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ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH 6800 BUFFALO SPEEDWAY, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77025

713-667-9111, FAX 713-667-3453, WWW.SVDP-HOUSTON.ORG

ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON

HIS EMINENCE DANIEL CARDINAL DINARDO

November 27, 2016, First Sunday of Advent

MASS SCHEDULE

Weekdays: 6:45 AM and 12:10 PM Saturday: 8:15 AM, Vigil Mass at 5:00 PM

Sunday: 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM

Spanish Mass: Sunday, 3:00 PM Life Teen Mass: Sunday, 5:00 PM

Young Adults Mass: Tuesday, 7:00 PM except No First Tuesday 7 PM Mass

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION in the Church Adoration Chapel, 24 hours, Monday, 7 AM through Saturday, 8 AM

CONFESSIONS: Tuesdays, 6-7 PM and Saturdays, 3:30-4:30 PM or call 713-667-9111 for an appointment

HEALING AND ANOINTING OF THE SICK second Wednesday of the month after 12:10 PM Mass

Pastor Rev. Msgr. William Young

Parochial Vicar Rev. Phong Nguyen

Deacons Gus Camacho, Dan Pagnano

Business Administrator, Meredith Wyzik, 713-663-3549

Director of Music, Daryel Nance, 713-663-3539

Director of Liturgy, Laura Rivera, 713-663-3528

Director of Faith Formation, Nick LaRocca, 713-663-3565

Director of Communications, Mary Gosline, 713-663-3546

Parish School, 713-666-2345 Fax 713-663-3562

Principal, Carolyn Sears

November 27, 2016, First Sunday of Advent

SDHG Dear Parishioners: Our earth settles in for the night much earlier this time of year. The stars, when visible, look closer and brighter. At times, it seems a silence rests in the night and the heart desires the silence to meet its God. The end of the year approaches and the winter equinox produces the shortest day of the year. It is appropriate that the Incarnate Savior chooses to enter the world to die for you and me. Our reading Focuses on the future arrival [Advent] of Jesus to our world when all will be judged by God and receive their reward or eternal punishment. We do not know when, only that it will be. A reminder for each to look forward not just to the world’s final judgment but also to my own personal judgment. It also invites us to reflect on the arrival [Advent] that already is. The original Advent began with God’s invitation to Mary and her, “Yes.” “Thus Calvary begins,” my childhood pastor wrote in his book,

“This little while”, by Fr. John Lynch. Christ has come and instituted the Church, which continues to preach his message of truth. One to come and one in the past and an Advent every day in our encounters with Jesus the icon of the Father.

As we enter the holy Season, we should afford ourselves the opportunity to build up a great sense of gratitude and anticipation. The following 10 suggestions may be helpful in helping establish a plan to help one thrive during the holiday seasons. I found them on the Weinberger Clinic website.

1. Remember the reason for the season – Do you remember the joy and magic of the holidays you experienced as a child? Try to keep it simple this year, recapture your youth and keep the focus on the true spirit of the season. 2. Prioritize - Recognize the important people in your life and make them the priority. Put time and energy into people in your life that make you happy and lift you up. Time is limited, so spend it wisely. 3. Set boundaries – This time of year, we are pulled in a hundred different directions. ... Give yourself permission to say ‘no’. 4. Practice self-care/nurture yourself – This includes enough sleep, exercise, eating right, prayer, and reaching out for support. If you don’t take care of yourself, you cannot show up for others. 5. Stick to moderation – Whether this means social commitments, food & drink intake or sticking to your budget – the holidays do not have to be a time to overdue it. 6. Don’t try to change anything big – This time of year is not the best for major life changes. Sticking to what has worked best in the past is a good approach for now. 7. Let go of expectations – This includes trying to control people, places or things. Expectations are resentments waiting to happen. 8. Try and find the good in each situation – Whether it be a positive experience or viewing something as a learning lesson, try to find the positive in everything that may unfold during this potentially stressful time of year. 9. Participate in random acts of kindness/give back to your community - Nothing builds self-esteem like esteem-able acts! Get into the season by being generous to others. … Getting out of yourself and giving back to others is just what the holiday season is about. 10. Be in gratitude – Research demonstrates taking time out of every day to reflect on what you are grateful for has an impact on physical and mental well-being. It can be as simple as a daily gratitude list – write down 3 things you are grateful for. In a week’s time, you will likely see the difference.

Make this Advent a time of holy anticipation of preparing for a revival of the arrival of Jesus in your heart and soul. Even the busyness can be used by keeping a deeper focus on the real purpose we prepare for the yearly celebration — He came – He will come again – He is already here. Have a great Advent. Pace – bene,

Msgr. Bill

Letter From The Pastor

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November 28 to December 4

Monday November 28, Advent Weekday 6:45 AM - Neal Garvis †, Teresa Theccanat & Family †

12:10 PM - Jim Hughes †, George Stovall †

Tuesday November 29, Advent Weekday 6:45 AM - St. Jude League

12:10 PM - Angeline Felix †, Willis Allen † 7:00 PM - Dallas Beard †

Wednesday November 30, Advent Weekday 6:45 AM - Clare Menezes †

12:10 PM - Elena Farrington †, Souls in Purgatory †

Thursday December 1, Advent Weekday 6:45 AM - Merlita Halaghay †, Rev. Robert H. Roedel †

8:15 AM - Erlinda Terencio † 12:10 PM - Mariamma Davasia †, Bertha McAughan †

Friday December 2, Advent Weekday 6:45 AM - Camil Rodrigues †, Joe Schubert & Veronica Gonzalez

8:15 AM - James Kennedy † 12:10 PM - Conrad Jankowski †, Hai Tran †

Saturday December 3, Saint Francis Xavier, Priest 8:15 AM - Olive Andrews †

5:00 PM - Anthony Luprete Sr. †

Sunday December 4, Second Sunday of Advent 7:00 AM - Richard Faust †

9:00 AM - Helen and Matt Matrisciani † 11:00 AM - Parishioners 1:00 PM - Carl Triola †

3:00 PM - Fr. Ángel Darío Carrero † 5:00 PM - Fr. John Weyer †

Mass Intentions for the Week

Retirement Fund for Religious Special Collection

December 4, 2016 Please give to those who have given a

lifetime. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious

supports more than 34,000 religious past age 70 in the Unit-

ed States. Sr. Jean Marie Guokas will speak at the Satur-

day Vigil Mass and all Sunday Masses. (see p. 9)

The Giving Tree

"The Giving Tree" will be in the Gathering Space from Saturday, Novem-ber 26th through Sun-day, December 4th.

Parishioners are invited to select one or more cards from the tree represent-ing needy chil-dren. Once you select a card, please sign out at the table near the tree.

Bring your unwrapped gifts to any Mass the weekend of December 10th. During the Offertory you will be asked to bring your gift(s) to the Alter. Please securely label every gift with the recip-ient’s name and family number.

For information about this project, call Jim Waters (832-740-0254). Parishioners interested in helping with the distribution of gifts at Guadalupe Center may call Greta Langley at 713-351-6904.

KC Tamale and Chili Sale The Knights of Columbus will be selling Tamales after each morning mass (7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 AM) on

December 4 & 18 & February 5. We have five kinds of Tamales for sale for

$14/dozen - Pork, Chicken, Beef, Black Bean & Cheese and Jalapeno & Cheese Tamales. In addition, we have boxes of Chili for sale for $6 per box. You can pay with cash or by credit card at your conven-ience. To make sure you get the kind you want we also encourage you to order and pay for the tamales in advance on the internet for pick up after one of the December 4 or 18 Sunday morning masses at: http://www.knightstamales.com

SVDP Blood Drive

Our next Blood Drive will be Sunday, December 11, 8:00am until 2:30pm, Cafeteria. Eat, Drink, Bring I.D. To schedule an appointment visit www.giveblood.org, log in to Digital Donor then enter sponsor code 0014 or contact Margaret at margmwelch@yahoo.com or 713-623-8175 or Mary Ann at mary.a.beachler@gmail.com or 713-665-0086. Walk ins are also welcome. Before Masses is usually less crowded than after Masses.

Make a date to give blood—give life!

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It’s TRUE!! Christmas is the time for SINGING the story of Jesus’ BIRTH, but our musicians work year-round to learn that story.

Discover Music Ministry - ask any Musician after Mass.

November Focus: We are the hands of Christ

The Edge invites all 7th and 8th grade students who attend Catholic Private School, Private School, Public School, or Home School on an amazing journey of

growing in Christ. (Click on “Find a sign up” use privera@svdp-edu.org )

Sunday, November 20th & 27th – Thanksgiving Break ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS PLEASE CONTACT:

Phillip Rivera | Assistant to the Director of Faith Formation privera@svdp-edu.org

Elementary Faith Formation

The Lord’s Day Program is a faith formation program for children 2 years old through 5 years

old. You may choose the 9:00 AM or the 11:00 AM class, and they meet in the Primary School Building.

The CCE Program provides faith formation for children in grades 1 through 8. We also have a class for children with special needs. CCE meets 10:30AM - 12:00Noon in the Pri-mary, Intermediate and Middle School Buildings and the Msgr. Jamail Family Center.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PREPARATION: In order to be ready to start preparation for First Holy Communion, students must complete one full year of Catholic Education, beginning no sooner than First Grade. This requirement may be satisfied by attendance at CCE, Catholic School, or Home School (provided the curriculum consists of daily Catholic Education).

DOES YOUR CHILD NEED TO BE BAPTIZED? If your child is over 7 years or older and needs to be baptized, we have an RCIA program adapted for children. In addition to the Sun-day CCE classes from 10:30am to 12:00noon, we will meet once a month on a Monday night from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Please talk to Monica for more information about classes.

For further information please contact Monica Aquila at 713.663.3509 or maquila@svdp-edu.org

Lifeteen Mass

5pm and

Lifenight 6pm

Join us every Sunday for food, fun, fellowship, and prayer every week at the Lifenight after the 5pm Lifeteen Mass, from 6-8:15pm. Come and take a closer step to Jesus during these dynamic and super fun nights! It's a blast! All high schoolers wel-come! 11/27--Lifenight Bible Study: Dive deeper into Scripture with our weekly meditative Bible study, Tuesdays, 6-7pm in the Youth Room! Open Youth Room: Come hang out at the Youth Room 3:30-6pm before Bible Study — Tuesdays Zoo Lights: Get in the Christmas spirit and see the Houston Zoo Lights with us Saturday December 10th! Meet at the youth room at 6:30! Christmas Caroling Service Day: Let's spread Christmas cheer to those who need it by caroling with joy to the elderly and less fortunate children. Meet at the youth room at 1:00 Saturday December 17th and we'll bring the joy of Christ to them and then go out to dinner afterwards! Lifeteen Covecrest Summer Camp, July 10-15, in Tiger GA still some spots open.

For further information contact the Coordinator of

Youth Ministry Pat Gunning, at pgunning@svdp-edu.org

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Book Fair Saint Vincent de Paul Book Fair is taking place on December 4th after the 9:00 and 11:00 Masses. Come

look through our section of Catho-lic books for adults and chil-dren. We will also have advent wreaths available. Book Fair items are offered for a suggested dona-tion that simply covers the cost, in

order to provide enriching Catholic stories and helpful Catholic education. Our staff have reviewed each book in order to offer books that will be the most beneficial and enjoyable for you.

ST. ANNE’S SOCIETY

ST. ANNE'S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY, Wed., Dec. 7, 7pm. All members are invited to celebrate this joyous season with us. To RSVP by Nov. 30 go to www.stannessociety.org Christmas Caroling Join us Sunday, December 4th to spread holiday cheer among residents and fellow SVdP residents at area nursing homes. Enjoy a pizza dinner after! For info and RSVP go to www.stannessociety.org.

Reserve your children's spot in the nursery 48 hrs in advance online when you RSVP.

St. Anne’s Society is an organization of mothers at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church who share and participate in a vision of spiritual growth, service, and social activities while cultivating a support system within the Parish. Take advantage of the knowledge and love within our Parish and come join us in the St. Anne’s Society. We need you as much as you need us. For more info: www.stannessociety.org

NEEDED

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF

HOLY COMMUNION TO ASSIST OUR

PRIESTS IN OFFERING THE

PRECIOUS BODY AND BLOOD OF

CHRIST TO FELLOW CATHOLICS

The requirements to serve the Lord in this rewarding Ministry are that you be 18 years of age or a senior in High School, be a prac-ticing Catholic, registered at St. Vincent de Paul, who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, and that your life is lived in conformity with the teachings of the Catholic Church, including the teachings on Sacramental Marriage.

NEXT TRAINING SESSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28 FROM 7:00 — 8:30 PM IN THE CHURCH

For information please contact Burt Martin at burtmartin@comcast.net or Allyson Martin at allymartin1@comcast.net

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SIGN UP NOW FOR DECEMBER TRIP to see the “Magical Winter Lights” on Dec. 6. Boarding at 4;00 pm, dinner at the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store near League City. Tickets are $13.50. Wear warm clothes and be ready for lots of walking.

Computer Class - December 7 A computer class is now scheduled for December 7 from 10:00-11:30 am in Room 205 of the MJFC.

TEACHER NEEDED for Beginning French You do not need a special degree or prior experience as a teacher. To get more information, please contact Elaine at 713-663-3564 or ecaldwell@svdp-edu.org.

ART CLUB – New “Drop In and Draw” is a new kind of venue available now for adults 18 and over. Join this free club and bring your favorite art project and supplies to draw, paint, or work on any other kind of art project that interests you. No teacher will be available for assis-tance. Just come and meet new friends to share ideas and learn from each other. The group meets on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 3:00 pm in Room 202 of the MJFC.

JPII Study Group You are welcome to attend the JPII Study Group that meets on Mondays, 10:30am in MJFC 206.

John XXIII Study Group The group meets 10 – 11am on Mondays in MJFC 208A. All are welcome.

On-going Activities Free and Open to Adults All are held in the MJFC

Centering Prayer: Tuesdays at 10:00 in 206. Christian Meditation: Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in 206. Divine Mercy Cenacle: Mondays at 7:00 pm in 205. Share the Word Bible Study: Thursdays at 10:30 in 206. St. Teresa of Avila Study Group: Mondays, 11am, in 208B. JPII Study Group: meets Mondays at10:30 in 206. Divine Mercy Cenacle: Mondays at 7:00 pm in 205. Christian Meditation: Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in 206. JXXIII Study Group meets Mondays at 10:00 in 208A. Share the Word: Thursdays at 10:30 in 206. SVdP Book Club: Second Wednesdays at 10:30. Opening Doors (Grief Support): Tuesdays, 10am in 205. Cards (Canasta): Thursdays at 1:00 in 206. Mah Jongg: Mondays & Thursdays at 12:00 in 206. Mexican Train Dominoes: Thursdays at 1:00 in 206. English Class (ESL): Tuesdays at 9:30 in 202. Italian I: Wednesdays at 10:00 in 202. French I: Waiting for a teacher. Interm French: Closed. Class is full. Conversational French: Wednesdays at 1:30 in 208A.. Spanish I: Tuesdays at 9:00 in 208A. Spanish I: Fridays at 9:30 in 208B. Spanish II: Tuesdays at 1:00 in 208A Continuing Spanish: Fridays at 9:30 in 208B. Stitch ’n Time: Tuesdays at 12:30 in 208B. Sugar Sticks: Wednesdays at 1:00 in AB. Bridge: Tues.1:00, Wed.1:30, Fri. 1:30 in 206. Tai Chi: Fridays at 5:30 pm in MJFC. Bus Trips: As scheduled.

Adult Life Ministries

Calling All Students of Our Parish in Grades 2nd to 8th!! The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is inviting all children to participate in our annual Essay Contest. The

essay topic is: Tell a story about you or someone else helping the poor. Also share how God played a

part in this story. Winners will each receive $200!! $100 to keep and $100 to donate to our Parish Society

of St. Vincent de Paul to help serve the local poor. Winners will be presented with their winnings at the 5pm

Parish Mass to Pray for the Poor on Saturday, January 14th.

The Essay Contest ends December 12th. Entries will be picked up at Sunday CCE on 12/4, and 12/11.

Essay may also be mailed to: Colleen Orth, 1905 Calumet St., Houston, TX 77004.

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As members of St. Vincent de Paul's Young Adults

(SVDPYA), we strive to live out our Catholic faith in

both word and deed. We achieve this goal through our

service, spiritual formation, and social events in support

of one another, our community, and the Church as a

whole. Together, we take up the call of bringing Christ

into the world! SVDPYA is centered around a 6:30 pm

praise and worship, 7pm Mass, and dinner every Tuesday

evening (except for the 1st Tuesday of the month), along

with an array of social and spiritual events. Come join us

at one of our upcoming events, or find our group on

Facebook by searching "SVDPYA" or email

svdpya@gmail.com to get involved.

Homemade Cookies Needed

On Saturday, December 10th (5pm - Anticipatory Mass) and Sunday, December 11 (All Masses), we will serve hot wassail and homemade cookies. We need help getting the homemade cookies*. We ask that the cookies be homemade, small in size and brought to the Parish Office on Friday, December 9. For all those who prefer not to bake, we also need smiling faces to help set up and serve cookies and wassail. Please check in at the Msgr Jamail Center before the start of your shift(s).

*Please let us know if your homemade cookies are gluten-free or contain any kind of nuts, thanks!

Thank you for making SVDP a wonderful place to call our parish home!!!

For more information go to: http://www.signupgenius.com/

tabs/63277D702A6CBE95-giftsunday

The Star of Bethlehem The Thursday night Bible

Study Group is presenting

the film "The Star of Beth-

lehem" on Thursday even-

ing December 1st at 7 pm

in the MJFC. This film,

which was produced by Stephen McEveety

(The Passion of the Christ), is an amazing

documentary. The presenter Rick Larson de-

scribes the historical and biblical evidence

which reveal the incredible significance of

this celestial event. All members of the par-

ish are welcome to attend.

Breakfast with Santa in a Tropical Paradise

Saturday, December 3rd Save the date! Come And enjoy with the Saint Vincent De Paul com-munity for this fantastic yearly Breakfast . You will enjoy wonderful musical performanc-es, Picture with Santa, great food, and an array of shopping experiences through various onsite vendors. Pictures form 8:30am until 11:30am Vendor Market 8:30am to 12:30pm. Advanced registration by Friday, November 25th. Admis-sion: $10 per person or $35 for immediate family* (*includes up to 5 family members- add $10 for each addi-tional family member over age 2) 2 ways to get tickets: Complete form and submit with payment to the Breakfast With Santa Folder in the school office credenza. Forms are in the office. Visit the SVdP Store svdp-school.corecommerce.com (*2.2% convenience fee will apply). Drop your 2x2 picture at the BWS Box at the Front desk by Nov 30, 2106.

Miguel & Bertha Arias-Ruiz

Daniel Boyd

Lois Dodson

Mary Garza

David Gutierrez

Cormac & Jean Hawney

Monica Kwari

Thomas Lightsey, Jr.

Alexander & Lindsay Mericli

David & Marie Metzger

Audrey Muehe

Joseph Henry Oculam

Audrey Orlino

Mary & Michael Partridge

Todd Tranausky

Marilyn Wilbert

Harvey & Carleen Yniesta

David & Maria Zarzour

Registered

October 2016

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This weekend, November 27, is the 1st Sunday of Advent! This will be the beginning of our new Liturgical Year. It is also the first Sunday we will have the Giving Tree displayed in the Gathering Space of the Church.

It is a tradition at St. Vincent de Paul Parish to reach out to the needy. We do this in a special way at Christmas. This year we will have the 2nd Annual Gift Giving Sunday the weekend of December 11. We will ask that everyone bring their gift with them to Mass. You will be invited to bring your gift to the altar during the presentation of the gifts. This is a beautiful way for our community to unite and share your faith and gifts with the needy.

There are three ways to help.

1. The Giving Tree will have tags available with a requested gift written on the tag. These request are from families affiliated with Guadalupe Cen-ter. Purchase the gift, wrap the gift, attach the tag to your package and bring it with you to Mass the weekend of December 11.

2. You will see envelopes on the Giving Tree with requests for Wal-Mart Gift Cards. These re-quests will be in the amount of $25.00 and $50.00. Take one envelope, purchase the gift card in the amount on the front of the envelope. Put your card in the envelope seal the envelope and bring it to Mass the weekend of December 11. The gift cards will be use by our Society of St. Vincent de Paul. They will distribute them to their clients to help those families have a Blessed Christmas.

3. We are also helping the Guayaquil Mission this year. Sr. Virginia has requested dress clothes for the children. The children are ages newborn through high school. They live in a very warm climate so light weight clothes will be most useful. Please purchase the clothes and bring them, un-wrapped, with you to Mass on the weekend of December 11.

No matter which way you choose to help, you will be invited to bring your gifts to the altar during the preparation of the gifts. The gifts and the offertory collection will be gathered at this time.

2016 Directory

Please watch your mail for the 2016 Guidebook Directory. The directory will be mailed to all registered parishioners.

This is made possible by our advertisers. Please consider using their products or services when possible. Let them know you saw their add in the parish directory.

Msgr. Bill sent an Advent letter

to all registered parishioners. If

you didn’t receive one, maybe

you are not in the parish data as

a registered member. If you

have a question regarding

whether or not you are registered, please call the parish

office at 713-667-9111 during office hours. Ask for

Mary Gosline. There are extra copies of the Advent let-

ter at the entrances to the church.

Thursday Dec. 1, 2016 Msgr. Jamail Family Center 7:00pm

“Scholars debate whether the Star of Bethlehem is a legend created by the early church or a miracle that marked the advent of Christ. Come see this amazing documentary which explores the truth of scripture and reveals the evidence of God’s existence as seen in the stars above.”

This film, which was produced by Stephen McEveety (The Passion of the Christ), is an amazing documentary. The presenter Rick Larson describes the historical and

biblical evidence which reveal the incredible significance of this celestial event.

All members of the parish are welcome to attend.

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Saints and Special Observances Sunday: First Sunday of Advent Wednesday: St. Andrew Thursday: World AIDS Awareness Day Friday: First Friday Saturday: St. Francis Xavier; First Saturday

Readings For The Week Monday: Is 4:2-6; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 4:18-22 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35 — 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Rom 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12

Today’s Readings First Reading — All the peoples shall

stream toward the Lord’s house (Isaiah 2:1-5).

Psalm — Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord (Psalm 122). Second Reading — It is the hour to cast off the dark and clothe ourselves in the light (Romans 13:11-14). Gospel — Stay awake! Be prepared! The Son of Man will come when you least expect (Matthew 24:37-44). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, Interna-tional Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

The Catholic's

Divorce Survival Guide DVD set viewing continues every Tuesday through 12/12/16, 6:45-8:45pm, MJFC 208. This is a 12 DVD set viewing with discussion afterward.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

"When we Christians make Jesus Christ the center of our feelings and thoughts, we are caught up in

the eternal movement of God's love that comes to meet us; we are caught up in the movement of the Son,

Who came among us, Who became one of us; we are caught up in the movement of the Holy Spirit, Who

visits the poor, calms fevered hearts, binds up wounded hearts, warms cold hearts, and gives us the fullness

of His gifts." - Saint John Paul II

Her story is one of a recovered alcoholic, previously homeless, a weight problem that has been reduced by 200

pounds, and praying to reconcile broken relationships of three older children. She now works full-time as a volunteer

among the homeless to bring them guidance and hope that they can overcome their addictions and homelessness and find

God’s love. Her words to us were the following: “People do not always realize the type of person who is homeless.

They are scared of what they do not know. One and a half years ago that was me. I was raised a Christian, but lost my

faith along the way, and ultimately my husband, my children, my health, my life. But through the mercy of God, I have

returned to being a Christian. I am living proof that it can be done, and I now have decades left to do good with my life.”

As a consequence of her past life, she suffers from multiple and severe medical problems. We provided furniture for

her apartment from our Vincentian warehouse. She now sleeps on a new bed rather than a broken couch. She has a

dresser for her clothes, two lamps to light her apartment, and a nightstand on which to place her Bible. We purchased a

Bible to replace the tattered and torn Bible that was given to her by a friend who she took care of, before he passed away.

Our Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conference extends humble and heartfelt gratitude to Monsignor Bill and the

Parishioners of our Church, for your overwhelming charity to help us care for Jesus in the suffering and in the poor.

Your prayers and donation checks made out to our Society of St. Vincent de Paul Parish Conference,

are greatly needed and humbly appreciated. For information on joining us in our mission of holiness

and charity, please call 713-664-5350 and leave a message.

Christian Community Service Center is preparing to spread holiday cheer to 2500 underprivileged children by providing them with new toys, books, and a food package for their family. Volunteers are needed at Bellaire UMC, 4417 Bellaire Blvd @ Newcastle Mon., 12/5 starts 8am, sorts all day, 5-8pm heavy lifters needed Tue., 12/6 6-8pm Assemble food Wed. 12/7 6-8pm sort toys & books Fri. & Sat. 12/9 &10 Come anytime between 7:30am-1:30pm for client distribution

To RSVP or for info please contact Youth Services at seasonal@ccschouston.org or 713-961-3993 X215.

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Next Coffee & Donuts in the Family Center

Following: 7, 9, 11a.m. and 3pm Masses

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Hosted by the Daisy Scouts

Sunday Nursery Available Children 1-24 Months. Let them play

while you pray during the 9am and 11am

Masses. Ground floor, Monsignor Jamail

Family Center. No Fees

Sacrament of Baptism: Children, age 6 or younger re-

quirements: parents registered parishioners, attended bap-

tism class within 3 years and completed forms before bap-

tism can be scheduled. For info and forms contact Paulette,

pblackburn@svdp-edu.org/713-663-3515. If your child is

over 7 years old and not baptized, contact Monica Aquila,

713-663-3509 or maquila@svdp-edu.org.

Sacrament of Matrimony: Six to eight months are required

for marriage preparation. Please call the Parish Office, 713-

667-9111 for an appointment with the marriage coordinator.

Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick: Please call the

Parish Office as soon as you or someone in your family sched-

ule surgery, hospitalization or suffer serious illness or injury.

==============================================================

Altar Servers: Contact Tom Green, svdpaltar@gmail.com

Bulletin:. Deadline is 9am, Thur., 10 days before date of bulle-

tin, holiday bulletins at least 1 week earlier. Email to TTambo-

rello@svdp-edu.org, or drop off articles at the Parish Office.

Announcements before or after Mass will not be allowed un-

less submitted to the church office no later than Wednesday

before the weekend of the scheduled event for approval to

Laura Rivera, 713-663-3528 / LRivera@svdp-edu.org.

Facilities Request: Request deadline: two weeks prior to event.

Contact Megan at mdoherty@svdp-edu.org or 713-663-3561.

Can’t Get to Church? If you or someone you know would like to

receive Communion, but are home bound, or in a nursing or re-

tirement residence and unable to get to Mass, call 713-667-9111.

Nursery: Ages birth to 2 years during Sunday 9:00 AM and

11:00 AM Masses at the Monsignor Jamail Family Center.

St. Jude League Enrollment Membership Cards are available

in the Church by the St. Jude Shrine.

Teen RCIA: Teens who desire to become Catholic and have not been baptized or received the sacraments, call the Youth Office, 713-663-3565.

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New Parishioners: To register, complete and return the

Parish Registration Form available at the Parish Office,

the Greeter’s Station in the Church Gathering Space or

online at http://www.svdp-houston.org/new-parishioner-

registration-form

Parish Information

Mass Intentions Why do Catholics offer Masses for the dead? When we die in God’s friendship we eventually go to Heaven, but if we haven’t properly atoned for certain sins we have to be purified in Purgatory first. We pray for the souls in Purgatory to help them pass through faster than

they would otherwise. The 2016 and 2017 Books for Mass Intentions are open. Please see Paulette Blackburn in the Apostolic Center for your Mass Intention requests.

It’s TRUE!!

Christmas is the

time for SINGING

the story of Jesus’

BIRTH, but our

musicians work

year-round … to

learn that story.

Discover Music Ministry – ask any Musician

after Mass.

SVdP Bulletin Early Deadlines

12/4/16 Bulletin Deadline is Monday, 11/21/16

12/11/16 Bulletin Deadline is Thursday, 12/1/16

12/18/16 Bulletin Deadline is Thursday, 12/8/16

12/25/16 Bulletin Deadline is Thursday, 12/15/16

1/1/17 Bulletin Deadline is Monday, 12/19/16

SAVE THE DATE! Guayaquil Gala

Attention all who love to have a good time! The 2017

Guayaquil Gala will be held on April 22, 2017, and our

honoree will be Mrs Carolyn Sears, who has been a

faithful supporter of the Guayaquil Mission. The mission

is a parish supported charity, and the gala is the primary

fund raiser which supports the mission school and clinic.

So mark your calendar and plan to join us for a fun filled

evening of good food, wine and entertainment.

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Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe - Celebración, 12 de diciembre

El Ministerio Hispano celebrará su recepción anual en honor de

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe el domingo 12 de diciembre, después

de la Misa de español, celebrando a la Santísima Virgen en la

advocación de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. En honor a su título de

Patrona de los No Nacidos, estamos pidiendo a todas las damas de la

parroquia llevar su rebozo o chal, en México se le llama rebozo,

como un símbolo de la maternidad. Desde tiempos antiguos, las

mujeres han usado estos para cargar y proteger a sus bebés. Por

favor haga conocer su apoyo a los No Nacidos por el uso de su

rebozo. En su aparición, la Virgen pidió a Juan Diego: "¿No estoy yo

aquí, que soy tu Madre?”

Primer Domingo de Adviento, 27 de Noviembre de 2016

UN MONTE TRANQUILO Y SOSEGADO Hace algunos años tuve la oportunidad de pasar una noche en el hotel Timberline Lodge, en el Monte

Hood del estado de Oregón. Al amanecer miré por la ventana de mi habitación y pude ver cómo iba apareciendo el

pico nevado de la montaña según iba saliendo el sol. Al momento salté de la cama, me vestí en un dos por tres y

salí del hotel –y me quedé estupefacto al ver que las nubes comenzaban apenas unos pies más abajo de donde yo

estaba. Solamente el hotel y el pico de la montaña se veían, por

encima de las nubes. Comencé a subir la montaña, y el sol iba

saliendo, traspasando las nubes con rayos de luz rosada, amaril-

la y anaranjada. Según yo iba subiendo cada vez más alto, los

picos nevados de las montañas vecinas también comenzaban a

surgir de entre las nubes. Todo estaba tranquilo y sosegado,

como el mundo que nos anuncia hoy la lectura de Isaías.

EL MONTE DE LA PAZ Isaías nos describe el monte de la casa del Señor como

un lugar donde el Señor nos instruye. En su exhortación

profética nos recuerda que debemos forjar arados de nuestras

espadas y podaderas de nuestras lanzas; ya no debemos alzar la

espada contra ningún otro pueblo ni adiestrarnos más para la

guerra. Bueno, pues, podemos encogernos de hombros y decidir que esas esperanzas de paz nunca se harán reali-

dad. Pero también tenemos la alternativa de escuchar las palabras de san Pablo, cuando nos dice en la segunda lec-

tura: “Desechemos, pues, las obras de las tinieblas y revistámonos con las armas de la luz” (Romanos 13:12).

Prepararnos para la venida del Señor significa mucho más que poner en orden nuestra casa espiritual. Significa que

en nuestra vida diaria tenemos que dedicarnos a ser instrumentos de paz tanto en nuestro hogar, como en nuestro

trabajo y en nuestras relaciones con los demás. Las profecías tan increíbles que escuchamos en este santo tiempo

de Adviento nos recuerdan que, como el pico de una montaña que se eleva por encima de las nubes, nuestro mun-

do se puede convertir en un lugar de paz, de tranquilidad y de luz.

Lecturas de hoy: Isaías 2:1–5; Salmo 122:1–9; Romanos 13:11–14; Mateo 24:37–44 Copyright © 2007, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

© J.S. Paluch Co., Inc.

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ESTAR PREPARADO Debes estar preparado. Es así de simple. Al comenzar este tiempo de Adviento, el Señor Jesús nos llama a estar preparados para su venida. En esta época del año, gran parte de nuestra atención se centra en estar preparados para los detalles que acompañan las fies-tas. Compramos regalos; decoramos nuestro hogar por fuera y por dentro; preparamos comidas especiales para esta época; escribimos y enviamos tarjetas de Navidad; asistimos a conciertos navideños; nos preparamos para recibir a los familiares y amigos en nuestro hogar o para visitarlos en sus hogares. No podemos ignorar los detalles que forman parte de este tiempo. Quizás este Adviento sea un tiempo para prestar atención a todos esos detalles con un enfoque diferente. Mientras nos preparamos para celebrar la fiesta de Navidad, ¿qué tal si reconocemos plenamente la presencia del Señor mientras realizamos estas tareas? El Señor muchas veces viene a nosotros de formas maravillosamente sorprendentes. Estemos prepa-rados. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura — Todas las naciones confluirán hacia el monte del Señor (Isaías 2:1-5). Salmo — Qué alegría cuando me dijeron: “Vamos a la casa del Señor” (Salmo 122 [121]). Segunda lectura — Ya es el momento de que se despier-ten del sueño (Romanos 13:11-14). Evangelio — Velen, pues, y estén preparados para la ve-nida del Hijo del hombre (Mateo 24:37-44). Salmo responsorial: Leccionario Hispanoamericano Dominical © 1970, Comisión Episcopal Española. Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados. LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes: Is 4:2-6; Sal 122 (121):1-9; Mt 8:5-11 Martes: Is 11:1-10; Sal 72 (71):1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lc 10:21-24 Miércoles: Rom 10:9-18; Sal 19 (18):8-11; Mt 4:18-22 Jueves: Is 26:1-6; Sal 118 (117):1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Viernes: Is 29:17-24; Sal 27 (26):1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31 Sábado: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Sal 147 (146):1-6; Mt 9:35 — 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Domingo: Is 11:1-10; Sal 72 (71):1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Rom 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12

LOS SANTOS Y OTRAS CELEBRACIONES Domingo: Primer Domingo de Adviento Miércoles: San Andrés Jueves: Día Mundial del SIDA Viernes: Primer viernes Sábado: San Francisco Javier; Primer sábado

TIEMPO DE PREPARACIÓN Esta vida es el tiempo de preparación para nuestro estado futuro. Nuestras almas continuarán siendo por siempre lo que hacemos de ellas en este mundo. —John Tillotson, Arzobispo de Canterbury

CUMPLE HOY Si lo que hiciste ayer todavía te parece enorme, seguro que no has hecho mucho hoy. —Anónimo

Los bautismos en español Las pláticas de preparación

bautismal en español se ofrecen el primer sábado de cada

mes con la excepción de julio. Nos reunimos a las 9:00

a.m. en la biblioteca del Centro Parroquial (segundo piso).

Para más información, hablar con Lucie Gardea después

de la Misa de español los domingos o al correo lgar-

dea@svdp-edu.org. Requisitos:

La familia deber estar registrada en la parroquia.

Ambos padres deben asistir las pláticas.

Se requiere una copia de la partida oficial de nacimien-

to del niño.

Se requiere una copia de un documento oficial de iden-

tificación

Se requiere un/una padrino y/o madrina.

Los padrinos deben ser católicos completamente inicia-

dos en la Fe. Deben ser mayores de 18 años. Si son

casados, deben estar casados por la Iglesia. Los pa-

drinos deben llevar una vida congruente con la Fe y la

misión que van a asumir.

La cuota para las pláticas es $25 para las familias regis-

tradas en la parroquia. Si no son parroquianos, el costo

es $50. La cuota para personas tomando las clases co-

mo padrinos es $10.

Jóvenes de Luz St. Vincent de Paul Somos

un grupo de jóvenes adultos interesados en

profundizar en nuestra fe a través de la forma-

ción espiritual, el servicio, y actividades

sociales que nos permitan crecer en

comunidad buscando imitar el ejemplo

de Jesús y las virtudes de nuestra Madre María. Como

jóvenes adultos, nos esforzamos en ser luz siendo testi-

gos de nuestra fe y así dar a conocer el mensaje del Reino

de Dios desde nuestra vida cotidiana. Nos reunimos todos

los jueves a las 7:00 PM en el segundo piso del centro

parroquial. Si desean agregarse a nuestra lista de contac-

tos para recibir información acerca de nuestros eventos,

pueden enviarnos un correo a pjauniversita-

ria@gmail.com. ¡Los esperamos!

Misa de sanación Se celebra una Misa de Sanación el

segundo miércoles de cada mes as las 12:10 p.m. Inmedi-

atamente después de la Misa, se celebra el sacramento de

la Unción de los Enfermos. La próxima fecha de la cele-

bración será el 14 de diciembre 2016.

El Rezo del Santísimo Rosario Rezamos el rosario antes

de la Misa en español todos los domingo empezando a las

2:20 p.m.

Teléfonos celulares Pedimos

atentamente que apaguen o cambien

la señal de sus teléfonos durante la

Misa para no interrumpir los ritos.

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