Fr. Hai`s Corner

ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Fr. Hai’s Corner
The Bapsm of the Lord is a Christmas feast, a feast of
the epiphany of God in human flesh and blood.
Why Bapsm? Jesus himself showed the importance of
the bapsm rite by submi!ng to His bapsm in the Jordan by
John the Bapst.
In John 3:5 in speaking to Nicodemus, Jesus answered,
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the
Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." And in
Ma-hew 28: 19, Jesus calls us to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the naons, bapzing them in the name of the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit."
Why do we bapze infants?
The Catholic Church has always held that Christ's law
applies to infants as well as adults. Obviously, infants cannot
understand the meaning and commitment of Bapsm; however their parents can understand and live those values and
pass them on to their children.
When an infant is bapzed, the Rite of Bapsm emphasizes the importance of faithfulness on the part of parents when
the celebrant charges and prays over the parents: " ... May God
bless the father of this child. They will be the first teachers of
their child in the ways of faith. May they also be the best of
teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do,
in Christ Jesus our Lord."
From Church to daily living. Do you have a record of
your bapsm? Do you know the date of your bapsm? Do you
have your bapsmal name?
I was bapzed on Saturday, April 22. My bapsmal
name is Aloysius Gongaza; my feast day is June 22. I learned all
that and have all my paper records from when I applied for
seminary.
Today begins Naonal Vocaon Awareness Week. Talk
to your sons and daughters about working for God. Young people talk to Father Hai about becoming priests and nuns.
God bless you. Fr.Hai
January 11, 2015
It’s Golden! Gala and Auction
St. Thomas More School
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Now is the time to sponsor a table, donate an item and/
or buy a ticket (limited availability!). (Please note the
deadline for sponsorship names to be printed in the Gala invitation was Thursday, December 18, 2014.) For
information, contact Kathy Prado in the school office at
[email protected] or 713-729-3434
STM Vocations Committee Meeting:
Scheduled for Tuesday, January 20 at 7:30 PM in the Adult
Education Building. Meeting is to gather parishioners/
members to help promote the message for Vocations
here at STM.
Fr. Ken and Ed Sharp will lead the meeting with help from
the Knights.
Any and all parishioners interested in promoting vocations in the parish are welcome to attend.
NO EVENING PRAYER FOR JUSTICE
JANUARY 12
Monday, January 12, there will be no Evening Prayer for
Jusce so those interested can a-end the meeng with
Cardinal DiNardo and the An-Defamaon League (both
strong supporters of social jusce issues). There is an interfaith and mul-denominaonal prayer service at 7:30 PM
at the Co-Cathedral. Reservaons needed for the recepon, but public is welcome. Anyone interested can contact
Deacon Ed Stoessel, 713-995-0873.
Collection Information July 2014-June 2015
CAN YOU HELP STM SCHOOL FIND THESE PICTURES?
We are looking for the group graduation picture from the following school years: 1966, 1968, and 1969. If you have one of these
years, we would love to make a copy of it for the school
files.
Please contact Pat Flippen in the school office at
713.729.3434 to arrange pick-up. Thanks for your help!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO TEACH ESL CLASSES
(REGULAR AND SUBSTITUTE )
Our parish provides ESL (English as a Second Language) classes
to the community on Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 7 - 9 pm,
beginning January 27, 2015.
If you can Volunteer at least one evening a week to this worthwhile endeavor, or be a Substitute, please contact Norman Palms
at 713-726-0513 or [email protected].
You do not need to speak Spanish! A training session will be
provided for new teachers at no cost.
Yearly Budgeted Offertory
New Year’s Collection
Weekend Collection
Actual Collection
Budgeted Amount
Over (+)/Under(-)
WEEKLY
63,548.75
37,000.00
+$ 26,548.75
$1,850,523.00
$
4,294.00
(01/04/2015)
FISCAL YTD
985,422.07
999,000.00
-$ 13,577.93
Additional Collections:
Children (Social Services)
$
120.00
Building Fund
$ 2,305.00
Thank you for your continued generosity!
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
Readings for the week of January 11, 2015
The Bap#sm of the Lord
Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 55:1-11; Ps 29 or Is 12;
Acts 10:34-38 or 1 Jn 5:1-9; Mk 1:7-11
Monday
Heb 1:1-6; Ps 97; Mk 1:14-20
Tuesday
Saint Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8; Mk 1:21-28
Wednesday Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105; Mk 1:29-39
Thursday
Heb 3:7-14; Ps 95; Mk 1:40-45
Friday
Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78; Mk 2:1-12
Saturday
Saint Anthony, Abbot
Heb 4:12-16; Ps 19; Mk 2:13-17
Sunday
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Ps 40;
1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42
Sunday
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 11...
Monday, January 12
6:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Hansen Family
5:30 p.m. †Linda Monteralo
Tuesday, January 13
6:30 a.m. Jurica Family Special Intention
5:30 p.m. Jordyn Michelle James
Wednesday, January 14
6:30 a.m. †Joanne Cummings
5:30 p.m. Margaret Schueler
Thursday, January 15
6:30 a.m. Jan Tennert
8:15 a.m. †Frank Lyons
5:30 p.m
†Peter Long Bui
Friday, January 16
6:30 a.m. †Mark Endicott
5:30 p.m. †Willie Roy
Saturday, January 17
9:00 a.m. Thanksgiving E. Abaya
5:00 p.m. †Mildred Caffrey
Sunday, January 18
7:30 a.m. Renard Roy
9:00 a.m. †J.B Petcosky & †Joseph Petcosky
11:00 a.m. †Peter Long Bui
1:00 p.m. †Rosemary Elizabeth Lewis
5:00 p.m. For the Parish
7:00 p.m. †Joe Lombardi
LIVING ROSARY following the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, January 18, 2015 to mark the 42nd anniversary of the
infamous Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing
abortion on demand. Join the Respect Life Committee to
pray to end abortion in this country and the world.
Annulment Informa#on Night
Do you have quesons about annulments?
What is a Catholic annulment?
When is an annulment required?
What if I do not get an annulment?
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Servant Hall, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
This week around STM….
Sunday, January 11-K OF C SUPER BOWL MEAL PRESALE /
BACK TO SCHOOL PANCAKE BREAKFAST/ STM PTO USED
UNIFORM SALE
9:00 a.m. CCE Parents & Students, Prinster & School
9:30 a.m. RCIA, Adult Ed. Bldg.
10:00 a.m. Sacrament of the Sick, Church
11:00 a.m. CCE Parents & Students, Prinster & School
5:30 p.m. Spanish Choir, AE-St. Mary
6:30 p.m. Sr. High Youth, Youth Center
Monday, January 12
9:00 a.m. Bible Study, Rectory
6:30 p.m. Sp. Legion of Mary, Room F
7:00 p.m. EPIC Study, Servant Hall
7:30 p.m. Apostleship of the Cross (Sp.), AE-St. Paul
Tuesday, January 13
9:30 a.m. Sr. Citizen Bingo, Scout House
7:00 p.m. School Board Mtg., Library
Wednesday, January 14
10:00 a.m. EPIC Study, Servant Hall
7:00 p.m. Respect Life Committee, Rectory
OMOPH Prayer Group, Chapel
Confirmation 1 Class, Youth Center
Confirmation 2 Class, Servant Hall + Church
7:30 p.m. RCIA Inquiry, AE-St. Peter
Legion of Mary, AE-St. Paul
8:00 p.m. K of C, Prinster Hall
Thursday, January 15
6:00 p.m. Sp. Choir, AE-St. Mary
7:00 p.m. EPIC Study, Servant Hall
High School Guys Group, Youth Center
7:30 p.m. Word of Truth Bible Study, AE-St. Peter
Apostleship of the Cross, AE-St. Paul
Combined Choir, Church
Friday, January 16
9:15 a.m. Altar Society, Church
6:00 p.m. Legion of Mary Jr. (Sp.), Room F
7:00 p.m. Sp. Choir, AE-St. Mary
Saturday, January 17
3:30 p.m. Confession, Church
6:15 p.m. Confession, Church
Sunday, January 18-K OF C SUPER BOWL MEAL PRESALE/
RESPECT LIFE LIVING ROSARY
9:00 a.m. CCE Parents & Students, Prinster & School
9:30 a.m. RCIA, Adult Ed. Bldg.
10:00 a.m. Sacrament of the Sick, Church
11:00 a.m. CCE Parents & Students, Prinster & School
12:15 p.m. Respect Life Living Rosary, Servant Hall
1:00 p.m. K of C Freethrow Contest, Gym
5:30 p.m. Spanish Choir, AE-St. Mary
6:30 p.m. Sr. High Youth, Youth Center
Eucharistic Adoration:
Wed., 12-1 a.m. & 4-5 p.m.
Friday, 5-6 a.m.
Our chapel remains open 24 hours a day because of the commitment made by those who
take a weekly Holy Hour. Please commit!!
On another note, if you are making New Year resolutions, consider making a weekly Holy Hour. The rewards are immeasurable! Call Suzie Hamilton for info,
713-557-3036 or 713-729-0221.
ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH
HOUSTON, TEXAS
January 11, 2015
STM YOUTH GROUP
Youth Office:713-729-2111 For more info: stmhouston.org
The Youth Events will start back up on Sunday, January
11, 2015, The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Are you interested in leading high school aged girls closer to
Christ, teaching them about feminine beauty, and what it really means to be a daughter of God? The STM Youth Group is
looking for female volunteers to help with our Girls Group. If
you are interested at all and feel God tugging at your heart
please email or call Matthew Hughey, 713-729-2111 or
[email protected]
Want the youth minister to come bring you and your friends
pizza for lunch?! Call the youth office and we will set up lunch
for you and your friends at school. 713-729-2111
Back to School Pancake
Breakfast
By Knights of Columbus
Southwest Council 3910
Featuring: Pancakes,
Sausage, Coffee, Juice
January 11, 2015
8:00—11:00 a.m
Servant Hall
Adults: $5.00
Kids: $2.50
Today encourage a family member or friend to
consider a religious vocation.
The Parish Vocations Committee
STreaMliners (Adults over 50 only)-Happy New Year!
$15 dues for the year—Adults over 50 only.
Wednesday, Jan. 14, County Bus Trip—Schulenberg / Weimar Tour, $9.00pp, lunch on your own, bus leaves @ 8:30
a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22-Coushatta Casino Day Trip, $15 pp, coffee, donuts & hot kolaches @ 6:30 a.m., bus leaves at 7:00 a.m.
**************************************************************************
April 17 – 26, 2015 – 10 days/9 Nites Grand Canyon & Las
Vegas & More, $966.00 per person double, Deluxe Motorcoach,
13 Meals: 8 C-Breakfast, 5 Dinners, 2 Nights Las Vegas, Petrified
Forest National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Visit Laughlin, N.V, Travel Insurance and Tip for Driver. $150.00 Deposit pp
due at the January Meeting.
All trips leave from the back parking area near Prinster Hall. Please
leave at least 5 spaces open around the dumpsters and recycling
bins. STreaMliner trips are open to all STM families and friends! For
info, call Ed’s Tours 713-723-2035.
LOST PURSE
A black purse was left in the cry room or the ladies restroom this past Sunday, January 4, 2015
at the 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass. Please call the
church office if you found it, we know who lost it.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
ST. THOMAS MORE SOUTHWEST COUNCIL 3910
Loving Embrace Infertility Support Group
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest
Next Month Jan. 18th
At 1 PM in Msgr. Young Gym.
All boys and girls ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate
in the local level of competition for the 2015 Knights of
Columbus Free Throw Contest. The competition takes
place in the Gym on Jan. 18th at 1 PM for local competition, district competition will follow at 4:00 p.m. for
those who advance.
Winners progress through local, district and state competitions. International champions are announced by the
Knights of Columbus headquarters based upon scores
from the state-level competitions.
All contestants on the local level are recognized for their
participation in this event. Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent. For
entry forms or additional information contact:
Mike Wark, 713-988-1609
Meets 3rd Thursday, each month, 7:30-9pm, monthly meeting
rotation: Couples Dinner, Ladies Dinner, and Couples Discussion.Loving Embrace is a Catholic educational support group for
couples who have endured or are presently enduring the pain and
suffering of infertility. The group provides support for coping with
infertility and explores resources, methods, and options that are
morally faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. For rotation information contact Shannon Lassen at 832-9786716 [email protected].
Flocknote is a way for the parish to communicate with you!
If you don’t have time to read the bulletin but want to know
what’s going on, sign up for this service. There are 2 easy
ways to register for Flocknote (pick one):
Visit our network at
flocknote.com/stmhouston
or
Text “Hillcroft” to 84576
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
Net proceeds from OKTOBERFEST—$77,500.00!!
Way to go, STM Parish and School
Esther Kana has been a STM Religion Teacher for 8 years. She
has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of
Houston. She has a Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Theology from the University of St. Thomas. Now
She Markets God! Mrs. Kana has been married for 35 years to a
wonderful man, Tim, has 3 awesome children
with loving spouses, 3 VERY adorable grandchildren, 2 old grumpy dogs and a partridge in
a pear tree. She loves international travel and
working with crafts. Mrs. Kana says “I love
teaching at STM because we have a great
principal, patient office staff, fun fellow
teachers, and awesome students. I love when students come back
to visit and tell me that something I taught them has impacted
their lives in some way!” She continues: “We are free to make
choices but not free of the consequences.” – Leah Darrow
Upgrading your home theater?? Need a place for
your old TV? The Youth Office is “wishing” for a
donation of a working large screen HDTV for their
Youth Center. Contact Matthew Hughey if you
have a TV that might work for the youth of the
parish, 713-729-2111.
St. Thomas More Women’s Annual Retreat
February 20 -26, 2015
Growing in Intimacy with God
and Ourselves
Fr. Louis Arceneaux, CM
For more information, contact:
Magda García at 713713-664664-8035
STM School….Did you Know?
FOR THE 10Th ANNUAL STEPS FOR STUDENTS 5K RUN/WALK! Register online. See our website under STM Support.
www.stthomasmore-school.org
Save the Date: Saturday February 21, 2015.
Father Hai Dang, Pastor of STM, recited a New Year’s Prayer with the faculty, staff, and students on
January 5, 2015, the first day of the 2015 school year. To bless each classroom, Father Hai processed
with three wise men, dressed in magnificent priestly a!re, who distributed personalized treats represenng gold, frankincense and myrrh. Pictured with Rev. Hai Dang is Ms. Kristen Thome, Principal,
wise men: Carter Arabel, Ethan Caldwell, and Buddy Williams
ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Hoy anima a un miembro de tu familia o a un
amigo a considerar una vocación religiosa.
El comité de Vocaciones de la Parroquia
Del Padre Hai
El bausmo del Señor es una fiesta de Navidad,
una fiesta de la epifanía de Dios en cuerpo y sangre.
¿Por qué el bausmo? Jesús mismo nos mostro la
importancia del rito del bausmo someéndose a su propio bausmo en el Jordán por Juan el Bausta.
En Juan 3:5 habla a Nicodemo, Jesús le respondió:
“verdaderamente, verdaderamente, digo a usted, a menos
que naciere de agua y del espíritu no puede entrar en el
reino de Dios ." y en Mateo 28: 19, Jesús nos llama
"Vayan, pues, y hagan que todos los pueblos sean mis discípulos. Bau+cenlos en el Nombre del Padre y del Hijo y del
Espíritu Santo."
¿Por qué bauzamos a los bebes?
La Iglesia Católica siempre ha sostenido que la ley
de Cristo se aplica a los infantes como a los adultos. Obviamente, los infantes no pueden entender el significado y el
compromiso del bausmo; sin embargo sus padres pueden entender y vivir esos valores y pasarlos a sus hijos..
Cuando un infante es bauzado, el rito del bausmo enfaza la importancia de la fidelidad por parte de los
padres cuando el celebrante encarga y ora sobre los padres del niño: " ... Que Dios bendiga al padre de este niño.
Ellos serán los primeros maestros de sus hijos en los caminos de la fe. Que ellos sean también los mejores maestros,
dando tesmonio de fe por lo que dicen y hacen, en Cristo
Nuestro Señor."
De la Iglesia a la vida diaria. ¿Tienes un registro
de tu bausmo? ¿Sabes la fecha de tu bausmo? ¿Tienes
tu nombre bausmal?
Yo fui bauzado el Sábado, 22 de Abril. Mi nombre
bausmal es Aloysius Gongaza; mi día de fiesta es el 22 de
Junio. Aprendí todo esto y tengo todos mis registros cuando aplique al seminario.
Hoy comienza la semana Nacional para las Vocaciones. Hable con sus hijos e hijas acerca de trabajar para
Dios. Los jóvenes hablen con el Padre Hai acerca de como
llegar a ser un sacerdote o una hermana religiosa.
Dios los bendiga, Padre Hai
ROSARIO VIVIENTE después de la Misa de las 11:00 a.m. del
Domingo 18 de Enero, 2015 que marca el 42 aniversario de la
infame decisión de la Suprema Corte de Justicia Roe v. Wade de
legalizar el aborto en demanda. Únete al comité de respeto a la
vida para orar a terminar con el aborto en este país y en el mundo entero.
January 11, 2015
CLASES DE INGLES
Las registraciones para el nuevo curso de ingles serán el
Martes 20 de Enero, y el Jueves 22 de Enero 2014 en la
escuela de St. Thomas More, de 7:00 pm hasta las 8:30 pm.
El costo es de $30.00. Las clases son los Martes y los Jueves de 7:00 pm a 9:00 pm y comenzaran el Martes 27 de
Enero hasta el 14 de Mayo. Para mas información por favor llame a la oficina al 713-729-0221.
Esther Kana ha sido profesora de religión
en STM por 8 años. Ella tiene una licenciatura en Mercadotecnia de la Universidad de Houston. Tiene una maestría en
artes liberales con una concentración en
Teología de la Universidad de San Tomas. Ahora ella se enfoca en Dios! La
Señora Kana ha estado casada por 35 años con un hombre maravilloso, Tim, tiene tres maravillosos hijos con adorables esposas, 3 SUPER adorables nietos, 2 perros viejos
y gruñones y un perdiz en un árbol de peras. Le gusta mucho viajar y hacer manualidades. La señora Kana dice “Me
gusta mucho enseñar en STM porque tenemos una gran
directora, un personal de oficina muy paciente, compañeros docentes agradables, y estudiantes impresionantes.
Me encanta cuando los estudiantes regresan a visitar y me
dicen que algo que yo les enseñe ha impactado sus vidas
de alguna manera!”
¿Buscas hacer una donación para el fin de año?
Considere el proyecto de movilidad de los Caballeros y los niños
de 8vo grado. Para el 50 aniversario de la escuela de St. Thomas
more, el 8vo grado esta tratando de comprar 50 silla de ruedas a
través de la Misión Norteamericana de silla de ruedas. Esta Fundación ofrece sillas de ruedas para adultos, niños y veteranos.
Junto con nuestros caballeros los estudiantes esperan adquirir
estas sillas de ruedas. Cada uno cuesta $150. Están aceptando
donaciones de cualquier cantidad y las aceptarán felizmente en
memoria o en honor de alguien. Por favor haga sus cheques a la
escuela de St. Thomas More. Puedes enviarlas a la escuela o
dejarlas en la rectoría. Por favor, marque la envoltura Proyecto
Misionero de silla de ruedas. Si usted tiene tiempo, visite el
sitio de internet de La misión americana de silla de ruedas y ver la
diferencia que hacen al ayudar a los demás. Gracias por apoyar
nuestro proyecto Regalo de movilidad!!!
BOLSA PERDIDA
El Domingo pasado (Enero 4) en la Misa de las
5:00 pm, una bolsa negra estilo cartera se quedo
en el cuarto de los bebes que lloran o en el baño
de las mujeres. Si la encontró por favor llame a
la Oficina de la Iglesia, nosotros conocemos a la
dueña.
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK / ORACION POR LOS ENFERMOS
John Amato, Pedro Apigo, Bobby Baker, Elisa Baker, Cristine
Banks, Lontondra Banks, Hortencia Barelas, Lisa Bivins, Julia
Brown, James Caffrey, Mary Jane Coke, Bernice Condon, Ellen
Cooper, Heather Deeton, Alice Fahy, Bonifacio Figueroa, Frank
Garcia, Gonzales Family, John Gorman, Barbara Graham, David
Graham, Maurice Korkmas, David Lafferty, Bob Lee, Diane Lewis,
Bob Little, Mary & Sabin Marshall, Margaret Martin, John R. Martin, Fr. T. J. Martinez, Joyce Mercurio, Carol Montello, Mary Jane
Morgan, Margaret Morris, Marcy Lowry Moses, Emma Newhouse,
Fr. Bill Oliver, Freddie Perez, Joseph Pryor, Cherry Ronan, June
Shumake, Al Suhor, Theresa Steen, Brian Steiner, Jan Tennert,
Bertha Theriot, Beverly Thomas, Patricia Trejo, Rich Vachris,
Bertie Vargas, Alan Wedin
PRAY FOR ALL SERVING IN THE MILITARY, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN OUR PARISH FAMILY
SFC Paul Bergman, Col. David Eskelund, Megan Godsey,
Traci Godsey, SPC Bryant Gradney, Sgt. Billy Janca, SSgt
Bradley Louis, Mike McIntosh, Ebenezer E. Ohaegbulem,
Charles U. Oparnozie, LCDR Russell Thiem, PFC Cristina
Teresa Villegas
Ausn Benne! Tice is a home schooled, Eagle Scout, Naonal Merit
Finalist, graduate of Georgetown University, former Captain in the
United States Marine Corps and recipient of the 2012 George Polk
Award for War Reporng. He is the eldest of seven children, and was
born and raised in Texas.
In May of 2012, the summer before his final year at Georgetown Law
School, he chose to go to Syria as a Freelance Journalist to report on
the conflict there. Two days a9er his 31st birthday, on August 13,
2012, his editors, family and friends lost contact with Ausn, as he
was preparing to travel from Daraya, near Damascus, to Beirut, Lebanon.
Please connue to pray for the safe return of Ausn to his family.
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