ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH HOUSTON, TEXAS January 11, 2015

Fr. Hai’s Corner

The Bap�sm of the Lord is a Christmas feast, a feast of

the epiphany of God in human flesh and blood.

Why Bap�sm? Jesus himself showed the importance of

the bap�sm rite by submi!ng to His bap�sm in the Jordan by

John the Bap�st.

In John 3:5 in speaking to Nicodemus, Jesus answered,

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the

Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." And in

Ma-hew 28: 19, Jesus calls us to "Go therefore and make disci-

ples of all the na�ons, bap�zing them in the name of the Father

and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Why do we bap�ze infants?

The Catholic Church has always held that Christ's law

applies to infants as well as adults. Obviously, infants cannot

understand the meaning and commitment of Bap�sm; how-

ever their parents can understand and live those values and

pass them on to their children.

When an infant is bap�zed, the Rite of Bap�sm empha-

sizes the importance of faithfulness on the part of parents when

the celebrant charges and prays over the parents: " ... May God

bless the father of this child. They will be the first teachers of

their child in the ways of faith. May they also be the best of

teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do,

in Christ Jesus our Lord."

From Church to daily living. Do you have a record of

your bap�sm? Do you know the date of your bap�sm? Do you

have your bap�smal name?

I was bap�zed on Saturday, April 22. My bap�smal

name is Aloysius Gongaza; my feast day is June 22. I learned all

that and have all my paper records from when I applied for

seminary.

Today begins Na�onal Voca�on Awareness Week. Talk

to your sons and daughters about working for God. Young peo-

ple talk to Father Hai about becoming priests and nuns.

God bless you. Fr.Hai

Collection Information July 2014-June 2015

Yearly Budgeted Offertory $1,850,523.00 New Year’s Collection $ 4,294.00

Weekend Collection (01/04/2015)

WEEKLY FISCAL YTD Actual Collection 63,548.75 985,422.07 Budgeted Amount 37,000.00 999,000.00 Over (+)/Under(-) +$ 26,548.75 -$ 13,577.93 Additional Collections: Children (Social Services) $ 120.00 Building Fund $ 2,305.00

Thank you for your continued generosity!

It’s Golden! Gala and Auction

St. Thomas More School

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Now is the time to sponsor a table, donate an item and/or buy a ticket (limited availability!). (Please note the deadline for sponsorship names to be printed in the Ga-la invitation was Thursday, December 18, 2014.) For information, contact Kathy Prado in the school office at kprado@stmorenews.com or 713-729-3434

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO TEACH ESL CLASSES (REGULAR AND SUBSTITUTE )

Our parish provides ESL (English as a Second Language) classes to the community on Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 7 - 9 pm, beginning January 27, 2015.

If you can Volunteer at least one evening a week to this worth-while endeavor, or be a Substitute, please contact Norman Palms at 713-726-0513 or normpalms@aol.com. You do not need to speak Spanish! A training session will be provided for new teachers at no cost.

CAN YOU HELP STM SCHOOL FIND THESE PICTURES? We are looking for the group graduation picture from the follow-ing school years: 1966, 1968, and 1969. If you have one of these years, we would love to make a copy of it for the school files. Please contact Pat Flippen in the school office at 713.729.3434 to arrange pick-up. Thanks for your help!

STM Vocations Committee Meeting: Scheduled for Tuesday, January 20 at 7:30 PM in the Adult Education Building. Meeting is to gather parishioners/members to help promote the message for Vocations here at STM. Fr. Ken and Ed Sharp will lead the meeting with help from the Knights. Any and all parishioners interested in promoting voca-tions in the parish are welcome to attend.

NO EVENING PRAYER FOR JUSTICE JANUARY 12

Monday, January 12, there will be no Evening Prayer for

Jus�ce so those interested can a-end the mee�ng with

Cardinal DiNardo and the An�-Defama�on League (both

strong supporters of social jus�ce issues). There is an inter-

faith and mul�-denomina�onal prayer service at 7:30 PM

at the Co-Cathedral. Reserva�ons needed for the recep-

�on, but public is welcome. Anyone interested can contact

Deacon Ed Stoessel, 713-995-0873.

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 11... Monday, January 12 6:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Hansen Family 5:30 p.m. †Linda Monteralo Tuesday, January 13 6:30 a.m. Jurica Family Special Intention 5:30 p.m. Jordyn Michelle James Wednesday, January 14 6:30 a.m. †Joanne Cummings 5:30 p.m. Margaret Schueler Thursday, January 15 6:30 a.m. Jan Tennert 8:15 a.m. †Frank Lyons 5:30 p.m †Peter Long Bui Friday, January 16 6:30 a.m. †Mark Endicott 5:30 p.m. †Willie Roy Saturday, January 17 9:00 a.m. Thanksgiving E. Abaya 5:00 p.m. †Mildred Caffrey Sunday, January 18 7:30 a.m. Renard Roy 9:00 a.m. †J.B Petcosky & †Joseph Petcosky 11:00 a.m. †Peter Long Bui 1:00 p.m. †Rosemary Elizabeth Lewis 5:00 p.m. For the Parish 7:00 p.m. †Joe Lombardi

This week around STM…. Sunday, January 11-K OF C SUPER BOWL MEAL PRESALE /BACK TO SCHOOL PANCAKE BREAKFAST/ STM PTO USED UNIFORM SALE 9:00 a.m. CCE Parents & Students, Prinster & School 9:30 a.m. RCIA, Adult Ed. Bldg. 10:00 a.m. Sacrament of the Sick, Church 11:00 a.m. CCE Parents & Students, Prinster & School 5:30 p.m. Spanish Choir, AE-St. Mary 6:30 p.m. Sr. High Youth, Youth Center Monday, January 12 9:00 a.m. Bible Study, Rectory 6:30 p.m. Sp. Legion of Mary, Room F 7:00 p.m. EPIC Study, Servant Hall 7:30 p.m. Apostleship of the Cross (Sp.), AE-St. Paul Tuesday, January 13 9:30 a.m. Sr. Citizen Bingo, Scout House 7:00 p.m. School Board Mtg., Library Wednesday, January 14 10:00 a.m. EPIC Study, Servant Hall 7:00 p.m. Respect Life Committee, Rectory OMOPH Prayer Group, Chapel Confirmation 1 Class, Youth Center Confirmation 2 Class, Servant Hall + Church 7:30 p.m. RCIA Inquiry, AE-St. Peter Legion of Mary, AE-St. Paul 8:00 p.m. K of C, Prinster Hall Thursday, January 15 6:00 p.m. Sp. Choir, AE-St. Mary 7:00 p.m. EPIC Study, Servant Hall High School Guys Group, Youth Center 7:30 p.m. Word of Truth Bible Study, AE-St. Peter Apostleship of the Cross, AE-St. Paul Combined Choir, Church Friday, January 16 9:15 a.m. Altar Society, Church 6:00 p.m. Legion of Mary Jr. (Sp.), Room F 7:00 p.m. Sp. Choir, AE-St. Mary Saturday, January 17 3:30 p.m. Confession, Church 6:15 p.m. Confession, Church Sunday, January 18-K OF C SUPER BOWL MEAL PRESALE/RESPECT LIFE LIVING ROSARY 9:00 a.m. CCE Parents & Students, Prinster & School 9:30 a.m. RCIA, Adult Ed. Bldg. 10:00 a.m. Sacrament of the Sick, Church 11:00 a.m. CCE Parents & Students, Prinster & School 12:15 p.m. Respect Life Living Rosary, Servant Hall 1:00 p.m. K of C Freethrow Contest, Gym 5:30 p.m. Spanish Choir, AE-St. Mary 6:30 p.m. Sr. High Youth, Youth Center

Readings for the week of January 11, 2015

Sunday The Bap#sm of the Lord

Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 55:1-11; Ps 29 or Is 12;

Acts 10:34-38 or 1 Jn 5:1-9; Mk 1:7-11

Monday Heb 1:1-6; Ps 97; Mk 1:14-20

Tuesday Saint Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8; Mk 1:21-28

Wednesday Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105; Mk 1:29-39

Thursday Heb 3:7-14; Ps 95; Mk 1:40-45

Friday Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78; Mk 2:1-12

Saturday Saint Anthony, Abbot

Heb 4:12-16; Ps 19; Mk 2:13-17

Sunday Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Ps 40;

1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42

Eucharistic Adoration: Wed., 12-1 a.m. & 4-5 p.m. Friday, 5-6 a.m. Our chapel remains open 24 hours a day be-cause of the commitment made by those who take a weekly Holy Hour. Please commit!! On another note, if you are making New Year resolu-tions, consider making a weekly Holy Hour. The re-wards are immeasurable! Call Suzie Hamilton for info, 713-557-3036 or 713-729-0221.

Annulment Informa#on Night

Do you have ques�ons about annulments? What is a Catholic annulment?

When is an annulment required? What if I do not get an annulment?

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Servant Hall, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

LIVING ROSARY following the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sun-day, January 18, 2015 to mark the 42nd anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing

abortion on demand. Join the Respect Life Committee to pray to end abortion in this country and the world.

ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH HOUSTON, TEXAS January 11, 2015

Flocknote is a way for the parish to communicate with you! If you don’t have time to read the bulletin but want to know what’s going on, sign up for this service. There are 2 easy ways to register for Flocknote (pick one): Visit our network at

flocknote.com/stmhouston

or Text “Hillcroft” to 84576

Today encourage a family member or friend to consider a religious vocation. The Parish Vocations Committee

STM YOUTH GROUP Youth Office:713-729-2111 For more info: stmhouston.org The Youth Events will start back up on Sunday, January 11, 2015, The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Are you interested in leading high school aged girls closer to Christ, teaching them about feminine beauty, and what it re-ally means to be a daughter of God? The STM Youth Group is looking for female volunteers to help with our Girls Group. If you are interested at all and feel God tugging at your heart please email or call Matthew Hughey, 713-729-2111 or matthew@stmhouston.org Want the youth minister to come bring you and your friends pizza for lunch?! Call the youth office and we will set up lunch for you and your friends at school. 713-729-2111

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ST. THOMAS MORE SOUTHWEST COUNCIL 3910

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest

Next Month Jan. 18th

At 1 PM in Msgr. Young Gym.

All boys and girls ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2015 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest. The competition takes place in the Gym on Jan. 18th at 1 PM for local competi-tion, district competition will follow at 4:00 p.m. for those who advance. Winners progress through local, district and state compe-titions. International champions are announced by the Knights of Columbus headquarters based upon scores from the state-level competitions. All contestants on the local level are recognized for their participation in this event. Participants are required to fur-nish proof of age and written parental consent. For entry forms or additional information contact: Mike Wark, 713-988-1609

STreaMliners (Adults over 50 only)-Happy New Year! $15 dues for the year—Adults over 50 only.

Wednesday, Jan. 14, County Bus Trip—Schulenberg / Wei-mar Tour, $9.00pp, lunch on your own, bus leaves @ 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 22-Coushatta Casino Day Trip, $15 pp, cof-fee, donuts & hot kolaches @ 6:30 a.m., bus leaves at 7:00 a.m. ************************************************************************** April 17 – 26, 2015 – 10 days/9 Nites Grand Canyon & Las Vegas & More, $966.00 per person double, Deluxe Motorcoach, 13 Meals: 8 C-Breakfast, 5 Dinners, 2 Nights Las Vegas, Petrified Forest National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Visit Laugh-lin, N.V, Travel Insurance and Tip for Driver. $150.00 Deposit pp due at the January Meeting. All trips leave from the back parking area near Prinster Hall. Please leave at least 5 spaces open around the dumpsters and recycling bins. STreaMliner trips are open to all STM families and friends! For info, call Ed’s Tours 713-723-2035.

Back to School Pancake Breakfast

By Knights of Columbus Southwest Council 3910

Featuring: Pancakes,

Sausage, Coffee, Juice

January 11, 2015 8:00—11:00 a.m Servant Hall

Adults: $5.00 Kids: $2.50

Loving Embrace Infertility Support Group Meets 3rd Thursday, each month, 7:30-9pm, monthly meeting rotation: Couples Dinner, Ladies Dinner, and Couples Discus-sion.Loving Embrace is a Catholic educational support group for couples who have endured or are presently enduring the pain and suffering of infertility. The group provides support for coping with infertility and explores resources, methods, and options that are morally faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. For rota-tion information contact Shannon Lassen at 832-978-6716 orinfertilitysupporthouston@gmail.com.

LOST PURSE

A black purse was left in the cry room or the la-dies restroom this past Sunday, January 4, 2015 at the 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass. Please call the church office if you found it, we know who lost it.

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Esther Kana has been a STM Religion Teacher for 8 years. She

has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of

Houston. She has a Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts with a con-

centration in Theology from the University of St. Thomas. Now

She Markets God! Mrs. Kana has been married for 35 years to a

wonderful man, Tim, has 3 awesome children

with loving spouses, 3 VERY adorable grand-

children, 2 old grumpy dogs and a partridge in

a pear tree. She loves international travel and

working with crafts. Mrs. Kana says “I love

teaching at STM because we have a great

principal, patient office staff, fun fellow

teachers, and awesome students. I love when students come back

to visit and tell me that something I taught them has impacted

their lives in some way!” She continues: “We are free to make

choices but not free of the consequences.” – Leah Darrow

STM School….Did you Know?

Save the Date: Saturday February 21, 2015. FOR THE 10Th ANNUAL STEPS FOR STU-DENTS 5K RUN/WALK! Register online. See our website under STM Support. www.stthomasmore-school.org

St. Thomas More Women’s Annual Retreat St. Thomas More Women’s Annual Retreat St. Thomas More Women’s Annual Retreat St. Thomas More Women’s Annual Retreat

February 20 -26, 2015

Growing in Intimacy with GodGrowing in Intimacy with GodGrowing in Intimacy with GodGrowing in Intimacy with God

and Ourselvesand Ourselvesand Ourselvesand Ourselves

Fr. Louis Arceneaux, CM

For more information, contact:For more information, contact:For more information, contact:For more information, contact:

Magda García at 713Magda García at 713Magda García at 713Magda García at 713----664664664664----8035803580358035

Upgrading your home theater?? Need a place for your old TV? The Youth Office is “wishing” for a donation of a working large screen HDTV for their Youth Center. Contact Matthew Hughey if you have a TV that might work for the youth of the parish, 713-729-2111.

Father Hai Dang, Pastor of STM, recited a New Year’s Prayer with the faculty, staff, and students on

January 5, 2015, the first day of the 2015 school year. To bless each classroom, Father Hai processed

with three wise men, dressed in magnificent priestly a!re, who distributed personalized treats rep-

resen�ng gold, frankincense and myrrh. Pictured with Rev. Hai Dang is Ms. Kristen Thome, Principal,

wise men: Carter Arabel, Ethan Caldwell, and Buddy Williams

Net proceeds from OKTOBERFEST—$77,500.00!! Way to go, STM Parish and School

ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH HOUSTON, TEXAS January 11, 2015

Hoy anima a un miembro de tu familia o a un amigo a considerar una vocación religiosa. El comité de Vocaciones de la Parroquia

Del Padre Hai

El bau�smo del Señor es una fiesta de Navidad,

una fiesta de la epifanía de Dios en cuerpo y sangre.

¿Por qué el bau�smo? Jesús mismo nos mostro la

importancia del rito del bau�smo some�éndose a su pro-

pio bau�smo en el Jordán por Juan el Bau�sta.

En Juan 3:5 habla a Nicodemo, Jesús le respondió:

“verdaderamente, verdaderamente, digo a usted, a menos

que naciere de agua y del espíritu no puede entrar en el

reino de Dios ." y en Mateo 28: 19, Jesús nos llama

"Vayan, pues, y hagan que todos los pueblos sean mis dis-

cípulos. Bau+cenlos en el Nombre del Padre y del Hijo y del

Espíritu Santo."

¿Por qué bau�zamos a los bebes?

La Iglesia Católica siempre ha sostenido que la ley

de Cristo se aplica a los infantes como a los adultos. Obvia-

mente, los infantes no pueden entender el significado y el

compromiso del bau�smo; sin embargo sus padres pue-

den entender y vivir esos valores y pasarlos a sus hijos..

Cuando un infante es bau�zado, el rito del bau�s-

mo enfa�za la importancia de la fidelidad por parte de los

padres cuando el celebrante encarga y ora sobre los pa-

dres del niño: " ... Que Dios bendiga al padre de este niño.

Ellos serán los primeros maestros de sus hijos en los cami-

nos de la fe. Que ellos sean también los mejores maestros,

dando tes�monio de fe por lo que dicen y hacen, en Cristo

Nuestro Señor."

De la Iglesia a la vida diaria. ¿Tienes un registro

de tu bau�smo? ¿Sabes la fecha de tu bau�smo? ¿Tienes

tu nombre bau�smal?

Yo fui bau�zado el Sábado, 22 de Abril. Mi nombre

bau�smal es Aloysius Gongaza; mi día de fiesta es el 22 de

Junio. Aprendí todo esto y tengo todos mis registros cuan-

do aplique al seminario.

Hoy comienza la semana Nacional para las Voca-

ciones. Hable con sus hijos e hijas acerca de trabajar para

Dios. Los jóvenes hablen con el Padre Hai acerca de como

llegar a ser un sacerdote o una hermana religiosa.

Dios los bendiga, Padre Hai

CLASES DE INGLESCLASES DE INGLESCLASES DE INGLESCLASES DE INGLES Las registraciones para el nuevo curso de ingles serán el

Martes 20 de Enero, y el Jueves 22 de Enero 2014 en la

escuela de St. Thomas More, de 7:00 pm hasta las 8:30 pm.

El costo es de $30.00. Las clases son los Martes y los Jue-

ves de 7:00 pm a 9:00 pm y comenzaran el Martes 27 de

Enero hasta el 14 de Mayo. Para mas información por fa-

vor llame a la oficina al 713-729-0221.

¿Buscas hacer una donación para el fin de año? Considere el proyecto de movilidad de los Caballeros y los niños de 8vo grado. Para el 50 aniversario de la escuela de St. Thomas more, el 8vo grado esta tratando de comprar 50 silla de ruedas a través de la Misión Norteamericana de silla de ruedas. Esta Fun-dación ofrece sillas de ruedas para adultos, niños y veteranos. Junto con nuestros caballeros los estudiantes esperan adquirir estas sillas de ruedas. Cada uno cuesta $150. Están aceptando donaciones de cualquier cantidad y las aceptarán felizmente en memoria o en honor de alguien. Por favor haga sus cheques a la escuela de St. Thomas More. Puedes enviarlas a la escuela o dejarlas en la rectoría. Por favor, marque la envoltura Proyecto Misionero de silla de ruedas. Si usted tiene tiempo, visite el sitio de internet de La misión americana de silla de ruedas y ver la diferencia que hacen al ayudar a los demás. Gracias por apoyar nuestro proyecto Regalo de movilidad!!!

Esther Kana ha sido profesora de religión en STM por 8 años. Ella tiene una licen-ciatura en Mercadotecnia de la Universi-dad de Houston. Tiene una maestría en artes liberales con una concentración en Teología de la Universidad de San To-mas. Ahora ella se enfoca en Dios! La

Señora Kana ha estado casada por 35 años con un hom-bre maravilloso, Tim, tiene tres maravillosos hijos con ado-rables esposas, 3 SUPER adorables nietos, 2 perros viejos y gruñones y un perdiz en un árbol de peras. Le gusta mu-cho viajar y hacer manualidades. La señora Kana dice “Me gusta mucho enseñar en STM porque tenemos una gran directora, un personal de oficina muy paciente, compañe-ros docentes agradables, y estudiantes impresionantes. Me encanta cuando los estudiantes regresan a visitar y me dicen que algo que yo les enseñe ha impactado sus vidas de alguna manera!”

ROSARIO VIVIENTE después de la Misa de las 11:00 a.m. del Domingo 18 de Enero, 2015 que marca el 42 aniversario de la infame decisión de la Suprema Corte de Justicia Roe v. Wade de legalizar el aborto en demanda. Únete al comité de respeto a la vida para orar a terminar con el aborto en este país y en el mun-do entero.

BOLSA PERDIDA

El Domingo pasado (Enero 4) en la Misa de las 5:00 pm, una bolsa negra estilo cartera se quedo en el cuarto de los bebes que lloran o en el baño de las mujeres. Si la encontró por favor llame a la Oficina de la Iglesia, nosotros conocemos a la dueña.

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK / ORACION POR LOS ENFERMOS John Amato, Pedro Apigo, Bobby Baker, Elisa Baker, Cristine Banks, Lontondra Banks, Hortencia Barelas, Lisa Bivins, Julia Brown, James Caffrey, Mary Jane Coke, Bernice Condon, Ellen Cooper, Heather Deeton, Alice Fahy, Bonifacio Figueroa, Frank Garcia, Gonzales Family, John Gorman, Barbara Graham, David Graham, Maurice Korkmas, David Lafferty, Bob Lee, Diane Lewis, Bob Little, Mary & Sabin Marshall, Margaret Martin, John R. Mar-tin, Fr. T. J. Martinez, Joyce Mercurio, Carol Montello, Mary Jane Morgan, Margaret Morris, Marcy Lowry Moses, Emma Newhouse, Fr. Bill Oliver, Freddie Perez, Joseph Pryor, Cherry Ronan, June Shumake, Al Suhor, Theresa Steen, Brian Steiner, Jan Tennert, Bertha Theriot, Beverly Thomas, Patricia Trejo, Rich Vachris, Bertie Vargas, Alan Wedin

PRAY FOR ALL SERVING IN THE MILITARY, ESPE-CIALLY THOSE IN OUR PARISH FAMILY SFC Paul Bergman, Col. David Eskelund, Megan Godsey, Traci Godsey, SPC Bryant Gradney, Sgt. Billy Janca, SSgt Bradley Louis, Mike McIntosh, Ebenezer E. Ohaegbulem, Charles U. Oparnozie, LCDR Russell Thiem, PFC Cristina Teresa Villegas

Please patronize our advertisers. It is through their support that our bulletin is provided at no cost to the parish. Thank you!

Aus�n Benne! Tice is a home schooled, Eagle Scout, Na�onal Merit

Finalist, graduate of Georgetown University, former Captain in the

United States Marine Corps and recipient of the 2012 George Polk

Award for War Repor�ng. He is the eldest of seven children, and was

born and raised in Texas.

In May of 2012, the summer before his final year at Georgetown Law

School, he chose to go to Syria as a Freelance Journalist to report on

the conflict there. Two days a9er his 31st birthday, on August 13,

2012, his editors, family and friends lost contact with Aus�n, as he

was preparing to travel from Daraya, near Damascus, to Beirut, Leb-

anon.

Please con�nue to pray for the safe return of Aus�n to his family.