the st. joseph beacon · the st. joseph beacon enlightened communication for our parish family...

THE SEASON OF SPRING RESOUNDS WITH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL THROUGH THE CHURCH’S MESSAGES OF HOPE, JOY,

LOVE, AND INSPIRATION THROUGH THE SUFFERING, RISEN AND ASCENDED CHRIST

The St. Joseph BEACON

Enlightened Communication for our Parish Family

Volume 2, Issue 2 SPRING 2013

Ministries 2

School News 4

Family Album 5

Hispanic Ministry 6

News from Rome 8

Feature Article 8

Reflections 9

Children’s 0

Prayer Corner 11

Inside this issue:

It's not really about GOING to

church, it's about COMING to LIFE!

HABEMUS PAPAM!!

THE UNIVERSAL CATHOLIC

CHURCH HAS A NEW POPE!

* FRANCIS *

The Conclave of the College of

Cardinals (115) entered into sequestra-

tion on March 12, 2013, to choose a

new Shepherd to fill the See of Peter,

vacated by Pope Benedict XVI on Feb-

ruary 28th, 2013.

On March 3, 2013, at 1:13, the

white smoke billowed from the smoke-

stack on top of the Sistine Chapel indi-

cating a new pope had been elected.

With a minimum two-thirds of the

electoral votes, Cardinal Jorge Mario

Bergoglio, S.J., Archbishop of Buenos

Aries, Argentina, was elected and ac-

cepted the spiritual Keys to the King-

We have celebrat-ed the beautiful Feast Day of Easter. We have come to the goal, the climax, the summit of Lent, of our Christian life and indeed, of all history. As Pentecost approaches and we await the descent of the Holy Spirit and the

birthday of the Church Universal, may we never forget that Jesus is with us once more and re-mains with us always, never to leave us by our-selves--never to leave us alone.

As with all of humankind for thousands of years, we hope and desire for ultimate deliv-erance from evil, for peace, joy and fullness of love. These human desires are fulfilled in Christ,

who is Love itself, and His triumphant Resurrec-tion from the dead that triumphed over sin and death with joy, exultation and praise.

Our Holy Mother Church does not forget that we, her children, remain face-to-face with daily living in our world. She remembers us living within our families, our particular voca-tions, enduring all our struggles and agonies, as well as with our joy. She reminds us that Easter is a springtime that always points to the future, to a harvest, to a recreated, renewed world. She always urges us to move forward in spite of our daily temptations and struggles. As for each of us who experienced the daily dying to self during Lent reminds us to point to our own personal dying with Christ at the end of our life in this world.

During my ten years in Marshall, I have been helped by all our parish organiza-

tions, the Finance Council, Pastoral Council, Knights of Columbus, Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, St. Joseph Catholic Charities, and every parish organization and group to create a parish filled with hope, joy and peace. I would like to thank each and every staff member, volunteer and organization for their part in making this come to fruition. I want to thank the active participation of our parishioners in the six important areas of Liturgy and Adora-tion, Catholic Formation, Catholic School, Youth Ministry, Outreach and Unification of Cultures that I implemented since coming to the parish, have brought hope and newness to “our own part of the world here in East Texas.”

May we all come with joy to that feast which lasts forever. Amen

Rev. Fr. Denzil

Vithanage, Pastor

dom to become the 266th succes-

sor of St. Peter, a position estab-

lished by Jesus to lead His church

on earth.

He is the first of the Jesuit

order to be elevated to pope, the

first from the Americas, the first

priest ordained after Vatican II,

and the first to take the name of

FRANCIS, in honor of Holy

Saint Francis of Assissi!

stjosephmarshall.org

He once wrote: "Mary’s deep

relationship with the Eucharist

can guide the faithful and allow

people to get closer to God. She is

the “model of the bond between

the Lord and his bride, the

church, between God and each

man.” --Cardinal Bergoglio

Give glory to God, Allelulia!

Viva papa Francesco!

Tantum ergo Sacramentum

Are you called to serve?

There are many places to serve in God’s house,

which one is right for you?

Do you like to sing and make music? How does

making music in the house of the Lord sound to you?

Then serving in the choir is the place for you. Youth

Choir practice is Wednesday evenings 6:15-6:50 pm

and Adult Choir practice is Wednesday evenings

7:00-8:00 pm in the choir loft.

Are you called to be an Altar Server? Boys and

girls who have made their First Communion and who

would like to assist Father at the altar during Mass

may decide this is right for you.

Call the Office at 903-935-2536 for information

THE ST. JOSEPH BEACON

Spring 2013

THE MINISTRIES OF FAITH FORMATION

Liturgy/Choir Ministry Nancy Vines

St. Joseph Altar Society Ministry Lurlie Maddox, President

The Altar Society ministry assists Father Denzil in

the maintenance of the sanctuary, sacristy, and worship

space in the church, as well as the Adoration Chapel.

This includes the care and cleaning of the sacred vessels

and altar linens, weekly cleaning of the floor in the sanc-

tuary and changing of the holy water and assuring that

votive candles are available and sanctuary lamps are

burning.

The Altar Society also operates the Parish Gift Shop

and is responsible for the Art and Environment in the

Church for the different liturgical seasons. The Altar Soci-

ety also holds fundraisers and all proceeds from fundrais-

ers and sales from the gift shop go toward purchasing

liturgical items for the church.

All are welcome to join the Altar Society. There are

no dues - just a desire to work with others to serve God

and support the pastor in maintaining the sacred environ-

ment. If you are interested in joining the Altar Society,

contact any member through the Church office at 903-935

-2536. Officers are: Lurlie Maddox, President; Cindy

Holcomb, Secretary; and Carolyn Ponder, Treasurer.

Or, you are welcome to just drop in at any meeting

which is held monthly on the 4th Wednesday, at 7:00 p.m.

Meetings are held in the basement lounge area behind the

Gift Shop. Enter through the gate and down the steps.

Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation Gerald Duvall

St. Joseph’s offers many activity choices for you to explore your Catholic

faith. One of these choices is the Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation group.

The group welcomes everyone who would like to gain a deeper perspective on our

Catholic faith through reflection, discussion, and social interaction.

This “class” provides a forum to help you to become more familiar with

scripture, learn more about our Church, our Lord and His Sacraments. Our group

discussions are guided by Reflecting on Sunday’s Readings provided by Emmaus

Journey (found at www.emmausjourney.org). As adults, our discussions generally

tend toward families, careers, and other influences from the choices we make in our

lives. Regardless of where we are in our personal faith formation journey, we learn

together how scripture and prayer can help us to more fully commit our lives to

Christ.

During discussions, one doesn’t have to be asked to speak…it simply hap-

pens. We do our best to create and maintain an atmosphere where interactions oc-

cur in the spirit of love. Come, give our group a try. Regular attendance is encour-

aged, but not committed. There is a chair waiting with just your name on it.…we

even provide the coffee (and occasionally, donuts!).

The group meets 9:00—10:00 a.m. Call the church office at 903-935-2536 or

Gerald Duvall at 903-938-1733 for more information.

“The singular most serious

problem facing the Church today is

loss of faith in the Real Presence.”

—Very Rev. William Casey, CPM

L-R : Carolyn Ponder, Trudy Harris, Father Denzil,

Susan Carlisle, Lurlie Maddox, and Cindy Holcomb

decorating the Sanctuary for the Easter liturgical sea-

son. Missing from this picture are Billie Wappler and

Katherine Wilburn.


Spring 2013

The Marshall Food Pantry is in

DIRE NEED of food.

Please bring canned goods and

non-perishables to the Church for

delivery.

You may also make a money

donation for the Marshall Food

Pantry at the Church office.

Please help.

Cathy Lay,

Marshall Food Pantry Board Member

Parish Youth Happenings—REC TEAM

THE MINISTRIES OF OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHARITIES AND

FOOD PANTRY MINISTRIES

Cathy Lay

Contact the church office at 903-935-2536 if you are interested in

serving with any of the Parish ministries profiled in this month’s

newsletter.

The volunteer members of THE GABRIEL PROJECT see in the

birth of each baby a fresh expression of God’s unfailing love.

They offer immediate and practical help to any woman faced

with a crisis pregnancy.

Catholic women in East Texas are committed to

respond with love to any woman facing a crisis pregnancy.

Bishop Strickland has asked every Catholic community in

the Diocese of Tyler to reach out.

To ask for help, offer your assistance, or

for more information, contact Juanita Cantu at

[email protected] or call 888-300-5112.

St. Joseph's Youth Group, the "R.E.C. T.E.A.M" ( Really Enjoying

Christ, Teens Engaging Actively in

Ministry), has been serving donuts,

orange juice, and coffee after the

morning Masses on Sundays. They

hope to encourage a more social

atmosphere for our parish. They

graciously accept monetary dona-

tions to apply toward youth retreat

opportunities this summer.

The youth program aims to help the

youth strengthen their faith through social,

service, and spiritual activities. Our goal is

to have the youth become more active in the

church and in the community, all the while

having fun learning more about their faith

and building upon their relationship with

God.

The high school REC TEAM is open

to all youth who are in 9th - 12th grade and

meets at Chili's Parish Youth House on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM -

8:30 PM.

The Jr. REC TEAM, for those youth in 5th - 8th grade (Jr High/MS),

meets on Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at Chili's.

Helping Mother and Child for the Love

of Jesus Christ

The Legion of Mary

Carita McClatchy

The Legion of Mary meets on Tuesday mornings at

10:00 a.m. in the Parish Office conference room. They

pray the Holy Rosary for the intentions of parishioners, the

sick, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals,

our families, the Holy Father, bishops, priests, clergy, men

and women religious, our country, and for the suffering

Church world wide.

All ladies of the Parish are invited

to pray with us whenever you can

be available on those Tuesday

mornings. No commitment is re-

quired and there are no dues or

special equipment necessary...just

your favorite Rosary !

Together with the Jr. and Sr. REC TEAMs, I want to express my gratitude for the faith-filled and loving guidance that Benji and Holly Cantu have given the children. It is with great regret that we must see them leave the program. Their willingness to provide for a safe and Christ-like environment in which the children could be socially active in play and prayer will

be missed by all!

Father Denzil Vithanage Pastor

Thank you! Benji

and Holly


Spring 2013

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS

St. Joseph Catholic School, 2307 South Garrett Street, Marshall, TX,

75672.

Phone: 903-935-5502

FAX: 903-472-4114

To learn more about your school and activities, visit us on the WEB

at:

SJCSM.ORG

(www.sjcsm.org)

St. Joseph’s Catholic Daughters of the

Americas, Court Santa

Maria # 184, was formed in 1913 and

celebrated its 100th

birthday in January with a special Mass

celebrated by Bishop

Joseph Strickland and

a wonderful banquet.

Under the patronage

of the Blessed Mother, the local CDA is united by its members’ faith in Jesus Christ, in their devotion to the church and the Holy

See. They donate to charities, administer scholarship programs and

strive “to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow or

sickness.” The CDA motto is “Unity and Charity.”

One of our goals is to watch our membership grow. We in-

stalled four new members at our last meeting in March. Court

Santa Maria #184 is a hard working court, but we have fun when we have our fellowship time. The Junior CDA is for girls and

young women ages 6-18. Any Catholic woman age 18 and older

may join this organization whose motto is “Unity and Charity.”

Please come join us. We gather on 2nd Monday each month to

celebrate Mass at 6:30 pm, followed by the meeting in the Parish

Hall.

For information, call the Church office at 903-935-2356.

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS - 100 Years

Regent Laura Cisco-Kavanaugh

SIR KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS—A “ROUND TABLE”

Grand Knight Charles Reeves

Our service theme this

year is: “I am my brother’s keeper”

and we invite you, as a practical

Catholic man 18 years or older, to

join with us. This year will be a

busy year for the Knights and I

thank all my brother Knights and

their Families who have been so

generous with their time supporting the St. Joseph school, an-

nual Lenten Friday Fish Fries, flags and crosses at the church

and cemetery (Squires & Knights), Hwy 80 trash pickup, soup

kitchen, blood drive and many more service projects.

Together as Knights we are a

“Catholic family, fraternal, and service

organization.” This theme permeates

through every Service Program activity in

the areas of Church, community, council,

family, pro-life and youth. We welcome

you to join with us. For detailed member-

ship information, please call GK Charles

Reeves at: (903) 927-2874.

Many thanks to Sir Knights Bill

Elliott and David Ziegler for all they do

for our church and school.

ENROLLING NOW

FOR FALL

Pre-K thru 4th Grade

To enroll, visit the school at

2307 S. Garrett, or call us at

903-935-5502

We are fast approaching the end of another fantastic school

year at St. Joseph’s. However, we still have a great deal of learning to

achieve before we can say “farewell” for the summer.

After Spring Break our elementary students geared up to take

the IOWA Basic Skills test and our preschoolers completed their TSR

end of year assessments. Both of these assessment tests are to show us

how much our children have grown academically this year. This meets

our goal for showing that our students grow academically. All year, we

continued to learn and to grow in our faith by participating in weekly

Mass and daily religion classes that meets our school’s goal of our stu-

dents growing spiritually.

Our students participate in physical education throughout the

school year. During May, we will participate in Field Day events with St.

Mary’s Catholic School, which highlights our goal of giving our students

every opportunity to grow physically.

Wanda Robinson, Principal Cindy Kopecky, Director

(RIP Sir Knight Doug-

las Gardiner, March

2013)

SK Elliott and

family with Bishop

Carmody

SK David Ziegler with

Bishop Carmody


Spring 2013

St. Joseph’s Family Collage! JANUARY - APRIL 2013

Mark & Maria Linh Grace

Ellis & Amy Campos Payne

Nayeli Angela Arellano

Israel A. Martinez Carbajal

Logan Michael Haden

Micahel H. Hannan

William Drake Lee

Gracie Cattleya Luna

Kalen Nicholas Norwood

Arturo Jacob Saucedo

Let Us Remember

Doug Gardiner

Paul Heath

William “Bill” Heath

Charles Hughes

Chloe Jameson

Hermilio Olvera

John Verhalen

Sarah Verhalen

Julie Warfield

Florence Woodley


Spring 2013

Comunidad Hispana-Parroquia de San

Jose, Marshall, Texas

P. Carlos O. Rangel

"En general, mis queridos hermanos/as en el Resucitado, pues gracias a El, esta nuestra comunidad parroquial

marchando por el Camino, la Verdad, y la Vida. Gracias a su presencia, sobre todo en las Santas Eucaristias podemos

darnos cuenta que El esta Vivo, y quiere compartir su amor, su vida, su sabiduria, su compasion para con cada uno de

nosotros. Gracias Madre Santisima, la Dolorosa, por habernos tu tambien acompanado en nuestros calvarios de cada

dia, pero ayudanos aun para vencer esas actitudes de egoismo, de orgullo que nos estorban mucho para poder tener una

amistad con tu Hijo, nuestro Salvador.

Hermanos/as, el Senor en su benevolencia se fija en cada uno de nosotros, tanto en los que andamos trabajando o

sirviendo en algun ministerio dentro o fuera de la comunidad, como a cada uno de los creyentes que participa los dias

domingos o fiestas de guardar durante todo el Ano Liturgico. El nos llama por nuestro nombre, el se lo sabe bien, y

nos invita a que no perdamos de vista su amor que nos sigue teniendo desde la cruz de cada eucaristia, desde el perdon

que damos a los demas o recibimos, como desde el perdon que el nos da por pura misericordia, y que experimentamos

en el sacramento de la reconciliacion.

Todos los hermanos/as vamos por el mismo sendero marcado por El desde nuestro bautismo, ese camino que con

caidas y levantadas nos va acercando cada dia mas. Nos lo aseguran estos misterios de fe cristiana que durante el Ano

liturgico con gozo, jubilo y regocijo celebramos llenos de esperanza, tratando de hacer el bien en favor de los demas.

Fueron los 40 dias de cuaresma que nos trajeron a vivir y revivir esa llama que el Cirio Pascual, nos recuerda, cuando

Dios viene a querer morar en nuestra vida particular, y esa llama que nos prepara dentro de nosotros para seguir cada

ano, gozandonos de ese gran recuerdo de su victoria sobre el pecado y muerte. Les invito a todos a que ahora vivamos

en serio y con mayor conciencia este espiritu de pascua, en la fidelidad a la

Palabra, en amor a Dios, que ahora nos dirige la Iglesia hacia ese Pente-

costes, cuando tendremos nuestra convivencia material-espiritual. Dia en

que celebra la Iglesia ese compromiso y conciencia pastoral de que todos

somos enviados a ser verdaderas piedras vivas con nuestra conducta,

palabras y obras del Reino de Cristo que ya esta "Aqui y ahora".

Bendiciones a todos en esta cincuentena pascual.

P. Carlos O. Rangel

Pastor Asistente de San Jose


Spring 2013

"Hola Hermanos/as en Cristo Jesus, ojala y les haya aprovechado bien las hermosas platicas de cuaresma que nuestra hermana

Maria Concepcion Ponce, de Tyler, tuvo a bien bendecirnos con su ejemplo de mujer consagrada a Dios, y a su mision. Estu-

vieron muy animosos y entusistas los cantos, y sobre todo la pareja que le acompano a la madrecita".

"Ahora les presentamos a nuestros pequenos hermanitos/as que

han sentido ese gusto y vocacion por servirle al Senor en el altar.

Gracias al apoyo que reciben de sus papas, los tenemos activos

y muy atentos a lo que realizan como monaquillos. Muchas ben-

diciones a todos ustedes chicos, chicas." Gracias a la Sra. Bertha

Rios, quien ahora funje como coordinadora de este humilde pero

servicial ministerio.".

"Como cada ano, muchos de nosotros los catolicos

tenemos sembrado en nuestro corazon, y en nuestra vida

cristiana esa tradicion hermosa de vivenciar el via cru-

cis, tanto a modo de refleccion, como "viviente", o actu-

ado. Este simulacro de la Pasion de Cristo, quien tuvo

que pasar por ese tormentoso y triste suplicio por nues-

tros pecados, la mayoria de nosotros pide a Dios en su

gran misericordia, a traves de asistir a esos actos religi-

osos y muy significativos de nuestra fe, que nos perdone

algo de tanto que le ofendemos.


Spring 2013

Why Veil? Would You Veil if More Women Did?

Preserving Catholic Traditions for Tomorrow's Faithful

Part II

(Continued from Previous Issue)

Mary Immaculate, Mother of God,

Pray for us

In the pre-Vatican II Church, the use

of a head-covering at Mass was the

norm and the custom was so deeply en-

grained that you wouldn't dream of en-

tering a Church without something over

your head. On Saturday afternoons eve-

ryone went to confession--every week.

It's was just what we did. Women al-

ways had at least a small veil with them

tucked into their purses, but younger

girls sometimes forgot and then there

was a panicked hunt for a paper tissue

and bobby pins to serve as emergency

covering.

In almost every corner drug store

you could easily find the little circular

chapel veils worn by girls and the trian-

gular veils for older girls and women.

There wasn't much variety, they were

either black or white. Occasionally, you

might see veils in pastel pink, blue or

yellow. Grandmothers and older rela-

tives from Europe had more elaborate

veils with heavier lace and beautiful

edging. But for the most part, we all

looked the same.

Veils weren't by any means the only

acceptable head covering. If you were

in Catholic school and went to Mass

during the week, you'd wear your uni-

form beret or beanie. Others would

wear a kerchief either tied under the

chin or wrapped around and tied in the

back. On Sundays, especially in warmer

weather, we wore hats.

Vatican II changed a lot of things in

the Church, including the use of veils

and other head-coverings at worship.

The only women who wore veils, it

seemed, were ladies from Latin Ameri-

ca and the Eastern Europeans wore

“babushkas.”

Next issue, we will continue this dis-

cussion and read testimony from some-

one who currently veils and explains it

in a very reverent way.

Please tell us your views by using the form

provided for your convenience on last page of

this letter.

Part III—Continues in the

next issue

Pope Francis Condemns

Calumny as Work of Satan

and Remembers Martyrs

On April 15th, in the First

Reading from the Acts of the

Apostles, 7:51-8:1, recounting

Stephen, the first martyr, be-

ing dragged before the San-

hedrin, Pope Francis in his homily strongly

condemned the sin of calumny. The Holy Fa-

ther noted that Stephen was accused of "false

witness," and that his enemies chose "the path

of calumny." The Pope described calumny as

worse than sin and a direct expression of Satan.

"We are all sinners; all of us. We all com-

mit sins. But calumny is something else. It is of

course a sin, too, but it is something more. Cal-

umny aims to destroy the work of God, and

calumny comes from a very evil thing: it is

born of hatred. And hate is the work of Satan.

Calumny destroys the work of God in people,

in their souls. Calumny uses lies to get ahead.

And let us be in no doubt: Where there is cal-

umny, there is Satan himself," he said.

In contrast, Stephen’s behavior did not re-

turn falsehood with falsehood. "He does not

want to go that way to save himself. He looks

to the Lord and obeys the law," being in the

peace and truth of Christ. And that, Pope Fran-

cis said, "is what happens in the history of the

Church."

"But the age of martyrs is not yet over, even

today we can say, in truth, that the Church has

more martyrs now than during the first centu-

ries," he continued. "The Church has many men

and women who are maligned through calum-

ny, who are persecuted, who are killed in ha-

tred of Jesus, in hatred of the faith: some are

killed because they teach the catechism, others

are killed because they wear the cross ... Today,

in many countries, they are maligned, they are

persecuted ... they are our brothers and sisters

who are suffering today, in this age of the mar-

tyrs." And again Pope Francis repeated, "The

age of martyrs is not yet over, the Church has

more martyrs now than during the first centu-

ries."

He said this age of "such great spiritual

turmoil" reminds him of an ancient Russian

icon that depicts Our Lady covering the people

of God with her mantle: "We pray to Our Lady

to protect us, and in times of spiritual turbu-

lence the safest place is under the mantle of

Our Lady. She is the mother who takes care of

the Church.

And in this time of martyrs, she is the pro-

tagonist, the protagonist of protection: She is

the Mother. (...) Let us state with faith: Mother,

the Church is under your protection: Care for

the Church."

~Zenit

NEWS/ISSUES FROM THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH


Spring 2013

Some of my Protestant friends

have asked why Catholics go to confes-

sion. What would you say? (CCC 1420f)

Jesus entered this world to forgive

sins. Recall the words of our Lord: "God so

loved the world that He gave His only Son, that

whoever believes in Him may not die but may

have eternal life." (Jn 3:16) During His public

ministry, Jesus preached about the forgiveness

of sins: remember the parables of the Prodigal

Son (Lk 15:11ff) or the Lost Sheep (Lk 15:1ff),

and His teaching that "There will likewise be

more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner

than over 96 righteous people who have no need

to repent." (Lk 15:7) Jesus Himself forgave

sins: remember the story of the woman caught

in adultery (Jn 8:1ff) or the woman who washed

His feet with her tears. (Lk 7:36ff) He also

taught us to pray for forgiveness in the "Our

Father:" "Forgive us our trespasses as we for-

give those who trespass against us." His mission

of reconciliation would climax in His passion,

death and resurrection: Jesus suffered, died and

rose to free us from sin and death.

At the ascension, Jesus again charged

His Apostles with this ministry: "Thus it is writ-

ten that the Messiah must suffer and rise from

the dead on the third day. In His name penance

for the remission of sins is to be preached to all

the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are

witnesses of this. (Lk 24:46ff) Clearly, Jesus

came to forgive sins, He wanted that reconcilia-

tion to continue and He gave the Church a sac-

rament through which priests would continue to

act as the ministers of this reconciliation.

Nevertheless, we see this ministry of

reconciliation lived out in the early Church. St.

Paul wrote, "God has reconciled us to Himself

through Christ and has given us the ministry of

reconciliation." (2 Cor 5:18) received, while

satisfaction and the forgiveness granted by the

priests is acceptable to God." During the time of

persecution, when local "parishes" were small,

individuals publicly confessed their sins at the

beginning of Mass) and received absolution

from the bishop or priest.

Perhaps many Protestants do not see

the need for confession because most Protestant

denominations do not have sacraments or at

least the understanding of sacraments as effica-

cious signs through which the Lord gives us

grace. (However, traditional or "high" Episco-

palians have confessions. The Lutherans also

have a ritual for reconciliation.) Therefore, we

go to confession because it is a sacrament given

to us by Christ, and it has always been a prac-

tice of the Church. Regular confession is a

healthy spiritual practice. Each sincere Catholic

needs to periodically—every month or two—do

a good examination of conscience holding him-

self to the standard of Christ. Each person

should reflect on how well he has lived a

"Christ-like” life by following the command-

ments and the teachings of the Church.

The healing grace of the sacrament of

penance washes away sin and gives us the

strength to avoid that sin again. The more we

love the Lord, the more we are aware of the

smallest sins and the more we want to say, "I am

sorry. Please forgive me." I am sure this is why

Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II go to con-

fession weekly. In His divine mercy, Jesus

called the sinner to realize the sin, to repent of

it, and to be reconciled with God and neighbor.

May we take full advantage of this beautiful

sacrament which draws us closer to the Lord.

~Excerpts taken from article written by Fr. Saunders for the

April 7, 1994 edition of the

“Arlington Catholic Herald

and published in EWTN

documents library. He is

president of the Notre Dame

Institute and associate pastor

of Queen of Apostles Parish,

both in Alexandria, VA.

FATHER’S CATECHETICAL CORNER

“Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Awakening Your Faith Members of our St. Joseph RCIA/

Catholics Come Home program attempts to

reconnect inactive Catholics with their Catholic

faith and awaken it through a series of conver-

sations about themes of faith that hold particu-

lar meaning for people who are searching.

The conversation-based process pro-

vides basic and supplemental topics which are

explored in short, discussion questions designed

for getting people to share, to reflect, and to

pray. We will explore the Bible, the Catechism

of the Catholic Church, and the liturgical com-

ponents that are so necessary for a faithful

Christian life.

You will meet in a relaxed, social

atmosphere to make you feel welcome and at

ease. Refreshments are always available.

Is this you?

Too busy to go to church? Not been to

church in a while?

Children asking questions about faith

that you’re not sure how to answer?

Looking for answers and an oppor-

tunity to explore your faith, especially since

Vatican II?

Our RCIA/Catholics Come Home

program may be just right for you or perhaps

you know someone who might benefit from

attending and you don’t quite know how to

invite them.

Also, perhaps you would like to par-

ticipate in this pastoral ministry as a member of

the RCIA/Catholics Come Home team as a

group leader, hospitality coordinator or publici-

ty coordinator. For more information, please

contact the Church office at 903-935-2536 or

Deacon John at [email protected].

Jesus told Thomas to put his hand in

His side to prove that He is truly risen. Thom-

as said: “My Lord and my God.”

Jesus said to Thomas: “Have you

come to believe because you have seen me?

Blessed are those who have not seen and

have believed.” (John 20:29)


Spring 2013

ALL OUR (BIBLE) CHILDREN

PARENTS CHILDREN

a. Abraham and Sarah (Gen 21:2-3)

1. Abel

2. Asher

b. Adam and Eve (Gen 4:1-2) (2) 3. Benjamin

4. Cain

c. Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:13-17) 5. Dan

6. Eliezer

d. David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:24) 7. Esau

8. Gad

e. Elimelech and Naomi (Ruth 1:2) (2) 9. Gershom

10. Isaac

f. Elkanah and Hanna (1 Samuel 1:19-20) 11. Jacob

g. Issac and Rebekah (Gen 25:25-26) (2) 12. James

h. Jacob and Bilhah (Gen 30:4-8) (2) 13. Jesus

i. Jacob and Rachel (Gen 30:22-24, Gen 35:18) (2) 14. John

j. Jacob and Zilpah (Gen 30:9-13) (2) 15. John the Baptist

16. Joseph

k. Moses and Zipporah (Exodus 18:2-4) (2) 17. Kilion

18. Mahlon

l. Joseph and Mary (Matt 1:18-25) 19. Naphtali

m. Zebedee and Salome (Matt 4:21) (2) 20. Obed

21..Samuel

n. Zechariah and Elizabeth ( Luke 1:57-63) 22. Solomon

Below are lists of parents and their children. Match each offspring with the correct parents.


Spring 2013

PRAYER CORNER

PRAYER FOR THE MORAL RENEWAL OF OUR COUNTRY

Lord, we ask you to send Saint Michael and all the hosts of heaven to battle against the forces of evil and

death in our nation. We ask specifically that the moral degradation of our country be reversed and that we will en-

ter a time of moral renewal. We ask that all human beings be respected and their lives protected by law, and that

our nation’s inhabitants will turn to you in purity, trust, selflessness, love, and faith.

With this intention in mind, we offer this prayer:

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the

wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do

Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Hosts, by the Divine Power of God, cast into hell Satan

and all the evil spirits who roam through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen

PRAYER FOR THE HOLY CHURCH AND FOR PRIESTS

“O Lord, shatter and bring to naught all that might tarnish the sanctity of Priests.”

O my Jesus, I beg You on behalf of the whole Church:

Grant it love and the light of Your Spirit and give power to the words of Priests so

that hardened hearts might be brought to repentance and return to You, O Lord.

Lord, give us holy Priests; You yourself maintain them in holiness.

O Divine and Great High Priest, may the power of Your mercy accompany

them everywhere and protect them from the devil’s traps and snares which are contin-

ually being set for the souls of Priests. May the power of Your mercy, O Lord, shatter

an bring to naught all that might tarnish the sanctity of Priests, for you can do all

things.

My beloved Jesus, I pray to you for the triumph of the Church, that you may

bless the Holy Father and all the clergy; I beg you to grant the grace of conversion to

sinners whose hearts have been hardened by sin, and a special blessing and light to

Priests, to whom I shall confess for all of my life.

Newsletter Staff:

Fr. Denzil Vithanage, Editor

Mary Heater, Asst. Editor

Melanie Hughes, Office

Administrator

Contributors::

Deacon John Sargent

Nancy Vines

Charlotte Smith

Cathy Lay

Gerald Duvall

Lurlie Maddox

Gambino Medina

Fr Carlos Rangel

SERVING HARRISON COUNTY AS A PARISH SINCE 1874

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

Phone: 903-935-2536

Fax: 903-938-1591

E-mail:

[email protected]

Web: http://www.stjosephmarshall.org

ST. JOSEPH CATHOL IC CHURCH

St. Joseph Church Office Directory:

Fr. Denzil Vithanage, Pastor

Office Administrator: Melanie Hughes

Fr. Carlos Rangel, Asst. Pastor

Deacons: John Sargent, Santiago Suarez,

Felipe Pena, & Magadaleno Aguirre

Director of Faith Formation: Charlotte Smith

Directory of Music and Liturgy: Nancy

Vines

School Principal: Wanda Robinson

School Director (ELC): Cindy Kopecky

Marketing and Development: Mary Heater

Maintenance: Tony Garcia & Naiff Thomas

“Under the same Management

for over 2,000 years.”

410 N. Alamo Boulevard

Marshall, TX 75670

PLEASE OFFER YOUR SUGGESTIONS FOR ARTICLES OF INTEREST TO OUR ST. JOSEPH PARISH FAMILY BY WRITING THEM ON THIS FORM AND SENDING TO The St. Joseph BEACON AT THE CHURCH OFFICE


Spring 2013

JULY 4 OFFICE CLOSED - Par-

ish Potluck Dinner and Fireworks at KC Hall

AUGUST

2-3 Catechetical Conference

in Tyler 12 St. Joseph School—1st

Day of School 15 OFFICE CLOSED -The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

UPCOMING EVENTS SUMMER 2013

MAY 16 Happy Birthday, Father

Denzil! 26 Taco Sales after all Masses 27 OFFICE CLOSED - Memorial Day

29 4th Grade Graduation

JUNE

16-20 Totus Tuus (Grades 1-6)

17-21 TotusTuus(Grades 7-12)

The list of routine weekly and monthly meetings and Mass times are

available in the Church Weekly Bulletin

the st. joseph beacon · the st. joseph beacon enlightened communication for our parish family...

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