UPCOMING EVENTS:

FIRST FRIDAYS: 8:30 am—6:50 pm Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy An-gels Chapel

June 6 & 7: MINISTRY FAIR after all Masses

June 16: 6:00—9:00 pm—Virtus Training Session (Bldg. A)

June 23 & 24: 9:00 am—8:00 pm—Stroke Scan (Bldg. A)

July 6 thru 10: 6:00 pm—9:00 pm—Vacation Bible School (Bldgs. A,B, and C-1)

August 15: SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION

NEWSLETTER June 2015 Volume 1, Issue 7

RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE

The Respect Life Committee is committed to supporting life from conception to natu-ral death.

As a spring activity, the Respect Life Committee made Easter gift bags for the shut-ins in our parish.

On Sunday, May 3, the committee sponsored a parish wide paper shower between masses and it was a great success. Thank you to all parishioners who contributed to the cause of life.

Meetings of the committee will resume in August and planning will begin for our ba-zaar booth, t-shirt orders, and participation in the walk for life and life chain in Octo-ber.

Carrie Gourley

THE DEADLINE FOR THE SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER WILL BE FRIDAY, AUGUST 7.

Message from Fr. David:

Greetings Everyone!

I hope this wet Spring weather finds you all well and with a newfound hope for thirst in the Lord.

I am writing this article on the Solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord, which brings with it much reflection for our life as witnesses to Him in our lives of faith.

There are so many ways in which we can be that witness in the world in which we live. We can start within our own families at home, with the friends that we have, at work, or at school, and this is exactly what we are called to do – to evangelize others on the Love that we have received from our Lord.

In the next few weeks we will be surrounded with opportunities to do just that. To help us in this regard, the church offers, for the next three Sundays, Solemnities. I pray we will all be enlivened to realize even more deeply the love that we have received, the love we con-tinue to receive, and the love that we are called to share. Next Sunday, Pentecost, is the culmination of our Easter Season; May 31 we celebrate the Most Holy Trinity, and June 7 is the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

Having said that, we could always use extra people in the different ministries offered here at St. Katharine. June 6 & 7 we will be holding our Ministry Fair. This would be an excel-lent opportunity to find a niche in which you could share God’s love among the parish family. I hope you have been listening to the joy the ministers have been expressing in their experience of their ministries, at the end of our Masses recently. It is the experience of that joy that gives us all encouragement to give of ourselves.

In the coming weeks I pray that you will grow in holiness, especially given these special Solemn Sundays. I also pray that you reflect deeply on a ministry in which you could share of that holiness, that love, that joy that has been given to you in Christ.

Peace and all Good

Fr. David

HOUSE OF HELP “Grocery Cart Chatter”

May we borrow a cup of freon? Maybe you have a spare coil or compressor lying around? Can you

guess we have a/c problems? With the grant of a commercial freezer, we supply more frozen meat to

our client; however, it is causing our aging a/c unit to work even harder to cool our facilities. We ap-

plied a patch, but it’s not a cure. We are seeking assistance to redesign and replace the unit so it

will efficiently handle our current needs.

We have been so busy, a month full of sales, changed our floor plan, and put out new merchandise,

all in getting ready for summer. On Saturday, May 9, we benefited from the Hempstead Post Office

Annual Food Drive. We have also been blessed with food donations by organizations at Prairie View

A&M.

Hempstead Girl Scout Juliettes came and helped plant our Community Garden. It is doing so well we

need 12 tomato cages so we can get the plants off the ground. The garden provides fresh vegetables

for our clients. If you like to play in the dirt, we welcome your presence in helping us tend to our gar-

den.

Services and activities galore are coming to the House of Help this summer; The Rose will be here

again this June or July offering Mammograms, watch The Hotline Press for announcement of dates.

We are also working to have Pet Service Vaccinations come back again this year to offer shots for your

four legged friends; dates will be announced. BARGAINS galore will happen at the HOH Yard Sale on

Saturday, July 18th, 9am-2pm. VOLUNTEERS, bring your talent and love for neighbor; we need YOU in

the Pantry, office, at our events, and in the garden. We partner with R.S.V.P., a senior volunteer

program that offers benefits to its members. Lastly, may you be blessed as you are a blessing to this

Ministry.

Your sister in Christ, Sid Chipman

CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!

On Sunday, May 17 at both Masses, graduating seniors were recognized and given a special

blessing. Scholarships were also awarded to the following students:

Juan Arellano, recipient of the Altar Society Scholarship

Hannah Phipps, winner of both the Doug Stepan Memorial Scholarship from the Knights of

Columbus and the Catholic Daughters’ Scholarship

All graduates were honored with a special breakfast and presented gifts representing the parish.

Your St. Katharine Drexel family wishes you much success and we congratulate you on your achievements. May God

bless you and keep you strong in your Catholic faith as you embark on your life’s journey.

Baptisms:

Zarazua G. Figueroa Benito K. Perez Carlos Rojas Marco A. Urbina, Jr. Emma A. Flores Ivan A. Adame Alexander Alvarado Artura J. Figueroa Karen Figueroa Janell K. Garcia Gael J. Hernandez Gisele Arteaga Melanie Arteaga Angela S. Gomez Oscar I. Avelar Bryan Lee Barahona Michaelangelo Castillo-Andalla Angel Espinoza Angelique Espinoza Yasmin Espioza Elijah A. Garcia Fabian Lopez, Jr. Elizabeth C. Juarez Marilu Lopez Esmeralda Martinez Martha J. Millan Jose Munoz Gloria S. Nunez, Lopez Victor I. Reyes Emiliano Rosales Meza Lisseth Ruiz Rocio Ruiz Jacqueline Silva Angeles Vesquez

Welcome to new members of the St. Katharine’s family:

Juan C. & Marisela Lopez V., Edson and Kevin

Ignacio & Lorena M. Montenero, Wilson, Ivan, and Nayeli

Douglas & Natalie M. Wisnoski

Christian & Gabriela Montano

Carlos & Mario DeJesus O. Martinez

Oscar A. & Perla F. Avelar, and Oscar I.

Jose A. & Maria T. Hurtado

Marc A. Liveris

Stacy L. Pratt and Colton C.

Rolando Alaniz & Margarita Elizondo, Marioni and Montserrant M.

Quintila Martinez, Daniel and Fernando Espinoza

Rodolfo & Erika V. Espinoza, Manuel, Yasmin, Angel, and Angelique

Renee E. Barry

Angela McCann, Reid, Lane, Avaleigh and Russell “Cole”

Gabino & Emma G. Oviedo

Rodolfo & Karla A. Castillo, Leonel and Michaelangelo

Pedro, Sr. & Ramona Amador

Miguel & Anel M. Garcia and Crystal

Miguel & Nereida A. Uguarte, Alma G., Juan P., and Gladys M.

Yohan & Guadalupe M. Gutierrez and Yohan

Tereso & Aymie A. Alvarez, Hannah and Jose

Francisco & Maria Vasquez, Francisco J. and Fernando

Brian K. & Renee L. Laake

Weddings

Jose U. Rodriguez and Consuelo Muñoz—2/7/2015 Larry E. Lamp and Linda S. Newcomb—2/17/15 Brian K Laake and Renee L. Cull—2/28/15 Patrocinio R. Morales and Rosa A. Juarez—3/7/15 Roberto R. Gonzalez and Ruby O. Ramirez—3/28/25 Aldo H. Gonzalez Rodriguez and Olivia Ortega—4/11/15 Marvin S. Marcia Venegas and Lucinda Andrade—4/18/15

Deaths:

Johnnie Rochen—3/25/15

Jose F. Juarez—4/12/15

Mercy Ostigin—4/15/15

Baby Angel De Jesus Ibarra—5/3/15

WITH GRATITUDE

Throughout the year there are many people (too

numerous to mention) that volunteer their ser-vices to the children and youth of our parish. Among these people are the catechists and

helpers for CCE, Sacrament preparations, RCIA dismissals, Quinceñera preparation, and adult faith for-

mation; those who served at our Sacrament and Quinceñera celebrations and those who prepared and hosted the receptions

for the celebrations; the many who donated and/or prepared meals for our high school retreats and senior graduation break-fast; and those who participated in fundraisers and donated in

some way to our programs. A very big thank you to all of you for a job well done. Praise and thanksgiving to our Lord, Jesus

Christ for all of you.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to our newly initiated Catholics. At

the Easter Vigil on April 4, 2015, Angela Gomez, Gisele

Arteaga, and Melanie Arteaga were fully initiated and

received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation,

and Eucharist. We welcome them to the Roman Cath-

olic Church. A special thank you to the welcoming

committee for the nice reception.

On May 16 at the 5:00 p.m. Mass, ten

adults celebrated the Sacrament of First

Eucharist. Their next step was the Sacrament of Con-

firmation celebrated the following week.

Every year over 1000 adults within the Archdiocese

celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at parishes

designated by the Bishop. On May 24, Pentecost

Sunday, 17 of our adults celebrated the Sacrament

of Confirmation at one of the designated parishes.

Congratulations!

On the weekend of May 30 and 31, approximately 100

of our children and youth celebrated the Sacrament of

First Eucharist. They were assigned a specific Mass on

these days. Congratulations to all! Thank you to the

Catholic Daughters who honored them with a recep-

tion after each celebration.

Lucille Pavlock

HERE’S SOMETHING FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

You may have entered the Church as a “cradle Catholic” but it’s likely you know other Catholics (perhaps your spouse) who en-

tered the Church as an adult. That process is called Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), and it’s an important activity in

Saint Katharine Drexel Parish.

There’s more than one level of RCIA, but the entry level is called “Inquiry,” and it is designed to answer frequently asked ques-

tions about the Church, and to lay a foundation for faith formation. Inquiry topics include: Your Journey of Faith; What Do Catho-

lics Believe?; The Meaning of the Mass; The Bible; The Saints; Mary; plus six more topics. In the course of Inquiry, candidates

discern if they want to move forward in RCIA, or perhaps not “at this time” (it has still been time well spent).

Very interesting; but what does this have to do with me? The Houston suburbs are rolling up US 290; our Parish is growing; and

the demand for RCIA is growing with it. Here’s something for you to consider: At SKD, who will answer the call for additional

Inquiry facilitators?

“Here I am; send me.” (1)

Inquiry facilitators are not religious educators, not catechists, nor do they have any special skills; they are just faithful Catholics

who present the well-written published materials in a friendly manner. Who can’t do that?

Are you interested in learning more? Then here’s an offer you can’t refuse: Schedule a visit during an Inquiry session (on the first

and third Tuesday evenings of each month); I’ll give you that session’s materials; you can follow along as participants learn, ask

questions, and reinforce their understanding from prior sessions; then, stay to discuss your impressions with me (NOT for a hard

sell to sign up).

Jesus sent his disciples to go, “make disciples of all nations …., teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (2)

Will you answer the Lord’s call? That can begin by teaching the small part of the world centered on FM 1488 at US 290, as an

Inquiry facilitator.

You can schedule a visit to an Inquiry session by calling Lucille Pavlock (Director of Religious Education) in the Parish Office,

979.826.2275. “Act now! Operators are standing by.” (3)

(1) Isaiah 6: 8

(2) Matt. 28: 16 - 20

(3) As seen on TV

Submitted by Don Hand, an Inquiry facilitator.

CCE EVENTS

This past February, the Elementary students participated in a popcorn fundraiser. The proceeds from the fundraiser was to help offset expenses for our faith formation programs. The students (with the help of their parents) sold an enormous amount of popcorn that netted approximately $2000.00. AWESOME! The classes that sold the most were: Blanca Molina’s third grade class at 8:30 a.m. and Eden Renovato’s fifth grade class at 10:30 a.m. The third grade class was honored with a taco breakfast donated by Lourdes Melchor and the fifth grade class was honored with an ice cream party donated by Jack Gibbs. The students enjoyed Lourdes’s homemade tacos and Jack’s homemade ice cream. Thank you!

On March 8 for the St. Katharine Drexel Feast Day, our Elementary students participated in an art contest. We had beautiful art

from each grade level. The first place winners were: Laura Tapia’s first grade class at 8:30 a.m. and Renee Barry’s third grade

class at 10:30 a.m. The second place winners were: Carmela Esquivel’s PK/Kinder class at 8:30 a.m. and Eden Renovato’s fifth

grade class at 10:30 a.m. All four classes were awarded a specific ribbon beautifully made by JoAnn Babbitt. In addition, the first

place winners received a Kolache breakfast donated by Mary Ann Harmer. Thank you all for a job well done.

During the season of Lent, Arci Mora’s first grade class participated in a Lenten project. Throughout the season the children

brought in their change and placed it in a jar. By Palm Sunday, they collected $49.90 that was donated to the House of

Help. They are learning to be good stewards of the parish. Great job!

Lucille Pavlock

ALTAR SOCIETY

St. Katharine Drexel Altar Society has been abuzz with

activities. The Area Wide Ladies’ Luncheon on March

14, 2015, at the KC Hall was a huge success with deli-

cious food and amazing music. The Sowell Family

Pickers were both inspirational and entertaining, arous-

ing the crowd with their God-given talents and affecting

the crowd with their personal stories. Don’t miss a

chance to see this fabulous family perform!

A few other activities kept members busy this spring.

We were happy to provide cookies for the St. Katharine

Day festivities. Several members took part in the cook-

ing competition, and a fun day was enjoyed by all. Of

course, our group does take care of the Church linens.

Also, Altar Society takes pleasure in awarding a $500

scholarship to a deserving senior from our parish. The

certificate was presented in conjunction with the Senior

Breakfast in May. Our group of ladies closes activities

until September with a May 20th pot luck dinner, held at

the Classic Events Café on highway 159 at 6:00. We

hope to see you there.

The St Katharine Drexel Altar Society strives to make a

positive difference in our parish with activities, assis-

tance, and, most of all, prayer. We encourage you to

help us in our endeavor. Meetings are held on the third

Wednesday of September to May at 6 PM at the Classic

Events Café. We welcome you to attend. For more in-

formation, please call Kathleen at (409) 658-8407 or

Shirley at (979) 826-3295.

Kathleen Cole

DREXEL’S DRIFTERS Greetings from

Catholic Daughters of the Americas

Court #2084

April 9 - 12, Regent Patsy Marburger, Dr. Mary Haw-kins, Cheryl Thomas, District Deputy #25, Toni Thomas and Rene Barry, Recording Secretary attended the 49th Bi-Annual Convention In Austin, Texas. We were honored to have Father David Harris join us for a few days, while there he participated in the opening Mass and the Memorial Mass for the deceased CDA mem-bers. Everyone is now looking forward to the conven-tion in Corpus Christi in 2017. If you have never attended, please think about joining us and making the trip.

On May 2, 2015 the CDA hosted the 4th Mary Conference here at St. Katharine Drexel. Fa-ther David

was the opening speaker with Morning Prayer - "Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary" with everyone par-ticipating. Deacon Brick led the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary before returning to the class room for the 1st workshop.

Brad Cooper continued with Mary, Mother of all Na-tions, which was about The Blessed Virgin Mary’s re-ported apparitions. A quick break for lunch, then Dea-con Brick picked up with Mary, The Ark of the New Covenant. At 3:00pm we all recited The Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Brad finished with "Piety and the Immaculate Concep-tion." It was a full day of spiritual education, mini re-treat. Father Juan crowned the Blessed Virgin Mary at the 5:00 pm Mass to complete our day. We would like to say, “Thank You, Father Juan, for all the good things you had to say about the Catholic Daughters.”

The Catholic Daughters are looking forward to hosting the 1st Communion class May 30th & 31st, cookies will be provided by the ladies of the parish.

Unity & Charity

Catholic Daughters of the Americas

St. Katharine's has a very active Senior Group. Many great ideas were presented at our May 16 planning meeting including wine tasting, bus to casino, and a progressive dinner on July 19th. Activity details will be advertised in the bul-letin. All Seniors are invited to join us. For info or to be included in our email list contact Barbara Bezub 979 826 6973 or Bezub@att.net.

Barbara Bezub

THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Mary’s assumption into heaven has been formally celebrated in all Christian countries from the beginning of the Middle Ages up to the Reformation and is consistent with the faith of the Church from the beginning. In one of his sermons, St. John Damascene (who died in 749) expressed the general belief of all Christianity: “Your sacred and happy soul, as nature will have it, was separated in death from your most blessed and immaculate body; and alt-hough the body was duly interred, it did not remain in the state of death, neither was it dis-solved by decay…Your most pure and sinless body was not left on earth but you were transferred to your heavenly throne, O Lady, Queen, and Mother of God in truth”

The belief has become interwoven with legend, the most famous of which comes from a passage added by an unknown author in the sermons of St. John Damascene. It tells of a request to the bishop of Jerusalem at the Council of Chalcedon (451) to have the relic of Mary brought to Constantinople. The bishop is said to have answered, “Mary died in the presence of the apostles; but her tomb, when opened later on the request of St. Thomas, was found empty, and thus the apostles concluded that the body was taken up to heaven.”

Since the Church understands death to be a consequence of the first sin and believes that Mary was conceived without original sin, some theologians have wondered if Mary died or

simply was assumed into heaven without dying. The Catechism of the Catholic Church doesn’t answer the question, but says, “The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven…” (CCC #974; see also #966).

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven is celebrated in Ordinary Time on August 15. Although the solemnity is not celebrated at a Sunday liturgy, it is an important Marian devotion and a Holy Day of Obligation. The Assumption is our promise of eternal life.

Consubstantial with the Father/ de la misma naturaleza del Padre. Why do we say that? What Does That Mean?

Every time we recite the creed at mass we profess the profound truths of our faith. For example, in

English we profess that Jesus Christ is consubstantial with the Father. In Spanish we say de la misma

naturaleza del Padre. Why do we do that and what does it mean?

This is why we do that. In the early Church some began teaching that Jesus was not truly divine, that

he was not God as God the Father was God. This teaching was called Arianism and spread throughout

the Church. In order to combat this erroneous teaching and proclaim the true Catholic Christian faith

the Council of Nicaea in 325 proclaimed that Jesus was in fact divine as God the Father was divine.

They both posses the fullness of the one Godhead or divinity. (Remember we believe in only one

God!) The council used a fancy Greek word to proclaim this teaching. That word is homoousios. Liter-

ally this means that Jesus is of the same “stuff” of the Father. He is of the same substance, nature or

essence as God the Father. In other words Jesus Christ is divine just as the Father is divine. In Eng-

lish we translate homoousios as consubstantial and in Spanish we say de la misma naturaleza del Pa-

dre. Therefore every time we recite the creed we profess our belief the divinity of Jesus Christ!

Dcn. John Pelleter

St. Katharine Drexel

Annual Bazaar

Bazaar Chairman, Jose Sanchez has announced organizational meetings for the 2015 SKD Annual Bazaar on Sun-

day, October 18. Your help is needed to make this the most successful bazaar ever!!! What a perfect way to meet

your fellow parishioners in a spirit of fellowship and great fun. Meeting dates are:

May 24 @ 6:00 pm August 16 @ 6:00 pm November 8 @ 6:00 pm

June 28 @ 6:00 pm September 14 @ 6:00 pm

July 19 @ 6:00 pm October 4 @ 6:00 pm

GET INVOLVED…DO YOUR PART!

At a meeting of the Waller County Veterans Memorial Campaign Committee, Robert Borski, Grand Knight of

the local council of the Knights of Columbus, presented Gary Nemec a check for $2000 towards the funding of

the New Waller County Veterans Memorial that will be erected on the Hempstead Courthouse grounds. Along

with the county commissioners, are Knights Tom Brown, Gene Flory, and Jack Gibbs

Nemec, who is the Waller County Veteran Service Officer, said the campaign is on track, having reached over

1/3 of its goal, and, if fund raising continues to go as expected, may even reach the final goal before the end of

the year.

The privately funded Waller County Veterans Memorial is a gift to Waller county from the citizens’ of the county

and friends to show their appreciation for the service of our county's veterans of the past wars as well as the

ongoing war on terror. It will stand as a reminder that FREEDOM is NOT FREE.

Jack Gibbs

Knights of Columbus Event

The Knights of Columbus are happy to report that

their 2nd Annual Golf Tournament, held on April 26,

2015, at Faith Bridge Ranch Golf Club here in Hemp-

stead, was a huge success. Our thanks for all of the

support from our many sponsors and donors at SKD

Parish, the Knights, the local and surrounding com-

munities. There were eleven teams competing this

year. The event started with a putting contest, won

by Mike Schuller, a member of Emigdio Hinojosa’s

team. A Sausage/Boudain lunch was held prior to teeing off. Father David had a shoulder problem thus giving

the other players a chance to win. Awards were given to the 1st Place team, the closest to the pin, and the

longest drive. Rick Toman’s team won 1st Place. Closest to the pin was won by Dennis Brown, a member of

Bob Nickles’s team; and Neil Williams, on Rick Toman’s team, won the longest drive. In addition, there was a

very successful silent auction. After the awards presentation and the silent auction closing, a delicious Rib-eye

steak dinner was served to all players. The meal was prepared and served by Harold Garrett and his team: Rob-

ert Borski, James Linseisen, Robert Jozwiak, Matt Froelich, Brian Nichols, Mud Gibbs, and Mary Ann Garrett.

Jack Gibb’s famous homemade ice cream was, also, enjoyed by all.

The breeze and the clouds were there with just a little rain and everyone had a good time. The Golf Committee members, Johnny Cole, Tom Brown, and Doug Plummer, are already planning for next year’s tournament.

Doug Plummer

ALTAR SOCIETY LUNCHEON On Saturday, March 14, the Altar Society of St. Katharine Drexel Parish held its Annual Ladies Luncheon at

the KC Hall in Hempstead. The event to promote ecumenical unity, the event is open to all la-dies of the community and was headlined by the Sowell Family Pickers, a local bluegrass band that specializes in gospel songs and inspirational messages. The family group features the mother and all six children on various instruments, along with the father han-dling the support functions. The popular group performs annually at the Hempstead Watermelon Festival and other area venues, as well as tours abroad in Europe.

Red Rooster catering provided the gourmet lunch of chicken piccata, prepared by Rick To-man and Kenneth Diehl. Patsy Marburger prepared the silent auction with an assortment of 28 donated items. A cross arrangement crafted by Gene Flory was the high bid item. Sandy Brown provided a number of door prizes. Lourdes Melchor and her group of Quinceanera young ladies from the parish provided servers during the event. Many member ladies dressed in green for the gala affair to recognize the Irish of St. Patrick’s Day.

Kathleen Cole is president of the Altar Society, with Shirley Newcomb as vice president and Luncheon Chair-person. Ann Killough serves as secretary, and Shirley Acock as treasurer. Josie Owen and Janie Plummer deco-rated the tables with the Irish motif, while Ellen Pelletier handled publicity and publications for the affair. The Altar Society is a service organization of St. Katharine Drexel Church, open to all ladies of the parish. For more information about the Altar Society, including membership, please call Kathleen Cole at 409.658.8407.

Jack Gibbs

Shirley sold tickets.

Victoria was there to

help her mom.

**Many thanks to Harry Conte and Jack Gibbs for the photos in this issue.**

The local council of the Knights of Columbus honored Johnny Jezierski for 65 years of

membership at their meeting on March 19 in Hempstead. Johnny joined the Knights in

Brenham, Texas in 1950, and is a charter member of the local council when it was formed in 2000 at St.

Katharine Drexel Parish.

Johnny was born in Chappell Hill, Texas in 1921, married Florence Kmiec in April of 1942, and volunteered

for the Navy in May 1942. After basic training in San Diego, he was assigned to the battleship USS Missis-

sippi in July 1942, a premier battleship in the U. S. Navy at the time, and remained on her until his honora-

ble discharge in October of 1945.

During his tour of duty in the Pacific for over three years, Johnny earned 8 battle stars, the Philippine Liber-

ation medal with 2 stars, and good conduct ribbons throughout his service. Among the 8 battles in which

the Mississippi played a major role were the Philippines and Okinawa. In the Philippine action, the USS

Mississippi was in the middle of the encounter at Surigao Strait that destroyed the Japanese naval force.

At Okinawa, gunfire from the USS Mississippi completely demolished the Japanese stronghold at Shuri

Castle, a major obstacle to the U.S. ground forces as they fought across the island, the last step before the

planned invasion of Japan. To dramatize the dangers of naval warfare in WW II during the Pacific cam-

paign, the battleship survived a kamikaze attack, as well as an explosion in a turret with 14” guns, that

killed 43 men.

At war’s end, the USS Mississippi, with Johnny onboard, was the first US ship to sail into Tokyo Bay, and

was there for the Japanese surrender on September 2,1945. The ceremony took place on the battleship

Missouri, since the then U.S. President Truman was from that state.

After the war, Johnny returned to Brenham, Texas, and had a barber shop there until his retirement a few

years ago. Today, Johnny lives in Hempstead, at the active age of 94.

Jack Gibbs

Johnny Jezierski is shown with the plaque commemorating his 65 years of membership in the Knights of Columbus, presented to him by Grand Knight Robert Borski (left), along with Knights Chaplain Rev. David Harris (right), on March 19, 2015.

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

We, the people of St. Katharine Drexel Church, inspired by the legacy of our patron, strive to welcome all people, provide assistance to those in

need, and celebrate our beliefs through the sacraments and God’s word. In the strength of our diverse backgrounds, we seek to continue our

own formation and to evangelize our community, so that we may become united as sisters and brothers in Christ.

On Sunday, March 29, the Young Adults group from St. Katharine Drexel parish worked at the pond in the front of the church grounds, preparing the area for Easter. Lead by Chris Zolli and Fabian Yanez, the party of six followed up their work from last November by cleaning out the weeds and vegetation from the pond, and planting fresh flow-ers at the statue of Jesus that stands above the pond.

The flowers were provided by Ms. Georgie Gibbs of the parish. While the boys did most of the heavy work, the girls in the group prepared the flower bed, planted the flowers and also washed the statues. The energetic group dubbed the pond the “Water of Christ” lake.

The Young Adults group, named “Saint Katharine’s Knights” in recognition of the support they receive from the Knights of Columbus, is open to all single, young adults in the parish, and has social, civic and religious activities.

In addition to Chris and Fabian, the Young Adults who participated in the work day were Erika Reyes, vice presi-dent of the group, Giselle Ruiz, David Aldaz, and Twain Henry.

Jack Gibbs

SKD YOUNG ADULTS “SAINT KATHARINE’S KNIGHTS”

CLEAN POND ON CHURCH GROUNDS

SKD Young Adults getting ready to work on the

“Water of Christ” pond, with help from KC, the dog.

David and Chris

dredging the muck

out of the pond.

Giselle, Erika, Fabi-

an and Twain ar-

range the flowers.

With oversight by KC, Erika and Fabian

check the solar lights, to be put in the

flower bed.

Giselle and Twain put

the final touches on

the flowers.

Giselle Ruiz, Erika

Reyes, Fabian Yanez,

Chris Zolli, David Aldaz,

and Twain Henry, along

with KC the dog, of the

SKD Young Adults, “St.

Katharine’s Knights”.

MORE PICTURES FROM THE ST. KATHARINE’S DAY CELEBRATION

ST. KATHARINE DREXEL DAY!

On March 8th, our parish celebrated the third annual celebration of our patroness’ birthday. Not unusual to this time of year, Mother

Nature decided it was time Hempstead, TX received some rain. This caused us to change some plans but everything worked out great.

For those of you that stayed home, you missed some great culinary treats. Foods ranging from Cajun to Mexiacn to El Salvadoran, to Ukrainian-E European to Italian and Polish were served and enjoyed. Desserts were served by the

“Right-To-Life” Committee.

First prize in the food category went to team El Salva-dor for their puposas and second place went to team Cajun for their shrimp and grits. Team El Salvador was staffed by Noemi Quintanilla, Ana Quintanilla, Lucia Martinez, Xiomara Quintanilla, and our own Mirian Estrada. Team Cajun was staffed by Rick and

Debbie Toman.

First prize for best decorated table went to Team Ukrainian-E European, staffed by Irene Conte and

Ellen Pelletier. Second place went to Team El Salvador.

The student artwork competition was great and the winners were misses Laura

Tapia and Carmela Esquivel, Ms. Renee Berry, and Eden Renovato.

I want to thank all those that participated, Movimiento, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters, The Altar Society and Kate’s Kitchen for all of their help set-ting up, providing drinks, and helping with clean up, and to Jerry LaMere for put-ting together some great cultural music. Cookies were provided by the Altar Soci-

ety and Kate’s Kitchen.

A special note of gratitude goes to Brookshire Bros. for supplying the hot dog buns to us without charge. Please remember to support those that support our

parish.

I also want to thank the youth group and our students from Prairie View A&M

for all of their help.

Mostly, I want to thank the members of the Stewardship Committee for all of the work they put into planning an coordinating this event. They are Jo Ann

Babbitt, Jose Sanchez, Barbara Bezub, and Roberto Rodriguez.

HARRY CONTE

ARMY BROTHERS

JACOB AND ADAM DIEHL

Members of our parish, Jacob and Adam are continuing their lives of service to God’s peo-ple. Jacob is a 2nd LT Ground Ambulance Platoon Leader with 441 Ground Ambulance Company in Seagoville,Tx . Adam is Pv2 Airborne Cav Scout. He recently completed Air Assault School at Ft Bragg,NC and is preparing for Pre-Ranger School.

The St. Katharine Drexel family is grateful to the Diehl family for their service to our par-ish and to our beloved country.