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

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.

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

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

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

Sacrament of Baptism Baptisms are celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Classes are held on the 2nd & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Please come by the Parish Office to register or call for more information. Reconciliation The Sacrament of Penance is offered on Saturdays, from 4:30p.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 Reconciliation/First Communion First Reconciliation/Communion candidates must be baptized, at least in the second grade, and have been attending CCE classes for at least TWO full years prior to entering into sacramental preparation. Adults will be referred to the RCIA program. Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation is a separate more intensive examination of the faith and our responsibilities as practicing Catholics. Confirmands will meet once per month in addition to attending Life Teen faithfully, both one full year prior to the beginning Sacramental preparation and during the preparation year (no more than three absences either year). Parents/Sponsors will also be required to attend once per month meetings. Confirmation candidates must have pre-viously received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Ho-ly Communion. A habit of attending weekly Mass is re-quired for both years. Please, note the above represents the minimum requirements. Adults will be referred to the RCIA program.

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.

DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND “Bring Your Greatest Gifts to the Lord”

Parish Goal 2020 $52,000.00 Amount Pledged: $28,325.00

Amount Paid: $22,4575.00 (43.41%) Total # of Participants 97

Our 2020 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) has begun in every parish throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Christ calls us to serve one another and reach those who are sick or in need, to bless and serve them. Your compassion and generosity is needed by the Archdiocese. When you share your greatest gifts with the Lord, you enable us to reach out to people in this parish and throughout the entire Archdiocese through more than 60 important ministries. To give online, please visit www.archgh.org/dsf. grati-tude.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for July Our Families:

We pray that today’s families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance.

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

Sunday July 4/5Collection $4,476.00 June Online Giving ~ $7,545.69

Offertory Miscellaneous $4,038.23 Covid Support $6,000.00

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

Saturday, July 11: 5:30pm People of the Parish

Sunday, July 12: 9:00am Dorothy Dawson† By: Doris Holmes 11:30am Jesus Chavez † By: Family 1:00pm Gabriella Garza Birthday Celebration By: Jessica Jaramillo

Tuesday, July 14: 12:000pm Sammy Barnett † By Wichlep Family Wednesday, July 15:

12:00pm Zosimo† & Sinforosa Dapitan By: Distefano Family Thursday, July 16:

8:30am Zaragoza Trevino† By: Jose & Dora Bazan Friday, July 17:

8:30am Sammy Barnett † By: Wichlep Family Saturday, July 18: 5:30pm Joachim Vo Van Nguyen† By: Nguyen Family Sunday, July 19:

9:00am Zosimo† & Sinforosa† Dapitan By: Distefano Family 11:30am Julio† & Soledad† Romero By: Valencia Family 1:00pm People of the Parish

Bulletin Mailout... In order to keep those staying at home connect-ed to our parish with attendance updates and changes that may occur with our scheduleing, Fr. Tony has decided to continue doing the mailout each week of our bulletin. However, if you are currently coming to Mass each week and would like to be removed from our mailout list or just view the bulletin online, please call the office. We are counting our blessings and very grateful for your ongoing support!

www.stmaryslaporte.com

Dear parish family, 15th Sunday There are so many "words" we hear every day from the moment we wake up to the time we rest. Unfortunately the abundance of nothing good prevails – pandemic, divisive hateful words, bad news, etc. We need to hear words that heal, words of love, words that build up good relationships, and ultimately words that can build the kingdom of God here and now in life. This Sunday we are reminded to let the Word of God fall into good soil, so that it can yield a rich harvest in our lives. We ought to be the good soil which the Word of God grows. However, we should never forget that the principal message in the gospel parable of the sower is that, despite all the frustrations we may encounter as we go through life, the grain which is scattered by the heavenly sower will yield a return out of all proportion to what was sown, even at times a hundred times greater. No matter, then, what ups and downs we encounter as we go through life, we should never despair, because we are assured by sacred scripture that God's kingdom will finally triumph. Today's gospel contains a core teaching of the gospel message. It is about the Lord’s message being given to us, and the ways in which we respond to it. His message is given, it is available to all. When he has spoken, he stands back and awaits our response. That response can range from a full response, to a half-hearted, lukewarm one, to none at all. The big question is: What is our personal response? What condition is our hearts in, to receive the word of God with gladness? It is consoling, then, to notice that what Jesus called good ground produced different levels of results, some 30%, some 60%, and some 100%. Even the 30% was considered good ground. The thing about it is that the ground produced something. It didn't lie com-pletely idle, and produce nothing. If we do not give God time, open our hearts to him, and invite him to live in our hearts, nothing will happen. But unlike the soil which is suitable for sowing only at certain times of the year, there is no time constraint on hearing God's word. We all to have that opportunity to yield the “harvest of good life”- never too late, and in fact the opportunity is never ending. Stay healthy and be safe always, Blessings to all and have a good week! Fr. Tony

Querida familia parroquial, 15º domingo

Hay tantas "palabras" que escuchamos todos los días desde el momento en que nos despertamos hasta el momento en que

descansamos. Desafortunadamente, prevalece la abundancia de nada bueno: pandemia, palabras de odio divisivas, malas noticias,

etc. Necesitamos escuchar palabras que sanen, palabras de amor, palabras que construyan buenas relaciones y, en última instancia,

palabras que puedan construir el reino de Dios aquí y ahora en la vida

Este domingo se nos recuerda que dejemos que la Palabra de Dios caiga en buena tierra, para que pueda producir una rica cose-

cha en nuestras vidas. Deberíamos ser la buena tierra donde crece la Palabra de Dios.

Sin embargo, debemos olvidar que el mensaje principal en la parábola del sembrador del evangelio es que, a pesar de todas las

frustraciones que podamos encontrar a medida que avanzamos en la vida, el grano que el sembrador celestial esparce dará un retorno

de todo en proporción a lo sembrado, incluso a veces cien veces mayor. No importa, entonces, qué altibajos nos encontramos a medi-

da que avanzamos en la vida, nunca debemos desesperarnos, porque las sagradas escrituras nos aseguran que el reino de Dios final-

mente triunfará.

El evangelio de hoy contiene una enseñanza central del mensaje del evangelio. Se trata del mensaje del Señor que se nos da, y

las formas en que respondemos a él. Su mensaje es dado, está disponible para todos. Cuando ha hablado, espera y está pendiente

de nuestra respuesta. Esa respuesta puede variar: desde una respuesta completa, a una tibia a medias, o a ninguna. La gran pregunta

es: ¿Cuál es nuestra respuesta personal? ¿En qué condición se encuentra nuestro corazón para recibir la palabra de Dios con alegría?

Es consolador, entonces, notar que lo que Jesús llamó buen terreno produjo diferentes niveles de resultados, unos 30%, unos

60% y otros 100%. Incluso el 30% se consideró un buen terreno. Lo que pasa es que el suelo produjo algo. No quedó completamente

inactivo y no produjo nada. Si no le damos tiempo a Dios, y no le abrimos nuestros corazones e invitamos a él a vivir en nuestros cora-

zones, no sucederá nada.

Pero a diferencia del suelo que es adecuado para sembrar solo en ciertas épocas del año, no hay restricción de tiempo para

escuchar la palabra de Dios. Todos debemos tener esa oportunidad de producir la "cosecha de la buena vida", nunca es demasiado

tarde y, de hecho, la oportunidad nunca termina.

¡Manténgase saludable y protegido siempre, bendiciones para todos y que tenga una buena semana!

IGNITE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Parish Goal $469,301.00

Amount Pledged: $231,090.95 (49.24 % of Goal)

Amount Paid: $102,450.46(21.83%) Total # of Participants 71

Our Faith, Our Mission Begins! Addressing the Short and Long-term Needs of Our Church and those God calls us to serve.

We seek to raise over $150 million over the next 4 years to prepare our faith family for the future. At its heart, this campaign is about supporting our future by focusing on our parishes, our future priests, Catholic Education and Faith Formation as well as Rebuilding in Light of Harvey and ensuring a future Disaster Fund. Please prayerfully consider your commitment!

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

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

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

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

St. Mary’s facilities are now open for scheduling of meetings. As a reminder, we currently DO NOT HAVE A CLEANING CREW due to the financial impact the pandemic has had on our finances. The CDC guidelines of social distancing, wearing a mask and proper hand sanitation, as well as cleaning the designated mtg. space after each meeting are still in effect . In order to schedule a meeting, please contact the office to check on availability as meeting space is limited to certain areas. Thank you for your cooperation.

Activities for the Week Sun., July12: First Communion Mass 1pm Thurs., July 9: RCIA Rosary Hall Conf. Rm 6pm Knights Mtg. Rosary Hall 6pm

Readings of the Week Monday: Is 1:10-17; Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 10:34 — 11:1 Tuesday: Is 7:1-9; Ps 48:2-8; Mt 11:20-24 Wednesday: Is 10:5-7, 13b-16; Ps 94:5-10, 14-15; Mt 11:25-27 Thursday: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Ps 102:13-14ab, 15-21; Mt 11:28-30 Friday: Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8; Is 38:10-12abcd, 16; Mt 12:1-8 Saturday: Mi 2:1-5; Ps 10:1-4, 7-8, 14; Mt 12:14-21 Sunday: Wis 12:13, 16-19; Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43 [24-30]

In our ongoing effort to provide a safe environment for all the children of the parish I am informing you about the safe environment training requirements for our Archdiocese. Father Tony would like to get ALL volunteers at the church to do the safe environment training. If you are up to date on your training (VIRTUS OR Safe Haven) , thank you! IF you have not ever take the training or believe your certification lapsed please, access the following website and complete the training. The website has all the details needed to complete the training. This is the website that you can access for the training. https://www.archgh.org/offices-ministries/office-of-child-and-youth-protection/safe-environment-training-for-adults/ Please email Shari @ 1208stmarylp@gmail.com (Religious Education Director) if you have any questions.

Upcoming Baptismal Dates August 9, September 13

Baptism classes are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in English. Due to COVID we are unable to have classes in Spanish, but everyone is welcome to attend the English classes. Baptisms will be held the 2nd Sunday of each month after the 1pm Mass. If you are baptizing here, you need to fill out a registration form for your child’s baptism, and we will need to make a copy of their birth certificate from the state before you attend the class. If you do not live in La Porte, you must be a registered, active member of St Mary’s to baptize your child here. You cannot register in our parish only to baptize your child. Please call the office to make arrangements to obtain the paperwork.

RCIA Classes Thursday 6pm Rosary Hall

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

The Lighthouse Catholic Media Kiosks… There are several books and DVD’s of infor-mational material designed to help us grow in our faith. Go by and check them out! The re is a Kiosk located at the back of the church and in Rosary Hall.

ONLINE GIVING

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your generosity in assisting St. Mary's with Parish Support through the COVID-19 Donations and your Regular Offertory Giving. As a result our offerto-ry and COVID-19 donations, collections have in-creased and the shortfall has changed to 50% from the original 70%. St. Mary's continues to budget in areas where we can. We are currently able to maintain our monthly personnel salaries, utilities and maintenance as re-quired.

I cannot Thank You enough for assisting St. Mary's during this crucial time. Your donations will be credit-ed to your account and you will receive a tax form for the IRS at the end of the year. If you need help to register for Online Giving, please call the office at 281-471-2000. If you prefer to donate by check please mail to: St. Mary's Church, 916 Park, La Porte, Tx 77571

My prayers for good health are with you and your family during this pandemic.

With You In Christ, Fr. Tony Castro, Pastor St. Mary's Catholic Church

FYI...Our former Pastor, Fr. Gary Rickles has returned to St. Dominic Center from the rehab facility at the hospital. He will continue therapy there. However, due to the Corona Virus limitations, he is confined to his room indefinitely. A very special thank you to everyone who has sent him a card. His caregiver said he shared all the memories with her. They are a spe-cial contact to the outside world. St. Dominic's Center, Fr. Gary Rickles, 2409 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77021.

Please Pray For Our Troops and …

Lois Trevino, Don Gore, Leslie Castejon, Allen Hayes, Ernesto Rodriguez & family, Elisha Durham, Ron Johnston, Bob & Barbara Jennings, Darcy & Virgil Blackstock, Lynn Garner, Danny Miguel Saul, Lisa Medina, Destiny Perez, Chuck Driscoll, Johnny Hughes, Leon Arron, Hernan Enrique Caceres, Veronica Natalia Chavez, Maria Sol Montel, Laura Andrea Cáceres, Rodriguez, Luz Alejandra Bringas, Carolina Silvia Brizuela Perez, Andrea Emilia Bernabey, Rodolfo Martin Arruabarrena, Angel Esteban Arrua Gustavo Caceres, Enrique Cáceres, Candaleria Ortiz, Lorena Rodriguez, Ann Mullins, Micha Nelson, Ann DuBois, Raeland , Becky Smith,, Lemons, Paula Lambright, Dave & Cindy Schmitz, Dennis, Peggy & Erica Hargens, Ruth Christian & family, Don & Allie Fay Mathews, Cathy & Bill Eberle, Cheral Sides, Javier Martin Vera, Eileen Gaynor, Tony McCrory, Joe Lozano Jr, Casey Samollow, Elenor Joan Samollow, Rick Novak, Devon Tiffin, Bobby Hayes, Jennifer Dowing, Norman Ross, Tina Martinez, Susan Tolley, Aaron Binkley, Jordon Binkley, Mary Ann Cloyd, and Rene Lozano Continue to Pray for Joey Bernal, Joe Bernal, Wal’Dean Lundquist, Fr. Gary Rickles, Julian Buentello Jr., Deacon Hector Cantu, Edward D. Palacios, Joe Lopez, Maria Garcia,, Ladd Puskus, David Gonzalez, Vicki Farias, Nell Turk, Rosie Yznaga, Teresa Mills, Joe Lozano, Sr., Angeles Sullivan, Tim Hellstein, Leroy Marchan, Geraldine Chris-tensen, Kathy Strader, Daniel Vasquez, Herlinda Robles, Rosa Harness, Randy Hanks, Jeanette Tilley, Marisol Leyva & family, Marisol Luna, Pete & Juanita Sanchez, Betty Flynn, Orville Burgess, Pat Riley, Edward Salinas, Marlene Orellana, Humberto Villalobos, Kathy McBride, Robert & Margaret Espinoza, Romela Nolan, Fr. Gary Rickles, Renee Cortez, Aurelia Hinojosa, Cathy Hanzelka, Msgr. Boli Zientek, Gayle Phillips, Jane Middleton, Rosa Reyes, Deacon Tom Lewis, Irene Templet, Preston Wolf, Marcos Vasquez, Gavin Binkley, Clarence Lewis, Red Cornejo, Linda Jaramillo, Deacon Merce Leal, Sue Crockett, Ben Munoz, Diana Ortiz, Bob Davis, Janet Hoffpauir, Nick Martin, Barry Armstrong and those requesting prayer via our web site. Remember Our Shut-Ins Mary Boatman, Lydia Rubio, Trinidad Arrindon, Soledad Hernandez, Elida Peterson, and those battling terminal illness and the residents of La Porte Care Center and Parson’s House Repose of the Souls of Lee Perry Joseph Roy, Lawretta Foots, Judy Franiuk and Jesus Ramos Our Sympathy to Savanna Cashi and family on the loss of her dad, Lee Perry, Walter Foots and family on the loss of his wife, Lawretta, Susie Burgess and family on the loss of her sister, Judy and Magdaleno Ramos and family on the loss of his father, Jesus 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.

St. Joseph’s Chapel Needs You Is God Calling You to spend one hour a week with Him? Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held on Tuesday from 12noon to Thursday at 8:30am. We currently are in need of someone to fill the hour on Tuesday’s from 4-5pm due to the ongoing virus. If you can fill this hour, would like to schedule a weekly Holy Hour or be placed on the sub list, please call the office.

altar flowers July 11/12: Loving Memory of Carl Lundquist By Wal’Dean Lundquist

~ Available Flower Dates ~

August 1/2, 15/16, 29/30 September 5/6, 12/1, 19//20

Altar Flowers contact Rose Kolenc 713-202-3283 or rose_kolenc@yahoo.com.

Church Sanctuary Candle In Loving Memory of Josie Funda

By Angeles Sullivan

Chapel Sanctuary Candle In Loving Memory of Mr. Walton Sellers

By Wal’Dean Lundquist

Samaritan Corner We are currently trying to update our Samaritan Telephone Tree in order

to reach out to those who may be interested to know when we have a funeral here at St. Mary’s. If you were on the telephone tree previously or would like to become part of the list we will call please call the office and give us your updated information.

Stay Connected at Home JOIN FORMED

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

VIRTUAL Marriage Encounter Weekend “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” Let God amplify the love in your marriage by participating in a VIRTUAL Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend, July 31-Aug 02. Contact Brian & Tina Little at 281-773-4014 for more information. Or go on-line to www.houstonme.org.

LIVE TODAY Live today the way you will wish you had lived when you stand in judgment before God. —Anonymous

First Communion Please join in the welcoming the following young people to the banquet of the Lord. Keep them and their families in your prayers as they take this next step in our shared pilgrimage .

Sunday, July 12th, 1:00 PM Mass

~ Ariah Day ~

Confirmation Watch mail for new calendar!

Please send contact information for your sponsor to

1208stmarylp@gmail.com

Steubenville Live July 17/18 (Not just for Teens)

OPTIONS for Joining this event:

1) Join us at St. Mary’s Hall thir-

ty minutes before the event. (This

option is free and there will be snacks). We will be limited so there will be a sign-up through Flocknotes at stmarysicchurch.flocknote.com/signup/6231 2) Gather a group at your home and stream the conference. (This option cost Approx. $40 per family. See website below) https:// For more information: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/live/#theme Or Email Shari Davis—1208stmarylp@gmail.com