CO-CATHEDRAL of the SACRED HEART

Sacrament of Penance (Confessions)

Monday - Friday: 20 minutes prior to Mass First Thursday of the month: 4:30 - 5:15 pm (Weekdays: Confessional near the Sacred Heart transept)

Saturday: 3:30 - 4:30 pm Sunday: 8:15 - 8:45 am (between 7:00 & 9:00 am Masses) 10:15 - 10:45 am (between 9:00 & 11:00 am Masses) 4:30 - 5:00 pm Vietnamese and Spanish: 30 minutes prior to Mass (Weekends: Confessional near entrance way on the right)

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Weekend Mass

English: Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Sunday 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 5:30 pm Vietnamese: Saturday Vigil 7:00 pm Sunday 1:00 pm Spanish: Sunday 7:30 pm

Weekday Mass: 7:00 am, 12:10 pm Monday-Friday 7:30 pm, First Friday: Vietnamese Mass, followed by Exposition and Benediction

CO-CATHEDRAL of the SACRED HEART Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

The Heart of Christ in the Heart of Houston 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy at San Jacinto

Parish Office: 1701 San Jacinto at Jefferson Houston, Texas 77002-8215 Phone: 713-659-1561 Fax: 713-651-1365 www.sacredhearthouston.org

His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, D.D., S.T.L. Archbishop of Galveston-Houston

The Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza, D.D., Archbishop Emeritus The Most Reverend Vincent M. Rizzotto, D.D., J.C.L., Retired Auxiliary Bishop

Co-Cathedral Clergy The Very Reverend Lawrence W. Jozwiak, J.C.L., Pastor / Rector

The Reverend Thu N. Nguyen, J.C.L., The Reverend Jude E. Ezuma, Parochial Vicars Deacons: Marvin Fikac, Johnny Salinas, Leonard Lockett, Juan Pareja, John Carrara and Daniel Addis

Co-Cathedral Staff Teresa Albright - Director of Religious Education; Debbie Elizondo - Director of Adult Education,

Crista Miller - Director of Music/Co-Cathedral Organist; Richard Robbins - Choir Director Deacon John Carrara - Business Manager; Gwenne Buck - Facilities and Project Coordinator

Sr. Louis Marie Carter, O.S.U. - Parish Accounting; Chris Felix - Building Engineer

Jo Lynn Zann, Elizabeth Perez, Katherine Buck-Secretaries

Esmeralda Cervantes, Brigida “Bree” Delphin-Receptionists

Ruben Valenzuela, Trong Pham - Maintenance; Juan Luis Galvan, Josue Somoza, Fernando Vasquez Ramos - Sextons

Visit our parish web site for vital information: www.sacredhearthouston.org

New Parishioners: Please register with the parish office: 713-659-1561 ext. 149.

Church Certificates: For all sacramental certificates, contact: 713-659-1561 ext. 137.

Baptism - for infants and children under age 7: Parents are to attend 1 meeting & 2 classes. (If pregnant, attend as early as possible during the pregnancy.) Contact: 713-337-3570 or visit our website for more details. - for those 7 years and older: contact CCE (see below) for Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for Children.

Continuing Christian Education (CCE): For pre-K through high school, contact: 713-659-1561 ext. 142.

First Penance and First Holy Communion: For 2nd through 12th grade, contact: 713-659-1561 ext. 142.

Confirmation: For high school youth, contact: 713-659-1561 ext. 142. For adults, contact: 713-659-1561 ext. 141.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): For adults inquiring about becoming Catholic and baptized Catholics who lack Confirmation and Holy Communion, contact: 713-659-1561 ext. 141.

Adult Education: For continuing adult, educational programs, contact: 713-659-1561 ext. 141.

Marriage: Contact the parish office: 713-659-1561 ext. 131 at least nine months prior to the wedding date.

Vocations for Priesthood and Religious Life: Contact the Office of Vocations for Priesthood and Religious Life at 713-652-8239 or www.houstonvocations.com

Holy Communion to the Sick and Homebound: Contact 713-659-1561 ext. 136.

Anointing of the Sick: Any Catholic who is scheduled for surgery due to a serious illness; any Catholic whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age should be anointed as soon as possible (preferably before going to the hospital). Contact the parish priest at 713-659-1561 to be anointed.

Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help: Wednesday before 7:00 am & 12:10 pm Mass

Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Friday during 7:00 am & 12:10 pm Mass

Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction: First Thursday of the Month (English) - Conclusion of 12:10 pm Mass until 6:00 pm First Friday of the Month (Vietnamese) - 7:30 pm Mass followed by Exposition and Benediction

December 4, 2011 Second Sunday of Advent

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 35:1-10; Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Sunday: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11; Lk 1:46-50, 53-54;

1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

This weekend’s scripture readings can be found in the red hymnal on page 974.

REFLECTIONS ON THE READINGS FOR THE WEEK

For the scriptures used at daily Mass and to hear a reflection: http://www.usccb.org/nab/

CATHOLIC WEB SITES The Vatican: http://www.vatican.va/ U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: http://www.usccb.org/ Texas Catholic Conference: http://www.txcatholic.org/ Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston: http://www.archgh.org/

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH For the entire Catechism: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

Dear Friends in Christ: Quí Ông Bà và Anh Chị Em thân mến trong Chúa Kitô: Estimados Amigos y Amigas en Cristo:

For the Second Sunday of Advent, we hear the Gospel writer Mark quoting the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, I am sending my mes-senger ahead of you...Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” A message spoken so many years ago, yet a message that is so applicable and necessary today. With all the rush of Christmas preparations and invitations, with all the normal busyness of life, most of us, if not all, still struggle making time for the Lord. We get sidetracked thinking that all those other activities are more important than preparing for the Lord, as if we have forever to prepare. The second reading reminds us: the Lord “is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” The Lord is patient, but the time to prepare is not endless. We are reminded that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief.” Will we be ready? Have we repented? Have we gone to the Sacrament of Penance (confession) lately? I am so pleased that so many of you take advantage of this sacrament here. We make confession very readily available, seven days a week. But even with this availability, please come early and do not expect that the priest can hear your confession only minutes before Mass. Many times the priest has to leave the confessional to prepare for Mass. We do not hear confessions once Mass begins since we are to be participating in the Mass. Last weekend, we had two priests hearing confessions. When the priest naturally stopped hearing confessions, a penitent left very angry (not the first time this has oc-curred). We as priests are very saddened when this happens. We do our best, but we can only do what we can do prior to Mass. Please be patient.

We are into week two with the new translation of the Roman Missal. As with any change, it will take time for us to become comfortable with the new responses. We did well overall. I am reprinting the new responses in the bulletin. Please leave the pew cards in the red hymnals so that the next person will have access to them. Please remember our appropriate gestures during the Mass and posture to receive Holy Communion that are listed in the bulletin.

December 8, the Immaculate Conception, is a holy day of obligation. This great feast day commemorates the immaculate con-ception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. We believe that Mary was blessed by God by a special grace to be preserved from original sin from the moment Mary was conceived so that she could bear the Son of God in her womb. This teaching is more of a statement about Jesus than Mary, that Jesus was so unique and holy that God would prepare Mary for Jesus’ birth by preserving her from sin. Also, we have the privilege of the International Traveling Statue of Mary here December 8-10. See the bulletin for info. Remember: all are invited to the 7 pm Mass on December 12 for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Please remember to pray for those who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, December 17. We have three musical concerts this month: two are organ concerts (December 6 and 13) and a choral concert by Houston Masterworks Cho-rus (December 19). It will be a sing-a-long of Handel’s Messiah, a wonderful story of Advent in song. Mark your calendar for the Adult Ed Sunday Supper Series, with the first one on Love & Marriage for January 8. See the bulletin for more info.

Have you noticed how our parish web site is developing so nicely? Go to www.sacredhearthouston.org

Praised be the Sacred Heart of Jesus! Forever, amen! Hãy chúc tụng Thánh Tâm Chúa Giêsu đến muôn đời, amen! ¡Alabado sea el Sagrado Corazón de Jesús! ¡Por siempre, amen!

Fr. Lawrence W. Jozwiak Pastor / Rector

Pastor’s Weekly Message

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

1st Reading Question: How does the season of Advent bring comfort to you? 2nd Reading Question: What do you think is the reason for the delay of the second coming? Gospel Question: How do you herald to others the good news of the coming of Christ?

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

From outer space, the United States must seem peculiarly aglow these nights: we have strung lights on every tree within reach. Sometimes, even tietacks and earrings twin-kle with “microlights.” Clearly, something is afoot: there is a deep-down yearning for the world to change. Yet, John the Baptist would probably be unplugging most of these lights if he had the chance. In today’s Gospel he turns people away from his baptism of repentance. “Give some evidence that you mean to reform!” he cries. What meaning do our holiday lights convey for you? In the deep and dark countryside, a single candle glowing in a window can be seen for miles. It signals welcome and readiness; it is a beacon guiding strangers to the door, a token of a warm hearth, a loving embrace, a sign that those who have placed the candle are awake and waiting. This year, set the timers aside, and each night as you light the candles in your windows, pray: “May Christ find an eager welcome here. May this household be filled with the light of his word.” One candle at a time, our faith community can reclaim the meaning of the lights of Ad-vent hope. —J. S. Paluch Co.

GOD’S DELAY In times of great difficulties scoffers taunt us, “Where is God? Why hasn’t your Lord come to save you now?” And we of faith respond much in the same way as Peter did in today’s second reading: the “delay” of the Lord’s second coming is not any type of punishment or failure to keep the divine promise, but a loving sign of God’s pa-tience. God is giving everyone the chance to seek repen-tance. God does not make life more difficult. Rather, God less-ens our burdens as once before for the Jewish exiles re-turning home to Judea after captivity in Babylon. It was God who personally led them, making a “straight high-way” for them across the desert. We join with our ancestors of faith, who hoped that they might see God’s Chosen One before them and who even-tually realized that the Lord was also walking with them side by side. —J.S. Paluch

REFLECTIONS

“Listen to the Savior: I regenerated you, I set you free, I healed you, I redeemed you. I will give you life that is unending, eternal, supernatural. I will show you the face of God.” —St. Clement of Alexandria

In Advent, we celebrate our hopes for the Lord to come more fully into our lives. The first reading is Isaiah, voic-ing the hope of sinners for a redeemer. Unlike Isaiah, we know that God has come to bring us back to him, when he sent his Son Jesus to save us. Our faith in Jesus leads us to a new way of looking at the world. We can see what God is doing as well as remembering what God has done. Like the gatekeepers in the gospel parable, we need to keep our eyes open for him. When we only look out for ourselves, we may miss the signs of God's presence around us. Instead of looking at the difficulties of life as obstacles, we can watch for them as opportunities to stretch our faith, to rely on God, or to show God's love to a friend. The new translation of the Mass that begins today can be an opportunity to stretch our faith and our under-standing of the Eucharist.

The Corinthians were also watching for the Lord to come. They were thinking of Jesus coming in glory. Though we don't see the full glory of the Lord, part of that glory is his presence in the sacraments. In them we celebrate not just the coming of the Lord, but his working in the world. He shares his life with us in Baptism, gives us his Spirit in Confirmation and himself in Eucharist, heals us in Recon-ciliation and the Anointing of the Sick, and calls us to make him present to others in Holy Orders and Matri-mony. You could almost say his second coming is taking place now. Watch for it. — J. S. Paluch Co.

A Prayer For Rain

Almighty God, we are in need of rain. We realize now, looking up into the clear, blue sky above, what a marvel even the least

drop of rain really is. To think that so much water can fall out of the sky, which now is empty and clear! We place our

trust in You. We are sure that You know our needs, but You want us to ask You anyway, to show You that we know we are dependent on You. Look on our dry hills and fields, dear God, and bless them with the living blessing of soft rain. Then the land will rejoice and the rivers will sing Your praises and the

hearts of men will be glad. AMEN. This prayer was written in the 1950s during a Texas severe drought. It was written by Fr. W. Schneider of St. Mary’s

Church in Fredericksburg, TX who also ministered at St. Fran-cis Xavier Church in Stonewall, TX. This prayer was published

in the Fredericksburg Standard weekly newspaper.

Oremus, let us pray for the sick in our parish: Gene Antill, Karen An-dreason, Felix Daniel Cisneros Antezana, Santiago Azura, Jo Frances Barko, McKenzie Beard, Robert Benford, Mark Bidwell, Joseph Booth, Gretchen Bordelon, Heidy Bowser, Bob & Irene Briles, Lillian Broussard, Margaret Campbell, Michelene Campise, Rosalie Campise, Stella Cantu, Cate Cantrell, Jose Cardenas, Joseph Caronna, Palmira Colvin, Lillian Cook, Bob Corbett, Louis, Lupita & Marcial Chavez, L. Elaine Charles, Kimberly Chavez, Dominga Cisneros, Helen Comar, Mary Crooks, Liz Darilek, Sandy Diaz, Frances Dumas, Jeannean Espragh, Bennie Ferruggia, Fred Fetzer, Patricia Flores, Silma Flores, Walter Francis, John Fitzgerald, Adam Gawlikowski, Alice Garcia, Rick Garcia, Mary Annie Galvan, Cassandra Gonzalez, Frank Gonzalez, Lawrence Guillory, Thomas Gurrola, Richard Haynes, Fr. Floren-tino Hernandez, Baby Christopher Hernandez, Chris Hernandez, Stephanie & Johnny Hernandez, Hortensia, Marilyn C. Hughes, Irene Hawkins, Steven IIodibia, Pat Jantz, Joseph Charles Johansen, Olivia Ann Jones, Fernando Jose, Rafael Juantanera, Jessica LaBove, Maria Lisa Lawson, Iman Leonard, Reyes Licea, Nancy Lynn Loesch, Richard B. Lockwood, Willard Malbroux, Miquel Maldonado, Dinho Massignan, John McClure, Chuck Miller, Nicholas Mireles, Mary Mitchell, Rosa M. Mermelstein, Cecil Melton Jr, Sr. Camilla Micheletti O.P., Helen Milio, Ron Mis-chke, Connie Morris, Jeremy Nobs, Maria Nguyen, Lupita Palacios, Lexie Nichols-Roberson, Vera Ochoa, Liduvina Ochoa and family, Juan Ortiz, Joseangel Partida, Sally Pedersen, Chrissie Price, Hector Pruneda, Victor Manuel Rangel, Jennifer Reed, Jared Reed, Joseph Reyes, Yolanda Reyes, Frank Reina, Mary Jo Reina, Antonio Reyna, Joe Rosales, Suzette Rosser, Mary Ruth Robertson, Jaime Rodriquez, Monique Silva Rodriquez, Ned Rodriguez, Sharon Rohr, Charles Rohr, Christina Ryan, Alejandra Salazar, Alejandra Salazar, Miquel Salazar, Pedro Salazar, Maria Salazar, Santa Salazar, Stephanie Salazar, Guadalupe Salinas, Paco Santos, Peggy Sherman, Glen Skates, Chuck Spivey, Alice Simien, Diana Sirois, James Smith, Matthew Smith, Anna Sprta, Charlotte Stephens, Mary Sumner, Diana Thompson, Nola Thompson, Michelle Thrasher and Amy Waltz, Paul Wear, Kim Whitener, Karen Young and Louis Zucha.

Praying for our Service Men & Women

Please keep the following in your prayers as they serve this wonderful country: Lt. Robert A. Bor-rego, Sgt. Ronald Burke, Jr., Richard Challhoub, Col. Richard M. Clark, Lt. Stuart Crockford, Jr.,

Michael Leal, Sr. Airman David Lee Elizondo, Ryan R. Gal-lardo, William J. Garbacz, Jr, Lt. Richard A. Garcia II, USMC, Jeffery Giovanelli, Eduardo Hernandez, PFC Randy Hernandez, Major Jeremy Hooper, MSG Dominic Huerta, Anna Lewis, Sgt. Vincent C. Lucario, Jr., Abraham Ortega, Julius Ortega, Jesus Marquez, John McIntosh, Michael Na-jera, Spc. Michael Narvaez, Nicole Padilla, Kevin Parish, Louis Parks, Sgt. Raymond M. Perez, Tamara Perez, Daniel Purcell, Capt. Jonathan Reed, Adam Roland, Rene Schmidt, Sgt. Matthew James Smith, Brandon Lee Swillin-ger, Triplett, Eric Wright, Sgt. Christopher Ian Vega, PFC Max Villagomez IIII, Staff Sgt. Patrick Ysquirre. Call the parish office to add the name of your family member/friend. If your loved one is back in the States, call so we may take his/her name off the list and share your joy.

Pray for a transformation of mind and heart for those who do not believe in the sanctity of human life. Pray for an end to all discrimination, prejudice and hatred. Pray for peace in our world, especially in the Holy Land, for end to terrorism and civil strife. Pray for the safety of all those who protect us (military, police officers, fire fighters, etc.)

PRAY for VOCATIONS DAILY!

The following are listed: a seminarian/transitional deacon who is studying for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston; a candidate for the permanent diacon-ate for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston; and a man or woman who is from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and is in religious formation for a specific religious order but who has not taken final vows yet. Please keep these three people in your daily prayers during the coming week, as well as praying for an increase in vocations in general.

For this coming week, please pray for: Sean-Michael Hazuda, seminarian from St. Jerome Church. Kerry Bourque, a permanent diaconate candidate from Christ the Redeemer Church. Sr. Sarah Kohles, OSF (Congregation of Servants of Holy Infancy Jesus) St. Joseph Church, Baytown.

POPE BENEDICT XVI’S Prayer Intentions-December 2011

—General: Peace among All Peoples. That all peoples may grow in harmony and peace through mutual under-standing and respect. —Missionary: That children and young people may be messengers of the Gospel and that they may be re-spected and preserved from all violence and exploitation.

Deceased †

PRAYER NEEDS

MASS INTENTIONS

Monday, December 5 7:00 am Rose McGinty and Family 12:10 pm Henry John Pavlicek +

Tuesday, December 6: St. Nicholas 7:00 am John M. Carney + 12:10 pm James St. Julian +

Wednesday, December 7: St. Ambrose 7:00 pm Bernadine & F.R. Pizzitola + 12:10 pm Maria Hutchings 5:00 pm Isabel Arceneaux

Thursday, December 8: The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary 7:00 am Rita Patterson 12:10 pm Larry & Josephine Nicastro + 5:15 pm Parishioners of the Parish 7:00 pm Margaret Baranowski+

Friday, December 9: St. Juan Diego 7:00 am Paul Ochoa, Sr. + 12:10 pm Annie Hawkins and Family

Saturday, December 10 5:00 pm Vincent Rachal + 7:00 pm Jesus Flores Sr. +

Sunday, December 11 7:00 am Parishioners of the Parish 9:00 am Jesus Flores Jr + 11:00 am Jack & Bridget McCabe 1:00 pm Maggie Eysseric 5:30 pm Concepcion Caballero 7:30 pm Anton +

Please Pray: For the souls of Margarita Chapa+, mother of Dolores Castillo; Larry Gillespie+, son-in-law of Jim and Dennie Hodge, Stella Lee Reardon+, and Doyal Bates+. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and Perpetual light shine upon them.

STEWARDSHIP

Weekly Collection 2011 2010

November 19-20 $21,604.77 $21,637.67 Faith Direct $5,390.00 0

Total: $26,994.77 $21,637.67

Campaign for Human Development $3,119.11 $4,114.89 November 26-27 $17,431.75 $18,352.92 Faith Direct $5,390.00 0 Total: $22,821.75 $18,352.92

MASSES IN DECEMBER

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass at 7 pm

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe December 12 is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patron-ess of the Americas. We, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, will begin our celebration and devotion with the dance of the matachines outside the cathedral at 6:20 pm followed by Holy Mass in Spanish at 7 pm, followed by a festive reception of food, drinks, mariachis, and matachines in the dining room on the third floor of the Cathedral Center. Come and give thanks, present your petitions, and celebrate the love of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Mass at 7 pm

La Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe El día 12 de diciembre es la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guada-lupe. La celebración y devoción empezará con la danza de los matachines a las 6:20 pm, seguido por la Santa Misa en español a las 7:00 pm. Posteriormente, en el tercer piso del centro de la catedral, habrá una festiva recepción con comida, bebidas, ma-riachis, y matachines. Invitamos a todos para darle gracias, pre-sentarle peticiones, y celebrar el amor de nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation)

Vigil Mass Wednesday, December 7th

5:00 pm Vigil Mass in Spanish

Thursday, December 8th

Scheduled Masses 7:00 am 12:10 pm 5:15 pm—Daniel Cardinal DiNardo 7:00 pm Vietnamese PARISH OFFICE CLOSED Thurs., DEC. 8TH.

Christmas Eve Mass, Saturday-December 24: English Carols: 4-5 pm

5 pm English Christmas Eve Mass: Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza

Spanish Carols: 7-7:30 pm 7:30 pm Spanish Mass: Fr. Jude E. Ezuma English Carols: 11 pm-12 midnight Midnight Mass in English: His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo

Christmas Day Mass, Sunday-December 25: 9 am English Mass: Fr. Lawrence W. Jozwiak 10:30 am Vietnamese Carols 11 am Vietnamese Mass: Fr. Thu N. Nguyen

December 31/January 1: Regular Weekend schedule

English: Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Sunday 7:00 am, 9:00 am (Cardinal DiNardo at 9 am), 11:00 am, 5:30 pm Vietnamese: Saturday Vigil 7:00 pm Sunday 1:00 pm Spanish: Sunday 7:30 pm

WEEKLY COLLECTIONS

Thank you very much for your weekly support of the parish. I ask you to continue to give sacrificially so as to spread the Gospel in our parish. I want to bring to your attention an im-portant reality about parish finances. When Christmas and January 1 (Mary, Mother of God), both are holy days of obliga-tion, fall during a weekday, every parish receives the collection for the regular Sundays, plus two additional collections: one for Christmas and one for January 1. Since this year, both Christ-mas and January 1, fall on a Sunday, that means the parish will lack in two normal Sunday collections for this year. That equates to about $25,000 per Sunday for a total of $50,000 less this year. So when planning to contribute this year, please do-nate that needed extra amount to account for the shortfall of $50,000.

2011 CHRISTMAS GIFT LIST With all your Christmas gift purchasing, have you remembered to give a Christmas gift to the parish? The Christmas Gift List is available in the bulletin. Some of the gifts are specific items for the Church and Centre. Others are more generic, perhaps “less glamorous” gifts, yet necessary for the operation of the parish. I want to bring to your attention two specific realities. We have developed a high school Confirmation Youth Room on the second floor in the Cathedral Centre. We needed more classroom space, especially for the youth. We felt it was neces-sary to invest in our young people. That Youth Room cost $12,500. Also, some work has been done in the lobby of the Cathedral Centre to make the reception area more productive for the receptionist and for much needed, additional security. Security is a reality that we all must be conscious of every-where, including here at the parish. This project is costing about $15,000. So I ask you to please be extra generous. Any donation for any item on the 2011 Christmas Gift List is always welcomed.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER FUND Please be generous with the Christmas Flower Fund. Flowers, trees, decorations, etc. are very expensive. We are fortunate that we have two ladies who donate their time to decorate the Church. Last year we spent about $4000 for Christmas decora-tions. Please be generous this year.

Fr. Lawrence W. Jozwiak Pastor/Rector

BUDGET CONCERNS

MUSIC MINISTRY

New Concert Series Website: www.cocathedralmusic.org

Did you know that you can check the latest Co-Cathedral concert dates, educational offerings, and photos at www.cocathedralmusic.org? New infor-mation is being added often!

University of Houston Moores School of Music Degree Recital

Tuesday, December 6, 7 pm Jose Reyes Ortiz, Organ

Jose is a student of Dr. Robert Bates and sometimes plays at our Spanish Mass. Free and open to the public.

The Complete La Nativité by Olivier Messaien performed on the Opus XIX Organ. Tuesday,

December 13, 2011. 7:30 pm. Free will offering.

Mark your calendars now for two exciting weeknight musical offerings for Advent. The first is on Tuesday, December 13, and features a performance of the complete La Nativité by Olivier Messiaen. This avant garde musical work offers a se-ries of contemporary and impressionistic snapshots of a mystic and modern composer’s view of the various characters of the Advent of Christ. It will be performed by organ students of the University of Houston Moores School of Music organ studio, and is free and open to the public. A free will offering will be taken.

Houston Masterworks Chorus presents Handel’s Messiah Singalong: Monday, December 19, 2011.

7:30 pm. Tickets: www.houstonmasterworkschorus.org

The following week, on Monday, December 19 at 7:30 pm, Houston Masterworks Chorus will return to the Co-Cathedral to present a singalong of the famous Handel’s Messiah. This fun event is for the whole family, musical or not – all will be invited to join in the wonderful story of Advent in song. Tick-ets for this event are available from the Chorus – see more in-formation at www.houstonmasterworkschorus.org

For more info, contact Crista Miller cmiller@sacredhearthouston.org or Jennifer Robbins jenrobbins@saintanne.org

INFANT JESUS PRAYER BOX

Since Advent is a time of waiting for the birth of our Savior, the Infant Jesus Prayer Box is a wonderful opportunity to pray for vocations. The Infant Jesus Prayer Box is available with prayers for vocations and can be received by you by filling out the form below and dropping it into the basket on the table in the Narthex. Please be certain to return the Infant Jesus Prayer Box to Cathedral Centre by Friday so we may have it to present to the Saturday evening Mass.

Please be certain to return the Infant Jesus Prayer Box to Cathedral Centre by Friday so we may have it to present to the Saturday evening Mass.

Name _________________________________________

Telephone Number ______________________________

Your Mass time ___________________________________ Suzanne Donisi, Chair, Parish Vocation Committee 713.688.8099

THE CHURCH TOUR IS SUNDAY, Dec. 11 at 3:30 pm

Welcoming visitors and parishioners who seek to understand the history, meaning and purpose of the beauty found in our Co-

Cathedral. Every 2nd Sunday of the month, we have free tours beginning at 3:30 pm. In the week prior, call 713-6 5 9 - 1 5 6 1 , e x t . 3 3 3 o r e m a i l d o -cent@sacredhearthouston.org with your count. Then on Sunday, gather in the Narthex (foyer) to meet your docent tour guide & fellow attendees.

Mexican Breakfast at the Cathedral Centre

TODAY, Sunday, December 4,

sponsored by the Hispanic Community!

All breakfast proceeds will be used for the parish

celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

BREAKSFAST WITH SANTA AT RIPLEY HOUSE!

SATURDAY, DEC. 17TH, 9-11 am

Join us for a family friendly morning with Santa! Ripley House @ 4410 Navigation Blvd. Enjoy arts & crafts and children’s entertainment including pictures with Santa & Door Prizes. Breakfast buffet includes pancakes, eggs & bacon and choice of coffee, milk or juice. Enjoy a morning filled with holiday cheer! Admission includes a picture with Santa, Chil-dren’s Activities & Entertainment and Adult or Children’s Breakfast Buffet. For more information call 713-315-6400.

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the effort to make the Seminarian's Christmas a richful and joyful occasion through the Seminarian Care Pack-age. We thank God for our Seminarians and His many blessings. Suzanne Donisi, Chair ; Vocations Committee

SHARE YOUR BLESSINGS

The parish is participating in the Share Your Blessings project. The ornaments are on the Christmas trees in the narthex. We apologize for the lateness of this project, but we just received this past week the names for the ornaments. Due to the lateness, you must return your un-wrapped, donated gift with the orna-ment attached to it by next weekend, December 10/11.

MUSIC MINISTRY

Choral and Organ Music for the 2nd Sunday in Advent Time

Offertory: And the Glory of the Lord – G. F. Handel (1685 – 1759) Handel’s Messiah, Part I includes many settings of the prophesies of Isaiah.

Communion Antiphon: Jerusalem surge et sta in excelso et vide jucunditatem quae venit et quae tibi Deo tuo. Arise, O Jeru-salem and stand on high, and behold the joy that shal come to you from your God.

Communion Motet: O Thou the Central Orb - Charles Wood (1866 – 1926) O thou the central orb of righteous love Pure beam of the most High Eternal light of this our wintry world Thy radiance bright awakes new joy in faith Hope soars above Come quickly come and let Thy glory shine gilding our darksome heaven with rays divine Thy saints with holy lustre round Thee move as stars about Thy throne set in the height of God's ordaining counsel as Thy sight gives measur'd grace to each Thy power to prove Let Thy bright beams disperse the gloom of sin Our nature all shall feel eternal day In fellowship with thee, transforming day to souls erewhile unclean, now pure within. Amen

Interested in joining the choir? Email Crista Miller at cmiller@sacredhearthouston.org or Richard Robbins at rrobbins@sacredhearthouston.org for more information.

Gloria to God is sung on December 8, but not during the Sundays of Advent.

CCE classes resume today, Dec. 4. CCE schedule can be found on the parish website under “Children & Youth.”

Family Advent Wreath Prayers: Second Week of Advent Pray the Sign of the Cross…(light the first and second candles) Adults: O Rex Gentium: “O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.” Isaiah had prophesied, “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (9:5), and “He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (2:4) Children: O Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, come and save your people. Joy of every heart, Strength of those who are poor, come quickly to help us. Prince of Peace, teach the lion and the little lamb, teach the cat and the mouse, the hawk and the tiny bird, teach everyone who doesn't get along to live in peace. AMEN

Family Activities of the Week Second Sunday in Advent - Week of December 4, 2011

This Sunday's readings call for change. What changes do you need to make in your life in order to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas? Letter the words "Prepare the Way" on a sheet of poster-board. List on the paper ways your family can prepare for the coming of Christ. Talk about ways to prepare room in your life for God.

Talk about how your Christmas giving reflects God's care for creation, for the poor, for others. Support organizations that help impoverished families worldwide become more self-reliant, such as Heifer International and the Fair Trade Federation. For infor-mation see: www.heiferfoundation.org, www.fairtradefederation.org.

Actividades para la casa Secundo domingo de Adviento - Semana del 4 de deciembre de 2011

Las lecturas de este domingo nos llaman a un cambio. ¿Qué cambios necesita hacer en su vida para celebrar el verdadero significado de la Navidad? Escriba las palabras "Tracen una senda" en una cartulina. Enumeren las maneras en que su familia puede prepararse para la venida de Cristo. Hablen acerca de las maneras de preparar un lugar en sus vidas para Dios.

Hable sobre cómo su generosidad en Navidad refleja el cuidado de Dios por la creación, los pobres y las demás personas. Apoye a organizaciones que ayudan a familias empobrecidas de todo el mundo a tener mayor independencia económica, como Heifer International y la Fair Trade Federation. Para obtener más infor-mación, visite www.heiferfoundation.org y www.fairtradefederation.org.

www.osvcurriculum.com/lifelong_catechesis

Next Class: The Rite of Baptism December 11, 2011 2—4 p.m. Before attending classes, parents are to schedule and attend an initial visit. Call parish for more information.

BAPTISM FOR INFANTS

Evening of Reflection for 2011 Conf. Candidates and their Sponsors will be held on Sun. Dec. 11 from 4:30pm—8:00 pm. Confession, Mass and dinner will be included. Meet in the Narthex. Immediate Sacramental Preparation begins in January 2012. Initial Interviews for Catholic School & Homeschooled youth (in 10th grade or higher) currently being scheduled. Contact Ms. Teresa Albright in the parish office.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION FOR H.S. TEENS

10:30 am Parent Class: Dec. 11, Rm. 341 The Eucharist: Source & Summit of our Catholic Faith Special Saturday Penance Class: Dec. 10 10:00—11:30 a.m., Rm. 33. For 4-12th graders.

PREPARATION FOR FIRST RECONCILIATION (PENANCE) & FIRST HOLY COMMUNION (EUCHARIST)

CONTACT: Teresa Albright, Director of Religious Education talbright@sacredhearthouston.org 713-659-1561, ext 142

CONTINUING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (CCE)

FEAST DAY: DEC. 6

CONTACT: Debbie Elizondo, Director of Adult Education delizondo@sacredhearthouston.org or 713-659-1561

ADULT EDUCATION

Ongoing Opportunities

Looking Ahead

Dec 4th: Initial Couples

Reminders: Pre-registration w/payment* is required to begin attending Marriage Preparation. Walk-in’s not permitted. Visit us online at www.sacredhearthouston.org and click on

‘Sacraments—Marriage” to view details.

St. Robert Bellarmine Library

Looking for Advent reading? Check us out today!

Hours: 9:00 - 1:00 p.m. Sundays, except holidays

The St. Robert Bellarmine Library is located at Cathedral Cen-tre, inside the large lobby across the elevators.

Topics available: Catholicism, Biblical Studies, Saints, etc.!

Furniture donated by: Star, Hilton, Westheimer Flea Market, and Southwest Surplus. Decorated by: Glenda Bucceri.

C-YA! Catholic Young Adults

We are an active group of 20-30 *some-things who gather for a variety of events each week for Prayer, Education,

Social, and Service activities.

Join our Google Group to receive weekly emails of our events and other info happening around the archdiocese. Contact us at Co-CathedralYA@gmail.com to sign up or find us on Facebook at

"Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart's Catholic Young Adults"

Scriptural Rosary: Alternate days every week, contact Amy at amy.rmrz@gmail.com for more information!

Social Night: Contact Elizabeth Evetts at eevetts@gmail.com for more details! Activities vary each month.

* Age requirement: Must be at least 18 yrs old and out of high school.

Based on Catholic teaching, wisdom of the saints, and modern scientific research! Open to all men, especially married men with children at home!! No charge!!

Schedule: Wednesdays, 5:45 - 7:30a.m. (with light breakfast) Format: Short video lecture w/discussion Location: Cathedral Centre Contact: Chris Beck at christopher.e.beck@gmail.com

MONDAYS WITH MARK

Little Rock Scripture Studies on Gospel of Mark. Classes are in session now - no new registrations, please. Watch for new series in Spring.

JOURNEY: Focus on the Sacraments

A catechism class for adults! Class times are 9:30 and 10:30 on alternating Sundays. It’s not too late to join! Check website under Adult Ed for details.

SUNDAY SUPPER SERIES

New topics on Real Life Issues: Mark your calendars! All Sessions on Sundays, 7-9p.m., potluck after 5:30p.m. Mass. Hire a babysitter, drop off your favorite dish, and join us!! All topics/discussions are geared for adult audiences.

Jan 8: Love & Marriage! Feb 12: How to Get Your Kids to Do What You Want Mar 25: Planning for Financial Success in Uncertain Times Apr 29: Care for the Aging May 20: The Unwanted Gift of Grief

The Patricians Next session Dec 6th

What: Catholic adult men & women’s discussion group When: 1st Tuesdays, 7-9pm Location: Cathedral Centre Next topic: Why Catholics do not believe in the Rapture

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

There will be a 3-part class on NFP: Natural Family Planning, using the Standard Sympto–Thermal method, approved by the Church. Classes are open to all mar-ried/engaged couples.

The commitment is three meetings, spaced a month apart. A fee of $60.00 is required for the course and materials (instructions for payment w/registration).

Dates: Saturdays, Feb 25, Mar 24, April 21 Time: 2:30 - 4:30p.m. Location: Cathedral Centre

2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT!

Need ideas for spiritual preparation? Journey, Patricians, visit the Parish Library, use Advent Magnificat, read the Infancy Narratives of Luke & Matthew, make an Advent Wreath, Confession, pray daily!

Co-Cathedral Church Items:

4 Advent Candles @ $150 each

1 Paschal (Easter) Candle @ $1,200 (donated already)

2 Frontgate (artificial pre-lit) Christmas trees for the Sanctuary @ $1,000 each

30 new choir albs (robes) @ $100 each

30 new choir robe scapulars @ $25 each

Choir Sheet Music @ $800

6 additional free standing signs @ $80 each

2 movable book carts for hymnals @ $300 each

8 Infant Child Jesus Vocation Box Contents @ $25 each

Traveling Chalice Booklets: $300

Total Cost of 2011 Magnificat Advent booklets to be distributed (1,000 booklets): $1,095

Total Cost of 2012 Lector books (100 books) to be distributed to the Lectors: $1,125 Total Cost of 2011 Parish Calendars to be distributed: $3,500 —Any donation for the above three items is welcomed.

CCE Items:

CCE textbook costs: $5200 —Any donation is welcomed. Early Childhood Education/Kindergarten CCE: 6 sets of table with 4 chairs @ $200 each Elementary School CCE: 18 Music CD’s @ $20 each 8 Bookcases (3 shelves) @ $30 each High School CCE/Confirmation/Youth Room: LCD Projector @ $400 Audio Visual Cart @ $150 General CCE: Liturgical Banners with stand @ $300

Cathedral Centre Items:

8 free standing signs @ $80 each

50 solar screen window shades for the parish hall @ $150 each

Development of a high school Confirmation Youth Room on the second floor of the Centre: $12,500

Development of better security at the Centre’s reception area: $15,000

Total cost of roses and a drip irrigation system for the patio of the parish hall: $4,600 —Any donation for the above three items is welcomed.

2011 Christmas Flower/Decoration Fund —Any donation is welcomed. Please use your parish contribution envelope OR this page.

DONATION by: ______________________________________________________________ (Full Name) ______________________________________________________________ (Street address; City/State/Zip Code) Donation amount: $______________________ Item(s) to be donated:

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

On Thursday, December 8th, 2011 - the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart will have the privilege to welcome the International traveling statue of Our Lady of Fatima. This special statue of Our Lady of Fatima will

be at the Co-Cathedral from 6:30 am Thursday, December 8th until 9:00 pm Saturday, December 10th. The Interna-tional World Apostolate of Fatima (Blue Army) owns the statue.

Sister Lucia, who was one of three shepherd children wit-nessing the apparitions in Fatima, Portugal in 1917, di-rected to create this special statue which was made out of oak-wood in 1947. Since then, many inspiring stories and favors surround the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which has traveled over 100 countries around the world, includ-ing Russia as well as the country of Vietnam between 1965 through 1967. Everyone in the Archdiocese and its vicinity is invited to come to honor and offer petitions to our Blessed Virgin Mary at the Co-Cathedral of the Sa-cred Heart.

Viaje Internacional La Estatua de Nuestra Señora de Fátima

Thánh Tượng Mẹ Fatima Thánh Du Quốc Tế

Một lần nữa, Cộng Đoàn Giáo Xứ Chánh Tòa Thánh Tâm được đón tiếp Thánh Tượng Mẹ Fatima thánh du quốc tế đến thăm viếng đoàn con của Mẹ tại Tổng Giáo Phận Galves-ton-Houston.

Cuộc đón tiếp Thánh Tượng Mẹ Fatima tại Giáo Xứ Chánh Tòa Thánh Tâm được bắt đầu vào 6:30 sáng thứ Năm, mồng 8 tháng 12 năm 2011; và sẽ có thánh lễ tôn

kính Mẹ Maria Vô Nhiễm Nguyên Tội vào lúc 7 giờ chiều. Thánh Tượng sẽ tiếp tục ở với đoàn con của Mẹ; và sau thánh lễ 7 giờ chiều thứ Bảy, ngày 10 tháng 12 năm 2011 tại Giáo Xứ Chánh Tòa Thánh Tâm, tượng Mẹ sẽ được di chuyển đến giáo phận khác.

Tượng Mẹ Fatima của Hội Đạo Binh Xanh được tạc bằng gỗ sồi tại Fatima năm 1947, dưới sự hướng dẫn của Chị Lucia là một trong ba trẻ được thị kiến Đức Mẹ hiện ra tại Fatima, Bồ Đào Nha vào năm 1917. Tượng Mẹ đến thăm Việt Nam vào thập niên 1960 và cũng đã thăm viếng trên 100 quốc gia. Theo chứng tích ghi lại, pho tượng này đã hơn 30 lần chẩy nước mắt và rất nhiều người đã nhận được ơn lạ của Đức Mẹ từ thánh tượng này. Xin kính mời quý Đức Ông, quý Cha, quý Tu Sĩ Nam, Nữ cùng toàn thể cộng đồng dân Chúa đến kính viếng, tạ ơn và cầu nguyện cho quê hương Việt Nam, cho gia đình và mỗi người.iji

Jueves, 08 de diciembre del 2011 – Día de La fiesta de la Inmaculada Concepción, La Co-Catedral del Sagrado Corazón tendrá el privilegio de dar la bienvenida a la estatua de viaje internacional de Nuestra Señora de Fátima. Esta estatua especial de Nuestra Señora de Fátima estará en La Co-Catedral desde las 6:30 AM el jueves, el día 8 de diciembre hasta las 9:00 PM el sábado, 10 de diciembre. El mundo apostolado Interna-cional de Fátima (Blue Army) es propietario de la estatua.

Hermana Lucía, quien fue una de los tres hijos del pastor, testigos de las apariciones en Fátima, Portugal en 1917, dirigido a crear esta estatua especial que fue hecha de madera de roble en 1947. Desde entonces, muchas historias inspiradoras y favores rodean la estatua de Nuestra Señora de Fátima, que ha viajado más de 100 países al-

rededor del mundo, incluyendo Rusia, así como el país de Vietnam entre 1965 a 1967.

Todos en la Arquidiócesis y Vecindad están invitados para venir a honrar y ofrecer peticiones a nuestra Santísima Virgen María en la Co-Catedral del Sagrado Corazón.

International traveling statue of Our Lady of Fatima: Dec. 8-10

Why Do We Need a New Translation?

The most common questions asked regarding the new translation of the Roman Missal, is "Why do we need a new translation?" and "What is wrong with what we have?" Translation is an art and science. Open a dictionary and see the many meanings a single word. Translation is not simply entering a word and receiving its exact equivalent in another language. Language is rooted in culture and experience consequently; the con-text in which a word is expressed informs its meaning. For centuries leading up to the Second Vatican Council, the Liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church was printed and prayed only in Latin. The Council called for a vernacular translation as expediently as possible to allow the faithful to enter more fully and fruit-fully into the mystery of God's love and grace made present and offered through the Liturgy. The Church employed a "dynamic equivalence" which attempts to convey the meaning of the Latin without following a word-for-word approach. Occasionally, ideas not in the original Latin were added to the English. The translators also felt simplicity would be more comprehensible so many of the superlatives, adjectives and repetitions were eliminated. The Latin of the Roman Missal is poetic, lyrical, melodic, rich in theological meaning and rooted in history which the translation failed to capture. This resulted in a translation that has served the English-speaking world well but is often more of a paraphrase. In hindsight, the Church found this approach has been unable to capture the power and beauty of the original text. Nonetheless, because of the prominence of English throughout the World, many regions looked to the English translation when making their own translation. A translation of a paraphrase has posed additional concerns. In the year 2000, Pope John Paul II issued the Third edition of the Roman Missal which included Mass prayers for the new Saints canonized in the previous decades, including St. Rita of Casia; St. Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein); St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio); Sts. Andrew Dũng-Lạc; and St. Catherine of Alexandria, among others. Other updates included needs based on other rites. For example, the current Missal does not account for the rites of the RCIA completely. Armed with the experience of several decades of translation experience and greater awareness of the liturgical and Scriptural roots of the Missal texts and facing the need to make a new translation of the 2000 Roman Missal, a new instruction on liturgical translation was issued in 2001 ("Liturgiam Authenticam") which called for a different approach termed "formal equivalence." While not being slavishly literal, each word and phrase in the original Latin is to be accounted for. The result is a translation that brings out more clearly the Scriptural and Patristic allusions. The bulk of future articles will high-light examples of this. The new translation builds upon, corrects and improves the existing texts thus handing on more fruitfully the faith of the Church expressed in the liturgy. What we are currently using is good but we have learned that it can be better. We al-ways strive to offer God our best in the liturgy. David Wood, Office of Worship—Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston

Gestures during the Mass

—During the penitential rite of the Confiteor (I confess to almighty God...), we are to strike our breasts when we say “through my fault…” —During the Creed, we are to bow with our bodies when we say “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.” —“A bow of the head alone is made when the three Divine Persons are named together and at the name of Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of the Saint in whose honor Mass is being celebrated (#275a).”

Posture to receive Holy Communion

“160 It is not permitted for the faithful to take the consecrated Bread or the sacred chalice by themselves and, still less, to hand them on from one to another among themselves. The norm established for the Dioceses of the United States of America is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to re-ceive Communion while kneeling (Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum, March 25, 2004, no. 91).”

“When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of rever-ence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. The consecrated host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant. When Holy Communion is received under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood.”

Please remember that the communicant is to say out loud “Amen” after the Holy Communion distributor says “The Body or Blood of Christ.” If the communicant receives the consecrated host in the hand, one is to step to side and receive the consecrated host immediately before walking away. If the communicant receives the Precious Blood, one is to bow be-fore receiving the chalice; one is to take gently the chalice from the Holy Communion distributor; consumes a little of the Precious Blood; gently hands the chalice back to the distributor and returns to one seat. The practice is this Archdio-cese is to consume from the chalice. A communicant is never allowed to self instinct the consecrated host into the Pre-cious Blood (to dip the consecrated host by oneself).

Source: General Instruction to the Roman Missal, #160-161; # 284-287.