December 16, 2012

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

Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Chester L. Borski, S.T.L. Parochial Vicar: Rev. Alfonso Tran Deacons: Mr. Bob MacFarlane, Mr. Al O’Brien, Mr. Ed Kleinguetl, 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 Catholic tradition. We, as stewards of God’s gifts, share gener-ously 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 4301 Woodridge Parkway, Porter, TX 77365 281281--358358--6637 • fax 2816637 • fax 281--358358--7973 • www.stmartha.com7973 • www.stmartha.com

Please remember the sick and their families in your prayers: Charlie Cooke, Lourdes Rodriguez, Joan Henderson, Tom Hall, Walter Egan, Ariana Chavez, Nicholas Chavez, Hilary Shurtleff, Jose Eliazo, Jesus Flores, Elizabeth Nazzuca, Kristina Halagao, Daniel Carvajal, Luke Landry, Steve Culling, Marion Cox, Mil-lie Smaardyk, Steve Culling, Kevin Williams, Viola Schippa, Theresa Toff, Karen Monteleone, Jonathan Cooke, Elvia Zambrano, Bernice Ramos, Gerardo Ramos, Jaime K. Daniel, Judie Wilcox, Tom Shannon, Abraham Chumaceiro, Joe Aloisio, Jake Armitage, Pat Reid, Merlin Moseman, Bill Barrick, Shawn Coble, Bernard McCann, Bob Gebert, Joseph Cervantes, Joseph Pietrocarlo, Joe Harlan, Randall Herr, Felix Barrientes, Allie Wakefield Harrison, Claire Tomlinson, Marcie Bren-nan, Bryan and Luci Evans, Frank Galiano, Penny & Rick Gaido, Kate Leber, Larry Hattersley, Don Chesnut, Zachary Cantu, Lynette Smith, Mary & John Chovan, Joan Ardoin, Ernie Pozzi, Landon Ahrendt, Jack Park Sr., Beth Krisher, Susan Thom, Eleanor Beck, Alfred St. Onge, Judy Hopkins, Charles Smith, Cecilia Grono, Shana Ritter, Isabel Peterson, Norman Reynolds, Ronnie Edwards, Joan Evans, Nicole Rapoza, Bob Murphy, Madeline Marley, Lex Larsen, Allie Wake-field Harrison, Madeline Novier, Chris Dickson, Grant McTaggart, Patrick Giordano, Lupe Quintana, Lin Dawson, Jeni Bedran, Robert Alvarado, Neely Grimm, Mary Callahan, Teresa Guzman, Arlene Mitchell, John Lipinski, Catherine Sedlak, Tiffany McGovern Hubbard, Laura Brown, Adam Holewinski, Timothy Meyer, Robert Barker, Lily Hallaway, Rod (Tiger) Gorman, Ronald Bessire, Mer-ilyn Deane, Richard Sexton, LaVonne Horecka, Jerry & Sandra Shrewsbury, Anto-nio Cervantes, John Sullivan and Bobby Johnson, Kathy Stoecker

MASS INTENTIONS TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading — Your God will sing joyfully

because of you, as one sings at fes-tivals (Zephaniah 3:14-18a). Psalm — Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 12:6). Second Reading — Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! (Philippians 4:4-7). Gospel — Whoever who has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. Whoever who has food should do likewise (Luke 3:10-18). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lection-ary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17

Tuesday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25

Wednesday:Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17;

Lk 1:5-25 Thursday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6;

Lk 1:26-38 Friday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-

18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45

Saturday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56

Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

SAINTS AND SPECIAL

OBSERVANCES Sunday: Third Sunday of Advent; Las Posadas begins Tuesday: International Migrants Day Friday: St. Peter Canisius; Winter

begins

TALK FOR THE RIDE HOME Theme: John baptized with water, but the Messiah will baptize with

the Holy Spirit and with fire. Adults: To whom have your past acts of kindness brought joy? What acts of kindness could you do this week? Children: What kind thing have you done for someone lately? Whom could you make happy by your kindness this week?

Fri./Dec. 21 8:30 am †Jorge Muller

Sat./Dec. 22 5:30 pm †Marie & George Burch Sun./Dec. 23 7:00 am †Can & Lan Le 9:00 am †Mima Bella 11:00 am †Theodore Bella 1:00 pm For the Parish

5:30 pm †Dr. John D. Barone

Mon./Dec. 17 8:30 am †Kelley Papiez

Tues./Dec. 18 8:30 am †Anna Maria MacDonald 7:00 pm NO MASS THIS EVENING

Wed./Dec. 19 8:30 am †Clarino Basabe 10:00 am †Leone Smith

Thurs./Dec. 20 6:30 am †A R Ford 8:30 am †Jerome Dolan

PARISH PENANCE SERVICE There will be an Advent Communal Penance Service on Wednesday,

December 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the church.

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE December 24 (Vigil): 4:00 p.m. Children’s Mass (Nativity Pageant

begins at 3:30 p.m.), 7:00 p.m., Midnight. December 25: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. (Spanish Mass)

Please note...The parish office will be closed Monday, Dec. 24th through Wednesday, Dec. 26th. We will re-open on Thursday, Dec. 27th at 9:00 a.m.

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

Mary Martin (wife of Bill Martin) Deborah Lee Sheffield (daughter of Mark & Rhonda Happ) Gloria Chua (mother of Cristina Bouchez) Barbara Mason Maria Nikolaidis Holly A. Scanlan Donald Hogan (husband of Mary Hogan) Lillian Benvegnu (grandmother of Tony Benvegnu)

From the Pastor

To the parish family of St. Martha, During the early weeks of the Advent season the central figure of the Gospel has been John the Baptist. His proclamation continues to ring in our ears, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” These

words stir up within us a sense of excitement and urgency. We are being called to acts of heroic virtue and involvement in helping to make positive changes in the world around us. John uses images that are not eas-ily forgotten or dismissed, “level the mountains, fill in the valleys, make straight the winding roads.” There is something about the challenge of this call to action that is very attractive, especially in this season of good will and good cheer. We find ourselves ready to get started. In fact, in our parish we respond by having our annual “Sharing Sunday” to assist the needy with gifts and groceries. However, once we get past this week-end and we begin to think about the magnitude of the challenge to help others, frequently we begin to feel much less enthusiastic about tackling John the Baptist’s challenge. The job of leveling mountains and filling in valleys involves a lifetime commitment and can quickly lose much of its luster. In the Gospel text for this 3rd Sunday of Advent some of the people ask John the very questions with which we struggle. They ask, “What are we to do?” and the Baptist’s response is quite direct and without glowing imagery. In summary he says to one, “Share your wealth.” To another he says, “Charge only what the law allows. Treat people justly.” To some soldiers he says, “Don’t push people around. Don’t misuse your authority. Treat all people with respect and kindness.”

When we attempt to respond to John’s challenge, we realize that what sounds inspiring in Advent hymns is not always that easy to embrace as the source of our motivation for Christian living. We need look no fur-ther than our own daily lives and the thousand and one small and unexciting challenges that irritate us each morning when we get up. We come to understand that it is only by meeting these daily obligations of charity over and over again that we prepare the way of the Lord. However, we should not let go of the urgency and the excitement of the message, especially our parish’s experience of Sharing Sunday. The goal of changing the world is a real and necessary one. It has been given to us by Jesus Christ himself. The Gospel imagery envisions the real world, the Kingdom of God, and the Lord tells us that it is truly possible. We must keep alive the memory of this vision because without it life can be robbed of its purpose. The Advent season reminds us that our lives are always a mixture of a vision of the future and a determination to do our part in helping shape a more humane and just world based upon this Gospel vision. Lest we forget, we took on this commitment at our Baptism.

Fr. Chester Borski

Thank you to all you par-ticipated in St. Martha’s First Old – Fashion

Cookie Exchange. If you would like a copy of the recipes that were shared, simply email: ellenh@stmartha.com and add Cookie Booklet in the subject line.

SHARING SUNDAY IS THIS WEEKEND!!!

Pictorial Directory Due to a printing delay, the pictorial directories have been delayed. Please watch the bulletin in January for an update on the directory arrival.

Pledge Challenge Update

Pledge Challenge Total = $352,416.48

Goal =$500,000.00

Contributors to Campaign 1332 =

24.3% participation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Friends in Christ, I am writing to give you a brief update on the progress with our second Capital Campaign, Sharing Our Faith and Securing Our Future, and also to announce a special challenge for this Christmas season. During the last few months we have had several families to step forward with some very generous gifts totaling $500,000. That is good news indeed! I am now asking the parish family to join together and match this total as a special challenge for this Christmas season. Please consider participating in this challenge with a gift at the second collection on Christmas day or at least by December 31, 2012. As we continue with our campaign, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed. To achieve success in re-tiring the debt from building our church, parish offices, and rectory, we simply have to pull together once again and meet this challenge. Our goal remains 100% participation from our parishioners. With your prayers, support, and commitment our parish family can take a giant step in meeting this goal. Whether you contribute by using the monthly envelopes, the Faith-Direct on-line giving, or a regular gift on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis, your decision to give will help secure our Catholic faith commu-nity for generations to come. As indicated by the attached pledge card, all pledges - from the smallest to the great-est – are gratefully appreciated and held in strictest confidence. Please note that your contribution is tax deductible and pledges are not legally binding, but rather are an indication to donate. Thank you for choosing to be a vital part of Sharing Our Faith and Securing our Future. Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Chester Borski Pastor

Adult Organizations and Opportunities

ADULT FAITH FORMATION THE FAITH FORMATION OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE CHRIST-

MAS HOLIDAY BEGINNING, FRIDAY, DECEM-BER 21ST THROUGH SUNDAY, JANUARY 6TH. THE OFFICE WILL RE-OPEN MONDAY, JANU-ARY 7, 2013 AT 9:00 AM. Sunday Morning: “EPIC” A JOURNEY THROUGH CHURCH HISTORY - Ten Week Series “The epic story of the Catholic Church spans thousands of years. With an unlikely beginning in a remote outpost of the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church now claims over a billion living members. The persecutions, martyr-doms, conquests, and triumphs all came together to shape Western civilization as we know it today.” Date: Dec. 16. Tuesday Morning: BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDY 9:15 – 10:30 a.m. in Faith Formation Center, Rm. 2. Reading, Studying & Sharing on the Sunday Scriptures led by Carla Lewton. All are welcome. Date: Dec. 18.

St. Martha Adult Faith Formation Website: www.stmarthaaff.com

Recordings of previous adult classes, handouts, Power-points, upcoming events, schedules, important links, mu-sic, and more…check it out!

St. Martha Adult Faith Formation Library – Rm. 1 Sunday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Wednesday 8:00 am – 9:30 am

PLEASE WATCH THE BULLETIN FOR FUTURE FAITH FORMATION NEWS AND EVENTS.

NORTHEAST CATHOLIC SINGLES Celebrate this Advent season! Come join NORTH-EAST CATHOLIC SINGLES, A MINISTRY FOR SINGLES AGES 40 AND UP, on Wednes-day, December 19, for conversation and Coffee/Dinner at 7:00 p.m. at Jason's Deli, 1275 Kingwood Drive in Kingwood. For more info about the group, contact Peggy Broyles at 281-359-4560 or peggybmom4@gmail. Com or Elizabeth Schields at 281-441-2552 or elizabeths2@peoplepc.com.

PROJECT RACHEL Project Rachel is the confidential and compassionate out-

reach to women who have had an abortion or been in-volved in an abortion. Its purpose is to foster reconcilia-

tion and healing between the parent and Christ, His Church, the child, and all other significant relationships. For information, call Bonnie Develle, L.P.C., 281-812-

8641 or e-mail bdevelle@comcast.net.

SPONSORS NEEDED FOR RCIA PROCESS Would you enjoy sharing your love of Christ

with someone who is considering the Catholic faith? There is a training process that can help you decide if this

is something God is calling you to do. Sponsors do not teach the material.

Sponsors are mentors who will introduce the participant to parish life and accompany them on their journey.

Sponsors need to be practicing Catholics and members of St. Martha Parish. Please call for more information:

RCIA office, 281-358-1959 x 258.

"Don't put a question mark where God puts a pe-riod." If you have been questioning whether to come on a retreat, then let God finally remove the question mark and put the period in place. If you are ready, so is our God. Make a retreat at Holy Name Retreat Center with the men of St. Martha Parish on the weekend of January 4th- 6th, 2013. Call Bruce Farmer 281-360-4047 for more information, or call the Retreat Center at 713-464-0211. The website is www.passionist.org/. This year’s theme is "Listen, For Christ's Sake!" James 1:19-20.

Maria Goretti Network (MGN) For all survivors of abuse

The Maria Goretti Network is an outreach to all vic-tims of abuse (women and men): physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and spiritual. The Chapter is led by Christian survivors of abuse and is a forum for peer to peer sup-port. To learn more about our monthly meetings contact Shannon Deitz at stmarthamgn@gmail.com, 281-360-4045, or visit MGN at www.mgoretti.org.

Attention ParishPay Donors!! If you need any help cancelling your ParishPay ac-count and reestablishing electronic giving through Faith Direct, please call the Parish Office, 281-358-6637. We are open between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please ask for Kathy Stierman or Theresa Miller. If you wish to take care of your Capital Campaign electronic giving, please ask for Ellen Holt.

ROSARY GUILD MEETING Rosary Guild will not meet in the month of De-

cember. Our next meeting is scheduled for SUN-DAY, JANUARY 13, 2013, Room 2, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. If you have rosaries made please give me a call. I need as many as possible. Thanks for your dedication to Our Lady and Her Son during 2012. I hope all of you have a blessed Christmas

and a great 2013. Call or e-mail JoAnna at 281-361-0391; jloup3@yahoo.com.

CARING COOKS THANK YOU to all of our Caring Cooks who have so generously given of their time to make meals for those in our parish community who are truly in need at a difficult time and have no one to provide meals for them. This is an awesome ministry open to anyone who would like to provide a meal every now and then to a fellow parishioner in need. We are a blessed community in that we have so many caring and helpful folks to help out when one of us is in need. If you would like to be a part of this truly re-warding team of caring cooks please call: Karen Rexer 281-354-8857 or Marian Brown 281- 360-6914 to sign up. And as always, if you should find yourself or some-one you know in need of help with meals during a very difficult time please know there is someone there to help.

"For I was hungry and you gave me food". Matthew 25:35

Education/Youth Events

St. Martha School Scoops

Calling all SMCS Alumni! Do you re-member how you felt on your first day and

throughout your first year of high school? Do you wish you had known a little more about what to ex-pect and what is REALLY important? We want you to share your gained wisdom and experience with our middle school students. Please join us on Thursday, December 20, at 1:30 p.m. for an alumni forum in which you can share with our 6th-8th graders hints that you know will be helpful for them to prepare for their high school years. Your sharing of your experi-ences will provide valuable guidance as you serve as important role models for our middle school students. Lunch will be provided between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. for SMCS alumni who RSVP by December 18. Please contact Melisa Dion at venicepink@yahoo.com if you or any SMCS alumni you know would like to participate in this opportunity to turn giving your time into an experience that will make a difference in someone else’s life!

PLEASE JOIN US for the annual SMCS Christmas Journey, December 20, at 6:30 PM on the St. Martha Faith Formation cam-

pus (Woodland Hills Drive). Come spend an evening celebrating the Holy Family’s Journey to Bethlehem. There is no charge to attend the Journey, but reser-vations are required. Please call the school office at 281-385-5523 to make reservations.

St. Martha Catholic School is a fully accredited school for students in pre-

kindergarten through eighth grade. Our curriculum builds strong academic skills, Catholic values and moral character in a safe, secure, and caring environ-ment. Our students attend weekly Mass and cele-brate reconciliation during the school day throughout the school year. We are blessed to have the involve-ment of Msgr. Borski and Fr. Alfonso in many of our school activities. Our students serve our community and beyond with service projects throughout the school year. We offer the sports of soccer, basket-ball, baseball, track and volleyball, with plans to add girls’ softball this spring. We also support a drama club, chess club, a band program, Rosary Guild, Stu-dent Council, BETA Club and other student activities.

The Mission of St. Martha Catholic School is

to provide a quality education sharing in the total Catholic formation of each person by

developing mind, heart and spirit.

ST. MARTHA ANNUAL SURFSIDE BEACH RETREAT

Surfside, Texas, on January 18-20, 2013

Open to High School Juniors and Seniors

Our theme this year will be “Hearts Afire: Living in the Ordinary with Ex-

traordinary Love.” Our bus will leave St. Martha’s Woodland Hills Campus at 5:00 p.m. Friday evening and return Sunday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. Join Fr. Al-fredo Ocampo, CP, Deacon Ed Kleinguetl, and the team as we pause from the crazy pace of life (school, sports, choir, band, college searches) and take time as we exam-ine our relationship with Christ. Please mark your calen-dars. Cost will be $125 per person; however, cost should not be a reason to miss the retreat. Scholarships are available. For more information, contact John Ehlig at (832) 978-2481 or jjehlig@gmail.com or Cindy Mosby at (713) 865-3654 or cmlmosby@gmail.com.

Inscripción del Retiro de ACTS en español para

Hombres. ACTS representan Adoración,

Comunidad, Teología y Servicio.

Los invitamos a que no se pierdan de esta oportunidad

para vivir una experiencia de fe muy especial.

El retiro será del 24 al 27 de Enero 2013 Las inscripciones son después de la

Misa de la 1:00 p.m. Para inscribirse necesitan dar un depósito

de $50.00. Si tiene preguntas favor comunicarse con

Arturo Rocha 832-527-2729 Luis Cañas 832-549-2149

Ministerio Hispano

CALIZ DE LAS VOCACIONES (Misa en Español)

Les pedimos se unan en oración a la FAMILIA PASTORA que está hospedando el Cáliz en su casa esta semana, así como rezando por las Vocaciones. Si su familia esta interesada favor de enviar un e-mail a

boletín@stmartha.co para agendar su semana.

Tercer Domingo de Adviento 16 de diciembre

El tercer domingo de adviento nos llama al gozo de la misma manera que el primero nos llamó a velar y el segundo a la conversión. En muchas parroquias el sa-cerdote se viste de rosa para representar que en este tiempo penitencial podemos hacer una pausa y de ser alegres. En la corona de adviento se enciende una vela de color rosa también. No se trata de una alegría barata. No se puede comprar por unas horas, por un puñado de dinero. No tiene que ver con la diversión, el entretenimiento o el placer. Se trata de pre-pararnos para la llegada de Alguien que nos ama, que nos liberará de todo lo que nos oprime: El dolor, la enferme-dad, el pecado, la injusticia y la muerte. El Papa Benedicto XVI en su libro “Jesus de Nazaret: las Narrativas de la Infancia” nos dice que en el saludo del ángel Gabriel “¡Regocíjate, llena de gracia!” destaca la conexión entre alegría y gracia. En griego ambas palabras (chara y charis), se derivan de la misma raíz. Alegría y gracia pertenecen juntas. Es ese el sentido que adquiere el evangelio de Lucas que se leyó hoy. Esto es, nuestra alegría debe ser también conse-cuencia de portarnos bien, de hacer lo que es justo, de com-partir. Esa es justamente la buena nueva: nuestra alegría y salvación ahora están a nuestro alcance cuando correspon-demos a esa gracia usando nuestra libertad para el bien. Esta semana como reflexión, te invitamos a analizar cuáles son las razones de la alegría en tu vida, como puedes ser más alegre y hacer más alegres a otros en esta Navidad. Estamos a menos de dos semanas del día en que nuestro salvador nacerá. Oremos porque el mundo se llene de la felicidad que viene de Dios. AMEN. Recibimos sus comentarios a esta columna o al contenido en español de este boletín en el correo electrónico: boletin@stmartha.co

Ministerio Hispano

Para la familia de la parroquia de Santa Marta, Durante las primeras semanas de la tempora-da de Adviento, la figura central del Evange-lio ha sido Juan el Bautista. Su proclamación sigue sonando en nuestros oídos: "Preparen

el camino del Señor!" Estas palabras suscitan en nosotros un sentimiento de emoción y urgencia. Estamos siendo llamados a actos de virtud heroica y la participación en ayudar a hacer cambios positivos en el mundo que nos rodea. Juan usa imágenes que no se olvidan fácilmente o despedidoras, “nivel de las montañas, rellena los valles, endereza los caminos sinuosos." Hay algo en el reto de este llamado a la acción que es muy atractivo, sobre todo en esta temporada de buena voluntad y buen ánimo. Nos encontramos listos para empezar. De hecho, en nuestra parroquia, nosotros respondemos con nuestro anual "Sharing Sunday" para ayudar a los necesitados con rega-los y comestibles. Sin embargo, una vez que hayamos pasado este fin de semana y empezamos a pensar en la magnitud del desafío de ayudar a otros, a menudo empe-zamos a sentirnos mucho menos entusiastas acerca de la lucha contra desafío de Juan el Bautista. El trabajo de nivelación de las montañas y rellenar los valles implica un compromiso de por vida y rápidamente se puede per-der gran parte de su brillo. En el texto del Evangelio de este domingo tercero de Adviento algunas de las personas preguntan a Juan las mismas preguntas con las que lucha-mos. Ellos preguntan, "¿Qué vamos a hacer?" Y la res-puesta del Bautista es bastante directa y sin imágenes bri-llantes. En resumen, le dice a uno, "Compartir la rique-za". A otro le dice: "Cobre sólo lo que la ley permite. Trata a la gente con justicia. "a algunos soldados les di-ce:" No empujen a la gente. No abusen de su autoridad. Traten a todas las personas con respeto y amabilidad. " Cuando tratamos de responder al desafío de Juan, nos damos cuenta de que lo que suena inspirador en los him-nos de Adviento no es siempre tan fácil de aceptar como la fuente de nuestra motivación para la vida cristiana. Necesitamos mirar más allá de nuestra vida diaria y los mil y un pequeños retos y aburridos que nos irritan cada mañana cuando nos levantamos. Hemos llegado a com-prender que sólo mediante el cumplimiento de estas obli-gaciones diarias de caridad una y otra vez preparemos el camino del Señor. Sin embargo, no debemos dejar de la-do la urgencia y la emoción del mensaje, sobre todo la experiencia de nuestra parroquia de Compartir el domin-go. El objetivo de cambiar el mundo es real y necesario. Se nos ha dado a nosotros por el mismo Jesucristo. Las imágenes Evangelio imagina el mundo real, el Reino de Dios, y el Señor nos dice que es realmente posible. Debe-mos mantener vivo el recuerdo de esta visión, porque sin ella la vida puede ser despojada de su propósito. El tiem-po de Adviento nos recuerda que nuestra vida es siempre una mezcla de una visión de futuro y una determinación para hacer nuestra parte para contribuir a la construcción de un mundo más humano y más justo basado en esta visión del Evangelio. Para que no olvidemos, nosotros asumimos este compromiso en nuestro Bautismo. Fr. Chester Borski

St. Martha Catholic Church Marriage Enrichment series

A New Way To Love A New Way To Love is a weekly series on Living God’s purpose for your marriage. Developed by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D. based on the principles described in their bestselling book GETTING THE LOVE YOU WANT. Learn simple yet powerful tools to communicate more effectively and feel more connected with your spouse. Whether you are engaged, married six months or 60 years this series provides an opportunity to deepen your relationship. To cover the cost of each participant manual, $30.00 per couple will be collected at the first session. Where: St. Martha, at the Woodland Hills Campus, in the FLC When: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Tuesdays. Six Sessions: January 15, 22, 29 February 5, 12, and 19

For: Married or engaged couples

To register: Send an e-mail to franp@stmartha.com

Registration is required. Please include both husband/wife names, both of your cell phone numbers and/or home phone number. Babysitting is available upon request. If babysitting is requested, please list the names and ages of your children requiring child care.

For more information, contact Francine at franp@stmartha.com or 281-358-6637

Wednesday Mornings & Thursday Evenings

THE CORNERSTONE

CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE STUDY

This Year’s Study Focus:

The Book of Genesis – The Beginnings The first five books of the Old Testament are pivotal for understanding both the Christian & Jewish faiths as well as their origins. The first book, Genesis, is a collection of numerous stories ranging from creation accounts, The Fall, the great flood & our foundational fathers – Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. These accounts are crucial for understanding God’s plan for our salvation. Come join us for an incredible year of learning, sharing & small group discussion!

When: Ladies' groups - Wednesday mornings 9:45 AM - 12 Noon Ladies' group in Spanish – Wednesdays 9:45 AM - 12 Noon

(Childcare available Wednesday class only) Ladies' groups Thursday evenings 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Ladies' group in Spanish – Thursdays 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Men’s groups Thursday evenings 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Spring Session begins – January 9 & 10, 2013

Where: St. Martha’s Faith Formation Center Activity Center – formerly the Old Church

To Register or questions Contact: Sandie Taylor (281)358-5692 or sandie.g.taylor@gmail.com

For Spanish Speakers: Zuri Jackson (281) 733-7571 or zurijackson@msn.com

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration “Could you not watch one hour with Me?”

Mark 14:37 Our parish is incredibly blessed to have Perpetual Eucha-ristic Adoration available in our adoration chapel twenty-four hours a day. Jesus dwells in the Blessed Sac-rament 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. Please note that the Season of Advent is here! Consider how you might give Jesus the precious gift of your time in prayer once a week this coming year. Families are encouraged to attend together at any time - and gift wrap is not required! Second adorers are needed for the following hours: Sunday: Midnight-1 AM, 1-2 AM, 2-3 AM, 10-11AM, Noon-1PM. Wednesday: 3-4 AM. Thursday: Midnight-1 AM, 1-2 AM, 2-3 AM, 3-4PM, 5-6 PM. Friday: 1-2 AM, 8-9AM, 6-7 PM, 10-11 PM. Saturday: 1-2 AM, Noon-1 PM, 3-4 PM, 7-8 PM, 8-9 PM, 9-10 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@ em-barqmail.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 281-360-2797 for 6 PM-Midnight.

Attention Men and Women Great Gift Idea! 

     Give  the  special men  (Husband,  Son, Brother, Uncle)  in  your  life  the  gift of  the Men’s  ACTS  Retreat,  February  14  –  17,  2013  (English).    The  ACTS  Retreat  is  a 3day/3night  retreat  that  focuses on Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service, and  is presented by parishioners of St. Martha.   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 do not let financial considerations prevent attendance on the retreat. We will have another sign‐up after Masses in January 2013 if space is available.  For questions please contact Retreat Director, Bob Sponaugle at 713‐818‐1506 or e‐mail ‐ rsponaugle@aol.com, or Don Jacques at 281‐467‐1799 or  e‐mail ‐   donjacques@suddenlink.net or Chris Pozzi e‐mail ‐ cpozzi55@gmail.com. 

MARTHA’S KITCHEN Martha's Kitchen wishes all clergy and parishioners a blessed and meaningful Christmas and a healthy and memorable 2013. We thank you for continuing to support Martha's Kitchen with your donations. May God bless you! (Martha's Kitchen will be closed on Monday, December 24 and will reopen on Thursday, January 3).

Join The Helpers of God’s Precious Infants In a Peaceful, Prayerful, Mass and Rosary Procession to

an Abortion Facility Thursday, December 27, 2012

Feast of the Holy Innocents Vigil 7:00 p.m. Queen of Peace Catholic Church

3011 Telephone Rd. Houston, TX 77023 Followed by Candlelight Rosary at Planned Parenthood

4600 Gulf Freeway Remember to adhere to Archdiocesan Guidelines for

presence at an abortion clinic. This event is sponsored by: The Helpers of God’s Precious Infants.

Questions? Contact Vicky Whynott. 832-875-5126

Do You Have Yours? 2012 St. Martha

Christmas Ornament Available in the Parish Office Mon.—Fri. 9 am—4:00 pm

What is Catholics Returning Home? Catholics Returning Home is a program that invites non-practicing Catholics, of any age, to return home to the Catholic Church and resume active practice of their faith. If you are a Catholic who has been away from the Church for a while, this invitation is for you. No matter how long you have been away and no matter what reason, we invite you to consider renewing your relationship with the Catholic Church.

Please join us for informal listening sessions and an update of the Catholic faith facilitated by former non-practicing Catholics.

January 15 – February 19th Tuesday Evenings 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Room #2 in the building in front of the Family Life Center The Catholics Returning Home sessions provide updated information on the basics of Catholicism in a non-threatening, support group format. The sessions are informational and formational. Topics of the six week sessions are:

Welcome and Overview of the Series: Sharing by Team and Participants Fr. McKee Video – sharing of participants, Q&A The Church Today – Changes since Vatican II, Q&A ‘Tips on Sinning’, Explanation of Reconciliation/Confession, Q&A Explanation/Walk-through of the Mass, Q&A The Creed: What Catholics Believe Wrap-Up, Q&A

If you would like more information or to be a participant of one of the sessions, please contact Carla Lewton at carlal@stmartha.com or 281-358-1959 x213. * Babysitting is available upon request. *All who choose to participate in this program will remain in confidence with the CRH Team and other fellow partici-pants.

Please note: The parish office will be closed from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 18th.

REMINDER: During the school year, the 8:30 a.m. School Mass will take place at the

Woodland Hills campus. Next School Mass: Friday, Dec. 21.

SPECIAL BULLETIN DEADLINES The deadline to submit information for the Decem-ber 30th bulletin is 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, De-cember 18th . The deadline to submit information for the January 6th bulletin is 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Decem-ber 19th .

St. Martha Catholic School Presents: Christmas Journey to Bethlehem

Please join us in this special event recreating the journey Mary and Joseph took to Bethlehem. The Christ-mas Journey to Bethlehem will be held on Thursday, December 20th at 6:30 p.m. on the old church campus.

Mark your calendars for this very special event. The walking tour will be divided into six groups of 75 – 90 people. Each group will be staggered in 10 minute inter-vals. Tour times will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis. Anyone who does not register takes a chance at missing out on this very special Christmas production. Please call the school office at 281-358-5523 for reservation information.

CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS Please join the MARTINEZ FAMILY in prayer this week as they host the Chalice and pray for Voca-

tions. Interested? Please contact Jane Miller at 281-358-3222 or by e-mail at

janeLSU1991@embarqmail.com to schedule a week.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS Deadline to turn envelopes in

is this weekend.

Spanish ACTS Retreat For Men A once in a lifetime experience as you travel on the path of growing closer to the Lord. The next Spanish Men’s

ACTS Retreat will be held on January 24th to 27th, 2013. Registrations are now being accepted. For inquiries

or to sign up, please call Arturo Rocha 832-527-2729, Luis Cañas 832-549-2149, or Gary Estess 713-703-8879.

If you would like to register with the parish, please fill out the following information. A registration form will then be mailed to you. You may also get a registration (“census”) form in the Newcomer Information Packets on the Ministry Cart in the Narthex.

Name:__________________________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________ City:__________________________ Zip: ___________ Phone: _______________________ Were you registered at St. Martha before and have moved back? ___________________________ If you are registered & have an address, phone, or name change, please check here.____________

Please place in Offertory Collection or mail to the Parish Office: 4301 Woodridge Parkway, Porter, TX 77365

ADMINISTRATIVE MIN. BUSINESS MANAGER

Theresa Miller 281.713.8957 FACILITY MANAGER

Steve Teets 281.358.6637x254 PLANNED GIVING COMMITTEE Frank Amsler 281.361.4972 Bill Grun 281.360.3829

ST. MARTHA’S OFFICE ANGELS Syvon Wetherold 281.713.8962

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 281.360.8335

COLUMBIAN SQUIRES Max Weaver 713. 203.1112

COUPLES FOR CHRIST MaryLou & Ramon De La Cruz 832.527.1072

CURSILLO Carol Bateman 281.359.6942

FAMILIA Kristen Johnson 281.713.2518

FUNERALS Indiana Francis 281-358-6637 x255

HISPANIC MINISTRIES Indiana Francis 281.713.8960

HOMEBOUND ERRAND COMMITTEE Gretta Verhalen 832.264.7755

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Patrick Zastoupil 281.359.7025

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

Danielle Schaaf 281.358.0953 SR. CITIZENS LUNCHEON TRANSPORT.

Minnie Romo Minerva.romo@gmail.com Domenica Seitz 281.361.4718

SUNDAY NURSERY Patty Jackson 281.358.1959x250

COMMUNITY LIFE MINISTRIES CONT. TEAMS OF OUR LADY

Rodney & Ruth Williamson 281.361.3222 Bob & Patty Murphy 281.360.4216 Gary & Lee Everett 281.961.4725

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

Linda Sarman 281.713.8972 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 LITURGY COORDINATOR

Gayle Hogwood 281.713.8959 LITURGY COORDINATOR FOR

LIFETEEN Joy Ehrman 281.358.1959x251

ADULT CHOIR Lita Consolacion 281.360.9888

ALTAR SERVERS Gayle Hogwood 281.713.8959

BAPTISM 281.358.6637

CANTORS Lita Consolacion 281.360.9888

CHILDREN’S ADORATION Annatte Salazar 281.358.1492

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 Stephen King 281.546.3748

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

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

TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY TEAM Joy Ehrman 281.358.1959x251

YOUTH (K-8) CHOIR Gayle Hogwood 281.713.8959

OUTREACH MINISTRIES DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Dcn. Alfredo Soto 281.713.8917 CANCARE

Roger Schuelke 281.358.8060 CRIMINAL JUSTICE MINISTRY

Bill Sala 281.358.9071 E-MAIL PRAYER WARRIORS

Donna Rueby dmrueby@earthlink.net

OUTREACH MINISTRIES CONTINUED H.A.A.M.

281.446.3663 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 Michael Rousselle 281.989.0268 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

GIFTS OF STEWARDSHIP For the weekend of Dec. 8 & 9

your gifts of treasure resulted in:

Weekly Budget $ 74,784 Sunday Collection $ 58,076 Immaculate Conception $ 35 Parish Pay $ 1,183 Over/(Under) $ (15,490)

Year To Date: Weekly Budget $ 1,720,032 Sunday Collection $ 1,454,790 Over/(Under) $ (265,242) Special collections: Capital Campaign $ 48,932 Martha’s Kitchen $ 7,458 Current Loan Debt: $ 17,166,083 2012 DSF Goal: $ 285,000 Payments To Date: $ 285,684

STEWARDSHIP of Time, Talent and Treasure