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

CCE Office Hours: Sunday 8:30 am-12:00 pm

Sacrament of Baptism Baptisms are celebrated on the 1st 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 4:30p.m. to 5:30p.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 Communion First Communion candidates must be baptized, at least in the second grade, and have been attending CCE classes for two full years previous to their receiving the Sacrament. Adults needing First Communion should refer to the rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation candidates must have previously received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Communion. They must have faithfully attended Life Teen for at least one full year prior to beginning preparation for the Sacrament (more than three absences without a valid excuse can alter the process). A signed form stating that the parent/guardian and the candidate understand all requirements is also necessary before the preparation begins. Adults needing confirmation should refer to the Rite of Christian initiation of adults.

Eucharistic Celebrations Saturday: 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) 4:00 p.m. Life Teen Mass

St. Joseph’s Chapel

Monday (No Mass) Tuesday – 12:00 noon Wednesday – 8:30 a.m. & (1st Wednesday Only 6:30 p.m.) Thursday, & Friday – 8:30 a.m.

Parish Staff

Rev. Tony A. Castro, Pastor Deacon Hector Cantu Deacon Julio Matallana Deacon Stan Avallone

Bookkeeper-Patty Detweiler Bulletin/Sacramental Records– Cheryl Frobenius Maintenance-Humberto Villalobos

Parish Secretary-Debbie Heasty Receptionist-Peggy Holland

C.C.E. Director-Jessica Jaramilllo EDGE Director-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.

March 10& 11, 2018

Weekly Goal $12,000.00

Regular Collection $ 10,402.28

2nd Collection ~ Catholic Relief Services $1,958.00

Saturday, March 17: 6:00pm Charlotte Boudreaux† By:Rosie Molina Sunday, March 18: 7:30am Patty Sue Wheeler† By:John Magliolo 10:00am Delia Lopez† By:Joe Lopez & Family 12:30pm People of the Parish 4:00pm Alex Jaramillo† By:Family Tuesday, March 20: 12:00pm Jose Manuel Alvarez† By:Maria Rios Wednesday, March 21: 8:30am Vicenta Ilustre† By:Ilustre Family Thursday, March 22: 8:30am Marita Hooper† By:Schaider Family Friday, March 23: 8:30am Diann Verret† By:Peggy Holland Saturday, March 24: 6:00pm 90th Birthday Celebration Marge Fleming By:Her Children Sunday, March 25: 7:30am Zosimo Dapitan† By:Marden Dapitan 10:00am Joanie O’Neal† By:Rosie Meridan 12:30pm People of the Parish 4:00pm Special Intention for Sarah Johnston By:Noble Family

Friday’s in Lent Stations of the Cross

6:30PM(English) 7:15PM (Spanish)

Date Celebrant March 23rd Fr. Tony Castro 7:15PM (Spanish) Deacon Julio

Every Friday KC Fish Fry Parish Hall 5:30-7:30pm

DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND “Instruments of God’s Mercy”

Parish Goal 2018 $52,000.00 Total Amount Pledged $28,187.50

Total Amount Paid $16,857.50 (30.90%) Total # of Participants 92 If you have not already offered your pledge in this year’s Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), Please do so today. DSF 2018 is focused on us, the Church, as we use our gifts to be Instruments of God’s Mercy, which will benefit min-istries that serve thousands and thousands of our brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese. Through your support, we bring Christ’s comfort and care to the many pressing needs that cannot be addressed individually or by one parish alone. Our parish goal is $52,000. With every parish family’s full participation, we will surely exceed this amount and do our share to help many in need, advancing the work of the Church in our community.

To Give Online Go To www.archgh.org/dsf.

For those of you who have already responded with a gift, please accept our sincere gratitude.

Lenten Reconciliation We will also be having our normal schedule for confessions on Saturday, March 24th from 4:30-5:30pm. You may also call the office if you wish to schedule a private appointment this week with Fr. Tony.

Samaritan Corner Counting Our Blessings!!! We have 3 incredible funeral teams that provide receptions for the families who have lost a loved one after the funeral. Perhaps you would be willing to volunteer to make something beforehand or come to setup/serve on the day of the funeral reception. Please call the office if you are interested, and we will get you in contact with one of our funeral team leaders.

Join Us… La Porte Community

Easter Sunrise Service

Sunday, April 1, 2018 @ 6:30am Sylvan Beach Pavilion

1 Sylvan Beach Dr., La Porte

Sponsored by the La Porte Ministerial Alliance

& InterChurch Council

Dear parish family, 5 Sunday Lent B

It is just a week more and we'll be celebrating the central point of our redemption in Jesus Christ; His Passion, Death and Resurrection. The direction of the readings this Sunday are getting us "heads up." We are reminded in the gospel about the redemptive value of sacrifice and suffering. It is not of course about suffering just for the sake of suffering but about suffering for a higher purpose, in service of a higher good. Our Lord Jesus wants to instill into our consciousness the saving fruits of sacrifice. He himself suf-fered and died for our sake yielding us the fruit of our salvation. His life-giving sacrifice is also the pattern for our lives that we have to follow in order for us to live meaningful lives and save ourselves from the path of self-destruction. The grain of wheat is just a plain grain of wheat, it is worthless unless it dies and be planted in the ground and grow again to produce a new life, a new harvest. So thus our lives are worthless or meaningless unless we “die” in some sense a part of our self for the sake of others who share our life. That “dying” refers to sacrificing our comfort, our energy, our time, or whatever we hold dear to our life in order that we may uplift the life of another; who can be a wife, a hus-band, the children, or friends, or the community we belong. We need not think of those grand sacrifices because there are so many ordinary things, which count a lot that we just take for granted. Like for example a mere quality time with the family rather than spend-ing at places where time and money are wasted. Or it could be a simple voluntary service in the church or in the community. In short, whatever that brings us to share our time, talents and treasure to those who needs it. Could we not sacrifice a day for the Lord that He can strengthens us and uplift us in our faith? And that we too can share our faith with those whom we love or whom we meet? Why not attend this Saturday, March 24, the Live Christ Share Christ seminar? It can be a great sacrificial gift to the Lord this Lent. And advance Easter gift for those who can attend. Blessings to all and have a good week! Fr. Tony Querida familia parroquial, 5 Domingo Cuaresma B En solo una semana más y celebraremos el punto central de nuestra redención en Jesu cristo; Su Pasión, Muerte y Resurrección. Las ilustraciones de las lecturas de este domingo ya nos están instruyendo. En el Evangelio se nos recuerda acerca del valor redentor del sacrificio y el sufrimiento. Por supuesto, no se trata de sufrir solo porque si, sino del sufrimiento por un propósito superior, al servicio de un bien altísimo. Nuestro Señor Jesús quiere inculcar e n nuestra conciencia los frutos salvíficos del sacrificio. Él mismo sufrió y murió por nosotros, dándonos el fruto de nuestra salvación. Su sacrificio de vida es también el patrón de nuestras vidas que debemos seguir para que podamos vivir vidas significativas y salvarnos del camino de la autodestrucción. El grano de trigo es simplemente un grano de trigo, no tiene valor a menos que muera y sea plantado en el suelo y crezca de nuevo para producir una nueva vida, una nueva cosecha. De modo que nuestras vidas carecen de valor o carecen de sentido a menos que "muramos" en algún sentido una parte de nosotros mismos por el bien de otros que comparten nuestra vida. Esa "muerte" se refiere a sacrificar nuestra comodidad, nuestra energía, nuestro tiempo o lo que sea que tengamos en nuestra vida para poder elevar la vida de otro; quién puede ser una esposa, un esposo, los hijos o amigos, o la comunidad a la que pertenecemos. No necesitamos pensar en esos grandes sacrificios porque hay antas cosas ordinarias, las que asumimos y son las que cuentan mucho. Como, por ejemplo, un tiempo de calidad con la familia en lugar de desperdiciarlo en sitios donde se malgasta tiempo y dinero. O podría ser un simple servicio voluntario en la iglesia o en la comunidad. En resumen, lo que sea que nos lleve a compartir nuestro tiempo, talentos y tesoros con quienes lo necesitan. ¿No podríamos sacrificar un día para el Señor que Él puede fortalecernos y elevarnos en nuestra fe? ¿Y que nosotros también podemos compartir nuestra fe con aquellos a quienes amamos o con quienes confraternizamos? ¿Por qué no asistir a este sábado, 24 de marzo, el seminario Live Christ Share Christ? Puede ser un gran regalo de sacrificio para el Señor en esta Cuaresma. Y un regalo adelantado de Pascua para aquellos que puedan asistir. ¡Bendiciones para todos y que tengan una buena semana! P. Tony

Activities of the Week

Sun. March 18: No CCE, No EDGE & No Life Teen Adult Confirmation 2pm PH Conf. Rm OREMUS Bible Study Group 5:15pm Rosary Hall Mon. March 19: Creciemento 6:30pm Rosary Hall Tues. March 20: Baptism Class (Spanish) 7pm Conf. Rm Wed. March 21:OREMUS Bible Study Group 9:15am PH Conf. Rm Thurs. March 22: RCIA 6:45pm PH Conf. Rm. 7pm Fri. March 23: KC Fish Fry 5:30pm—7:30pm Stations 6:30(English) & 7:15(Spanish) Sat. March 24: LIVE CHRIST/SHARE CHRIST SEMINAR 8AM

EASTER VIGIL PRACTICE CHURCH 10AM

CHURCH CLEANING (Altar Society) 8am

Join Us… St. Mary’s Music Ministry

Sat. 6pm Mass– Rehearsals before Mass at 5:15 Contact Kathy McBride 713-628-8387 Sun. 7:30am Mass - Rehearsals before Mass at 7am Contact Yvonne Fisher 832-581-5974 Sun. 10:00am Mass - Wed. 6:30-9pm Rosary Hall Contact Annelise Lagasse 281-459-6453 Sun. 12:30pm Spanish Mass- Contact Jose Vazquez 832-868-4081 Sun. 4pm Life Teen Mass- Rehearsals-Sunday 2pm Contact Alex sttheresa.prolife@gmail.com or 281-543-7794

Te invitamos a una Hora Santa en comunidad Todos los mièrcoles

De 7-8 p.m. En la Capilla de San Josè.

Para más información Puedes comunicarte con

Marta y Reino Fernández 832-985-1799

Los Testigos del Poder de Dios

Nuestra Asamblea de Oración les invita a reunirse como her-manos en Cristo para ALABAR, BENDECIR, y GLORIFICAR a nuestro Dios, Padre, Hijo y Espiritu Santo. Vengan pe-quenos y grandes todos los viernes de 7:30-9:00p.m. en la capilla de San Jose.

Encuentro Martimonial Mundial Los invita a vivir un Fin de Semana

Conoce como puedes vivir mas intima y profundamente tu relacion. AQuieres recuperar la relacion con tu esposo (a)cunado eran novios. 281-948-8690, 281-948-8640, Marco & Mercedes Arrona, marco-51@sbcglobal.net

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21-30 Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42 Thursday: Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9; Jn 8:51-59 Friday: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:31-42 Saturday: Ez 37:21-28; Jer 31:10, 11-13; Jn 11:45-56 Sunday: Mk 11:1-10 or Jn 12:12-16; (procession) Is 50:4-7; Ps 22: 8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Mk 14:1 -- 15:47 [15:1-39]

OREMUS-LET US PRAY The Oremus study program teaches you the essentials of an effective and fruitful prayer life. Over the course of eight weeks you will discover how God speaks to you, even in the smallest encounters. Following the Tradition of the Catholic Church and the wisdom of the saints, you will learn how to express yourself to God in prayer, and how to hear his voice.

Classes Sun. @ 5:15pm & Wed. @ 9:15am

St. Mary’s VBS 2018 July 9th thru 13th

We are still in need of 6 Adult Volunteers to help lead the activity stations and groups. Without your help VBS will not be possible.

Would you be willing to help???

Please contact Kristina 832-367-0941, Emarita 281-471-5883 or Heather 832-206-3063 if you have any questions or can help in any way.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for March Evangelization:

Formation in Spiritual Discernment That the Church may appreciate the urgency of formation in spiritual discernment, both on the personal and communitarian levels.

Single/Single Again Social Ministry Monday, April 2nd Blue bonnets in bloom on the trip to Blue Bell Creamery and Heritage Museum in Brenham. Stop for sausage in Chappell on the way or coming back home. Restaurant: It Must Be Heaven (soup, sandwiches, dessert, and Blue Bell Ice Cream, of

course. Leave on Harris County bus at 9:15 a.m. from Chapel parking lot. No long tour of Blue Bell, but they do have an ice cream shop with film and window to see how their ice cream is made. Possible stop in Bellville at the bakery & castle on the way. Call Victoria @281-991-4780 or emailvjswenson@a .net to join St. Mary’s Single/Single Again Social Ministry.

Please Pray For Our Troops and … Bill & Rena Manthei, Jorge Cortez, Vanessa Carriaga, Kasey Brinkley, Micky and Betty Flynn, Hope Araujo, Delia Garcia, Rosie Rodriguez, Timoteya Sanchez, Steve Grigory, Rosa Reyes, Hannah Schmitz, Ryan Paulissen, Rena Espinoza Carroll, Candeleria Ortiz, Sherry Paschal, Felicia Kahn, Beatrice Gamboa, Mrs. Langston, Marie Alemon, George Lopez Jr., Michael, Johnny Hughes, Maria Miranda, Virginia Jaramilllo, Joel Rivera, Bryson Dunn, Lisa Steinberg, John Lopez, , Mark Staszek, Salazar Family, Brad & Barbara Riley, Isabelle Calvillo, Raymond Flores, Aaron Binkley, Jordon Binkley, Noe Mares, Albert Davis, Anthony Melancon, Brittany Espinoza, Maximiliana Rios, Carlos Rios, Amy Zann, Joy Barksdale, Edward Salinas Jr., Sergio Reyes Family, Trevor Bonnau, Craig Wade, Jennifer Wade, Seth Permenter, Bob & Barbara Jennings, Dianne Lemons, Paula Lambright, Jennifer Minor, Jarred H., Dave & Cindy Schmitz, Faith A., Tami Sills, LeeAnn & Family, Dennis, Peggy & Erica Hargens, Ruth Christian, Marilyn James, Chuck Thompson, Katherie Reichley & Family, Don & Allie Fay Matthews, Joe & Sue Hand, Mary Pat Wells, Cheryl Grimes, Rick Lara, Tina Aviles, Katy Dalton, Sharon Holston, Janice, Steven Carr, Ruth Stephens, Cormac O’Reilly, Georgia Fogo, Jim Haynes, Jessica Salazar, Ashley Paulissen, Priscilla Lopez, Eloy Guerra, Jackie Chappell, Zina Arlan, Terry Dunn, Michael Scott, Francisco Viogueria, Aurora Jones, Carlos Martinez, George Lopez Jr. Please continue to Pray for Edward Salinas, Marlene Orellana, Humberto Villalobos, Mary Sagala, Julia Dautriel, Ernie Molina, Kathy McBride, Margaret Espinoza, Christina Palacios, Romela Nolan, Joe Bernal, Fr. Gary Rickles, Renee Cortez, Pedro Sanchez, Aurelia Hinojosa, Cathy Hanzelka, Msgr. Boli Zientek, Gayle Phillips, Carlos Smith, Jane Middleton, Rosa Reyes, Tom Noonan, Deacon Tom Lewis, Gene Contreras, Becky Melchor, Aaron Rodriguez, Irene Templet, Preston Wolf, Lawretta Foots, Marcos Vasquez, Clarence Clipper, Gavin Binkley, Clarence Lewis, Red Cornejo, Linda Jaramillo, Lois Johnston, Deacon Merce Leal, Margarita Klock, Sue Crockett, Joanne Jarrell, Ben Munoz, Diana Ortiz, Bob Davis, Janet Hoffpauir, Nick Martin, Barry Armstrong and those requesting prayer via our web site. Remember Our Shut-Ins Josie Funda, Ann Blair, Soledad Hernandez, Elida Peterson, Carolyn Douglas, those battling terminal illness and the residents of La Porte Care Center and Parson’s House.

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.

ALTAR FLOWERS 2018 Available Flower Date (No Flowers during Lent) April 21/22, 28/29 May 5/6, 26/27 June 2/3, 9/10, 23/24 To place flowers on the altar contact Jan Hughes @ 281–402-5401 or 903-780-5090 to reserve your date as soon as possible.

Chapel Sanctuary Candle In Loving Memory of Robert Sullivan

By: Angeles Sullivan

Chapel Sanctuary Candle In Loving Memory of Maria Rodriguez

By: Rinche Family

Bay Area Deanery Council of Catholic Women will hold their March meeting on Wed. March 21@ St. Paul’s Church, 18233 Point Lookout Dr., Nassau Bay. The morning will begin with Mass @ 8:30am. Social will begin at 9:30am. Brittany Baucom, Director of Youth & Young Adult Spiritual Life will be our guest speaker, followed by a brief business meeting. Attendees are invited to join us for lunch following the gathering at Luby’s on Nasa 1. CCW is a network of Catholic women who come together for fellowship, spiritual growth, and service to Christ. Info. contact Judy Erne 281-280-8071 or judyerne@comcast.net. Childcare available by contacting Marilyn Daniel @ YodalnOz@comcast.com or 713-412-8559.

MINISTRY SCHEDULE MARCH 24 & 25, 2018

SATURDAY 6:00pm Altar Servers Andrew Nguyen, Joseph Nguyen Lector Dennis Swenson Commentator Victoria Swenson Extraordinary Ministers Walter Hayes, Jessica Jaramillo of the Eucharist SUNDAY-7:30am Altar Servers Elizabeth Kappil, Ryan Kappil Lector Brigitte Barrera Commentator Nick Barrera Extraordinary Ministers Joy Hoffman, Steve Hoffman of the Eucharist

SUNDAY-10:00am Altar Server Benjamin Tercero, Madalyn Tercero Lector Randy Tercero Commentator Linda Patten Extraordinary Ministers Angie Tercero, Carolyn O’Neal of the Eucharist SUNDAY-12:30pm(Spanish) Altar Servers Adriana Calvillo, Mayra Hernandez, Jasmine Rodriguez Lectors Extraordinary Ministers Nelida Velez, Rocio Calvillo of the Eucharist Victor &^ Juanita Velasquez

SUNDAY-4:00pm Altar Servers Sergio Reyes, Dylan Rowan Lectors Lyndsey Hernandez Extraordinary Ministers Felicia Reyes, Maria Reyes of the Eucharist

The Gabriel Project is designed to help women and teenagers who are in a crisis pregnancy. If you are in need of assistance or know someone who is, please contact Belinda @ 713-805-4961 or the Church Office.

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store St. Mary’s Church,816 Park Dr., La Porte, TX Low-Low Prices

Clothing, Shoes, Houseware/Glassware, Hardware ~ New Merchandise Every Day ~

Hours: 9:00am to 11am Closed: Thursday & Sunday

All proceeds are used to help the needy in our community with their rent and utility bills. Thank You for Your Support! Our Resale Shop here at St. Mary’s is in need of volunteers (Especially able-bodied males). You can pick any day you are able to work. If you are available to help out, please contact Norma @ 281-471-1752.

The Lighthouse Catholic Media Kiosks... There are several books and DVD’s of informational material designed to help us grow in our faith. Go by and check them out! They are located at the back of the church and in Rosary Hall.

Catholic Family Night at the Astros… Friday, April 27th Astros vs. Athletics

Individual Tickets on sale in March

For groups of 20 or more or any questions, contact Hannah Walker @ 713-259-8857 or email hwalker@astros.com. Part of the proceeds will benefit Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese.

Make a Worldwide Marriage Encounter

Husbands and Wives, plants need fertilizer to grow healthy and strong and so to does your marriage. Without some nurturing and care it will remain weak and

unfulfilling. Spread a little fertilizer on your relationship. Make a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend and watch your love for each other grow. Some upcoming dates are March 23-25, May 18-20 or October 12-14. Register early to reserve a spot. Contact Brian & Tina Little at 281-773-4014 for more information. Or go on-line to houstonme.org.

Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center 23rd ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Tuesday, April 10, 2018, Go to... holynameretreatcenter.com or call 713-464-0211

Mercy Reigns Jr High Retreat St. Joseph's Youth Ministry of Baytown invites all 6th-8th graders to join us on April 7-8 for a Jr High Retreat on Divine Mercy. This retreat is a one night retreat at Cat Spring retreat house near Sealy, TX. The cost is $60. For more details, or for a registration packet, please contact Kristina Sommer at 832-367-0921 Or ksommer76@gmail.com.

Virtus trained adults as chaperones!

Lif_ T__n M[ss To^[y 4pm No Cl[ss Tonight

S__ you n_xt Sun^[y!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lenten Bible Study

Women’s Bible Study Shari’s Saturday’s @ 9am 281-470-6066

Men’s Bible Study Jorge’s Tuesday’s @ 7pm 832-418-0560

Info. contact Shari @ 281-470-6066

No Classes Today ~ Spring Break Classes resume March 25th

Questions, contact Jessica in the office on Mon. & Wed. @ 281-471-2000.

Randy Tercero EDGE Coordinator: randytercero@hotmail.com

Or Angie 713-826-0633

No Class Tonight Enjoy Spring Break!!!