St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston Houston

816 Park Dr. La Porte, Texas 77571 281-471-2000 Fax:281-471-9365

Website:www.stmaryslaporte.com E-mail:stmaryslpcc@sbcglobal.net Parish Office Hours

Monday - Friday 9:00 am-12:00 Noon 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm

Eucharistic Celebrations Saturday: 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. (Spanish) 1:00 p.m.

St. Mary’s Church Monday (No Mass) Tuesday & Wednesday – 12:00 noon Thursday, & Friday – 8:30 a.m.

Parish Staff Rev. Tony A. Castro, Pastor Deacon Hector Cantu Deacon Julio Matallana Deacon Stan Avallone Bookkeeper-Nelda Shealy Bulletin/Sacramental Records– Cheryl Frobenius Maintenance– Steve Regan Parish Secretary-Jessica Jaramillo C.C.E. Director-Shari Davis C.C.E. Coordinator - Graciela Lopez EDGE Coordinator-Randy Tercero Life Teen Director-Shari Davis

Sacrament of Baptism Baptisms are celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Classes are held on the 2nd & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Please come by the Parish Office to register or call for more information. Reconciliation The Sacrament of Penance is offered on Saturdays, from 4:30p.m. to 5:30p.m. or by appointment. Sacrament of Marriage Please contact the Parish Office at least (6) six months prior to your desired wedding date to arrange a meeting with Father Tony or one of the Deacons. If you want a Mass, you must call Father Tony. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Are you a non-Catholic who is interested in joining the Catholic faith? Are you a baptized Catholic who has never received the sacraments of 1st Communion and Confirmation? If your answer is yes to either of these questions, call the Parish Office. Sacrament of First Reconciliation/First Communion First Reconciliation/Communion candidates must be baptized, at least in the second grade, and have been attending CCE classes for at least TWO full years prior to entering into sacramental preparation. Adults will be referred to the RCIA program. Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation is a separate more intensive examination of the faith and our responsibilities as practicing Catholics. Confirmands will meet once per month in addition to attending Life Teen faithfully, both one full year prior to the beginning Sacramental preparation and during the preparation year (no more than three absences either year). Parents/Sponsors will also be required to attend once per month meetings. Confirmation candidates must have previously received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion. A habit of attending weekly Mass is required for both years. Please, note the above repre-sents the minimum requirements. Adults will be referred to the RCIA program.

Vision Statement

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic Community of Believers called to serve Christ by gathering together at the Lord’s Table in worship and praise, by serving our brothers and sisters in Christ, and by being a welcoming beacon of light to all. We are many parts, yet one body in Christ.

DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND “Bring Your Greatest Gifts to the Lord”

Parish Goal 2020 $52,000.00 Amount Pledged: $28,775.00

Amount Paid: $22,960.00 (44.15%) Total # of Participants 98

Our 2020 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) has begun in every parish throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Christ calls us to serve one another and reach those who are sick or in need, to bless and serve them. Your compassion and generosity is needed by the Archdiocese. When you share your greatest gifts with the Lord, you enable us to reach out to people in this parish and throughout the entire Archdiocese through more than 60 important ministries. To give online, please visit www.archgh.org/dsf. gratitude.

Weekend Collection August 1, 2, 2020 $7,891.00

July Online Giving $9,531.32 July Miscellaneous Deposits $4,122.00

If you would like to send your weekly donations, please visit St. Mary’s website and go to the Online Giving icon, Flocknotes or mail them to St. Mary’s, 816 Park Dr., La Porte, TX 77571. www.stmaryslaporte.com

Saturday, August 8: 5:30pm Martin Anaya† By:Maria Anaya and Family

Sunday, August 9:

9:00am People of the Parish 11:30am Eleodoro† & Aurelia† Valencia By:Valencia Family 1:00pm Rita Zaborowski† By: Family

Tuesday, August 11: 12:000pm Birthday Celebration Jubilee Jimenez By: Davis Family Wednesday, August 12:

12:00pm Delia Lopez† By:Joe Lopez Thursday, August 13:

8:30am John Erikson† By:Bonnie & Walter Hayes Friday, August 14:

8:30am Lumen Natividad† By:Cortez Family Saturday, August 15: 5:30pm Mary† & Harold† Pfeiffer By:Paschal Family Sunday, August 16:

9:00am Dorothy Dawson† By:Doris Holmes 11:30am Birthday Celebration Juan & Victor Jr. Velasquez By: Velasquez Family 1:00pm People of the Parish

THE PRESENCE OF GOD After the miracle of Jesus walking on water, the disciples exclaimed, “Truly, you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). Most Christians will probably never experience such a dramatic miracle. Like Elijah, we await the manifestation of God in other moments. Perhaps the biggest challenge for the believer is to be constantly attuned to the possible presence of God in the everyday events of life. This is a stance that takes some people years to develop. Others seem to find the Lord easily in the simple things. As the week unfolds, let us look for the presence of God in the little things around us. Perhaps, like Elijah, we will be surprised at what we find. And, like the disciples, we can add our voice to the confession, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

The St. John Paul II Foundation and the Archdiocese of

Galveston-Houston Family Life Ministry invite all married and engaged couples to the 6th annual

Together in Holiness marriage conference on Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 10:30 am – 6:00 pm

at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land AND Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Parish in The Woodlands.

Dynamic Presentations | Mass | Scholarships Eucharistic Adoration | Reconciliation

Featuring: Danielle Bean and Steve & Becky Greene

Registration: $59/couple and $35/individual

At-Home Conference Experience: $15 Early Bird discount available until August 10.

Scholarships available upon request.

For more information, please visit togetherinholiness.org or email TH@forlifeandfamily.org.

Dear parish family, 19 Sunday A Our readings this Sunday challenge us to find God in the most unexpected places: in a tiny “whispering sound” as Elijah experienced (1st read-ing), or in the middle of a raging storm as the gospel relates. Individually we need to find a time and place to hear the “whispering sound of our Lord God” in our private prayers to lift us up and guide us in this troubled world. This may be the time we find strength to overcome whatever personal “storms” that may have beset us. Storms come to us in many and varied forms - difficult situations or problems whatever nature. Each has to face some trials in life. Crises in life arise affecting us in many ways and in different intensities. But what matters is not how mild or how strong these “storms” are but how do we face them. The big storm that collectively we are facing right now is the pandemic. So, the gospel passage this Sunday is a very strong reminder and great point for our reflection. There are times when we noticed only the opposing winds against us rather than believing that we can do all things through Christ who strength-ens us. There are times when we stop looking at Jesus and pay attention instead on things that separate us from Him. These are the times when we literally experience sinking in life, like Peter in the gospel story while able at a moment to walk on the stormy seas. When storms come, we are tempted to ask a question: Where is God in these? Where is Jesus in the midst of the storm? The gospel tells us he came to his disciples “during the fourth watch of the night.” What took him so long? We don’t understand the delay, especially considering the intensity of the struggle. Our Lord may not immediately end the storm, but instead enables us, with him, to walk on the stormy seas. He reprimands his disciples for not trusting his presence and strength while the seas were raging. It turns out, they may not have felt his presence, but still, they were getting through the storm. The power to overcome storms seems to come from praying. Jesus prays at crucial points in the gospels: before important decisions, before and during his suffering and in the gospel this Sunday, before he calms the storm. We are called by Jesus today, as he asked Peter in the gospel, to get out of the boat and walk towards him in the stormy seas. It’s very pro-found to reflect being called to be “storm walkers” of today. The waters may be so rough but we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Above all we know we have the most important companion in the journey and so we take courage on crossing the seas, whether calm or stormy, because Jesus is with us telling us amidst the storm, “Don’t be afraid it is I.” Stay safe always. Blessings to you all and have a good week! Fr. Tony Querida familia parroquial, 19 domingo A

Nuestras lecturas de este domingo nos desafían a encontrar a Dios en los lugares más inesperados: en un pequeño "susurro" como experi-mentó Elijah (primera lectura), o en medio de una tormenta furiosa según se relaciona el evangelio. Individualmente necesitamos encontrar el tiempo y el lugar para escuchar el "sonido susurrante de nuestro Señor Dios" en nuestras ora-ciones privadas para elevarnos y guiarnos en este mundo problemático. Este puede ser el momento en que encontremos fuerzas para superar cualquier "tormenta" personal que nos haya acosado. Las tormentas nos llegan en muchas y variadas formas: situaciones difíciles o problemas de cualquier naturaleza. Cada uno tiene que enfrentar algunas pruebas en la vida. Surgen crisis en la vida que nos afectan de muchas maneras y en diferentes intensidades. Pero lo que importa no es qué tan leves o fuertes sean estas “tormentas” sino cómo las enfrentamos. La gran tormenta que colectivamente enfrentamos ahora es la pandemia. Entonces, el pasaje del evangelio de este domingo es un re-cordatorio muy fuerte y un gran punto para nuestra reflexión.

Hay momentos en que notamos solo los vientos opuestos contra nosotros en lugar de creer que podemos hacer todas las cosas a través de Cristo que nos fortalece. Hay momentos en que dejamos de mirar a Jesús y prestamos atención a las cosas que nos separan de Él. Estos son los momentos en que literalmente experimentamos hundimiento en la vida, como Pedro en la historia del evangelio, mientras que en un momento po-demos caminar en los mares tormentosos.

Cuando llegan las tormentas, estamos tentados a hacer una pregunta: ¿Dónde está Dios en estos momentos? ¿Dónde está Jesús en me-dio de la tormenta? El evangelio nos dice que vino a sus discípulos "durante la cuarta vigilia de la noche". ¿Qué le tomó tanto tiempo? No entende-mos la demora, especialmente teniendo en cuenta la intensidad de la lucha. Nuestro Señor puede que no termine inmediatamente la tormenta, sino que nos permite, junto con él, caminar en los mares tormentosos. Él reprende a sus discípulos por no confiar en su presencia y fuerza mientras los mares estaban furiosos. Resulta que pueden no haber sentido su presencia, pero aún así, estaban atravesando la tormenta.

El poder para vencer las tormentas parece provenir de la oración. Jesús ora en puntos cruciales en los evangelios: antes de decisiones importantes, antes y durante su sufrimiento y en el evangelio este domingo, antes de calmar la tormenta.

Hoy Jesús nos llama, asi cuando le pidió a Pedro en el evangelio, que bajáramos del bote y camináramos hacia él en los mares tormento-sos. Es muy profundo reflejar ser llamados a ser "caminantes de tormenta" de hoy. Las aguas pueden estar tan agitadas pero mantenemos nuestros ojos fijos en Jesús. Por encima de todo, sabemos que tenemos el compañero más importante en el viaje y, por lo tanto, nos animamos a cruzar los mares, ya sea en calma o con tormenta, porque Jesús está con nosotros diciéndonos en medio de la tormenta: "No tengas miedo pues soy yo".

Mantente protegido siempre.

!Bendiciones para todos y que tengan una buena semana! Fr. Tony

St. Joseph’s Chapel Needs You Is God Calling You to spend one hour a week with Him? Adora-tion of the Blessed Sacrament is held on Tuesday from 12noon to Thursday at 8:30am. We currently are in need of someone to fill the

hour on Thursday Mornings from 2-3am. If you can fill this hour, would like to schedule a weekly Holy Hour or be placed on the sub list, please call the office.

IGNITE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Parish Goal $469,301.00

Amount Pledged: $231,090.95 (49.24 % of Goal)

Amount Paid: $104,010.75(22.16%) Total # of Participants 71

Our Faith, Our Mission Begins! Addressing the Short and Long-term Needs of Our Church and those God calls us to serve.

We seek to raise over $150 million over the next 4 years to prepare our faith family for the future. At its heart, this campaign is about supporting our future by focusing on our parishes, our future priests, Catholic Education and Faith Formation as well as Rebuilding in Light of Harvey and ensuring a future Disaster Fund. Please prayerfully consider your commitment!

Spiritual Direction Feeling stuck in your faith? Deeper intimacy with Our Lord Is possible. With gentle en-couragement from a spiritual director and your commitment of 30-60 minutes a day you can enter into a deeper relationship with Our Lord than you ever thought possible. Spiritual direction can help you learn to pray better. Interested in spiritual direction? Contact Tracy:stmarysrcia@yahoo.com.

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Prayer in the Time of the Coronavirus

Comfort us, O Lord, for we are like your disciples on the storm tossed seas, unsettled by what lies ahead. We turn to You, our Healer and Guide, to still our hearts in our time of need and hear our prayer: Heal those who are sick with the coronavirus and protect the elderly and most vulnerable. Give strength to all who tend to our health and wisdom to researchers who work toward a cure. Open our eyes and hearts, as you did during Hurricane Harvey, that we may look beyond our immediate needs to care for others who need help. Through the Holy Spirit, guide our leaders to make wise decisions for the welfare of all the people they serve. Grant eternal rest to those who have died from the virus. May Mary, Our Mother, who has heard our pleas in the storms of our lives, intercede to her Son, that we may find healing and a prompt end to this illness.

Mary, Star of the Sea, pray for us. Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, heal us.

St. Mary’s facilities are now open for scheduling of meetings. As a reminder, we currently DO NOT HAVE A CLEANING CREW due to the financial impact the pandemic has had on our finances. The CDC guidelines of social distancing, wearing a mask and proper hand sanitation, as well as cleaning the designated mtg. space after each meeting are still in effect . In order to schedule a meeting, please contact the office to check on availability as meeting space is limited to certain areas. Thank you for your cooperation.

Activities for the Week Sun., August 9: First Communion Mass 1pm Tues., August 11: English Baptism Class 7pm Thurs., August 13: RCIA Rosary Hall Conf. Rm 6pm

In our ongoing effort to provide a safe environment for all the children of the parish I am informing you about the safe environment training requirements for our Archdiocese. Father Tony would like to get ALL volunteers at the church to do the safe environment training. If you are up to date on your training (VIRTUS OR Safe Haven) , thank you! IF you have not ever take the training or believe your certification lapsed please, access the following website and complete the training. The website has all the details needed to complete the training. This is the website that you can access for the training. https://www.archgh.org/offices-ministries/office-of-child-and-youth-protection/safe-environment-training-for-adults/ Please email Shari @ 1208stmarylp@gmail.com (Religious Education Director) if you have any questions.

Upcoming Baptismal Dates September 13, October 11

Baptism classes are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in English. Due to COVID we are unable to have classes in Spanish, but everyone is welcome to attend the English classes. Baptisms will be held the 2nd Sunday of each month after the 1pm Mass. If you are baptizing here, you need to fill out a registration form for your child’s baptism, and we will need to make a copy of their birth certificate from the state before you attend the class. If you do not live in La Porte, you must be a registered, active member of St Mary’s to baptize your child here. You cannot register in our parish only to baptize your child. Please call the office to make arrangements to obtain the paperwork.

Stay Connected at Home JOIN FORMED

Incredible online gateway to the best Catholic Content, all in one place. Go to stmaryslaporte.formed.org to register. If you are having any trouble getting registered, or any other problems, please contact Tracy stmarysrcia@yahoo.com. She will contact you and walk you through the steps to register.

RCIA Classes Thursday 6pm Rosary Hall

(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Who should do the full RCIA program? If you are not baptized or were baptized in another Christian denomination and are interested in possibly becoming Catholic, RCIA is for you. If you are a baptized Catholic adult who needs First Holy communion and confirmation, then you should attend RCIA to receive those sacra-ments. Coming once (or twice… or more) obli-gates you to NOTHING. For additional information about RCIA call the office or email Tracy, stmarysr-cia@yahoo.com.

The Lighthouse Catholic Media Kiosks… There are several books and DVD’s of infor-mational material designed to help us grow in our faith. Go by and check them out! The re is a Kiosk located at the back of the church and in Rosary Hall.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 2 Cor 9:6-10; Ps 112:1-2, 5-9; Jn 12:24-26 Tuesday: Ez 2:8 — 3:4; Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 Wednesday: Ez 9:1-7; 10:18-22; Ps 113:1-6; Mt 18:15-20 Thursday: Ez 12:1-12; Ps 78:56-59, 61-62: Mt 18:21-19:1 Friday: Ez 16:1-15, 60, 63 [59-63]; Is 12:2-3, 4bcd-6; Mt 19:3-12 Saturday:Vigil: 1 Chr 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2; Ps 132:6-7, 9-10, 13-14; 1 Cor 15:54b-57; Lk 11:27-28 Day: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Ps 45:10-12, 16; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56 Sunday: Is 56:1, 6-7; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Rom 11:13-15, 29-32; Mt 15:21-28

Complete the U.S. Census form today! All of God’s children count. If you were living in the United States on April 1, it is your duty to complete the 2020 US Cen-sus, regardless of your immigration status. The Census is used to distribute federal funds between the states. It is EASY to com-plete the Census online at www.my2020Census.gov or by call-ing 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-368-2020 (Espanol) or by mailing in your written Census form. Your answers are com-pletely confidential and can never be used against you by any agency, court or person.

Please Pray For Our Troops and …

Lucy Sturm, George Sturm, Thomas & Margaret Pettus,Jennifer Wade, Craig Wade, Raelynd, Ann DuBois, Becky Smith, Dianne Lemons, Dave & Cin-dy Schmitz, Dennis, Peggy & Erica Hargens, Ruth Christian & family, Don & Allie Fay Mathews, Cathy & Bill Eberle, Jessica Salazar, Gus Sanchez, Aubrey Spears, Lois Trevino, Don Gore, Leslie Castejon, Allen Hayes, Ernesto Rodriguez & family, Elisha Durham, Ron Johnston, Bob & Barbara Jennings, Darcy & Virgil Blackstock, Danny Mi-guel Saul, Lisa Medina, Destiny Perez, Chuck Driscoll, Johnny Hughes Continue to Pray for Edward Wachel, Joey Bernal, Joe Bernal, Wal’Dean Lundquist, Fr. Gary Rickles, Deacon Hector Cantu, Edward D. Palacios, Joe Lopez, Maria Garcia,, Ladd Puskus, David Gonzalez, Vicki Farias, Nell Turk, Rosie Yznaga, Teresa Mills, Joe Lozano, Sr., Angeles Sullivan, Tim Hellstein, Leroy Marchan, Geraldine Chris-tensen, Kathy Strader, Daniel Vasquez, Herlinda Robles, Rosa Harness, Randy Hanks, Jeanette Tilley, Marisol Leyva & family, Marisol Luna, Pete & Juanita Sanchez, Betty Flynn, Orville Burgess, Pat Riley, Edward Salinas, Marlene Orellana, Humberto Villalobos, Kathy McBride, Robert & Margaret Espinoza, Romela Nolan, Fr. Gary Rickles, Renee Cortez, Aurelia Hinojosa, Cathy Hanzelka, Msgr. Boli Zientek, Gayle Phillips, Jane Middleton, Rosa Reyes, Deacon Tom Lewis, Irene Templet, Preston Wolf, Marcos Vasquez, Gavin Binkley, Clarence Lewis, Red Cornejo, Linda Jaramillo, Deacon Merce Leal, Sue Crockett, Ben Munoz, Diana Ortiz, Bob Davis, Janet Hoffpauir, Nick Martin, Barry Armstrong and those requesting prayer via our web site. Remember Our Shut-Ins Mary Boatman, Lydia Rubio, Trinidad Arrindon, Soledad Hernandez, Elida Peterson, and those battling terminal illness and the residents of La Porte Care Center and Parson’s House Repose of the Souls of Michael E. Boike Jr., Manuel Cardenas and Hilarion Flores Our Sympathy to Debbie Blanton and family on the lossof-her son, Michael, the family of Manuel Cardenas, Gloria Palacios and family on the loss of her father, Hilarion.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for August The Maritime World:

We pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families.

altar flowers August 8/9: In Loving Memory of Carl Lundquist & Walton Sellers By: Wal’Dean Lundquist

~ Available Flower Dates ~

August 15/16, 22/23, 29/30 September 12/13

October 3/4, 10/11, 17/18, 24/25, Oct. 31/Nov. 1

Altar Flowers contact Rose Kolenc 713-202-3283 or rose_kolenc@yahoo.com.

Church Sanctuary Candle Special Intention for Peggy Hollland

Chapel Sanctuary Candle

In Loving Memory of Carl Lundquist By Wal’Dean Lundquist

ONLINE GIVING

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your generosity in assisting St. Mary's with Parish Support through the COVID-19 Do-nations and your Regular Offertory Giving. As a result our offertory and COVID-19 donations, col-lections have increased and the shortfall has changed to 50% from the original 70%. St. Mary's continues to budget in areas where we can. We are currently able to maintain our monthly personnel salaries, utilities and mainte-nance as required. I cannot Thank You enough for assisting St. Mary's during this crucial time. Your donations will be credited to your account and you will re-ceive a tax form for the IRS at the end of the year. If you need help to register for Online Giving, please call the office at 281-471-2000.

If you prefer to donate by check please mail to: St. Mary's Church, 816 Park, La Porte, Tx 77571

Complete the U.S. Census form today! All of God’s children count. If you were living in the United States on April 1, it is your duty to complete the 2020 US Census, regardless of your immigration status. The Census is used to distribute federal funds between the states. It is EASY to complete the Cen-sus online at www.my2020Census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-368-2020 (Espanol) or by mailing in your written Census form. Your answers are completely confidential and can never be used against you by any agency, court or person.

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: That we respond obediently to God’s call and have the confidence to walk on water. “He said, “Come”. Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:29 When you hear Jesus calling, do you responded immediately and trust that He knows what He’s doing? If so, you are walking on water! When we say “yes” to Jesus, we feel the power of his presence in our lives. We can feel the freedom it gives us! Listen how Jesus is call-ing you to live the extraordinary life He has intended for you.

Please pray for Our Lady’s intercession and protection for our children of the parish!

It is that time of year again! You should have received a survey and a registration form in the mail. Please, return the survey along with your registration form. You can also go on the church website and fill out a registration form online. Payment can be mailed to the office or dropped in the mail slot along with your registration form.

$75.00 for first child and $25.00 for each additional child. 816 Park Street

La Porte, Texas 77571 Questions, contact Shari Davis, CCE Director 1208stmarylp@gmail.com

Life Teen

First Communion Please join in the welcoming the following young people to the banquet of the Lord. Keep them and their families in your prayers as the take this next step in our shared pilgrimage.

August 9th 1:00 PM Mass Caleb Abram Ayala & Damian Ramos

Confirmation Check website and NEW calendar for meeting!

1208stmarylp@gmail.com