11720 Joan of Arc Drive · Houston, Texas · 77024-2602 | 713-465-3414 | www.SaintCecilia.org

December 15, 2019 | Third Sunday of AdventReverend Francis M. Macatangay, Pastor

A parish community dedicated to "living and sharing the joy of the Gospel."

PARISH OFFICE HOURS

Monday - Friday9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Closed for Lunch12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

SUNDAY MASSSaturday Vigil

5:00 p.m.Sunday7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m. (Spanish)3:00 p.m. (Spanish)5:30 p.m. Life Teen

WEEKDAY MASSESMonday8:15 a.m. Tuesday

8:15 a.m. | 5:30 p.m.Wednesday

8:15 a.m. Thursday

8:15 a.m. 7:00 p.m. (Spanish)

Friday8:15 a.m.

Saturday9:00 a.m.

RECONCILIATIONSaturday

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Or by appointment

Page 2Weekly Highlight

2 | Third Sunday of Advent

Christmas Mass Schedule Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve4:00 pm Mass with Children’s Choir in Church (English)4:15 pm Overflow Masses in the Auditorium and Community Center (English) Incense will not be used at overflow Masses.6:30 pm Mass with Life Teen Band (English)9:00 pm Misa en español (Spanish)11:30 pm Caroling with choir & orchestra (English) Wednesday, December 25 – The Solemnity of Christmas 12:00 am Midnight Mass with choir and orchestra (English)9:00 am Mass with cantor, organ & trumpets (English) Incense will not be used at the 9:00 am Mass.11:00 am Mass with cantor, organ & trumpets (English)

Christmas ParkingDue to limited parking on the Church grounds and the neighborhood streets, a shut-tle service from Bunker Hill Elementary School (11950 Taylorcrest) will be available on Christmas Eve from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Please consider using the service to alleviate traffic congestion and inconvenience. Please be respectful and considerate of our neighbors by not parking in their grass or blocking driveways.

The Pastoral Office will be closed from noon on Tuesday, December 24th through Thursday, December 26th.

Our nursery will be closed for the Christmas Masses so that our dedicated nursery staff can have time with their own families on Christmas.

Blessed Sacrament In observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays, Exposition of the Bless-ed Sacrament will close on Saturday, December 21, before the 9:00 am Mass.

Exposition we reopen on Monday, January 6, following the 8:15 am Mass.

Meal in a BagDear St Cecilia friends, thank you for participating in the Thanks-giving distribution at the East Spring Branch Food Pantry. We served almost 1,000 families. Many people volunteered their time and we are so grateful.

Christmas Ministry Wish List St. Cecilia's Christmas Ministry Wish List is an opportunity to give directly to the ministries that serve our parish. Please consider making a donation to one or more of these ministries. Find the insert in the bulletin and fill out the form or visit the website below to make your contribution online.

www.saintcecilia.org/christmaswishlist

Mass Intentions and ReadingsM

onTu

esSa

t

December1616

December 1818

December1919

December2020

December2121

Wed

Thur

sFr

i

8:15 am

8:15 am5:30 am

8:15 am

8:15 am7:00 pm

8:15 am

9:00 am

Nm 24:2-7, 15-17AMt 21:23-27

Gn 49:2, 8-10Mt 1:1-17

Jer 23:5-8Mt 1:18-25

Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25ALk 1:5-25

Is 7:10-14Lk 1:26-38

Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18ALk 1:39-45

Arcelia Flores Rivera † Mary Jo Gerland †

Albert ,Cecilia, Albert Louis, Gary, & Sylvia Angie †

Jim & Mildred Wanja †William Neighbors †

Rev. Benjamin Skyles †

Peter & Albina Strazzo Sr. †

December 1717

Sun

December2222

5:00 pm

7:30 am9:00 am11:00 am1:00 pm3:00 pm5:30 pm

Is 7:10-14Rom 1:1-7Mt 1:18-24

Peter Walbridge †

Joe & Lena Mandola †Albert & Rosa Romano †All Parish FaimiliesWalter Manuel Garcia Gudes †Graciela Vanegas †Joseph Young †

Frank & Elvira Strazza †

Calendar of Events

www.saintcecilia.org | 3

Event Date Time Place PgKIDs Club 12/15 & 1/5, 12 9:30 & 11:30 am St. Cecilia Catholic School 5

Children’s Liturgy of the Word 12/15 & 2/2, 2/16 During 9:00 am Mass Community Center 5PARISH OFFICE CLOSED 12/25 & 26 - St. Cecilia Catholic Church -A Christmas Rosary of the Joyful Mysteries 12/30 6:00 pm Church Sanctuary 8

Welcoming Sunday 1/5 After 9 & 11 am Masses Community Center - Room 204 -

EDGE 1/8 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm Auditorium 5

Baptism Preparation Classes 1/9, 3/5 & 5/7 7:00 pm Community Center - Room 201 5Bereavement Gathering 1/11 After 9:00 am Mass Community Center - Room 201 10“Annulment: Questions, Answers, and Conversation”

1/13 7:00 pm Community Center 6

The Gathering Place 1/14 10:00 am Community Center 10Pastoral Council Discernment 1/14 6:30 pm Community Center 7

Prime Timers' Luncheon 1/16 12:00 pm Community Center 7Painting Workshop: Carmen Romero 1/18 8:00 am - 2 pm Community Center 6Clases de Preparación para Bautismo 2/6 & 3/26 7:00 pm Community Center - Room 201 5

Vigil

Keep up with news, upcoming events

and more!

Text stcecilia to 84576

Advent Penance Service

Reconciliation services in our area include:

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: December 17 at 7:00 pm

St. Michael: Tuesday: December 17 at 7:00 pm

Christ the Redeemer: December 17 at 7:00 pm

St. Matthew the Evangelist: December 17 at 7:00 pm

T

With your generous support of DSF, you offer praise to God and care to the many pressing needs that cannot be addressed individually or by one parish alone. For those of you who have already responded with a gift, please accept our sincere gratitude.

To give online, please visit www.archgh.org/dsf

Please Pray for the Sick and Departed

Please call the Pastoral Office for Anointing of the Sick. In the event of life & death emergencies after office hours (if a priest is needed), please call 713-416-3222.

Please pray for all of those who are ill, including:Marlene WynneMary D. VillarealCesar AranaAnne MurphyJen JocsonGinny StuddertSusan Moseley LoflandDeacon Frank DavisDavid Brittain, Sr.

Francisco BerriosTobin ThomasTrudy CataniaRalph Candelario Sr.Debora Sofia GareiaDaniel MarshallHector A. HernandezEtelvina RodriguesDuke Wayne Turner

Janice Roccaforte LawsonAnn SchifanellaDon Bradley, JrBob BradleyJim McCauleyJoseph Michael HarperJo Phalen

Please pray for the souls of the faithful departed. Noely Sandoval Gloria McLaurin“May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

Please note: Names of those who are sick will appear in the Sunday bulletin for two months. At the end of this two month period, names will be inscribed in our Prayer Book, located in the Chapel of Reservation, where we continue to pray for all of the sick. Obituaries of those who have died may be found at: www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle.

4 | December 15, 2019

Second Collection December 15 - DSF (Spanish Masses)December 22 - DSF (Spanish Masses)December 29 - DSF (Spanish Masses)

Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) 2019 Goal $330,000.00

Pledged $293,452.00

Paid $285,255.87Participants 542

Donate OnlineWe are thankful for all the generous gifts that you provide to our parish, but we realize that you can-not be with us every Sun-day of the year.

Please consider using our secure electronic giving program, Faith Direct. Faith Direct will automat-ically process any offerto-ry or second collections donation of your choos-ing.

Signing up is easy!

www.faithdirect.netParish code: TX616

September Stewardship ReportDecember 1st, 2019 Collections: $38,121.08December 8th, 2019 Collection: $50,050.78

Year-to-date Collections through 23 weeks of the Fiscal Year 2018/2019 $1,363,262.93 2019/2020 $1,344,495.29

Detailed information is available in the annual State of the Parish report. You may request a copy at the Pastoral Office. If you have any questions, please contact Daisy O’Halloran at dohalloran@saintcecilia.org

Support St. Cecilia When you Shop at

smile.amazon.comCalling all Amazon users -

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your parish every time you shop, at no cost to you. You will find the ex-act same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the add-ed bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the pur-chase price to St. Cecilia. What a great and easy way

to support St. Cecilia Catholic Church!

PLEASE FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DSF IN THE INSERT INCLUDEDPLEASE CONSIDER CONTRIBUTING

Middle SchoolLorena Aranda | lorena@saintcecilia.orgwww.saintcecilia.org/middle-school

JANUARY8 – Kick Off15 – The Branches: Prayer29 – Circle of Grace

Adults & High School Teens NeededEDGE is still in need of some extra help. Please consider looking into how you can help make this a successful year!

Faith Formation for ChildrenRosemary Munoz | rmunoz@saintcecilia.org Cecilia Morillo | cmorillo@saintcecilia.orgwww.saintcecilia.org/children

Children’s Faith Formation programs and events are for children in pre-k 4 through grade 5. Faith Formation (CCE) for children with special needs is available.

KIDs Club Schedule: KIDs Club class schedule for the Sunday, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. sessionsDecember 15thJanuary 5th and 12thFebruary 2nd and 9th

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: December 15th during the 9:00 a.m. MassFebruary 2nd and 16th

RCIA (Adapted for children and youth) The RCIA process for children is in need of an added team member to assist with the parent/child sessions and other planned celebrations.

www.saintcecilia.org | 5

Youth Ministry News

BaptismsWe welcome, through the Sacrament of Baptism, the following children into the Church and our parish family:

Audrey Laverne Salcich

May God continue to pour out His blessings on the members of these families, that they may continue to grow in faith and love throughout the years.

Baptism Preparation Classes Marlon Ayala |mayala@saintcecilia.org | (713)

465-3414 Ext. 163Community Center -

Room 201 at 7 pmEnglish

January 9March 5May 7

Sign up/ Regístrese: www.saintcecilia.org/

infant

Clases de Preparación para

BautismoSalón 201 en el Centro Comunitario a las 7 pm

Español6 de febrero26 de marzo

4 de junio

High School David Thies | dthies@saintcecilia.orgwww.saintcecilia.org/high-school-life-teen

Sunday, Januray 5th at 7 pm - Family Night with Dr. Alex Gotay. All middle school and high school youth and families are welcome to this night. Dr. Alex Gotay ("Dr. G") is a Husband of 19 years, father of three boys, convert, Retreat Lead-er, Evangelist, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black-belt, was in the military, and presently works full-time in Campus Ministry and teaches Theology at St. Thomas High School. He has degrees in Theology and Counseling and has a love of St. Augustine!

Retreat January 10th-12th - All Confirmed Juniors and Seniors are invited to this awe-some weekend in Surfside Beach, TX. This leadership retreat will be going deep. Mass, Eucharistic adoration, confession, worship, and lots of fun all while experiencing the beauty of God's creation.

We will be staying at the Big Kahuna, which is right on the water! The cost of the retreat is $125 and includes meals and transportation. Please email David with any questions and register your youth soon.

This leadership retreat is ONLY open to confirmed Juniors & Seniors.

6 | Third Sunday of Advent

Weekly Announcements & News

Painting Workshop! Paint your own illuminated Letter Saturday, January 18 Taught by artist Carmen Sanchez Romero 8 am –2 pm Community Center Cost $35 (Youth 13+ $25)—All supplies and lunch included. No experience needed! Medieval monks are credited with preserving ancient learning by creating beautiful illuminated manuscripts. Find out more about the history of these religious works of art, while creating one of your own with paint and gold leaf.

For more info email Kimberly knewcomb@saintcecilia.org

Preregistration required: www.saintcecilia.org/imw El taller será en inglés, pero la Sra. Romero Sánchezla y puede responder preguntas.

FORMED Selection for November

Saint Nicholas: the Real StoryIn a thrilling quest for truth you will visit beautiful Med-iterranean locations and explore stunning archeo-logical excavations. You'll hear from experts about new historical and scientific analysis and even hear intriguing stories about stolen bones. Through it all you'll discover the true story of a man known for his generosity and concern for the poor. watch.formed.org/videos/saint-nicholas-the-real-story

“Annulment: Questions, Answers, and Conversation”Monday, January 13 at 7 pmCommunity Center

Anne Bryant, JCL, Director of the Tribunal for the Arch-diocese of Galveston-Houston, will talk to us about who might pursue an annulment, the types of nulli-ty petitions, the annulment process, and how to get started. Please RSVP

www.saintcecilia.org/faith-matters-speaker-series

Adult SacramentsAdult First Communion: Are you a Catholic who missed your First Communion? Adult first communion classes will start at St. Cecilia in January 2020 on Tuesdays at 6 pm.January 14, 21 & 28; February 4, 11 & 18; and Service DayAdult Confirmation: Are you a Catholic who would like to complete your sacraments of initiation and be con-firmed? Classes will start at St. Cecilia in March 2020 on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Confirmation will be around Pen-tecost (late May-early June) date TBA.March 4 & 25; April 1, 15 & 29; May 13, 27 and Service Day

For more information contact Kimberly Newcomb knewcomb@saintcecilia.org or at (713) 465-3414.

Confirmacion para adultos: Eres Católico y te gustaría completar los sacramentos de iniciación y ser confir-mado? Las Clases empiezaran aquí en Sta. Cecilia Marzo 2020. Confirmacion durante tiempo de Pen-tecostés (entre Mayo y Junio). Para mas informacion contacte a Marlon A. Ayala mayala@saintcecilia.org o (713) 465-3414.

Miercoles 7 pm: Marzo 4 y 25; Abril 1, 15 & 29; Mayo 13 & 27 y Dia de Servicio

Incarnation in the Old TestamentThursday, January 30 at 7 pmCommunity Center

A major challenge in the contemporary church is how to relate the Old Testament to the New. For many, the OT is at best ignored, at worst rejected. Dr. Anderson will use the theme of incarnation as a means of seeing how the Old Testament can make a real difference in how we understand the New. Bio: Dr. Gary Anderson is the Hesburgh Professor of Catholic Theology at Notre Dame University.www.saintcecilia.org/faith-matters-speaker-series

Weekly Announcements & News

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Prime TimersThursday, January 16 Community Center

For a fun day come join the Prime Timers on the 3rd Thursday of the month. We currently have folks playing Chicken Foot, Rum-mikubs and Bridge. We have had interest shown in starting a Canasta group, 42 dominos, and another table of Rummikubs.

Call or email Linda at (713) 502-9460 or ljkear-ney64@gmail.com to find out more details. Ca-tered lunch is $5 and is served at noon. Call Col-leen Bryse at (713) 465-3414 with lunch questions.

Meeting for Justice By Kids (New Community Service Club)

Sunday, December 15, 2019Following the 11:00 am MassCommunity Center

Calling all kids, ages 7-15! It is important for kids to be active members in their community. Justice By Kids is a great way for kids to be involved in our community. JBK is a club that is run by kids for kids. It is a club where kids can do service projects to help their community. Come, serve and have fun at our first meeting on De-cember 15th following the 11:00am mass. Parents are welcome to stay and watch.

Join the Respect Life Ministry CommitteeTuesday, January 7, 2020 at 6:30 p.m

We are in need of a team of individuals for our Respect Life Ministry Committee. Please prayerfully consider joining! Our first meeting will be Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Contact Karen Edmonds at karensedmonds@gmail.com or 713-858-0462.

Pastoral Council Discernment

Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Beginning at 6:30 pm

You’ve probably heard of the Pastoral Council, but you may not know our role or purpose. Our job is to offer counsel to Fr. Francis on Pastoral matters, partic-ularly regarding the spiritual growth of the members of our parish. Pastoral Council is advisory only; we do not vote or have any power to make decisions. Our members are the “eyes, ears and hearts” of our fel-low parishioners.

Pastoral Council members are expected to attend meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. They are also expected to regularly partici-pate in the liturgical, spiritual, educational and social activities of the parish. Our guide is the Pastoral Plan, which was completed in June of 2015. It is a 5-year plan that is in various stages of being implemented and is constantly being refreshed. Here at St. Cecilia, the Pastoral Council is comprised of 12 members, each serving a 3-year term. Four members are discerned each year to serve, and four members “roll off”, as they complete their term. New Pastoral Council members are determined through the process of discernment. Discernment consists of prayer and reflection and the opportunity to of-fer a response to a series of questions related to the church, St. Cecilia, etc. We will be discerning new members on Tuesday, Jan-uary 14, 2020 beginning at 6:30 pm. to replace the four members who have completed their term. It is a privilege to serve St. Cecilia and represent our pa-rishioners.

If you have any questions about Pastoral Council or discernment, please contact us at pastoralcouncil@saintcecilia.org

8 | December 15, 2019

A Christmas Rosary of the

Joyful MysteriesMonday, December 30 at 6:00 pm

St. Cecilia Catholic Church Sanctuary

As we continue our celebration of the Christmas Oc-tave, please join us for a special Christmas Rosary of the Joyful Mysteries.

The rosary will be led by cantor and soloist Kathy Walsh Manley, one of our very own cantors and a member of the Houston Grand Opera, and will feature a spe-cial musical selection for each decade of the rosary.

Join us for a beautiful evening of prayer, scripture, and sacred music.

Bring your rosary.

Remember a loved one, or Honor someone special by purchasing one of the beautiful poinsettias that adorn our worship space during this Christmas season. We hope that having a poinsettia in memory or in honor of your loved ones will bring joy and peace to you and to all who come to St. Cecilia Church to celebrate the Christmas Season.

Christmas Poinsettias

Name In Memory of Name In Memory of

In Honor of In Honor of Name In Memory of Name In Memory of

In Honor of In Honor of Name In Memory of Name In Memory of

In Honor of In Honor of

Name of Donor: _______________________________________________________ Email Address:_____________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Envelope #:__________

Please return this form by December 20, along with your donation of $10.00 per Poinsettia to theParish Office. For more information, please contact the St. Cecilia Liturgy Office.

Honre a alguien especial, o recuerde a un ser querido este año mediante la compra de una de las muchas hermosas Noche Buenas que adornan nuestro espacio de culto durante el Tiempo de la Navidad. Esperamos que tener una Noche Buena en memo-ria o en honor de sus seres queridos, le traiga alegría y paz y a todos los que vienen a celebrar el Nacimiento de Jesús en Santa Cecilia. Una lista de dedicatoras será publi-cada en el boletín del domingo y en el sitio web durante el Tiempo de la Navidad.

Nombre del Donante: ________________________________________________ Correo Electrónico:___________________________________________

Dirección: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sobre #:__________

Ofrecimiento—Noche Buenas

Por favor devuelva este formulario antes del 20 de diciembre junto con su donación de $10 por Noche Buena ala Oficina Pastoral. Para más información, contactar a la Oficina de Culto al 713-465-3414

Nombre En Memoria de Nombre En Memoria de

En Honor de En Honor de Nombre En Memoria de Nombre En Memoria de

En Honor de En Honor de Nombre En Memoria de Nombre En Memoria de

En Honor de En Honor de

CLERGYFr. Francis M. Macatangay, Pastor pastor@saintcecilia.orgFr. Michael Barrosa, Parochial Vicar frmike@saintcecilia.orgFr. Preston Quintela, Parochial Vicar frpreston@saintcecilia.orgDeacon Frank Davis, IIIfdavis@saintcecilia.orgDeacon Greg EvansDeacon Sam MancusoDeacon Don Bradley - Retired

MINISTRY DIRECTORS

Andrew MeinenDirector of Liturgy & Music ameinen@saintcecilia.org

Karen Ann MartinDirector of Life-Long Faith Formationkarenann@saintcecilia.org

Tonia CandelarioDirector of Community Life & Stewardshiptcandelario@saintcecilia.org

Daisy O’HalloranDirector of Parish Administrationdohalloran@saintcecilia.org

Jeff MatthewsDay School Principaljmatthews@saintcecilia.org

LITURGY & MUSIC

Lindsey BoulangerAdministrative Assistant lboulanger@saintcecilia.org

COMMUNITY LIFE & STEWARDSHIP

Maribel MendozaAssociate Director of Communicationsmmendoza@saintcecilia.org

Oliva MeloAdministrative Assistantomelo@saintcecilia.org

LIFE-LONG FAITH FORMATION

Marlon AyalaLifelong Faith Formation Administrative Assistantmayala@saintcecilia.org

Adult/RCIAKimberly NewcombAssociate Director of Adult Faith Formation knewcomb@saintcecilia.org

Family LifeFlavie LaporteAssociate Director of Family Lifeflavie@saintcecilia.org

Pastoral CareFrank DavisAssociate Director of Pastoral Care & Outreach fdavis@saintcecilia.org

Colleen BrysePastoral Care Coordinatorcbryse@saintcecilia.org

Children: Rosemary MunozAssociate Director of Children's Faith Formation rmunoz@saintcecilia.org

Cecilia MorilloCoordinator of Children's Faith Formation cmorillo@saintcecilia.org

Youth Ministry (High School): David Thies dthies@saintcecilia.org

Youth Ministry (Middle School): Lorena Aranda lorena@saintcecilia.org

Parish NurseryMartina Razomrazo@saintcecilia.org

ADMINISTRATION

Jorge CardenasAssociate Directorjcardenas@saintcecilia.org

Lloyd WaguespackAccountantlwaguespack@saintcecilia.org

Elaine RossiParish Secretaryerossi@saintcecilia.org

Mirta GarciaParish Receptionistmgarcia@saintcecilia.org

Janie BenitezNight Receptionistjbenitez@saintcecilia.org

Maintenance Crew Faustino Villafana Richard Campo Yadi JacquezFidel Razo

Geronimo VillafanaCarlos RazoJose Rodriguez

PASTORAL COUNCILMeets 2nd Tuesday of each month. Fran Serena, Chairperson. Members: Fr. Francis Macatangay, Tim Brennan, Debra Campbell, Sylvia Cathcart, Emily CoulterBrian Crugnale, Gavin Dillingham, Elsie Laynez, Jane Mancuso, Marilyn Matthis, and Missy Wibbelsman. Please email us at: pastoralcouncil@saintcecilia.org

FINANCE COUNCILMeets 4th Tuesday of every other month. Billy Ambrose, Chairperson. Members: Fr. Francis Macatangay, Maria Bahena, Christina Carroll, Jay Chaffee, Teresa Ferruzzo, Larry McTague, and Bichlan Thai Ex-Officio: Daisy O’Halloran, Lloyd Waguespack

OUTREACH MINISTRIES

The Society of St. Vincent De Paul Office (For assistance to those in need) (713) 468-1185

Bereavement(713) 465-3414Second Saturday of each month after 9 a.m. Mass in the Community Center room 201

Birthright Office(713) 465-4058

Gabriel Project Office(713) 225-5826

The Gathering PlaceLorrie Dawlearn - Volunteer(713) 783-7903Debbie Godfrey – Register (713) 682-5995 ext. 203Second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Community Center (Except July) For a complete list of ministries, please visit us at www.saintcecilia.org/volunteer

In the event of life & death emergencies after office hours (if a priest is needed), please call (713) 416-3222.

PARISH CONTACT INFORMATION

The Sunday Bulletin deadline is each Friday at 12 p.m. (2 weeks in advance of publication date) bulletin@saintcecilia.org