment occurred in St. Peter's Square, as
the occasion of the Wednesday Papal General Audience.
Our group was within 8 feet
as the leader of the Catholic
Church, the successor of Peter. It was a surreal experience
as Pope Francis passed by and
waved to us in the pope mobile.
I felt glimpses of heaven touring all the ornate cathedrals. I especially felt this
way when hearing the angelic voices of the 250 seminarians singing in the
North American College, the American Seminary where many U.S. seminarians study. Their voices radiated throughout their beautiful chapel as we prayed
Solemn Vespers with them.
Spending 12 hours a day with the group was not a hardship but a joy. The serendipitous, daily mixing of the group provided great opportunities to get to
know one another. I feel more connected to these parishioners now, people
who previously were just acquaintances or faces I recognized at Mass.
I thank God for the spiritual growth and blessings received. My wife and I
hope to incorporate these gifts in our daily lives as we continue to journey forward.
Tom McGeehan is the new Chairman of our Parish’s Pastoral Council.
2
Events & Meetings This Week
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Nursery Closed
Blood Drive sign-up at church
entrances before & after Masses
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30
9:00 AM, ESL 4 Conversation:
Room 301
10:00 AM, Catechist Module: Den
12:30 PM, Rummikub: Room 507
7:00 PM, HS Bible Study: Upper Room
7:00 PM, Job Networking: Rec Room
7:00 PM, Scout Troop 1146:
Room 204,205-206,207,212
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1
9:00 AM, ESL 1: Room 303
9:00 AM, ESL 4: Room 304
9:30 AM, Quilters: Room 411
9:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Adoration: Chapel
10:00 AM, Scripture Study: Den
10:00 AM, Holy Hour Rosary: Chapel
1:00 PM, ESL 2: Room 301
4:00 PM, Holy Hour Rosary for
Vocations: Chapel
4:45 PM, Children’s Faith Formation
4:45 PM, JH Faith Formation
7:00 PM, RCIA: Epiphany Room
7:00 PM, Scout Troop 1288:
Rec Room, 301/303
7:00 PM, Walking Through Grief: Den
7:00 PM, Rosary: Chapel
7:30 PM, Evening Prayer: Chapel
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2
9:00 AM, ESL 4: Room 307
9:00 AM, ESL 4: Room 301
9:00 AM, ESL 3: Room 308
9:30 AM, Called to be Mom: Rec Room
10:00 AM, Matthew: The King and His
Kingdom: Den
4:45 PM, Children’s Faith Formation
6:30 PM, Children’s Faith Formation
6:30 PM, Junior High Faith Formation
6:30 PM, HS Faith Formation
& Confirmation
7:00 PM, Adult Choir Practice:
Music Room
7:00 PM, The Loft: Upper Room
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
9:00 AM, Anointing of the Sick
within Mass: Chapel
9:00 AM, ESL 1: Room 303
9:00 AM, ESL 4 Conversation: 304
12:30 PM, Knitting Group: Room 304
6:30 PM, Spanish Bible Study:
Rec Room
7:00 PM, Catechist Modules: Den
7:00 PM, Line Dancing: Great Room
7:00 PM, Advent Reconciliation
Service: Church
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
7:30 PM, Bingo: Family Center
SATURDAY. DECEMBER 5
9:00 AM, Frosty Fest
9:00 AM, Homebound Training: 303
9:00 AM, Protecting God’s Children:
Epiphany Room
KC Tamale Sale
Angel Tree Drop Off
Nursery Closed
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
Angel Tree Drop Off
KC Tamale Sale after all Masses
Coffee & Donuts: Family Center
Food Drive
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Blood Drive:
Rec Room
9:45 & 11:30 AM, Nursery: 0-5 years
Room 214
3:30 PM, Children’s Faith Formation
3:30 PM, Jr. High Faith Formation
7:00 PM, HS Faith Formation
& Confirmation: PAC
ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICE
♦
♦
♦
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Children’s First Reconciliation Prayer Service begins at
6:15 p.m. in the church
Children’s First Confessions begin at 6:30 p.m. in the
church.
Adult Confessions begin at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
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)
Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults (RCIA)
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
Knights of Columbus
Steve Zoeller, Grand Knight
http://familylobby.com/
kccouncil9759/default.asp
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
3
Liturgy & Prayer
LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK
SPECIAL REMEMBRANCES
Saturday, November 28
5:30 PM
Sunday, November 29
8:00 AM
9:45 AM
11:30 AM
5:30 PM
Monday, November 30
9:00 AM
Tuesday, December 1
9:00 AM
Wednesday, December 2
9:00 AM
Thursday, December 3
9:00 AM
Friday, December 4
9:00 AM
Saturday, December 5
5:30 PM
Sunday, December 6
8:00 AM
9:45 AM
11:30 AM
5:30 PM
Vigil-First Sunday of Advent
†Patrick J. Lynch
First Sunday of Advent
Zin & Nora Smati
For the People
†Thomas Cantu, Sr.
†Magda Sola
St. Andrew
†Luciano Danjoy
Advent Weekday
†Charles A. Davis
Advent Weekday
†Elder Lyons
St. Francis Xavier
†Virginia Vento
Advent Weekday
†Myram Uppercamp
Vigil-Second Sunday of Advent
†Nat Fasone
Second Sunday of Advent
†Zita Briksnis
For the People
†Maria Nguyen Thi Bau
Georgette Touma
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:
Tuesday:
Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 4:18-22
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:
Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31
Saturday:
Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-6;
Mt 9:35 — 10:1, 5a, 6-8
Sunday:
Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11;
Lk 3:1-6
Please Remember In Prayer
Our Deceased
Vincent Baldridge, father of Debra
Sweeney & Hanna Dekerlegand
Jeff Leslie Hoff, husband of Edita
father of Elizabeth & Diane
ANOINTING OF THE
SICK AND ELDERLY: The
Sacrament of Anointing of
the Sick will be celebrated on Thursday, December 3 and every First Thursday of the month
during the 9:00 AM Mass. The Sacrament of
Anointing is for the strengthening of those who
are ill, or who are aging. We celebrate the sacrament best in the community setting so that we
can support you with prayer.
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, Jakob Olague, Stanton Parrish,
Michael “Matt” Patrick Ryan,
Christelle Ateba,
Sandrine Baroung, Laure Ngo-Nlend, Solange NgoNlend, Igid Houndegla, Valerie Nlend, Clara Kessler, Mary Jagielski, Joan Rushing, Anthony Wiley,
Theresa McCluskey, Marie McDougle, Shawn Sell,
Eugene Patsko, Roseanne Ramos.
Jubilee Year of Mercy
First Sunday of Advent
Besides a new liturgical year, this Advent features
an additional “beginning”—next week’s opening of the
Jubilee Year of Mercy, a graced opportunity to contemplate more profoundly and live more concretely the
mystery of God’s unconditional love. Pope Francis says
that mercy, as the bridge connecting God and the human family, opens our hearts to welcome God’s love for
us sinners and our eyes to recognize others, especially
society’s least loved and most vulnerable, as brothers
and sisters entrusted to our care. Today’s scriptures
provide a perfect Jubilee preparation. Jeremiah comforts us with the promise of God’s justice; Paul challenges us to abound in love for all; Luke bids us anticipate Jesus’ future coming as the joyful advent of our
redemption. But in a unique way, this Jubilee Year’s
Advent reminds us that Jesus, whose coming we await,
is already present among us, in those for whom we
need to become instruments of God’s mercy.
4
—Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc
News in the Parish
Attention – Anyone Currently Taking
Holy Communion to the Homebound
The Epiphany of Our Lord
Catholic Church and The
Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, join forces again for the 22nd year.
The LDS Katy Texas Stake building and
Epiphany Church are just across the street from
each other in Katy. The leaders of these churches 22
years ago got together with an idea of singing a
Christmas concert together for the community.
Though directors and leaders might have
rotated, the special long time tradition continues all
the same.
Two faiths come together as one voice to
praise the birth of Jesus Christ.
The current leadership of the two congregations: Reverend Tom Lam at Epiphany and President Tim Morris of the Mormon congregation.
Concert: Sunday, December 13th, 7:30
p.m. at Epiphany Catholic Church.
Scout Troop 1146 & Scout
Troop 1288 wreath pickup/
distribution will be the weekend of December 5/6.
We have instituted some new training and policies
regarding the homebound and hospice/hospital Holy
Communion visits. If you are currently taking Holy
Communion to the homebound or are interested in
doing so in the future, and you have not already attended one of these classes during 2015, then your
attendance at a December 5 training session is mandatory.
The class will be held on Saturday morning December 5, in Room 303 of the Parish Activity Center
building (two-story) from 9:00 – 10:30AM. You
may sign up in advance by emailing Deacon John
Evanoff at [email protected] or calling
the parish office. In order to make communion visits after December 5, you MUST have attended one
of these 2015 classes AND MUST be up to date on
your VIRTUS training.
Epiphany is looking for a fulltime maintenance
employee to add to our staff. Position includes
benefits. Experience is a must! Please email resume
and references to Craig Shemon
at: [email protected]
“Annual Frostyfest”
Epiphany's Annual Frostyfest Craft Show will be held on
December 5 from 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
The Frostyfest Committee is currently selling tickets for a furnished
dollhouse which will be raffled on December 5, 2015 at 2:30 PM. The
tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. The handmade dollhouse can
be viewed and tickets purchased in the Family Center at the event on
December 5. For more information, contact the parish office at 281-5780707. Proceeds will be donated in memory of Debbie Kmeicik.
5
Our Stewardship
Stewardship – November 21/22
To be announced due to earlier bulletin deadline
Registered Households
6,764
“But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and
raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
(LUKE 21:28)
We celebrate Advent each year in preparation of the birth
of Jesus, His first coming, as we await his second coming.
In this Advent season, use the sacrament of Reconciliation to strengthen your relationship with Jesus. It’s never
too late.
Community Life
The Ladies Club will be sponsoring a
bake sale booth at the annual Frosty
Fest on Saturday, December 5. We are
asking anyone interested to bring homemade, individually wrapped, baked goods
to our booth in the hallway of the Family
Center by 8:30 AM on that day. Any donation is greatly
appreciated.
The Epiphany Ladies Club invites you to attend
our meeting on Friday, December 11 at 9:30 AM in the
Family Center. We will be kicking off the Christmas
season with a performance by the Cinco Ranch Bravo
Ensemble Vocal Group, directed by Dorothy Wilson.
Also Marie Mormile will give us a behind the scenes
cooking demonstration.
Any questions, please contact
[email protected].
Vocations Corner
Have you thought what God has planned for your
life? Do you like to help others? Are you interested in
learning more about religious life? Plan to attend one of
these opportunities. Visit www.houstonvocations.com
for more information.
Discover the Road Less Traveled-6:30 pm. For men
ages 18-35 December 10
Women Seeking the Road Less Traveled- 6:30 pm-For
women ages 18-35 December 10
Sponsored by the Vocations Committee
Epiphany is grateful to the following parishioners
who have agreed to serve on the campaign leadership cabinet as members of the major gi commi ee: Jay and Amy Alexander, John and Margaret
Bannon, Robert and Melanie Bruns, Steven and Marcella Burke, John Kaldy, Louis Kirchem, Steven and
Marilyn Magaldi, Joel and Kelly Mathews, Tom and
Debbie Mc Geehan, Bob and Judy Morgan, Keith and
Amie Myers, George and Grace Nwanguma, Noel
and Sue Rando, Ron and Peg Riesmeyer, Dean and
Judy Schnitzler, John and Caren Steffes, and Bre
and Tina Wink.
These volunteers are working with Fr. Tom to begin
the campaign prepara ons. They will also start to
visit with parishioners about the campaign and invite families to make a gi . Thank you to our leadership team!
Respect Life Bulletin Board
“Take My Hand, Not My Life”
Intercessions for Life
For caregivers: May Christ give them
strength and fill them with the joy of His
love;
We pray to the Lord:
“If we ask him, Jesus will be with us every step of the way, giving us the grace we
need. And his plans are wildly more fulfilling than we can imagine.”
-USCCB 2015-16 Respect for Life Program
“Love, Sex and Sterilization”
www.goo.gl/woZOSw
6
Please return your angel tree
Christmas gift(s) next weekend—December 5 and 6,
before or after Masses to the
Parish Activity Center (PAC).
If you will not be in town
please return them to the
Outreach Center this week.
7
Outreach Ministry – 281-578-0707
Outreach Events in November/December:
Standing Meetings: Mon.—Epiphany Job
Networking at 7 p.m. in the PAC; Tues.—
Respect Life Rosary at 10 a.m. in the Chapel.
28/29th: Blood Drive sign up
December events
5/6th: Angel Tree Drop off
6th: Blood Drive
7th: Bereavement Support Group
FOOD DRIVE – December 6th
Knights of Columbus is collecting
non-perishable food for our Food
Closet. We especially need canned
chili and soup.
Items can be
brought to either parking lot after
morning Masses, December 6th. If
you forgot to bring something, food
donations may be dropped off in the
loggia food bin anytime. Thank you for your assistance!
9th: Advent gift wrap session
12th: Career Search
See www.epiphanycatholic.org for details.
BLOOD DRIVE
December 6th
Sign-up TODAY outside
church
Or online at
www.eblooddrive.org
Eligibility: age 17 yrs or older and
weigh at least 110 lbs.
ADDITIONIAL FUNERAL AID
COORDINATORS NEEDED!
If you’ve ever lost someone dear to your heart, the
last thing you want to worry about is having to feed
visitors. If you can relate to this and want to help
those in this situation by serving food at Epiphany’s
Family Center for funeral receptions, please contact Lisa in the Outreach Center at 832-772-0306 to
join the Funeral Aid Ministry. Epiphany provides
the food, and we need coordinators to contact
volunteers to serve reception guests.
BEREAVEMENT MEETING
December 7th
When a loved one dies, our lives change. Sometimes we take on new roles, ones our loved one
used to fill. Our new identity may make us feel
alone, and perhaps helpless at times. The support of
others who have had similar experiences can help
us adjust to these difficult changes. Please join us
for our next gathering on Monday, December 7th,
7:00 p.m. in the PAC. If you cannot attend but want
information, call Lisa at 832-772-0306 or email
[email protected].
Holiday Food
Baskets Needed
We want to provide Christmas
food baskets for parishioners
struggling financially. If you
are able to help please call
the Lisa at 832-772-0305 or
email her at
[email protected].
She can give you a few more details.
Advent Family Session
December 9th in the PAC bring tape,
scissors and wrapping paper to help wrap
presents.
8
Adult Faith Formation
CALLED TO BE MOM – Join us on
December 2 when guest speaker,
Kim Allum, owner of the Little Flower Catholic Book Store in Katy, offers a special Advent presentation.
We meet in the Rec Room (PAC) from 9:30—
11:30 a.m. each Wednesday. Contact
[email protected] or call LouAnn at 281
-578-8271, ext. 283 for more information.
VIRTUS: Protecting God’s Children
Original training session will be held at Epiphany
Saturday, December 5, from 9:00—Noon in
the Parish Activity Center (PAC). Preregistration
is
mandatory
at http://
www.virtus.org. A valid identification must be
presented at check-in. No late admittance is
allowed. If you are over 18 and active in ministry at Epiphany, you must be VIRTUS trained.
All adult parishioners, ESPECIALLY PARENTS,
are encouraged to be VIRTUS trained! Questions? Need assistance with the registration
process? Call the Faith Formation Office at 281
-578-8271. No walk-ins!
Stations of the Cross
Beautification Fund
This beautiful set
of Stations of the
Cross is a way to
continue to add
to the spiritual
environment of
our worship
space. Please
pick up a flyer to
learn how you
can contribute to
this fund.
Area News
WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION?
Ask yourself:
∗
Am I restless or feeling challenged?
∗
Am I in transition or dealing with a loss?
∗
Do I feel I am not living up to someone
else’s expectations?
∗
Am I open to receiving God’s love and responding more fully?
Several trained Spiritual Directors (male and
female) are available to meet with you at
Epiphany of the Lord. We are committed to
spend time listening and praying with you.
There is no fee for spiritual direction.
Contact [email protected] or call
281-578-8271, ext. 283 for more information.
Prospective Parent Information Night
Wednesday,December2,2015from7pm-9pm
Thiswillbeanopportunityforprospectiveparentstogaininformationabouttheadmissions
process,deadlines,entranceexamtestinginformation,andthe inancialaidprocess.
FormoreinformationandtoRSVP,[email protected].
1800W.GrandParkwayN.Katy,Texas77449
9
Children’s Faith Formation
Epiphany Youth Ministry
Let’s celebrate the Seasons of Advent and
Christmas with a party during regular
Faith Formation Class. On Tuesday, December
1st, Wednesday, December 2 and Sunday, December
6, we are asking the children to bring a canned
good for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Par-
ents, we are asking you to supply our party with
cupcakes or cookies. A flyer went home in your
child’s take home folder. For questions and concerns about allergies please contact the Faith Formation Office 281-578-8271 or email Beth Harvey
at [email protected].
Important Senior meeting this
Tuesday at 7 p.m.!! We will be
talking about confirmation retreat and Senior Spring Trip!
Family Advent Session:
Join us as we
wrap the gifts for our Outreach Angel Tree
Project on Wednesday, December 9,
2015 in the PAC. We begin with dinner at 5:30 PM in the Rec Room.
Prayer begins at 6:15 PM in the
Epiphany Room.
Instructions for
wrapping will be given immediately
following the prayer. Bring your family (all children must be accompanied by an adult), seasonal
wrapping paper, scissors, tape, bow, etc. We’ll
supply hot chocolate, cookies and a surprise for
the children. For more information send an email
to Beth Harvey at [email protected]
or call the Faith Formation office at 281-5788271.
Join EYM and Katy area Catholic
church for an evening of Eucharistic
Adoration and a keynote speaker
from Adore Ministries. The event
will be at Saint John XXIII HS.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the
Sunday morning Masses (9:45 & 11:30) will return
after the Advent and Christmas Seasons on January 10, 2016. Interested in joining the CLW team
contact the Faith Formation Office by emailing
Beth Harvey at [email protected].
We’re back this week! Join us as we
discuss the Advent season in the Great
Room!
10
INFORMATION SHEET
CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS
515137: Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community
1530 Norwalk Dr., Katy, TX 77450
PHONE
281-578-0707
CONTACT PERSON
Gerry Broussard #1 email: [email protected]
#2 email: [email protected]
SOFTWARE
Microsoft Publisher®2003
Adobe Acrobat 6.0® Professional
Windows XP Professional® Service Pack Three
PRINTER
HP LJ 300-400 Color M351-M451 PCL6
NUMBER OF PAGES SENT
1 through 11
SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION
November 29, 2015
TRANSMISSION TIME
Tuesday, 12 PM
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
11