The St. Joseph BEACON · The St. Joseph BEACON Enlightened Communication for our Parish Family...
Transcript of The St. Joseph BEACON · The St. Joseph BEACON Enlightened Communication for our Parish Family...
THE SEASON OF SPRING RESOUNDS WITH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL THROUGH THE CHURCH’S MESSAGES OF HOPE, JOY,
LOVE, AND INSPIRATION THROUGH THE SUFFERING, RISEN AND ASCENDED CHRIST
The St. Joseph BEACON
Enlightened Communication for our Parish Family
Volume 2, Issue 2 SPRING 2013
Ministries 2
School News 4
Family Album 5
Hispanic Ministry 6
News from Rome 8
Feature Article 8
Reflections 9
Children’s Page 10
Prayer Corner 11
Inside this issue:
It's not really about GOING to
church, it's about COMING to LIFE!
HABEMUS PAPAM!!
THE UNIVERSAL CATHOLIC
CHURCH HAS A NEW POPE!
* FRANCIS *
The Conclave of the College of
Cardinals (115) entered into sequestra-
tion on March 12, 2013, to choose a
new Shepherd to fill the See of Peter,
vacated by Pope Benedict XVI on Feb-
ruary 28th, 2013.
On March 3, 2013, at 1:13, the
white smoke billowed from the smoke-
stack on top of the Sistine Chapel indi-
cating a new pope had been elected.
With a minimum two-thirds of the
electoral votes, Cardinal Jorge Mario
Bergoglio, S.J., Archbishop of Buenos
Aries, Argentina, was elected and ac-
cepted the spiritual Keys to the King-
We have celebrat-ed the beautiful Feast Day of Easter. We have come to the goal, the climax, the summit of Lent, of our Christian life and indeed, of all history. As Pentecost approaches and we await the descent of the Holy Spirit and the
birthday of the Church Universal, may we never forget that Jesus is with us once more and re-mains with us always, never to leave us by our-selves--never to leave us alone.
As with all of humankind for thousands of years, we hope and desire for ultimate deliv-erance from evil, for peace, joy and fullness of love. These human desires are fulfilled in Christ,
who is Love itself, and His triumphant Resurrec-tion from the dead that triumphed over sin and death with joy, exultation and praise.
Our Holy Mother Church does not forget that we, her children, remain face-to-face with daily living in our world. She remembers us living within our families, our particular voca-tions, enduring all our struggles and agonies, as well as with our joy. She reminds us that Easter is a springtime that always points to the future, to a harvest, to a recreated, renewed world. She always urges us to move forward in spite of our daily temptations and struggles. As for each of us who experienced the daily dying to self during Lent reminds us to point to our own personal dying with Christ at the end of our life in this world.
During my ten years in Marshall, I have been helped by all our parish organiza-
tions, the Finance Council, Pastoral Council, Knights of Columbus, Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, St. Joseph Catholic Charities, and every parish organization and group to create a parish filled with hope, joy and peace. I would like to thank each and every staff member, volunteer and organization for their part in making this come to fruition. I want to thank the active participation of our parishioners in the six important areas of Liturgy and Adora-tion, Catholic Formation, Catholic School, Youth Ministry, Outreach and Unification of Cultures that I implemented since coming to the parish, have brought hope and newness to “our own part of the world here in East Texas.”
May we all come with joy to that feast which lasts forever. Amen
Rev. Fr. Denzil
Vithanage, Pastor
dom to become the 266th succes-
sor of St. Peter, a position estab-
lished by Jesus to lead His church
on earth.
He is the first of the Jesuit
order to be elevated to pope, the
first from the Americas, the first
priest ordained after Vatican II,
and the first to take the name of
FRANCIS, in honor of Holy
Saint Francis of Assissi!
stjosephmarshall.org
He once wrote: "Mary’s deep
relationship with the Eucharist
can guide the faithful and allow
people to get closer to God. She is
the “model of the bond between
the Lord and his bride, the
church, between God and each
man.” --Cardinal Bergoglio
Give glory to God, Allelulia!
Viva papa Francesco!
Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Are you called to serve?
There are many places to serve in God’s house,
which one is right for you?
Do you like to sing and make music? How does
making music in the house of the Lord sound to you?
Then serving in the choir is the place for you. Youth
Choir practice is Wednesday evenings 6:15-6:50 pm
and Adult Choir practice is Wednesday evenings
7:00-8:00 pm in the choir loft.
Are you called to be an Altar Server? Boys and
girls who have made their First Communion and who
would like to assist Father at the altar during Mass
may decide this is right for you.
Call the Office at 903-935-2536 for information
THE ST. JOSEPH BEACON
Spring 2013
THE MINISTRIES OF FAITH FORMATION
Page 2
Liturgy/Choir Ministry Nancy Vines
St. Joseph Altar Society Ministry Lurlie Maddox, President
The Altar Society ministry assists Father Denzil in
the maintenance of the sanctuary, sacristy, and worship
space in the church, as well as the Adoration Chapel.
This includes the care and cleaning of the sacred vessels
and altar linens, weekly cleaning of the floor in the sanc-
tuary and changing of the holy water and assuring that
votive candles are available and sanctuary lamps are
burning.
The Altar Society also operates the Parish Gift Shop
and is responsible for the Art and Environment in the
Church for the different liturgical seasons. The Altar Soci-
ety also holds fundraisers and all proceeds from fundrais-
ers and sales from the gift shop go toward purchasing
liturgical items for the church.
All are welcome to join the Altar Society. There are
no dues - just a desire to work with others to serve God
and support the pastor in maintaining the sacred environ-
ment. If you are interested in joining the Altar Society,
contact any member through the Church office at 903-935
-2536. Officers are: Lurlie Maddox, President; Cindy
Holcomb, Secretary; and Carolyn Ponder, Treasurer.
Or, you are welcome to just drop in at any meeting
which is held monthly on the 4th Wednesday, at 7:00 p.m.
Meetings are held in the basement lounge area behind the
Gift Shop. Enter through the gate and down the steps.
Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation Gerald Duvall
St. Joseph’s offers many activity choices for you to explore your Catholic
faith. One of these choices is the Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation group.
The group welcomes everyone who would like to gain a deeper perspective on our
Catholic faith through reflection, discussion, and social interaction.
This “class” provides a forum to help you to become more familiar with
scripture, learn more about our Church, our Lord and His Sacraments. Our group
discussions are guided by Reflecting on Sunday’s Readings provided by Emmaus
Journey (found at www.emmausjourney.org). As adults, our discussions generally
tend toward families, careers, and other influences from the choices we make in our
lives. Regardless of where we are in our personal faith formation journey, we learn
together how scripture and prayer can help us to more fully commit our lives to
Christ.
During discussions, one doesn’t have to be asked to speak…it simply hap-
pens. We do our best to create and maintain an atmosphere where interactions oc-
cur in the spirit of love. Come, give our group a try. Regular attendance is encour-
aged, but not committed. There is a chair waiting with just your name on it.…we
even provide the coffee (and occasionally, donuts!).
The group meets 9:00—10:00 a.m. Call the church office at 903-935-2536 or
Gerald Duvall at 903-938-1733 for more information.
“The singular most serious
problem facing the Church today is
loss of faith in the Real Presence.”
—Very Rev. William Casey, CPM
L-R : Carolyn Ponder, Trudy Harris, Father Denzil,
Susan Carlisle, Lurlie Maddox, and Cindy Holcomb
decorating the Sanctuary for the Easter liturgical sea-
son. Missing from this picture are Billie Wappler and
Katherine Wilburn.
THE ST. JOSEPH BEACON
Spring 2013 Page 3
The Marshall Food Pantry is in
DIRE NEED of food.
Please bring canned goods and
non-perishables to the Church for
delivery.
You may also make a money
donation for the Marshall Food
Pantry at the Church office.
Please help.
Cathy Lay,
Marshall Food Pantry Board Member
Parish Youth Happenings—REC TEAM
THE MINISTRIES OF OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHARITIES AND
FOOD PANTRY MINISTRIES
Cathy Lay
Contact the church office at 903-935-2536 if you are interested in
serving with any of the Parish ministries profiled in this month’s
newsletter.
The volunteer members of THE GABRIEL PROJECT see in the
birth of each baby a fresh expression of God’s unfailing love.
They offer immediate and practical help to any woman faced
with a crisis pregnancy.
Catholic women in East Texas are committed to
respond with love to any woman facing a crisis pregnancy.
Bishop Strickland has asked every Catholic community in
the Diocese of Tyler to reach out.
To ask for help, offer your assistance, or
for more information, contact Juanita Cantu at
[email protected] or call 888-300-5112.
St. Joseph's Youth Group, the "R.E.C. T.E.A.M" ( Really Enjoying
Christ, Teens Engaging Actively in
Ministry), has been serving donuts,
orange juice, and coffee after the
morning Masses on Sundays. They
hope to encourage a more social
atmosphere for our parish. They
graciously accept monetary dona-
tions to apply toward youth retreat
opportunities this summer.
The youth program aims to help the
youth strengthen their faith through social,
service, and spiritual activities. Our goal is
to have the youth become more active in the
church and in the community, all the while
having fun learning more about their faith
and building upon their relationship with
God.
The high school REC TEAM is open
to all youth who are in 9th - 12th grade and
meets at Chili's Parish Youth House on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM -
8:30 PM.
The Jr. REC TEAM, for those youth in 5th - 8th grade (Jr High/MS),
meets on Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at Chili's.
Helping Mother and Child for the Love
of Jesus Christ
The Legion of Mary
Carita McClatchy
The Legion of Mary meets on Tuesday mornings at
10:00 a.m. in the Parish Office conference room. They
pray the Holy Rosary for the intentions of parishioners, the
sick, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals,
our families, the Holy Father, bishops, priests, clergy, men
and women religious, our country, and for the suffering
Church world wide.
All ladies of the Parish are invited
to pray with us whenever you can
be available on those Tuesday
mornings. No commitment is re-
quired and there are no dues or
special equipment necessary...just
your favorite Rosary !
Together with the Jr. and Sr. REC TEAMs, I want to express my gratitude for the faith-filled and loving guidance that Benji and Holly Cantu have given the children. It is with great regret that we must see them leave the program. Their willingness to provide for a safe and Christ-like environment in which the children could be socially active in play and prayer will
be missed by all!
Father Denzil Vithanage Pastor
Thank you! Benji
and Holly
THE ST. JOSEPH BEACON
Spring 2013 Page 4
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS
St. Joseph Catholic School, 2307 South Garrett Street, Marshall, TX,
75672.
Phone: 903-935-5502
FAX: 903-472-4114
To learn more about your school and activities, visit us on the WEB
at:
SJCSM.ORG
(www.sjcsm.org)
St. Joseph’s Catholic Daughters of the
Americas, Court Santa
Maria # 184, was formed in 1913 and
celebrated its 100th
birthday in January with a special Mass
celebrated by Bishop
Joseph Strickland and
a wonderful banquet.
Under the patronage
of the Blessed Mother, the local CDA is united by its members’ faith in Jesus Christ, in their devotion to the church and the Holy
See. They donate to charities, administer scholarship programs and
strive “to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow or
sickness.” The CDA motto is “Unity and Charity.”
One of our goals is to watch our membership grow. We in-
stalled four new members at our last meeting in March. Court
Santa Maria #184 is a hard working court, but we have fun when we have our fellowship time. The Junior CDA is for girls and
young women ages 6-18. Any Catholic woman age 18 and older
may join this organization whose motto is “Unity and Charity.”
Please come join us. We gather on 2nd Monday each month to
celebrate Mass at 6:30 pm, followed by the meeting in the Parish
Hall.
For information, call the Church office at 903-935-2356.
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS - 100 Years
Regent Laura Cisco-Kavanaugh
SIR KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS—A “ROUND TABLE”
Grand Knight Charles Reeves
Our service theme this
year is: “I am my brother’s keeper”
and we invite you, as a practical
Catholic man 18 years or older, to
join with us. This year will be a
busy year for the Knights and I
thank all my brother Knights and
their Families who have been so
generous with their time supporting the St. Joseph school, an-
nual Lenten Friday Fish Fries, flags and crosses at the church
and cemetery (Squires & Knights), Hwy 80 trash pickup, soup
kitchen, blood drive and many more service projects.
Together as Knights we are a
“Catholic family, fraternal, and service
organization.” This theme permeates
through every Service Program activity in
the areas of Church, community, council,
family, pro-life and youth. We welcome
you to join with us. For detailed member-
ship information, please call GK Charles
Reeves at: (903) 927-2874.
Many thanks to Sir Knights Bill
Elliott and David Ziegler for all they do
for our church and school.
ENROLLING NOW
FOR FALL
Pre-K thru 4th Grade
To enroll, visit the school at
2307 S. Garrett, or call us at
903-935-5502
We are fast approaching the end of another fantastic school
year at St. Joseph’s. However, we still have a great deal of learning to
achieve before we can say “farewell” for the summer.
After Spring Break our elementary students geared up to take
the IOWA Basic Skills test and our preschoolers completed their TSR
end of year assessments. Both of these assessment tests are to show us
how much our children have grown academically this year. This meets
our goal for showing that our students grow academically. All year, we
continued to learn and to grow in our faith by participating in weekly
Mass and daily religion classes that meets our school’s goal of our stu-
dents growing spiritually.
Our students participate in physical education throughout the
school year. During May, we will participate in Field Day events with St.
Mary’s Catholic School, which highlights our goal of giving our students
every opportunity to grow physically.
Wanda Robinson, Principal Cindy Kopecky, Director
(RIP Sir Knight Doug-
las Gardiner, March
2013)
SK Elliott and
family with Bishop
Carmody
SK David Ziegler with
Bishop Carmody
THE ST. JOSEPH BEACON
Spring 2013 Page 5
St. Joseph’s Family Collage! JANUARY - APRIL 2013
Mark & Maria Linh Grace
Ellis & Amy Campos Payne
Nayeli Angela Arellano
Israel A. Martinez Carbajal
Logan Michael Haden
Micahel H. Hannan
William Drake Lee
Gracie Cattleya Luna
Kalen Nicholas Norwood
Arturo Jacob Saucedo
Let Us Remember
Doug Gardiner
Paul Heath
William “Bill” Heath
Charles Hughes
Chloe Jameson
Hermilio Olvera
John Verhalen
Sarah Verhalen
Julie Warfield
Florence Woodley
The St. Joseph BEACON
Spring 2013 Page 6
Comunidad Hispana-Parroquia de San
Jose, Marshall, Texas
P. Carlos O. Rangel
"En general, mis queridos hermanos/as en el Resucitado, pues gracias a El, esta nuestra comunidad parroquial
marchando por el Camino, la Verdad, y la Vida. Gracias a su presencia, sobre todo en las Santas Eucaristias podemos
darnos cuenta que El esta Vivo, y quiere compartir su amor, su vida, su sabiduria, su compasion para con cada uno de
nosotros. Gracias Madre Santisima, la Dolorosa, por habernos tu tambien acompanado en nuestros calvarios de cada
dia, pero ayudanos aun para vencer esas actitudes de egoismo, de orgullo que nos estorban mucho para poder tener una
amistad con tu Hijo, nuestro Salvador.
Hermanos/as, el Senor en su benevolencia se fija en cada uno de nosotros, tanto en los que andamos trabajando o
sirviendo en algun ministerio dentro o fuera de la comunidad, como a cada uno de los creyentes que participa los dias
domingos o fiestas de guardar durante todo el Ano Liturgico. El nos llama por nuestro nombre, el se lo sabe bien, y
nos invita a que no perdamos de vista su amor que nos sigue teniendo desde la cruz de cada eucaristia, desde el perdon
que damos a los demas o recibimos, como desde el perdon que el nos da por pura misericordia, y que experimentamos
en el sacramento de la reconciliacion.
Todos los hermanos/as vamos por el mismo sendero marcado por El desde nuestro bautismo, ese camino que con
caidas y levantadas nos va acercando cada dia mas. Nos lo aseguran estos misterios de fe cristiana que durante el Ano
liturgico con gozo, jubilo y regocijo celebramos llenos de esperanza, tratando de hacer el bien en favor de los demas.
Fueron los 40 dias de cuaresma que nos trajeron a vivir y revivir esa llama que el Cirio Pascual, nos recuerda, cuando
Dios viene a querer morar en nuestra vida particular, y esa llama que nos prepara dentro de nosotros para seguir cada
ano, gozandonos de ese gran recuerdo de su victoria sobre el pecado y muerte. Les invito a todos a que ahora vivamos
en serio y con mayor conciencia este espiritu de pascua, en la fidelidad a la
Palabra, en amor a Dios, que ahora nos dirige la Iglesia hacia ese Pente-
costes, cuando tendremos nuestra convivencia material-espiritual. Dia en
que celebra la Iglesia ese compromiso y conciencia pastoral de que todos
somos enviados a ser verdaderas piedras vivas con nuestra conducta,
palabras y obras del Reino de Cristo que ya esta "Aqui y ahora".
Bendiciones a todos en esta cincuentena pascual.
P. Carlos O. Rangel
Pastor Asistente de San Jose
The St. Joseph BEACON
Spring 2013 Page 7
"Hola Hermanos/as en Cristo Jesus, ojala y les haya aprovechado bien las hermosas platicas de cuaresma que nuestra hermana
Maria Concepcion Ponce, de Tyler, tuvo a bien bendecirnos con su ejemplo de mujer consagrada a Dios, y a su mision. Estu-
vieron muy animosos y entusistas los cantos, y sobre todo la pareja que le acompano a la madrecita".
"Ahora les presentamos a nuestros pequenos hermanitos/as que
han sentido ese gusto y vocacion por servirle al Senor en el altar.
Gracias al apoyo que reciben de sus papas, los tenemos activos
y muy atentos a lo que realizan como monaquillos. Muchas ben-
diciones a todos ustedes chicos, chicas." Gracias a la Sra. Bertha
Rios, quien ahora funje como coordinadora de este humilde pero
servicial ministerio.".
"Como cada ano, muchos de nosotros los catolicos
tenemos sembrado en nuestro corazon, y en nuestra vida
cristiana esa tradicion hermosa de vivenciar el via cru-
cis, tanto a modo de refleccion, como "viviente", o actu-
ado. Este simulacro de la Pasion de Cristo, quien tuvo
que pasar por ese tormentoso y triste suplicio por nues-
tros pecados, la mayoria de nosotros pide a Dios en su
gran misericordia, a traves de asistir a esos actos religi-
osos y muy significativos de nuestra fe, que nos perdone
algo de tanto que le ofendemos.
Page 8 THE ST. JOSEPH BEACON
Spring 2013
Why Veil? Would You Veil if More Women Did?
Preserving Catholic Traditions for Tomorrow's Faithful
Part II
(Continued from Previous Issue)
Mary Immaculate, Mother of God,
Pray for us
In the pre-Vatican II Church, the use
of a head-covering at Mass was the
norm and the custom was so deeply en-
grained that you wouldn't dream of en-
tering a Church without something over
your head. On Saturday afternoons eve-
ryone went to confession--every week.
It's was just what we did. Women al-
ways had at least a small veil with them
tucked into their purses, but younger
girls sometimes forgot and then there
was a panicked hunt for a paper tissue
and bobby pins to serve as emergency
covering.
In almost every corner drug store
you could easily find the little circular
chapel veils worn by girls and the trian-
gular veils for older girls and women.
There wasn't much variety, they were
either black or white. Occasionally, you
might see veils in pastel pink, blue or
yellow. Grandmothers and older rela-
tives from Europe had more elaborate
veils with heavier lace and beautiful
edging. But for the most part, we all
looked the same.
Veils weren't by any means the only
acceptable head covering. If you were
in Catholic school and went to Mass
during the week, you'd wear your uni-
form beret or beanie. Others would
wear a kerchief either tied under the
chin or wrapped around and tied in the
back. On Sundays, especially in warmer
weather, we wore hats.
Vatican II changed a lot of things in
the Church, including the use of veils
and other head-coverings at worship.
The only women who wore veils, it
seemed, were ladies from Latin Ameri-
ca and the Eastern Europeans wore
“babushkas.”
Next issue, we will continue this dis-
cussion and read testimony from some-
one who currently veils and explains it
in a very reverent way.
Please tell us your views by using the form
provided for your convenience on last page of
this letter.
Part III—Continues in the
next issue
Pope Francis Condemns
Calumny as Work of Satan
and Remembers Martyrs
On April 15th, in the First
Reading from the Acts of the
Apostles, 7:51-8:1, recounting
Stephen, the first martyr, be-
ing dragged before the San-
hedrin, Pope Francis in his homily strongly
condemned the sin of calumny. The Holy Fa-
ther noted that Stephen was accused of "false
witness," and that his enemies chose "the path
of calumny." The Pope described calumny as
worse than sin and a direct expression of Satan.
"We are all sinners; all of us. We all com-
mit sins. But calumny is something else. It is of
course a sin, too, but it is something more. Cal-
umny aims to destroy the work of God, and
calumny comes from a very evil thing: it is
born of hatred. And hate is the work of Satan.
Calumny destroys the work of God in people,
in their souls. Calumny uses lies to get ahead.
And let us be in no doubt: Where there is cal-
umny, there is Satan himself," he said.
In contrast, Stephen’s behavior did not re-
turn falsehood with falsehood. "He does not
want to go that way to save himself. He looks
to the Lord and obeys the law," being in the
peace and truth of Christ. And that, Pope Fran-
cis said, "is what happens in the history of the
Church."
"But the age of martyrs is not yet over, even
today we can say, in truth, that the Church has
more martyrs now than during the first centu-
ries," he continued. "The Church has many men
and women who are maligned through calum-
ny, who are persecuted, who are killed in ha-
tred of Jesus, in hatred of the faith: some are
killed because they teach the catechism, others
are killed because they wear the cross ... Today,
in many countries, they are maligned, they are
persecuted ... they are our brothers and sisters
who are suffering today, in this age of the mar-
tyrs." And again Pope Francis repeated, "The
age of martyrs is not yet over, the Church has
more martyrs now than during the first centu-
ries."
He said this age of "such great spiritual
turmoil" reminds him of an ancient Russian
icon that depicts Our Lady covering the people
of God with her mantle: "We pray to Our Lady
to protect us, and in times of spiritual turbu-
lence the safest place is under the mantle of
Our Lady. She is the mother who takes care of
the Church.
And in this time of martyrs, she is the pro-
tagonist, the protagonist of protection: She is
the Mother. (...) Let us state with faith: Mother,
the Church is under your protection: Care for
the Church."
~Zenit
NEWS/ISSUES FROM THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH
Page 9 THE ST. JOSEPH BEACON
Spring 2013
Some of my Protestant friends
have asked why Catholics go to confes-
sion. What would you say? (CCC 1420f)
Jesus entered this world to forgive
sins. Recall the words of our Lord: "God so
loved the world that He gave His only Son, that
whoever believes in Him may not die but may
have eternal life." (Jn 3:16) During His public
ministry, Jesus preached about the forgiveness
of sins: remember the parables of the Prodigal
Son (Lk 15:11ff) or the Lost Sheep (Lk 15:1ff),
and His teaching that "There will likewise be
more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner
than over 96 righteous people who have no need
to repent." (Lk 15:7) Jesus Himself forgave
sins: remember the story of the woman caught
in adultery (Jn 8:1ff) or the woman who washed
His feet with her tears. (Lk 7:36ff) He also
taught us to pray for forgiveness in the "Our
Father:" "Forgive us our trespasses as we for-
give those who trespass against us." His mission
of reconciliation would climax in His passion,
death and resurrection: Jesus suffered, died and
rose to free us from sin and death.
At the ascension, Jesus again charged
His Apostles with this ministry: "Thus it is writ-
ten that the Messiah must suffer and rise from
the dead on the third day. In His name penance
for the remission of sins is to be preached to all
the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are
witnesses of this. (Lk 24:46ff) Clearly, Jesus
came to forgive sins, He wanted that reconcilia-
tion to continue and He gave the Church a sac-
rament through which priests would continue to
act as the ministers of this reconciliation.
Nevertheless, we see this ministry of
reconciliation lived out in the early Church. St.
Paul wrote, "God has reconciled us to Himself
through Christ and has given us the ministry of
reconciliation." (2 Cor 5:18) received, while
satisfaction and the forgiveness granted by the
priests is acceptable to God." During the time of
persecution, when local "parishes" were small,
individuals publicly confessed their sins at the
beginning of Mass) and received absolution
from the bishop or priest.
Perhaps many Protestants do not see
the need for confession because most Protestant
denominations do not have sacraments or at
least the understanding of sacraments as effica-
cious signs through which the Lord gives us
grace. (However, traditional or "high" Episco-
palians have confessions. The Lutherans also
have a ritual for reconciliation.) Therefore, we
go to confession because it is a sacrament given
to us by Christ, and it has always been a prac-
tice of the Church. Regular confession is a
healthy spiritual practice. Each sincere Catholic
needs to periodically—every month or two—do
a good examination of conscience holding him-
self to the standard of Christ. Each person
should reflect on how well he has lived a
"Christ-like” life by following the command-
ments and the teachings of the Church.
The healing grace of the sacrament of
penance washes away sin and gives us the
strength to avoid that sin again. The more we
love the Lord, the more we are aware of the
smallest sins and the more we want to say, "I am
sorry. Please forgive me." I am sure this is why
Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II go to con-
fession weekly. In His divine mercy, Jesus
called the sinner to realize the sin, to repent of
it, and to be reconciled with God and neighbor.
May we take full advantage of this beautiful
sacrament which draws us closer to the Lord.
~Excerpts taken from article written by Fr. Saunders for the
April 7, 1994 edition of the
“Arlington Catholic Herald
and published in EWTN
documents library. He is
president of the Notre Dame
Institute and associate pastor
of Queen of Apostles Parish,
both in Alexandria, VA.
FATHER’S CATECHETICAL CORNER
“Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Awakening Your Faith Members of our St. Joseph RCIA/
Catholics Come Home program attempts to
reconnect inactive Catholics with their Catholic
faith and awaken it through a series of conver-
sations about themes of faith that hold particu-
lar meaning for people who are searching.
The conversation-based process pro-
vides basic and supplemental topics which are
explored in short, discussion questions designed
for getting people to share, to reflect, and to
pray. We will explore the Bible, the Catechism
of the Catholic Church, and the liturgical com-
ponents that are so necessary for a faithful
Christian life.
You will meet in a relaxed, social
atmosphere to make you feel welcome and at
ease. Refreshments are always available.
Is this you?
Too busy to go to church? Not been to
church in a while?
Children asking questions about faith
that you’re not sure how to answer?
Looking for answers and an oppor-
tunity to explore your faith, especially since
Vatican II?
Our RCIA/Catholics Come Home
program may be just right for you or perhaps
you know someone who might benefit from
attending and you don’t quite know how to
invite them.
Also, perhaps you would like to par-
ticipate in this pastoral ministry as a member of
the RCIA/Catholics Come Home team as a
group leader, hospitality coordinator or publici-
ty coordinator. For more information, please
contact the Church office at 903-935-2536 or
Deacon John at [email protected].
Jesus told Thomas to put his hand in
His side to prove that He is truly risen. Thom-
as said: “My Lord and my God.”
Jesus said to Thomas: “Have you
come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and
have believed.” (John 20:29)
Page 10 THE ST. JOSEPH BEACON
Spring 2013
ALL OUR (BIBLE) CHILDREN
PARENTS CHILDREN
a. Abraham and Sarah (Gen 21:2-3)
1. Abel
2. Asher
b. Adam and Eve (Gen 4:1-2) (2) 3. Benjamin
4. Cain
c. Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:13-17) 5. Dan
6. Eliezer
d. David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:24) 7. Esau
8. Gad
e. Elimelech and Naomi (Ruth 1:2) (2) 9. Gershom
10. Isaac
f. Elkanah and Hanna (1 Samuel 1:19-20) 11. Jacob
g. Issac and Rebekah (Gen 25:25-26) (2) 12. James
h. Jacob and Bilhah (Gen 30:4-8) (2) 13. Jesus
i. Jacob and Rachel (Gen 30:22-24, Gen 35:18) (2) 14. John
j. Jacob and Zilpah (Gen 30:9-13) (2) 15. John the Baptist
16. Joseph
k. Moses and Zipporah (Exodus 18:2-4) (2) 17. Kilion
18. Mahlon
l. Joseph and Mary (Matt 1:18-25) 19. Naphtali
m. Zebedee and Salome (Matt 4:21) (2) 20. Obed
21..Samuel
n. Zechariah and Elizabeth ( Luke 1:57-63) 22. Solomon
Below are lists of parents and their children. Match each offspring with the correct parents.
Page 11 THE ST. JOSEPH BEACON
Spring 2013
PRAYER CORNER
PRAYER FOR THE MORAL RENEWAL OF OUR COUNTRY
Lord, we ask you to send Saint Michael and all the hosts of heaven to battle against the forces of evil and
death in our nation. We ask specifically that the moral degradation of our country be reversed and that we will en-
ter a time of moral renewal. We ask that all human beings be respected and their lives protected by law, and that
our nation’s inhabitants will turn to you in purity, trust, selflessness, love, and faith.
With this intention in mind, we offer this prayer:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the
wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do
Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Hosts, by the Divine Power of God, cast into hell Satan
and all the evil spirits who roam through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
PRAYER FOR THE HOLY CHURCH AND FOR PRIESTS
“O Lord, shatter and bring to naught all that might tarnish the sanctity of Priests.”
O my Jesus, I beg You on behalf of the whole Church:
Grant it love and the light of Your Spirit and give power to the words of Priests so
that hardened hearts might be brought to repentance and return to You, O Lord.
Lord, give us holy Priests; You yourself maintain them in holiness.
O Divine and Great High Priest, may the power of Your mercy accompany
them everywhere and protect them from the devil’s traps and snares which are contin-
ually being set for the souls of Priests. May the power of Your mercy, O Lord, shatter
an bring to naught all that might tarnish the sanctity of Priests, for you can do all
things.
My beloved Jesus, I pray to you for the triumph of the Church, that you may
bless the Holy Father and all the clergy; I beg you to grant the grace of conversion to
sinners whose hearts have been hardened by sin, and a special blessing and light to
Priests, to whom I shall confess for all of my life.
Newsletter Staff:
Fr. Denzil Vithanage, Editor
Mary Heater, Asst. Editor
Melanie Hughes, Office
Administrator
Contributors::
Deacon John Sargent
Nancy Vines
Charlotte Smith
Cathy Lay
Gerald Duvall
Lurlie Maddox
Gambino Medina
Fr Carlos Rangel
SERVING HARRISON COUNTY AS A PARISH SINCE 1874
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
Phone: 903-935-2536
Fax: 903-938-1591
E-mail:
Web: http://www.stjosephmarshall.org
ST. JOSEPH CATHOL IC CHURCH
St. Joseph Church Office Directory:
Fr. Denzil Vithanage, Pastor
Office Administrator: Melanie Hughes
Fr. Carlos Rangel, Asst. Pastor
Deacons: John Sargent, Santiago Suarez,
Felipe Pena, & Magadaleno Aguirre
Director of Faith Formation: Charlotte Smith
Directory of Music and Liturgy: Nancy
Vines
School Principal: Wanda Robinson
School Director (ELC): Cindy Kopecky
Marketing and Development: Mary Heater
Maintenance: Tony Garcia & Naiff Thomas
“Under the same Management
for over 2,000 years.”
410 N. Alamo Boulevard
Marshall, TX 75670
PLEASE OFFER YOUR SUGGESTIONS FOR ARTICLES OF INTEREST TO OUR ST. JOSEPH PARISH FAMILY BY WRITING THEM ON THIS FORM AND SENDING TO The St. Joseph BEACON AT THE CHURCH OFFICE
The St. Joseph BEACON
Spring 2013 Page 12
JULY 4 OFFICE CLOSED - Par-
ish Potluck Dinner and Fireworks at KC Hall
AUGUST
2-3 Catechetical Conference
in Tyler 12 St. Joseph School—1st
Day of School 15 OFFICE CLOSED -The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
UPCOMING EVENTS SUMMER 2013
MAY 16 Happy Birthday, Father
Denzil! 26 Taco Sales after all Masses 27 OFFICE CLOSED - Memorial Day
29 4th Grade Graduation
JUNE
16-20 Totus Tuus (Grades 1-6)
17-21 TotusTuus(Grades 7-12)
The list of routine weekly and monthly meetings and Mass times are
available in the Church Weekly Bulletin