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February 4, 2018 Vol. 36 No. 26

St. Stephen’s Catholic Church 4601 Neely Avenue Midland, Texas 79707 (432) 520-7394 Fax (432) 520-7395

www.ststephensmidland.com

Rev. Rodney White, Pastor Assistant Pastor: Rev. Timothy Hayter

Deacons: Leonard Hendon, Luis Mata, Fidel Saldivar, Larry Salazar Sisters: Gertrudis Muñoz, Leonila Torres

Youth Director: Thomas Shows Director of Religious Education: Gretchen Lara

Music Director: Gabriel Salgado

COME JOIN US FOR A HOLY HOUR AS

WE GATHER TOGETHER AS A WHOLE

PARISH TO BE WITH OUR LORD IN

ADORATION. ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE

CALL LINDA FOSTER AT (432)559-

8888

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH

FROM 6:30 PM—7:30 PM

MAIN SANCTUARY

ST. STEPHEN’S

Bartolo Rodea, Evans Family, Rachel S., Burdette Family, Isaiah V., Vanessa V., Anita P., Carlota W., Judy D., Alicia S., Jesse Julus Garcia, Betty Compton, Maunel Hernandez, Corina Pena, Filemon R. Ortega, Clarissa Ortega, Ricky Montes, Luke M. Prementine, Zaylin Ortegon, Teresa Kiser,

Mike Levi, Mark Clark, Eva Talamantez, Potsy Sotelo, Jaelynn G. Garcia, Mingo Lujan, Ramon Munoz, Beatrice Pacheco, Bea Herrera, Methias Ornelas, Jose Carmen Vazquez, Rebecca Rodelo, Jess Valenzuela, Bob Brecze, Gerald Thetford, Heidi Gobel, Dominguez Family, Yasmin Smith, Ladyann Medina, Fran Thetford, Margaret Robson, Joe Munoz Jr., Anita Morin, Joe Munoz III, Dahlia Munoz, Julio Rodriguez, Felix Munoz II, Julian Rodriguez, Terisa Galvin, Jesus Munoz, Bob & Eva Lopez, Gary Miller, Mykee Angay, Mike Braskett, Emma Valdez, Mary Madrid, Eddie Martinez, Albert Madrid, James M. Garcia, Rosa Mata, Ruben Salas, Eva Lopez, Isabel Martinez, Alfredo Garcia, Jerry Huitron, Alonzo Rios, Jordan & Sanchez Family, Larry White, Daniel Jossylen, Roberta Smith, Paola Hinojos, Ryan Pina, Kaely Munoz, Castillo Family, Deacon Mike Medina, Elizabeth McChesney, Jacqueline Murphree, Qualls Family, Felly Camagong & Family, Janie Sotelo, Melinda Sanchez, MaryLu Perrez, Kim Waltzer, Gina Gonzalez, Braxton Munoz, Dylan Wilson, Sam Gibbs, Alyss Munoz, Alejandro Munoz Jr, Veronica Gomez-Calvo, Delaney Diaz, Raul Dominguez, Avyel Munoz, Inez Laing.

Email frontdesk.sscc@att.net or call the office at 520-7394 to be added to the prayer list!

Valentines Dance February 10, 2018

at 6:30 PM

Valentines Dinner & Dance Sponsorship Needed to Make this a success! Tickets on sale Now ! Cost is $50 After Mass & at Church Office

Thank you and for questions please call Liz Madrid at 432-352-1961

Upcoming Baptismal Classes:

February 11th March 4th & 11th

English : 2:00 - 4:30 Spanish: 2:30 - 5:00

Please Call Parish Office to Register (432) 520–7394.

Sunday, February 4 - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Monday, February 5 - St. Agatha

Tuesday, February 6 - St. Paul Miki & Companions

Wednesday, February 7

Thursday, February 8 - St. Jerome Emiliani

Friday, February 9

Saturday, February 10 - St. Scholastica

Sunday, February 11 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Last Week’s Collection

Regular Collection $ 26,209.50 Building Fund $ 95.00 Other Income $ 4,328.10 Catholic Schools $ 4,361.46

Financial reports are available in the parish office.

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For the week of February 4, 2018

ST. STEPHEN’S CONFESSION SCHEDULE

Monday - Tuesday - Thursday - Friday 6:45 am - 7:00 am; 12 noon - 12:15 pm;

& 5:00 - 5:30 pm

Wednesday 6:45 a.m.-7 a.m.; 12 noon-12:15 p.m.;

5-5:30 p.m.; & 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday 7:45 am - 8:00 am; 4:00 - 4:45 pm

Sunday 20 minutes prior to each Mass

And anytime, by appointment

This weekend’s special collection is for the poor of Midland as distributed by Helping Hands of Midland.

Please help. Thank you!

Please come visit our NEW WEBSITE

for all the latest announcements, upcoming events, & much more.

www.ststephensmidland.com

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February 4 Cesar Aleman Amy Alvarado Canuto Ayala

Mairany Lopez Sisto Montoya

Corina Navarrete Julio Ramos

February 5 Mrs. Andy Borrego Rachel DeLaCerda

Joe Gifford Phyllis Lattibeaudiere

Isabella Marquez Socorro Morales Adrian Ornelas Evelyn Rakun

February 6 Kathy Fino

Frankie Garcia Gabriel Pallanez Angie Shelkey

Vanessa Valdez

February 7 Diane Bles

Emily Fernandez Mirella Garcia Connor Lopez

Victor Melendez Brian Ramos Marilyn Siruta

Dolorez Valdez Jennifer White Amelia Ybarra

February 8 Carty Beal

Trevor Browning Diego Castillo Thomas Flores

Leonardo Franco George Garcia

Yvonne Gutierrez Holly Landenberger

Christy McBride Mireya Mendez April Saucedo Bailey Tarin

Jeffry Thummel Henry Wilson

February 9 Troy Arnzen

Amanda Doucet Ervey Gomez

Joseph Mancha Evelyn Perez

Vianey Romero Jose Sanchez

February 10 Bernardo Galindo Jeanette Natividad

Jerry Poor Delfa Rodriguez Olga Rodriguez

Sheila Thompson

February 11 Guy Bussell

Breanna Cheramie Yolanda Cung

Angela Fuentes Lauren Fuentes Trevor Garcia

Lori Garza Amanda Hernandez

Maria Montiel Craig Pistulka

Phillip Seidenberger

Position Available

St. Stephen’s is seeking a full-time Business Manager. After 22 years of dedicated service, Kathy Wells will be retiring this coming June. Job responsibilities include office management, handling payroll, producing financial reports, paying invoices, overseeing plant operations and daily functions, ordering supplies, as well as handling office and parish wide communications. A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with substantial background in accounting or a similar degree is preferred as is office management experience in the areas listed above . Please send a cover letter and resume, with three references (two professional and one personal), to Fr. Rodney White at rwhite@sanangelodiocese.org or via fax to 432-520-7395 by February 9, 2018.

CORE is a team of individuals who are committed to building the ACTS Community within their parish. To be part of

CORE, a member must:

• be a practicing Catholic

• be in good standing with the church

• have been a retreatant in an adult ACTS retreat

• served on an adult ACTS team, and displayed leadership abilities with a servant's heart. The term is a 3-year term.

If you would like more information, or if you are interested in serving in this ministry, please call

Becky Espino (432-413-6268).

Ethic’s Classes in the Midland area:

On Monday February 5, 2018 at 6:30 At St. Ann’s Catholic Church in School Library – please tell participants to enter through the back door from the inner parking lot

On Monday, February 12, 2018- at 6:30 At St. Ann’s Catholic Church in School Library – please tell participants to enter through the back door from the inner parking lot

For those of you that volunteer for CCD classes, Teachers, assistants, helpers, or with our Youth, Homebound ministries, YOU MUST, at least, have filled out a background check AND attend an Ethic’s workshop. Please choose one of these days mentioned above. To obtain a background check form please come by Parish office or click on website www.sanangelodiocese.org.

• 1st Year Philosophy at Conception Seminary

• Birthday: November 17, 1998

• From: Odessa, TX

• Favorite Food: Pizza

• Likes Playing the guitar and reading

PRAY FOR

MAURICIO !

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This week in RCIA we will study the Church's teachings on a Consistent Life Ethic and Dignity of Life. The Church's teachings on life are beautiful and timely. They help us to better understand the world, live godly lives, and find our purpose. In these modern times, people sometimes think the Church's teachings are old

fashioned, but they are as relevant today as ever, and our culture needs them more now than ever. Once we hear and understand the teachings of the Church, we appreciate their depth and beauty. Our Saints of the Day will be Saints Cyril and Methodius, two Greek brothers who lived in the

800s A.D. and were instrumental in sharing the faith with the Slavic peoples.

"RCIA" stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It's the process by which adults come into full communion with the Catholic Church by receiving their Sacraments of Initiation. It's free, childcare is provided, we have a lot of fun and we always have something good to eat. If you have questions, feel free to email me at billberry100@aol.com.

RCIA News by Bill Berry

Thursday, February 8th Pizza Lunch for

all High School students at the

youth building. $5 donation

suggested. Friends are welcome to come!

Youth News Super Bowl is this Sunday!

No Lifeteen this week, but we will be meeting again next Sunday on

February 11. We look forward to seeing you then!

SAVE THE DATE

David Kauffman returns to St Ann’s for a Lenten Parish Mission on Monday, February

26 at 6:30 pm David Kauffman is the founder of Good For The Soul Music of San Antonio. He will present a night filled with scripture, song, story and reflection. Prepare to open your hearts and hear God’s word during this special Lenten Mission Night. Bring your family and friends and sing along to favorites like Be Still and Behold. All are welcome! A free will offering will be accepted. For more information contact Francis Hymel at 432-638-2482 or fdhymel@suddenlink.net

David will present a Lenten Parish Mission Night at St Ann’s on Monday, February 26 at 6:30 pm

David Kauffman is prolific artist, whose works touch and inspire people worldwide. He is the founder of Good For The Soul Music, based in San Antonio, Texas. Kauffman is a songwriter and recording artist, screenwriter and movie producer, and husband and father whose creations are described as “good for the soul.” Many say his concerts are like a mini-retreat for the soul. Please join us for a special night of scripture, song and story, and sing along to

favorites like BEHOLD and BE STILL. All are welcome! Bring the Family. A Love Offering will be accepted For more information contact Francis Hymel at 432-638-2482 or fdhymel@suddenlink.net

High School Mardi Gras

Celebration

Tuesday, February 13,

from 6:00 – 8:00 in the

youth building. More

details to come...

4 de febrero de 2018

V Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario Ciclo “B”

“El Señor sana los corazones quebrantados venda las heridas”

Mis muy queridos hijos en la fe, Jesús nos llama la atención las dos acciones que realiza Jesús: sana y libera. ¿No necesita, acaso, nuestro mundo de estas dos realidades? Vivimos en una sociedad enferma y llena de males: violencia, corrupción, insensibilidad, individualismo, ausencia de escucha, etc. Sanar y liberarnos de todo esto debe ser una de nuestras preocupaciones. Jesús entra en la vida de todos aquellos que le dejamos entrar. Algunos lo hacemos por necesidad, le pedimos la curación de nuestros males, el perdón de nuestros pecados, le dejamos entrar porque le necesitamos. Otros, sin embargo, simplemente van a escucharle por curiosidad y sin saberlo, casi sin darse cuenta, le dejan entrar, a través de sus palabras, en sus corazones. Para estar con Jesús es preferible no necesitarle; sabemos que está ahí, como lo están los amigos, los padres, los hermanos. Nuestra relación con él debe ser construida día a día, paso a paso, oración a oración, ejemplo a ejemplo. Y no acordarnos de él sólo cuando el agua la tengamos al cuello. Él mismo lo dijo a sus discípulos antes de irse: siempre estaré entre vosotros. Jesús siempre está ahí ayudándonos, aunque no lo notemos. Es su ejemplo vital el que nos ilumina y nos anima. Cuando el mundo se nos hace cuesta arriba recordémoslo cargando la pesada cruz, cuando parezca que nadie nos escucha miremos al cielo como él hizo tantas veces al sentirse solo, cuando estemos enfermos recordemos que también él sufrió es parte de nuestra naturaleza humana, y no lo olvidemos nunca. Sabiendo que la vida y el dolor siempre caminan juntos.

Hermana Gertrudis Muñoz Mendieta I.C.A.S.

AVISOS:

• 8 de febrero reunión con ministros de Extraordinarios de la comunión de 7:30 a 9:00 • 9 de febrero reunión con Matrimonios trataremos el tema de formación de la conciencia

en la vida de la pareja.

Tengamos presente que Nuestro Señor está

expuesto todos los días en la capilla, no lo

dejemos esperando. Tenemos mucha

necesidad de oración.

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Próximas clases bautismales:

Febrero 11th Marzo 4th & 11th

Ingles : 2:00 - 4:30 Español : 2:30 - 5:00

Por favor llame a la oficina parroquial para registrar (432) 520–7394. Si usted no ha recibido certificado de bautismo de su hijo por favor venir por la oficina con una identificación para obtener el certificado de su hijo.

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A few of the cases we handled earlier this week: Carla was a server at a local restaurant. She came down with the flu and missed a week of work. She had called to let her employer know, and she also made sure that she had a certificate from her doctor attesting to the fact that she was unable to work. Nonetheless when she was finally able to return one week later she found that she had been taken off the schedule…permanently. This late into the month of January it would be impossible for her to get another job (and paycheck) in time for her rent, which was due in just a few days. We were able to pay her February rent and she is busily looking for another job. Gloria is 75-year-old, recently widowed, who awoke one morning to find she had no electricity. Her electricity had not been paid since November (when her husband passed away). Gloria is one of those people who had always relied on her husband to take care of all the bills (and take care of her). She simply did not know how to manage her day-to-day life. She is living on her social security income of just over $1,000/month. She has applied for her husband’s benefits but was told that could take several months. We gladly paid her electric to get her service restored and we have since found out that a daughter is coming to Midland to help her mother adjust to her new living conditions. Arlene and Able had never asked for assistance before. Both are young with good jobs so we were surprised when they called us for help with a relatively small electric bill. She told us that her father committed suicide a few weeks ago and she (an only child) and her husband had to scrape together what money they could to give him a proper burial. Maureen, 72-years-old came to us with an electric bill of over $500. She said she had not been able to bring her electric bill current for the past several months because her social security income went to cover rent, food and the many medications she has to take that are not fully covered by Medicare. She would pay what was left over on her electric bill, but she found herself slipping farther and farther behind. Because she is on oxygen her electric provider would not disconnect her service however she was getting very concerned that she might never be able to get caught up. We had no problem bringing her account current, especially in light of the fact that she recently asked another person (on disability) to move in with her so that between the two of them they could look out for each other and share the cost of utilities. We feel that it is important that you know where the money you give us goes…we welcome any questions or concerns that you might have on how we operate. As always, we are eternally grateful to all of you for the financial support you give us that allows us to help so many of our neighbors in need. God bless you!

Helping Hands

of Midland

1301 Brinson Lane

(432) 520-8900

Because we feel it is important that you know how and where your donations to Helping Hands are spent, here is what was done last week:

Water 2 families $ 158.97 Gas 7 families $ 788.02 Rent 30 families $ 24,592.86 Transportation 1 family $ 565.66

TOTAL $ 26,105.51 www.helpinghandsmidland.com

Pilgrimage to San Juan Basilica in McAllen Pilgrimage to San Juan Basilica in McAllen is being sponsored by La Sociedad Guadalupana taking place on April 28-30, 2018. We will be visiting the surrounding area churches and there will be a special presentation by Author/Priest Father Jorge Gomez, Rector of the Basilica on his book titled "Guadalupe". It is about the origin and story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The cost of the trip is $135.00 per person with the $35 deposit (which is non-refundable). Deadline to pay for the trip is April 16, 2018. Once everyone is registered and paid for, an itinerary will be sent to each person listing all the events of the trip. For more information please contact Lupe Chavez 325-262-0001, Alma Limon 325-212-1288, Martha Fuentez 325-655-4427 or Manuel Gonzalez 325-651-5874. Check your local Parish for the registration forms. Thank you.