St. Cecilia Catholic Church · Friday, December 8th. This is a holy day of obligation. Thursday,...

CLERGYReverend Francis M. Macatangay, Pastor Reverend Michael McFall, Parochial Vicar Reverend Giovanni Nguyen, Parochial Vicar Deacon Frank Davis, IIIDeacon Greg EvansDeacon Sam MancusoDeacon Don Bradley 713-465-6178

PARISH STAFFDirector of Liturgy and MusicMr. Andrew Meinen, [email protected] of Lifelong Faith FormationMs. Karen Ann Martin, [email protected] of Community Life and StewardshipMs. Stasie Smith, [email protected] of Parish AdministrationMs. Daisy O’Halloran, [email protected] School PrincipalMr. Jeff Matthews, [email protected]

PASTORAL COUNCILMeets 2nd Tuesday of each month. Tom McQuilling, Chairperson. Members: Fr. Francis Macatangay, Ricardo Fernandez, Michelle Forrester, Graciela Garcia, Allan Klenke, Jeff Laird, Elsie Laynez, Jane Mancuso, Jennifer Petree, Gil Ramon, Jeanma-rie Stevenson, and Missy Wibbelsman. Questions or comments? Please email us at: [email protected]

FINANCE COUNCILMeets 4th Monday of each month. Members: Steve Landry, Chairperson. Members: Fr. Francis Macatangay, Billy Ambrose, Maria Bahena, Christina Carroll, Tammy Coker, Kristi Hyzak, Daisy O’Halloran, Stasie Smith, and Lloyd Waguespack

SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULESaturday: 5:00 p.m.Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 a.m. (English)

1:00 and 3:00 p.m. (Spanish)

5:30 p.m. Life Teen (English)

WEEKDAY MASSESMonday: 8:15 a.m. Tuesday: 8:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.Wednesday: 8:15 a.m. Thursday: 8:15 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Spanish) Friday: 8:15 a.m.Saturday: 9:00 a.m.

RECONCILIATIONSaturday: 3:30-4:30 p.m. or appointment

PASTORAL OFFICE:9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday12:30-1:30 p.m. Closed for LunchPlease call the Pastoral Office for Anointing of the Sick, for Marriage Preparation, and for Baptism. *In the event of life & death emergencies after office hours (if a priest is needed), please call 713-416-3222.

THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL OFFICE(for assistance to those in need) 713-468-1185

BIRTHRIGHT OFFICE: 713-465-4058

GABRIEL PROJECT OFFICE: 713-225-5826

The Sunday Bulletin deadline is each Friday at 12 p.m. (2 weeks in advance of publication date)Email requests to: [email protected]

St. Cecilia Catholic ChurchArchdiocese of Galveston-Houston

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

Parish Administration:

Daisy O’HalloranDirector

[email protected]

Jorge Cardenas Associate Director

[email protected]

Lloyd WaguespackAccountant

[email protected]

Elaine RossiParish Secretary

[email protected]

Mirta GarciaParish Receptionist

[email protected]

Life-Long Faith Formation:

Karen Ann MartinDirector

[email protected]

Mayra MoralesAdministrative Assistant

[email protected]

Adult/RCIA:

Kimberly [email protected]

Pastoral Care:

Frank [email protected]

Colleen [email protected]

First sunday oF advent

Weekly HigHligHt:

december 3, 2017

tHe solemnity oF tHe immaculate concePtion

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is on Friday, December 8th. This is a holy day of obligation.

Thursday, December 7th Vigilia de La Inmaculada Concepción de la Virgen Maria – 7:00 p.m. misa en español

Friday, December 8th Mass in English at 8:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

A Message From Fr. Francis

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Season of Advent and the beginning of a new Liturgical Year begins on De-cember 3rd this year. The Advent Season is an intense time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of his first coming as a newborn child at Bethlehem on that first Christmas.

The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas). The liturgical color for Advent is purple, just like Lent. Both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Like Lent, Advent includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.

In this regard, the decorations in our church and around our parish campus should reflect this anticipation and asceticism, not the fullness of Christmas splendor. De-spite the lighted displays and Christmas trees that adorn the malls from as early mid-November these days, we must hold back from Christmas decorations until the latter days of Advent, so our community can savor Advent longing before we leap into the glorious praise of the Incarnation at Christmas Time. It is spiritually worthwhile to observe some quiet time during Advent to reflect on our prepara-tions for the coming of the Lord.

Finally, be reminded that our parish will have our Advent Penance Service on Dec 14th from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. There will be some 25 kind priests to help us celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation individually.

May you have a grace-filled Advent!

Peace,

Fr. Francis

retirement Fund For religious

Help care for elders. “Thanks to support from the Retirement Fund for Religious, we are now in a much better position to care for our elders,” - writes a religious sister.

Your donation helps her religious commu-nity and hundreds of others provide for ag-ing members and plan for long-term needs. Please give to next week’s Retirement Fund for Religious collection.

Monday, December 4th

Is 2:1-5Mt 8:5-11

8:15 a.m. Covey Nash †

Tuesday, December 5th

Is 11:1-10Lk 10:21-24

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

Kevin Gardner, Jr. †George Conner †

Wednesday, December 6th

Is 25:6-10AMt 15:29-37

8:15 a.m. Delia M Brooks †

Thursday, December 7th

Is 26:1-6Mt 7:21, 24-27

8:15 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

In Rememberance of John WilhelmJose Marin †

Friday, December 8th

Gn 3:9-15, 20Eph 1:3-6, 11-12Lk 1:26-38

8:15 a.m.12:15 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Julia M Happe †Deceased Members of the Vacker Family †Robert Kerwin †

Saturday, December 9th

Is 30:19-21, 23-26Mt 9:35–10:1, 5A, 6-8

9:00 a.m.5:00 p.m.

Florian Piwetz †Dale Family

Sunday, December 10th

Is 40:1-5, 9-112 Pt 3:8-14Mk 1:1-8

7:30 a.m.9:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.3:00 p.m.5:30 p.m.

William Bauer †Mike Licea †All Parish FamiliesConsuelo Yolanda LlanasJose Marin †Robert Kerwin †

Event Date Time PlaceChristmas Angel Tree Program 12/2, 3 After Masses Church 8

Life Teen 12/3 7:00 p.m. Youth Room 6

KIDs Club Classes 12/03, 10 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. St. Cecilia Catholic School 5

Centering Prayer 12/06 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Community Center – Room # 202 7

EDGE Night with Adore Missionary 12/06 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. St. Cecilia Catholic School's Auditorium 6

Bereavement Meeting 12/09 10:00 a.m. Community Center - Room 201 7

Prime Timers' Luncheon 12/14 12:00 p.m. Community Center 7

EDGE Social: Christmas Celebration 12/15 7:00 p.m. St. Cecilia Catholic School's Auditorium 6

Welcoming Sunday 12/17 After 9 & 11 am Mass Community Center - Room 204 -

Liturgy and Music:

Andrew MeinenDirector

[email protected]

Tracy [email protected]

mass intentions and readings For tHe Week

First sunday oF advent december 3, 2017

Calendar of Events

This year, Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday. Because the Masses for Christmas begin in the afternoon on that day, and to ensure you are able to fulfill your obligation to attend Mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent, a Mass in Spanish will be celebrated on Saturday, December 23, at 7:00 pm. There will not be a 1:00 pm or 3:00 pm Spanish Mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent on December 24. Mass in Spanish for Christmas will be at 9:00 pm on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24.

Our annual Reconcilia-tion (Penance) Service for Advent will be held on Thursday, Decem-ber 14. There will be

a number of priests on hand to hear individual

confessions beginning at 7:00 p.m.

steWardsHiP

Community Life andStewardship:

Stasie SmithDirector

[email protected]

Tonia [email protected]

Yesenia [email protected]

Maribel [email protected]

First sunday oF advent

diocesan services Fund: donate online

december 3, 2017

Collections for November 26, 2017 Collections for November 19, 2017

5:00 p.m. Saturday $3,581.00 5:00 p.m. Saturday $5,012.25

7:30 a.m. Sunday $2,793.00 7:30 a.m. Sunday $2,190.00



1:00 p.m. Sunday $3,273.00 1:00 p.m. Sunday $2,786.00

3:00 p.m. Sunday $958.00 3:00 p.m. Sunday $ 781.00

5:30 p.m. Sunday $3,558.00 5:30 p.m. Sunday $2,850.00

Mail and Drop-offs $10,108.70 Mail and Drop-offs $9,105.00

Faith Direct $27,776.00 Faith Direct -

Large Donations/Stock $5,000.00 Large Donations/Stock -

Candle Monies $535.50 Candle Monies $579.50

Thanksgiving Mass $769.00

Week Total $64,792.20 Week Total $31,300.75

Children’s CollectionDSF

$819.00 $698.00

Children’s CollectionCampaign for Human Development

$572.00

$6,893.00

To donate online, visitwww.faithdirect.net

Parish code: TX616

We love having you as part of our flock!Let’s keep in touch! Get updates via email & text

This new tool we're using lets you choose what info you'd like to receive - via email or text message - from the various ministries and groups in our church. You can unsubscribe any time.

Visit our church at: flocknote.com/stceciliahoustonText stcecilia to 84576 from your phone to subscribe!

Second Collections:

• December 10: Retirement Fund for Religious Collection

Flocknote

religious education For cHildren

Family Life:

Alicia [email protected]

Children:

Rosemary [email protected]

Cecilia [email protected]

Parish Nursery:

Martina [email protected]

Children’s Faith Formation programs and events are for children in pre-k 4 through grade 5. For more information please contact Rosemary Munoz at 713-579-2640 (direct line), [email protected] or Cecilia Morillo at [email protected].

Faith Formation (CCE) for children with special needs: This is the third year we are offering this class. Contact us if you or someone you know can benefit from this program.

KIDs Club Schedule: December 3rd and 10th - Sunday 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. classesDecember 6th and 13th - Wednesday 6:15 p.m. classesJanuary 7th, 14th, and 21st - Sunday 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. classesJanuary 10th, 17th and 24th - Wednesday 6:15 p.m. classes

KIDs Club Registration: Registration forms for KIDs Club are available in the par-ish office or on the parish website. Simply vist www.saintcecilia.org/llifelong-faithformation.

KIDs Club Volunteers needed:Volunteers are needed for the special needs class. No Experience is necessary just a desire to share your faith with the children of our parish. All volunteers for children’s programs are required to attend a VIRTUS workshop and background check. Please visit www.virtus.org to register.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: The next Children’s Liturgy of the Word will be December 3rd and 17th during the 9:00 a.m. Mass. We invite and welcome chil-dren ages kindergarten through grade 4 to hear the Word of God from the Chil-dren’s Lectionary. For this to be offered every Sunday, more leaders are needed.

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


st. cecilia valentine’s Wine dinner

youtH ministry (middle scHool)

Schedule for Fall 2017: 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.Meet in the Auditorium

Wednesday, December 6 - EDGE Night with Adore Missionary ADORE missionaries will join us to do presentations and activities for

EDGE.

Friday, December 15- Social: Christmas Celebration EDGE A Night to Celebrate the coming of our Lord. A night of fun with

a message.

EDGE Parent Volunteers NEEDED - We are asking ALL EDGE PARENTS to vol-unteer to assist with at least one EDGE Night this year. Parents should have re-ceived an email with a link to the Signup Genius. Signup for the night you can come and plan to arrive by 6:35 p.m. on those nights for the short pre-EDGE Angel Crew Meeting to receive information about your role for the night. Look forward to you joining us as we build faith for your middle schoolers with EDGE!

Youth Ministry:

Karen Ann Martin (Middle School)

[email protected]

There is Life Teen tonight Sunday, December 3rd! This is the final Life Teen of the year. Life Teen will return Sunday, January 7th for our Life Teen Family night.

This night will be in the church and parents are welcome to attend. Fr. Michael will be talking about the REAL meaning of Christmas.

Service Project: Saturday, December 9th we will have a service project of making winter homeless survival kits. These survival kits will be packed with snacks and items to help the homeless keep warm. All youth are welcome to come! We will start with mass at 9 a.m. in the church and then head over to the youth room to make the kits. Donuts and kolaches will be provided.

If you are a second year youth and you did not attend the November retreat you MUST attend the February 2-4 retreat. Registration forms can be found online or in the youth room.

All confirmed juniors and seniors are invited to this awesome 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 cre-ation! We will be staying at the Big Kahuna, which is right on the water. The cost of the retreat is $100 and includes meals and transportation. Registration forms can be found in the youth room!

youtH ministry (HigH scHool)

Youth Ministry:

David Thies (High School)[email protected]



Saturday, December 9thCommunity Center - Room 201

Have you lost a spouse, a child, or a loved one, and feel like you are walking through the wilderness of grief? Our purpose is to offer spiritual and emotional support to each other and to others in our community with the healing comfort of God to all who mourn a loss through death. You are invited to join the St. Cecilia Bereavement Group. We meet the 2nd Saturday of each month. Please join us at our next meeting.

Questions? Contact: Frank Davis or Colleen Bryse in the Parish Office at 713-465-3414.

Sharing Sunday is here! Stop by the Community Center after any mass to find out how you can make a family’s Christmas special. The Vincentians have compiled a list of needy families that would benefit from your generosity. Get together a group of friends or a child’s class and help one of the larger families. This can be a very rewarding experience for both you and the family you help. Contact us at [email protected] or you can call Clare Thomeer at 713-464-4258.

Thursday, December 14th - FREE Bingo & Door PrizesCommunity Center

Prime Timers’ November luncheon will be on Thursday, December 14th. Come play bridge, dominoes, and card games. Lunch is $5.00 and will be served at noon. If you have a question concerning the luncheon call Colleen Bryse at 713-465-3414 and questions concern-ing bridge, dominoes and card games please email Linda at [email protected].

Prime timers' luncHeon

Wednesday, December 6th, 7 - 8 p.m.Community Center – Room # 202

Questions should be directed to Richard Rose at [email protected] or Mary Malicki at [email protected].

Sharing Sunday

centering Prayer

giFt cards For our seminarians

Would you like to thank our seminarians for studying to become priests for our Archdi-ocese? Consider giving them an early Christmas present by purchasing a gift card to any restaurant, office supplies store, convenient store, or VISA gift card. The gift cards you purchase will be given to our Houston Vocation’s Office and they will distribute them to our seminarians. Thank you for our generous support!

Please deliver your gift cards to the front office by Wednesday, December 6th.

Mark your calendar for next year!January 18, 2018February 15, 2018- BingoMarch 15, 2018 - Entertainment

bereavement


The generosity that the St. Cecilia community has shown to our friends dealing with the aftermath of Harvey has been heartwarming at every level. With Christmas coming the St. Cecilia Hurricane Relief Team have been busy little elves!

Keep an eye out for a special "angel tree" in the church December 2nd and 3rd at all Masses. The tree will be covered with angels that have the age and gender of a child, in our community who has been affected by Hurri-cane Harvey. If you wish to sponsor a child please take the angel to a member of the Relief Team (set up at each Mass) and they will find the corresponding wish list for that child. We are asking that each child receive 1-3 gifts from their list with a maximum of $100 per child. Specific details will be provided when you pick up your child's wish list. The presents can then be returned to the special containers under the angel tree to be collected over the weekend of December 16-17.

If you are a Harvey-affected family and would like your children to be included in this program (and have not already been contacted about this program by your assigned mission family), or if you would like more details please contact Nadine Balombin at [email protected] for your con-tinued support of these families working hard to get their lives back on track.

La generosidad que la comunidad de St. Cecilia ha demostrado a nuestros amigos que están lidiando con las secuelas de Harvey ha sido conmovedora. Con la llegada de la Navidad, el equipo de Sta. Cecilia de Asistencia detrás del Huracán han sido duendecitos muy ocupados.

Busque un "árbol de ángel" especial en la iglesia el Domingo 2 y 3 de diciembre del 2017 en todas las Misas. El árbol estará cubierto de ángeles que tienen la edad y el género de un niño de nuestra comunidad que se ha visto afectado por el huracán Harvey. Si desea patrocinar a un niño, lleve el ángel a un miembro del equipo de ayuda (establecido en cada Misa) y ellos encontrarán la lista de deseos correspondiente para ese niño. Pedimos que cada niño reciba 1-3 regalos de su lista con un monto máximo en dólares por niño. Se proporcionarán detalles específicos cuando recoja la lista de deseos de su niño. Los regalos pueden ser en-tregados a los contenedores especiales bajo el árbol del ángel para ser recogidos durante el fin de semana del 16-17 de diciembre.

Si usted es una familia afectada por Harvey y desea que sus hijos se incluyan en este programa (y su familia de misión asignada aún no lo ha contactado), o si desea obtener más información, comuníquese con Nadine Ba-lombin ([email protected]). Gracias por su continuo apoyo a estas familias que trabajan arduamente para recuperar sus vidas.

ParisH Hurricane relieF eFForts – cHristmas angel tree Program

Monday, January 8th at 7 p.m. Community Center

Where are you and your family now, post-Harvey; emotionally, spiritually, physically, socially and intellectually?

Deborah Krummel, LPC & Dr. Richard Krummel, of Krummel & Associates, P.C. are presenting a talk on processing stress as families and couples. We will also discuss the possible need for more emotional support by our families. Those who were impacted by the flood are invited on Monday, January 8th at 7 p.m. in the Community Center. Babysitting will be provided, please RSVP to [email protected]

ParisH Hurricane relieF ongoing eFForts

esFuerzos de ayuda de Huracán de la Parroquia


Public announcement- rite oF candidacy For Jose romay

Pastoral council

The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston formally announces that Jose Romay will be admitted to candidacy for the permanent diaconate on February 17, 2018 at a Mass to be celebrated by Bishop George Sheltz. If any person knows of a serious reason why this Aspirant should not be admitted to Candidacy or continue to ordination to the permanent diaconate, please notify Deacon Rob Ward, Director of Formation, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston at 281-723-1910 or via email at [email protected]. Please keep Jose and his wife Flavie in your prayers as he is called to the Rite of Candidacy. May he always remain faithful to the vocation to which he is called. This announcement is in compliance with Canon 1051 :2 of the Code of Canon Law.

You’ve probably heard of the Pastoral Council, but you may not know our role or purpose. Our job is to offer council to Fr. Francis on Pastoral matters, particularly 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 and ears” of our fellow parishioners.

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 by our dedicated and caring Pastoral Staff.

Here at St. Cecilia, 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”, or complete their term. New Pastoral Council mem-bers are determined through the process of discernment. Discernment consists of prayer and reflection and the opportunity to offer a response to a series of questions related to the church, St. Cecilia, etc.

We will be discerning new members on Saturday, January 27th, 2018 beginning at 9 a.m. The names of our members and our e-mail address are always listed on the front of the bulletin. It is a privilege to serve St. Cecilia and represent you, our parishioners. If you have any questions about Pastoral Council, or discernment, please contact us at [email protected].

“During the exposition, there should be prayers, songs, and readings to direct the attention of the faithful worship of Christ the Lord.” Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, 95

1st Saturday of each month 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. – Movimiento Familiar Cristiano2nd Saturday of each month 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. – Virgen de Guadalupe Peregrina3rd Friday of each month 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Noche Bíblica3rd Saturday of each month 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. – Maranathá Young Adult Group

communal Prayer beFore tHe blessed sacrament in tHe cHaPel

December 14 at 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gathering for women ages 18 and up who are interested in learning more about religious life. Sisters from different religious communities will be present. 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Gatherings will be at different convents around the archdiocese. Video, photos, registration and details at www.houstonvocations.com/women-seeking for more information contact Sr. Anita Brenek, CDP at 713-652-8239 or abrenek@archgh.

Houston vocations: Woman seeking

Lorrie Dawlearn713-783-7903Tom Breaux

713-682-5995 ext. 210


The Gathering Place is a stimulating, loving and fun environment where vol-unteers offer interactive and affirming activities designed for members of the congregation and community who suf-fer with memory loss. The program is free.

The Gathering Place is a partnership be-tween St. Cecilia and Interfaith CarePart-ners and is one of 58 participating con-gregations that offer 3 1/2 hours of respite from the challenges of caring

for a loved one with dementia while they enjoy games, crafts, entertainment lunch and other fun activities. Caregiv-ers may choose to use this opportuni-ty for respite, or may opt to participate along with their care partner.

To volunteer, call Lorrie Dawlearn at 713-783-7903. To register a loved one to attend this free program, please con-tact Tom Breaux at 713-682-5995 ext. 210.

Please Pray For tHe sick and tHe deParted

Please contact Deacon Frank Davis at [email protected]

or Colleen Bryse at [email protected] if you or a family

member are ill or in the hospital.

tHe gatHering Place

Please pray for all of those who are ill, including:

Elyas FejarangAmelyn AgoncilloMary Rose EstradaRodney BensonLawrence KrūgRuben SanchezJoe Atalig

John FaustJules FayeHenry ZitoTracy BentGlen ButlerDonna SloanJose Marin

Erika WimberlyChris StaffordTheresa JamailLilly NguyenSara HarveyLillian RenaudViolet Yee

Irene EvansCarlos SeraRichard CruzMargaret CruzPat Flanagan

James BakerBarbara Flake

Please pray for the souls of the faithful departed.

Concepcion Castillo Bautista, mother of Zozimo Sosa Alex Martinez, is the brother of Helen Pappert

“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.

loving embrace inFertility suPPort grouP

Shannon Lassen 832-978-6716

We meet on the third Thursday of each month from 7:30-9 p.m. The format of our meetings changes monthly, rotating between: couples dinner, ladies dinner, and couples discussion.

Loving Embrace is a Catholic educational support group for couples who have endured or are presently enduring the pain and suffering of infertility. The group provides support for coping with infertility and explores resources, methods, and options that are morally faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. For in-formation contact Shannon Lassen at 832-978-6716 or [email protected].

St. Cecilia Catholic Church · Friday, December 8th. This is a holy day of obligation. Thursday,...

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