THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME……….JANUARY 26, 2020

Reverend John Kha Tran, Pastor ● Reverend Michael Pham, CRM, Parochial Vicar Deacon Dennis Hayes ● Deacon Bob Henkel ● Deacon Steve Klak

Deacon John Naber ● Deacon Matt Rust ● Deacon Joe Weir

EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION (MASS): Saturday: 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM

Weekdays: 8:30 AM (Monday through Saturday)

RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION): We have Confessions on Saturday from 3:30 - 4:30 PM, and at other times by appointment.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK:

Someone who is seriously ill, at home, or in the hospital, or who is about to undergo major surgery, should call the parish office, and arrange for a Priest to celebrate with them the sacrament for the ill.

BAPTISM: ADULT BAPTISM: Adults who are preparing to become

Catholic, will participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation at Easter. INFANT BAPTISM: We celebrate infant Baptism on the 2nd

Saturday of each month, except during Lent. Parents and Godparents of infants to be baptized should attend Baptismal classes, preferably before the child is born.

CONFIRMATION: Adults and older youth who have not been Confirmed should contact the Parish office. MARRIAGE:

Couples who are considering marriage should contact the parish office, at least six (6) months before the couple's projected wedding date.

PRAYER: Rosary: Wednesday at 6:30 PM in Immaculata Chapel Evening Prayer: Wednesday at 7:00 PM in Immaculata Chapel Eucharistic Adoration: Daily in Immaculata Chapel Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Saturday at 4:30 PM in Church Rosary: Sunday following 10:00 AM Mass

PARISH STAFF Mary Alice Greaney—Music Director Dana Henkel—Parish Stewardship Director Jennifer Henkel—Youth Ministry Director Beth Jones—Parish Business Manager Eileen Mace—Kolbe Kids EC Program Director Lupe Mendez—Custodian Yvette Neider—Parish Night Clerk David Nguyen—Custodian Sister Vinflora Onije—Pastoral Assistant Miguel Perdomo—Maintenance & Handyman Phyllis Schoelman—Parish Secretary Molly Smith—Director of Evangelization and Catechesis Diana Thomas—Faith Formation Assistant

PASTORAL Anna Cardona Jason Donat Madelyn Henderson Judy Quinn Christian Munoz (Recorder) Pam Munoz Mitch Reece (Facilitator)

COUNCIL Esteban Teron Paul Simon Eileen Torres Jorge Torres Chuck Woodruff Paul Yim Ken Zavatsky

FINANCE

Bob Charnock Paul Hains Sean Kennedy Wilfred Krenek (Facilitator)

COUNCIL

Evie Ornelaz David Ricke Ali Rust

10135 West Road Parish Office: (281) 955-7324 Office Hours: Sundays 8am-11am Houston, TX 77064 Fax: (281) 955-7328 Monday—Friday 9am-5pm www.stmaximilian.org Kolbe Kids: (281) 970-0979 Evenings: Mon and Wed 5pm-8:30pm www.cmgconnect.org 2nd and 3rd Saturdays: 9am-3pm

SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH Page 2 HOUSTON, TEXAS

SEEKING THE LIGHT In today’s readings we find ourselves being drawn more deeply into relationship with Jesus. We are getting to know more about him as we see how he struggles with the news of his cousin John’s arrest. His first response is to withdraw, to leave Nazareth and go to Caper-naum. There he is perhaps both consoled and challenged by the words of Isaiah that Mat-thew quotes: “the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, / on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death / light has arisen” (Matthew 4:16). Jesus contemplates his cousin’s death, perhaps his own death, and he seeks the light. Maybe it is these words of Isaiah that move Jesus out of his withdrawal and into action. He begins to preach, teach, cure disease and illness, and proclaim the gospel of the kingdom. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

After falling twice in the 1988 Olympic speed-skating races Dan Jansen sought out sports psychologist Dr. Jim Loehr, who helped him find a new balance between his sport and his life. He also helped Jansen learn to focus on the mental aspects of skating. Peter Mueller became his coach, putting him through workouts that Dan has since described as the “toughest I have ever known.” By the time the 1994 Olympics arrived, Jansen had more con-fidence than ever. He had set a five-hundred-meter world record just two months earlier. The Olympic title in that event seemed to belong to him. Unfortunately, Jansen fell during the five-hundred-meter race. He was disappointed and shaken. But, Dr. Loehr immediately advised him to start preparing for the one-thousand-meter race. He said, “the five-hundred-meter race is gone. Put it behind you.” However, the thousand-meter race was Jansen’s weakest event. But there was no other chance for him to receive a medal. Jansen won the one-thousand-meter race and did it in record time. Since Jansen had followed the wisdom of his sports psychologist and coach, he had put his failure behind him and tried something new. We can play it safe and remain secure in what we know. Like the fishermen, our lives will re-main in the darkness until we are willing to follow and move in a new direction. Jesus called the disciples to something that would not only give purpose and meaning to their lives, he called them to a vocation that would change the world. They followed, and their lives would never be the same. Matthew tells us that immediately after Jesus began a public preaching ministry, he took four fishermen as his apprentices. He was walking by the Sea of Galilee and spied Andrew and Peter casting their nets. He called them to follow him, promising to make them fishers of men. You and I, who believe in Jesus Christ and count ourselves his disciples, are not to follow a trade or profession as though it were the Holy Grail. He is calling us too, "Follow me." We are to follow Jesus. Work is to take a secondary role in our lives. If Christ is truly our Master, then work cannot be equally important. We may be engaged in work, but never married to it. And whenever we are pressed or tempted to make work supreme, we are to recall the story of the four fishermen. We are to remember how they left their nets and their boats to go and be with Jesus, to do what he would have them do.

Sunday, January 26 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Men’s WATCh Retreat Meeting Kolbe Room 7:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 8:00 am Coffee/Donuts Fellowship Gajowniczek Building 9:00 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 10:00 am RCIA Session Room 215 11:30 am Men’s ACTS Retreat off Site, attend Noon Mass @ St. Max Eucharist (Mass) Church 12:00 pm Men’s ACTS Retreat Reception Kolbe Hall 1:00 pm Adult Faith, Fulfilled Bible Study Room 215 6:30 pm Monday, January 27 Eucharist (Mass) Chapel 8:30 am Kolbe Kids ECP Gajowniczek Building 9:15 am Youth Faith Formation, 1st Communion Meeting Kolbe Hall 6:30 pm Boy Scout Troop Meeting Gajowniczek Building 7:00 pm Devotional Power Hour Prayer Chapel 7:00 pm Tuesday, January 28 Eucharist (Mass) Chapel 8:30 am Kolbe Kids ECP Gajowniczek Building 9:15 am Children's Choir Rehearsal Canticle Hall 6:30 pm Jr. High Youth Group Higgins Building 6:30 pm Rosary Making Ministry Meeting Room 202 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 29 Eucharist (Mass) Chapel 8:30 am Kolbe Kids ECP Gajowniczek Building 9:15 am Food Pantry Open Higgins Building 3:30 pm Youth Faith Formation, 1st Communion Meeting Kolbe Hall 6:30 pm High School Youth Group Higgins Building 6:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal Canticle Hall 7:00 pm

OUR PARISH MISSION

We are the Christian Community of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, a Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Embracing our many and diverse gifts, we are united in Christ Jesus. Challenged by the teachings of Our Lord, and inspired by the example of our Patron, we strive to serve God, and to minister to others, in prayer, sacrament, faith formation, and charity.

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JANUARY 26, 2020

Thursday, January 30 Eucharist (Mass) Church 8:30 am Kolbe Kids ECP Gajowniczek Bldg 9:15 am Youth Faith Formation, Confirmation Preparation Kolbe Hall 6:30 pm Friday, January 31 That Man is You Ministry Kolbe Hall 5:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 8:30 am Adult Faith, Book of Ruth Room 215 10:00 am Saturday, February 1 Eucharist (Mass) Chapel 8:30 am Legion of Mary Meeting Room 203 9:15 am Reconciliation Church 3:30 pm Eucharist (Mass) Church 5:00 pm Marriage Encounter Group Meeting Room 205 8:00 pm Sunday, February 2 The Presentation of the Lord Men’s WATCh Retreat Meeting Kolbe Room 7:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 8:00 am Coffee/Donuts Fellowship Gajowniczek Bldg 9:00 am Women’s WATCh Retreat Meeting Room 212 9:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 10:00 am International Food Planning Mtg Room 201 11:15 am RCIA Session Room 215 11:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 12:00 pm Adult Faith, Book of Ruth Room 215 1:30 pm

SAVE THE DATE! International Food Extravaganza

April 18, 2020 The first planning meeting for this event will be Sunday, February 2nd. Please join us at 11:15am in Room 201 for our kick-off meeting. We welcome all who would like to help plan this exciting fun-filled event for our parish family and community! For information - contact Ellen Mayer: ellenmayster@gmail.com

Catholic Schools Week January 26 – February 1, 2020

SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH Page 4 HOUSTON, TEXAS

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — God has restored the land, and brought great joy to the people (Isaiah 8:23 — 9:3). Psalm — The Lord is my light and my salvation (Psalm 27). Second Reading — Paul exhorts the believers at Cor-inth: As there is one Christ, so too must there be no divisions among you (1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17). Gospel — After calling his first disciples, Jesus goes throughout Galilee (Matthew 4:12-23 [12-17]). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass (c) 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corpora-tion. All rights reserved.

KOLBE SENIORS

Upcoming bus trips: February 12th—a trip to see the Danish Heritage Muse-um in Danevang. March 6th—Monument Inn for lunch. All Seniors are welcome to join! Call or text Becky Keels @ 713-724-1075 for more information.

For Safety! Please do NOT let small children ap-proach the candle stands unattended. Parents, watch your children when near the candles. Thank you!

9 Days for Life is an annual novena for the protection of human life; January 21—29, 2020! Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggest-ed actions to help build a culture of life. www.9daysforlife.org

Benjamin Bellami, Chris Buckley, Bill Carew, Michael Cartafalsa, Patricia Carter, Denise Caskey, Patria Cillo, Emilio Chavez-Cody, Kayson Clay, Patricia Crim, Martha Dardnel, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Deacon Fred Dinges, Mark Durocher, Bobby Embesi, Aurora Enciso, Jennifer Foty, Missy Fouts, Sheri Friecke, Joseph Gallagher, Carol Ann Geary, Eric Gensch, Richard Geveshausen, Beatriz Gonzales, Kenny Gordon, Adria Gould, Francisco Grados, Jesse Guevara, Ofelia Guevara, Rudy Guevara, Mack Harper, Mitzi Harper, Charles Hebert, Janelle Hoffart, Herb Holly, Jennifer Hornsby, Rachel Huebel, Irma Jacinto, Linda Johnson, Monsignor Milam Kleas, Corine Konvicka, Laurine Krejci, Della Kubeskie, Tommy Kubeskie, Mrs. Hoang Le, Neveah Leger, Rachele Marchisio, Ashley Mueller, Mark Neagli, John Oggero, Father Roy Oggero, Kristen Ornelaz, Richard Ornelaz, Carmen Ortiz, Jerry Pendlum, Stan Petty, Drake Pope, Chris Raggio, Oralia Ramirez, Carol Rodriguez, Kent Rogers, Nelda Ruiz, Alveraize Saizan, Maria Senjudo, Ernest Sepulveda, Doug Shepherd, Tony Sliva, Grace Smith, Lance Smith, Nancy Snyder, Irma Sosa, Marilyn Stocker, Ken Switzler, Diana Thomas, Vick Anthony Todaro, Ruth Tolentino, Annette Triska, Father John Ulm, Janet Vasko, Megan Waggoner, Jerelyn Walker, Linda Webb, and Adam Wendel.

Monday, January 27 St. Angela Merici Bella Sayco † 8:30am Joan Alfaro, Intentions

Tuesday, January 28 St. Thomas Aquinas Alveraize Saizan, Intentions 8:30am Willy and Lynn Dela Cruz, Intentions Leonida Esperanza †

Wednesday, January 29 Joseph Listi † 8:30am

Thursday, January 30 Michael Williams † 8:30am

Friday, January 31 St. John Bosco Alex Kato † and Gary Farris † 8:30am

Saturday, February 1 Patrick J. Nelson † 8:30am Edie Cecchini † 5:00pm

Sunday, February 2 The Presentation of the Lord Bernard Bancroft † 8:00am Elaine Trevithick, Intentions Hattie Skweres † 10:00am Parishioners of St. Maximilian 12:00pm

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JANUARY 26, 2020

If you would like someone added to our Parish Prayer List, please contact the parish office @ 281-955-7324. Going forward the Prayer List in the bulletin will be reviewed periodically and names on the list over 90 days will be removed unless we receive notification to retain them. May God bless you, protect you and please keep all those on our list in your prayers. Thank you.

The Men’s ACTS Retreat is this weekend!January 23–26, 2020 Men’s ACTS Retreat! The retreat ends @ Noon Mass today Sunday, January 26th, celebrating with the parish com-munity.

Save the Date! Give Blood, Save a Life...BLOOD DRIVE

Sunday, February 16th 8am – Noon Kolbe Hall

Faithful Citizenship: The Catholic Voter in Good Times and in Bad

Presented by Deacon Larry Vaclavik Monday February 3rd @ 7pm

Room 215 of the Education Building

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops provides a guide with principles for the faithful to be informed about voting. There are a number of issues that speak directly to Christians who have entered into the mission of Christ to “bring glad tidings to the poor… liberty to captives... to let the oppressed go free” (Lk 4:18). This mission calls for us to vote so that we can guide our country into moral principles. As Catholics, we are called to be voters who are formed by the Gospel and Catholic moral teaching. In addition, this election year, our bishops invite us to increased civility in our political dialogues.

SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH Page 6 HOUSTON, TEXAS

Having difficulty on your grief journey? If you feel like your grief journey is not progressing after the loss of your loved one, the Grief Ministry will meet with you to help you. We are willing to listen and help you cope during this difficult time. Please call Louise Widacki at 281-970-2770 for an appointment.

Power Hour Prayer Time; Mondays @ 7pm

Immaculata Chapel Call Jeanette @ 281-914-3676

for more information.

♫ MUSIC MINISTRY ♫ We invite you to spend 10, 15, 20, 30 minutes or an hour with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in the Immaculata Chapel. There are about 300 commit-ted and dedicated adorers in Adoration praying an hour every day so that you can come and visit Jesus exposed in

the Holy Eucharist. If you would like to commit to an hour of Adoration, please call Susie Charnock at 281-813-1492.

Day of the week Hours Needed Monday 1:00 a.m.—2:00 a.m. Monday 3:00 a.m.—4:00 a.m. Monday 6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Tuesday 3:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m. Wednesday 3:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m. Thursday 2:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. Thursday 3:00 a.m.—4:00 a.m. Saturday 12:00 a.m.—1:00 a.m. updated: 01/14/2020

Children’s Choir: Rehearsals are on Tues-days from 6:30 – 7:30pm in Canticle Hall. New members are always welcome! Adult Choir: How about serving the St. Maximilian community and become a member of the music ministry? We are looking for all voice parts, and instrumen-talists are welcome, as well. For more information, contact maryalice@stmaximilian.org.

TROOP 1277 A SCOUTS BSA TROOP FOR GIRLS

AGE 11 TO 17 Join us on Monday evenings at 7pm in the Gajowniczek Building. We are ac-cepting applications for youth and adults in the newly sponsored Troop 1277 for girls. This is an opportunity for our daughters to participate in the Scouts BSA program that our sons have enjoyed and benefitted from for over a century. If you have questions, please email Scout-master Linda Porras-Pirtle at Scoutmaster.Troop1277@TroopMaster.email

CMG CONNECT SAFE HAVEN CMG Connect Safe Haven is the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Safe Environment pro-gram that is required training of any individual, 18 years of age and older, who has the desire to work with children and youth. This online safe environment training replaces the previous program, VIRTUS, Protecting God's Children®. The CMG Connect program consists of three vignette style training videos that can be completed at your convenience and usually in less than one hour. Previous VIRTUS users sign in to CMG using your (old) VIRTUS login and the password: 1234. New CMG users create a username and password for CMG Connect. Contact Beth Jones in the parish office if you need assistance! Thank you! www.cmgconnect.org

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JANUARY 26, 2020

OUR PARISH DEBT Original Loan, October 2010: $5,200,000 Amount to be paid: $251,451.26

Offertory for January 18th and 19th

Offertory $21,519.60 Debt Reduction $2,229.00 Coffee and Donuts $42.00 Youth Envelopes $293.90 Mass Intention $10.00 Christmas $40.00 Food Pantry $25.00 Immaculate Conception $50.00 This Collection total is: $24,209.50 5:00 PM Mass Attendance: 463 Total Envelopes used: 75

Envelope Offering: $4,406.00 Loose Cash/Checks: $1,275.00

8:00 AM Mass Attendance: 237 Total Envelopes used: 54 Envelope Offering: $2,695.00

Loose Cash/Checks: $1,112.00

10:00 AM Mass Attendance: 614 Total Envelopes used: 77 Envelope Offering: $4,311.60

Loose Cash/Checks: $3,132.00

12:00 PM Mass Attendance: 441 Total Envelopes used: 50 Envelope Offering: $1,828.00

Loose Cash/Checks: $2,405.00

Total attendance at Masses: 1,755 Offertory envelopes used: 256 Checks should be made payable to St. Maximilian Kolbe. DO NOT MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO CASH!

Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Pledged $123,140.93

Paid $119,889.68

Percent Paid 86.88% Pledged Under Goal $14,859.07 Paid Under Goal $18,110.32 Number of Participants 347 Average Participant Pledge $354.80 Total Number of Households 2,132

“Do Not Neglect to SHARE What You Have” “Keep doing good works and sharing your resources, for these are the kinds of sacrifices that please God.” DSF 2019 Parish Goal: $138,000.00

IGNITE: Our Faith, Our Mission Parish Goal: $1,442,331.00 Pledged: $688,695.00 Paid: $233,149.73 Percent Paid: 16.16% Percent Pledged: 47.75% Pledged Under Goal: $753,636.00 Paid Under Goal: $1,209,181.27 Number of Participants: 208 Total Number of Households: 2,132

Friendly Reminder: IGNITE donation checks should be made payable to IGNITE. All IGNITE checks are sent to the Archdio-cese for processing. Thank you for your generosity.

FAITH DIRECT as of 01/15/2020 End of Year

Total: $15,877.34 # of Donors

Offertory Debt Reduction

$13,371.67 $1,945.67

124 26

Church in Latin Am. Solemnity of Mary Adult Faith Form.

$265.00 $95.00

$200.00

10 8 1

Please!! Do not tape, staple, or glue your offertory/donation envelopes.

This weekend there will be a second collection for the Church in Latin America. To learn more about how your gifts make a difference, visit www.usccb.org/latin-america. Please be generous.

SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND

The Holy Father’s Intentions for 2020: JANUARY: Prayer intention for evangelization—Promotion of World Peace. We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.

SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH Page 8 HOUSTON, TEXAS

WE SHARE THEIR GRIEF

We offer our sincere condolences to Grace Smith and Eileen McGinnis and their fami-lies at the passing of their brother, Gene McGinnis.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May Gene’s soul, and the souls of all Your faithful departed, by Your loving mercy, rest in peace.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 2 Sm 5:1-7, 10; Ps 89:20-22, 25-26; Mk 3:22-30 Tuesday: 2 Sm 6:12b-15, 17-19; Ps 24:7-10; Mk 3:31-35 Wednesday: 2 Sm 7:4-17; Ps 89:4-5, 27-30; Mk 4:1-20 Thursday: 2 Sm 7:18-19, 24-29; Ps 132:1-5, 11-14; Mk 4:21-25 Friday: 2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17; Ps 51:3-7, 10-11; Mk 4:26-34 Saturday: 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17; Ps 51:12-17; Mk 4:35-41 Sunday: Mal 3:1-4; Ps 24:7-10; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 [22-32]

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS

Marriage Encounter is a series of presentations given by Catholic couples and a priest. The presenters offer their own unique perspective of Marriage. Woven throughout the weekend presentations is time for reflection for the couples attending the encounter. The focus of the weekend is building unity, trust in your Sacrament. To find out more, visit www.houstonme.org or call 713-482-1791.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word Prayerfully consider serving Jesus and our children in this manner.

Serve while you attend Mass Bring children closer to Jesus Strengthen your own understanding of the Word of God Flexible commitment (usually once per month)

Contact Molly Smith at 281-955-7324 for more information about this ministry. Our Lord says: “Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

That we may faithfully follow Jesus, wher-ever and whenever He calls. “He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed Him.” Matthew 4:22 Just as Jesus called the first apostles, He calls each of us to follow Him, too. Not everyone is called to leave their business or family behind, but we are expected to put God first in everything. Everything from our time in daily prayer, our talent in participating in one of our parish ministries and our treasure to support the financial needs of our parish mission.

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JANUARY 26, 2020

The Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Daughters award the Deacon Auburn Higgins Memorial Education Scholarships each year to graduating 12th grade high school youth of our parish. Both groups use the same applications and essays that are submitted. For more infor-mation please contact Joe Kopecky @ 713-385-6927 or Adrian Dupoint @ 281-682-1211 to re-ceive an application. The deadline for submitting your application is April 15th.

The Book of Ruth; Videos by Father Scott Courtney This is a 5-week study which goes through the Old Testament story of Ruth. This short book is a great introduction to reading the bible and gives us great context for the lives of Biblical charac-ters. Two class sessions: Room 215 for both Fridays @ 10am and Sundays @ 6:30pm Classes: Sunday, January 26th @ 6:30pm Facilitators – Molly Smith and Domenica Weir and Friday, January 31st @ 10am Facilitator – Molly Smith

The Houston chapter of Young Catholic Professionals, a national-wide non-profit organization, is celebrating their 5-year an-niversary this year! All professionals in their 20's and 30's are invited to come.

HEART OF A LION GALA FEBRUARY 15 - THE WESTIN MEMORIAL CITY

Join us and celebrate the 15th anniversary of St. John XXIII College Preparatory, a co-ed Catho-lic high school. Tickets are $125 and include a reception, dinner and beverages, auction, and dancing. For tickets, to be a sponsor, and for additional information, please visit sj23.org/gala or call the school, 281. 693.1000. Thank you! Proceeds benefit SJ23 tuition scholarship fund.

KSHJ 1430am Houston’s Catholic Radio Upcoming Prayer Breakfast

Thursday, February 13th @ 7am Los Cucos @ 290/Jones Road

$10 breakfast buffet GRNonline.com