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January 21, 2018 Vol. 36 No. 24

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

Attention ADULTS Seeking the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion:

A new set of classes will start Tuesday, January 23rd in the Parlor at 7pm (food served from 6:30pm – 7:00pm) for those needing First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation. Please sign up at the St. Stephen’s Office by Tuesday, January 23rd. Your Baptismal Certificate will be needed by February 5th.

Important Note: You may only miss one class

Atención ADULTOS que buscan los sacramentos de confirmación y primera

comunión:

Un nuevo grupo de clases comenzará el martes, 23 de enero en el salón a las 7pm (comida servida de 6:30 p.m. – 7:00PM) para aquellos que necesiten primera comunión y/o confirmación.

Por favor inscríbase en la oficina de San Esteban antes del martes, 23 de enero. Su certificado de bautismo será necesario.

Nota importante: sólo se puede perder una clase

2018 Clergy Appreciation Dinner The Knights of Columbus Councils #3017 and #12657 invite you to attend and tickets can be purchased at the

church offices of St. Ann's and St. Stephen's. Tickets are $20 each.

Thursday, January 25, 2018 St. Stephen's Ballroom

Cocktails at 6pm & Dinner at 7pm

For more information, contact Cory Rylander at (432) 312-0206.

Dear Parishioners,

It is hard to believe we are already three weeks into 2018. We pray that you all have had a good start to the new year. As we move into 2018, we have been at work in preparing for our first physical project of the year. Our goal is for it to be completed by March.

After a recommendation from Bishop Sis to look into the possibilities, and a unanimous approval by the Parish Council, we have decided to move the tabernacle from its current location to directly behind the altar, below the crucifix. The reason Bishop Sis inquired about this is so that when one enters the sanctuary their focus will be directed toward the center of the church at the front, which would include the tabernacle, the crucifix and the altar, all in one glance. Also, when one goes to the front, one genuflection (sign of reverence) can be directed to the tabernacle, altar and crucifix all at once. The same will go for our prayer. We will have one central location to direct our attention, to the Lord Himself. The presider’s chair will be moved to the side (right side when facing the altar). We have had a very generous donor who has helped make this move possible with no cost to the parish. This project also includes the addition of a new statue (it looks like it will be a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). We are excited about this addition as it enriches the beauty and integrity of this wonderful sanctuary. Please keep this project in prayer.

In Christ, Fr. Rodney White, Pastor & Fr. Timothy Hayter, Assistant Pastor

Sunday, January 21 - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Monday, January 22 - Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Tuesday, January 23 - St. Vincent

Wednesday, January 24 - St. Francis de Sales

Thursday, January 25 - The Conversion of St. Paul The Apostle

Friday, January 26 - Sts. Timothy & Titus

Saturday, January 27 - St. Angela Merici

Sunday, January 28 - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Last Week’s Collection

Regular Collection $ 24,601.69 Building Fund $ 724.00 Other Income $ 10,719.33

Financial reports are available in the parish office.

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For the week of January 21, 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

Eucharistic Adoration Openings

Thursday: 7:00 a.m.

Please prayerfully consider signing up to spend an hour

with our Lord in adoration! Call Linda Foster (habla español) at 432-559-8888 for information.

Altar Server Training For Spanish and

English Mass Servers

When: Monday, January 22 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm Where: Sanctuary of the Church

If you have questions, please contact: Anne Hobbs 432-934-3192 Cindy Lujan 806-392-3714 Bianca Gonzales 432-894-9554

If you would like to attend the 2018 Texas Rally for

Life in Austin on Saturday, January 27th please

contact Mike Hernandez at (432)-638-2375.

The trip is FREE! However, space is limited

so please reserve your bus seat by Wednesday, January 24th.

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January 21 Josie Brenner

Vanessa Gonzales Angelica Grajeda Irvin Guardado

Idaly Lujan Dylan Roe

Jesty Valdez

January 22 Josue Alvarado

Maria Anaya Monica Bates

Maxwell Browning Kassandra Cabello

Alan Chavez Mark Gabaldon Griana Gamboa Steve Hanson Brandon Igo Dino Lara

Anthony Munoz Emma Murillo Andrea Olivas Brian Shore

Jocelyn Valles Kaleb White

January 23 Cesar Almazan

Raul Flores Angela Garcia Eloy Gutierrez Vernon Joseph

Cathi Kinzer Jerren Poor

Gladys Qualls Alfonso Rivera Arthur Salazar

January 24 Alex Bles

Franchesca Garcia Alden Gardea Yasmin Lujan Jorgy Martin Douglas May Erin Rivera

Gene Sweatt Emma Ugwuanyi Francisco Vera

Marcos Ybarra Jr.

January 25 Crystal Barela

Bianca Bejarano Aracely Campos Pedrito Chavez Dennesly Deras

Jessie Dominguez Becky Espino Matthew Hain

Jim Ketter Claudia Rodriguez

Lydia Saucedo Suzanne Stewart Kristin Thummel

Edward Ugwuanyi

January 26 Angel Grajeda Larry Marcum Michele Pinal

Maribel Ramos Thomas Schlegel Martin Villalobos

Marcos Zaragoza Jr.

January 27 Xavier Carrillo

Priscilla De La Rosa Jose Luis Favela Jr.

Phillip Jaquez Christina Lopez Josefina Moreno Todd Williams

January 28 Natalie Arguello Diego Castillo Jose Munoz

Victor Perez Jr. Carla Repman

Robertah Rodriguez Christopher Strange

Kyle Sweeney Larry Villanueva Rodolfo Ybarra

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, Teresa A. Lopez, 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, Rachel S., Burdette Family, Inez Laing, Monica Vasquez, Jason Martinez, Guadalupe Rios, Alfonso Marquez, Isaiah V., Vanessa V., Anita P., Carlota W., Judy D., Alicia F., Jesse Julus Garcia, Mendoza Family, Martha Munoz, Sergio Patino, Aurora Reyes, Monica Vasquez, Eva Madrid, Roy Alvarez, Gary Rodriguez, Martha Munoz, Lydia Jimenez, Jesus Chavez Jr., Mark Clark, Eva Talamantez, Potsy Sotelo, Jaelynn G. Garcia, Randy & Jennifer White & Family, Louis & Betty Macchietto & Family, Larry & Pat White & Family, Heath, Sarah, & Baby Girl Logan Ruth.

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

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.

Looking for a Way to Help Out at St. Stephen’s:

We are looking for people to help set up and serve at weddings, quinceañeras, and funerals. The goal is to have a team for each of these that could rotate. We have a leader for each team ready to train. If you would like to help out with this important ministry, please call the office.

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This week in RCIA, we are excited to have Father Tim teach us about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a wonderful gift of grace and mercy. Our Saint of the Day will be Saint Cecelia, a well known Roman martyr. She is the patron saint of musicians.

"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

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

Save the Date!!

February 10,

2018

Valentines Dance

For questions please call Liz Madrid at 432-352-1961

Tickets will go on sale next week

BREAD OF LIFE YOUTH RETREAT January 26-28 at Holy Angels Parish Hall, San Angelo, TX

Meeting for all Parents of youth attending retreat at 8:30pm after CCD classes on Wednesday, January 24th-any questions please contact Gretchen @ (432)520-

7394.

Come join Life Teen this Sunday, January 21 from 6:15 – 8:00. Hope to see

you there!

Thursday, January 25th Pizza Lunch for all High School students at the

youth building. $5 Friends are

welcome to come!

After much prayer and searching, we

would like to welcome

Thomas Shows

to our parish as our new

Youth Director.

Thomas is originally from Abilene, he received his

bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Conception Seminary College in Missouri. Afterwards, he spent several years as a catechist and has worked as an Intern Youth Minister at Holy Family in Abilene. For the past two years, he was a seminarian for the Diocese of San Angelo at St. Mary’s Seminary, in Houston, working on his Master’s degree in Theology which brought him to Midland where, for the past five months, he been an intern at St. Ann’s Parish.

Please keep him and our youth in your prayers as they try to draw closer in relationship to the person of Jesus Christ.

21 de enero 2018 - Domingo 3º del Tiempo Ordinario - Ciclo “B”

¡¡¡EL QUE SIGUE A CRISTO VIVE EL REINO DE DIOS!!!

Queridos hijos en el Señor, después de pasar cuarenta días en el desierto y hacerse bautizar por Juan, Jesús tenía ideas claras sobre su misión. Su vida se dedicaría a proclamar la buena nueva de la salvación. El mensaje a comunicar era conciso y concreto: “Se ha cumplido el plazo, está cerca el Reino de Dios: Convertíos y creed

en el Evangelio”.

Casi diríamos que en su enunciación intervino algún profesional del mundo de la publicidad actual. Jesús le dice a su gente que ha terminado ya el tiempo de la espera. Hay algo nuevo que está aquí, que viene a nosotros. Su venida no depende de nuestro esfuerzo sino de la voluntad de Dios. Ha sido él el que ha roto los plazos y se ha presentado en medio de nuestro mundo. Sin avisar. Sin pedir permiso. En nosotros está acoger ese Reino que viene a nosotros. A que le acojamos convenientemente se dirigen las últimas palabras de Jesús

invitándonos a la conversión y a la fe.  Vemos que el niño de Belén, al que hace poco celebrábamos entre villancicos y fiestas, ya ha crecido y tiene algo que decirnos. No es un juguete encendido con el que podamos hacer lo que queramos. Nos habla como a personas adultas, nos invita a cambiar de vida, a convertirnos. Para acoger el Reino de Dios que está cerca.

Porque el tiempo se ha cumplido. Ya no es tiempo de excusas. Dios está aquí y nos llama. 

Hagamos conciencia de esto. Él nos llama por nuestro nombre y nos dirá lo que tenemos que hacer para ser “pescadores de hermanos”. Si le escuchamos bien, las dificultades no tendrán importancia. El momento es

apremiante, como dice Pablo en la carta a los corintios. ¿Vamos a perder también esta oportunidad?

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

AVISOS:

• 22 de enero reiniciamos las clases de Biblia.

• 23 de enero a las 7 p.m. inician las clases para las personas adultas que quieran recibir los

sacramentos de confirmación y primera comunión en el Salón 1.

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Entrenamiento Para Monaguillos En Español y Ingles

Cuando: Lunes 22 de Enero A que hora: 6:00- 8:00 p.m. Donde: En el Santuario

Si tienes preguntas, por favor llama a: Anne Hobbs 432-934-3192; Cindy Lujan 806-392-3714; o Bianca Gonzales 432-894-9554

Próximas clases bautismales:

Febrero 4th & 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.

ADORACIÓN DEL SANTÍSIMO Personas interesadas en pasar una hora con El Santísimo en Adoración una vez por semana, durante las siguientes horas:

Jueves: 7:00 AM

Si El Señor te esta llamando para pasar una hora con El acompañándolo, comuníquese con Linda Foster (habla Español) al 432-559-8888.

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You Are Never Too Old, Nor Too Young…

to volunteer at Helping Hands. Katie Miller, who will be 91-years-of-age this August, has been a volunteer at Helping Hands for the past 8 years. She works in our housewares department, specializing in lamps and picture frames, although she eagerly jumps in wherever needed. She puts in full days at least 4 days each week. Her husband Buck (same age) repairs many of the donations we receive that need a little TLC. They have both been invaluable to Helping Hands and we appreciate them so much! And as we reported about a month ago, 4-year-old Phillip Wilson (along with mom, Sarah and occasionally dad, Justin) has been a volunteer with us for a few months now. He comes down on days that the store is not open for a few hours and helps us sort and stock the toys. This charming young man has melted our hearts! These two people show that it does not matter what your age is, there is always something for you at Helping Hands. If you have some time to spare we would love to have you join our family. Please call Mary at (432) 528-6265 anytime, or simply come into our store (door on east side) any Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. We would love to give you a tour and explore ways you can help out. It is definitely time well spent!

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:

Electric 8 families $ 1,773.97 Water 5 families $ 649.27 Rent 26 families $ 22,743.91 Legal 1 family $ 275.00 Medical 1 family $ 94.67 TOTAL $ 25,536.82

www.helpinghandsmidland.com

Upcoming Baptismal Classes:

February 4th & 11th March 4th & 11th

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

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

Club Dance St. Stephen’s Catholic Church

4601 Neely Gloria Denman Ballroom

FRIDAY, January 26, 2018 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

COST/ATTIRE: $30.00 per person/Casual BAND: “CPR” (Country, Pop and Rock) CATERER: Felix Buenrostro with Catering Express MENU: Meatloaf with Italian sauce, herb baked chicken, scallop potatoes, peas and carrots, fancy spring mix salad, rolls, lemon cake, key lime pie, vanilla ice cream, tea and water.

NO ALCOHOL MAY BE BROUGHT INTO THE BALLROOM BY INDIVIDUALS

**NOTE: NO BYOB is allowed due to change in church policy. Reservations may be mailed to Club Dance, P. O. Box 7421, Midland, TX 79708. Reservation deadline is Wednesday, January 24, 2018. For more information, please contact our Reservations Coordinator at:

clubdancemidland@hotmail.com.

Pilgrimage to San Juan Basilica in McAllen

Sponsored by Guadalupana Sociedad of San Angelo Cathedral Church of the Sacred Heart, April 28-30, 2018 Visiting the surrounding area churches. Special presentation By Author/Priest Jorge Gomez, Rector of the Basilica on his book on the Virgen de Guadalupe. Please call Lupe 262-0001; Alma 212-1288; Martha 655-4427 or Manuel 651-5874