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 pre-viously received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Ho-ly Communion. A habit of attending weekly Mass is re-quired for both years. Please, note the above represents the minimum requirements. Adults will be referred to the RCIA program.

The Gabriel Project is designed to help women and teenagers who are in a crisis pregnancy. If you are in need of assistance or know someone who is, please contact Belinda @ 713-805-4961 or the Church Office.

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

Parish Goal 2020 $52,000.00 Amount Pledged: $28,300.00 Amount Paid: $22,400.00 (43.08%) Total # of Participants 97

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. grati-tude.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for July Our Families:

We pray that today’s families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance.

Parish Events Calendar As we navigate the changing Mass times and schedules in light of COVID 19, please visit our website and go to the events calendar for updates. If you are planning a meeting or need to make any adjustments for your ministry you are involved with, please call the office and let us know so we can keep it updated. Website www.stmaryslaporte.com

Offertory June 27/28, 2020 Collection $5,355.00

2nd Collection Peter Pence ~ $498.00 If you would like to send your weekly dona-tions, 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.

Saturday, July 4:

5:30pm People of the Parish

Sunday, July 5: 9:00am Delia Lopez† By: Joe Lopez 11:30am Anniversary Celebration of Alejandro & Heradia San Miguel By: San Miguel Family 1:00pm Dawson† By: Doris Holmes

Tuesday, July 7: 12:000pm Special Intention for the Silva Family Wednesday, July 8: 12:00pm Special Intention for Martha Riley By: Paschal Family Thursday, July 9: 8:30am Alfonso Valencia† By: Valencia Family Friday, July 10:

8:30am Lucas & Aria Panalez Birthday Celebration By: Jessica Jaramillo Saturday, July 11: 5:30pm People of the Parish

Sunday, July 12: 9:00am Dorothy Dawson† By: Doris Holmes 11:30am Jesus Chavez † By: Family 1:00pm Gabriella Garza Birthday Celebration By: Jessica Jaramillo

Bulletin Mailout... In order to keep those staying at home connect-ed to our parish with attendance updates and changes that may occur with our scheduleing, Fr. Tony has decided to continue doing the mailout each week of our bulletin. However, if you are currently coming to Mass each week and would like to be removed from our mailout list or just view the bulletin online, please call the office. We are counting our blessings and very grateful for your ongoing support!

www.stmaryslaporte.com

Dear parish family, 14 Sunday A Happy birthday USA! Celebration of Independence and relishing the gift of freedom is not just fanfare but big reminder. Freedom has a cost – the cost of sacrifice and even life. The celebration in this time of pandemic is unfortunately low key but the lesson is the big key and in fact amplified – that is, not to misuse nor abuse freedom. There is now a clash between individual freedom vs collective or soc iety’s freedom. Laws are there for the safety and for the collective good of the community most especially those that cost the lives of others. The philosophical dictum says, “The freedom of one ends when the freedom of another is infringed.” Let us heed Health Guidelines for the safety of all in this time of pandemic. We are all in this together, the phrase we hear a lot. In so many levels we are all affected but clearly the financial situation is bad for all. Once again, we give thanks to all those who step up their financial support to our parish. We have to pay bills and pay employees. Right now we are operating in a very restricted budget from limited revenue. So changes and adjustments are very necessary. As of this time we don’t know as to exactly when we will really resume to normality especially that the surge still goes on. But something officially certain in this parish to take effect on July 19: Consolidation of Music ministry and limiting paid employees. Let us give thanks to Yvonne Fisher for perhaps around 25 years accompanist for the 7:30 Am Mass, and Annelise Lagasse who has been the Music director/accompanist for the 10 Am Mass for the past 6 years, and by default due to his passing, a Covid-19 victim, Alex Cava of Life Teen (May he rest in peace). Not forgetting most especially to Peggy Holland for the 15 years of service as a receptionist. By the way, we did our small Parish staff retirement party for Peggy who will be 86 years old but planned a bigger one when things get more relaxed. Peggy has been a big mother to us in this parish, and almost all her life has done a lot of volunteer jobs and service ministries in this church. Only the receptionist part is her paid position. The words from our Sunday’s Gospel are so consoling, “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest,” sounds like music to our souls. There are times when we are overburdened and weary - when we are confused - when life seems to over-whelm us. Yet a slight complication is His addition: “take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.” The power of Jesus is love and love lightens all the burdens of life. Without love every molehill becomes a mountain, every inconven-ience becomes a great suffering. But with love every mountain becomes a joy to climb, every inconvenience an opportunity to build character. For where there is love everything becomes light and easy. Take it easy this summer and enjoy the holidays to be refreshed and renewed. Happy 4th of July everyone! Blessings to all and have a good week! Fr. Tony

Querida familia parroquial, 14 domingo A Feliz cumpleaños USA! Celebrar la independencia y saborear el don de la libertad no es solo una fanfarria, sino un gran recordatorio. La libertad tiene un costo: el costo del sacrificio e incluso la vida. La celebración en este momento de pandemia es desafortunadamente discreta, pero la lección es la gran clave y, de hecho, amplificada, es decir, no abusar ni abusar de la libertad. Ahora hay un choque entre la libertad individual frente a la libertad colectiva o de la sociedad. Las leyes están ahí para la seguridad y para el bien colectivo de la comunidad, espe-cialmente las que cuestan la vida de los demás. El dicho filosófico dice: "La libertad de uno termina cuando se infringe la libertad de otro". Prestemos atención a las Pautas de salud para la seguridad de todos en este momento de pandemia. Todos estamos juntos en esto, la frase que escuchamos mucho. En tantos niveles, todos estamos afectados, pero claramente la situación financiera es mala para todos. Una vez más, damos gracias a todos aquellos que intensifican su apoyo financiero a nuestra parroquia. Tene-mos que pagar facturas y pagar a los empleados. En este momento estamos operando con un presupuesto muy restringido de ingresos limita-dos. Entonces los cambios y ajustes son muy necesarios. A partir de este momento, no sabemos exactamente cuándo realmente volveremos a la normalidad, especialmente si el aumento continúa. Pero algo oficialmente seguro en esta parroquia entrará en vigencia el 19 de julio: Consolidación del ministerio de música y limitación de empleados remunerados. Demos gracias a Yvonne Fisher por unos 25 años como acompañante de la misa de las 7:30 am, y a Annelise Lagasse, quien ha sido directora musical / acompañante de la misa de las 10 am durante los últimos 6 años, y por defecto debido a su fallecimiento , una víctima de Covid-19, Alex Cava de Life Teen (que descanse en paz). Sin olvidar especialmente a Peggy Holland por los 15 años de servicio como re-cepcionista. Por cierto, hicimos nuestra pequeña fiesta de jubilación del personal de la parroquia para Peggy, que tendrá 86 años pero planeó una más grande cuando las cosas se relajen. Peggy ha sido una gran madre para nosotros en esta parroquia, y casi toda su vida ha realizado muchos trabajos voluntarios y ministerios de servicio en esta iglesia. Solo la parte de recepcionista es su puesto remunerado. Las palabras del Evangelio de nuestro domingo son tan consoladoras: "Vengan a mí todos los que trabajan y están agobiados, y yo les daré descanso", suena como música para nuestras almas. Hay momentos en que estamos sobrecargados y cansados, cuando estamos confundi-dos, cuando la vida parece abrumarnos. Sin embargo, una pequeña complicación es su adición: "toma mi yugo sobre ti y aprende de mí, por-que soy manso y humilde de corazón". El poder de Jesús es el amor y el amor alivia todas las cargas de la vida. Sin amor, cada polilla se convierte en una montaña, cada incon-veniente se convierte en un gran sufrimiento. Pero con amor cada montaña se convierte en una alegría para escalar, cada inconveniente es una oportunidad para desarrollar el carácter. Porque donde hay amor todo se vuelve ligero y fácil. Tómatelo con calma este verano y disfruta de las vacaciones para refrescarte y renovarte. ¡ Feliz 4 de julio a todos! ¡Bendiciones a todos y que tengan una buena semana! Fr. Tony

IGNITE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Parish Goal $469,301.00

Amount Pledged: $231,090.95 (49.24 % of Goal)

Amount Paid: $102,450.46(21.83%) 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!

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Prayer in the Time of the Coronavirus

Comfort us, O Lord, for we are like your disciples on the storm tossed seas, unsettled by what lies ahead. We turn to You, our Healer and Guide, to still our hearts in our time of need and hear our prayer: Heal those who are sick with the coronavirus and protect the elderly and most vulnerable. Give strength to all who tend to our health and wisdom to researchers who work toward a cure. Open our eyes and hearts, as you did during Hurricane Harvey, that we may look beyond our immediate needs to care for others who need help. Through the Holy Spirit, guide our leaders to make wise decisions for the welfare of all the people they serve. Grant eternal rest to those who have died from the virus. May Mary, Our Mother, who has heard our pleas in the storms of our lives, intercede to her Son, that we may find healing and a prompt end to this illness.

Mary, Star of the Sea, pray for us. Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, heal us.

St. Mary’s facilities are now open for scheduling of meetings. As a reminder, we currently DO NOT HAVE A CLEANING CREW due to the financial impact the pandemic has had on our finances. The CDC guidelines of social distancing, wearing a mask and proper hand sanitation, as well as cleaning the designated mtg. space after each meeting are still in effect . In order to schedule a meeting, please contact the office to check on availability as meeting space is limited to certain areas. Thank you for your cooperation.

Activities for the Week Sun., July 5: First Communion Mass 1pm Thurs., July 9: RCIA Rosary Hall Conf. Rm 6pm

SHARE THE BURDEN

“Come to me, all you who labor and are

burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew

11:28). These words of our Savior seem to be in

stark contrast to the previous chapter from the

same Gospel, when we were told that if we do

not take up our crosses, we are not worthy of

Christ. Connecting these two messages might

help us on our faith journeys. Being a follow-

er of Christ surely means that we must embrace

the cross, in its mystery of both suffering and tri-

umph. This is something that we need not do

alone, for the burden is often too heavy for us to

carry by ourselves. Who, then, do we turn to?

We can turn to the Body of Christ—the

community of disciples gathered for worship.

When we find the burden too heavy, .let us re-

member that we can share that burden with our

Christian sisters and brothers, who can help bring

us rest. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

SAINT MARIA GORETTI (1890-1902)

July 6

Does anything match a mother’s pride in her

children? First Communions, confirmations, grad-

uations, weddings: how these delight a mother’s

heart! Imagine, then, Assunta Goretti, the only

mother ever to attend her child’s canonization!

In poverty-stricken rural Italy, widowed Assunta

tended fields for the Serenelli family, whose

eighteen-year-old son, Alessandro, proposi-

tioned her barely twelve-year-old Maria; then,

when she resisted, crying, “It is a sin! God forbids

it!” he stabbed her fourteen times. As she lay dy-

ing, Maria assured the attending priest, “Yes, I

forgive Alessandro! I want him to be in Paradise

with me someday.” Imprisoned, unrepentant,

Alessandro changed after dreaming that a radi-

ant Maria had offered him fourteen lilies. “I’ve

kept my promise,” she smiled. “You’ll be here

with me someday.” Upon release, he rushed to

beg Assunta’s forgiveness. “Jesus has forgiven

you,” she replied, “my Maria, too. How can I re-

fuse?” Next morning, mother and murderer

walked arm in arm to church and knelt side by

side for Communion. —Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

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.

The Lighthouse Catholic Media Kiosks… There are several books and DVD’s of infor-mational material designed to help us grow in our faith. Go by and check them out! The re is a Kiosk located at the back of the church and in Rosary Hall.

ONLINE GIVING

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your generosity in assisting St. Mary's with Parish Support through the COVID-19 Donations and your Regular Offertory Giving. As a result our offerto-ry and COVID-19 donations, collections have in-creased and the shortfall has changed to 50% from the original 70%. St. Mary's continues to budget in areas where we can. We are currently able to maintain our monthly personnel salaries, utilities and maintenance as re-quired.

I cannot Thank You enough for assisting St. Mary's during this crucial time. Your donations will be credit-ed to your account and you will receive a tax form for the IRS at the end of the year. 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

My prayers for good health are with you and your family during this pandemic.

With You In Christ, Fr. Tony Castro, Pastor St. Mary's Catholic Church

FYI...Our former Pastor, Fr. Gary Rickles has returned to St. Dominic Center from the rehab facility at the hospital. He will continue therapy there. However, due to the Corona Virus limitations, he is confined to his room indefinite-ly. A very special thank you to everyone who has sent him a card. His caregiver said he shared all the memories with her. They are a special contact to the outside world. St. Dominic's Center, Fr. Gary Rickles, 2409 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77021.

"I invite you to pray for priests, so that through your prayer the Lord might strengthen their vocation, comfort them in their ministry, and help them always be joyful ministers of the Gospel for all people." - Pope Francis

Congratulations Fr. Eric Pitre, former pastor of our church, on his retirement from his parish in Sealy, TX. If you would like to send him a card, his address is Immaculate Conception, P.O. Box 337, Sealy, TX 77474-0337.

Please Pray For Our Troops and …

Lois Trevino, Gore, Leslie Castejon, Allen Hayes, Ernesto Rodriguez, Elisha Durham, Ron Johnston, Bob & Barbara Jennings, Darcy & Virgil Black-stock, Lynn Garner, Danny Miguel Saul, Lisa Medi-na, Destiny Perez, Chuck Driscoll, Johnny Hughes, Leon Arron, Hernan Enrique Caceres, Veronica Natalia Chavez, Maria Sol Montel, Laura Andrea Cáceres, 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 , Becky Smith,, Lemons, Paula Lambright, Dave & Cindy Schmitz, Dennis, Peggy & Erica Hargens, Ruth Christian & family, Don & Allie Fay Mathews, Cathy & Bill Eberle, Cheral Sides, Javier Martin Vera, Eileen Gaynor, Tony McCrory, Joe Lozano Jr, Casey Samollow, Elenor Joan Samollow, Rick Novak, Devon Tiffin, Bobby Hayes, Jennifer Dowing, Norman Ross, Tina Mar-tinez, Susan Tolley, Aaron Binkley, Jordon Binkley, Mary Ann Cloyd, and Rene Lozano Continue to Pray for Joey Bernal, Joe Bernal, Wal’Dean Lundquist, Fr. Gary Rickles, Julian Buentello Jr., Deacon Hector Cantu, Edward D. Palacios, Joe Lopez, Maria Gar-cia,, Ladd Puskus, David Gonzalez, Vicki Farias, Nell Turk, Rosie Yznaga, Teresa Mills, Joe Lozano, Sr., Angeles Sulli-van, 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, Fr. Gary Rickles, Renee Cortez, Aurelia Hinojosa, Cathy Han-zelka, 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, Dea-con 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, Soledad Hernandez, Elida Peterson, and those battling terminal illness and the residents of La Porte Care Center and Parson’s House 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.

Upcoming Baptismal Dates July 12, August 9

Baptism classes are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in English. Due to COVID we are unable to have classes in Spanish, but everyone is welcome to attend the English classes. Baptisms will be held the 2nd Sunday of each month after the 1pm Mass. If you are baptizing here, you need to fill out a registration form for your child’s baptism, and we will need to make a copy of their birth certificate from the state before you attend the class. If you do not live in La Porte, you must be a registered, active member of St Mary’s to baptize your child here. You cannot register in our parish only to baptize your child. Please call the office to make arrangements to obtain the paperwork.

St. Joseph’s Chapel Needs You Is God Calling You to spend one hour a week with Him? Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held on Tuesday from 12noon to Thursday at 8:30am. We currently are in need of someone to fill the hour on Tuesday’s from 4-5pm due to the ongoing virus. If you can fill this hour, would like to schedule a weekly Holy Hour or be placed on the sub list, please call the office.

altar flowers July 4/5: Wedding Anniversary Celebration Hector & Brenda Villarreal

~ Available Flower Dates ~

July 25/26 August 1/2, 15/16, 29/30

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

Samaritan Corner We are currently trying to update our Samaritan Telephone Tree in or-

der to reach out to those who may be interested to know when we have a funeral here at St. Mary’s. If you were on the telephone tree previously or would like to become part of the list we will call please call the office and give us your updated information.

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 other problems, please contact Tracy stmarysrcia@yahoo.com. She will contact you and walk you through the steps to register.

Readings of the Week Monday: Hos 2:16, 17b-18, 21-22; Ps 145:2-9; Mt 9:18-26 Tuesday: Hos 8:4-7, 11-13; Ps 115:3-10; Mt 9:32-38 Wednesday: Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12; Ps 105:2-7; Mt 10:1-7 Thursday: Hos 11:1-4, 8e-9; Ps 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16; Mt 10:7-15 Friday: Hos 14:2-10; Ps 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-14, 17; Mt 10:16-23 Saturday: Is 6:1-8; Ps 93:1-2, 5; Mt 10:24-33 Sunday: Is 55:10-11; Ps 65:10-14; Rom 8:18-23; Mt 13:1-23 [1-9]

First Communion Please join in the welcoming the following young people to the banquet of the Lord. Keep them and their families in your prayers as they take this next step in our shared pilgrimage .

Sunday, July 5th

1:00 PM Mass

~ Trinity Wall & Olivia Grace Banda ~

Confirmation Watch mail for new calendar!

Please send contact information for your sponsor to

1208stmarylp@gmail.com

Steubenville Live July 17/18 (Not just for Teens)

OPTIONS for Joining this event:

1) Join us at St. Mary’s Hall thirty minutes before the

event. (This option is free and there will be

snacks). We will be limited so there will be a sign-up through Flocknotes. 2) Gather a group at your home and stream the con-ference. (This option cost Ap-prox. $40 per family. See web-site below) For more information: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/live/#theme Or Email Shari Davis—1208stmarylp@gmail.com