St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston Houston

816 Park Dr. La Porte, Texas 77571 281-471-2000 Fax:281-471-9365

Website:www.stmaryslaporte.com E-mail:stmaryslpcc@sbcglobal.net Parish Office Hours

Monday - Friday 9:00 am-12:00 Noon 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm

Eucharistic Celebrations Saturday: 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. (Spanish) 1:00 p.m.

St. Mary’s Church

Monday (No Mass) Tuesday & Wednesday – 12:00 noon Thursday, & Friday – 8:30 a.m.

Parish Staff Rev. Tony A. Castro, Pastor Deacon Hector Cantu Deacon Julio Matallana Deacon Stan Avallone Bookkeeper-Nelda Shealy Bulletin/Sacramental Records– Cheryl Frobenius Maintenance– Steve Regan Parish Secretary-Jessica Jaramillo C.C.E. Director-Shari Davis C.C.E. Coordinator - Graciela Lopez EDGE Coordinator-Randy Tercero Life Teen Director-Shari Davis

Vision Statement St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic Community of Believers called to serve Christ by gathering together at the Lord’s Table in worship and praise, by serving our brothers and sisters in Christ, and by being a welcoming beacon of light to all. We are many parts, yet one body in Christ.

Sacrament of Baptism Baptisms are celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Classes are held on the 2nd & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Please come by the Parish Office to register or call for more information. Reconciliation The Sacrament of Penance is offered on Saturdays, from 4:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. or by appointment. Sacrament of Marriage Please contact the Parish Office at least (6) six months prior to your desired wedding date to arrange a meeting with Father Tony or one of the Deacons. If you want a Mass, you must call Father Tony. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Are you a non-Catholic who is interested in joining the Catholic faith? Are you a baptized Catholic who has never received the sacraments of 1st Communion and Confirmation? If your answer is yes to either of these questions, call the Parish Office. Sacrament of First Reconciliation/First Communion First Reconciliation/Communion candidates must be baptized, at least in the second grade, and have been attending CCE classes for at least TWO full years prior to entering into sacramental preparation. Adults will be referred to the RCIA program. Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation is a separate more intensive examination of the faith and our responsibilities as practicing Catholics. Confirmands will meet once per month in addition to attending Life Teen faithfully, both one full year prior to the beginning Sacramental preparation and during the preparation year (no more than three absences either year). Parents/Sponsors will also be required to attend once per month meetings. Confirmation candidates must have previously received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion. A habit of attending weekly Mass is required for both years. Please, note the above represents the minimum requirements. Adults will be referred to the RCIA program.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for December For a life of prayer

We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer.

Offertory December 12/13, 2020 $5,755.00

2nd Collection~Religious Retirement Fund $726.00

November Miscellaneous Offertory $2,089.00

November Online Giving $7,148.00 If you would like to send your weekly donations, please visit St. Mary’s website and go to the Online Giving icon, Flocknotes or mail them to St. Mary’s, 816 Park Dr., La Porte, TX 77571.

www.stmaryslaporte.com Thank you for your generosity!

As the reality of COVID and perhaps not being able to attend Mass is once again in the forefront, there are several ways for you to continue to donate: Our normal Sunday collection, by mail ( St. Mary’s, 816 Park Dr., La Porte, TX )or through our Online Giving account posted on our website. Simply go to the website and click on the copy of the picture for Online Giving. My prayers for good health are with you and your family during this pandemic crisis and always. With You In Christ, Fr. Tony Castro, Pastor

Saturday, December 26: 5:30pm Zosimo Dapitan† By:Distefano Family Sunday, December 27: 9:00am Raymond Zann† By:Zann Family 11:00am Special Intetion Delia Romero By:Valencia Family 1:00pm People of the Parush Tuesday, December 29: 12:000pm Don Gore† By:Hellstein Family Wednesday, December 30: 12:00 pm Lee Perry Joseph Roy† By:Shari Davis Thursday, December 31: (Mary Mother of God) 5:30pm Pat Riley† By: Rena Hellstein Friday, January 1: (Mary Mother of God): 9:00am Special Intention Ed Wachel By:Irene Johnston Saturday, January 2: 5:30pm People of the Parish Sunday, January 3: 9:00am Virginia Jaramillo† By: Family 11:00am Eleodoro † & Aurelia †Valencia By:Valencia Family 1:00pm Mr. & Mrs. Louis Bernard † By: Wal’Dean Lundquist

Mass Intentions As we move into the next year, scheduling Masses, there will be a few changes, in order to allow those who have lost a loved one an opportunity to schedule a Mass in their memory in a timely manner. Currently, we will only be allowing an individual to schedule 5 Masses at one time. If you wish any of the Masses to be sched-ule on the weekends, you will only be able to schedule one every other month. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding in this regard. Masses may be scheduled at any time by calling the office.

Bulletin Mailouts... In order to keep those staying at home connected to our parish with attendance updates and changes that may occur with our scheduling, we will continue to send out the bulletin weekly. However, we will constantly be updating our mailing list. If you do not get the bulletin, but wish to receive one on a weekly basis please call the office. We are counting our blessings and very grateful for your ongo-ing support!

Dear parish family, Feast of Holy Family Against the backdrop of so many complex issues that beset all families in our time and society today, the church once again ask us to reflect on the Holy Family. This feast celebrated right after Christmas tells us concretely that God’s plan of salvation came through a human family

– the basic unit of society, the very foundation of humanity. Salvation of society begins with saving our family values.

A general reflection we need to be reminded on this feast of Holy Family is that holiness is not absence of difficulties; everyone in life fac-es hardships at some time or another. In fact, it is in the midst of their difficulty that the holiness of Joseph and Mary were tested, deepened, and

revealed as a faithful obedient response to God.

Holiness comes in fact when we are faithful to God despite hardships and trials. Jesus, Mary and Joseph had their share of struggles. The Holy Family made it through the difficulties of their family life for one reason only: they had great faith. We all have different sort of travails, problems and challenges we faced. It is faith that makes us grounded. And if we always have Jesus in our hearts, then we can be blessed like

Mary and Joseph.

For those of you who are separated, and those who had fallen on hard times in marriage and family, do not get discouraged. You may have the wrong turns in life or happened to be in the rough roads but the journey of life is not over. God always gives us opportunities for new

beginnings. What is important is to keep the gospel values as guide in the journey and never to return to mistakes of the past.

Christmas story tells us that Jesus was born not in a “stable family,” financially and socially speaking. He was in fact born in an animal stable. The lesson for all of us is clear, what counts to be a home is not the house, or the place, nor on things that we possess, but persons. Also we know that the gospel readings never hesitate to mention the difficulties of Joseph and Mary in rearing the child Jesus. In one gospel story they were forced to seek refuge and immigrate to a foreign land of Egypt. And this Sunday’s gospel, as prophet Simeon blessed the family he also prophesied to Mary, “you yourself a sword will pierce…” So whether we are blessed with a “good family” or not, we are reminded that a truly

blessed family is not the one that does not encounter difficulties and tensions but the one that searches the will of God and obeys it.

Still Christmas, so Merry Christmas! And advance HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

The bright star of hope is shining. The dark reality of the pandemic eventually will end with the vaccinations are in phase distributions. We

see light at the end of the tunnel but we are still in the tunnel. So In the meantime we should not let our guards down – we must stay safe always.

Blessings to you and have a blessed Christmas week! Fr. Tony Querida familia parroquial, Fiesta de la Sagrada Familia En el contexto de tantos problemas complejos que acosan a todas las familias en nuestro tiempo y en la sociedad actual, la Iglesia nos pide una vez más que reflexionemos sobre la Sagrada Familia. Esta fiesta celebrada inmediatamente después de Navidad nos dice concretamen-te que el plan de salvación de Dios vino a través de una familia humana, la unidad básica de la sociedad, el fundamento mismo de la humanidad. La salvación de la sociedad comienza con salvar nuestros valores familiares. Una reflexión general que debemos recordar en esta fiesta de la Sagrada Familia es que la santidad no es ausencia de dificultades; todos en la vida enfrentan dificultades en algún momento u otro. De hecho, es en medio de su dificultad que la santidad de José y María fue probada, profundizada y revelada como una respuesta fiel y obediente a Dios. La santidad llega de hecho cuando somos fieles a Dios a pesar de las dificultades y pruebas. Jesús, María y José tuvieron su parte de luchas. La Sagrada Familia superó las dificultades de su vida familiar por una sola razón: tenían una gran fe. Todos tenemos diferentes tipos de tribulaciones, problemas y desafíos que enfrentamos. Es la fe lo que nos hace cimentados. Y si siempre tenemos a Jesús en nuestro corazón, entonces podemos ser bendecidos como María y José. Para aquellos de ustedes que están separados, y aquellos que han atravesado tiempos difíciles en el matrimonio y la familia, no se des-animen. Es posible que haya tenido giros equivocados en la vida o que se encuentre en caminos difíciles, pero el viaje de la vida no ha terminado. Dios siempre nos da oportunidades para nuevos comienzos. Lo importante es mantener los valores del Evangelio como guía en el camino y no volver nunca a los errores del pasado.

La historia de Navidad nos dice que Jesús no nació en una “familia estable”, hablando en lo socio-economico. De hecho, nació en un establo de animales. La lección para todos es clara, lo que cuenta para ser un hogar no es la casa, ni el lugar, ni las cosas que poseemos, sino las personas. También sabemos que las lecturas del evangelio nunca dudan en mencionar las dificultades de José y María para criar al niño Jesús. En una historia del evangelio se vieron obligados a buscar refugio y emigrar a una tierra extranjera de Egipto. Y en el evangelio de este domingo, como el profeta Simeón bendijo a la familia, también le profetizó a María, "a ti misma te traspasará una espada ..." Así que, seamos bendecidos con una "buena familia" o no, se nos recuerda que una familia verdaderamente bendecida el que no encuentra dificultades y ten-siones sino el que escudriña la voluntad de Dios y la obedece.

Todavía es Navidad, ¡Feliz Navidad! ¡Y me adelanto a desearles un FELIZ Y SALUDABLE AÑO NUEVO! La brillante estrella de la esperanza está iluminando. La oscura realidad de la pandemia eventualmente terminará con las vacunas en

fase de distribución. Vemos luz al final del túnel pero todavía estamos en el túnel. Así que, mientras tanto, no debemos bajar la guardia, debemos permanecer protegidos siempre.

¡Bendiciones para ti y que tengas una feliz semana de Navidad! P. Tony

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Prayer in the Time of the Coronavirus

Comfort us, O Lord, for we are like your disciples on the storm tossed seas, unsettled by what lies ahead. We turn to You, our Healer and Guide, to still our hearts in our time of need and hear our prayer: Heal those who are sick with the coronavirus and protect the elderly and most vulnerable. Give strength to all who tend to our health and wisdom to researchers who work toward a cure. Open our eyes and hearts, as you did during Hurricane Harvey, that we may look beyond our immediate needs to care for others who need help. Through the Holy Spirit, guide our leaders to make wise decisions for the welfare of all the people they serve. Grant eternal rest to those who have died from the virus. May Mary, Our Mother, who has heard our pleas in the storms of our lives, intercede to her Son, that we may find healing and a prompt end to this illness.

Mary, Star of the Sea, pray for us. Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, heal us.

WE ARE GOD’S HOLY FAMILY

The scriptures of Israel are filled with many stories of barren couples who were miraculously granted the gift of children by God. Surely the best known among these is the first reading from today, from which Luke took inspiration when he recounted the miraculous birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth, and the more miraculous birth of Jesus to Mary and Joseph. In each instance, we are given examples or role models of those who trusted in God. More than examples of those who trust, they are models of self-surrender. They abandoned their own presuppositions and prejudices about the workings of the world and turned their lives over to belief in a God who can make life grow where none ought to; a God who can turn death around into a new and unimagined life; a God who can, today, take a tiny child of humble parents in an insignificant town and make him into a light for all the world. This is what we, as God’s holy family, are called to do each day: to trust not in ourselves and the way we think things should be, but to open ourselves and surrender ourselves in faith to a God of endless promise. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Please Pray For Our Troops and Cathie Salinas, Steve McBride, Margarita Mora de Ramos, Raelynd, Ann De Bois, Becky Smith, Dianne Lemons, Dave & Cindy Schmitz, Pegy & erica Hargens, Ruth Christian & family, Don & Al-lie Fay Mathews, Cathy & Bill Eberle, Bob & Barbara Jennings, Robert D., Jenny Matlock, Albert Palacios, Elicia Durham, Christian Garcia, Jenny Matlock, Rey Salas, Sarah Purlee, Johnny Hughes, Miles Libby, Richard & Deanna Broderick, Ron Johnston, Theresa Rainwater, Diane Bond, Joe Bond, Dean & Benita Smithson, Jeremy Sander, Tyrina McCain, Belinda Lara, Joe Sturm, Maverick, Amber Sander, Bob McFarland, Barry Stuff, Hamid H. Kahn, Devon Tiffin, Donna Grammi-er, Mandy Trainer, Ean Hensley, Fred Jauregui, John & Cariann Palvado, Hector Villarreal, Al-fredo Cariaga, Mimi Casarez, Amanda Zann, Jenny Matlock, Isabelle Calvillo, and Gayle Sullivan. Continue to Pray for Edward Wachel, Joey Bernal, Joe Bernal, Wal’Dean Lundquist, Fr. Gary Rickles, Edward D. Palacios, Joe Lopez, Maria Garcia, Ladd Puskus, David Gonzalez, Vicki Farias, Nell Turk, Rosie Yznaga, Teresa Mills, Joe Lozano, Sr., Angeles Sullivan, Tim Hellstein, Leroy Marchan, Geraldine Christensen, Kathy Strader, Daniel Vasquez, Herlinda Robles, Rosa Harness, Randy Hanks, Jeanette Tilley, Marisol Leyva & family, Marisol Luna, Pete & Juanita Sanchez, Betty Flynn, Orville Burgess, Edward Salinas, Marlene Orellana, Humberto Villalobos, Kathy & Mark McBride, Robert & Margaret Espinoza, Romela Nolan, Renee Cortez, Aurelia Hinojosa, Cathy Hanzelka, Msgr. Boli Zientek, Gayle Phillips, Jane Middleton, Rosa Reyes, Deacon Tom Lewis, Irene Templet, Preston Wolf, Marcos Vasquez, Gavin Binkley, Clarence Lewis, Red Cornejo, Linda Jaramillo, Deacon Merce Leal, Sue Crockett, Ben Munoz, Diana Ortiz, Bob Davis, Janet Hoffpauir, Nick Martin, Barry Armstrong, and those requesting prayer via our web site. Remember Our Shut-Ins Lydia Rubio, Trinidad Arrindon, Elida Peterson, and those battling terminal illness and the residents of La Porte Care Center and Parson’s House.

Please Pray for the Repose of the Soul of Jessie Salinas and Richard Smith

Our Sympathy to Maria Garcia and family on the loss of her brother, Jessie, and Mary Smith and family on the loss of her husband, Richard

Please Note: Names on our “Please Pray For” list are left on for four weeks. If someone needs to be put back on the prayer list or added please call the Church Office.

Next Baptismal Date January 10th Baptism classes are currently being held each month. Due to COVID we are only able to offer the Spanish baptism classes and baptisms on an as needed basis. Special arrangements can be made by contacting the office. Baptisms will be held the 2nd Sunday of each month. If you are planning to baptize here, you will need to contact the office and fill out a registration form. We will also need to make a copy of the child’s birth certificate from the state. After you register, you may sign up for the baptism class. If you do not live in La Porte, you must be a registered, active member of St Mary’s to baptize your child here. You cannot register in our parish only to baptize your child. Please call the office to make arrangements to obtain the paperwork.

RCIA Classes Resume January 7 Rosary Hall

(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Who should do the full RCIA program? If you are not baptized or were baptized in another Christian denomination and are interested in possibly becoming Catholic, RCIA is for you. If you are a baptized Catholic adult who needs First Holy communion and confirmation, then you should attend RCIA to receive those sacraments. Coming once (or twice… or more) obligates you to NOTHING. For additional information about RCIA call the office or email Tracy, stmarysrcia@yahoo.com.

Pandemic Team Volunteers Needed...

As we face COVID over the next few months, we would like to reach out, once again to everyone attending Mass to consider volunteering to join our Pandemic Team. We are needing volunteers to sign up, via flocknotes, so we are certain that the church is being thoroughly sanitized after every Mass. Please call the office if you can join us and be a part of the team.

Can We Help? If you or a loved one would like to receive a visit from Fr. Tony or would like to be receiving Holy Communion at home, on an ongoing basis, please call the office. Deacon Stan is the only one bringing Holy Communion to the homebound at this time due to the current health crisis.

St. Joseph’s Chapel Needs You Is God Calling You to spend one hour a week with Him? Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held on Tuesday from 12noon to Thursday at 8:30am.. If you would like to schedule a weekly Holy Hour or be placed on the substitute list, please call the office. ***Please Note: The Chapel will be closed for tscheduled Adoration until Tuesday, January 7th at 12:30pm. However, you are welcome to visit the chapel at anytime for private prayer and adoration.

Spiritual Direction Feeling stuck in your faith? Deeper intimacy with Our Lord Is possible. With gentle encouragement from a spiritual director and your commitment of 30-60 minutes a day you can enter into a deeper relationship with Our Lord than you ever thought possible. Spiritual direction can help you learn to pray better. Interested in spiritual direction? Due to COVID Spiritual Direction is available via Zoom.ContactTracy:stmarysrcia@yahoo.com

Parish Events Calendar As we navigate the changing Mass times and schedules in light of COVID 19, please visit our website and go to the events calendar for updates. If you are planning a meeting or need to make any adjustments for your ministry you are involved with, please call the office and let us know so we can keep it updated. Website www.stmaryslaporte.com

Altar Flowers 2021 Jan. 16/17, 23/24, 30/31

Feb. 6/7, 13/14, 20/21, 27/18 Please contact Rose Kolenc 713-202-3283 or rose_kolenc@yahoo.com to reserve your dates.

Church Sanctuary Candle In Loving Memory of Kimberly Chavez

By:Frances Zann Chapel Sanctuary Candle

In Loving Memory of Jessie Salinas By:Maria Garcia

January Altar Duty Assignments

Laundry ~ Jan Hughes Altar Duty ~ Leslie & Mose Davis

***A very special Thank You to everyone who helped clean and decorate the church for Christmas. Wishing each of you a blessed New Year!

Contact for the Altar Society is Sharon Ramos @ 281-451-9593, President.

Stay Connected at Home JOIN FORMED Incredible online gateway to the best Catholic Con-tent, all in one place. Go to stmaryslaporte.formed.org to register. If you are having any trouble getting registered, or any other problems, please contact Tracy stmarysrcia@yahoo.com. She will contact you and walk you through the steps to register.

Activities for the Week Sun. Dec. 27: No CCE, EDGE or Life Teen Mon. Dec. 28:Office Closed Thurs. Dec. 31: Office Closed @ 12noon Vigil Mass 5:30pm Church Fri. Jan. 1: Mass 9am Church Office Closed

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store New Store Hours:

Mon., Tues., and Wed., 9-11am CAN YOU HELP?

We are in DESPERATE need of volunteers in order to keep our program going. Due to the current health crisis, many of our volunteers have had to step back. Please consider if God is calling you to fill the void we are currently experiencing. You can pick any day you are able to work. If you can help, please call the office or contact Norma @ 281-471-1752.

Additional help may be available from: Catholic Charities 713-874-6521 Baker Ripley Utility Assistance 713-590-2327 Harris County Office of Social Services 713-696-7900

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Jn 1:5 - 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8: Mt:13-18 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Friday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

Please pray for Our Lady’s in-tercession and protection for this school year. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide teachers, parents and the community in support of the children of the parish!

No EDGE Today

Randy & Angie Tercero randytercero@hotmail.com

713-826-0633

No Life Teen Today

Happy New Year!

Shari 1208stmarylp@gmail.com

CCE ~ God’s Blessings to each of you in the New Year!