Christ Our Light Catholic Church• Navasota, Texas FEBRUARY 10 & 11, 2018

Under the Patronage of St. Patrick and Our Lady of Guadalupe

MASS INTENSIONS MONDAY, FEB. 12 - WEEKDAY

No Mass TUESDAY, FEB. 13 - WEEKDAY

6:00 PM Eddie t & Henrietta t Prihoda WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14 - ASH WEDNESDAY

12:15 PM Liturgy of the Word w/Ashes 5:00 PM Ted t and Gertrude t Bolcerek w/Ashes 6:30 PM* Torres Family w/Ashes

THURSDAY, FEB. 15 - THURSDAY AFTER ASH WED. 8:30 AM Pete t and Mary t Bolcerek

10:00 AM Torres Family @ Golden Creek 6:00 PM* Torres and Rangel Families

FRIDAY, FEB. 16 - FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY 8:30 AM Barbara Thane t

SATURDAY, FEB.17 - VIGIL, ISTSUNDAYOFLENT 6:00 PM Dizon and Laskowski Families, Living

SUNDAY, FEB. 18 - FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT 8:00 AM Eddie Knowels t 1:00 PM* People of the Parish

*SPANISH

THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12

5:00 PM Spanish Legion of Mary, CH Cry room 7:00PM Marriage Retreat Reunion Couples, CH

TUESDAY,FEBRUARY13 2:00 PM Decorate Church for Ash Wednesday 6:00 PM Spanish Choir Practice, CH

WEDNESDAY,FEBRUARY14 Ash Wednesday

THURSDAY,FEBRUARY15 12:00 PM English, Legion of Mary, CH Cry room 5:00 PM Confession, CH After Mass Spanish Bible Class, CH

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16 6:00 PM Stations of the Cross, CH - Fr. Eli

SATURDAY,FEBRUARY17 8:30AM 15ra Preparation Class, SPH 5:00 PM Confession, CH

SUNDAY,FEBRUARY18 10:15AM Religious Education, 6th thru 12th grade

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Jas 1:1-11; Ps 119:67-68, 71-72, 75-76;

Tuesday: Mk 8:11-13 Jas 1:12-18; Ps 94:12-13a, 14-15, 18-19; Mk8:14-21

Wednesday: JI 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6ab, 12-14, 17;

Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:

2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Dt 30: 15-20; Ps 1: 1-4, 6; Lk 9:22-25 Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6ab, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15 Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk 5:27-32 Gn9:8-15;Ps25:4-9; 1 Pt3:18-22; Mk 1 :12-15

E-Mail Addresses for the Parish To e-mail Fr. Elias ... fr.eli@christourlight.org To e-mail Fr. Jorge: Fr.jorge@christourlight.org To e-mail Nelda: nelda@christourlight.org To e-mail RE Board: reboard@christourlight.org To e-mail Rel. Ed. asha_ramirezl 7@yahoo.com Christ Our Light web-site: www.christourlight.org

BULLETIN DEADIJNE. TU£.SDA\1t2:00NOON Announcements and or articles are to be submitte<l ih writing to. the Parish Office, ·faxed to 825-7612 ·or .e-mailed nelda@christourlight.org ·

AfT£R MASS W'EEKLY PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENTS . .... Deadline Tuesday, 12:00 Noon. Announcements are to be submitted in writing to the Parish Office: The Pastor r~" serves the right to pick and choose which announcements are made in this forum as there is a need to keep these to a mini­mum.

Todos los anuncios deben ser presentados por escdto en la oficina de la parroquia no mas tarde que los martes. al mediodia. El Pastor decidita si las noticias son de impo$ncia para ser pronuncia das.

PARISH R£61STRATION To our new parishioner, we welcome you to Christ Our Light Paf:ish,' Please register at the parish office. or . ask cme of the Hospitality Ministers to help you. For parishioners moving outof the parish or changing your address or phone number, pleas~ notify the parish office, 825-3920.

~ PLEASE PRAY FOR VOCATIONS to the Priest­~ hood and Religious Life especially in our Archdiocese.

MEMORIALIZING THE SANCTUARY CANDLE If you are interested in memorializing the Sanctuary can­

dle, in memory of, in personal reverence and petition or special intention for the week, stop by the parish office for more infor­mation.

Sacrament of Baptism Schedule

English Baptism Class Schedule for 2018: 8:30 AM, April 14, July 14 and October 13. For Information, call Deacon Grant Holt at 936-825-6448 or Joe Rangel at 936-672-5566

Spanish Baptism Class Schedule for 2018: 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, January 15 & 22, April 15 & 22, July 16 & 23 and October 21 & 28. For Information, call Rosa Torres at 936-419-8974

ALL DOCUMENTS AND FORMS must be completed and turned in before Baptism Date. SCHEDULED Bap­tism will be celebrated once a month every 2nd Saturday at 10:00 AM in the Church.

PRAY for THE CONTINUING RECOVERY OR COMFORT OF

~.=,~1)'1~C'~ the infirmed and homebound members ;i_icR,~~ ' - : of our community. Steve Alvarado,

- · -- - - ,,,,,;; Deborah Allwell, Amy Baldobino, Katherine Berger, JoAnn Clepper,

Frank Conte, Minnie Crouch, Sherry Noto Coronado, Taylor Cox, Susie Dominguez, Maria Flores, Charleen Holmes, Ed Huber, Judy Huber, Marion Huber, Joe Imhoff, Eva James, John James, Liz John­son, Esther Jones, Charlie Kapchinski, Brianna Kelley, Kim Kelly, Landon Kimich, Mary Ann Knowles, Ronny Kurten, Crystal Lane, Leslie Lane, Manuel Lebeck, Ted Loq, Lillian Marcotte, Maria Mar­tinez, June McDonald, Yvonne Meitzen, Valeriano Melchor, Anthony Mendez, Evita Mendez, Beth Minava, Eddie Muston, Fabian Munoz, Trealean Nickerson, Thomas Nobles, Leon Nowak, Julian Olguin, Victor Ostiguin, Howard Owens, Ralf Perez, II, Tanisha Perry, Ange­lina Peterson, Wallace Peterson, Rose Betty Piper, Mercedes Rios, Joel Rivera, Irma Salazar, Abby Schoessow, Josh Sechelski, Judy Sei­gler, Dennis Shive, Dana Sowell, Krysten Sowell, Angie McLaurin Till, Lucy Thompson, Tina Tomczak, Alene Torres, Anastacia Torres, Jesse Valadez, Ill, Carrie Vega, Amanda Walkoviak, Clara Walkoviak, Debra Wills and Pam Wise. Call the parish office when a member of our community has a need to be remembered in prayer, 825-3920. Also, if you have added a name to the prayer list, please call to let us know when to remove the name from the list. Thank you.

YOUR. PAR.IS:&: SUPPORT SU A.PO-YO P..A..R.R.OQUIAL

TRESASURE YOU HA VE SHARED:

"Weekly Offerin~

<l,l J s l•;.\l<u:h <..·o .. Inc

February 03 & 04, 2018 GIFTS FOR GOD - YOUR TITHE RESPONDS

(95)0ffertory Envelopes /Loose Checks Loose Change Children's Total

Building Fund

3,930.00 996.00 125.00

5,051.00

88.00

r:--------:::-i 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time - "Brothers and sist~~~· I

I whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do every­thing for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10-31 Do a I quick check of your priorities. Where does God rank in that

I list? If He's not first, you have some work to do. Putting God first in everything helps us for putting other "gods" (like I I

our pride and ego, money and possessions to name a few) before God. Before making a decision, ask yourself, am I I doing this for the glory of God or the glory of me?

16° domingo del Tiempo Ordinario - "Hermanos y I hermanas, ya sea que coman o beban, o lo que sea que I hag an, Ilagan todo para la gloria de Dios ". I Corintios 10:31 Haga una revision rapida 4e sus prioridades. lDonde I I se ubica Dios en esa lista? Si El no es el primero, tienes

trabajo que hacer. Poner a Dios primero en todo nos ayuda a I poner otros "dioses" (como nuestro orgullo y ego, dinero y

I posesiones, por nombrar algunos) ante Dios. Antes de tomar una decision, preguntate: l voy a hacerlo por la gloria de Dios I I o por la gloria mia?

I Words Worth Noting - The most powerful I weapon to conquer the devil is humility. As he does I I

not know at all how to employ it, neither does he know

.:: t=e~m=fr-=t.~-S~n= d~I J

In Our Prayers We remember in prayer our friends and loved ones in active military duty , both in and out of harms way, in the service of their our country. Pray for peace in the world and for our lead­ers.

ot.JR HOLY FATHER'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR FEB:.J

General Intention --,-- UNIV:ti:RSA{..,: Say "No" toiorrupti~ri. That those who have material, political or spiritual power may resist the lure of corruption.

P.E.R.A. (Perpetual Eucharistic Reparative Adoration)

We are inviting and highly encouraging everyone to sign-up for our "P.E.R.A." (Perpetual Eucharistic Reparative Adoration). We are asking everyone to devote ONE HOUR (at least) a WEEK adoring God in the Blessed Sacrament-that is, only asking 168 parishioners to make adoration of God everyday, 24/7! We do this as a Parish Community in response to the teaching of St. John Paul II:

The "Church and the world have a great need for Eu­charistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us not ref use the time to go to meet him in adoration, in contemplation full of faith, and open to make amends for the serious offenses and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease. "

(Dominicae cenae, 3) Please call Mary Rangel@ 936-419-9024.

New Memorial Candles The new Candle Stands are electrical. An­

yone wanting to light a candle may do so by pressing the red button and give an offering. The candle will burn for 12 hours. Memorial Candles burning for one year are $150.00 each. Come by the parish office to schedule and pay your offering of $150.00 for your Memorial candle.

-------- ...... I I I I I 11. 12.

THE CATHOLIC FAITH ON DEMAND Web site is FORMED.ORG

The Parish Code to access the website is MVMZKF

Then register to create an account. NOTE: Do not use Mozilla Firefox browser.

There are 2 easy ways toconnect to FLOCKNOTE (pick one):;

I I I I I

Visit our church at: www.flocknote.com/

1 christourlightchurch Text SPOLG to 84576 from your phone to subscribe to updates. I --------

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES Every 1st weekend of the month (Saturday Vigil and

Sunday Masses) blessing of all who have a birthday or Wedding Anniversary during the month.

r ,:;,~~~~~~-::r I Saturday 6:00 PM Mass: Linda Lara, Febru­

ary 3rd and 17th. Samuel Pry, February 10th I and 24th.

Sunday 8:00 AM Mass: Rebecca Wisnoski, I February 4th and 11th. Victor Meitzen, Feb­ruary 18th and 25th.

I++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I I ~ 69~ /M 201K 4ilJ# "¢ tutu t1e tk wke IUu/eli 0# tk ~ dell Ue tk ~ °" tk ~. s~. r tk ~'fl'# eu«dd Uk to fd4u a/.t4lt. ~ t1e ft-to/- tk al.tM.. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

mf FEBRAURY14SCHEDULE Ash

Wed~e~day 12:15 PM Liturgy of the Word with Ashes

5:00 PM Mass in English with Ashes 6:30 PM Mass in Spanish with Ashes

STATIONS OF THE CROSS ON FRIDAY'S AT 6:00 PM, CHRUCH

February 16th-Fr. Eli February 23rd-Altar Society

March 2nd-Choir March 9th-Legion of Mary

March 16th-Knight of Columbus, Council #9367 March 23rd-

Ptft enance

LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE 6:00 pm March 01, 2018

At: St. Stanislaus Church, Anderson

------

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 11, 2018

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

-1Corinthians10:31

MONTHLY REFRESHMENTS AFTER MASSES Refreshment will be served after Masses the first Sunday of each mouth.

The refreshments and service will be provided by the following: Altar Society-January and July

Pastoral Council--February and October Finance Council--March and September

R.E. Board-April and August Stewardship--May and November

Choir-June and December

r--------oNLINE STORE FOR CATHOLIC GIFTS I I Go to our website: www.christourlight.org

Click on: www.lighthousecatholicamedia.org/ I I store? promoCode=102608"< > img (with a %

of your purchase going back as Credit to the par-~h. I L-------

~~--.,...4>-th ~~.~.':'!!"

YOUTH MEETING SCHEDULE Christ Our Light Youth Group Grades 8-12

will meet every 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Guest Speakers, Food & Games, Bible Study, Praise and Worship and more. To join contact: Joe Rangel (936) 672-

r ---------, ~ r·~·-·1 I · . ,, , ..... ,. q ~ · ~ I

I The Knights of Columbus Co~:~~ ... ~367 (Navasota) I will be having their First Friday of Lent Fish Din-

i ner, Friday, February 16, 2018 at the KC Hall on I Courtney Road from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Ticket are

I $9.00 and available from any KC Member.

P . Flowers for the Altar I :t

0

The parish thanks Johnny and Betty I Leibham for the altar flowers this past weekend.

~ I

Please join us for another famous

St. Mary's Teen Dance Saturday, March 17, 2018 7:00-11:00 PM

St. Mary's Hall, Plantersville 8227 County Rd 205, Plantersville, TX 77363

*Cover charge: $10/family

I I I I I

TEACHING, EVANGELIZING AND WORSHIP

Your donation to DSF will support these Teaching, Evangelizing and Worship ministries:

+ Ecumenism Commission +Apostleship of the Sea + Catholic Schools Office +Chapels (Holy Cross and Warren) + Communications Office

+ Office of Evangelization &* Catechesis +Office of Worship + Pastoral and Educational Ministry

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+ Texas Catholic Herald

The Texas Catholic Herald is the official newspaper of the Archdiocese, carrying news, feature stories and columns about local, national and world events to approximately 72,000 subscribers in the 1-county are of the Archdiocese. It is also an instrument of he Archdiocese for informing and educat­ing readers abut the teaching of the Church.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

American Red Cross

!i'i-ve :/!Jlootl: Help Save Lives

Blood Drive Navasota Community

First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 616 Holland St. Navasota, TX

Tuesday, February 13, 2018 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Please call 1-800-RED Cross (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter: navasota to schedule an ap­pointment.

DIOCESAN SERVICE FUND

Participation

Total Registered Families at Christ Our Light: 657

Families Participating in DSF: 10

THANK YOU FOR YOUR

SUPPORT

Goal: $24,940

Pledged: $4,700.00

Paid: $3,100.00

The Little Ones

MV MOM MAKES M'( C LOTf.{ES CLE'A~. JE:')VS MAKE..$ MY .SOVL CLE.AN.

Jim Burrows

A leper came to Jesus and kncding down begged hi111 and said. ·'If you wish. you can make me clean." Moved with pity,

he stretched out his hand, touched him. and ~aid to him, ''I do will it. Bemade~leun.'' Mk 1:40-41

LENT 2018 Christ Our Light Catholic Church and St. Stanislaus Church

Rev. Elias Lopez, Pastor

·'Lent is the liturgical season of forty days which begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with the celebration of the Paschal Mystery (Easter Triduum). Lent is the primary penitential season in the Church's liturgical year, reflecting the forty days Jesus spent in the desert in fasting and prayer" (Catechism ofrhe Catholic Church).

F ebruaryl 14 Ash Wedne.sdax

18

After Mass. decide what you need to change in your life in order to truly experience

Jesus· love during Lent.

25

Take one idea from today's Gospel reading or homily to

implement during the coming week.

4 Choose someone who has passed away or someone who needs extra help as

your Mass intention today.

II

laelafe Sunday Celebrate the halfway point of Lent. Do something fun

after Mass today.

18

Pray an extra Rosary today and every day this week.

25 Paint Sunday

Place palms around each image of Jesus in your home.

Welcome the Messiah into your heart.

297046

19 Pick a saint to learn about

and imitate. Ask for his or her special help and protection

during Lent.

26

Make a conscious effort to see everyone with loving eyes

today.

5 Make a fresh start on your

Lentenjoumey today. Renew your Lenten observances .

12

Pick one way you can simplify your lifestyle to make more

room for God.

19 Get up an extra 15 minutes

early each day for the next two weeks and spend that time

in prayer.

26

Recite the Profession of Faith or the Apostle's Creed each

day this week.

20

Put a cross, crucifix, or other image of Jesus in each room

of your home to help keep you focused on him.

27

Attend an Ash Wednesday liturgy and wear the cross of ashes for the rest of the day.

21

Resolve to say only positive things about yourself and

others today.

28

Ask Jesus to heal whatever I As an extra Lenten offering, keeps you from feeling God's give up something you enjoy-

bountiful love. just for today.

6 At the end of the day, make an examination

of conscience. Pick one change to make.

13 Eat a pretzel as a reminder that Catholics used to fast

from milk, butter, eggs, cheese, cream, and meat.

20

Deal with anyone in your life who may be interfering with your relationship with God.

27 Look around your

neighborhood today for signs of new life.

7 Resolve to go the entire day without judging or

criticizing anyone.

I4

Look for evidence of God at work in your life.

21

Go to a private room, close the door, and pray to your

Father in secret.

28 Forgive an offense you may have suffered and let God be

the final judge.

Over

15

Choose Lenten offerings of prayer, penance, and

almsgiving.

22

Raise the level of your prayer today and really think about

the meaning of the words you are saying.

I March Read theTen

Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and resolve to live

them .

8 Try to find the time to read

an entire Gospel in one sitting. (Hint: St. Mark's Gospel is the shortest.)

15

Notice someone who may be hungry for love or attention

and satisfy that hunger.

22

Today, pray for someone you don't like.

29 Ho(y Thumlay

Look for someone who is poor or homeless and share your

food .

16 Abstain from eating meat

today, and make your meals truly penitential .

23

Figure out how much money you saved by abstaining from meat and give that money to

the poor.

2

ay for the people in the world who can't afford to have meat as a regular part of their diets .

9

Forgive someone who has hurt you.

16 Share a meatless meal with friends and tell them why

you are abstaining.

23

Ask God for a new grace today that will bring you

closer to him .

30 <:oodFnday

Meditate on the Stations of the Cross today. Try to

imagine yourself at the scene of each one.

17 Make a list of the ways you

can support the poor, and resolve to do one activity each

week.

24 Call Catholic Relief Services

(877-HELP-CRS or www. catholicrelief.org) to see how

you can help.

3 Visit a nursing home and read

to a resident, take one for a walk, or pay someone some

attention.

IO Attend a Reconciliation

Service or go to Confession on your own. Make a sincere

confession and experience God's forgiveness.

17 St. Parrick j · Dax

St. Patrick evangelized Ireland. In his honor, explore ways to support your parish religious

education program.

24 Perform some act of service for your parish. Ask at the

rectory for suggestions.

31 Holy Sarurdny

Think about a way in which you might have betrayed

Jesus . Ask his pardon.

©copyright 2018 Success Publishing & Media, LLC

CUARESMA 2018 Christ Our Light Catholic Church and St. Stanislaus Church

Rev. Elias Lopez, Pastor

F ebrero I I4 Mi.lrcokr de G·ni:::D. ··La Cuaresma son los cuarenta dfas de! aiio linlrgico que comienzan 15 16 17 Haga una lista de las el Miercoles de Ceniza y tenninan con la ce.!ebraci6n de los tres dfas

("tridiuum") de! Misterio Pascual o Pascua Aorida. La Cuaresma es el periodo de penitencia mas importante del aiio linlrgico de la Iglesia, este representa los cuarenta dfa~ que pas6 Jesils en el desierto en ayuno y penitencia .. (Catecismo de la Iglesia Cat6lica).

18 Despues de misa decida que

cosas debe apartar de su vida para sentir realmente

la experiencia de Jesus en la Cuaresma.

25

Tome una idea de la lectura del Evangelio de _hoy ode la homilfa y llevela a cabo

durante la semana que entra.

4 Que la intenci6n de su misa de hoy sea por alguien que

haya fallecido recientemente o que necesite ayuda.

II Domingo /..a.emre

Celebre la mitad de la Cuaresma. Diviertase

despues de misa.

18

Rece un Rosario mas hoy y todos los dfas de esta

semana.

2 5 Domingo de Rant(~!" Coloque ramos de palma

alrededor de las imagenes de Jesucristo en su casa. Dele la bicnvenida al Mesfas en su

coraz6n.

297046

19

Escoja un santo para aprender de su vida e imitar. Pf dale su protecci6n y ayuda especial.

26

Haga un esfuerzo conciente para ver a su pr6jimo con

cariiio.

5 Comience refrescado su

camino de Cuaresma hoy. Renueve su observancia de

Cuaresma.

12

Haga una lista de las maneras en que puede hacer mas

sencillo su estilo de vida para darle mas cabida a Dios.

19 I Levantese 15 minutos mas temprano a partir de hoy y use

ese tiempo para la oraci6n.

26

Recite la Profesi6n de la fe o el Santo Credo todos los dfas

de esta sernana.

20 Coloque una cruz, un crucifijo

u otra imagen de Jesucristo en todos los cuartos de su casa para que lo ayude a

concentrarse.

27 Pf dale a Jesucristo que le sane

lo que lo separa a usted de sentir el abudante amor de

Dios.

6 AI terrninar el dfa haga

un examen de conciencia. Prop6ngase corregir sus

fallas.

13 c h '. oma oy pan ac1mo o "pretzels" para recordar que los cat61icos ayunaban sin

leche, mantequilla, huevos. queso, cremas ni cames.

20

Reconozca a quien pueda cstar inferfiriendo en su relaci6n con Dios.

Prop6ngase tomar medidas.

27 Salga a dar un paseo y busque

seiiales de la vida que se renueva.

Vaya a la liturgia del Miercoles de Ceniza y lleve la cruz de

ceniza.

21

Prop6ngase hoy decir s61o cosas postivas de usted

mis mo.

28

S61o por hoy, prfvese de al go que le gusta como ofrenda

adicional de Cuaresma.

7 Prop6ngase pasar el dfa

entero sin juzgar ni criticar a nadie.

I4

Busque hoy evidencias de Dios en su vida.

21

S6lo, en un cuarto cerrado, rece en secreto a su Padre.

28 lntente hallar una explicaci6n razonable a alguna ofensa que

vea y deje que Dios sea el ultimojuez.

Over

Escoja ofrendas de oraci6n, sacrificio y limosna para la

Cuaresma.

22

Rece con mayor intensidad y piense en el sentido real de las

oraciones que dice.

I Marzo

Lea los Diez Mandamientos (Exodo 20: 1-17) y renueve

sus votos de cumplirlos.

8

Intente hallar el tiempo para leer un Evangelio completo

en una sentada.

15

Busque a alguien que necesite atenci6n o cariiio y

satisfaga esa carencia.

22

Rece hoy por alguien que no leagrada.

29 .h1eves Sa1uo

Busque a alguien pobre o desarnparado y comparta su

comida.

No coma came hoy y haga de sus comidas un sacrificio

verdadero.

23

Saque cuenta de cuanto ahorr6 hoy al no comer came y dele ese dinero a los pobres.

2

Rece por aquellas personas en el mundo que no pueden tener came como parte normal de

SUS dietas.

9

Perdone a alguien que le haya hecho daiio.

16

Comparta una comida sin came con amistades y dfgales

por que se abstiene.

23

Pfdale hoy a Dios la gracia nueva que lo acercara mas

a El.

30 Viernes Smuo

Rece y medite en I as Estaciones del Via Crucis. lntente irnaginarse en cada

escena.

actividades de ayuda a los pobres que usted realiza y prop6ngase hacer una por

semana.

24

3

Llamen a la organizaci6n Catholic Relief Services

(877-HELP-CRS 6 WWW.

catholicrelief.org) para ver c6mo pueden ayudar.

Visite un hogar de ancianos de su comunidad y !Cale a un residente, llevelo a

una caminata o prestele su atenci6n.

IO

Asista a un servicio de reconciliaci6n de su parroquia

o vaya a confesarse por su cuenta.

17 DI.a de San Pauicio San Patricio evangeliz6

Irlanda. En su honor, explore mancras de apoyar su

parroquia el prograrna de educaci6n rcligioso.

24 Realice algun servicio para su parroquia. Pregunte en la casa parroquial c6mo puede

ayudar.

31 SabodnSn1uo

Piense de que rnanera puede haber usted traicionado a Jesucristo hoy. Pfdale su

perd6n.

© copyright 2018 Success Publishing & Media, LLC

Meditations for the First Week of Lent

WE THIRST F 0 R You

Repent and Believe Mark 1:12-15

Today's Gospel contains two important aspects to the

beginning of Jesus' ministry. We are told that he went out into the desert for forty days, where he was tempted by Satan and ministered to by angels. Next Mark says that,

FOR REFLECTION

) What will I do this Lent as an outward sign of my repentance?

) How might I deepen my relationship with God this holy season?

) How do I overcome temptation?

after the death of John the Baptist, Jesus announced that the "time of fulfilment" was at hand and began his preaching and teaching.

What lesson lies here for us? While Lent is a time of service to others, it must also be a time of preparation and renewal of self. We cannot give what we do not have. Just as Jesus had to spend time in the desert, so we, too, need to take time this season to allow God to show us where we need to change and give us the courage and conviction to act on those changes. This give and take is part of the flow of I ife and one of the great lessons of Lent.

Before Jesus began his ministry,

the Spirit "drove him out into the

desert." After forty days he emerged

to announce that the kingdom of God

was at hand and to encourage the

people to "repent, and believe in the

gospel." As we begin the season of Lent,

we, too, enter into our own desert.

"You are dust, and to dust you

shall return ." - Genesis 3:19

Lord, help us see today

and all of its stresses

in the light of your eternal love.

CatechismCONNECTION "By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church

unites herself each year to the mystery of

Jesus in the desert." - Catechism of the

Catholic Church, 540

Forty Days in the Desert Why did Jesus spend forty days in the desert before beginning his

ministry? The number forty has a special meaning in Scripture and is symbolic of preparation before a major life change. Moses spent forty days fasting and praying on Mount Zion when he received the Ten Commandments (Ex 34:28). An Israelite patrol spent forty days spying on the land of Canaan before reporting back to Moses and Aaron (Nm 13:25). And the entire Israelite people spent forty years wandering in the desert before gaining access to the promised land (Nm 14:34). Jesus likewise spent forty days before leaving his old life as the son of the carpenter to bring new life to the entire world.

Fasting and Abstinence

FAMILY ACTIVITY

• Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are

days of both abstinence and fasting.

• Fridays during Lent are days of

abstinence (abstaining from meat).

• Ash Wednesday is forty-six days

before E~ster, but Lent is considered

forty days long, because Sundays are

not counted as days of Lent.

Fami~ Calvary Stones The days of Lent have traditionally been used as a spiritual pilgrimage,

during which we symbolically travel with Jesus to his death on the cross. To help emphasize the idea of Lent as a journey, collect forty small stones, one for each day of the season. (These are sometimes available at craft stores.) Each night at dinner, pray for one person and write his or her name with a marker on one of the pebbles. Collect the stones in a small bowl, and during Holy Week use them to make a "mound" of prayer that holds up a crucifix.

SIGNS OF THE SEASON

Lent The word "Lent" has a specific religious

connotation today, but originally it was used to mean "spring ."

The Color Purple The deep purple color that fills the Church

during Lent symbolizes Christ's suffering and

death but, because purple is also the color of

royalty, it foreshadows Christ's kingship and

resurrection.

Ash Wednesday On this first day of Lent, we receive ashes in

the form of a cross on our forehead and are

reminded to "turn away from sin and be faithful

to the Gospel." In receiving ashes, we embrace

Jesus' journey: the cross of suffering and the

promise of resurrection. We are marked as

believers, as sinners, and as people in need of

Christ 's forgiveness and salvation.

Shutterstock.comimages

For print use only Copyright© by Our Sunday Visitor, Inc Nihil Obstat: Msgr. Michael Heintz, Ph.D Censor Librorum Imprimatur ~ Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend

I

JANUARY 2012

FRANCISCAN MEDIA

By Matthew Kelly

I f you polled people on the streets of any city in America today and asked them to list five words to describe Catholics, I suspect only a small percentage would say prayerful or spiritual. The tragedy, however, is not

how people perceive Catholics, but the possibility that the perception may reflect the reality. It is a generalization, but as Catholics in this modem climate, we tend not to take our spirituality seriously.

Over the coming weeks of Lent, I invite you to reflect with me on the seven pillars of Catholic spirituality. These anchors of our faith combine 2,000 years of spiritual wisdom into a handful of spiritual exercises. They may be ancient practices, but don't let that fool you into believing they're not relevant to your life in the modem world. These practices are dynamic and ever fresh.

A tree with deep roots can weather any storm. Sink these roots, the seven pillars of Catholic spirituality, deep into your life, and you'll weather any storm. You will also come to know the abundant life that Jesus invites us to experience both here and in eternity.

•

PILLAR ONE

Confession ASH WEDNESDAY: TURNING TO GOD JI 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

C0112

Repent means "to turn back to God." We need to do this many times a day.

THURSDAY: A CALL TO ORDER Dt 30:15-20; Lk 9:22-25

Walking with God demands that we bring order to our lives and put first things first. We're all imperfect but perfectible.

FRIDAY: A CLEAR CONSCIENCE ls 58:1-9a; Mt 9:14-15

Place your sins at the feet of Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. God sees your unrealized potential.

SATURDAY: GETTING TO KNOW YOU ls 58:9b-14; Lk 5:27-32

The more we get to know ourselves and our own brokenness, the more we're able to accept and love others.

©2011 , FRANCISCAN MEDIA, 28 W. LIBERTY ST, CINCINNATI, OH 45202-6498. PHOTOCOPYING PROHIBITED EDITOR JACK WINTZ O.F.M MANAGING EDITOR: JOAN McKAMEY ART DIRECTOR CONSTANCE WOLFER PERIODICALS GENERAL EDITOR : JOHN FEISTER

PILLAR TWO

Daily Prayer THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

AIL HABf YEAR A: Gn 2:7-9, 3:1-7; Rom 5:12-19; Mt 4:1-11 YEAR B: Gn 9:8-15; 1Pt3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15 YEAR C: Dt 26:4-10; Rom 10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13

Prayer is central to the Christian experience. Growth in the Christian life is simply not possible without prayer.

MONDAY. AT OUR BEST Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Mt 25:31-46 We're at our best when we pray simply to be with God and seek his ways.

TUESDAY· REFOCUSING Is 55:10-11; Mt 6:7-15

Focus on those thoughts that encourage you to love God and the people around you more.

WEDNESDAY: INTO THE SILENCE Jon 3:1-10; Lk 11:29-32

Quietness is essential to growth in the Spirit. It wi II help us develop resolute hearts and peaceful spirits.

THURSDAY: THE A DING QUESTION Est C:l2, 14-16, 23-25; Mt 7:7-12 The saints all asked: God, what

do you think I should do? When you ask the same question, you' II discover your mission.

FRIDAY: GENTLE D LOGUE Ez 18:21-28; Mt 5:20-26 Are you concerned that you don't know how to pray? In your heart, say to God: I don't

know how to pray. You've already begun praying. Open your heart in a gentle dialogue.

SATURDAY: THE DEEP J ACJ S

Dt 26:16-19; Mt 5:43-48

God challenges us to abandon our doubts and fears and cast our nets into the deep waters of the spiritual life.

CNS I NANCY WIECHEC

PILLAR THREE

The Mass THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT

MASS' WHY N 01 YEAR A: Gn 12:1-4a; 2 Tm 1:8b-10; Mt 17:1-9

YEAR B: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Rom 8:3lb-34; Mk 9:2-10 YEAR C: Gn 15:5-12, 17-18; Phil 3:17--4:1; Lk 9:28b-36 Mass isn't irrelevant to our lives; maybe it's our lives that are irrelevant to the Mass.

MONDAY. SOOTHING WATERS Dn 9:4b-10; Lk 6:36-38

To transform our lives, God's Word needs to linger in our minds and sink its roots deep into our hearts.

TUESDAY: LOOKING AHEAD ls !:JO, 16-20; Mt 23:1-12

Read and reflect upon the coming Sunday's Gospel. Pick a word or phrase that jumps out at you. If the Word is to transform us, we need to allow it to sink into our lives through repetition and reflection.

WEDNESDAY: GIVING, RECEIVING fer 18:18-20; Mt 20:17-28 We go to Mass to give ourselves to God and, in return, to receive God. Open your heart, mind and soul to God.

THURSDAY: REMINDERS fer 17:5-10; Lk 16:19-31

We're pilgrims on a journey, called to be responsible stewards of our own lives and mindful of the needs of others.

FRIDAY: DELIVERED 0 EVJ

Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 God of peace and serenity, protect me from all anxiety. Guide me to make good choices, so that I may not sin.

SATURDAY: A GIFT OR

Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; lk 15:1-3, 11-32 The Mass is designed to help us. God gives us rest, renewal and communion with him and others through the Mass.

PILLAR FOUR

The Bible THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT

U D SPIRIT A ~D LJ F~

YEAR A: Ex 17:3-7; Rom 5: 1-2, 5-8; Jn 4:5-42

YEAR B: Ex 20:1-17; 1Cor1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25

YEAR C: Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15; 1Cor10:1-6, 10-12; Lk 13:1-9

Ask God to help you make the Bible an integral part of your life. Prayerfully reflect on the truth God sets before us.

MONDAY: OUR CATHOLIC TRADITION 2 Kgs 5:1-15b; Lk 4:24-30

Thank God for revealing himself to us in creation, the Scriptures and the life of the Church.

TUESDAY: RICH GI TS Dn 3:25, 34-43;

Mt 18:21-35

Through many people, ages, languages and styles, God has revealed his Word and truth to the world.

WEDNESDAY: SCRIPTURE, OU GUIDE Dt 4:1, 5-9;

Mt 5:17-19

How has Scripture helped you through the difficult circumstances of your life?

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM I KJEKOL

THURSDAY: THE GOSPEL CHALLENGE ]er 7:23-28; Lk 11:14-23

Examine the ways you live, love, work, think and speak in light of the Gospels. Don't adopt a gospel of convenience.

FRIDAY· STORIES OF AND FOR ALL Hos 14:2-10; Mk 12:28-34

The Bible tells of people who have tried and succeeded or struggled and failed in their quest to walk with God. What stories direct your life?

SATU A EVE fRESH, EVER NEW Hos 6:1-6; Lk 18:9-14

The Word of God deserves to be approached with reverence and awe. It is constantly new and fresh.

PILLAR FIVE

Fasting THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

J 1 D Y. E 'I G OR ~OVE YEAR A: 1Sm16:1b, 6-7, J0-13a; Eph 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41

YEAR B: 2 Chr 36:14-16, 19-23; Eph 2:4-10; Jn 3:14-21

YEAR C: Jos 5:9a, 10-12; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

May my resolve strengthen, my stony heart be broken and my mind become more focused on our loving God.

MONDAY· P AYE AND FASTING ls 65:17-21; Jn 4:43-54

We fast to cultivate the inner life. Authentic fasting draws us nearer to God and opens our hearts to receive God's many gifts.

TUESDAY: TURNING BACK TO GOD Ez 47:1-9, 12;

Jn 5:1-16

Fasting that involves no conversion of the heart is useless. What can I give up today that will help me tum back to God?

WEDNESDAY: CHRISTIAN PRACTICE ls 49:8-15; Jn 5:17-30

God of fasting and almsgiving, accept all that I have and all that I am willing to give up in honor of your love.

THURSDAY. REWARDS OF DISCIPLINE Ex 32:7-14; Jn 5:31-47

God of discipline and self-possession, help me control my longings and cravings. With fasting and discipline, help me become the-best-version-of-myself.

l RlD !<AS I G F AS ING Wis 2:Ja, 12-22; Jn 7:1-2, JO, 25-30

Fasting is to the body what prayer is to the soul. Fasting is the prayer of the body. Bodily fasting leads to spiritual feasting.

~ ATURDAY LD NG FAST Jer 11:18-20; Jn 7:40-53

God of perseverance and strength, I put my faith and trust in you. I know it's difficult to fast, but I will not give up.

PILLAR SIX

Spiritual Reading THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

JNDA . A PATH TO VIRTUF YEAR A: Ez 37:12-14; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45 YEAR B: Jer 31:31-34; Heb 5:7-9; Jn 12:20-33 YEAR C: ls 43:16-21; Phil 3:8-14; Jn 8:1-11 Reading is to the mind what prayer is to the soul. Spiritual reading ignites our desire to grow in virtue.

MONDAY 5 MINUTES A DAY Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Jn 8:1-11 OR, JN YEAR C, Jn 8:12-20 Just 15 minutes of spiritual reading every day can stir your soul. Thank God for the beauty and bounty of words.

TUESDAY: TOUCHED BY JESUS Nm 21:4-9; Jn 8:21-30 May the words of the Gospels penetrate my hard heart and narrow-mindedness.

WfDNESDAY: MODELS AND MENTORS Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Jn 8:31-42 God, allow me to learn from those inspired with your Word, so that I'm willing to improve myself each day.

THURSDAY: GROWING IN FAITH Gn 17:3-9; Jn 8:51-59 Identify the teaching of the Church you find most difficult, then study it. Approach this humbly.

FRIDAY· GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE Jer 20:10-13; Jn 10:31-42 God, guide me as I expand my knowledge of Catholicism. I long to know you and defend my faith.

SATURDAY: OUR NORTH STAR Ez 37:21-28; Jn 11:45-56 When we view everything in relation to our call to become the-best-version-of-ourselves, everything finds meaning.

More ways to learn Use your smartphone to scan this code to go online to find more faith-formation resources-including Catholic Update, •

~·

[!] . -

Every Day Catholic, Youth Update, Homily Helps and Bring­ing Home the Word-at catalog.americancatholic.org.

Extra copies of Catholic Update: 1000 or more: 15¢ ea. • 500-999: 17¢ ea. • 300-499: 22¢ ea. 200-299: 28¢ ea. • 100-199: 33¢ ea. • 10-99: 39¢ ea. Catholic Update 12-month subscriptions: Single: $14.00 • 2-9: $10.00 ea. • 10-99: $5.40 ea. 100-199: $4.20 ea.• 200-299: $3.60 ea.• 300-499: $2.75 ea. 500-999: $2.15ea.•1000 or more: $1.80 ea. To qualify for bulk rates, all copies must be mailed to same address. Order by telephone 1-800-488-0488 or use address on front. Prices are subject to change.

PILLAR SEVEN

The Rosary HOLY WEEK PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S PASSION:

E POWER OF THE ROSARY ls 50:4-7; Phil 2:6-1 l; YEAR A: Mt 26:14-27:66; YEAR B: Mk 14:1-15:47; YEAR C: Lk 22:14-23:56 We remember Jesus' passion and death by praying the Rosary. Pray: Third Joyful Mystery-Birth of Jesus.

MONDAY· MARY OUR MODEL ls 42:1-7; Jn 12:1-11 Holy Mary, through you I hope to know and love your son. Pray: First Sorrowful Mystery-Agony in the Garden.

TUESDAY. TURNING TO MARY Is 49: 1-6; Jn 13:21-33, 36-38 Holy Mary, to you I send up my cries, to you I sing my hopes for myself and the world, with you I pray now and forever. Pray: Second Sorrowful Mystery-Scourging at the Pillar.

WEDNESDAY: AT OUR SIDE Is 50:4-9a; Mt 26:14-25 Holy Queen, at your side I suffer the loss of your son. With me you suffer too-for my losses, inequities, weaknesses and longings. Pray: Third Sorrowful Mystery-Crowning of Thorns.

HOLY THURSDAY: WAY, TRUTH, LIFE Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; 1Cor11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15 Jesus, may I strive to be all you created me for, spreading the love of God and the truth of our faith wherever I am. Pray: Fourth Sorrowful Mystery-Carrying of the Cross.

GOOD FRIDAY: TRANSFORMED Is 52:13-53:12; Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9; Jn 18:1-19:42 Help me transform my soul, die to sin and death, and be reborn in your love and eternal life. Pray: Fifth Sorrowful Mystery-Crucifixion.

HOLY SATURDAY· COURAGE Ex 14:15-15:1; Rom 6:3-11; YEAR A: Mt 28:1-10; YEAR B: Mk 16:1-7; YEAR C: Lk 24:1-12 Jesus, you knew that life doesn't end on the cross. It was only the beginning of a new and glorious eternal life. Pray: First Glorious Mystery-Resurrection. •

Matthew Kelly is a best-selling author. world-renowned speaker and business consultant. His titles include Rediscover Catholicism and Rediscover Lent, from which this text is taken.

NEXT: The Role of Community in the RCIA Process (by Rev. Richard Hilgartner)

American -I CATHOLIC strengthen and

RADIO nurture your faith Listen on SiriusXM satellite radio or at FranciscanMediaProductions.org.

IMPRIMAT ..,R: AL..XILIARY BISl-'OP JOSE PH R. BINZE F< VICAR GENERAL ARCHDIOCESE ::>F CllllCINNAT·, NOVEMBER 3, 201'

I

LINDLEY ROBERTSO

~ 815 South LaSalle

936-825-6448

\.ml J.S. Paluch Company ~ Bulletin Advertising Sales Division

• Buscamos un representante emprendedor de ventas de publicidad

• Aggressive Advertising Sales Representative Needed

• Excellent Benefit & Commission Plan

• Earning Potential 60K+ Per Year - Full Time Only

• Must Have Strong Prospecting and Closing Skills

Please Contact Our Recruiter at: 800-621-5197, Ext. 2823

www.jspaluch.com

Check It Out Today!

R ·I 0 S rUN[RAL OIR[CTORS

AT GREEN LAWN

Supporting the Rattlers

281-689-7878

Download Our Free App or Vi•it

MY.ONEPARISH.COM

IN YOUR LOCAL

CHURCH BULLETIN

www.jspaluch.com

Protecting Seniors Nationwide

860.399.1785 ·::.1ir:i:: .. ._ J/l"'\r CST2117990·10 lheSea·USA ..• .,E'® nw.CathollcCraiHIADdToan.com

Grow in your faith,

0 find a Mass. and connect with your ,·

Catholic Community with OneParish!

aml~

Turner, Pierce

& Fultz, Inc.