July 6, 2014

Welcome to Sts. Martha, Mary & Lazarus, Friends of Jesus

Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Chester L. Borski, S.T.L. Senior Priest: Rev. Nick Pasadilla Parochial Vicar: Rev. Alfonso Tran Deacons: Mr. Jon Barfield, Mr. Tony Cardella, Mr. Ed Kleinguetl, Mr. Bob MacFarlane, Mr. Al O’Brien, Mr. Guy T. Puglia, Mr. John Schuster, and Mr. Alfredo Soto

Baptized into Christ Jesus, we worship as one and reach out to all. Parish Office hours:

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday-Friday

Liturgy & Sacraments Weekend Masses First Saturday (Pro-Life Mass): .... ....................................... 10:00 AM Saturday Vigil: .................. 5:30 PM Sunday: ......... 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 AM En Español ....................... 1:00 PM Life Teen: .......................... 5:30 PM

Nursery at 9:00, 11:00 & 5:30 Life Teen

Weekday Masses Monday: .......................... 8:30 AM Tuesday: .......... 8:30 AM & 7:00 PM Wednesday: ... 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM Thursday: ......... 6:30 AM & 8:30 AM Friday: ............................. 8:30 AM

Sacrament of Penance Tuesday: Church ..................... 6:30 -7:00 PM Saturday: Church .................. 10:30-11:45 AM Church ...................... 4:30-5:20 PM

Perpetual Adoration Adoration Chapel .......... 24 hrs.

Anointing of the Sick Please call for a priest if you are seriously ill at home, about to en-ter the hospital, or if someone is close to death.

Baptism Classes: Last Sunday of the month,

call the Parish Office to regis-ter

Ceremony: First Sunday of the month

Marriage Preparation at least six months before the wedding. Register to attend an information meeting by calling 281-358-6637.

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT We, the community of Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus, Friends of Jesus Catholic Parish, are committed to our baptismal covenant with Jesus Christ. This covenant is manifested in our worship, evangelization, education, stewardship, service and our commit-ment to live as a community of faith. We center our parish life on Christ, Scripture and the celebration of the Sacraments in joyous worship and prayerful reflection of His love and mercy. We come together as a community of faith, in a spirit of hospitality and loving care, to serve one another in times of need and to share in the joys and struggles of everyday life in Christ. We provide all mem-bers of our diverse community the opportunity for spiritual growth through faith formation and the sharing of the richness of our Cath-olic tradition. We, as stewards of God’s gifts, share generously of our time, talent and treasure within our community and extend that care to others in fulfilling the mission of the Church in the world.

4301 Woodridge Parkway, Porter, TX 77365 281-358-6637 • fax 281-358-7973 • www.stmartha.com

MASS INTENTIONS

† PLEASE REMEMBER THE RECENTLY DECEASED AND THEIR FAMILIES IN YOUR PRAYERS †

Emile Parent (father of Jeff Parent) Josue Castro Guerrero Victor Joseph Canales (son of V ictor and Gloria Canales) Helene Guillemette (wife of Claude Guillemette) Phyllis Marie Holmes Maricela Torres Renteria Victoria Macdonald (sister of Diane Coleman and daughter of Bob and Carm Macdonald) Ken Carpenter (husband of Colleen Carpenter)

Fri./July 11 8:30 am †Matthew & Bernabela

Basabe Sat./July 12 5:30 pm †Paul “Mick” McConnell Sun./July 13 7:00 am †Madi Richardson

9:00 am †Rober t Glen Simpson 11:00 am †Edward Reveve 1:00 pm †Jesus Guzmán

5:30 pm †J im Manning

CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS Please join the DEMENT FAMILY

in prayer this week as they host the Chalice and pray for Vocations. Interested? Please contact Albert Holden at

713-292-6066 or by e-mail at aaholden@embarqmail.com to schedule a week.

Please remember the sick and their families in your prayers: James Col-lins, Brandon A. Evans, Tom Aloisio, Carmen Aloisio, Perlite Campbell, Thomas Quinn, Daisy Ramos, Myriam Varela, Emma Sheppard, Theresa Murphy, Chris Hooper, Josie Perez, John Bracker, Bob Castillo, Christine Womack, Jessica Garrison, Joe Moore, Vonda Wetherold, Hugh Evans, Brandi Wilborn, Joe Aloisio, James Ledet, Carmen Salsa, JoAnne Beck, Adriana Oblemenco, Bill Barineau, Fernando Orozco, Penny Gaido, Larry Austin, Kate Leber, Frances McMahon, Leonard Wood, Hubert Owens, Alex-andra Vaca, Anthony Morado, Lynette Smith, Susan Thom, John and Mary Chovan, Brett Siebeneich, Betty “Elizabeth” Hale, Gloria Galgano, Tammy Reece, Viola Schippa, John Lyke, Lorenzo Suarez, Theron Chauvin, Joe Toennis, Robert (Bob) Wetherold, John Castagna, Rina Flores, Tom Starkey, Joan Evans, Grant McTaggart, Patrick Giordano, Wonda Waldron, Michael Kelly, Neely Grimm, Jeffrey Wooten, Robert Alvarado, Robert (Bob) Ever-lanka, Allen Polka, Bill Gawlikowski, Concha Salazar de Russi, Daniel F. Carvajal, Victor P. Carvajal, Oscar Velasco, Lera Cordova, Carlos Mills, Rodney Gullo, Michael Peno, Robert Fulmer, Marcia Scaca, James Brad-shaw, David Smith, Madeline Marley, Larry Hattersley, David Wood, Efrain Cubillos Sarmiento, Maria Saenze, Catherine Sedlak, Judy Arnold, Nicolas Zumo, Suzanne Deubner, Carol Parish, John Wildman, Jolene Aloisio, Alice Able, Pat Grant, Kevin Wooten, Chester Nimtz, Samuel Wakim, Joseph Hala-by, Jude Miller, Gil Price, Tiare Tamura, Janie Alvarado, Dwayne Collins, Alice O’Malley, Vi Henry, Tomasita Lambert 

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — Rejoice heartily, O Jerusalem! For see, your savior comes (Zechariah 9:9-10). Psalm — I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God (Psalm 145). Second Reading — The one who raised Christ from death will give life to your mortal bodies also (Romans 8:9, 11-13). Gospel — Come, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:25-30). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Hos 2:16, 17b-18, 21-22; Ps

145:2-9; Mt 9:18-26 Tuesday: Hos 8:4-7, 11-13; Ps 115:3-

10; Mt 9:32-38 Wednesday: Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12; Ps

105:2-7; Mt 10:1-7 Thursday: Hos 11:1-4, 8c-9; Ps

80:2ac, 3b, 15-16; Mt 10:7-15

Friday: Hos 14:2-10; Ps 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-14, 17; Mt 10:16-23

Saturday: Is 6:1-8; Ps 93:1-2, 5; Mt 10:24-33

Sunday: Is 55:10-11; Ps 65:10-14; Rom 8:18-23; Mt 13:1-23 [1-9]

SAINTS AND SPECIAL

OBSERVANCES Sunday: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordi-

nary Time Wednesday: St. Augustine Zhao Rong

and Companions Friday: St. Benedict Saturday: Blessed Virgin Mary

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

That we learn to generously give back a portion of the gifts that God has given

each of us. “For my yoke is easy, and my burden

light.” - Matthew 11:30 When we think of being good stewards, we may think that God is asking too much of us when He calls us to gener-ously share our time, talent and treasure. However, we must remember that we are not “owners” of anything, we are merely “stewards” of the gifts God has given us. All He is asking is that we give back a small portion of what He has already given to us.

Mon./July 7 8:30 am †Chr istine Beseda

Tues./July 8 8:30 am †Eugene Goll 7:00 pm †James Shea

Wed./July 9 8:30 am †Josephine Sedlak 10:00 am †Mildred Guillerman

Thurs./July 10 6:30 am †Virginia Lichucki 8:30 am †Rudy Boll

From the Pastor

To the parish family of St. Martha, The Scripture readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time encourage us to learn true humility of heart by becoming aware of the wonderful gifts God has bestowed upon us. St. Paul de-

scribes this as learning to live “according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:9-13). Some Scripture scholars comment that today’s Gospel passage (Matthew 11:25-30) is Jesus’ “Hymn of Jubilation” because in it he rejoices in the Father’s plan of salvation for us. Jesus gives praise and thanksgiving for the Father’s decision to hide the secrets of the Kingdom from the clever and so-called wise of the world and to reveal them to the merest of children or “the little ones.” This phrase refers not so much to age but to a person’s societal status: the poor, the dispossessed, the forgotten, the defenseless, and especially those designated by the Bible as the “widow and the orphan.” It is important to point out that the teaching of Jesus is not encouraging us to re-main in ignorance and avoid personal responsibility in our decisions and actions. Nor is the Lord teaching us that human poverty and starvation are good things we should value. Meekness and humility are not virtues if we use them as an excuse to hide from taking responsibility to work for a better world. Rather Jesus praises that sense of “littleness” or poverty of spirit that helps us realize that all of life is a gift from God. Ultimately there is very little difference between having a lot and having a little. The big difference happens when we become aware that whatever we possess comes from God and must always be returned to the Lord in grati-tude by sharing those gifts with others. And it is God who reveals this secret of the Kingdom to us.

Thus, Jesus teaches us to have a disciple’s heart: “Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Jesus praises a sense of meekness and humility that leads us, not to deny our gifts and talents or to retreat from using them, but rather to utilize these gifts for the building up of the Kingdom of God. To keep us from making more of our talents than they really are or being of the mind-set that these gifts come solely from our own abilities, poverty of spirit reminds us that everything comes from God and all depends upon God. True joy and happiness come when we make these gifts and talents available in generous service to others. While this may seem difficult and sometimes impossible, Jesus reminds us that this atti-tude leads to authentic peace, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Once a person learns this type of humility and stops trying to impress others or to be in control, then the real burden of anxiety and stress is lifted from our shoulders. This child-like attitude, Jesus teaches us, gives us plenty of reasons to rejoice with our own “hymn of jubilation.”

Fr. Chester Borski

Men’s ACTS Retreat- September 11-14, 2014

Registration for the September Men’s (English) ACTS Retreat will be held on August 2 & 3, in the Narthex. The ACTS retreat is a 3 day/3 night retreat that allows the Holy Spirit to speak to you in the template of Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service. Registration is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis, and must

include a non-refundable deposit of $50. The cost of the retreat is $190, but don’t let financial considerations prevent you from attending the retreat. Please prayerfully consider attending this exciting retreat!! If you have any questions, you can contact the retreat director, George Hender-son, at 713-376-7653 or george@texasdreamteam.com.

St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese Black Bag Collection

July 12-13, 2014 In the Gospel today we hear Jesus say: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Your gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Annual Black Bag Collection on July 12-13, 2014 will bring peace to those who are overwhelmed with life’s burdens. This collection is the only

major collection for the Archdiocese Council during the year. The Black Bag Collections that suppor t St. Mar-tha’s Conference are held in May and November. Last year, through your gifts, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was able to bring the peace of God to the poor by assisting families and providing $2.5 million in food to those in need in the Archdiocese. Thank you for your support of the Archdiocese Black Bag Collection.

Adult Organizations and Opportunities

ADULT FAITH FORMATION SUMMER HOURS FOR THE FAITH FORMATION OFFICE:

Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm or by appointment. THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED BEGINNING JULY 20 THROUGH AUGUST 3. WE WILL RE-OPEN

WITH REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM BEGINNING MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2014.

Tuesday Morning: Breakfast & Bible Study, 9:15 – 10:30 am – Faith Formation Center, Room 2. Reading, studying & sharing on the Sunday Scriptures led by Carla Lewton. All are welcome. July Dates: 8 & 15

St. Martha Adult Faith Formation Website: www.stmartha.com. Recordings of previous adult classes, handouts, PowerPoints, upcoming events, schedules, important links, music, and more…check it out!

Adult Faith Formation videos available for viewing on You Tube. Click the You Tube icon on the website home page to view. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! Up To The Minute AFF Information.

Click the Facebook icon on the website home page and join.

NORTHEAST CATHOLIC SINGLES Check us out! Come join NORTHEAST CATHOLIC SINGLES, A MINISTRY FOR SINGLES AGES 40+, on Wednesday, July 9, to talk/eat/drink at 7:00 p.m. at Pei Wei, 702 Kingwood Drive in Kingwood. On Saturday, July 12, join us for 5:30 p.m. Mass at St. Martha’s, 4301 Woodridge Pkwy.; meal afterwards at Los Cucos Mexican Café at 23730 Hwy. 59 in King-wood. Meet in the narthex at 5:15 p.m. For more info about the group, contact Peggy Broyles (281-359-4560 or peggybmom4@gmail.com) or subscribe to us on Flock-note at St. Martha’s or St. Mary Magdalene’s website.

Communion to the Sick: If you or a loved one are in Kingwood Hospital, and would like a Communion Min-ister to visit, call the church office at 281-358-6637 to let us know. Hospital regulations require us to have the pa-tient’s name and room number before we send someone.

Pastoral Care Hospital Ministry An Opportunity for Deacons & Lay

People to Provide Pastoral Care 16-Week Training Course

To be held at the St. Mary Seminary on Thursdays, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM,

August 28th through December 18th

Four-fold Purpose

1. To bring the Presence of the Church to the Sick and the Dying

2. To provide basic skills of pastoral and sacramental care

3. To understand the Patient in a context of a Health Care Facility

4. To understand how to care for oneself as a Pastoral Care Minster

Topics to be included: Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying The Pastoral and Sacramental Visit The Pastoral Conversation The Fine Art of Listening Patient Identity Family Dynamics Suffering Loss and Grief Morals and Ethics Caring for Self Verbatims

Three to Four (3-4) Hours per week of Patient Visitation in Hospital

If interested, please contact Office of Diaconate at e-mail: deaconoffice@archgh.org (713-686-4345 ext 229) or Dcn. Gerald DuPont: gerald@gwdupont.com (281-703-0227)

PROJECT RACHEL Project Rachel is the confidential and compassionate out-reach to women who have had an abortion or been involved in an abortion. Its purpose is to foster reconciliation and healing between the parent and Christ, His Church, the child, and all other significant relationships. Questions? Contact Bonnie Develle, L.P.C., 281-812-8641, 713-435-9215, or bdevelle@comcast.net.

SENIOR CITIZEN LUNCHEON - SUMMER VACATION

The Senior Citizen Luncheons held at St. Martha on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Wednesday of each month will NOT be held during the Summer. We will resume on Wednes-day, September 10, 2014. Have a great summer and check the bulletin in August for information on the Septem-ber luncheons.

Youth Events / Parenting

Monica's Hope: Prayerful Support for Parents of Troubled Children

Don't suffer in silence and solitude. Within our Catholic Community there are many with seriously troubled children of all ages. Problems like addic-tion, criminality, and mental disorder. Our experi-ence is that sharing the burden lightens the load. And in the example of St. Monica you can pray for your child and you can find peace. The next meet-ing will be July 7, 7:30-9:00 p.m. in room 6 (in the FLC, MDO hallway). Questions? Call Paul and Marcia Aegerter at 281-812-1288 or e-mail marciaaeg@aol.com

Ministerio Hispano

Para la familia de la parroquia de Santa Marta, Las lecturas bíblicas para el Domingo 14º del Tiempo Ordinario nos animan a aprender la verda-dera humildad de corazón, tomando conciencia de los maravillosos dones que Dios nos ha con-

cedido. St. Paul describe esto como aprender a vivir "según el Espíritu" (Romanos 8:9-13). Algunos estudio-sos de las Escrituras comentan que el pasaje de Evangelio de hoy (Mateo 11:25-30) es Jesús '"Himno de Júbilo", porque en él se regocija en el plan de salvación del Padre para nosotros. Jesús da alabanza y ac-ción de gracias por la decisión del Padre por ocultar los secretos del Reino de los inteligentes y los llama-dos sabios del mundo y revelarlos a la los niños o "los más pequeños”. Esta frase se refiere no tanto a edad, sino a la condición social de la persona: los pobres, los desposeídos, los olvidados, los indefensos, y especialmente los designados por la Biblia como la "viuda y el huérfano”. Es importante señalar que la en-señanza de Jesús no es alentar a que permanezcamos en la ignorancia y evitar la responsabilidad personal en nuestras decisiones y acciones. Tampoco el Señor nos enseña que la pobreza humana y el hambre son las cosas buenas que debemos valorar. La mansedumbre y la humildad no son virtudes, si las usamos co-mo excusa para escondernos de asumir la responsabilidad de trabajar por un mundo mejor. Más bien Jesús alaba esa sensación de "pequeñez" o pobreza de espíritu que nos ayuda a darnos cuenta de que toda la vida es un don de Dios. En últimas, hay muy poca diferencia entre tener mucho y tener un poco. La gran diferencia es que cuando nos damos cuenta de que todo lo que poseemos viene de Dios y siempre se debe volver al Señor en agradecimiento por compartir esos dones con los demás. Y es Dios quien nos revela el secreto del Reino. Por lo tanto, Jesús nos enseña a tener un corazón de discípulos: "Aprended de mí que soy manso y humil-de de corazón”. Jesús alaba en un sentido de la mansedumbre y la humildad que nos lleva, no negar nues-tros dones y talentos, o no usarlos , sino más bien para utilizar estos dones para la edificación del Reino de Dios. Para guardarnos de hacer más de nuestros talentos lo que realmente son, o bien la mentalidad de que estos dones vienen únicamente de nuestras propias capacidades, la pobreza de espíritu, nos recuerda que todo viene de Dios y todo depende de Dios. La verdadera alegría y felicidad llegan cuando hacemos de estos dones y talentos disponibles para el servicio generoso a los demás. Si bien esto puede parecer difícil, y a veces imposible, Jesús nos recuerda que esta actitud nos conduce a la auténtica paz, "porque mi yugo es fácil y ligera mi carga”. Una vez que una persona aprende este tipo de humildad y deje de tratar de impresionar a los demás o estar en control, enton-ces la carga real de la ansiedad y el estrés se levanta de nuestros hombros. Esta actitud de niño, Jesús nos enseña, nos da un montón de razones para alegrarse con nuestro propio "himno de júbilo." Fr. Chester Borski

14º Domingo Ordinario Reflexión sobre las lecturas:

San Pablo nos recuerda en su carta a los Romanos a no vivir sujetos a la carne, a todas nuestras apetencias, sino al Espíritu de Dios que habita en nosotros. Ese Espíritu de Dios solo puede vivir en nosotros si estamos en estado de gra-cia, o sea, sin pecado mortal. Es por eso que la confesión es un sacramento al que debemos acudir con frecuencia, para poder vivir en gracia. Los exámenes de consciencia que hacemos antes de confesarnos son los que nos ayudan a ver nuestra alma al descubierto y a reconocer nuestros pecados. Jesús nos pide que vayamos a Él todos los que estemos cansados y agobiados y El nos alivia-rá. El quiere que aprendamos a ser como Él, mansos y humildes de corazón. Sólo si somos humildes y aceptamos su voluntad se nos hará ligera la carga. Aquello que hacemos por amor se nos hace mucho más llevadero y, si ese amor es hacia Dios, nuestra vida tiene un sentido diferente y los problemas y las cargas son mucho más llevaderos. Señor, enséñanos a ser humildes como Tú lo eres y permítenos ofrecerte nuestros problemas para que nos sean más ligeros. Amén. Compromiso de la semana: Haré un buen examen de consciencia para confesarme cuanto antes. Le pediré humildad a Jesús y le ofreceré mis proble-mas para que se me hagan más ligeros. Recibimos sus comentarios a esta columna o al contenido en español de este boletín en el correo electrónico: boletin@stmartha.co

Clases de Bautizo: NO HABRA CLASES DE BAUTIZOS NI BAUTIZOS EN EL MES DE JULIO.

Sociedad de San Vicente de Paul Arquidiócesis La Colecta

“Bolsa Negra” Julio 12-13, 2014

En el Evangelio de hoy escuchamos a Jesús decir: “Venid a mí todos los que estáis cansados y agobiados, y yo os aliviaré.” Su donación a la colecta anu-al “Bolsa Negra” de la Sociedad de San Vicente de Paul Julio 12-13, 2014 traerá paz a los que están abrumados con las cargas de la vida. El año pasa-do, a través de sus donaciones, la So-ciedad de San Vicente de Paúl pudo llevar la paz de Dios a los pobres, pro-porcionando $2.5 millones en alimen-tos a familias necesitadas en nuestra Arquidiócesis. Gracias por su apoyo a la colecta anual Arquidiócesis “Bolsa Negra.”

Ministerio Hispano

Proyecto Pro-Vida (Proyecto Gabriel): ¿Está embarazada? ¿Necesita ayuda emocio-

nal, económica o espiritual o durante su embarazo? No importa su edad! Para más in-formación favor de llamar a la Sra. Josefina

Carvajal: 832-677-7677, proyectogabriel@stmartha.co

Ministerio Legión de María

Están cordialmente invitados todos los viernes a las 7:00 PM

en el salón 2 de las instalaciones de

Woodland Hills Dr. Mayores informes con la

Sra. Veronica Reyes (281.728.9843) o por email:

legiondemaria@stmartha.co

Convalidación de Matrimonios:

¿Te falta el Sacramento de Matrimonio? ¿Necesitas ayuda emocional o espiritual en tu Matrimonio? Para

más información llama al Sr. Rubén o Sra. Janett Manosalva al 281-706-5068 o puedes

comunicarte por email: matrimonios@stmartha.co

RICA El proceso del Precatecumenado está comenzando y los in-teresados en iniciarse o completar sus sacramentos de ini-ciación (Bautismo, Eucaristía y Confirmación) aún estan a tiem-po de unirse al grupo. El equipo del RICA te invita a que vengas a conocer mas a Jesus en un ambiente dispuesto a escuchar y contestar todas tus preguntas. Comunícate con Jaime Gomez 281-973-1857 o escribe a sacramentos@stmartha.co. Si conoces a alguien que lo nece-sita la preparación para los sacramentos, invitalo y si te es posi-ble acompañarlo en el proceso.

Ministerios Hispanos que ofrece la Comunidad de la Iglesia de

Santa Martha en Kingwood, Tx: 1. Grupo de Formación y Evangelización 2. Monaguillos 3. Legión de María 4. Coro Hispano 5. RICA 6. Convalidación de Matrimonios 7. Proyecto Raquel 8. Ministerio de Eventos 9. Ujieres (Hospitalidad) 10. Catequesis de Niños y Adultos 11. Ministerio de la Cárcel 12. Ministerio de Trabajo 13. Ministerio de Town Hall

Todos estos ministerios están aprobados por la Arquidióce-sis de Galveston-Houston por Msgr. Borski y el Diacono Alfredo Soto. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta y quiere saber más sobre algun Ministerio Hispano favor de llamar a Ana Luisa Rodriguez al 281-358-1959 x 269.

COLECTA ANUAL DE COMIDA

PARA HAAM A la salida de todas las misas el sabado 28 y domingo 29 de junio, se les distribuiran bol-sas de papel, una por familia, para que las lleven a sus casas, las llenen de productos ali-menticios y las traigan de regreso el sabado 5 o domingo 6 de Julio. Coloquen alli todo tipo de alimentos que no sean perecibles, tales como comida enlatada, pan, granos y demas. Estas donaciones beneficiaran a los pobres que visi-tan HAAM, la mayoria de los cuales son His-panos en gran necesidad de ayuda. Sea gener-oso como el Papa Francisco nos ha pedido que seamos generosos.

haam@stmartha.co

Ministerio Hispano

ATAQUES A LA LIERTAD RELIGIOSA Ejemplos concretos

Las agencias locales de Caridades Católicas en todo el país ofrecen, desde hace tiempo, servicios de adopción y de cuidado tutelar a niños necesitados. Las agencias de Cari-dades Católicas asumen los casos más complicados, que incluyen niños mayores abusados y niños con discapacidades y necesidades especiales. Cuando entregan al niño a una pareja, la agencia se asegura de que ese niño disfrute de la ventaja de tener una mamá y un papá que estén casados. En el año 2006, Caridades Católicas de Boston, una de las agencias de adopción más antiguas de la nación, se enfrentó a una opción muy difícil: violar su conciencia o cerrar sus puertas. Para poder mantener la licencia del estado, la agencia tendría que obedecer las leyes estatales que prohíben la “discriminación por orientación sexual”. Y debido a que en Massachusetts se ha redefinido el matrimonio, Caridades Católicas no podría simplemente limitar la entrega a parejas casadas. Los líderes católicos pidieron a la legislatura estatal una exención religiosa, pero le fue denegada. Como resultado, Caridades Católicas de Boston fue obligada a poner fin a sus servicios de adopción. Más tarde ese año, Caridades Católicas de San Francisco se enfrentó con una opción similar, insostenible, y también fue ob-ligada a terminar sus servicios de adopción. En Washington, D.C., Caridades Católicas de la arquidió-cesis, que había brindado apoyo a niños y familias durante más de ochenta años, estaba asociada con la ciudad para su programa de cuidado tutelar y adopción públicas. Pero en 2010 entró en vigencia la ley que legaliza el matrimonio para personas del mismo sexo. El Distrito informó a Caridades Católicas que no sería elegible para ser socia en el cuidado tutelar y las adopciones. ¿Por qué? Porque como organiza-ción católica, la agencia está comprometida a colocar niños con parejas casadas para que tengan la experiencia de una madre y un padre. Los resi-dentes de D.C. preocupados por la situación apelaron para llevar el asunto del matrimonio a los votantes y así tener una voz en el debate, pero la Junta de Elecciones y Ética del D.C. repetidamente les negó su pedido de incluir el matrimonio en la boleta de votación. En 2011, las afiliadas de Caridades Católicas en Illinois cerraron para no cumplir con el nuevo requisito de que no pueden recibir dinero del estado si se niegan a entregar a niños a parejas del mismo sexo como padres tutores o adoptivos. “En nombre de la tolerancia, no nos están tolerando”, dijo el obispo Thomas J. Paprocki de la Diócesis de Springfield, Illinois, abogado civil y canónico que luchó para que Caridades Católicas conserve su libertad religiosa en Illinois. ¿Está siendo amenazada nuestra más preciada libertad? Entre muchos desafíos actuales, varios gobiernos estatales han buscado pisotear los derechos de conciencia de los proveedores de servicios de caridad católicos. La libertad religiosa no es solo libertad de cultos, incluye nuestra capa-cidad de aportar al bien común de todos sin comprometer nuestra fe. Si no com-prendemos plenamente el sentido pleno de la libertad religiosa, todos los ciudadanos sufrimos, incluso los niños más necesit-ados en busca de familias adoptivas y tutelares.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY UNDER ATTACK Concrete Examples

Local Catholic Charities agencies around the country have long provided adoption and foster care services to the neediest children. Catholic Charities agencies often take on the most difficult placements, including older, abused children and children with disabilities and special needs. When placing children with couples, Catholic Charities makes sure those children enjoy the advantage of having a mom and a dad who are married. In 2006, Catholic Charities of Boston, which had been one of the nation’s oldest adoption agencies, faced a very difficult choice: violate its conscience, or close its doors. In order to be licensed by the state, Catholic Charities of Boston would have to obey state laws barring “sexual orientation discrimination.” And because marriage had been redefined in Massachusetts, Catholic Charities could not simply limit its placements to married couples. Catholic leaders asked the state legislature for a religious exemption but were refused. As a result, Catholic Charities of Boston was forced to shut down its adoption services. Later that year, Catholic Charities in San Francisco faced a similar untenable choice and was forced to end its adoption services as well. In Washington, DC, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington—which has provided support to chil-dren and families for over eighty years—had a partnership with the District of Columbia for its foster care and public adoption program. However, in 2010, a law redefining legal marriage to include two people of the same sex took effect in the District. The District then informed Catholic Charities that it would no longer be an eligible fos-ter care and adoption partner. Why? Because, as a Catholic organization, Catholic Charities was committed to placing children with married couples so that each child would have the experience of a mother and a father. Con-cerned District residents appealed to bring the issue of marriage before voters so that they could have a voice in the debate, but the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics repeatedly denied voters’ request to put marriage on the ballot. In 2011, Catholic Charities affiliates in Illinois closed down instead of complying with a new requirement that they could no longer receive state money if they refused to place children with persons in same-sex relationships as foster or adoptive parents. “In the name of tolerance, we’re not being tolerated,” said Bishop Thomas J. Pap-rocki of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, a civil and canon lawyer who fought for Catholic Charities to retain its religious freedom in Illinois. Is our most cherished freedom truly under threat? Among many current challenges, several state governments have sought to trample on the conscience rights of Catholic charitable service providers. Religious liberty is more than freedom of worship; it includes our ability to make our contribution to the common good of all Americans without having to compromise our faith. Without religious liberty properly understood, all Americans suffer, in-cluding the neediest children seeking adoptive and foster families.

Please pray for our active military as seen on the wreath in the Narthex. To add a loved one call: Carole Parslow 832-689-5824 or e-mail carolep8359@gmail.com.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF DEVOTION TO PRAYER IN ST. MARTHA’S PARISH “Could you not watch one hour with Me?” Mark 14:37

Our parish is incredibly blessed to have Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration available in our adoration chapel twenty-four hours a day. Jesus dwells in the Blessed Sacrament because of His infinite love for each one of us, and He is always present there in the Blessed Sacrament patiently waiting for us to come and spend time with Him. Listed below are hours that are most in need of adorers at this time. However, please note that no hour is really ever “filled” because parishioners are always invited to choose an hour that works best for them, regardless of whether or not there are other adorers already there in prayer. Both regular adorers and substitutes are needed at this time. Even if you do not have a regular hour, please feel free to visit our Blessed Lord at any time knowing that He is always waiting for us with joyful anticipation. Second adorers are needed for the following hours: Sunday: 1-2 AM, 2-3 AM, Noon-1 PM, 2-3 PM, 3-4 PM Monday: 1-2 AM Tuesday: 2-3AM, 1-2 PM, 11 PM-Midnight, Wednesday: 11 PM-Midnight Thursday: 1-2 AM Friday: 1-2 AM, 5-6 PM, 6-7 PM Saturday: 1-2 AM, 9-10 AM, Noon-1 PM, 2-3 PM If you are interested in participating in this ministry or would like more information, please contact Robyn Laumbach at either 281-360-7897 or robynbfly@embarqmail.com. If you need a substitute, please call one of our division leaders: Robyn Laumbach at 281-360-7897 for Midnight-6 AM, Karen Ehlig at 281-361-7127 for 6 AM-Noon, Annunciata Hopkins at 281-360-1258 for Noon-6 PM, and Beth Beckham at 281-435-1439 for 6 PM-Midnight.

ROSARY GUILD The Rosary Guild will hold their regular monthly meeting on Sunday, July 13, in Room 2 (Woodland Hills campus) from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. For further information please contact JoAnna Loup at 281-361-0391 or jloup3@yahoo.com Please note: If you, or someone you know, would consider making the rope (love knot) rosaries for the Rosary Guild's distribution to the hospitals please contact JoAnna (contact info listed above).

JOB OPPORTUNITY: St. Martha Catholic School has a position open in the After School Program. Position requires:

Supervising children in PreK through 8th grade. Applicant must be 18 years or older Hours from 3:00-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Archdiocesan Virtus training requirements must be completed

Salary is commensurate with experience. Please send your resume or any inquiries to menezesv@stmarthacs.org.

HAAM ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE—THIS WEEKEND!!!! Remember that Pope Francis has called us to be very generous with the treasure that we have received from God for the

benefit of the poor and needy. Don't miss this opportunity to display the generosity of your heart.

Shalom Center Part-Time Office Assistant Job Opening Shalom Center, located in Splendora, Texas, has an immediate opening for a newly created part-time office assistant position. The hours would be T/W/Th from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Shalom Center is a growing resource center for Catho-lic Clergy and Religious. For more information, please call Mary at 281-399-0520 or send your résumé to 13516 Mor-gan Drive, Splendora, TX 77372.

CALL for Volunteers - Parish Festival

October 11, 2014 Tom DeBoise is chairperson for this year's festival. He is re-questing anyone interested in helping with planning and preparation for the festival to send him an e-mail at smparishfestival@gmail.com with your name and phone number.

ITALY PILGRIMAGE WITH ST. MARTHA CATHOLIC CHURCH

Sept. 28 thru Oct. 6, 2014 Join Msgr. Borski and other pilgrims from the Archdiocese on a Pilgrimage to the

Eternal City for the Ordination to the Diaconate of our very own Seminarian, Mr. David Angelino. We will experience many of the beauties and antiquities of ROME, including its awe inspiring churches such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Scavi Excavations where we find the bones of St. Peter, and the hillside town of Assisi. We will be privileged to partici-pate in the Pontifical North American College’s 2014 Diac-onate Ordinations. This promises to be a blessed event that will bring us great joy and fond memories. Other highlights of the pilgrimage include visits to the Vatican Museums, a Wednesday audience with Pope Francis, a visit to the Pon-tifical North American College, and a walk through Ancient Rome. For further information and/or to RESERVE YOUR PLACE contact Sofia at 800-653-0017 or email: canterbury.tours@live.com for a detailed brochure and res-ervation form.

FAITH JOURNEYS PRESENTS: AN 11-DAY PILGRIMAGE

OF FAITH TO THE HOLY LAND Walking with Jesus & Witnessing to Christ

October 25-November 4, 2014 Especially designed for St. Martha Church

For more information please call Faith Journeys at 1-877-732-4845, Ext. 100. Space is limited. For more information, contact Carla Lewton at 281-713-8968 or at carlal@stmartha.com

The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed every

Sunday at 3:00 p.m. in the Woodland Hills chapel.

Everyone welcome.

ST. MARTHA SUNDAY NURSERY Sundays- 9 AM, 11 AM and

5:30 PM (Life Teen) Open every Sunday, with the exception of Thanksgiv-ing weekend, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter. Ages: 12 months old through age 4.

Come and Learn 2,000 years of our faith in liturgical song! Come and spend eight glorious summer evenings learning beautiful Gregorian chants of the Mass and beautiful psalms to pray. St. Basil’s School of Gregorian Chant, University of St. Thomas, invites you to the 6th annual Summer Learning Scho-la. Two sessions, W & Th, July 23-24/30-31, and W & Th Aug. 6-7/13-14. Come to learn, come to deepen. Come to either session ($125.00) or both ($195.00). Call: 281-855-2358. www.gregorianchantschool.org.

For Survivors of Abuse Maria Goretti Network (MGN)

A peer to peer self help support group for women and men focusing on healing and forgiveness. For infor-

mation on monthly meetings e-mail: stmarthamgn@gmail.com or call (281) 360-4045.

S u n M o n T u e W e d T h u F r i S a t

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

July 2014

Parish Office, Faith Formation Of-fice, and Mar-tha's Kitchen Closed

We are asked to take care of the earth as good stewards would. We cultivate and protect the earth, using its resources for the benefit of everyone. We live in gratitude and respect for all creation.

10 am Pro-life Mass

HAAM Food Drive

St. John of the Cross Food Drive

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

2pm Rosary Guild, Rm 2

3 pm Chaplet of Divine Mercy

10:30 am Martha’s Quilters, Rm 3

9:15 am Unem-ployment Min-istry, Rm 2

9:15 am Break-fast & Bible Study

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

3 pm Chaplet of Divine Mercy

HAAM Food Drive

9:15 am Unem-ployment Minis-try, Rm 2

9:15 am Break-fast & Bible Study

10:30 am Martha’s Quilters, Rm 3

6:15 pm RCIA

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Baptism Class 3 pm Chaplet of

Divine Mercy St. John of the

Cross Food Drive

10:30 am Martha’s Quilters, Rm 3

9:15 am Unem-

ployment Minis-try, Rm 2

6:15 pm RCIA

6:15 pm RCIA

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

3 pm Chaplet of Divine Mercy

10:30 am Martha’s Quilters, Rm 3

9:15 am

Breakfast & Bible Study

7:30 pm Monica's

Hope Support Group, Rm 6

11-12:30 SVdP, Rm 1

ADMINISTRATIVE MIN. BUSINESS MANAGER

Theresa Miller 281.713.8957 FACILITY MANAGER

Steve Teets 281.358.6637x254 MARTHA’S GARDENERS

Wayne Theis wayne.theis@suddenlink.net PLANNED GIVING COMMITTEE Frank Amsler 281.361.4972 Bill Grun 281.360.3829 ST. MARTHA’S OFFICE ANGELS

Emma Rocha 281.358.6637 x262

COMMUNITY LIFE MINISTRIES DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY LIFE Francine Puglia 281.713.8954

ACTS RETREAT Chuck Rodine ACTSCore@StMartha-ACTS.org

ANNULMENTS Francine Puglia 281.713.8954

BOY SCOUTS Acenith Claassen 832. 455.3764

CARING COOKS Karen Rexer 281. 354.8857 Marian Brown 281.360.6914

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS Diana Vanhorn 281.788.3351

CENTERING PRAYER Greg LaCour gplacour@gmail.com

COLUMBIAN SQUIRES Max Weaver 713. 203.1112

COUPLES FOR CHRIST MaryLou & Ramon De La Cruz 832.527.1072

FAMILIA Laura Nichols 479.221.1583

FUNERALS Indiana Francis 281-358-6637 x255

GRIEFSHARE Jill Crawford 603-674-1025

HISPANIC MINISTRIES Ana Luisa Rodriguez 281.358.1959 x269 HOMEBOUND ERRAND COMMITTEE

Gretta Verhalen 832.264.7755 KING DAVID’S MEN

Fr. Alfonso Tran 281.358.6637 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Gary Everett eveintx@gmail.com LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

Jodi Schod 281.713.8955 MARRIAGE PREP. INFORMATION

To Register 281.358-6637 MARTHA’S QUILTERS

Angela Wemyss 281.361.9720 Noreen Borys 832.259.1848

MOM’S COLLEGIAN PRAYER GROUP Pat Azzollini patlini2000@yahoo.com

MOTHER’S DAY OUT Patty Jackson 281.358.1959x250

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Marion and Chris Dickson 713.516.7097

NEWCOMERS/WELCOMING/HOSPITALITY Kristene Hergenrother 281.713.8961 NORTHEAST CATHOLIC SINGLES

Peggy Broyles 281.359.4560 RECEPTION VOLUNTEERS Barb Setser 281.358.4129

Nancy Karpinski (Funerals) 713.594.4430 ROSARY GUILD

JoAnna Loup 281.361.0391 SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

Francine Puglia 281.713.8954 franp@stmartha.com

SR. CITIZENS LUNCHEON Nancy Landvogt 281.358.6637, x202

Nancy Karpinski 713-594-4430 SR. CITIZENS LUNCHEON TRANSPORT.

Minnie Romo Minerva.romo@gmail.com Domenica Seitz 713.899.1016

SUNDAY NURSERY Patty Jackson 281.358.1959x250

COMMUNITY LIFE MINISTRIES CONT. TEAMS OF OUR LADY

Kevin & Donna O’Kelley 281.360.9644 Kevin & Michelle Campisi 281.361.4201 Brian & Mary Anne Sokol 281.642.3821

Nick & Joannah Landry 281.360.0465 VOCATIONS COMMITTEE

Phil & Diane Applegate 281.361.2913

FAITH FORMATION BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDY

Carla Lewton 281-358-1959x213 CORNERSTONE BIBLE STUDY

Pam Rockwell 281.358.1959x230 RCIA

Charles & Lisa Ferguson 281.358.1959x258 SMYA AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Elizabeth Moore 281.358.1959x241 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL & VBS

Helen Seidel 281.713.8969 CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Martha Burns 281.358.5523 CONFIRMATION & RCIA Adapted for

Children/Youth— Derek Gallardo 281.713.8915

MIDDLE SCHOOL COORDINATOR (EDGE) Lisa Lucas 281.358.1959x241

HIGH SCHOOL COORDINATOR (LIFE TEEN) Laura Zeoli 281.358.1959x252

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES DIRECTOR OF LITURGY

Gayle Hogwood 281.713.8959 DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Dr. Rick Lopez rickl@stmartha.com LITURGY COORDINATOR FOR

LIFETEEN Joy Ehrman 281.358.1959x251

ALTAR SERVERS Gayle Hogwood 281.713.8959

BAPTISM 281.358.6637

CANTORS Dr. Rick Lopez rickl@stmartha.com

CHILDREN’S ADORATION Annatte Salazar 281.358.1492

CHILDREN’S CHOIR Dr. Rick Lopez rickl@stmartha.com

COMMUNION TO THE SICK Hospital Visit

Angela Wemyss 281.361.9720 Nursing Home & Homebound

Pat Timpanaro 281.361.9338 Hispanic Communion to the Sick Amelia Murphy 713.865.6946 EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS

OF THE EUCHARIST Pam Rockwell 281.358.1959x230

GREETERS Nora Twohy 281.814.5431

GREETERS-FAMILY MASS Angela Holden 713.628.8707

LECTORS Erv Baumeyer 281.358.4975

MARTHA’S ALTAR GUILD & DESIGNERS Gayle Hogwood 281.713.8959

PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Robyn Laumbach 281.360.7897

SACRISTANS Art Voltmann 281.361.6117

SOUND MINISTRY Bill Phillips 713.419.9277

TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY TEAM Joy Ehrman 281.358.1959x251

USHERS Barry Robichaux Barry.Robichaux@us.ibm.com

OUTREACH MINISTRIES DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES Dcn. Alfredo Soto 281.713.8917

CANCARE Roger Schuelke 281.358.8060 CRIMINAL JUSTICE MINISTRY Jaime S. Gomez 281.973.1857

Joseph Ortego 713.822.2825

OUTREACH MINISTRIES CONT. E-MAIL PRAYER WARRIORS

Donna Rueby dmrueby@earthlink.net H.A.A.M.

Luisa Montiel 281-225-7045 HOSPITAL MINISTRY

Sarah Clark 281.361.8832 Sheila Yepsen 281.358.5585

MARIA GORETTI NETWORK Shannon Deitz 281.360.4045

MARTHA’S KITCHEN Sr. Maria Elena 713.224.2522

MOTHER TERESA MINISTRY Paola Lam 832-284-1891

PRO-LIFE (GABRIEL PROJECT) 713.225.5826

PROJECT RACHEL Bonnie Develle 281.812.8641

ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS FOOD DRIVE Marie Burk 281.361.3650

ST. JOSEPH HELPERS Bill Beck 281.360.7023

ST. MARTHA BETWEEN JOBS AND BEYOND Bob Simpson 713.410.2844

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL 281.358.6636

SECOND FAMILY MINISTRY Peggy Wehe 281.360.3244

SOCIAL JUSTICE John Ehrman 713.907.2309

ST. MARTHA CATHOLIC SCHOOL PRINCIPAL PK3-8TH

Tina Lewis 281.358.5523 DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Lynn Lucas 281.358.5523x326 REGISTRAR

Jan Rodine 281.358.5523x314

MINISTERIOS EN ESPAÑOL FORMACIÓN RELIGIOSA PARA ADULTOS

Dcn. Alfredo Soto 281.713.8917 COORDINADORA DE CATECISMO PARA

JÓVENES Y SACRAMENTOS Irene Soto 281.358.1959x269

CORO DE ADULTOS Luis Valle 832.620.1888

GRUPO DE ORACIÓN Dcn. Alfredo Soto 281.713.8917

HOSPITALIDAD Milton Giraldo 832.573.5133

LECTORES Cristina Gabas 281.796.9084 MINISTROS EXTRAORDINARIOS

DE LA EUCARISTIA Amelia Murphy 713.865.6946

MONAGUILLOS Silvina Gheorghica 281.610.7374

RICA Jaime Gomez 281.973.1857

A STEWARDSHIP PRAYER FOR JULY

Lord and Creator, You are the source of wisdom and grace, the author of human freedom and creativity. We thank you for these gifts, and ask that you teach us to be good stewards of our creative spirits. Show us how to quiet ourselves, and to learn the art of recreation, reflection and relaxation so that we might recharge and refill ourselves for the work you have planned for us. Help us never to be too busy to pause and realize your gracious presence all around us: in nature, in oth-er people, in ourselves. Slow us down, Lord, and teach us to be stewards of our time of recreation. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP of Time, Talent and Treasure