ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH HOUSTON, TEXAS Fr. Hai’s Corner Today is the Divine Mercy Sunday. In her dairy, Saint Fausna explained why there is a need for Divine Mercy. She wrote: "They tell me that there is already such a feast and so why should I talk about it?" Jesus answered: "And who knows anything about this feast? No one! Even those who should be proclaiming My mercy and teaching people about it o+en do not know about it themselves. That is why I want the image to be solemnly blessed on the First Sunday a+er Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it." (Diary 341) Pope Francis, when asked about the date he selected for the canonizaon of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, said it signifies that a new “age of mercy” is needed in the Church and the world. Who be9er to help promote it than Saint John Paul II, the pope of Divine Mercy? The Church asks us to observe the Divine Mercy Sunday by a9ending worship, going to confession and taking Holy Communion. From Church to daily living. Do I have the paence to reflect on complex quesons so that my acons may be for the good of all? Am I willing to listen to the teaching of Jesus, especially when my acons are challenged? Let us pray that our lives will be full of faith, hope and love. Fr. Hai HHH Golf Tournament Golfers can register online at hhhgolf.org for the April 20, 2015 His Hands of Hope Golf Tournament at Quail Valley. For more information, see a Knight of Columbus member. Eucharistic Adoration: Tues., 1-2 p.m. Wed., 4-5 p.m. Thursday, 12 noon-1 p.m. Our chapel remains open 24 hours a day because of the commitment made by those who take a weekly Holy Hour. Please commit!! Call Suzie Hamilton for info, 713-557-3036 or 713-7290221. April 12, 2015 End of Novena on Divine Mercy Sunday, 3:15 p.m. English / 8:00 p.m. Spanish Gabriel Project in desperate need of volunteers to help organize baby storage: We are so blessed to have generous parishioners donate baby items to our ministry!! We could use some help in our air-conditioned baby storage facility. We need volunteers who can pickup donations from the parish office, deliver to storage, sort, organize and assemble layettes for our new Gabriel Project mothers. If you are interested please call Leslie Corrigan at 713-253-2402 or email corrigancrew@reagan.com. Thank you STM Boy Scout Troop 99 invites all parishioners to a retirement for American flags and religious articles on Saturday April 25, immediately following 5 pm Mass, on the soccer field behind Prinster Hall. We will accept all old or damaged American flags, and broken or damaged religious articles at that time, and have a brief ceremony to properly and respectfully retire these special items. The troop will also sell "tapas" plates (small portions) of grilled wild game for a modest fee following the ceremony. This is a great opportunity to join your fellow parishioners for a unique event! Collection Information July 2014-June 2015 Yearly Budgeted Offertory Weekend Collection WEEKLY Actual Collection Budgeted Amount Over (+)/Under(-) 53,166.19 37,000.00 +$ 16,166.19 $1,850,523.00 (04/05/2015) FISCAL YTD 1,483,191.65 1,443,000.00 +$ 40,191.65 The Actual Collection for Fiscal Y TD includes Holy Day Collection amounts. Additional Collections: Holy Land (Good Friday) $ 3,526.80 Children (Social Services) $ 0.00 Building Fund $ 822.00 Thank you for your continued generosity! DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY Readings for the week of April 12, 2015 Second Sunday of Easter or Sunday of Divine Mercy Acts 4:32-35; Ps 118; 1 Jn 5:1-6; Jn 20:19-31 Monday Saint Mar!n I, Pope and Martyr Acts 4:23-31; Ps 2; Jn 3:1-8 Tuesday Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93; Jn 3:7b-15 Wednesday Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34; Jn 3:16-21 Thursday Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34; Jn 3:31-36 Friday Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27; Jn 6:1-15 Saturday Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33; Jn 6:16-21 Sunday Third Sunday of Easter Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; Ps 4; 1 Jn 2:1-5a; Lk 24:35-48 Sunday MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 12… Monday, April 13 6:30 a.m. Hansen Family, Thanksgiving 5:30 p.m. Jurica Family Special Intention Tuesday, April 14 6:30 a.m. †Wanda Poche 5:30 p.m. †Peter Long Bui Wednesday, April 15 6:30 a.m. †Betty Schmittgens 5:30 p.m. †Stan Staszak Thursday, April 16 6:30 a.m. †Catherine Palazzo 8:15 a.m. IWBS Sisters, Victoria TX 5:30 p.m. †Deceased Members Brogan & Saffer Families Friday, April 17 6:30 pm. †Betty Jean LeMoine 7:30 p.m. †John Kidd Saturday, April 18 9:00 a.m. †Peter Long Bui 5:00 p.m. †Catherine Palazzo Sunday, April 19 7:30 a.m. †Charlotte McCrate 9:00 a.m. †Nannie Tardo 11:00 a.m. †Richard Endres 1:00 p.m. †Marciel Villeda 5:00 p.m. †Raul Aponte 7:00 p.m. For the Parish Divine Mercy Sunday Pancake & Sausage Breakfast K of C Southwest Council 3910 Place: Date: Time: Adults Servant Hall April 12, 2015 8:00—11:00 a.m. $5.00 / Kids $3.00 60 years of serving the Church and community! This week around STM…. Sunday, April 12-K OF C DIVINE MERCY PANCAKE BREAKFAST / RELIGIOUS GOODS 9:00 a.m. CCE Parents & Students, Prinster Hall & School 10:00 a.m. Sacrament of the Sick, Church 11:00 a.m. CCE Parents & Students, Prinster Hall & School 2:30 p.m. Spanish Baptisms, Church 6:00 p.m. Sp. Choir, AE-St. Mary Monday, April 13 9:00 a.m. Bible Study, Rectory 5:30 p.m. Sp. Legion of Mary, Room F 7:00 p.m. Taller y Oración de la Vida, Prinster Hall School 1st Communion Parents, Servant Hall 7:30 p.m. Apostleship of the Cross (Sp.), AE-St. Paul Danza Tonantzin, Rehkopf Tuesday, April 14 9:30 a.m. Sr. Citizen Bingo, Scout House 7:00 p.m. ESL Classes, School School Board, Library Convalidation Classes, Prinster Hall Wednesday, April 15 7:00 p.m. OMOPH Prayer Group, Chapel Adult Confirmation (Sp.), Youth Prayer Room Adult Confirmation (Eng.), Donovan’s Den Youth Confirmation Class 1, Youth Center Youth Confirmation Class 2, School 7:30 p.m. RCIA Inquiry, AE-St. Peter Legion of Mary, AE-St. Paul Sp. Choir, Church Danza Tonantzin, Rehkopf Thursday, April 16 6:45 p.m. Sp. Choir, AE-St. Mary 7:00 p.m. K of C Golf, Room F ESL, School 7:30 p.m. Word of Truth Bible Study, AE-St. Peter Apostleship of the Cross, AE-St. Paul Combined Choir, Church 11:00 p.m. Precious Blood Prayer Group, Donovan’s Den Friday, April 17 9:15 a.m. Altar Society, Church 5:00 p.m. Legion of Mary Jr. (Sp.), Room F 6:00 p.m. Legion of Mary Jr. (Sp.), Room F 7:00 p.m. Sp. Choir, AE-St. Mary 7:30 p.m. Danza Tonantzin, Rehkopf Saturday, April 18 9:00 a.m. Baptism Class (Eng.), AE-St. Peter Baptism Class (Sp.), Youth Center (2nd floor) 3:30 p.m. Confessions, Church 6:15 p.m. Confessions, Church Sunday, April 19 9:00 a.m. CCE Parents & Students, Prinster Hall & School 10:00 a.m. Sacrament of the Sick, Church 11:00 a.m. CCE Parents & Students, Prinster Hall & School 2:30 p.m. Spanish Baptisms, Church 6:00 p.m. Sp. Choir, AE-St. Mary ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH HOUSTON, TEXAS April 12, 2015 STreaMliners (Adults over 50 only) - April 2015 $15 dues for the year—Adults over 50 only. Monday, April 13, County Bus Trip-Spend the Day at Herman Park – Walk or Ride the Train $3.25pp and Lunch on you own. The Bus will leaves at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16, Casino Day Trip-New Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, LA, $30pp (includes $20 food coupon), coffee/donuts/hot kolaches @6:30 a.m., bus leaves @7:00 a.m., returning about 7:00 p.m. NEW TRIP - June 18-22, 2015 DALLAS /FORT WORTH 5 DAYS 4 NITES $513.00 PP DBL $647.00 SGL INCLUDES: INSURANCE, 4 BREAKFAST, 4 DINNERS Dealey Plaza, Old Courthouse, JFK Memorial, West end Historic District, Thanks-Giving Square, Texas School Board Depository, Geo W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, South Fork Ranch, Water Gardens, Sundance Square, Billy Bob’s, Forth Worth Stockyards and see a cattle drive. NEED DEPOSIT BY APRIL Fill us with zeal to proclaim the Good News as priests and deacons! The Parish Vocations Committee WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES PHILADELPHIA, PA SEPTEMBER 22-27, 2015 For more information: http://www.familylifeministryhouston.org/ ************************************************************************** All trips leave from the back parking area near Prinster Hall. If you are parking your car 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. STM MEN’S RETREAT – IS JUST 1 WEEK AWAY– Friday evening, April 17 through Noon on Sunday, the 19th at the Holy Name Retreat Center on Bunker Hill Road just north of Memorial Drive. This is the perfect time for parish men of all ages to strengthen their faith with up to 20 brother parishioners and those of 4 to 5 other parishes in this serene, 11 acre retreat environment. To learn more and to make your reservation, go to www.Passionist.org/ HolyName (713-464-0211) or contact STM Coordinator Hiett Ives at 832-372-6900. Houston’s best kept secret… CHARITY GUILD OF CATHOLIC WOMEN RESALE & CONSIGNMENT SHOP Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. 1203 Lovett Blvd. 713-529-0995 Charityguildshop.org If you are allergic to gluten, there are opons for receiving Holy Communion, please contact Deacon John Krugh: deaconjohn@stmhouston.org Are you looking to grow in your spiritual life? Perhaps the ministry of Spiritual Direc!on can help! At St. Thomas More we have two cer!fied spiritual directors available to meet with you one on one. This is a free ministry that provides a fellow Catholic Chris!an who is trained to walk with you along your journey with God. Mee!ngs consist of sharing life circumstances and prayer experiences in order to find closeness with God and growth in doing His will in our lives. To learn more you may contact: Magda Garcia (Spanish and English) at 281-793-2510 or Erin Robleto (English) at erobleto5@gmail.com to learn more about the ministry. Brochures are also available at the back of church and in the church offices. www.houstonvocations.com This is the vocations site for the Archdiocese, if you have been searching, check it out and see if there is a program you can attend. INTERESTED IN JOINING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH? This process is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It begins with informal question and answer sessions. Inquiry sessions are held on Wednesday evenings, 7:30-9:30 p.m. For more information, just come on Wednesday evening, or talk to Deacon John Krugh on Sunday or call the church office, 713729-0221. April 25: InSight Retreat for Young Women in High School – 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. An oppor tunity for high school girls to visit a convent, interact with Sisters from several congregations who serve in our Archdiocese, pray together, build friendships, learn about religious life, share lunch, and ask questions. The day will be held at the Brothers and Sisters of Charity at St. Clare Monastery (6921 Cutten Pkwy., Houston, TX 77069) and end with a 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass, to which families are welcome. Registration and permission slips will be available online. www.houstonvocations.com/insight Pilgrimage to the Shrines of France 2016 with Fr. Christopher Plant July 18th-30th, 2016 Please contact Beth O'Neal for further information BWOPKO3@Yahoo.com or 832-971-5186 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 DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY Wondering whether or not the content of a movie is suitable for your child or teen? Check www.screenit.com for the information you need. “There are no joys like innocence.” -Archbishop Fulton Sheen Joleen Walden is the Music Teacher at St. Thomas More School. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Kansas State University. She has been a teacher for 24 years. She and her husband, Rick, have been married for 38 years and have 3 children, Matthew, Melea, and Marcus, all STM alumni. Of her 7 grandchildren, 3 now attend STM. Her hobbies are knitting, crocheting, counted cross-stitch, and playing with her grandchildren. Mrs. Walden states “I love teaching at STM because I love the family atmosphere. It’s wonderful getting reacquainted with former students and getting to know their children who now attend STM.” Spread the Good News! St Thomas More Event Photo is free and open to all STM ministries. Ministry Heads may call Chris Moras at 713.305.4099 to schedule photography for their next parish event. Loving Embrace Infertility Support Group 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 832-978-6716 or infertilitysupporthouston@gmail.com. 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 two-fold: 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. Infant Adoption Program Couples wanting to adopt newborn babies, please contact Catholic Charities. Our adoption program is currently looking for couples to apply. Couples must satisfy the program requirements to be considered. Contact Colle e n Ki to w s k i at 7 1 3. 8 7 4 . 6 7 6 0 or ckitowski@catholiccharities.org e ma il LEGION OF MARY - Do you want to enrich your prayer life? - Do you want to develop close Catholic Friendships? - Do you want to grow closer to Jesus and His Mother? -Do you want to be part of the NEW EVANGELIZATION Then come as a guest to a Legion of Mary meeting! There’s no obligation! WHEN : Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. WHERE: St Thomas More Adult Education Building – St Paul Room ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH HOUSTON, TEXAS Del Padre Hai Hoy es el Domingo de la Divina Misericordia. En su diario, Santa Fausna explica el porque hay una necesidad por la Divina Misericordia. Ella escribió: "Me dicen que ya hay tal fiesta, y entonces ¿porque debería hablar de ello?" Jesús le contesto: "Y quien sabe algo sobre esta fiesta? Nadie! Incluso aquellos que deben proclamar mi misericordia y enseñar a la gente acerca de ello a menudo no saben nada. Es por ello que quiero que la imagen sea bendecida solemnemente el primer domingo después de la pascua y quiero que sea venerada públicamente para que cada alma pueda saberlo." (Diario 341) Papa Francisco, cuando se le pregunto acerca de la fecha que escogió para la canonización de los Papas Juan XXIII y Juan Pablo II, dijo significa que es necesaria una nueva “era de misericordia” para la iglesia y para el mundo. ¿Quién mejor para ayudar a promoverlo que San Juan Pablo II?, El Papa de la Divina Misericordia. La Iglesia nos pide que observemos el domingo de la Divina Misericordia asisendo a Misa, confesarse, y recibir la Sagrada comunión. De la Iglesia a la Vida diaria. ¿Tengo la paciencia para reflexionar en preguntas complejas para que mis acciones sean para el bien de todos? ¿Estoy dispuesto a escuchar las enseñanzas de Jesús, especialmente cuando mis acciones son desafiadas? Oremos para que nuestras vidas estén llenas de fe, esperanza y amor, Padre Hai DOMINGO DE LA DIVINA MISERICORDIA Fin de la Novena 8:00 pm Español April 12, 2015 Llénanos con entusiasmo para proclamar la Buena nueva como sacerdotes y diáconos! El comité de Vocaciones de la Parroquia Joleen Walden es la maestra de música de la escuela de San Tomas More. Obtuvo una licenciatura en educación musical de la universidad estatal de Kansas. Ella ha sido una maestra por 24 años. Ella y su esposo Rick han estado casados por 38 años y tienen tres hijos, Matthew, Melea, y Marcus, todos ex alumnos de STM. De 7 nietos de tiene, 3 asisten a la escuela de STM. Sus pasatiempos favoritos son tejer en agujas y gancho, hacer puntada de cruz y jugar con sus nietos. La señora Walden dice: Me gusta enseñar en STM porque me gusta la atmosfera familiar. Es maravilloso reencontrase con ex alumnos y conocer a sus hijos que ahora asisten a STM.” ENCUENTRO MATRIMONIAL Te gustaría mejorar y enriquecer tu vida matrimonial? Te lo mereces! A todas las parejas les invitamos a vivir un fin de semana del Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial los días 1,2 y 3 de Mayo. Para mas información comunícate con: Jesús y Marisela Miron 713-261-0677 y 832 -860-0712 Antonio y Raquel Morales 281467-5378 y 713-826-7466 Visita nuestra pagina para mas detalles e inscripciones en línea www.emmseccion15.org Adoración Eucarística: Martes, 1 a 2 p.m. Miércoles 4 a 5 pm BENDICIONES PARA LA PRESENTACION AL TEMPLO DE NIÑOS DE TRES AÑOS Y QUINCEAÑERAS Para que sus hijos reciban la bendición se necesita registrarse en la Oficina de Religión al 713-729-3435 Nuestra capilla permanece abierta las 24 horas del día gracias al compromiso hecho por aquellas personas que toman una Hora Santa semanal. Suzie Hamilton, 713-729-0221. DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY PRAYERS FOR THE SICK / ORACION POR LOS ENFERMOS John Amato, Pedro Apigo, Bobby Baker, Elisa Baker, Cristine Banks, Lontondra Banks, Lisa Bivins, Julia Brown, James Caffrey, Mary Jane Coke, Bernice Condon, Ellen Cooper, Heather Deeton, Karen DeJean, Alice Fahy, Bonifacio Figueroa, Frank Garcia, Gonzales Family, John Gorman, Barbara Graham, David Graham, Leticia Griewe, John Hahn, Marylou Hahn, Ofelia Herrera, Ken Jarzombek, Maurice Korkmas, David Lafferty, Bob Little, Mary & Sabin Marshall, Margaret Martin, John R. Martin, Joyce Mercurio, Carol Montello, Mary Jane Morgan, Margaret Morris, Catherine Mourey, Venita Mrok, Emma Newhouse, Freddie Perez, Joanne Richards, Cherry Ronan, Christopher Saldivar, June Shumake, Al Suhor, Theresa Steen, Brian Steiner, Jan Tennert, Bertha Theriot, Beverly Thomas, Patricia Trejo, John Upton, Rich Vachris, Bertie Vargas, Clair Wise 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 a4er 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. Please patronize our advertisers. 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