Vision Statement

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic Community of Believers called to serve Christ by gathering together at the Lord’s Table in worship and praise, by serving our brothers and sisters in Christ, and by being a welcoming beacon of light to all. We are many parts, yet one body in Christ.

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston Houston

816 Park Dr. La Porte, Texas 77571 281-471-2000 Fax:281-471-9365

Website:www.stmaryslaporte.com E-mail:stmaryslpcc@sbcglobal.net Parish Office Hours

Monday - Friday 9:00 am-12:00 Noon 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm

Eucharistic Celebrations Saturday: 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. (Spanish) 1:00 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Chapel Monday (No Mass) Tuesday & Wednesday – 12:00 noon Thursday, & Friday – 8:30 a.m.

Parish Staff Rev. Tony A. Castro, Pastor Deacon Hector Cantu Deacon Julio Matallana Deacon Stan Avallone Bookkeeper-Nelda Shealy Bulletin/Sacramental Records– Cheryl Frobenius Maintenance– Steve Regan Parish Secretary-Jessica Jaramillo Receptionist-Peggy Holland C.C.E. Director-Shari Davis C.C.E. Coordinator - Graciela Lopez EDGE Coordinator-Randy Tercero Life Teen Director-Shari Davis

Sacrament of Baptism Baptisms are celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Classes are held on the 2nd & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Please come by the Parish Office to register or call for more information. Reconciliation The Sacrament of Penance is offered on Saturdays, from 4:30p.m. to 5:30p.m. or by appointment. Sacrament of Marriage Please contact the Parish Office at least (6) six months prior to your desired wedding date to arrange a meeting with Father Tony or one of the Deacons. If you want a Mass, you must call Father Tony. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Are you a non-Catholic who is interested in joining the Catholic faith? Are you a baptized Catholic who has never received the sacraments of 1st Communion and Confirmation? If your answer is yes to either of these questions, call the Parish Office. Sacrament of First Reconciliation/First Communion First Reconciliation/Communion candidates must be baptized, at least in the second grade, and have been attending CCE classes for at least TWO full years prior to entering into sacramental preparation. Adults will be referred to the RCIA program. Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation is a separate more intensive examination of the faith and our responsibilities as practicing Catholics. Confirmands will meet once per month in addition to attending Life Teen faithfully, both one full year prior to the beginning Sacramental preparation and during the preparation year (no more than three absences either year). Parents/Sponsors will also be required to attend once per month meetings. Confirmation candidates must have previously received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion. A habit of attending weekly Mass is required for both years. Please, note the above represents the minimum requirements. Adults will be referred to the RCIA program.

DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND “Bring Your Greatest Gifts to the Lord”

Parish Goal 2020 $52,000.00 Amount Pledged: $27,850.00 Amount Paid: $20,790.00 (39.98%) Total # of Participants 96 Our 2020 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF)

has begun in every parish throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Christ calls us to serve one another and reach those who are sick or in need, to bless and serve them. Your compassion and generosity is needed by the Archdiocese. When you share your greatest gifts with the Lord, you enable us to reach out to people in this parish and throughout the entire Archdiocese through more than 60 important ministries. To give online, please visit www.archgh.org/dsf. gratitude.

Spiritual Holy Communion

For various reasons we may be prevented from receiving the Eucharist at Mass. We may have bro-ken the one hour fast, be in a state of mortal sin, or we could even be homebound, unable to leave our home to attend Mass.

In these cases the Church encourages us to make an act of “spiritual communion,” where we unite our-selves to God through prayer. It is a beautiful way to express to God our desire to be united with him when we are unable to complete that union in the reception of Holy Communion.

Below is a traditional prayer of spiritual communion that many saints have prayed over the years. It can be prayed if you find yourself at Mass unable to re-ceive the Eucharist, or even in the midst of your daily work, lifting up your thoughts to God.

The ultimate goal of our lives should be communion with God and an act of spiritual communion can help a person draw closer to that goal.

My Jesus, I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself

wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen

Sunday Offertory Donations May23/24, 2020

Collection $5,313.00

2nd Collection ~ $212.00 Catholic Communication Campaign

If you would like to send your weekly donations, please visit St. Mary’s website and go to the Online Giving icon, Flocknotes or mail them to St. Mary’s, 816 Park Dr., La Porte, TX 77571. www.stmaryslaporte.com

Thank you for your generosity.

Saturday, May 30: 5:30pm Special Intention for the Burkland Family By: Walter Hayes Family

Sunday, May 31: 9:00am Special Intention for the Platt Family By: Walter Hayes Family 11:30am Zaragoza Trevino† By: Alex & Teresa Trevino 1:00pm People of the Parish

Tuesday, June 2: 12:000pm Charles Buren† By: Wichlep Family Wednesday, June 3:

12:00pm Special Intention Nathaniel Torres By: Agnes Rushing Thursday, June 4:

8:30am Birthday Celebration of Alex Jaramillo By: Jessica Jaramillo Friday, June 5:

8:30am Special Intention for Neal Purlee By: Agnes Rushing Saturday, June 6: 5:30pm Joachim Vo Van Nguyen† By: Nguyen Family

Sunday, June 7: 9:00am People of the Parish 11:30am Zaragoza Trevino† By: Theresa & Alex Trevino 1:00pm Dorothy Dawson†

By: Doris Holmes

Dear parish family, Pentecost Sunday We now come to the final Sunday of the Easter Season as we celebrate what some called the “birthday of the church.” The refer-ence of “birthday” is in relation to “new beginnings of the church empowered by the Holy Spirit” or “going out to grow through the power of the Holy Spirit” as promised by the Lord, as we say today, “NEW NORMAL”. Yet we know

“church” is already born and being formed when the Lord gathered his disciples around him even before Pentecost. The church is a community of believers. We are again reminded this Sunday of the different gifts of the Holy Spirit working in our com-munity, our church. St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians (2nd reading) points out that there are many gifts but the same Spirit. And all the different personalities and gifts, interests and abilities of persons of all ages come together and how all these gifts work together to build up the Church is because of the working of the Holy Spirit.

We hear two accounts of the coming of the Holy Spirit in our readings this Sunday. And they are markedly differ-ent. In the Acts (first reading), the Holy Spirit comes only after Jesus ascended to the Father, but in the gospel, Jesus is still pre-sent. In the first, the Holy Spirit arrives as tongues of fire with the noise of a strong driving wind. In the second, the Holy Spirit comes with a gentle breath and no visible manifestation. In Acts, the apostles speak at once in different languages – those who listened to them hear them according to their own language. In John, the apostles fall silent absorbing the reality of the presence of the risen Lord. These stories tell us that the Holy Spirit may come to us in the manner of God’s choosing. At times it may come with visible manifestations and consequences; at other times and perhaps many times the Spirit comes gently and quietly. The same Spirit produces different workings in different people and at different times. On this Pentecost we ask Jesus to breathe his Spirit on us. We have to believe that on this Pentecost Jesus will breathe on us anew, because these days we are like distant runners gasping for air. Who knows how far we still have to go? Stay safe & Blessings to all and have a good week! Fr. Tony

Querida familia parroquial, ASCENSIÓN DEL SEÑOR El jueves pasado, 21 de mayo, originalmente era la fecha calendario para la Ascensión del Señor. ¿Por qué esa fecha?

Es el cuadragésimo día después del domingo de Pascua. El número 40 es tan significativo en las narraciones bíblicas: transmite muchos significados, entre ellos preparación y aislamiento, limpieza y purificación, pero sobre todo a un cambio y renovación que conduce a una nueva fase, nuevos comienzos, como decimos hoy " nueva normalidad ". La palabra "cuarentena" en realidad proviene del latín (también italiano) "quaranta" significa literalmente cuarenta. La "cuarentena" se usó originalmente como un período de 40 días de detención o aislamiento impuesto a barcos, personas, animales o plantas a la llegada a un puerto o lugar, cuando se sospecha que portan alguna enfermedad infecciosa o contagiosa. Conocemos muy bien esta palabra porque en este momento de pandemia, pero ya no en su uso original.

Jesús se "puso en cuarentena" en el desierto antes de su ministerio público, que la iglesia observó litúrgicamente como Cuaresma (40 días antes del Triduo). Y 40 días después de su resurrección, se apareció físicamente a sus apóstoles de vez en cuando hasta su último adiós en su ascensión de regreso al cielo.

40 días después del domingo de Pascua es el 21 de mayo (jueves), un día santo de obligación. Sin embargo, la iglesia trasladó su celebración un domingo para que la gente asistiera a esta importante celebración de la Iglesia antes de Pente-costés.

La Fiesta de la Ascensión como el Domingo de Resurrección no se trata simplemente de conmemorar un evento glorio-so pasado. Pero se trata de celebrar un evento que literalmente desbloquea el significado de la vida y nos revela el plan de Dios para toda la creación. Es algo a lo que debemos prestar atención y considerar lo que significa para nuestras vidas.

Las palabras de Jesús en el evangelio de este domingo: "Id, por el mundo, y haced discípulos a todas las naciones, bautizándolos en el nombre del Padre y del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo, enseñándoles a observar todo lo que te he man-dado, y he aquí, yo estoy contigo siempre hasta el fin de los tiempos. Por lo tanto, también podemos llamar a este día de fiesta, "la Gran Comisión".

Una nota al margen, a partir de este momento de la escritura no tengo ninguna directiva del Cardenal di Nardo con re-specto a pasar a la fase dos, que está abriendo hasta un 50% de asistencia. Esto podría no ser todavía debido a los cambios.. Un sacerdote murió de Covid-19 y la iglesia donde sirvió (Iglesia Católica del Espíritu Santo, en el centro) ahora está cerrada nuevamente, algunos feligreses dieron positivo en el virus. Permítanos tomar en serio las pautas y precauciones de salud. No queremos que esto suceda aquí. Difundir el Evangelio y no el virus! Manténgase protegidos, bendiciones para todos y que tenga una buena semana. Fr.. Tony

IGNITE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Parish Goal $469,301.00

Amount Pledged: $228,090.95 (48.60 % of Goal)

Amount Paid: $92,922.08(19.80%) Total # of Participants 71

Our Faith, Our Mission Begins! Addressing the Short and Long-term Needs of Our Church and those God calls us to serve.

We seek to raise over $150 million over the next 4 years to prepare our faith family for the future. At its heart, this campaign is about supporting our future by focusing on our parishes, our future priests, Catholic Education and Faith Formation as well as Rebuilding in Light of Harvey and ensuring a future Disaster Fund. Please prayerfully consider your commitment!

Pope’s Prayer Intention for May For Deacons:

We pray that deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church.

Dear Parish Family, Due to the economic impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus), St. Mary’s Church is implementing measures to ensure the financial stability of the Church. The current pandemic situation has impacted our church significantly. Our offertory collections have been reduced by about 70%. As a result, we have had to make some difficult decisions: 1. Certain maintenance programs have either ceased or have been reduced and any capital projects scheduled have been postponed. 2. St. Mary's has implemented a temporary furlough of certain nonessential positions. There are still utility bills, essential personnel salaries and maintenance that are essential to keep this ship afloat. In an effort to weather this pandemic storm we have set up a St. Mary's COVID-19 Fund on the Online Giving link stmaryslaporte.com . If you need help to register for Online Giving, please call the office at 281-471-2000. If you prefer to donate by check please mail to: St. Mary's Church, 916 Park, La Porte, Tx 77571 Thank you for any donations that you can give to St. Mary's at this crucial time. Your donations will be credited to your account and you will receive a tax form for the IRS at the end of the year. My prayers for good health are with you and your family during this pandemic. With You In Christ, Fr. Tony DONACIONES EN LINEA, Debido al impacto económico de COVID-19 (coronavirus), La Iglesia de Santa María está implementando medidas para asegurar la estabilidad financiera de la Iglesia. La situación actual de la pandemia ha impactado nuestra iglesia significativamente. Nuestra colecta de ofertorio se ha reducido a 70%. Como resultado hemos tenido que tomar unas decisiones difíciles:

Algunos programas de mantenimiento se han cesado o han sido reducidos y cualquier proyecto de capital programado ha sido propuesto.

Sta. María ha implementado un permiso temporal de ciertas posiciones no esenciales. Aún hay fracturas de servicios públicos, sueldos y mantenimiento del personal esencial para mantener este bote a flote. En un esfuerzo para pasar esta tormenta de pandemia hemos hecho un fondo de Sta. María COVID-19 por internet en stmaryslapor-te.com. Si necesitan ayuda para registrarse y poder dar por internet por favor llamen a la oficina al 281-471-2000. Si prefieren donar con cheque por correo lo pueden mandar a: Iglesia de Sta. María, 916 Park, La Porte, TX 77571 Gracias por cualquier donación que puedan dar a Sta. María en este momento crucial. Sus donaciones se acreditaran a su cuenta y recibirán un formulario de impuestos para el IRS al final del año. Mis oraciones de buena salud están con ustedes y sus familias durante este tiempo de pandemia.

Con Ustedes En Cristo, Padre Tony Castro

Stay Connected at Home JOIN FORMED

Incredible online gateway to the best Catholic Content, all in one place. Go to stmaryslaporte.formed.org to register. If you are having any trouble getting registered, or any oth-er problems, please contact Tracy stmarysr-cia@yahoo.com. She will contact you and walk you through the steps to register.

Parish Events Calendar In light of the ongoing COVID-19, we are doing our best to keep our events calendar updated on our website. We are going to be posting and updating information as we navigate the resumption of our weekend Masses. Currently, all weekday Masses are in the Church to allow for greater distancing. To view any updates, please visit our website www.stmaryslaporte.com

Mass Intentions

Due to the current health crisis situation, the Mass Intentions offered for Sunday Masses and daily Masses have had to be adjusted. We have tried our best to move weekend Masses to other weekends, if they were scheduled for Saturday or Sunday, even if we had to schedule them several months out. Please see the bulletin each week for the upcoming weekly schedule.

We are currently in need of people to sign up to do a headcount at the doors of the Church before all Masses and stay after the Mass you plan to attend to wipe down and sanitize the pews. If you are able to assist before/after with the Masses next weekend, please email us at stmaryslpcc@sbcglobal.net and let us know which Mass you will be attending. At the end of the week we will send out an email to those who will be serving at each Mass for that weekend. We are not sure how long this will go on, but appreciate everyone's help and participation. If you have any suggestions or ideas of how we can better serve everyone, please let us know.

RCIA Classes Thursday 6pm Rosary Hall

(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Who should do the full RCIA program? If you are not baptized or were baptized in another Christian denomination and are interested in possibly becoming Catholic, RCIA is for you. If you are a baptized Catholic adult who needs First Holy communion and confirmation, then you should attend RCIA to receive those sacra-ments. Coming once (or twice… or more) obli-gates you to NOTHING. For additional information about RCIA call the office or email Tracy, stmarysr-cia@yahoo.com.

We will be opening up St. Mary’s facilities this week for meetings of no more than 10 people. CDC guidelines of social distancing, wearing a mask and proper hand sanitation as well as cleaning the designated space after each meeting is required. In order to schedule a meeting, please contact the office to check on availability as meeting space is limited to certain areas.

THE RICHNESS OF THE SPIRIT Students, and most adults recalling their school days, are familiar with the phrase “compare and contrast” that shows up from time to time on tests. Today we hear two differ-ent accounts of the giving of the Holy Spirit to the church. Let’s contrast, then compare. Luke’s account from Acts is filled with arresting de-tails: the mighty wind from heaven, the tongues of flame, the miracle of different languages. John’s account seems timid: fearful disciples, the wounded Christ, the expelling of breath from his risen body, not from the sky. Our literal, modern minds wonder which way it happened; our noisy culture probably makes us prefer the former. But if we compare the two, we find that the dazzling richness of the Spirit fills both accounts, for it is the very breath of the risen Christ, ascended to the sky in Luke, that appears to his disciples in John and sends his followers forth to carry on his mission of forgiving sin and proclaiming the mighty acts of God. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Please Pray For Our Troops and …

Lisa Medina, Destiny Perez, Chuck Driscoll, Johnny Hughes, Leon Arron, Hernan Enrique Caceres, Veronica Natalia Chavez, Maria Sol Montel, Laura Andrea Cáceres, Veronica Rodriguez, Luz Alejandra Bringas, Carolina Silvia Brizuela Perez, Andrea Emilia Bernabey, Rodolfo Martin Arruabarrena, Angel Esteban Arrua Gustavo Caceres, Enrique Cáceres, Candaleria Ortiz, Lorena Rodriguez, Ann Mullins, Micha Nelson, Ann DuBois, Raeland , Brayden, Allison & Ellie Murphy, Becky Smith, Craig Wade, Jennifer Wade, Dianne Lemons, Paula Lam-bright, Dave & Cindy Schmitz & family, Dennis, Peggy & Erica Hargens, Ruth Christian & family, Don & Allie Fay Mathews, Cathy & Bill Eberle, Inez Wade & family, Cheral Sides, Javier Martin Vera, Jeff Wade, Eileen Gaynor, Tony McCrory, Joe Lozano Jr, Casey Samollow, Elenor Joan Samollow, Rick Novak, Devon Tiffin, Bobby Hayes, Jennifer Dow-ing, Norman Ross, Tina Martinez, Susan Tolley, Aaron Binkley, Jordon Binkley, Mary Ann Cloyd, Rene Lozano and Don Gore Continue to Pray for Julian Buentello Jr., Deacon Hector Cantu, Edward D. Palacios, Joe Lopez, Maria Garcia,, Ladd Puskus, David Gonzalez, Vicki Farias, Nell Turk, Rosie Yznaga, Teresa Mills, Joe Lozano, Sr., Angeles Sullivan, Tim Hellstein, Leroy Marchan, Geraldine Christensen, Kathy Strader, Daniel Vasquez, Herlinda Robles, Rosa Harness, Randy Hanks, Jeanette Tilley, Albert & Christina Palacios, Marisol Leyva & family, Marisol Luna, Pete & Juanita Sanchez, Betty Flynn, Orville Burgess, Pat Riley, Edward Salinas, Marlene Orellana, Humberto Villalobos, Kathy McBride, Margaret Espinoza, Romela Nolan, Joe Bernal, Fr. Gary Rickles, Renee Cortez, Aurelia Hinojosa, Cathy Hanzelka, Msgr. Boli Zientek, Gayle Phillips, Jane Middleton, Rosa Reyes, Deacon Tom Lewis, Irene Templet, Preston Wolf, Lawretta Foots, Marcos Vasquez, Gavin Binkley, Clarence Lewis, Red Cornejo, Linda Jaramillo, Deacon Merce Leal, Sue Crockett, Ben Munoz, Diana Ortiz, Bob Davis, Janet Hoffpauir, Nick Martin, Barry Armstrong and those requesting prayer via our web site. Remember Our Shut-Ins Mary Boatman, Lydia Rubio, Trinidad Arrindon, Josie Funda, Soledad Hernandez, Elida Peterson, and those battling terminal illness and the residents of La Porte Care Center and Parson’s House Repose of the Souls of Sylvia Chapa and Chuck Thompson Our Sympathy to Mauro Chapa and family on the loss of his mother, Sylvia, and Gayle Phillips and family on the loss of her brother, Chuck

Please Note: Names on our “Please Pray For” list are left on for four weeks. If someone needs to be put back on the prayer list or added please call the Church Office.

ALTAR SOCIETY

Church Sanctuary Candle Special Intention for Patsy Holland

By Peggy Holland

Chapel Sanctuary Candle Special Intention for Patsy Holland

By Peggy Holland

FLOWER Dates available

June 6/7, 20/21, 27/28

July 4/5 August 1/2, 15/16, 29/30

Altar Flowers contact Rose Kolenc 713-202-3283 or rose_kolenc@yahoo.com.

June Altar Duty Assignments Altar Duty: Belinda Guerrero, Heather Lopez Laundry: Belinda Guerrero, Heather Lopez

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Gn 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-14; Ps 87:1-3, 5-7; Jn 19:25-34 Tuesday: 2 Pt 3:12-15a, 17-18; Ps 90:2-4, 10, 14, 16; Mk 12:13-17 Wednesday: 2 Tm 1:1-3, 6-12; Ps 123:1b-2; Mk 12:18-27 Thursday: 2 Tm 2:8-15; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Mk 12:28-34 Friday: 2 Tm 3:10-17; Ps 119:157, 160, 161, 165, 166, 168; 1-6; Mk 12:35-37 Saturday: 2 Tm 4:1-8; Ps 71:8-9, 14-15ab, 16-17, 22; Mk 12:38-44 Sunday: Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9; Dn 3:52-55; 2 Cor 13:11-13; Jn 3:16-18

Bulletin Mailout... We have begun transition to the resumption of our weekend and daily Masses. As we adjust to PHASE I of the Pandemic crisis, Fr. Tony has decided to continue doing the mailout each week of our bulletin in order to keep those staying at home connected to our parish with updates and any changes that may occur for Mass attendance. However, if you would like to be removed from our mailout list, and just view the bulletin online, please call the office. We are counting our blessings and very grateful for your ongoing support!

www.stmaryslaporte.com

Family Life Transitions

The area of Family Life Transitions continues working to offer you great resources, information and will be presenting Embracing Transitions Series Saturdays in June we will host virtual healing retreats and re-flections: The New Landscape of Mourning for those who have lost a family member or a special person during this time of pandemic. COVID-19 has changed how we attend funerals, and has changed how we mourn our loved ones. This graced filled time will allow us to bring comfort to those who mourn during this crisis. Virtual Healing Retreat and Reflection: Saturday Mornings at 9:30 a.m.: June 6, June 13, June 20 and June 27. For more information please visit the Family Life Transitions area at the Office of Family Life Ministry site: https://www.archgh.org/offices-ministries/pastoral-educational-ministries/family-life-ministry/family-life-

Questions/Concerns Contact

Shari ( Director) davisinlp@aol.com

Please pray for Our Lady’s intercession and protection for this school year. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide teachers, parents and the community in support of the children of the parish!

Confirmation You should receive a revised

schedule for meeting this week. Please send contact information

for your sponsor to

1208stmarylp@gmail.com

First Communion The retreat will be a DIY retreat. There will be videos

posted on line to assist with the facilitating. If you haven’t picked up your packet email us to

schedule a time.

Send your questions to 1208stmarylp@gmail.com

Please include your child’s name and any questions you may have.