St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Office: 1603 Avenue N * Huntsville, TX 77340 Church: 1323 16th St. * Huntsville, TX 77340

Ph. 936.295.8159 * Fax 936.295.3543 www.sain homashuntsville.org

"...there is no inequality of significance amongst us except holiness..." “No hay desigualdad de importancia entre nosotros excepto la santidad…”

STAFF

Rev. Fred Valone…..Pastor Felix Ramos………..Permanent Deacon Kathy Boscarino…….DRE / Y M Maria Delgado……… Elem. CCE Marisol Urbina…...Administrative Asst. Rick Reed…………...Music Coordinator Jill Baker………..Nursery Coordinator Pat Norfleet…………..Bookkeeper Sylvia Vitela…………..Secretary Laura Puente………...Custodian

Adoration/Adoración

Reconciliation / Reconciliación

Mass Schedules

Tuesday / Martes

After 7:15 am Mass until 5:30pm

Tues/Martes 4:30-5:30 pm

Sat/Sabado 4:00-5:00 pm

Saturday/ Sabado 5:30 pm English

Sunday/ Domingo 7:45 am English 10:45 am English 12:30 pm Spanish 5:30 pm English

Monday/ Lunes No Mass

Tuesday – Friday/ Martes - Viernes

7:15 am

First Sunday in Lent March 1,2020

Mass Intentions

Of The Week

Sat.

02/29

5:30 pm

Cecil & Darryl (Birthday)

Sun.

03/01

7:45 am

Parishioners

10:45 am

Natalie Mia Amaya (Birthday)

12:30 pm

Edith Rogers

Mon.

03/02

NO Mass

Tues.

03/03

7:15 am

Dorothy Zajac

Wed

03/04

7:15 am

Raul & Juana Gonzalez (Their intentions)

Thurs

03/05

7:15 am

Maria Ayala (Her intentions)

Fri

03/06

7:15 am

Comunidad Alianza Their intentions

Sat.

03/07

5:30 pm

Jayden Travis May (Birthday)

Sun.

03/08

7:45 am

Jim Stefaniak

10:45 am

Parishioners

12:30 am

Camila Duarte

5:30 pm

CSC

5:30 pm

CSC

$

February 23, 2020

Regular Sunday Donations: $6,639.41

Thank you for your continued support!

Our gratefulness to God weekly offering

Janice Andrews, Veronica Antwi, James Aubey, Irma Avalos, Gene Barrett, Jordan Bergeron, Marie Blanchard, Chelsea Brown, Phillip Caito, Wren Colligan, Beckham Col-lins, Sunni Cook, Terry Corral, Melanie Davis, Kathy Delouche, Colin Dufour, Da-vid Duesing, Joe Duffy, James Elliott, Patsy

Freeman, Mary Gedelian, Melba & Leroy Hall, Sallie Hodges, Edwin Laake, Dorothy Laskoskie, Corrina Law-rence, Daphne Levey, Al Losack, Katy Losack, A.J. McGee, Karen McPike, Sheri McPike, Don Marcotte, Lisa Miller, Michele Miller, Mable Milliet, Donna Moore, Mary Ann Moore, Susan Montoya, Martin Moreno, Patricia Morrison, Lourdes Mosqueda, Frank O’Donnell, Alaka Oni, Dawn & Odell Rachal, Virginia Reed, Bob Ri-ley, Kelly Robinson, Nina Rozell, Andrea Scheel, Ana Ma-rie Santos, Jerry Seaton, Kayden Bryn Shipley, Cheryl Smith, Jerry & Dolores Stavina, Glenn Stewart, Kathy Stoltz, Jean Stow, Victoria Torres, Ray & Christi Town-ley, Dorothy Townsend, Gordan Travis, Lois Ubanoski, Enrique Valadez, Maria Elena Valencia, Kathy Vanecek, Matthew Varnum, Kirt Villareal, Rusty Wallace, Bill & Gaitha Walton, Alma Williams, Nancy Winkler

SECULAR FRANCISCANS . . . Would you like to give more time to God, but wonder how to do that when your life is so busy? Do you long for holiness, and feel a need for support in growing spiritual-ly? Perhaps your heart has been moved by stories of St. Francis of Assisi, or the Peace Prayer attributed to him, and you are seeking that same holy simplicity, true peace and perfect joy? If so, Christ may be call-ing you to explore the Secular Franciscan life. We would be happy to meet with you to share about the Franciscan journey. We meet the 4th Saturday each month at 12:00 noon in the Adult Education Building. Please contact Stephen Farlow, OFS at (936)355-1855.

Readings for the Week

Monday: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mt 25:31-46

Tuesday: Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7, 16-19; Mt 6:7-15

Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Lk 11:29-32

Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8; Mt 7:7-12

Friday: Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 5:20-26

Saturday: Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mt 5:43-48

Sunday: Gn 12:1-4a; Ps 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; 2 Tm 1:8b-10; Mt 17:1-9

PARISH

Sacred Heart . . . Conroe St. Matthias . . Magnolia St. Joseph . . . New Waverly St. Thomas . . . Huntsville Christ Our Light . . . Navasota (at St. Stanislaus in Anderson) St. Stanislaus . . . Anderson St. Stephen Martyr . . Point Blank

DATE

Tuesday, March 17 Wednesday, March 18 Tuesday, March 24 Tuesday, March 31 Thursday, March 26 None

TIME

6:30-9:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

Bilingual Bilingual Bilingual Bilingual Bilingual

2020 LENTEN PENANCE SERVICES - NORTHERN DEANERY

Retiro de Primera Comunión

Marzo 7, 2020 8:00 am – 12:00 medio día

El Retiro de Primera Comunión es para todos los estudiantes quien recibirá su Primera Comunión en este año. Todos los estudiantes de Primera Comunión están invitados a asistir al Retiro de Primera Comunión el día Sábado, Marzo7, 2020. El retiro es de 8:00am a 12:00 medio día. Desayuno será servido. Padres o Padrinos por favor de acompañar a los estudiantes. Este es un evento especial, tiempo a compartir y para disfrutar junto con ellos.

First Communion Retreat March 7, 2020

8:00 am – 12:00 noon The First Holy Communion Re-treat is for all students who will

be receiving their First Holy Communion this year. All First Communion students are invited to their

First Communion Retreat on Saturday, March 7, 2020. The retreat will be from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. Breakfast will be provided. Parents or God-parents are asked to please attend with the students. This is a special event, time sharing and enjoying together with them.

Stations of the Cross every Friday

7:00 p.m. (English) in the church 7:00 p.m. (Spanish) at the CCE bldg.

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry Every Friday (except Holy Friday)

5:00 -7:00 p.m. in the parish hall

HOLY NAME MEN'S RETREAT . . . The men of St. Thomas parish are invited to attend the "Holy Name Catholic Men's Retreat" to be held at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center (430 Bunker Hill Rd, Houston), March 20-22. Registration forms can be obtained from parishioner Craig Hibbison (936)436-0362 or online at www.holynameretreatcenter.com.

A ention High School Seniors

Scholarship applications from the St. Thomas Ladies, Knights of Columbus and Catholic Daughters are available in the church office.

Senior Recognition Mass When: Saturday, May 2, 2020 Time: Mass—5:30 p.m. Reception immediately after In the Parish Hall Where: St. Thomas Catholic Church Hosted by: St. Thomas Ladies. ♥ All graduating seniors are invited. Scholarships, recognition and senior gifts will be Presented. RSVP at 936-295-8159 by April 17, 2020

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you; plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. Jer. 29:11

Kathy Boscarino, DRE/YM kboscarino@saintthomashuntsville.org

(936) 295-8159 (936) 520-6524 Www.sainthomashuntsville.org

7th –12th grades

STAY Edge When/Cuando: Sundays/ domingos Time/Hora: 9:05-10:20 Where/Donde: Parish Hall/salón parroquial 3/01/2020 Edge Class/Clase 3/08/2020 NO Class/Clase 3/15/2020 Edge Class/Clase 3/22/2020 Edge Class/Clase 3/29/2020 Edge Class/Clase

STAY Lifeteen When/Cuando: Wednesdays/Los miercoles Time/Hora: 6:30 pm—8:30 pm Where/Donde: Parish Hall/salón parroquial 3/05/2020 Class/Clase 3/11/2020 Lenten Retreat 6:30-8:30 3/25/2020 Class/Clase 3/25/2020 Class/Clase

Congratulations to Jona-than, Jorge, Cristian, Emilio, Dalia, Maggie and Jinelle on celebrating the Sacrament of

Eucharist for the 1st time.

Junior High Youth Rally Jonathan, Mariah and Dora enjoyed the Jr High Youth Rally

Saint Thomas the Apostle Lenten Penance Service

Servicio de Penitencia Cuaresmal

Tuesday, March 31, 6:00 p.m. Martes, marzo 31, 6:00 p.m.

Baptism Preparation / Preparación para Bautizmo

English Baptism Sessions . . . Tuesday, March 10, 6:30 p.m. in the Adult Education Bldg. (1613 Ave N) . Please pre-register in the parish office prior to attending sessions. A copy of the child’s birth certifi-cate should be presented at time of registration.

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Preparación para Bautizmo Sesiones de preparación para el Bautizmo en Español . . . El miercoles 11 y jueves12 de marzo a las 7:00 p.m. en el salon de CCE. Por favor preincrí-base en la oficina de la parroquia antes de asistir las sesiones. El acta de nacimiento debe presentarse al tiempo que se registre en la oficina.

Archdiocesan Young Adult Day 2020. . . . “Your Burning Heart is Holy Ground” Come and join hundreds of young adults (single and married) ages 18-39 years old for a day of fellowship, music, prayer and workshops. Saturday, March 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Presented in English and Spanish at St. Jerome Catholic Church 8825 Kempwood Dr., Houston, TX 77080. Information www.archgh.org/yacm or call 713-741-8778 or email yacm@archgh.org

Dia Arquidiocesano de Jovenes Adultos 2020 “Tu Corazon Ardiente es Tierra Sagrada” Ven y acompaña a cientos de jóvenes adultos (solteros y casados) de 18 a 39 años de edad a un día de talleres, música, oración y convivencia. Sábado 21 de Marzo, 2020 de 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Presentado en Inglés y Español en la Iglesia de San Jerónimo en Houston Información: www.archgh.org/yacm o 713-741-8778 o yacm@archgh.org .

STRENGTH AGAINST TEMPTATION . . . The first Sunday of the season of Lent always includes a Gospel account of the temptation of the Lord Jesus in the desert by the devil. This year, the story is set against the backdrop of the first reading from Genesis, which re-counts the very first temptation by the devil. That story is set in a garden of delight. The Gospel story is set in the desert. As believers, we know that temptation comes our way in our own gardens of delight as well as the deserts of our lives. As Lent begins, our attention is drawn to that temptation within each of us to become like God—we want control, power, and answers to all of life’s difficult questions. As communities of faith, we are given this season of repentance so that we can join our hearts with others on the difficult journey of conversion. We look to God and to one another for strength against temptation. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

********************************************************************* FORTALEZA ANTE LA TENTACIÓN . . . El primer domingo del tiempo de Cuaresma siempre incluye el relato evangélico de la tentación del Señor Jesús en el desierto por el diablo. Este año tiene como trasfondo la primera lectura de Génesis, en la que se narra la primera ten-tación del diablo que ocurre en un jardín de delicias. El relato del Evangelio transcurre en el desierto. Los creyentes sabemos que la tentación viene tanto en nuestros propios jardines de delicias como en los desiertos de nuestra vida. La Cuaresma comienza, y nuestra atención se dirige a esa tentación dentro de nosotros de hacernos como Dios –queremos control, poder y respuesta a todas las difíciles preguntas de la vida. A nuestras comunidades de fe se les ofrece este tiempo de arrepentimiento para que podamos unir nuestro corazón al de otros en el difícil camino de la conversión. Nos volvemos a Dios y hacia los demás buscando fortaleza ante la tentación. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Texas Catholic Herald . . . Did you know the Texas Catholic Herald is online? Bookmark our website to get the latest news, stories, view photos and more online at www.archgh.org/tch.

Maria Goretti Support Group . . . New support group for those afflicted with any type of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual or mental) will begin to meet at 7:00 pm on the second Tuesday of every month in downtown Houston at the Cathedral Centre (1701 San Jacinto Street, ). For more info, go to www.mgoretti.org/ or call 713-851- 3708.

The Fire of Your Love: Ember Days

By Will Oliver

Sant Crux, Lucia, Cineres, Charismata Dia Holy Cross, Lucy, Ash Wednesday, Pentecost, Ut sit in angaria quarta sequens feria. Are when the quarter holidays follow.

In a previous column, I spoke about the difference between Traditions and traditions. One of the Catholic traditions that has fallen to the wayside is Ember Days. I always liked the sound of that holiday, but, like other traditions such as Candelmas (the Presentation of the Lord), we hardly ever hear their names mentioned, more less actually practiced. Ember Days came four times a year, and each was a time that the Church set aside three days to focus on God through His marvelous creation. Each of the four Ember Days take place near the beginning of the four natural seasons though they are not specifically tied to them. They were observed on a successive Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The first of the four times comes in Winter, after the Feast of St. Lucy (December 13). The second comes in Spring, the week after Ash Wednesday (February 26 this year - hence the timing of this particular column). The third comes in Summer, after Pentecost Sunday (May 31 this year). And the last comes in Autumn, after Holy Cross Day (September 14). As they are timed to St. Lucy, the ashes on Ash Wednesday, Pentecost—generally symbolized by a dove—and Holy Cross, the old mnemonic device for remembering the four Ember Days were by reciting the short ditty: “Lucy, Ashes, Dove, and Cross.” The practice of Ember Days dates back to the seasonal fasts of the early Church. At that time, there were three time-periods in which there were fasts in Rome; these being June, September and December. The Liber Pontificalis, the Book of the Popes, credits Pope Callixtus I (217–222) with a law regulating the observance of these fasts. It was Pope Leo the Great (440–461) who then made it into an Apostolic institution. The fourth season (the Ash Wednesday observance) was added by the fifth century because the earliest mention of the four seasonal fasts was in the writings of the Bishop of Brescia, Philastrius, and he died sometime around the year 387. Ember Days were generally spent in fasting and partially abstaining in penance, with the intentions of thanking God for the gifts He gives us in nature. The fasts, known as Jejunia quatuor temporum, or “the fast of the four seasons,” are rooted in Old Testament practices of fasting four times a year. This came from the Old Testament book of Zechariah:

And the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love truth and peace’ (Zechariah 8:19).

Our Jewish ancestors once fasted weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but Christians changed the fast days to Wednesdays (the day on which Christ was betrayed) and Fridays (the day on which He was crucified), and later, Satur-day was included (the day He was entombed). In addition to fasting during Ember Days, small parties or celebrations were thrown at the times when fasting ended. Traditions (with a small letter t) also developed around Ember Days for these four holidays became favored for such events as priestly ordinations, first Communions, and various forms of almsgiving and other penitential and charitable acts (though generally not for the Ember Days during the week of Ash Wednesday). It also became customary to say prayers for all priests, as well as for all the souls in Purgatory.

Stewardship Reflections . . . That we prune ourselves of earthly things and ask God how he is calling us to serve. “It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” Matthew 4:10 Tempted between the riches and power of this world and service to God, Jesus chose service to His Father. If we wish to truly follow Jesus, we, too, must decide to turn away from worldly power and riches and put God at the center of our lives. Lent is our time to prune ourselves of earthly things. Ask God how he is calling you to serve.

Reflexiones de Mayordomía . . . Para que podamos liberarnos de las cosas terrenales y preguntarle a Dios cómo nos está llamando a servir. "Está escrito: Adorarás al Señor, tu Dios, y solo a Él servirás." Mateo 4:10 Tentado entre las riquezas y el poder de este mundo y el servicio a Dios, Jesús eligió el servicio a su Padre. Si deseamos seguir verdaderamente a Jesús, nosotros también debemos decidir apartarnos del poder y las riquezas del mundo y poner a Dios en el centro de nuestras vidas. Cuaresma es nuestro tiempo para liberarnos de las cosas terrenales. Pregúntale a Dios cómo te está llamando a servir.

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My Own Church Parish . . . .

To Register yourself or update your family information go to https://galveston.parishsoftfamilysuite.com If you have any questions please contact Kathy Bos-carino by email at kboscarino@saintthomashuntsville.org

Mi Propia Iglesia . . . . Para registrarse o actualizar su información familiar vaya a: https/galveston.parishsoftfamilysuite.com Si tiene alguna pregunta, contáctese con Kathy Boscarino por correo electrónico kboscarino@saintthomashuntsville.org

CHURCH SECURITY INFORMATION

Following the church shootings last year near San Antonio the parish's Security Committee has taken steps ensure the safety of all St. Thomas the Apostle parishioners. The first step restricts access to the church during liturgical services. Once Mass has begun all doors into the church will be locked from the inside with the exception of the double doors facing 16th Street. Anyone arriving late for Mass will only be able to enter the church through the 16th Street doors. Parishioners will be able to exit the church through any of the locked doors as well as the doors fac-ing 16th Street. Signs will be posted around the church building to remind parishioners of the locked doors. The staff at St. Thomas the Apostle Church takes the safety and security of all the parishioners very seriously. We are confident that the steps taken at this time will minimize any problematic incidents.

INFORMACION DE SEGURIDAD DE LA IGLESIA

Después de los tiroteos de la iglesia el año pasado cerca de San Antonio, el Comité de Seguridad de la parroquia tomo medidas para garantizar la seguridad de los feligreses de Santo Tomás. El primer paso fue de restringir el acceso a la Iglesia durante los servicios litúrgicos. Cuando haya comen-zado la misa, todas las puertas de la iglesia estarán cerra-das de adentro con la excepción de las puertas dobles que dan a la calle 16. Personas que lleguen tarde a misa solo podrá entrar a través de las puertas de la calle 16. Los feligreses podrán salir a través de cualquiera de las puertas cerradas. Se colocarán letreros alrededor del edificio de la iglesia para recordar a los feligreses de las puertas cerradas. El personal de la Iglesia Santo Tomás toma muy en serio la seguridad de todos los feligreses. Estamos seguros de que los pasos tomados minimizarán incidentes problemáticos.