ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST 9915 HOLLISTER ST. HOUSTON, TX 77040-1702 (713) 466-4030 December 1, 2019

Readings for the Week of Dec. 1, 2019

MASS INTENTIONS (INTENCIONES DE LA MISA) NOV.30-DEC. 8TH SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30 5:00p.m. †Charlene Hand & Special Intentions of Anne Filipiak 7:00p.m. Por la Comunidad de San Mateo SUNDAY DECEMBER 1 2 Sm 5:1-3; Ps122; Col 1:12-30; Lk 23:35-43 8:00a.m. †Janis Walsh & In Thanksgiving for Rodolfo Santiago 10:00a.m. †Gustavo Gomez, †Jessica Rodriguez & Special Intentions of Patti Filipiak 12:00p.m. †Adrian y Maria del Carmen Hernandez y En Agradecimiento por Elvira Medina y Maria Perez MONDAY DECEMBER 2 No Mass TUESDAY DECEMBER 3 8:30a.m. †Harmon T. Alsobrook, Jr. & In Thanksgiving for Maria Perez WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4 8:30a.m. DJM & Missionary of Mercy & Special Intentions of George Ata THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 8:30a.m. †Elodia Avila Moreno & For all Priests FRIDAY DECEMBER 6 8:30a.m. Sacred Heart of Jesus & In Thanksgiving for Maria Rangel SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 5:00p.m. For the People of St. Matthew’s 7:00p.m. †Alfredo Ortega & †Esther Rodriguez SUNDAY DECEMBER 8 Is 11:1-10; Ps 72; Rom 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12 (4) 8:00a.m. †Jerry Larson, Jr. & In Thanksgiving for Edward & Angie Santiago 10:00a.m. †Dagoberto Rodriguez & †Evelyn Ahlgrim 12:00p.m. †Jose Dolores Saldaña, †Rafael Piña, †Joe Bernal, Jr. & †Elodia Avila Moreno

Janie Colmenero -Sierra Peña -Bill Bielenda -Charlotte Gullo -Ramon Garcia -Nancy Soliz -Rene Carlos Salinas -Ofelia Salinas Enrique DeLeon Sandy Murphy -Linda Castro -Robert Alcala Gwen Johnson -Dan Danchak

Monday Is 4:2-6; Ps 122; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday Is 11:1-10; Ps 72; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday Is 26:1-6; Ps 118; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday Is 29:17-24; Ps 27; Mt 9:27-31 Saturday Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147; Mt 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8

Father, Your love is as wide as the oceans- As deep as the sea And as tall as the heavens. May your spirit rise like a mighty wave and come and restore those who are ill- You are the water of life,

You are a fresh spring,- You are healing rain To all those who are in need. Come Lord!

UPDATES TO OUR PRAYER LIST...

HOLIDAY LITURGY SCHEDULE 2019

Our Lady of Guadalupe –Thursday, December 12: 5:00 pm Rosary/ Procession & 6:30 pm Mass

Simbang Gabi – Monday, December 16: at 7 pm Advent Reconciliation – Tuesday, December 17:

at 6:45 pm Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24:

5 pm Children’s Mass (E) & 7:30 pm Vigil Mass (E) Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25:

9 am Mass (E) & 11 am Mass (S) Mary, Mother of God – Wednesday, Jan. 1:

9 a.m. Mass (E) &11 am Mass (S)

Pastor’s Corner... Reflection on this Sunday’s Readings Today is the first Sunday of Advent,

which is also the first Sunday of a new liturgical year for the Church. The Advent season includes the four Sundays that precede Christmas. It is a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord. In this season, we recall two central elements of our faith: the final coming of the Lord in glory and the incarnation of the Lord in the birth of Jesus. Key themes of the Advent season are watchful waiting, preparation, and justice.

Jesus challenges us to be on our guard so that our hearts are not weighed down with worldly vices and the worries of this life. He urges us to be ready, so the day of the Lord will not catch us unexpectedly, unprepared. No one knows when the end will come. Therefore, we should be pre-pared at all times. It is always a constant effort to be pre-pared, but not to be worried with fear or unhealthily preoc-cupation with it. It is a habit, a practice that we should culti-vate in order that we are always united with Christ. As Chris-tians, we know that our Lord is coming even if we cannot know the precise timing. Jesus calls us to be watchful and vigilant, like the homeowner. If we become lax in our Chris-tian life, we may be caught unprepared.

Around the Parish… Safety issues: Renovation of our church and chapel is beginning. The church will not be available during the week. Scaffolding will be up and it is unsafe to enter the church. PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE CHURCH Monday through Friday, for your safety. On weekends, you will see the progress as it occurs. Do not be alarmed if you see raw wood as this is necessary to support the beautiful wood which will be installed. Thank you, St. Mat-thew’s Administration Office.

Our Advent Reconciliation Service will be

held on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 6:45 p.m. in the main Church.

Please, mark your calendar to celebrate the mercy of God in your life. Happy New Liturgical Year!

Thank y’all for all you do for

St. Matthew’s. The Pastor,

Rev. Martial Oya

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT/ PRIMER DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO

Magnificat House Christmas Party will be held at St. Matthew’s au-ditorium on Sunday, December 15th at 11 a.m. We are expecting 100+ guests (men & women), who will receive gift bags of sweatshirts, socks and toiletries, in addition to having a very nice meal and bingo with prizes. For the last two weeks we have given out red tags denoting items needed for gift bags– please return your items to the back of the church or office. Bingo prizes also needed. Any monetary donation is also very appreciated. On Friday, December 13, we will be putting the gift bags together in room 216 from 9am-3pm-lots of help needed! Lunch will be provid-ed. On Sunday, December 15, we need the following food in large quan-tities: deserts, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, sweet potatoes, and corn casserole. In addition, we need help from 9am-4pm in the kitchen, servers, in bingo and clean-up. Any hours you can help with in this event are, is greatly appreciated-the residents of Magnificat House love this event and we are told it’s the highlight of the holiday season for them. Please come and help and see the joy on their faces-it will make your holiday special too! For more information contact: Barbara Syzdek @ 713.466.0970 or Margie Brogger @ 713.466.4914.

2019 MAGNIFICAT HOUSE

Christmas Baskets 2019

OUR FOOD PANTRY is taking donations for our Christ-mas Basket Program. We need 60 Turkeys and toys/gifts for babies through 12 years of age. This very worthwhile program benefits 100 families in our community by providing a turkey, a box of goods and fresh produce to have a nice Christmas dinner. We also provide gifts for all their children from babies up to age 12. Our Christmas baskets will be distributed on December 7th. The Food Drive Bags are located in the back of church with list of items needed, please fill and return to the church or parish of-fice. Please bring the turkeys in to the parish office. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Christmas Basket Program Wednesday, December 4– Sort and wrap gifts 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Friday, December 6– box produce/canned goods 10 a.m. Saturday, December 7– Distribute baskets (start time) 9 a.m.

Lots of volunteers needed each day! See Green Flyer at the back of the Church.

Sponsoring Information for 2020

Around the parish... Dear Parishioners, We currently have sponsors for the fresh flowers on the altar every week. These flowers commemorate an anniversary or birthday, or are given in memory of a loved one, etc. The current cost of the flowers each week is $65.00. We all know that fresh flowers last only a couple days before they are wilted, so we have thought about another way to honor an event or loved one. Starting January 1, 2020, for those wishing to commemorate a spe-cial time (birthday, anniversary, etc) or in memory of the a loved one, we will change to the family now sponsoring the bread and wine for a weekend. Your name will be listed in the bulletin with the rea-son for the sponsorship (anniversary, birthday, in memory of…, etc) as is currently done. Example: Bread and Wine this week sponsored by ________ in hon-or of _______________ or in memory of ______________. Greenery and live plants will be on the altar with seasonal plants also at various times of the year. By making this change, our altar will remain beautiful with live plants and sponsorship to honor an event or loved one will continue. Thank you for all you do for St. Matthew’s. We hope that you embrace this decision and will continue your spon-sorship.

Come join us for Breakfast & Pic-tures with Santa on Sunday, De-cember 8th at 8 a.m. in the audito-rium. Bring the whole family to this fun and joyful event! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tendremos Desayuno y Fotos con Santa Calus el domingo 8 de dic-iembre a las 8 a.m. Trae a tu fa-milia y invita a tus amigos y vecinos a este evento tan divertido.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30 CDA Fundraiser Courtyard After all Masses SUNDAY DECEMBER 1 Faith Formation Classes All 8:30 am CDA Fundraiser Courtyard After all Masses MONDAY DECEMBER 2 Bridge 129 1 pm Matachines Practice Auditorium 6 pm Sacramental Classes All 6:30 pm Grupo de Oracion Chapel 7 pm TUESDAY DECEMBER 3 Bible Study 216 9:30 am Crafts from the Heart 205 10:30 am Matachines Practice Auditorium 6 pm Cub Scouts 200 Hall 6:30 pm MFCC/Pastorela Practice Auditorium 7:30 pm WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4 Sort/Wrap Gifts Xmas Baskets 106, Auditorium 10 am Matachines Auditorium 6 pm Spiritual Guidance 203 6:30 pm Grupo de Oracion Morton 7 pm RCIA Classes 205 7 pm Novena Guadalupana Chapel 7 pm DJM (S) 109 7 pm Youth Meet Youth Room 7 pm THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 Novena Guadalupana Morton 7 pm MFCC Reunion Mensual 205 7 pm Preparacion al Matrimonio 215 7 pm Legion of Mary 203 7 pm MFCC Pastorela Practice Auditorium 7:30 pm FRIDAY DECEMBER 6 Box Canned Foods Auditorium 10 am Novena Guadalupana Morton 7 pm SATURDAY DECEMBER Christmas Baskets Handout Auditorium 10 am SUNDAY DECEMBER 7 Faith Formation Classes All 8:30 am Breakfast with Santa Auditorium 8 am Novena Guadalupana Morton 7 pm

2019 Posadas December 15th @ 6 pm Main Church/Auditorium December 16th @ 7 pm Room 129 December 18th @ 7 pm Room 129 December 19th @ 7 pm Room 129 December 20th @ 7 pm Room 129 December 22nd @ 7 pm Room 129 December 23rd @ 7 pm Room 129

Every one is welcome to attend. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Todos son bienvenidos!

ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST 9915 HOLLISTER ST. HOUSTON, TX 77040-1702 (713) 466-4030 November 24, 2019

NuestroBanco de Comida está recibiendo donaciones para nuestro programa de canastas navideñas. Necesitamos 70 pavos y

juguetes para bebés y niños hasta 12 años. Este programa benefi-cia a 100 familias de nuestra comunidad al proporcionar un pavo, una caja de comida enlatada y productos frescos para una cena de

Navidad agradable. El Banco de Comida tiene bolsas de papel con todos los artículos necesarios para la canasta de navidad en las mesas a la entrada de la Iglesia. Favor de traer sus bolsas de

donacion y ponerlas en la parte posterior de la Iglesia o en la oficina parroquial. Agradeceríamos enormemente sus donaciones

y le agradecemos de antemano.

Programa de Canastas Navideñas Miercoles 4 de Diciembre– Envolver regalos 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Viernes 6 de Diciembre– Enpacar comida 10 a.m. Sabado 7 de Diciembre– Distribuir Canastas 9 a.m.

Necesitamos voluntarios cada día! Favor de consultar las formas verdes en la parte posterior

de la Iglesia.

Canastas Navideñas

La fiesta de Navidad para los residentes de Magnificat House se llevará a cabo en el auditorio de San Mateo el domingo 15 de diciembre a las 11 a.m. Esperamos más de 100 invitados (hombres y mujeres), que recibirán bolsas de regalo de sudaderas, calcetines y artículos de tocador, además de una comida muy agradable y bingo con premios. Durante las últimas dos semanas hemos entregado etiquetas rojas de los artículos necesarios para las bolsas de regalo. Devuelva sus artículos a la parte posterior de la iglesia u oficina. También se necesitan premios de bingo. Cualquier donación monetaria también es muy apreciada. El viernes 13 de diciembre: Envolver regalos en el salon 216 de 9 am a 3 pm ¡Se necesita mucha ayuda! Se proporcionará almuerzo. El domingo 15 de diciembre, necesitamos los siguientes alimentos en cantidades grandes: postres, puré de papas, guiso de judías verdes, panecillos, batatas y guiso de maíz. Además, necesitamos ayuda de 9 am a 4 pm en la cocina, de servidores, para el bingo y la limpieza. Todas las horas que pueda ayudar en este evento son muy apreciadas: los residentes de Magnificat House adoran este evento y nos dicen que es el punto culminante de la temporada navideña para ellos. Ven a ayudar y ve la alegría en sus caras, ¡hará que tus dias festivos también sean especiales! Para mas informacion: Barbara Syzdek @ 713-466-0970 ó Margie Brogger @ 713-466-4914.

Casa Magnificat 2019

Nuestro Servicio Penitencial sera el martes 17 de diciembre a las 7pm.

Habrá varios sacerdotes que Confesaran en ingles y español.

Esta parte de Adviento es muy importante. Todos estan invitados.

HORARIO DE LOS DIAS FESTIVOS

Virgen de Guadalupe – Jueves 12 de diciembre: a las 5:00 p.m. Rosario & 6:30 p.m. Misa Simbang Gabi – Lunes 16 de diciembre a las 7 p.m. Servicio Penitencial de Adviento – Martes 17 de diciembre a las 6:45 p.m. (Bilingüe) Noche Buena – Martes 24 de diciembre: 5 p.m. Misa de Niños (I) & 7:30 p.m. Misa (I) Navidad – Miercoles 25 de diciembre: 9 a.m. Misa (Ingles) & 11 a.m. Misa (Español) María, Madre de Dios– Miercoles 1º de enero: 9 a.m. Misa (Ingles) & 11 a.m. Misa (Español)

Novena of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Dec. 4th - 7pm Chapel/Capilla Por todos los Jóvenes

Dec. 5th - 7pm Morton Building Por todos los presos y sus familias

Dec. 6th - 7pm Morton Building Por todos los Matrimonios

Dec. 7th - 6pm Morton Building Por aumento de vocaciones,

sacerdotales y religiosas Dec. 8th - 7pm Morton Building

Por la unión de la Familia Dec. 9th - 7pm Chapel/Capilla

Por nuestra Iglesia Católica Dec. 10th -7pm Morton Building

Por el respeto a la vida Dec. 11th - 7pm Chapel/Capilla

Por la paz del mundo entero Dec. 12th - 5pm

Por todos los enfermos Rosario/Misa y Celebración de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

El Rincón del Pastor ... Reflexión sobre las Lecturas Hoy es el primer domingo de Adviento, que también es el primer domingo de un nuevo año litúrgico para la Iglesia. La temporada de Adviento incluye los cuatro domingos que prece-den a la Navidad. Es un tiempo de preparación para la venida del Señor. En esta temporada, recordamos dos elementos centrales de nuestra fe: la venida final del Señor en gloria y la encarnación del Señor en el nacimiento de Jesús. Los temas clave de la temporada de Adviento son la espera vigilante, la preparación y la justicia. Jesús nos desafía a estar en guardia para que nuestros corazones no estén cargados de vicios mundanos y de las preocupaciones de esta vida. Él nos insta a estar listos, para que el día del Señor no nos atrape inesperadamente, sin estar preparados. Nadie sabe cuándo llegará el fin. Por lo tanto, debemos estar preparados en todo momento. Siempre es un esfuerzo constante estar preparado, pero no preocuparse por el miedo o la preocupación poco sa-ludable por él. Es un hábito, una práctica que debemos cultivar para estar siempre unidos con Cristo. Como cristianos, sabemos que nuestro Señor vendrá incluso si no podemos saber el momen-to preciso. Jesús nos llama a ser vigilantes , como el dueño de casa. Si nos relajamos en nuestra vida cristiana, podemos quedar atrapados sin preparación. Alrededor de la parroquia … Por cuestiones de seguridad: la renovación de nuestra iglesia y capilla ya comenzo. La iglesia no estará disponible durante la semana. No es seguro ingresar a la iglesia. POR FAVOR NO ENTRAR A LA IGLESIA de lunes a viernes, por su seguridad. Los fines de semana, verá poco a poco el progreso. No se alarme si ve madera bruta, ya que esto es necesario para soportar la hermosa madera que se instalará. Gracias, Oficina de Administración de San Mateo. Nuestro Servicio de Penitencia de Adviento se llevará a cabo el martes 17 de diciembre de 2019 a las 6:45 p.m. en la iglesia. Por favor, marque su calendario para celebra la misericordia de Dios en tu vida. ¡Feliz Nuevo Año Litúrgico!

Gracias a todos por todo lo que hacen por San Mateo. Párroco, Rev. Martial Oya

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT/ PRIMER DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO

A Stewardship Parish Parroquia Administradora de los Bienes de Dios

11-24-19 Collection Goal: $10,000.00

Due to the schedule for the printing of the bulletin, we cannot provide

the collection totals for last weekend. Please check in next week’s bulletin for the collection totals.

DSF Summary Report– 2019 St. Matthew the Evangelist - Houston– DSF19

Parish Goal: $56,000.00

Total Amount Paid: $42,944.50

Total Amount Pledged: $48,042.00

Total Number of Participant: 183

*Total Number of Households 1132

Average Participant Pledge: $262.52

Paid Over (Under) Goal: ($13,055.50)

Pledged Over (Under) Goal: ($7,958.00)

Percent Paid: 76.69%

Did you know Amazon helps Support our Parish, while you shop. Signing up is easy! Here's how to shop AmazonSmile: 1. Visit smile.amazon.com 2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials 3. Choose St. Matthew the Evangelist Houston, Tx as your charitable organization . 4. Select and Start Shopping! (You will see on Top-Left corner of home page the name of our Parish) 5. Add a bookmark for smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.

Alrededor de la Parroquia… Estimados feligreses, Actualmente tenemos patrocinadores para las flores de nuestro altar cada semana. Estas flores conmemoran un aniversario o cumpleaños, o se entregan en memoria de un ser querido, etc. El costo actual de las flores cada semana es de $ 65.00. Todos sabemos que las flores frescas duran solo un par de días antes de que se marchiten, por lo que hemos pensado en otra forma de honrar un evento o a un ser querido. A partir del 1º de enero de 2020, para aquellos que deseen conmemorar un momento especial (cumpleaños, aniversario, etc.) o en memoria de un ser querido, cambiaremos en patrocinar el pan y el vino del fin de semana en vez de flores. Su nombre aparecerá en el boletín con el motivo (aniversario, cumplea-ños, en memoria de ..., etc.) como se hace actualmente. Ejemplo: el pan y vino esta semana ha sido patrocinado por ________en honor de ______ o en memoria de __________. Habrá plantas vivas en el altar y plantas de temporada en varias épocas del año. Al hacer este cambio, nuestro altar seguirá siendo hermoso con plantas vivas y el patrocinio para honrar un evento o un ser querido continuará. Esperamos que estén de acuerdo con esta decisión y si desean patroci-nar el pan y vino en celebración o en memoria de alguien pueden regis-trarse en la cartulina en la parte posterior de la Iglesia. ¡Gracias!

Informacíon sobre Patrocino 2020

The Office of Pro-Life Activities will offer transportation to Austin for the annu-al Texas Rally for Life march on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Join us for the Archdi-ocesan Mass that will take place at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Katy at 8:30 a.m. After Mass, we will travel by bus to Austin and join thousands of Texans in a march to support each human life! Cost is $25. For more information, see the flyers in English and Spanish at the back of the church or call the Office of Pro-Life activities at 713-741-8728 or 713-440-3443 for Spanish. To register visit, https://archgh.cvent.com/d/wyqbym/.

Texas Rally for Life :

READ

Beginning December 1st, read one chapter of the Gospel of

Luke, in the bible, every day. There are 24 chapters. By the

time you reach Christmas Eve, you will have read an entire ac-

count of the life of Christ, knowing WHO and WHY we celebrate!

New Music Director

We have a new Music Director, Christian Ponce. Let us give him a warm welcome, a handshake or a simple hello before or after mass when you see him . For all the Choir staff, rehearsals are Wednesdays and Thursdays @ 6:30p.m./7:30p.m. We invite everyone who is interested in joining the choir or for more information contact Christian at the parish office 713.466.4030 or 713.820.2635.