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April 14, 2019 Vol. 37 No. 36

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. Adam Droll & Rev. Freddy Perez

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

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

Music Director: Gabriel Salgado

LENTEN PENANCE

SERVICES 2019

St. Ann’s (Midland) April 16, 2019 at 7:00 PM

St. Joseph’s (Odessa) April 17, 2019 at 6:00 PM

Triduum

Holy Thursday -

7:00 PM (Bilingual)

Good Friday Stations of the Cross at 3:00 PM (Bilingual)

Good Friday Service at 7:00 PM (Bilingual)

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil - 8:30 PM (Bilingual)

Easter Sunday Masses

8:00 AM 10:30 AM

12:30 PM (Spanish) 5:00 PM

7:00 PM (Spanish)

ALTAR SERVER NEWS Altar Server Retreat Registration due by Monday April 15 Retreat will be Saturday May 4 from 8:00 to 1:00 in the Parlor

· Deadline for initial registration is April 15 · Liability form with insurance card information also needed · Diocesan Promotional Form also needed (requires signature of both parents) · Forms send previously by email and are also available in the office

Contact Anne Hobbs at 432-934-3192 if you have questions.

NOTICIAS DEL MONAGUILLO La inscripción para el Retiro de Servidores de Altares debe entregarse a más tardar el lunes 15 de abril. El retiro será el sábado 4 de mayo de 8:00 a 1:00 en el salón

- La fecha límite para la inscripción inicial es el 15 de abril - También se necesita un formulario de responsabilidad civil con la información de la tarjeta del seguro. - También se necesita el Formulario de Promoción Diocesano (requiere la firma de ambos padres) - Los formularios se envían previamente por correo electrónico y también están disponibles en la oficina.

Comuníquese con Anne Hobbs al 432-934-3192 si tiene preguntas.

ATTENTION ALL MASS COORDINATORS AND USHERS

Two meetings are scheduled – First Meeting on April 25 at 7 p.m. and Second Meeting on May 2 at 7 p.m.. These sessions are expected to have a duration of about 1 hour. The meetings will be held in the ballroom.

ATENCIÓN A TODOS LOS COORDINADORES Y ACOMODADORES DE MASAS

Dos juntas están programadas - Primera junta el 25 de abril a las 7 p.m. y Segunda junta el 2 de mayo a las 7 p.m.. Se espera que estas sesiones tengan una duración de aproximadamente 1 hora. Las reuniones se celebrarán en la sala de baile.

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New Hope Counseling 4400 N. Big Spring St

(432) 687-4673

Francis Hymel D.MIN, LPC, LMFT

Last Week’s Collection

Regular Deposit: $ 24,486.12 Other Income: $ 1,289.91 For the Poor: $ 16,603.29

Financial reports are available in the parish office.

Marriage Counseling, Children, Adolescence, Adults, & Families

Sunday, April 14 - Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Monday, April 15

Tuesday, April 16

Wednesday, April 17

Thursday, April 18

Friday, April 19

Saturday, April 20

Sunday, April 21 - Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

For the week of April 14, 2019

St. Stephen's is seeking a full-time accountant to prepare monthly journal entries, perform general account analysis and

reconciliations, including bank statements, and the necessary financial duties of our parish. Knowledge of QuickBooks/MS Office and an accounting background preferred. This is a full-time position with benefits. The applicant must have at least a Bachelor's degree in accounting or business (with accounting background). Please send a resume and professional references to RWhite@SanAngeloDiocese.org

This weekend’s second collection will be for Easter Flowers. Thank

you for your donation.

La segunda colección de este fin de semana será para Flores de

Pascua. Gracias por su donación.

ST. STEPHEN’S CONFESSION SCHEDULE FOR HOLY WEEK

MONDAY - TUESDAY 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.

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April 14 Rebecca Bermea

Rosemarie De la Rosa Linda Digennaro JoAnn Franco

Stephanie Gentry Lauren Lara Melissa Lara

Domenique Lujan Ofelia Pallanez Kevin Pickens

Berenice Romero Alexandra Saenz

Javen Trujillo

April 15 Mike Braskett

Ginger Hartman Kevin Kessler

Alena Lara Betty Macchitto

Bertha Mata Selena Montanez Robert Morales Andric Ortega Julian Rubio

Laura Salinas

April 16 Guillermo Callo

Concepcion Carrillo Benito Castillo

Maura Jarldane Rae-Ann Lara

Raymond Martinez Noe Munoz Jr.

Arturo Rodriguez Julis Ude

April 17 Adiel Alvarado Kathleen Alvin

Elsa Castaneda Kathryn Goodman Crystal Hallmeyer Caroline Huerta Carolina Jaquez Stephen Jimenez Natalie Martinez

Celia Munoz Andrea Sanchez Rogelio Tinoco

April 18 Laura hernandez

Sergio Luna Uriel Mendoza Melanie Prater Isela Rodriguez Brandon Salazar

Chelsea Therwhanger

April 19 Morgan Callendar Juan Contreras Nabiel Lerma Juan Martinez

Ignacio Morales Katherine Moreno

Sebastian Navarrete Salvador Ramirez Christian Vasquez

April 20 Monica Abundez

Dalia Araujo Sofia Carrasco

Erin Corley Timothy Dzida

Javier Gomez III Dianna Mendez Mario Montes Peter Sanchez

Johnny Villa Lilian Villegas

April 21 Nathaniel Borunda

Everardo Fierro Tony Graham

Bella Lara Lilliana Marquez Karina Martinez Richard Mast Jr. Arian Mendoza

Melanie Ronquillo Marisol Ruiz Lupe Sainz

Rebecca Sorzla Irene Torres

Ronald Wallin

Magda A., Burdette Family, Isaiah V., Vasquez Family, Carlos C., Anita P., Carlota W., Judy D., Daniel R. & Alica S., Tania C., Judy Davidson,

Madelyn LaMonica, Martha Negrete, Jaelynn Garcia, Veronica Garcia, Jesse Julius Garcia, Alyss Munoz,

Alejandro Munoz Jr, Avyel Munoz, Lara Family, Larry White, Josephine Zambramo, Baby Braxton, Baby Israel Martinez, Ana Morin, Lalo Lujan, Ruth Alvarado, Jesus Munoz, Maria Jesus Valdez, Pochito Cereceres, Eva Estrada, Blanca B., Betty Carrillo, Kim Walser, Jose Valles, Bea Herrera, Ashley McGeorge, Antonia Herrera, Benjamin Rodriguez, Luisa Hernandez de Guarche, Diane Amesquita, Dru Schelly, Pascuala Mendieta, Mark Clark, Potsy Sotelo, Jaelynn G. Garcia, Ramon Lara, Kathy Lee, Michael Perales, Fay Spangler, Fabian DeAnda Jr., Arturo & Maadi Rodriguez, Antonio Zuniga, Paul Medina, Ignacio Jr Villegas, Eva & Gustavo, Gael Hernandez, Sylvia Hernandez, Jaasiel Samayoa, Rosanne Martinez, Jimmy Marquez Family, Dolores HigginsFran Thetford, Gerald Thetford, Bob Breeze, Dragisic Family, Megan & Mallory Anthony.

Email frontdesk.sscc@att.net or call the office at 520-7394 to be added to the prayer list! If someone needs to be removed from prayer list please contact the

office to remove request. Thank you!

Upcoming Ethics May 4th at 10:00am (English) in St Ann’s Parlor (Midland) May 13 at 6:30pm (Spanish) in St. Ann’s Annex (Midland)

For those of you that volunteer with CCD classes, Teachers, assistants, helpers, or with our Youth, Homeschool co-op, Cub Scouts, Vacation Bible School, Homebound & Hospital Eucharistic Ministers, YOU MUST, at least, have filled out a background check AND attend an Ethic’s workshop. To obtain a background check form please come by the Parish office or click on website: https://www.sanangelodiocese.org/background-checks

NOMINATIONS – PARISH COUNCIL

ST. Stephen’s needs a few good men/women to serve on the Parish Council. We have positions openings. If you feel called to serve, please fill out a form on the table in the Church Foyer and place it in the box provided. If you do not feel called, but you know someone who could be great on the Council. Please submit their name (after getting their permission).

ELECCIONES - CONSEJO PARROQUIAL La iglesia necesita algunas buenas personas para servir en el Consejo Parroquial. Si se siente llamado a servir, por favor complete un formulario en la mesa en el foyer de la Iglesia y colóquelo en la cajita. Si quiere nominar a alguien que podría ser excelente en el Consejo, por favor inscriba los nombres (después de obtener su permiso).

Eucharistic Adoration Schedule

The Blessed Sacrament will be reposed Wednesday, April17th before the 5:30 pm Mass.

Eucharistic Adoration will resume following the 7 a.m. Mass on Monday, April 22nd, 2019.

El Santísimo Sacramento El Santísimo Sacramento será reposado el miércoles 17 de abril antes de la Misa de las 5:30 pm. La Adoración Eucarística se reanudará después de la Misa de las 7 a.m. el lunes, 22 de abril de 2019.

Have a safe and blessed Easter!

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Youth News

PEEK AT THE MONTH…

April

14th – Life Teen “Edified” @ Youth Building 6:00

19th – Passion Play

21st – No Life Teen, Happy Easter!

26th – DYRT Retreat for Confirmation I 28

th – Life Teen “Satisfied” @ Youth Building

6:00

Thomas Shows, Youth Director St. Stephen’s Catholic Church (432)-520-7394

Pizza Lunch Tuesday’s! Pizza Lunch: Come join us for

pizza lunch during your lunch

period! Pizza, chips, and a

drink provided for FREE.

This week in RCIA we will study the meaning of Holy Week and prepare to celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass on April 20th. The Triduum (Holy

Thursday through Easter) is the most important time of the year in the Church. "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. 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

Youth Confirmation II—Important Dates to Remember

• April 17th—No Class

• April 24th—Parent & Sponsor Meeting @ 6:45pm

• May 9th—Confirmation Community Service Hours Due

• May 22nd—Confirmation Mass at 6:30 PM

Parents a copy of Baptismal, First Communion, & Sponsor Form should be turned into office ASAP.

Young Adults • 4/26 Easter BBQ Celebration for Young Adults for

more information please call the Parish Office at 432-520-7394

Jovenes Adultos

Youth 1st Year Confirmation I—Important Dates to Remember

**Note change of Dates** RETREAT: APRIL 26TH-27TH

Its OK to ASK for HELP!!

If you need to talk

to a priest please call the office at

432-520-7394

No CCD Classes for April 17th due

to Holy Week!

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Domingo de Ramos. Ciclo “C” 14 de abril 2019

Resulta imposible comentar en pocas líneas el relato de la Pasión en el evangelio de Lucas. De los diversos episodios exclusivos suyos, considero de especial interés las tres palabras que pone en boca de Jesús en la cruz. Como es sabido, ninguno de los evangelios trae las siete famosas palabras de Cristo en la cruz. Mateo y Marcos, solo una; Juan, tres; Lucas, otras tres. Sumándolas tenemos siete. Las tres de Lucas pueden servir de reflexión y oración.

Jesús y los dos malhechores acaban de llegar al Calvario. Crucificar a tres personas es un trabajo más lento y cruel de lo que puede imaginarse, pero Lucas no entra en detalles. Se limita a indicar lo que decía Jesús en este momento: “Padre, perdónalos porque no saben lo que hacen”.

Que Jesús fue crucificado entre dos malhechores lo dicen también Mateo y Marcos (aunque estos los llaman “ladrones”, que equivale a “terroristas”, cosa más lógica porque a los ladrones no los crucificaban, sino que los vendían como esclavos). Pero la mayor diferencia consiste en que en Mateo y Marcos los dos insultan a Jesús. Lucas cuenta algo muy distinto: mientras uno anima irónicamente a Jesús a salvarse y salvarlos, el otro lo defiende, reconoce su inocencia y le pide que se acuerde de él cuando llegue a su reino. Todos sabemos la respuesta de Jesús: “Hoy estarás conmigo en el paraíso”.

Algún escéptico podría decir que Lucas ha inventado esta conversión tan inesperada del buen ladrón. Él respondería: “Si no fue así, pudo serlo”. Porque lo que intenta enseñarnos es que nunca es tarde para convertirse. En una parábola que comentamos hace tres domingos, el labrador pedía un año de plazo para la higuera estéril. Zaqueo tuvo el resto de su vida para demostrar su conversión. El buen ladrón solo dispone de unas horas antes de morir, aprovecha la ocasión de inmediato, y esas pocas palabras le sirven para salvarse. Al mismo tiempo, las palabras de Jesús suponen un consuelo para todos nosotros cuando se acerque la muerte: “Hoy estarás conmigo en el paraíso”.

Lo último que dijo Jesús antes de morir también varía según los evangelios. Marcos y Mateo ponen en su boca el comienzo del Salmo 22: “¡Dios mío, Dios mío! ¿Por qué he has desamparado?”. Parece un grito de abandono, sin esperanza. Quien sigue leyendo el salmo advierte que el olvido de Dios y el sufrimiento dan paso a la victoria final. Aunque esto sea cierto, Lucas piensa que sus lectores no van a entenderlo y se pueden quedar con la sensación de que Jesús murió desesperado. Por eso, las últimas palabras que pone en su boca son: “Padre, en tus manos encomiendo mi espíritu”. De este modo, el final de la vida terrena de Jesús empalma con el comienzo de actividad apostólica. En el bautismo escuchó la voz del cielo: “Tú eres mi hijo amado”. Ahora, en el momento del dolor y la muerte, cuando parece que Dios lo ha abandonado, Jesús lo sigue viendo como “Padre”, un padre bueno al que puede entregarse por completo.

El relato de la pasión es una historia de dolor, injusticia, sufrimiento físico y moral para Jesús. Pero Lucas ha querido que sus últimas palabras nos sirvan de enseñanza y consuelo para vivir y morir como él.

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

Avisos: Celebraciones para la SEMANA SANTA.

• Jueves Santo 7:00 p.m. misa bilingüe

• Viernes Santo 3:00 p.m. Rezo del Santo Viacrucis bilingüe

• Viernes Santo 7:00 p.m. Celebración de los oficios • Liturgia de la Palabra • Adoración de la Santa Cruz • Sagrada Comunión

• Sábado Santo 8:30 p.m. VIGILIA PASCUAL bilingüe

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Helping Hands of Midland 1301 Brinson Lane

(432) 520-8900

Here are a few of the rent situations we have assisted with: A 49-year-old man slipped and fell at home, severely fracturing his ankle. He has no insurance and has been unable to pay his bills for the past month. He used his 401K to pay his rent, utilities and some of his medical bills, but his money was soon depleted. His daughter and son-in-law are helping out as much as they are able however they struggle to pay their own bills. Since it will be some time before this man is able to return to work, we paid his rent for two months. A single mother with two young children owns her home (it was left to her by her parents), however the house developed a severe mold problem which caused ongoing sickness to her children. The family had to vacate the house for two weeks while the repairs were done. Being a single mom raising two small children, she was barely able to pay daycare, utilities, put food on the table and pay for the home repairs. Handling temporary housing was something she simply could not afford on top of everything else. We placed mom and children in a motel for the two-week period. A young mother recently lost her child. The death was unexpected and her grief was intense. The manager of her apartment complex came to us pleading on her behalf. The manager could not bear to confront this woman with rent being due when she had problems that were so much greater, including burying her child. We applaud the manager for caring enough to come to us. We gladly paid the mother’s rent. We pray that she has the strength to get through the pain and grief that she is suffering right now. Most of the cases we assist are either medical in nature, or arise out of real emergency situations such as living in tents or sleeping in cars, especially when children are involved. We wish we could report on each one of the people we help, as each case is unique and shows just how varied the legitimate needs are in our city. We will continue to do our best to provide housing for as many of those legitimate needs as we can. We thank you for your ongoing support of Helping Hands that makes it possible to do so much for so many. God bless you!

www.helpinghandsmidland.com

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

Electric 3 families $ 499.82 Water 1 family $ 918.74 Gas 15 families $ 2,956.62

Rent 22 families $19,279.44 Transportation 1 family $ 270.00 Medical 1 family $ 75.00 TOTAL $23,999.62

Upcoming Baptismal Classes: Próximas clases bautismales

May 19th & June 9th

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

Please Call Office to Register (432) 520–7394. Por favor llame a la oficina parroquial para registrar.

If you are planning on celebrating your fifteenth birthday, starting in April there will be new requirements for a Quinceañera. For more information please come by office.

• Parents & Honoree must be practicing Catholics and registered

members of St. Stephen’s

• Honoree must have completed 2 yrs of Religious Education and

enrolled in confirmation classes

• Attend Youth Group/LifeTeen

• Attend Quinceañera Formation Class

Si planeas celebrar una fiesta de quince años, A partir de abril habrá nuevos requisitos para una quinceañera. Para obtener más información, por favor venga a la oficina.

• La familia debe ser católica y miembros de la parroquia de St. Stephen

• La quinceañera debe haber completado 2 años de educación religiosa y asistir a

clases de confirmación

• Asistir al grupo de jóvenes / LifeTeen

• Asistir a la clase de formación quinceañera.

QUINCEAÑERA FORMATION CLASS For those who have scheduled a Quinceañera celebration at our Parish, the Honoree and one of the parents MUST attend a formation Quinceañera class.

Classes are every 2nd

Saturday of the Month: April 13, 2019: 8:00 AM – 12 NOON (Spanish) 1:00 PM – 4 PM (English) May 11, 2019: 8:00 AM – 12 NOON (Spanish) 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (English) Please call the Parish office, 520-7394, to pre-register.

CLASES DE FORMACIÓN QUINCEAÑERA

Para aquellos que han programado una celebración de quinceañera en nuestra parroquia, la quinceañera y uno de los padres DEBEN asistir a una clase de formación de quinceañera.

Las clases son cada 2do sábado del mes: 13 de abril de 2019: 8:00 a.m. a 12 del mediodía

en español 1:00 pm - 4 pm en inglés

11 de mayo de 2019: 8:00 a.m.-12 del mediodía. 1:00 pm - 4 pm en inglés Por favor llame a la oficina parroquial, 520-7394, para preinscribirse.