St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church

St. Philip the Apostle
Catholic Church
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
2308 Third Street
P. O. Box 2363 (mailing)
Huffman, Texas 77336
Phone: 281-324-1478
Fax: 281-324-2775
SPIRIT and TRUTH
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 18, 2010
My dear parishioners, it is inevitably one’s mother who intercedes effectively. For years I listened respectfully to my mother speak
about faith and having a meaningful relationship with God. For a long time, her words went in one ear and out of the other. I was a
stubborn case, but my mother persevered against my spiritual deafness using all the maternal spiritual powers that God gave her. She
never gave up.
For my part, I respectfully tolerated what I considered to be her zealous preaching. Our mutual forbearance bore fruit when, one day,
she spoke of prayer in such a way that it became a catalyst which changed my life. On that day, I realized intuitively that the words
she spoke to me were true. Each word became like a rain drop on a parched, inhospitable land—my soul!
I share this life-giving prayer of entrustment with you, for my mother’s thoughts are appropriate for new, indifferent or fallen away
Christians who make the first efforts to return to God with all their mind, heart soul and strength. [cf. Mk 12:30]
Moreover, my mother’s prayer serves as a caution to the mature Christian who needs to be reminded that genuine faith demands his
confession of the uncertainty of all things except God.
On that memorable day, my mother said, Start by offering one prayer to God, and offer it only one time. You will know the right time
and the right place. Pray to God and say:
O GOD, I want to get to know you, but I do not know how. I am unhappy with so many things in my life. Nothing I do on
my own seems to work out. I am on a treadmill, I am worn out, and I want to get off. I know that you care deeply about me,
so I give you charge of my life from this day on. If you will accept complete responsibility for me, I can lay down the guilt
and shame of my failures. I will not worry about them any more.
IN THE meantime, I will go on doing the best I know how. When you are ready to speak to me, speak. When you decide to
change something in my life, change it. When you want me to see something, show me. I promise I will be alert for you. I
will keep my eyes open. Even as I go on with my life now as I have been living it, I will be ready. When that day comes, I
promise to listen to you. Amen.
This prayer led me to know that if you will entrust the custody of your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, he will not fail you, for his
holy Name is powerful and his love is great. Never forget that God acts only for your true good. He will confer upon you the "riches
of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory". [Col 1:27]
I hasten to say that my mother's prayer is not unique. The thought of her prayer would have been familiar to Mary of Bethany who
abandoned the anxieties and troubles of the world for an opportunity to pray at Jesus’ feet.
I pray that, recalling the sister of Martha and Lazarus, you will always rest in the shadow of Jesus Christ your teacher, and that the
fruit of his teaching will be sweet to your taste. And that you will be drawn forever to his banqueting house, the Church, under God's
banner of love. [cf. Song of Solomon 2:3-4] The Lord requires only this, and it shall not be taken away from you. Sincerely in the
hearts of Jesus and Mary. Your pastor, Reverend Richard Barker.
MISSION STATEMENT
We, the people of St. Philip the Apostle, are actively striving to be a holy
and loving family of faith as we eagerly
seek to live the Gospel, being watchful
of all the opportunities set before us to
love and serve God and our neighbor.
Liturgical Schedule
Sunday Masses
Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm; Sunday: 8:30 & 11:00 am
Daily Masses
Monday: 7:00 pm; Tuesday-Saturday: 8:30 am
Devotions (following the 8:30 am Mass)
First Friday: Chaplet of Divine Mercy
First Saturday: Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Reconciliation
Saturdays: 3:30-4:30 pm (or by appointment)
Mass Intentions
and Scripture Readings
Welcome to Our New Parishioners
Monday, July 19
7:00 pm - Special intentions of Patricia Gonzalez
Readings: Micah 6:1-4, 6-8; Matthew 12:38-42
Tuesday, July 20 (St. Apollinaris)
8:30 am - Special intentions of Father Barker
Readings: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Matthew 12:46-50
Wednesday, July 21 (St. Lawrence of Brindisi)
8:30 am - +Repose of the soul of Hoai Lai+
Readings: Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10; Matthew 13:1-9
Thursday, July 22 (St. Mary Magdalene)
8:30 am - Special intentions of Donna Johnson
Readings: Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13; John 20:1-2, 11-18
Friday, July 23 (St. Bridget of Sweden)
8:30 am - Special intentions of Father Barker
Readings: Jer 3:14-17; Mt 13:18-23
Saturday, July 24 (St. Sharbel Makhluf)
8:30 am - Special intentions of Scott and Angel Abedelnoor
Readings: Jeremiah 7:1-11; Matthew 13:24-30
Sunday Masses
Saturday, July 24
5:00 pm - Special intentions of Country and Barbara Glenn
Sunday, July 25
8:30 am - For the People of our Parish
11:00 am - +Repose of the soul of Charlie Marin+
Readings: Genesis 18:20-32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:12-14;
Luke 11:1-13
The Altar Flowers are given by
Sylvester and Cassie Leonards
In Honor of their 36th Wedding Anniversary
Sunday - July 11, 2010
Sunday Collection:
Children’s Collection:
Total:
$5,918.00
17.00
$5,935.00
St. Philip is a smoke-free campus. For the
good of all parishioners young and old,
and the beauty of God’s Temple, please do not bring
smoking materials on campus. Thank you.
Dress Standard for All Masses
Men/Young Men/Boys (who have made First Communion):
Shirts and pants.
Women/Young Women/Girls (who have made their First
Communion): Modest Dresses, Coordinated Ensembles, or
Shirt/Blouses with Pants.
Clothing Items not proper: flip-flops, shorts, cutoffs, t-shirts,
body shirts, sloppy jeans, tank tops, and revealing clothing.
Please respect the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
and wear modest clothing.
To become a member of St. Philip’s, please fill out a registration
form located in the foyer. Return the form either in the offering
collection or bring to the parish office. We encourage all new
parishioners to contact their former parish with the change.
Offering envelopes are available in the vestibule for your use.
Thank you and welcome!
Prime Timers Inaugural Meeting
We invite all parishioners 50 and older to attend our first Prime
Timers meeting on Wednesday, July 21st, 10:00 am. We will
be discussing future trips and events and would like to get feed
back from attendees. This is a great opportunity for us to get to
know one another and see what activities interest everyone. You
will have the opportunity to join the Prime Timers at this gathering.
We will be serving a light lunch and
refreshments. For more information please
contact Claudia Herron at 281-324-1101 or
the parish office at 281-324-1478.
St. Vincent de Paul Black Bag Collection
July 17/18, 2010
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus affirms that to be a disciple we
must also sit at his feet and listen to him. St. Vincent de Paul
taught that it is only in prayer that we can give selfless loving
service to those who are poor.
This week, please say a special prayer each day for the
poor and forgotten in our parish.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
Thank you to all our parishioners who give faithfully
to our food donation can. We are changing the way
we collect food. We will now have two food drives
per year. We will no longer have the donation can,
instead if you desire to give food weekly we ask that
you drop it off at First Baptist in Huffman. God bless
you all for your faithfulness to those in most need.
Ladies Guild Monthly Luncheon
For all Ladies Guild members and women of our
parish: please join us for our next luncheon at
Fuddrucker’s in Kingwood on Monday, July
19th, 11:30 am. For more information please call
Genevieve Schmidt at 281-324-2110.
Adoration
We are in need of adorers during our late night and early
morning hours as well as our 8:00-9:00 pm slot on
Thursday. If you are able help please contact Janet Hays
at 281-852-6444.
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 18, 2010
ALTAR SERVER Summer Party
WHO:
WHAT:
WHERE:
WHEN:
WHY:
TIME:
Altar Servers and Family Members
SUMMER FIESTA
Blackburn Residence, 3216 Brazzel Rd., Huffman TX
Thursday, July 22
We want to!... Bring HATS, SUNSCREEN, TOWELS, FUN STUFF!!
From 4:00-8:00 pm
Servers and families are invited again for another Summer Fun
afternoon of swimming and playing this year—hosted by Troy and Angela
Blackburn at their home.
Food will be provided by the St. Philip Knights of Columbus. Drinks and
desserts will be provided by the Women's Guild.
Parents, this is a great way to thank our servers and acolytes for
their faithful service. Ours is the finest altar server corps. It is a privilege to serve with them at the altar. Without a doubt, our young people
are faithful Catholics, loyal to their ministry, devoted to one another, totally dependable and reverent in the Mass. They deserve our gratitude.
This will be a big party, so we need RSVP’s to plan effectively. Please
RSVP and direct all your questions to: Mitchell Reed at (832) 414-0478.
Directions: The Blackburn residence is directly across from Hargrave High School at the
intersection of Huffman-Eastgate Road and Brazzell Rd. Turn north on Brazzell (only option), and
theirs is the first home on the right--adjacent to their family business which is on the corner.
Starting on FM1960 E from FM 2100 N: Drive 2.3 miles east. Take a
left at the blinking light on Huffman-Eastgate Rd. Go 8/10 mile
north. (Pass Hargrave HS on right.) Take right on Brazzel Rd. 1st
house on right adjacent to the family business on the corner. OR
Starting at FM 2100 N. at Huffman-Eastgate: Go east 1.3 miles.
Take a left on Brazzel Rd. (Do not go past Hargrave HS)
Vocations
Are you feeling drawn to the Priesthood or
Religious Life? Please take the time to look
at our Archdiocesan website
www.houstonvocations.com for inspiring
information and resources.
From the website: “If you are discerning, I have two words for
you: Congratulations and Fear Not! “Congratulations” because the
fact that you want to discern and to do God’s will is already pleasing to God. “Dear God, I have no idea where I am going, I do not
see the road ahead of me, I cannot know for certain where it will
end. Nor do I really know myself…and the fact that I think I am
following Your will does not mean I am actually doing so. But I
believe this: I believe the desire to please You does in fact please
You.” (Thomas Merton) “Fear not” because you are not
alone. God is with you, He will give you His grace and He will
never fail you. Fear not because there are many young and not
young people who are also discerning courageously….And there
are countless Catholic Christians who found God’s
call and are living it to the full in a life dedicated to
God and to others. Know your priests, sisters, the
Office of Vocations and countless others are here to
walk the journey with you!” Fr. Dat Hoang, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Life Awareness Weekend
Come to the Life Awareness weekend to discern
about a religious vocation. The program is open to
single Catholics ages 18-45. The Life Awareness
Weekend will be held at Holy Name Retreat Center,
Friday evening through Sunday brunch, July 23-25,
2010. There is no fee to attend. You will receive outstanding accommodations, great food and ample time for spiritual reflection.
This event is sponsored by the Serra Club of NW Houston, the Vocations Office of the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston and the Holy Name Retreat Center. For
more info please contact Jose Barrera at
713-295-1182 or Jim DeNike 713-467-4871.
Natural Family Planning
Safe, healthy, effective, low-cost, morally right, good for marriages, good for children. Isn’t it time you learned this wonderful
means of living marriage in accord with God’s plan? Engaged and
Married couples are welcome. A three-class series begins at
Prince of Peace parish, Houston, on July 21st at 7:00 pm. For
more information please contact Cinda and Joe DeVet by email at
jodlid@aol.com or by phone at 713-683-8544.
Our Lady of Fatima Pilgrim Statue
Would you like to have the Pilgrim Statue of Our
Lady of Fatima in your home for a week?
Please contact the Parish Office at (281) 324-1478 to
schedule your week with our Blessed Lady!
Receiving Holy Communion
When you receive Communion during the Holy Sacrifice of
the Mass, it is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ
that you are receiving. Holy Communion, in the Catholic
Church, is reserved for those who have received the sacrament of First Holy Communion, have been catechized
(taught) in our Catholic faith and have made a profession of
faith. One should abstain from Holy Communion if they are
in mortal sin and have not received the sacrament of reconciliation. For those who are not Catholic or are in need of
reconciliation, we ask that you refrain from receiving Holy
Communion but you may proceed up during Communion
time to receive a blessing. To do so, please fold your arms
over your chest - you will receive a blessing from the priest
or Eucharistic minister during this time.
A reminder for those receiving the Blessed
Sacrament in the hand, please place the
consecrated Host on your tongue while you
are standing in front of the minister of the
Eucharist. This instruction is from the
Vatican and was implemented in 2004.
Here’s the scoop:
“Although each of the faithful always has the right to receive
Holy Communion on the tongue, at his choice, if any communicant should wish to receive the Sacrament in the hand, in
areas where the Bishops’ Conference with the recognitio of
the Apostolic See has given permission, the sacred host is to
be administered to him or her. “However, special care should
be taken to ensure that the host is consumed by the communicant in the presence of the minister, so that no one goes
away carrying the Eucharistic species in his hand. If there is
a risk of profanation, then Holy Communion should not be
given in the hand of the faithful.” Redemptionis Sacramentum
(“Instruction on the Eucharist”) Congregation for Divine
Worship, March 25, 2004.
Also, if you choose to receive only the Blessed Sacrament
and not from the Chalice, it is fitting nevertheless to pause
for a moment to honor Christ’s presence in the Precious
Blood—with an appropriate sign of devotion. We would not
think to pass a friend on the street without some acknowledgement. Our Lord Jesus Christ deserves no less, and most
assuredly, a great deal more.
As you are passing by the Precious Blood, I encourage you
to offer a simple sign of devotion—perhaps a slight bow of
the head or the Sign of the Cross. Then continue on to your
pew to offer your silent Prayer of Thanksgiving to Christ for
the gift of his Eucharist. In this way, we can all offer a strong
visible witness that the Real Presence of Christ—his Body
and Blood—is being welcomed into our lives at St. Philip’s
with all due respect, reverence and awe.
If you would like to participate more fully in our Catholic
Church, either by joining or reacquainting yourself, please
contact our parish office at 281-324-1478.
Ministries at St. Philips
Protecting God’s Children-Virtus Training
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston maintains a mandatory program
of protection for our children. This program is called “Protecting God’s
Children” or “Virtus”. It consists of going to an informational class and
completing required forms. All volunteers, ages 18 and over, who have
any consistent and ongoing contact with our children and youth must take
the Virtus training program. This includes CCE volunteers, nursery workers, ushers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and choir members.
Upcoming classes in our general area are at:
St. Andrew, Channelview, Saturday, August 14th, 8:15 am
St. Mary Magdalene, Humble, Saturday, August 14th, 8:45 am
You must register on-line for a class. Please log onto www.virtus.org to
find locations and times. If you do not have access to a computer please
contact the parish office at 281-324-1478. We will be happy to register
you.
Please Pray
Please remember our fellow parishioners and loved ones as they
face illness and recuperation: Catherine Wenger, Joan Pierce, Joan Ledet,
Shirley Sims, Larry Podsednik, Brenda Yarbrough, Pete Dunlap,
Bob Danaher, Joe Buchanan, Ruth Shallabarger, Pauline Turk,
Margaret Martin, Doris Comeaux, Suzie Bryant,
Preston Fann & Rosie Collette.
Please pray for the repose of the souls of: +Hoai Lai, Florine LeBlanc,
Kelly Danaher, Warren Scott, John Ayala, Rosamond Mitchell,
Teresa Lotito, Brigitta Matten, Ed Cepiel, Joe Vincent, Gene Andre,
Rose DeGeorge, John Trevino, Ernest Gonzalez, Sr., Mandi Antonoff,
Patrick Kiley and Sr. Brendan.+
St. Philip’s has a prayer ministry for the sick and those in need. If you
would like to request prayer, or would like to be a part of our prayer
chain, please call John Comeaux at (281) 324-2044 or e-mail him at
johntat3@gmail.com.
Sacramental Schedule
Sacraments are reserved for our parishioners who participate
in the sacramental life of the church. All scheduling must be
arranged through the parish office at 281-324-1478.
Sacrament of Baptism: At least six months after registration in
the parish and active participation in Sunday Mass.
Sacrament of Matrimony: At least six months after registration in
the parish and active in Sunday Mass attendance. Then six
months prior to setting date.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday: 3:30-4:30 or by
appointment.
Eucharistic Adoration: Thursday 9:00 am until benediction on
Friday at 4:45 pm.
Funeral Services: Please call the parish office before setting a
date and time. Regarding personal remembrances at funeral
liturgies, St. Philip adheres to the policies of the Archdiocese
of Galveston-Houston.
Anointing of the Sick: First Monday of the month, following the
7:00 pm Mass.
Pastor - Rev. Richard E. Barker
Acolyte/Sacristan - John Comeaux
Secretary - Windy McMichael
Parish Phone - 281-324-1478
Parish E-Mail - stphiliphuffmantx@verizon.net
Parish Website - www.stphiliphuffmantx.org
Spiritual Development
Disciples of Jesus and Mary - Spiritual Formation
Jan Williams (281) 852-4389
Knights of Columbus
Phil Griffin, Grand Knight (281) 852-3090
Women’s Guild
Genevieve Schmidt (281) 324-2110
Familia for Families
Jim and Margarita Rath (281) 324-5393
Eucharistic Adoration/Holy Face Prayer Group
Janet Hays (281) 852-3444
Cursillo Community
Alice Cornell (281) 328-9120
St. Philip’s Prayer Line, Homebound
John & Mary Comeaux (281) 324-2044
King’s Children Catholic Homeschool - Parish
Diane Sparks (281) 324-6011
St. Angela Merici Catholic Homeschool - Local Area
Kerri Jenkins (281) 639-8917
Social Outreach / Concern
St. Vincent de Paul Society; Prime Timers
Claudia Herron (281) 324-1101
Respect Life
Jean Nietubicz (281) 852-7461
Compassion and Caring Ministry
Parish Office (281) 324-1478
Rosemont Assisted Living
Judy Abdelnoor (281) 360-9728
Prison Ministry
Josie Angell (281) 324-1747
Serra Club
Rick Nietubicz (281) 852-7461
Education
Director of Religious Education; Youth
Lisa Griffin (281) 324-1934
RCIA; Adult Formation
John & Daneé Sarabia (281) 852-6010
Middle School Youth Director
Becky Pursell (832) 445-0176
Parish Nursery Coordinator
Debra Burgower (281) 812-6356
Liturgical
Altar Servers
Father Barker (281) 324-1478
Eucharistic Ministers
Kathy O’Donnell (281) 852-5112
Lectors
Sylvester Leonards (281) 852-2975
Adornment of the Sanctuary
Jan Williams (281) 852-4389
Music Ministry
Jeanne Fuchser, Director, 8:30 AM (281) 852-1477
Valerie Sivil, 11:00 AM (281) 324-6625
Windy McMichael, 5:00 PM (281) 324-1478
Usher Ministry
Michael Reding, Director (713) 385-4985
Money Counters
Lilia Lee (281) 852-2035