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

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. Joseph’s Chapel 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 Receptionist-Peggy Holland 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 represents the minimum requirements. Adults will be referred to the RCIA program.

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

Parish Goal 2020 $52,000.00 Amount Pledged: $27,850.00 Amount Paid: $21,377.50 (41.11%) Total # of Participants 96 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.

Spiritual Holy Communion

For various reasons we may be prevented from receiving the Eucharist at Mass. We may have bro-ken the one hour fast, be in a state of mortal sin, or we could even be homebound, unable to leave our home to attend Mass.

In these cases the Church encourages us to make an act of “spiritual communion,” where we unite our-selves to God through prayer. It is a beautiful way to express to God our desire to be united with him when we are unable to complete that union in the reception of Holy Communion.

Below is a traditional prayer of spiritual communion that many saints have prayed over the years. It can be prayed if you find yourself at Mass unable to re-ceive the Eucharist, or even in the midst of your daily work, lifting up your thoughts to God.

The ultimate goal of our lives should be communion with God and an act of spiritual communion can help a person draw closer to that goal.

My Jesus, I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself

wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen

Sunday Offertory Donations May 30/31, 2020

Collection $6,049.00

May Miscellaneous Offertory $7,848.00

May Online Giving $9,452.12

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

Thank you for your generosity.

Saturday, June 6: 5:30pm Joachim Vo Van Nguyen† By:Nguyen Family

Sunday, June 7: 9:00am People of the Parish 11:30am Zaragoza Trevino† By:Theresa & Alex Trevino 1:00pm Dorothy Dawson†

By:Doris Holmes Tuesday, June 9: 12:000pm Sammy Barnett† By:Wichlep Family Wednesday, June 10:

12:00pm Dorothy Dawson† By:Doris Holmes Thursday, June 11:

8:30am Special Intention for Sarah Purlee By:Agnes Rushing Friday, June 12:

8:30am Mary† & Harold† Pfeiffer By:Paschal Family Saturday, June 13: 5:30pm Platt Family By:Walter Hayes Family

Sunday, June 14: 9:00am People of the Parish 11:30am Julio† & Soledad† Romereo By:Valencia Family 1:00pm Matilda Samaro

By:Lopez Family

Dear parish family, Most Holy Trinity With so much conflict and division in our society and country, the church pauses to celebrate the perfect unity – three persons in one God, the mystery of the Holy Trinity. By mystery the Church does not mean a riddle, but rather a reality above our human comprehension that we may begin to grasp, but ultimately must know through worship, symbol, and faith. It has been said that mystery is not a wall to run up against, but an ocean in which to swim. In the Trinity we have an ideal example of a relationship of pure and infinite love that bonds the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The ideal which can translate to real life if we follow what is God all about – God is love. Our gospel reading this Sunday says, “God so loved the world that He gave his only son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life (Jn 3:16).” This single verse is ripe with meanings. It tells us of “God,” the greatest lover. He "so loved” telling us of the greatest decree that if the whole Bible can be summed into one word it is this decree called “love.” And if the world is wanting of anything it is this wanting of that “love.” What follows is the verse “the world" which tells us of the greatest company. God does not love only the good but also the sinners, in fact not on-ly the good and bad, rather the whole world. Then it tells us, “that he gave” reminding us the greatest act. Next words are “His only begotten Son" telling us about the greatest gift. Then one word “whoever” follows it, telling us of the greatest opportunity. Then the next word is "believe” telling us of the greatest command. And then, "in him" tells us of the greatest attraction who is Jesus himself. "Should not perish” the greatest promise. The word "but” tells us of the greatest difference leading to the final words - "eternal life" which is the greatest possession. May the Holy Trinity be a model for us in our relationship with each other! Stay safe and blessings to all! Fr. Tony

Querida familia parroquial, Santísima Trinidad Con mucho conflicto y división en nuestra sociedad y país, la iglesia se detiene para celebrar la unión perfecta – tres personas en un solo Dios, el misterio de la Santísima Trinidad. Al decir misterio la Iglesia no está hablando de un enigma, sino que de una realidad más arriba de nuestra comprensión humana en que podamos comenzar en comprender, pero por ultimo conocerlo a través de la adoración, símbolo, y fe. Se ha dicho que el misterio no es un murro contra cual romper, sino un océano en el que nadar. En la Trinidad tenemos un ejemplo ideal de una relación de puro infinito amor que une al Padre, Hijo y El Espíritu Santo. El ideal que se puede traducir a la vida real si seguimos de qué se trata de Dios – Dios es amor. Nuestra lectura del evangelio de este domingo dice, “¡Así amo Dios al mundo! Le dio al Hijo Único, para que quien cree en él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna (Jn 3:16).” Este solo verso está lleno de significados. Nos habla de “Dios, “el mayor amor. El “amo” diciéndonos sobre el mayor decreto que si la Biblia se sumara en una sola palabra seria este decreto llamado “amor.” Y si el mundo desea algo esto es lo que desea “amor.” Lo que sigue en el verso “el mundo” en que nos habla sobre la mejor compañía. Dios no solo ama a los buenos sino que también a los pecadores, en realidad no solo el bueno o el malo, sino que todo el mundo. Después nos dice, “que el dio” nos recuerda del acto más grande. Las siguientes palabras son “Su Hijo Único” hablándonos del mayor regalo. Después una palabra “quien” hablándonos sobre la mayor oportunidad. Después la siguiente palabra es “cree” hablándonos sobre el mayor mandato. Y después, “en el “nos habla sobre la mayor atracción que es Jesús mismo. “no se pierda” la gran promesa. La palabra “sino” nos habla sobre la mayor diferencia que lleva a las últimas palabras – “vida eterna” que es la mayor posesión. ¡Que la Santísima Trinidad sea un modelo para nuestras relaciones los unos con los otros!

¡Manténganse protegidos y bendiciones para todos! Padre Tony

IGNITE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Parish Goal $469,301.00

Amount Pledged: $228,090.95 (48.60 % of Goal)

Amount Paid: $94,382.50(20.11%) 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!

Pope’s Prayer Intention for June The Way of the Heart:

We pray that all those who suffer may fid their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus.

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, unset-tled 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.

Mass Intentions

Due to the current health crisis situation, the Mass Intentions offered for Sunday Masses and daily Masses have had to be adjusted. We have tried our best to move weekend Masses to other weekends, if they were scheduled for Saturday or Sunday, even if we had to schedule them several months out. Please see the bulletin each week for the upcoming weekly schedule.

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 oth-er problems, please contact Tracy stmarysr-cia@yahoo.com. She will contact you and walk you through the steps to register.

VIRTUAL Marriage Encounter Weekend “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” Let God amplify the love in your marriage by participating in a VIRTUAL Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend, June 26-28 or July 31-Aug 02. Contact Brian & Tina Little at 281-773-4014 for more information. Or go on-line to www.houstonme.org.

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.

St. Mary’s facilities are now open for scheduling of meetings and Bible studies. The CDC guidelines of social distancing, wearing a mask and proper hand sanitation, as well as cleaning the designated space after each meeting is required. In order to schedule a meeting, please contact the office to check on availability as meeting space is limited to certain areas.

"The Holy Spirit, when we invite Him into our wounds, anoints our painful memories with the balm of hope, because the Spirit restores hope." - Pope Francis

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.

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 Donations and your Regular Offertory Giving. As a result our offertory and COVID-19 donations, collections 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 maintenance as re-quired.

I cannot Thank You enough for assisting St. Mary's during this crucial time. Your donations will be cred-ited to your account and you will receive 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, 916 Park, La Porte, Tx 77571

My prayers for good health are with you and your family during this pandemic.

With You In Christ, Fr. Tony Castro Pastor St. Mary's Catholic Church

FYI...Our former Pastor, Fr. Gary Rickles is currently recovering from brain surgery, due to a fall he had recently. The surgery was successful, he just needs time to heal. If you would like to send him a cheer card you may send it to his residence, St. Dominic's Center, Fr. Gary Rickles, 2409 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77021.

Please Pray For Our Troops and …

Lynn Garner, Danny Miguel Saul, Lisa Medina, Desti-ny Perez, Chuck Driscoll, Johnny Hughes, Leon Ar-ron, Hernan Enrique Caceres, Veronica Natalia Chavez, Maria Sol Montel, Laura Andrea Cáceres, Veronica Rodriguez, Luz Alejandra Bringas, Carolina Silvia Brizuela Perez, Andrea Emilia Bernabey, Rodolfo Martin Arruabarrena, Angel Esteban Arrua Gustavo Caceres, Enrique Cáceres, Candaleria Ortiz, Lorena Rodriguez, Ann Mullins, Micha Nelson, Ann DuBois, Raeland , Brayden, Allison & Ellie Murphy, Becky Smith, Craig Wade, Jennifer Wade, Dianne Lemons, Paula Lambright, Dave & Cindy Schmitz & family, Dennis, Peggy & Erica Hargens, Ruth Christian & family, Don & Allie Fay Mathews, Cathy & Bill Eberle, Inez Wade & family, Cheral Sides, Javier Martin Vera, Jeff Wade, Eileen Gaynor, Tony McCrory, Joe Lozano Jr, Casey Samollow, Elenor Joan Samollow, Rick Novak, Devon Tiffin, Bobby Hayes, Jennifer Dowing, Norman Ross, Tina Martinez, Susan Tolley, Aaron Binkley, Jordon Binkley, Mary Ann Cloyd, Rene Lozano and Don Gore Continue to Pray for Walj’Dean Lundquist, Fr. Gary Rickles, Julian Buentello Jr., Deacon Hector Cantu, Edward D. Palacios, Joe Lopez, Maria Garcia,, Ladd Puskus, David Gon-zalez, Vicki Farias, Nell Turk, Rosie Yznaga, Teresa Mills, Joe Lozano, Sr., Angeles Sullivan, Tim Hellstein, Leroy Marchan, Geraldine Christensen, Kathy Strader, Daniel Vasquez, Herlinda Robles, Rosa Harness, Randy Hanks, Jeanette Til-ley, Albert & Christina Palacios, Marisol Leyva & family, Marisol Luna, Pete & Juanita Sanchez, Betty Flynn, Orville Burgess, Pat Riley, Edward Salinas, Marlene Orellana, Hum-berto Villalobos, Kathy McBride, Margaret Espinoza, Romela Nolan, Joe Bernal, Fr. Gary Rickles, Renee Cortez, Aurelia Hinojosa, Cathy Hanzelka, Msgr. Boli Zientek, Gayle Phillips, Jane Middleton, Rosa Reyes, Deacon Tom Lewis, Irene Tem-plet, Preston Wolf, Lawretta Foots, 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, Josie Funda, 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 Patsy Holland, Arnoldo Lozano, Andrea Rodriguez Pina and Paulina Saenz Our Sympathy to Peggy Holland and family o the loss of her sister in law, Patsy, Nelda Shealy and family on the loss of her cousin Arnoldo, Robert Ortiz and family on the loss of his aunt, Andrea, and Nelda Shealy and family on the loss of her aunt, Paulina Please Note: Names on our “Please Pray For” list are left on for four weeks. If someone needs to be put back on the prayer list or added please call the Church Office.

The Gabriel Project is designed to help women and teenagers who are in a crisis pregnancy. If you are in need of assistance or know someone who is, please contact Belinda @ 713-805-4961 or the Church Office.

Parish Events Calendar In light of the ongoing COVID-19, we are doing our best to keep our events calendar updated on our website. We are going to be posting and updating information as we navigate the resumption of our weekend Masses. Currently, all weekday Masses are in the Church to allow for greater distancing. To view any updates, please visit our website www.stmaryslaporte.com

ALTAR SOCIETY

Church Sanctuary Candle In Loving Memory of Corando “Corey” Saenz III

By Family

Chapel Sanctuary Candle In Loving Memory of Corando “Corey” Saenz III

By Family

altar flowers June 6/7: In Honor of Wedding Celebration of Mr. & Mrs. Colton Lindsay

Available Dates ~ June 13/14, 20/21, 27/28 July 4/5

August 1/2, 15/16, 29/30

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

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Kgs 17:1-6; Ps 121:1bc-8; Mt 5:1-12 Tuesday: 1 Kgs 17:7-16; Ps 4:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 5:13-16 Wednesday: 1 Kgs 18:20-39; Ps 16:1b-2ab, 4, 5ab, 8, 11; Mt 5:17-19 Thursday: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3; Ps 65:10-13; Mt 5:20-26 Friday: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-16; Ps 27:7-9abc, 13-14; Mt 5:27-32 Saturday: 1 Kgs 19:19-21; Ps 16:1b-2a, 5, 7-10; Mt 5:33-37 Sunday: Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; 1 Cor 10:16-17; Jn 6:51-58

Bulletin Mailout... We have begun transition to the resumption of our weekend and daily Masses. As we adjust to PHASE I of the Pandemic crisis, Fr. Tony has decided to continue doing the mailout each week of our bulletin in order to keep those staying at home connected to our parish with updates and any changes that may occur for Mass attendance. However, if you would like to be removed from our mailout list, and just view the bulletin online, please call the office. We are counting our blessings and very grateful for your ongoing support!

www.stmaryslaporte.com

Questions/Concerns Contact Shari ( Director) davisinlp@aol.com

Please pray for Our Lady’s intercession and protection for this school year. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide teachers, parents and the community in support of the children of the parish!

Confirmation You should receive a revised

schedule for meeting this week. Please send contact information

for your sponsor to

1208stmarylp@gmail.com

First Communion The retreat will be a DIY retreat.

If you haven’t picked up your packet email us to schedule a time.

Send your questions to 1208stmarylp@gmail.com

Please include your child’s name and any questions you may have.