224111.11 It doesn`t look this high anymore.

ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH
HOUSTON, TEXAS
From Fr. T. J.
Today we celebrate Groundhog Day, which with all the
cold weather we've been having, we are hoping for a
quick start to spring! Groundhog Day has its origin in
Chrisanity because today is the Feast of the Presentaon
of the Lord (also called Candlemas), which is celebrated
on February 2nd. Today in the Church, instead of checking on the shadow of the groundhog, we witness the Light
of the World revealed in the Temple. 40 days a,er His
birth, Jesus is brought by his parents to the temple to give
Glory to God. This feast is not usually celebrated on Sunday, but this year it is! During this week, we ask our God
to help us bring His light to the world! We strive to follow
the example of Our Lord who was presented on this day
for all the world to see!
Also, it is not too late to support Steps for Students. You
can see the informaon in today's bullen or you can
pledge your support here: h5p://www.firstgiving.com/
fundraiser/frtj-dolce/2014
February 2, 2014
2013 Tax Statements have been mailed out. If you
donated $650 or more you will receive a statement in
the mail. If you donated under $650 and would like a
statement please call the parish office and we will be
happy to mail or email you a copy.
The Choirs of STM are pleased to announce, Gala VII –
Play It Again, STM! This year’s gala features choir members from both choirs and a variety of acts along with outstanding music...some parish favorites and some new
acts. The gala is Friday, February 28th and Saturday March
1st, 2014 8:00 p.m. in Servant Hall. Tickets are $20.00 and
include a light snack and beverages. Tickets are on sale
after masses beginning January 25, 2014.
BRIDGE PLAYERS
Tuesday, February 4,
4 will be our next game day! All
card players welcome to join us in Donovan s Den for
a day of bridge. Bring a sack lunch and there will also
be some goodies provided! The fun starts at 9:45 a.m.
so don t be late.
Fr. T.J.
$224,111.11
It doesn’t look this
high anymore.
The monthly respect life rosary and divine
mercy chaplet will resume on the first
Sundays of the month in the chapel at 9
pm. starting on February 2. Please join us
as we pray that all life will be respected
from conception to natural death. We will
also continue to pray for marriage and religious liberty.
The young people's rosary will be prayed on first Fridays of
the month at 2:30 pm in church. The next rosary will be Friday February 7th.
The family of J. R. Collins wishes to thank Fr. T. J., Fr. John, the
STM Parish Staff and the Good Samaritans for their guidance,
help and the wonderful reception following his funeral. We feel
grateful to be associated with such a great parish. Thank you.
Eucharistic Adoration:
Sunday, 12-1 a.m., 1-2 a.m., 11-12 midnight
Friday, 8-9 a.m.
Saturday, 11-12 noon
Our chapel remains open 24 hours a day because
of the commitment made by those who take a weekly Holy
Hour. Please commit!!
Can you take one of these hours or any hour? Just call and volunteer! Call Suzie Hamilton 713-729-0221 or 713-557-3036
Please contribute to the
Jubilee Debt
Reduction Drive
next weekend.
Financial Stewardship ( 01/26/14)
Weekend Collection
EFT
Online Giving
Total Collection
$ 26,773.84
$ not available
$ not available
$
Additional Collections:
Children’s (SVdP)
God’s First
$
$
2.00
00.00
Latin America
$ 4,597.83
Building Fund
Building Fund-EFT
Building Fund-online
Total Building Fund
$
$
$
$
161.00
not available
not available
Thank you for your continued generosity!
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
Readings for the Week of February 2, 2014
This week around STM….
Sunday
Sunday, February 2-BLOOD DRIVE / CHOIR TICKET SALES /
K OF C FOOD DELIVERY / RELIGIOUS GOODS
SCOUT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. CCE Students & Parents, School & Prinster Hall
9:30 a.m. RCIA, Adult Ed Bldg.
10:00 a.m. Sacrament of the Sick, Church
11:00 a.m. CCE Students & Parents, School & Prinster Hall
2:00 p.m. K of C Freethrow Contest, Gym
2:30 p.m. English Baptisms, Church
6:15 p.m. Sp. Choir, AE-St. Mary
6:30 p.m. Sr. High Youth, Youth Center
Monday, February 3
6:30 p.m. Sp. Legion of Mary, Room F
7:00 p.m. Sp. Evang. Team, AE-St. Peter
7:30 p.m. Apostleship of the Cross, AE-St. Paul
Tuesday, February 4
9:45 a.m. Bridge, Donovan’s Den
11:30 a.m. Centering Prayer, AE-St. Paul
5:30 p.m. SVDP, AE-St. Paul
6:30 p.m. Serra Club, Donovan’s Den
7:00 p.m. ESL, School
7:30 p.m. English Baptism Info, AE-St. Peter
Wednesday, February 5
6:15 p.m. Confession, Church
6:30 p.m. PTO Board, Rectory
7:00 p.m. Confirmation Class, School
OMOPH Prayer Group, Chapel
Sp. RCIA, Youth Prayer Room
7:30 p.m. Sp. Choir, Church
Thursday, February 6
6:15 p.m. Sp. Choir, AE-St. Mary
6:30 p.m. Gabriel Project, Rectory
7:00 p.m. ESL, School
7:30 p.m. Apostleship of the Cross, AE-St. Paul
Combined Choir, Church
Word of Truth Bible Study, AE-St. Peter
Friday, February 7-FIRST FRIDAY
2:30 p.m. Children’s Rosary, Church
5:00 p.m. K of C Fish Dinner, Prinster Hall
8:00 p.m. Nocturnal Adoration, Chapel
Saturday, February 8
10:00 a.m. STreaMliners, Prinster Hall
3:30 p.m. Confession, Church
6:15 p.m. Confession, Church
Sunday, February 9-CHOIR TICKET SALES /
9:00 a.m. CCE Students & Parents, School & Prinster Hall
9:30 a.m. RCIA, Adult Ed Bldg.
10:00 a.m. Sacrament of the Sick, Church
11:00 a.m. CCE Students & Parents, School & Prinster Hall
6:15 p.m. Sp. Choir, AE-St. Mary
6:30 p.m. Sr. High Youth, Youth Center
The Presentation of the Lord
Mal 3:1-4; Ps 24; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40
or 2:22-32
Monday
Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr; Saint Ansgar,
Bishop
2 Sm 15:13-14, 30, 16:5-13; Ps 3; Mk 5:1-20
Tuesday
2 Sm 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30–19:3; Ps 86;
Mk 5:21-43
Wednesday Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
2 Sm 24:2, 9-17; Ps 32; Mk 6:1-6
Thursday
Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
1 Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12; 1 Chr 29; Mk 6:7-13
Friday
Sir 47:2-11; Ps 18; Mk 6:14-29
Saint Jerome Emiliani; Saint Josephine Bakhita,
Saturday
Virgin
1 Kgs 3:4-13; Ps 119; Mk 6:30-34
Sunday
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Is 58:7-10; Ps 112; 1 Cor 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2…
Monday, February 3
6:30 a.m. †Souls in Purgatory
5:30 p.m. †Pat Burch
Tuesday, February 4
6:30 a.m. Special Intention
5:30 p.m. †Maria & Joseph Nguyen
Wednesday, February 5
6:30 a.m. †Tom Bourgeois
5:30 p.m. Kenny Frank & Gloria
Thursday, February 6
6:30 a.m. Special Intention
5:30 p.m †Allison Seitz
Friday, February 7
6:30 a.m. Benito Juarez Saldaña
8:15 a.m. †Doris Dolson
5:30 p.m. †Louine James
Saturday, February 8
9:00 a.m. Bernadette McCormick
5:00 p.m. †Guillermo Ilagan
Sunday, February 9
7:30 a.m. For the Parish
9:00 a.m. †Louine James
11:00 a.m. Special Intention
1:00 p.m. Rosario Sanchez
5:00 p.m. Margaret Gatti
7:00 p.m. Santisimo
VERY IMPORTANT VOLUNTEER NEEDED!
FIRST FRIDAY NOCTURNAL ADORATION
One of our long time “linen ladies” is moving
out of the parish.
She washes and irons the
purificators that we use at Mass. Her assigned
weekend is the 4th weekend of the month.
Can you take over her job? Call Suzie Hamilton in the parish office to volunteer or for more
details...713-729-0221
NOCTURNAL ADORATION GROUPS will meet in the
chapel on Friday, January 3 to pray the Office of the
Blessed Sacrament every hour on the hour beginning at
8:00 p.m. concluding at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7.
You are welcome to join any group at any hour.
FIRST SATURDAY ROSARY FOR VOCATIONS
Join us in the Adoration Chapel each First Saturday at 8:30
a.m. as we pray the Rosary for vocations to the priesthood
and religious life. The next date will be February 8.
ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH
HOUSTON, TEXAS
February 2, 2014
HAPPY NEW YEAR! WELCOME BACK TO CCE
Ask the Lord to give you the grace to accept His
invitation to be a priest, sister or deacon.
IMPORTANT DATES:
February 9 CCE class
February 16 No CCE classes
President s Day
Home Based CatechesisCatechesis- Children s Interviews at Religious Education Office from 10:45 am to 12:30 pm.
April 13, 2014
February 9, 2014
March 9, 2014
FIRST EUCHARIST
Saturday, February 1 and Saturday, March 1 from 9a.m.-12:00 noon
are the required sessions for children preparing to receive their
First Eucharist on May 3, 2014-10:30a.m. The child must attend
BOTH sessions in order to receive First Communion.
Program for Parents
Sunday Mornings
Join us each week as we learn more about our Catholic
Faith….9:00 am to 10:30 am in Prinster Hall
The Parish Vocation Committee
STreaMliners (Adults over 50 only)- FEBRUARY 2014
LET’S CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS!
$15 pp dues for the year—Adults over 50 only.
Saturday, Feb. 8-Monthly meeting, 10 a.m., Prinster Hall, Entertainment: Pam & Harry Jazz Band to help celebrate Mardi
Gras
Wednesday, Feb. 12, County Bus Trip, George Ranch Historical Tour, $14pp, lunch on your own, bus leaves at 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 20-Coushatta Casino Day Trip, $15pp, coffee,
donuts, hot kolaches at 6:30, bus leaves at 7:00 a.m.
**************************************************************************
All trips leave from the back parking area near Prinster Hall.
Please leave at least 5 spaces open around the dumpsters
and recycle bins. STreaMliner trips are open to all STM fami-
CONFIRMATION HIGH SCHOOL
February 05 Classes (school)
Confirmation Retreat (off campus)
Light of the World, Salt of the earth
Saturday, February 8, 2014 7:00a.m 6:00 p.m.
All candidates must attend in order to complete their
Confirmation preparation.
Please meet in the Prinster hall at 6:45 a.m.
If you are unable to attend this retreat, it is the candidate s
responsibility to locate a Confirmation Retreat at another
parish prior to the end of April, 2014.
“Evangelii Gaudium” - This Spring, Adore Ministries will host
eight inspiring evenings of Worship, Teaching, and Eucharisc
Adoraon. The evenings will be held on February 5, March 4,
April 2, and May 7 at the Catholic Charismac Center on Cullen
Blvd. at 7pm, and on the fourth Wednesday of January, February,
March, and April at Prince of Peace Catholic Church on Tomball
Parkway at 7pm. These events are open to all ages. Passionate
worship music led by Robbie Seay Band, Dave Moore, and Dave
Regitz. Dynamic messages given by Ennie Hickman, Fr. Mark Goring, Ma5 Regitz, and Fr. Michael Sullivan. For more informaon
call 832-209-2190, email [email protected], or visit
Adore online at www.adoreministries.com
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 new service. There are 2 easy ways to register for Flocknote (pick one):
Visit our network at
Adult Confirmation, 18
years of age or older.
flocknote.com/stmhouston
For registration please contact Ana Luisa
Text “Hillcroft” to 84576
Garcia: [email protected]
Office Phone: 713-729-3435
CLASSES WILL BEGIN ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 12,
2014, TIME: 7:00PM - 9:00PM
or
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
Mondays, 7-9 p.m.
Wednesdays, 10-12 noon
Thursdays, 7-9 p.m.
$25/person
includes workbook
Suzie Hamilton
713-729-0221
[email protected]
All classes will be in Servant Hall
Beginning the week of Feb. 10, 2014
CATHOLICISM: THE NEW EVANGELIZATION---$25/PARTICIPANT
Please fill out the form below and return it with your payment to the Rectory Office. Make checks payable to: St. Thomas More Church
NAME:___________________________________________________PHONE:________________________________________________
CELL PHONE:_____________________________________WORK PHONE:___________________________________________________
ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY:____________________________________________________ZIP:___________________________________________________
EMAIL:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I will attend an evening class on (please circle one) MONDAY
I will attend the daytime class on
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
(10:00 A.M. – 12 NOON)
(7:00 – 9:00 P.M.)
ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH
HOUSTON, TEXAS
February 2, 2014
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH
HOUSTON, TEXAS
February 2, 2014
SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY WINNERS
S
C
H
O
O
L
STM students brought home the Sweepstakes Trophy for the highest point total overall from
the St. Pius X High School Middle School Academic Rally for the 7th out of the last eight years.
Seven hundred students from
18 area Catholic Middle
Schools participated in this annual academic tournament.
Contributing to the Sweepstakes Trophy was a 1st place
win by the Trivia Team and
many individual medal placements by the team members.
GREAT SEASON FOR STM BASKETBALL TEAMS
•
•
•
N
E
W
S
•
•
Varsity Girls won 2nd place in the STM Girls Basketball Tournament. This caps a great season for
all the teams. The Varsity Girls won 1st place in
District Play.
Varsity Boys finished in 2nd place.
Both Teams now advance on to the GHCAA
Playoffs! Good luck to both Teams as they advance in the playoffs!
JV Boys were Tournament Champions at the St.
Peter’s Boys Tournament
6th grade boys finished St. Peter’s Tournament in
3rd place.
CONGRATULATIONS TO STM’S SPELLING BEE WINNERS
Congratulations to Christina Okhuysen who won 1st place in the STM Jr. High Spelling Bee and to Edwin Egbe
who won 1st place in the 4th/5th grade Spelling Bee. Christina will go on to represent STM in the Archdiocesan
Scripps Howard Spelling Bee.
WELCOME TO STM
Are you considering STM for your child for the 2014—2015 school year? Call the office to arrange a private tour 713.729.3434
Applications are being accepted now and can be downloaded
from the school website www. stthomasmore-school.org
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
C ENTERING P RAYER G ROUP
T UESDAYS AT 11:30 AM
A DULT E DUCATION B UILDING
S T . P AUL R OOM
G UEST
ARE
W ELCOME
Centering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the
development of Contemplative Prayer by preparing our
faculties to receive this gift. Centering Prayer is not
meant to replace other kinds of prayer; rather, it casts a
new light and depth of meaning on them. It is at the
same time a relationship with God and a discipline to
foster that relationship. This method of prayer is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion
with Him.
For information call: Magda Garcia at 281-793-2510
No experience necessary
MARRIED COUPLES and ENGAGED COUPLES:
“I take you to be my [spouse] . . . ‘til death do us part.” This
holy pledge promises a love that is like the love of God:
free, faithful, fruitful, total, and forever. The intimate love
that we promise at the wedding remains holy if practiced
under the guidance of God’s plan. Natural Family Planning
offers a means of keeping married love holy. A 3-class Natural Family Planning series begins Saturday, February 8,
2013, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales parish in Houston.
Each class lasts about two hours. To register or to inquire,
please contact Wes and Katie Barta at [email protected]
or 281-780-1047.
Spring Events from Office of Vocations
Feb. 13, Mar. 13, Apr. 10, May 8 — Discover the
Road Less Traveled- 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.- A monthly
discernment gathering at St. Mary’s Seminary for single
young adult men ages 18 and older. Meets every second
Thursday of the month from October to May. Join priests
and seminarians for fellowship, prayer, music, dinner and
talks about the discernment for priesthood and religious
life. 9845 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77024. Registration,
video
and
information:
http://
www.houstonvocations.com/gatherings/discover/
Feb. 13, Mar. 13, Apr. 10, May 8 — Women Seeking
the Road Less Traveled- 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. - A
monthly discernment gathering for women ages 18 and
older who want to know more about religious life. Meets
in different convents around the archdiocese every second Thursday of the month from October to May. Program includes supper, a brief presentation and time for
sharing, followed by prayer. Sisters from several religious orders who live and minister in the Archdiocese
will be present. Information on sites, registration and video
about
program
are
available
http://
www.houstonvocations.com/gatherings/women-seeking/
The Cardinal’s Circle is a giving circle of people & parishes
who understand the important role Inner City Catholic Schools
play in forming and educating
children from our Archdiocese.
The mission of the circle is twofold: to make it possible for any
economically disadvantaged family to send their children to these
schools and to ensure the schools
maintain a standard of excellence. The Inner City Catholic
Schools have been educating children since 1912 and today,
more than 2,000 students are enrolled in the 13 schools in our
Archdiocese.
Members of this circle invest in the lives of the students in
the 13 Inner City Catholic Schools through an annual commitment of $5,000. Each gift is an investment in the future of these students and the Cardinal is most grateful for all support
given. St. Thomas More Church and School have been members of The Cardinal’s Circle since its inception, 2010-2011
school year.
For more information please contact the Archdiocesan Development Office at 713.652.4417 or visit us online at
www.choosecatholicschools.org.
ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH
HOUSTON, TEXAS
February 2, 2014
Pídele al Señor que te de la gracia de aceptar Su
invitación para ser un sacerdote, una hermana religiosa o diácono.
El Comité de Vocaciones de la Parroquia.
2013-2014 CCE YEAR
FECHAS IMPORTANTES DE CCE
9 De Febrero
16 De Febrero
Clases de CCE
No hay clases
Día de los Presidentes
Catequesis en el Hogar:
Hogar entrevistas en la Oficina de
educación religiosa de 10:45 am a 12:30 pm
Días de Reunión Domingos
Febrero 9, 2014
Marzo 9, 2014
Abril 13, 2014
PRIMERA COMUNIÓN
Las siguientes sesiones de preparación para la primera
comunión serán:
Sábado 1 de Febrero de 9:00am-12:00pm
Sábado 1 de Marzo de 9:00am-12:00pm
Ambas sesiones son requeridas solo para niños que se
están preparando para la Primera Comunión. Cada
sesión es presentada sólo una vez. La asistencia regular en la doctrina y a la Misa es muy importante. La
Celebración de la Misa en español de la Primera Comunión será el 10 de Mayo, 2014 a las 10:30am
CONFIRMACION PREPARATORIANOS
05 De Febrero
Clases (escuela)
Retiro de Confirmación (fuera del campus)
“Luz del Mundo, Sal de la Tierra”
Sábado, 8 de febrero 2014
07:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Todos los candidatos deben asistir con el fin de completar su preparación para la Confirmación. Por favor,
lleguen al Prinster Hall a las 6:45 a.m. Si usted no
puede asistir a este retiro, es responsabilidad del candidato de localizar un Retiro de Confirmación en otra
parroquia y asistir antes de finales de abril del 2014.
QUINCEAÑERA
Si estas interesada en celebrar tus quince años
Y aun te faltan 7 meses o más, inscríbete ya.
Para más información llama a la oficina de
Educación Religiosa al 713-729-3435.
Recuerda que es requisito pertenecer a la parroquia
Y estar Actualmente en el Catecismo.
Las declaraciones de impuestos se enviaron la semana
pasada. Si usted dono $650.00 o mas usted debió haber recibido una declaración en el correo. Si usted
dono menos de $650.00 y le gustaría recibir una declaración por favor llame a la oficina de la Iglesia y le
mandaremos una con mucho gusto.
¡Necesitamos de su ayuda! Se necesitan voluntarios que puedan regalar una hora de su tiempo
algunos viernes al año para ayudar a limpiar la
Iglesia. Si está interesado, por favor llame a Jana
Livermore ~ 713-728-8686 o para español llame
a Isabel 713-729-0221 .
ENCUENTRO MATRIMONIAL
Te gustaría mejorar y enriquecer tu vida matrimonial ? Te lo
Mereces! Celebra este próximo
día del amor y la amistad viviendo un fin de semana del Encuentro Matrimonial los días 14,
15 y 16 de Febrero. Para más información comunícate con: Jesús y Marisela mirón 713-261-0677 Antonio y Raquel Morales 281
-467-5378. Visita nuestra página, para más detalles
e
inscripciones
en
línea:
www.emmhouston.org
El Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial invita
a todas las parejas a la cena-baile para
celebrar el día de san Valentín el próximo
sábado 22 de febrero de 6:00pm a
12:00am. Admisión $60 por pareja .Mas informes comunícate con Jesús y Marisela Miron 713
-261-0677. 832-860-0712
CONVALIDACIÓN DE MATRIMONIOS.
Las parejas que deseen convalidar su matrimonio, es decir que están casadas civilmente,
o en unión libre, y quieren casarse por la Iglesia, por favor llamen a Ana Luisa al 713-729
-3435. Las Clases darán comienzo el martes
18 de marzo a las 7:00pm en el Prinster Hall.
La Ceremonia en grupo será el 5 de julio o el
6 de diciembre del 2014.
Confirmación Para Adultos
(mayores de18 años)
Para inscribirse para la preparación llame a Ana Luisa al
713-729-3435 o [email protected]
INICIO DE LAS CLASES MIERCOLES 12 DE MARZO
DEL 2014
HORARIO: 7:00PM a 9:00PM
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK / ORACION POR LOS ENFERMOS
John Amato, Bobby Baker, Elisa Baker, Lisa Bivins, Julia Brown,
Bernice Condon, Ellen Cooper, Alice Fahy, Daniel Garcia, Barbara
Graham, David Graham, Bob Lee, Margaret Martin, Mary Marshall, Mary Jane Morgan, Margaret Morris, Fr. Bill Oliver, Freddie
Perez, Clyde Perrere, Madelyn Ressman, Carmen Robichaux, Al
Suhor, Beverly Thomas, Patricia Trejo, Rich Vachris, Celina Wager
We have removed all the names from the Prayers for the Sick list,
except for those names which were added in the last 2 months. If
you wish to have someone’s name added to the list, please contact the office. We are happy to add back the name(s) of your
loved one, even if we just removed their name. Some of the
names had been on our list for over 2 years, so this is a fresh
start!
PRAY FOR ALL SERVING IN THE MILITARY, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN OUR PARISH FAMILY
SFC Paul Bergman, Col. David Eskelund, Megan Godsey,
Traci Godsey, 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 a5er 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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