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March 18, 2018 Vol. 36 No. 32

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

LENTEN PENANCE SERVICES 2018

Our Lady of Lourdes (Andrews) March 20, 2018 at 7:00 PM Holy Redeemer (Odessa) March 21, 2018 at 7:00 PM Good Shepherd (Crane) March 22, 2018 at 6:30 PM Our Lady of Guadalupe (Midland) March 23, 2018 (All Day) St. Joseph’s (Odessa) March 26, 2018 at 6:30 PM St. Ann’s (Midland) March 27, 2018 at 7:00 PM

Join us every Monday during

Lent from 6:30-7:30 pm in the

big Church for an hour of

prayer (Bilingual) as a

community with the Blessed Sacrament.

It will include scripture readings, a brief

Lenten reflection, the Chaplet of Divine

Mercy and time for silence. We will end

with Benediction (special blessing with

the Blessed Sacrament). ANY QUESTION

PLEASE CALL LINDA FOSTER AT (432)559-

8888 (HABLA ESPANOL)

Triduum

Holy Thursday -

7:00 PM (Bilingual)

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

Passion Play at 6:30 PM

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

Dear Parishioners, Holy Week is quickly sneaking up on us. It begins with Palm Sunday next week. In that liturgy, we remember the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. For that reason, we will start outside in the middle of the Prayer Garden to commemorate Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem where He prepares to face His crucifixion. This means that next Sunday we will not go into the church as we typically do, but rather we will all start outside in the Prayer Garden and process in. Palm branches will be handed out as you enter the Prayer Garden from either side. They will be blessed in the Prayer Garden. We will then enter the Church as Jesus entered Jerusalem, where we will hear the Passion of the Lord. Have a fruitful last two weeks of Lent.

In Christ, Fr. Timothy Hayter

Upcoming Baptismal Classes:

April 8th & 15th

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

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

Sunday, March 18 - Fifth Sunday of Lent

Monday, March 19 - St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Tuesday, March 20

Wednesday, March 21

Thursday, March 22

Friday, March 23 - St. Turibius of Mogrovejo

Saturday, March 24 -

Sunday, March 25 - Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Correction for March 4th Collection

Regular: $ 41,593.07 Building Fund: $ 100.00 Other Income: $ 6,087.50 For The Poor: $ 34,549.51

Financial reports are available in the parish office.

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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

For the week of March 18, 2018

COME JOIN US FOR THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS

EVERY FRIDAY IN THE MAIN CHURCH AT

6:05 PM

Last Week’s Collection

Regular: $ 23,787.43 Building Fund: $ 741.00 Other Income: $ 4,246.07 Catholic Relief Collection: $ 4,879.25

Financial reports are available in the parish office.

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March 18 Jeanette Aguirre

Michael Dominguez Ricky Martinez Shimira Munoz Eliana Nanez

Ryan Ethan Ornelas Yorvet Paz

Timothy Repman

March 19 Hector Arellanes Bethany Dixon Kelley Korinek

Khloe Lara Francisco Lopez Jr.

Jacob Repman Frankie Sanchez Kathy Thompson

March 20 Alixandra Dominguez

Daniella Lara Adrian Ramirez Sr.

Evelyn Rayos Maricela Salgado

March 21 Ashley N. Bechner

Eric Benavidez Moses Buzan

Domingo Cabello Armando Galindo Monica Itzaguirre Yolanda Ketter Daniel Melchor

Alonso Navarrete Anthony Navarrete

David Reeves Sofia Ruvalcaba Doxie Watson

March 22 Andrea Avena

Octavio Borunda Melinda Bujnoch Alyxah Carrillo

Alondra DeAnda Carson Gonzales

Maria Meraz Lidia Molina Kodie Ochoa

Omar Samaniego Trisha Torres

March 23 Grant Alford

Addali Espinoza Liric Gomez

Amber Guerrero Kodi Hartman Fatima Huerta Frank Lujan

Reina Munoz Celia Reyes

Luke Rodriguez Jason Sanchez Melissa Tonche

Mary Torres

March 24 Luz Bill

Austin Borrego Hector Garcia Cristoval Mata

George Olivarez Lupe Perez

Brian Ramirez Mayra Ramirez

Michael Redmond Gitzelle Sanchez Juan Saucedo

Joseph Simmons

March 25 Brandon Aguirre Emma Andrade

Evangeline Corley Allen Franco Liam Tavas

Summer Ulmo Duane D. Watson Faustino Zalazar

Victor Madrid, Kenneth Jones, Dean Teagarden, Tom Torres, Irene Cisneros, Mary Esparza, Tommy Lee Rivera, Margaret Lopez, Bea

Herrera, Sergio Patino, Delma Lerma, Arthur Rios, Beatrice Pacheco, Ralph Lujan, Ryan Munoz, Charlie

Flower, Larry White, Gary Rodriguez, Fr. Ted Pfeifer, OMI, Hilda Guerrero, Leila Vega, Emma Valdez, Mary Madrid, Albert Madrid, Pablo Talamantez, Baby Braxton Munoz, Baby Israel Martinez, Carolina Pirela, Lalo Lujan, June Foresygh, Suzie Brideweser, Maria Hernandez, Simon Arevalo, Adrian Ayala, Phillip Sorrel, Alyss Munoz, Alejandro Munoz Jr, Avyel Munoz, Maria Luisa Rodriguez, Inez Rodriguez, Josefina Alvarez, 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, Potsy Sotelo, Jaelynn G. Garcia, Mingo Lujan, Ramon Munoz, Methias Ornelas, Jose Carmen Vazquez, Rebecca Rodelo, Jess Valenzuela, Bob Brecze, Gerald Thetford, Heidi Gobel, Dominguez Family, Yasmin Smith, Ladyann Medina, Fran Thetford, Joe Munoz Jr., Anita Morin.

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

Marriage Jubilee 2018 - All couples who are celebrating their 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, and above wedding anniversaries (Church Marriage, not civil marriage) in the calendar year of 2018 are invited to the Diocesan Marriage

Jubilee bilingual celebration on May 6, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, San Angelo. Families and friends are invited to accompany our jubilarians to this celebration. Renewal of vows will take place within the Mass. This celebration will conclude with a reception in the Cathedral gymnasium, to which all are invited. For registration information, please contact Parish Office with Gladys Qualls. The deadline to register for this celebration is Monday, April 23, 2018.

You’re invited to St. Stephen’s Annual Fish Fry

Friday March 23, 2018 6:30 PM – 8 PM In the Parish Hall

Sponsored by the Women’s Organization & the Knights of Columbus

Advance Tickets can be purchased From the Women’s Organization after all Masses in the Foyer Or at the Parish office. Cost is $10.00 per Person/Child Menu: Fried Cat Fish, Cole Slaw, French Fries, Hush Puppies & Dessert by our Youth Group (Donations are appreciated)

Deadline to buy tickets is on Wednesday March 21, 2018 until 12 Noon At the Parish office

**PLEASE NOTE: So that we may have enough food to serve you, NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD at the door the night of the Fish Fry**

For further information please contact Chairperson Elaine Nguyen at 432-230-5062 or any other Women’s Organization ladies.

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This Sunday we celebrate the Third Scrutiny Rite, which is the final Scrutiny. You will remember that in the First Scrutiny, we learned about the Samaritan woman at the well who encountered Jesus. Jesus shared the Truth with her and she

believed and followed Him. Like the woman at the well, Jesus shares His Truth with us and we are called to follow Him.

In the Second Scrutiny, we learned about Jesus healing the man who had been blind from birth. Like the blind man, before we encountered Jesus, we were blind to the ways of God, but in His infinite mercy and love God heals us of our blindness and shows us the path of righteousness to follow.

In this Sunday's Gospel, we will read about Jesus raising Lazarus to new life after he had been dead for four days. Jesus went to the tomb and in a loud voice said, "Lazarus, come out!" Lazarus awoke and walked out of the tomb. God's word is powerful! Then Jesus told those present to untie his burial cloths and to let Lazarus go. Like Lazarus, we too were dead in our sins, but if we follow God and trust in His ways, we have the hope of the resurrection and eternal life with God. In the three Scrutiny Rites, we see God's plan of salvation. He calls us to hear His Truth, follow His truth, and spend eternity with Him. Amen!

On Tuesday in RCIA, we will study The Meaning of Holy Week and our Saint of the Day will be Saint Joseph. "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

Free Pizza during Lent!

Thursday, March 22nd Spring Break Pizza Lunch

– Pizza lunch will be served from 11:30 – 1:30 in the youth building

Youth News

LifeTeen this week March 18th! Our next Life night will be on April 8th.

Youth Confirmation II—Important Dates to Remember

March 23rd - 25th—Confirmation 2 Retreat April 28th—Confirmation Community Service Hours Due May 9th—Confirmation Rehearsal for Candidate & Sponsor at 7PM May 16th—Confirmation Mass at 6:30 PM

Steubenville Lonestar! If you are interested in attending the high school Steubenville youth

conference this summer from June 22-23, then please come to the office and fill out a diocesan

liability form and $50 deposit. We have very limited space available. $300 total for the trip, deadline to register is April 15. We will have

fundraising events to benefit the teens who are registered starting soon, so sign up quick!

Retreat for Healing After Abortion God’s mercy is greater than your abortion. He wants to heal you...Will you let Him? Find God’s mercy at a Rachel Weekend Retreat,and let Him heal you. Our next Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat is April 27-29 in the Lubbock Area. Confidential contact: Kathy.krille@gmail.com and 806-577-5912.

Remind App: Want up to date information on what’s going on with the youth group? Join the St. Stephen’s Youth Group on the Remind

App! Text @3gb426 to 81010 and you will be signed up to receive our updates.

Fish Fry Desserts: Please bring a cake or dessert to CCD on Wednesday March 21, for our parish fish fry.

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Próximas clases bautismales:

April 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.

Próximo Retire del Viñedo de Rachel La misericordia de Dios es mas grande que tu aborto. El quiere sanarte...le permitirás? Encuentra la misericordia de Dios en el retiro de El Viñedo de Raquel y pídele que te sane. Nuestro próximo

Retiro del Viñedo de Rachel es el abril de 27-29 en el area de Lubbock. Contacto confidencial: Kathy.krile@gmail.com o 806-577-5912.

Please join us on April 11th from 9:30-11:00 am in Room 2 for a 3-4 week study on forgiveness, something we all need help with. We will be using the

book “Everybody Needs to Forgive Somebody.” Please contact Mary at 978-9311 or JoAnn at 559-2658 if you are interested or need more information Books will be $3.00. You will need to read the first chapter before we meet. We look forward to seeing you.

Matrimonio Jubileo 2018

Todas las parejas que están celebrando sus 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 y por encima de los aniversarios de boda (matrimonio de iglesia, no fecha civil) en el año

civil de 2018 son Invitado al matrimonio diocesano jubileo bilingüe (en español e inglés sólo) celebración el 6 de mayo de 2018 a las 3:00 pm en la catedral del sagrado corazón de san angelo. Se invita a las familias y amigos a acompañar a nuestros jubilarías a esta celebración. La renovación de los votos se llevará a cabo dentro de la masa. Esta celebración concluirá con una recepción en el gimnasio de la catedral, a la que todos están invitados. Para la información de registro, por favor pase por la oficina parroquial (ver gladys qualls) y traiga una copia de su certificado de matrimonio de la iglesia. Fecha límite para inscribirse para esta celebración es lunes, 23 de abril de 2018.

Viernes Marzo 23, 2018 Organizado por: St. Stephen’s Women’s

Organization & Knights of Columbus Boletos cuestan $10 por plato y estarán de venta empezando el Viernes 3 de Marzo hasta el Miércoles 21 de Marzo. Puede

comprar sus boletos después de misa los fines de semana o con Gladys Qualls el la Oficina Parroquial.

BOLETOS NO ESTARAN DE VENTA EN LA PUERTA

Hay encuentro para todas las mujeres

el sábado 24 de marzo

de 9:00 am - a 12:00 pm...Las esperamos!

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We all make mistakes. We all sin. Thankfully, we have a God who loves us and forgives us. But just because He forgives us it doesn't necessarily mean we don't pay the consequences of those mistakes and sins. And those consequences can have a negative rippling effect on those we love. A young lady, mother of two precious little girls, came into our offices seeking assistance with rent. She had been sick (and obviously still was) with pneumonia. It landed her in the hospital for 2 weeks during which time she could not work or care for her children. She was so stressed about making ends meet she gave herself a panic attack which caused her yet another stay in the hospital. Her husband and father of her children has been in prison for several years and is set to be there for several more. But he obviously is not the only victim in this story. Because he is in prison he cannot pay child support. Providing and caring for her and her girls falls solely on the shoulders of the mother. He at least knows he has a place to lay his head every night; he knows he will receive 3 square meals a day; and he knows he will receive medical attention if and when he needs it. He even knows he could pursue a free education if he chooses to. Meanwhile, his wife, down to one income, and their children struggle every day to keep a roof over their heads, food in their bellies and clothes on their backs. With child care costs and the price of food and rent going up, this young lady, even though severely ill, could not afford to miss even one day of work. The time already missed from her pneumonia was devastating. When she came into our office, she was still not over the cough and chest congestion that lingers from pneumonia. It was apparent that she was hurting physically and was emotionally exhausted, but she had to keep going – she simply could not afford to miss any more work, any more income, that could cause her to potentially lose her job. We see brave, caring, loving and hardworking people like this every day. She is doing the very best she can. Our hearts go out to these courageous fighters. Due to your generosity we were able to help her with several months’ rent. We wish you could see the relief on her face, the gratitude in her eyes, and the smile through her tears. It is truly humbling and, because of your support and prayers, this, and much more is possible. Thank you and God bless.

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 in the past week: Water 2 families $ 171.62 Rent 15 families $12,672.45 Transportation 1 family $ 800.00 Medical 3 families $ 2,133.07 TOTAL $15,777.14 www.helpinghandsmidland.com

Club Dance St. Stephen’s Catholic Church

4601 Neely Gloria Denman Ballroom

DATE/TIME: FRIDAY, March 23, 2018/7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. COST/ATTIRE: $30.00 per person/Casual BAND: “CPR” (Country, Pop, Rock) CATERER: Felix Buenrostro with Catering Express MENU: Pecan crusted tilapia, Salisbury steak with mushroom sauce, rice pilaf, California blend vegetables, spring mix salad with strawberries, rolls, Italian cream cake, key lime pie, vanilla ice cream, tea and water.

Please remember to make advance reservations, if possible, for this dance so that we may have an accurate count for our wonderful caterer!

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, March 21, 2018. For more information, please contact our Reservations Coordinator at: clubdancemidland@hotmail.com.