St. Mary Catholic Church ~ St. Joseph Catholic Mission P O Box 388, Plantersville, Texas 77363

~~~~ MAY, 2020 ~~~~

Archdiocese of Galveston~Houston

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo

Fr. Edward C. Kucera, Jr. ~ Pastor Deacon David G. Garvis

Parish Office ~ 936~894~2223 (Monday ~ Thursday: 8:00 am ~ 5:00 pm)

(Friday: 8:00 am ~ 12 pm) (Lunch: Closed from 12:00 pm ~ 1:00 pm)

Parish Fax ~ 936~894~3613 Website: www.smsj.org

General E~Mail: info@smsj.org

Church Organizations & Ministries at St. Mary’s & St. Joseph’s

CCE / RE

Cheryl Schratwieser 936-894-2223

Extraordinary Ministers —

Holy Communion & Sacristans

Tom Schwartz 936-499-5066

Gabriel Project

Wanda O’Brien 936-597-6328

GriefShare

Mary Marshall 281-356-2497

Guardian Angels (Seniors)

Nancy Schlottman 936-525-0007

Homebound Ministry

Larry & Patty Decker 936-228-9742

Lectors

Richard Prokop 936-597-8688

Kathy Magliolo 936-597-5330

Marriage Preparation

Call Parish Office 936-894-2223

For Spanish speaking prep, call:

Brenda Martinez 936-777-9720

Ministers of Hospitality

Micki Tichacek 936-597-7010

Pro-Life Outreach

Nance Shaw 936-894-2512

RCIA / Adult Faith Formation

Don Picard 936-697-0195

Rummage Sale Coordinator

Sonya Yeglin 713-569-0156

St. Joseph’s Cemetery

Justin Mock 979-777-4993

St. Mary’s Cemetery

Ann Schwartz 936-648-1089

St. Mary’s Corner Shoppe

Ethel Barbossa 936-588-4053

St. Mary’s Men’s Club

Bob Rose 832-405-2482

Stitchin’ Sisters

Juli Murphy 936-206-0677

St. Vincent de Paul (for help, 936-894-2362)

Suzanne Hill 936-894-2396

Write for Life

Bob Dean 936-582-6314

Youth Ministry

Susan Horne 281-536-0810

MASS SCHEDULE

St. Mary—Plantersville Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & First Friday—9:00 a.m.

Saturday ~ 5:00 p.m. & Sunday ~ 7:30, 8:45, 10:00 & 11:30 a.m. St. Joseph—Stoneham

Tuesday ~ 9:00 a.m. & Sunday ~ 7:30 a.m.

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE St. Mary ~ Saturday: 4:15-4:45 p.m.

Or by Appointment—Please Call the Office.

SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION Please call the parish office for information concerning

Sacraments of Baptism, Matrimony or Anointing of the Sick.

Parish Administrator

Bill Jones 936-894-2223

AA

Leland Fougeron 936-825-2709

Adult Bible Study & Spiritual Enrichment

Jim & Mary Barnette 936-851-0155

Adult Confirmation

Sharon Skeans 936-448-2740

Annulments

Call Parish Office 936-894-2223

Music Ministry

Sue Langston 979-268-6886

St. Mary’s Altar Society

Liz Torres 281-788-7145

St. Joseph’s Altar Society

Marcy Pavlock 936-661-6662

Altar Servers

Wanda O’Brien 936-597-6328

Baptism Preparation for Infants to 6

Karen Kibodeaux 281-455-4433

Spanish Baptism Prep for Infants to 6

Carmen Troyo 936-499-6282

If you are new to the area and would like to become a member of our parish, please call the office. Or pick up a blue registration form in back of the church, fill it out and return to the

office by mail or drop it in the collection basket. Or register online at www.smsj.org.

AND NOW A WORD FROM YOUR PASTOR….

As I am writing this, I am waiting for some kind of announcement from our Cardinal as to what steps we will have to implement to be ready to ‘open for

business’ and come together for publicly celebrating the Mass which all of us have missed so much. We’ve celebrated virtually, seeing the celebration by means of the media. You’ve been able to see the Mass celebrated in many churches throughout the world. However, as for me and as I’ve heard from so many, there’s nothing like being in your own home church and feeling/seeing the community that makes us a family. It’s been a new experience to video our celebrations and then posting them online at the appropriate time. Of course, the optimum would be to ‘live stream’ the Mass as so many other parishes are able to do. Our problem is that our Wi-Fi signal is almost non-existent with the added obstacle that our church of St. Mary as well as St. Joseph have metal roofs. So, we’ve had to resort to videoing, which is an experience all its own. Because of the protocols of social distancing [beginning to hate that term] we’ve been limited to the number of individuals in the sanctuary. I have a new appreciation for sacristans, acolytes, altar servers, lectors….whose roles I have had to assume as a one-man-band since all this happened. I miss having Eucharistic Ministers come to the altar to assist in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist. I miss the Communion lines which were often long and took quite a bit of time. It was in that line that I came into contact with so many of you in that wonderful gifting of the Body of Christ. I miss that and am so looking forward to that again hopefully soon. It has been an interesting experience to ‘play to the camera’ celebrating the Liturgies of Holy Week, Easter and these Sundays of Easter. At first it was nerve-wrecking and hard to get use to. But, like anything, as we got into the swing of it, it’s become more relaxed, though in no way close to having y’all out there responding and participating. We’ve had some great video-ers: Carol Mumma and Brian Bondy. Both have made it their mission to have our celebrations out there on the Net. You can’t realize how much time it takes to get things prepared to record, quickly walk through the celebration and then hope nothing happens during the videoing. Their patience has been amazing. The finished product you viewed was an accomplishment given the circumstances and done with commitment and love by Carol and Brian. Let’s face it: they didn’t have a Tom Cruise to work with….ha. As long as these protocols hold, we’ll be transmitting the Sunday celebrations this way. I’m not sure how it happened but the idea surfaced that many might be interested in virtual tours of our churches of St. Mary and St. Joseph. When I have given the tours through the years, I have been asked, ‘Do you have this stuff written down?’ Well, now that we are videoing it, it will be there for posterity and out there for all the world to see now and forever ….. It’s been fun doing. We have such beautiful churches. Rather a shame that it took a pandemic to get me off center and do it. We did it originally as an entertainment during this crazy time, but have found that many have not had the opportunity to learn the history of our churches and have really appreciated it. I’ve noticed that some parishioners who have recently visited St. Mary’s during the day have spent a little time walking around and, I guess, looking closely at something that they’d seen in the video tour. All of us for many reasons will be appreciating our church even more than ever when this isolation, stay-at-home, is over. If you haven’t seen it yet, the link is on the website ‘www.smsj.org’. Part 1 and Part 2 is complete. We’ll film Part 3 soon and post it. I’m not sure about a Part 4. Depends on how much I talk on Part 3. There is a book in the Corner Shoppe of St. Mary that is well documented and illustrated. Well worth the $1000 [just kidding]. St. Joseph’s tour will be coming soon. Thanks

NOW A WORD FROM YOUR PASTOR …. pg. 2 also for those who sent in additional information from parents, relatives or personal memories of the history of St. Mary. My tours are getting longer and longer. Many thanks to all of you who have continued to be so generous and conscious of your stewardship in supporting the church during this difficult time. I am proud of you all. I am glad to report that we are able to meet our expenses, which says a lot. We are continuing to find every means to be good stewards of our financial resources and not do any foolish spending. Thanks to our Administrator Bill Jones and our faithful bookkeeper Adrienne Hoffart, that ain’t going to happen. As I mentioned at the beginning of this newsletter, we are strategizing how to proceed once the churches are permitted to open again. It’s probably not going to be an easy opening or things continuing as normal. It remains to be seen how comfortable we will all be in an enclosed building, how will we maintain some kind of distancing and, the hardest question of all, how will Holy Communion be distributed. I would suspect that Communion on the tongue will become a thing of the past, both for the minister’s sake as for the sake of the rest of the assembly. The time it takes to distribute Holy Communion may take even longer if we have to maintain distancing. I sincerely ask that we respect each other’s space and do whatever is necessary to be safe and help keep others safe. Know that we are already taking steps to sanitize and make ready our facilities for the time when we will be open again. The halls and our Family Life Center are being completely washed down/disinfected/sanitized. Both churches will undergo the same process when the announcement is made and the date set for re-opening. We don’t want to lose one minute in getting together again. When the re-opening does happen, we will be needing all ministers to be ready and to adapt to whatever the new protocols may be. We will be contacting each of the ministries as soon as we know... If you are not part of a ministry [we will be especially needing more hospitality ministers], please call or email the parish office {936-894-2223} and get on board. A new day is dawning. We are doing well here at the rectory. The weirdest time is Sunday morning. It’s especially then that the acute loneliness hits. It’s like a morgue...lol. No laughter, noise, hall closed, no cooking, no food in refrigerators Sunday afternoon when Bridget and I make our raid. She still doesn’t understand those clean floors in the hall. Always clean. Thank goodness she hasn’t eaten any peanuts lately. [a story...no, a movie]. Let’s keep in prayer those who have been so seriously affected by this pandemic: the sick and the dying; those placing their lives at risk serving others; those who have lost their jobs and find themselves unemployed; families suffering extreme hardship; our President and elected officials and the list goes on. Also, don’t fail to keep Cardinal DiNardo in your prayers. His is a job no one of us would want to take on. He needs our prayers. Keep an eye open for future Flocknotes. If you are not receiving our parish’s Flocknotes, it’s because we don’t have your email address or don’t have your new email address. Call the office or email it to Gail at...info@smsj.org. As my Mom would say from time to time: ‘This too will pass.’ Or, on more occasions, ‘O Lord, O Lord, how long, how long?’

2020 St. Joseph’s Annual Bazaar

To Parishioners: The 2020 Bazaar Auction will include again this year both a Silent and a Live Auction. The Silent Auction Close has been moved up to 1:00 p.m. for this year. Live Auction Begins at 2:00 pm. We had the best Auction results in 2019 and want to make 2020 even better. Our Pre-Auction focus this year continues to be on the extremely generous donations from all our parishioners, both St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s, but also have wide variety of potential donation ideas from our parishioners, their friends, neighbors, and relatives. Here are Ideas for Potential Live and Silent Auction Donations:

Cash for Purchases of Power Equipment, Tools, and Purchases of Weekend Getaways Homemade Food Items (e.g., Jelly, Jams, Cakes, Pies, Grape Juice, Cookies, Brittle, Rolls, All Canned Vegetables and Salsa, etc.) Homemade Furniture Livestock for “Raising”, Particularly a Young Calf or Pig for showing at a County

Level by a Young Future Farmers/Ranchers Boy or Girl of our Parish (More on this if we get a donation) Homemade Quilt, Afghans, and Wall Hangings Donated Weekend Getaways Donate Weekend Hotel Stays Group Tours Winery Group Events Sports Event Tickets (Texans, Astros, Rockets, The Roughnecks, etc.) Time Share Donations Fishing Trips and Hunting Events Group Meal Events Weekend Getaways Using Family or Friends’ 2

nd Homes

Group Spa Gift Certificate All Kinds of Sports Teams Autographed Equipment Travel Points for Airline Tickets Jewelry Items

No Item is Too Large or Too Small for Our Auction! Donation Documentation Forms will be available in the Church Hall. If you Cannot Donate an Item, Please Consider CASH Donations for

the Purchase of Auction Items. Thank You! Glenn Mannina & Theresa Rausheck

OUR ANNUAL ST. JOSEPH’S BAZAAR WILL PROCEED IN

A MODIFIED FORM. LET’S BEAT THIS CORONAVIRUS

AND HAVE THE BEST BAZAAR POSSIBLE!

HAPPY MOTHER’S

DAY! MAY 10

Give the Gift of Blood – K of C Council #4054 will host a

Blood Drive on May 10, 2020 in the St. Stanislaus Parish hall. Blood and blood products are in short supply and donors are needed now to provide for this critical need. Donors must sign-up in advance on-line at www.giveblood.org. The Blood Center is adjusting their appointment schedule to balance out donations and prevent over-crowding during blood drives. To make an appointment log onto the website, click on schedule to donate; under quick links select city search and enter Anderson, scroll down to St. Stanislaus, click on schedule and select a convenient time between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm to donate. Do you need a reason to give blood? Go to the website and read the courageous stories of those who benefit from blood donations. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a severe shortage of blood and blood products. Make your appointment to donate if you are eligible! Commit for Life!

DATES TO REMEMBER:

BAZAAR WORK DAYS @ 8AM: Saturday, May 16th, Saturday, May 23rd & Monday, May 25th

Worker’s Mass will be on Saturday, May 23rd at 3pm.

… will go on in a modified form!

Sunday, May 24, 2020

So we need all your usual donations: Monetary, homemade & handmade auction items,

cakes & pies for dinner & auction, etc.

We will also have our raffle, so sell, sell, sell!

(Watch for details about the bazaar on the

The Annual Cemetery Association of St. Mary’s Catholic Community’s

MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION IN THE CEMETERY IS TENTATIVELY SET FOR

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 AT 9:00AM

(As the times draws near, please check our website at www.smsj.org or your Flocknotes to find out if this event will take place.)

A News Release from Montgomery Independent School District dated April 15, 2020 . . .

A Legacy of Excellence

When Dolores (Herzog) Hoffart gave the valedictory speech at the Montgomery High School graduation in 1952, she had no way to know that she would be the beginning of a legacy that spans 68 years in the history of Montgomery ISD. Three generations of this incredible family have attended Montgomery ISD from start to finish and have held the valedictorian title at Montgomery High School. Dolores (Herzog) Hoffart graduated in 1952, her daughter, Carol (Hoffart) Reissig, in 1980, and Carol’s son, Seth Reissig, will graduate in May of 2020. MHS senior, Seth Reissig, was announced as the Class of 2020 valedictorian and he could not be more excited. He first received news that he ranked number two during his freshman year and he set his sights on the number one spot. “After they gave us our first GPA and rank, I saw that I was close to number one so I wanted to work towards it and achieve it. Eventually I moved up to the number one spot right before senior year,” shared Seth. There has been a lot of growth and change in Montgomery from the time that Dolores (Herzog) Hoffart and Carol (Hoffart) Reissig graduated until now. Carol commented on the changes saying, “We graduated with about 60 students in 1980, and Seth has about 400 in his graduating class so just the numbers alone make it a remarkable difference from then and now.” Carol Reissig currently works for MISD as the Absence Management Coordinator, and she is so proud to work for and to have raised her children in this district. Carol added, “I felt that I attended the best district even in 1980. Why wouldn’t I want my children to attend the best district in the State of Texas?”

Liturgical Readings for May May 1 [St. Joseph the Worker]: Acts 9:1-20 • Ps 117:1,2 • Jn 6:52-59

May 2 St. Anthanasius: Acts 9:31-42 • Ps 116:12-13,14-15,16-17 • Jn 6:60-69 May 3 Fourth Sunday of Easter: Acts 2:14a,36-41 • Ps 23:1-3, 3-4,5,6 • 1 Pt 2:20b-25 • Jn 10:1-10 May 4: Acts 11:1-18 • Ps(s) 42:2-3; 43:3,4 • Jn 10:11-18 May 5: Acts 11:19-26 • Ps 87:1-3,4-5,6-7 • Jn 10:22-30 May 6: Acts 12:24-13:5a • Ps 67:2-3,5,6,8 • Jn 12:44-50 May 7: Acts 13:13-25 • Ps 89:2-3,21-22,25,27 • Jn 13:16-20 May 8: Acts 13:26-33 • Ps 2:6-7,8-9,10-11• Jn 14:1-6 May 9: Acts 13:44-52 • Ps 98:1,2-3,3-4 • Jn 14:7-14 May 10 Fifth Sunday of Easter: Acts 6:1-7 • Ps 33:1-2,4-5,18-19 • 1 Pt 2:4-9 • Jn 14:1-12 May 11: Acts 14:5-18 • Ps 115:1-2,3-4,15-16 • Jn 14:21-26 May 12 [Sts. Nereus and Achilleus; St. Pancras]: Acts 14:19-28 • Ps 145:10-11.12-13,21 • Jn 14:27-31a May 13 [Our Lady of Fatima]: Acts 15:1-6 • Ps 122:1-2,3-4,4-5 • Jn 15:1-8 May 14 Matthias: Acts 1:15-17,20-26 • Ps 113:1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8 • Jn 15:9-17 May 15 [St. Isidore]: Acts 15:22-31 • Ps 57:8-9,10,12 • Jn 15:12-17 May 16: Acts 16:1-10 • Ps 100:1-2,3,5 • Jn 15:18-21 May 17 Sixth Sunday of Easter: Acts 8:5-8,14-17 • Ps 66:1-3,4-5,6-7,16,20 • 1 Pt 3:15-18. Jn 14:15-21 May 18 [St. John 1]: Acts 16:11-15 • Ps 149:1-2,3-4,5-6,9 •Jn 15:26—16:4a May 19: Acts 16:22-34 • Ps 138:1-2,2-3,7-8 • Jn 16:5-11 May 20 [St. Bernadine of Siena]: Acts 17:15,22—18:1• Ps 148:1-2,11-12,13,14 • Jn 16:12-15 May 21 The Ascension of the Lord: Acts 11:1-11 • Ps 47:2-3,6-7,8-9 • Eph 1:17-23 • Mt 28:16-20

May 22 [St Rita of Cascia]: Acts 18:9-18 • Ps 47:2-3,4-5,6-7 • Jn 16:20-23 May 23: Acts 18:23-28 • Ps 47:2-3,8-9,10 • Jn 16:23b-28 May 24 Seventh Sunday of Easter: Acts 1:12-14 • Ps 27:1,4,7-8 • 1 Pt 4:13-16 • Jn 17:1-11a or Ascension (see May 21) May 25 [St. Bede the Venerable; St. Gregory VII; St Mary Magdalene de'Pazzi]: Acts 19:1-8 • Ps 68:2-3,4-5,6-7 • Jn 16:29-33 May 26 St. Philip Neri: Acts 20:17-27 • Ps 68:10-11,20-21• Jn 17:1-11a May 27 [St. Augustine of Canterbury]: Acts 20:28-38 • Ps 68:29-30,33-35,35-36 • Jn 17:11b-19 May 28: Acts 22:30;23:6-11 • Ps 16:1-2,5,7-8,9-10,11 • Jn 17:20-26 May 29: Acts 25:13b-21 • Ps 103:1-2,11-12,19-20 • Jn 21:15-19 May 30: Acts 28:16-20,30-31 • Ps 11:4,5,7 • Jn 21:20-25 May 31 Pentecost Sunday: Acts 2:1-11 • Ps 104:1,24,29-30,31,34 • 1 Cor 12:3b-7,12-13 • Jn 20:19-23

Faith formation

Adult Confirmation: Contact Sharon Skeans @ 936-448-2740 or email her @skeans@consolidated.net.

Baptism: Baptism prep classes and baptisms occur approximately every other month. Infant baptism through age 6. Ages 7 and older, children must enroll in CCE.

For more information, call Karen Kibodeaux at 281-455-4433 or email karenkibodeaux@att.net. For Spanish, call Carmen Troyo at 936-499-6282 or email carmentroyo@gmail.com.

NEXT BAPTISMS (English): TBA NEXT BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS: MAY 30—9AM-1PM—FLC

C.C.E. All CCE First Communion and Confirmation information can be found at: http://www.smsj.org/cce. The C.C.E. office may be contacted at: smsjcce@gmail.com.

Planning a Marriage? There is a required preparation process that must be completed before one can marry in the Catholic Church —so start early?

To begin the process: Contact the office at 936-894-2223.

Need an annulment? Please contact the parish office at 936-894-2223.

Rummage Sale News

We miss you but unfortunately we are not yet in a position to accept donations for the rummage sale but hope that things get better soon and your generous giving can resume. As you are rearranging your furniture, organizing your sock drawer and wrapping up your spring cleaning during the “stay at home, don’t roam” crisis, please store the treasures you wish to donate until we can receive them. The success of the rummage sale and our community depends on your gifts, so please keep them for a little while longer as we wait this out. The announcement to resume dropping off will be sent via Flock Notes so watch for the green light. Our goal is to have a one day “back-to-school bargain store” in July to help families hit hard by the economic downturn and we are especially in need of items for this event. Let’s spread the word to friends, family, neighbors and social media that children’s shoes, clothes and backpack donations will help struggling families prepare for the next school year. Thank you

for your understanding, patience and support. Rummage Sale 2020 The Barn Party

For more information, contact Sonya Yeglin at 713.569.0156.

“Lord, help me to make time today to serve you in those who are most in need of encouragement or assistance.” — St. Vincent de Paul

TENATIVE NEXT MEETING: MAY 26 @ 3:30PM IN THE HALL.

Our St. Vincent de Paul Conference welcomes new members. If you are interested in becoming a

Vincentian, please call our President:

Suzanne Hill at 936-894-2396.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

For assistance, call:

(936) 894-2362

~~ UPCOMING SECOND COLLECTION ~ MAY 24 ~~

The Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) funds projects that bring the gospel message to the faithful and to those seeking the faith through the Internet, television, radio and print

publications. CCC inspires, evangelizes, and enriches, all with the push of a button or the flip of a page. Please support this important work and be generous in the Collection.

CCC is how the Good News gets around to you.

THE GABRIEL PROJECT is a pro-life parish-based apostolate of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

offering assistance to women experiencing difficult circumstances during pregnancy. Gabriel Project volunteers act to provide practi-cal advice and help, as well as spiritual support and Christian witness to mothers in need. Our St. Mary’s Gabriel Angels are trained to provide some of the following: ** Be a resource to answer questions about pregnancy, child care, and parenting

** Provide friendship, emotional, and spiritual support ** Help with items for a new baby ** Knowledge about available community resources to meet your needs

May Blessing Babies Collection: Diapers (size 2/3) & Wipes.

Our ministry is fortunate to be “open” to assist Pregnant Mothers and their babies who may be in need. Please call Wanda O’Brien 936-597-6328 if you or someone you know needs assistance. We can help

with all newborn/infant baby needs and also have a nice assortment of infant to toddler clothing. (As always, feel free to take out any item from the Baby Bassinet in the church foyer that you may need.)

Thank you for your donations. Our families are very grateful! Call Wanda O’Brien 936-597-6328 for more info.

St. Mary’s

C

O

R

N

E

R SHOPPE

Since we are presently not having week- end Masses, the Corner Shoppe is closed. If you need something out of the shoppe,

call the office and we will let you in during the week.

We do have First Communion gifts and Mother’s Day gifts and cards!

A Message from our Parish Administrator . . . A huge thank you to Carol Mumma, Jean & Brian Bondy, and all the folks behind the scenes for preparing and posting all of the wonderful videos we have enjoyed the last few weeks. The various videos have been an excellent way for us to maintain our connection with our wonderful church. These videos can be found on our website (smsj.org), Flocknote or Facebook. Another big thank you to Fr. Ed, Deacon David and those that participated in the Palm Sunday drive- thru, the Easter Sunday drive-thru and the SURPRISE drive-thru on Fr. Ed’s 47th Anniversary in the Priesthood. These are trying times that we all are experiencing right now and all of the videos and drive-thru’s have absolutely helped us to make the most of the current situation. Good Lord willing, hopefully we will be back to our new normal soon. Bill Jones

CANTOR & CHOIR PRACTICE

Cantor: Thursdays @ 6:00pm

Adult Choir: Thursdays @ 6:30pm

For more info, contact:

Sue Langston @ 979-268-6886 or 936-894-2223 Choir practice

is discontinued until further

notice.

ST. JOSEPH’S COOKBOOKS FOR SALE: $10.00 EACH

Contact a St. Joseph Altar Society member or the office: 936-894-2223.

PLEASE REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE PRECEDED US IN DEATH. KEEP

THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES IN YOUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS.

Sharon Gopon ~ March 24 (Sister-in-law of St. Mary Parishioners Gene & Julie Gopon)

Melanie Watson ~ April 5 (Mother of St. Mary Parishioner Shawn Kretzschmar)

James Bochat, Sr. ~ April 13 (Father of St. Mary Parishioner James Bochat, Jr.)

Dorothy Frydel ~ April 14 (Mother of St. Mary Parishioner & Organist Sue Langston)

Verna Cecilia Demny ~ April 20 (Friend of St. Joseph’s)

Larry Lynch ~ April 20 (Brother-in-law of Deacon David Garvis)

Christina Griffith Ellis ~ April 22 (Friend of St. Mary’s)

Dave Curtis ~ April 24 (Brother of St. Mary parishioner Joan Kura)

Ralph S. Marek, Sr. ~ April 25 (Father of St. Mary parishioner Tommy Marek)

THERE WILL BE NO MASS

ON MONDAY, MAY 25.

THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE

CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY:

MONDAY, MAY 25.

ST. JOSEPH’S BAZAAR

SUN., MAY 24, 2020!

(in a modified form)

The month of May is traditionally dedicated to Mary in many cultures. May crowning became popular in the United States, especially prior to Vatican II. This practice continues in many parishes today. A statue of Mary is honored with a wreath of

blossoms to indicate Mary's virtues, virtues that were to be imitated by the faithful.

Due to Coronavirus, Fr. Ed will crown the Blessed Virgin Mary on the usual Sunday in May. You will see it on the video Mass

for that day.

GUARDIAN ANGELS NEWS Due to the Corona Virus, the Guardian Angels will not

have their monthly meeting in May. Also, as of this time, there will be no Bingo, Game Day or weekly dominos until

further notice.

The Easter Hat Contest winner is . . .

GREG & MO HOUSTON

Their prize will be determined at a later date.

St. Mary Cemetery

News

The cleanup dates for 2020 will be: May 19th, June 30th, September 1st,

October 27th & December 15th. All cleanups will begin at 8:00am.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next Cemetery Committee Meeting will be:

September 15th at 10:00am. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you are interested in getting involved with the Cemetery Committee and their work to make

improvements, especially with computer skills to create a database for remapping the cemetery and future plot sales, please contact Ann Schwartz at

936-648-1089. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the new cemetery area, there is now a section for infants and fetuses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And last but not least . .. please consider

pre-planning your funeral and take the burden off of your family!

Don’t wait until the last minute . . . Get your cemetery plots & niches at

St. Mary’s as soon as possible.

Prices on each are:

PARISHIONER—$1,200

NON-PARISHIONER—$4,000

Any questions or for an appointment:

Call Ann Schwartz at 936-648-1089.

Urns are also available for sale.

The SM Cemetery Committee is trying to find out all those buried in the cemetery who has served in the military so that on holidays their graves can be marked with

flags. Please call Ann Schwartz at 936-648-1089 to let her know.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE!

The St. Mary Cemetery committee is asking those who

visit their loved ones in the cemetery to please refrain from putting glass vases around the

gravesites. Too many times they get broken and it creates a hazard for those doing the

cemetery cleanup.

Check out the Augustine Institute CD kiosk

in the church.

Featured CD of the month:

The Virtue of Masculinity By Dr. Tim Gray

Masculinity. In recent years, the use of this

word has become controversial, and discus-

sion about it unwelcome or silenced. Is all

masculinity “toxic”? Dr. Tim Gray strongly

asserts that while fallen masculinity does ex-

ist, authentic, God-given masculinity is a

great virtue that is desperately needed in our

world. Drawing on personal and cultural ex-

amples, Tim challenges men to face their

fears about failing or "striking out," and en-

courages them to become the men they de-

sire to be—loyal, dependable, and beloved

friends, spouses, and fathers—in the image

of Jesus Christ, the Perfect Man.

Suggested donation: $4/CD

NO MAY MEETING! NEXT MEETING:

TUES., SEPT. 1 ~ 6:30PM

ST. JOSEPH

ALTAR SOCIETY

MAY ALTAR CARE: Barbara Fougeron, Debbie Williams,

Jeff Vasek (Depending if Masses will be held in May.)

NO MASS OR SUNDAY HOSPITALITY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!

ST. MARY ALTAR SOCIETY

THE MAY MEETING HAS TENTATIVELY BEEN CANCELLED!

MAY ALTAR CARE: Sherry Henderson, Joanna Montgomery, Ann Young

(Depending on if Masses will be held in May.)

NO MASSES OR SUNDAY HOSPITALITY

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!

ST. MARY’S MEN’S CLUB

The St. Mary’s Men’s Club wants to thank everyone who supported our effort to put on the annual charity golf tournament for scholarships this year. Unfortu-nately the pandemic won out and we were forced to cancel the event. We will be back to try again next year – mark your calendars for April 26, 2021. The men’s club activities are still on hold pending reinstatement of meeting privileges by the Archdiocese, we will advise if we will be holding our regular monthly meeting in the hall at St. Mary’s on May 19th at 7:00pm. Social period is ahead of the meeting with dinner served at 6:30pm. All parish men are members of the Men’s Club and are encouraged to join and participate in the fellowship this fine group of men enjoy on a monthly basis. Hope to see you on the 19th – WE REALLY DO!

St. Mary’s / St. Joseph’s ACTS Update

God is good, ALL the time!! This is especially true during the Covid 19 pandemic as our lives seem to be put on hold and we’re called to accept changes, and cooperate with authorities so we can keep each other safe. However, the one thing we can be assured of is God’s unconditional love for each of His children: “He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4) We can be very thankful that we can stay prayerfully connected with God and each other by several media outreaches (SMSJ Flocknotes, SMSJ.org, St. Mary/St. Joseph ACTS Community Facebook page, etc.) Mass is still being celebrated daily as well as the rosary, and many are working together to keep us informed!! In the words of Henri Nouwen, “ Let’s dare to enter into an intimate relationship with God without fear, trusting that we will receive love and always more love.” May the love, joy, and hope of our Resurrected Savior be with you!!

Please pray for our men & women in the military:

A1C Aubrey Herzog, Navy Seal Chief Brian Perry, Lt. Col. John Adams, Jason Parsons, Angel Pena, Capt. Daniel Hacker, Lt. Col. John E. Tryon, 1st Lt. USMC Jeff Vickers, Major Jeff Kocian, Jeremy Gonzales, Ens. Andrew Pfarner, Cmdr. Jon Haydel, L. Col. Jeremy Angenend, Kenny Oakes-Army, ITC3 Emily Smith,

LTJG Marcus Cranford, Lt. Lauren (Osterman) Williams, Peyton Irvan-US Navy, HM2 Jacob A. Orlando-US Navy, 3rd Class Petty Officer Jake Twining-US Navy, Benjamin Smith—U.S. Army, Nelson Shipley-Navy, Ssgt. USAF Kevin Harrison

The 2020 St. Mary’s Men’s Club scholarship winners are:

James P. (Patrick) O’Connell, Jr. Taylor Peel

Tanner Poole Seth Reissig

Leah Moy Gracie Johnson

Nick Lococo Charlie Moore

Continuing

Catechesis & Evangelization

NO MAY EVENTS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Visit the Religious Education website page: http://www.smsj.org/cce/

Contact the Religious Education Office:936-894-2223 or by email: smsjcce@gmail.com

The next Baptism Preparation Class is set for Sat., May 30.

Go to www.smsj.org to register for the class. Online registration

is required in order to attend!

For more info, contact: Karen Kibodeaux @ 281-455-4433

Please keep these people in your prayers:

Jeffery Anderson, Ralph Ballard, Mary Ann Benitez, Bernie Borski, Delores Boyett, Phyllis Mock Calhoun, Pat Davis, Janice Enloe, Roberta

Foa, Holly Gilstrap, Dorothy Hayes, Marty Heaney, Charlie & Pat Hodge, Maydell Izar, Tammy Kitchens, Carlene Kolbasinski, Angeline Kotch, Bob Kotch, Elizabeth Kowis, Carol Kubeczka, Genevieve Kuta, Bibian Loukanis, Frances Loukanis, Gloria Lupkey, Bill Malek, Natalie Mattern, Hailey Minor, Chad Mock, Matt Oliver, Reagan Oliver, Rylie &

Reagan Ray, Bob Riedle, Susan Riedle, Alma Smith, Katie Smith, Daniel Stinson, Craig & Kelly Strickler, David & JoNell Stickler,

Colleen Syzdek, Daniela Syzdek, Clara Walkoviak, Bridget Young

When we pray for others, God listens to you & blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has

prayed for you.

These meetings that are normally held in the Hall on

Monday evenings are suspended until further notice.

The program welcomes all who have experienced a loss of a loved one in their life. The foundation for the program is based on Community, Understanding, Support and Encouragement. Our Facilitators

understand and have experienced what you are currently going through. They are here to offer comfort and encouragement during this difficult time while sharing the knowledge to help you move

forward. GriefShare teachings are biblical based on grief and recovery topics.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For now, all classes have been suspended until further notice, but if you need to

talk to someone, please call Mary Marshall at 281-356-2497 or 281-781-5916.

Rowan's Prayer

One day God will Bring us back together, United with your child, you'll cry no more.

Till then, may we draw strength from each other, knowing that they wait by Heaven’s door.

If you have or you know of someone who just experienced a miscarriage, still birth or infant loss or you know someone with a neonatal diagnosis.

Contact Bonnie Haytcher: by calling 941-302-6310,

or emailing haytcherb@gmail.com

Parish Soft — Online Giving

St. Mary’s offers online giving.

You will access the giving portal from

www.smsj.org. Scroll down the home page

and you will find the giving icon on the right

side of the page. Click on the blue icon and it

will take you to the portal where you will set

up your account to start giving online. If you

need further assistance, please contact

Adrienne in the parish office @

Adrienne@smsj.org or call 936-894-2223.

RCIA: Rite Of Christian Initiation for Adults Are you not baptized and thinking you would like to become a Baptized Catholic?

Are you thinking of becoming a Catholic? Do you know someone interested in Baptism in the Catholic Faith?

Or you have been away from the Catholic Faith and would like to inquire on returning to the faith?

RCIA “The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” is the process of educational formation and spiritual

formation by which adults become full members in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

RCIA Inquiry classes have started and take place on Sunday’s at 10:00am in the Family Life Center.

The RCIA schedule is posted on St. Mary’s web site. www.smsj.org under “grow in faith”.

We invite all those who are not baptized, those who are baptized in other faiths and

those baptized in the catholic faith that would like to increase their knowledge in Catholicism.

Anyone interested in learning more about the possibility of joining the Roman Catholic

Church or is interested in increasing their adult faith formation are invited to contact RCIA

director Donald A. Picard, Jr. at dpicard@consolidated.net or 936-697-0195.

THE INTENTIONS OF THE HOLY FATHER FOR THE MONTH OF MAY

To better know ‘the concrete problems that trouble the Universal Church, especially those of the missions,’ the Holy Father asks that his monthly intentions be “the object of knowledgeable and responsible prayer on the part of the people of God.”

Pope’s Intention: For Deacons. That deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church.

AA MEETINGS:

Every Monday evening at 8 p.m. in St. Mary’s Family Life Center.

JOIN THE STITCHIN’ SISTERS

Are you interested in bringing back a lost art? Are you interested in having a good time with a great group of ladies? Think about join-ing the Stitchin’ Sisters. Hand quilting seems to be a lost art that we are trying to keep alive. We are a group of ladies that hand quilts three donation quilts a year. One for the Plantersville

Fire Department Auction, one for St. Joseph Bazaar Auction and one for St. Mary’s Bazaar Auction. If time permits between those quilts, we will quilt member’s quilt for a nominal fee. If you do not know how to quilt, we will do our best to help you out. We all have opinions! We can show you how to put up a quilt on a frame, how to mark it, how to quilt it, and how to finish it. We meet every Wednesday from 9:30 to 2:00 at St. Joseph Hall. Bring your own lunch. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

For more info, Juli Murphy: at 936-206-0677 or email julimurphy1988@gmail.com.

CONFESSIONS

Normally, confessions are heard on Saturday Evenings at St. Mary before

Mass 4:15-4:45.

Otherwise, if available, Fr. Ed would be happy to hear

confessions after daily Mass. FOR NOW, CALL THE OFFICE

FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT 936-894-2223.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOANER PROGRAM

St. Mary’s has a loaner program for anyone who is in need of medical equipment. For equipment availability, contact Tom Schwartz at 936-499-5066.

We have hospital beds, electric scooters & many other items available.

DEEPEN YOUR FAITH

Sacramentals dispose believers to receive the chief effects of the Sacraments.

DOCTRINAL STATEMENTS Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church. These are the sacred signs that bear resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of

the Church (CCC, no. 1667, citing SC, no. 60). Among the sacramental, blessings hold a major place. There are blessings for persons, meals, objects, places and

ceremonial occasions such as graduations, testimonial honors, welcomes, and farewell. All blessings praise God for his gifts. Most blessings invoke the Holy Trinity as expressed in the Sign of the Cross, sometimes accompanied by the sprinkling of holy water. Expressions of piety extend the liturgical life of the Church, but do not replace it. They should be so drawn up that

they harmonize with the liturgical seasons, accord with the sacred liturgy, are in some way derived from it and lead the people to it, since in face the liturgy by its very nature is far superior to any of them (CCC, no. 1675,

citing SC, no. 13).

THE ROSARY Many of the appearances of Mary, especially at Lourdes and Fatima have been associated with the praying of the Rosary. Numerous popes and saints have urged the faithful to pray the Rosary. Opening the Marian Year in l987, the Rosary was a global prayer for peace offered by large groups at Marian shrines such as those in Washington, D.C. and Lourdes. The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer. It begins with the Apostles’ Creed, which is itself a summary of the great mysteries of the Catholic faith, based on Scripture, from creation through redemption and up to the Resurrection of the body and everlasting life. The Our Father, which introduces each mystery, is taken from the Gospels. The first part of the Hail Mary is composed from verses from the Gospel of Luke, the angel’s words announcing Christ’s birth and Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary. St. Pius V officially added the second part to the Hail Mary. The repetition of the ten Hail Mary’s with each Mystery is meant to lead us to restful contemplative prayer related to the Mystery. Many who say the Rosary think of the words as background music that leads them to rest in the divine presence. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter the silence of our hearts, where Christ’s Spirit dwells.

FOR DISCUSSION 1. What kind of popular devotions have you experienced? If you have made a pilgrimage, what was the impact on

your faith life? 2. Have you witnessed the blessings of homes, persons, or special objects used for liturgy? How might praying as a

family, such as Grace Before Meals or Grace After Meals, strengthen family life as well as faith in God? 3. What are some benefits of praying the Rosary? Why do some people have sacred art such as crucifixes, statues,

and holy images in prominent places in their homes?

MEDITATION A number of historical circumstances also make a revival of the Rosary quite timely. First of all, the need to implore from God the gift of peace. The Rosary has many times been proposed by predecessors as a prayer for peace. At the start of the millennium which began with the terrifying attacks of September 11, 2001, a millennium which witnesses every day in numerous parts of the world fresh scenes of bloodshed and violence, to rediscover the Rosary means to immerse oneself in contemplation of the mystery of Christ who is our peace, since he made the two of us one, and broke down the diving wall of hostility (Eph 2:14). Consequently, one cannot recite the Rosary without feeling caught up in a clear commitment to advancing peace, especially in the land of Jesus, still so sorely afflicted and so close to the heart of every Christian. –RVM, no. 6

PRAYER MIRACULOUS MEDAL PRAYER

O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. The above is from Chapter 22, pages 298, 301-303 of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Website, for US Conference of Catholic Bishops, www.usccb.org , for daily readings, information on our faith, and news regarding our faith. Websites Word Among Us, www.wau.org and Dynamic Catholic, www.DynamicCatholic.com

St. Mary’s Mass Intentions for May, 2020

Date Time Intention Requested By Fri. 5/1 9:00am Angie McLaurin-Till Bill & (Patty) Jones Sat. 5/2 5:00pm Charles Mock / Frank Mock Darrell Herzog / Tootsie Mock Sun. 5/3 7:30am Dan, Edna & Billy Heintz Tommy Heintz Sun. 5/3 8:45am Baranowski & Conrey families Cliff & Pat Conrey Sun. 5/3 10:00am Pro Populo (For the People) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sun. 5/3 11:30am Thomas Diehl, Sr., Sport Diehl, Marcy Ellis & Ronnie Canatella Sonny Diehl Mon. 5/4 9:00am Pat Holt Bill & (Patty) Jones Wed. 5/6 9:00am Connie Greiner / Gladys Raabe Ann Dowell / David & Pat Sydlik Thurs. 5/7 9:00am Sharon Gopon Gene & Julie Gopon Sat. 5/9 5:00pm Annie Demny / Don Kerr Denise Durel / Betty Kerr Sun. 5/10 7:30am FOR ALL MOTHERS Sun. 5/10 8:45am FOR ALL MOTHERS Sun. 5/10 10:00am FOR ALL MOTHERS Sun. 5/10 11:30am FOR ALL MOTHERS Mon. 5/11 9:00am John & Annie Hoffart Bill & Laveta Malek Wed. 5/13 9:00am Joe Barbossa / Patty Jones Thomas & Frances Kowis / Cindy Sheridan Thurs. 5/14 9:00am Buster Bowers Paulett Traylor & Family Sat. 5/16 5:00pm Mary Lebeck / Florine Bachmeyer Jerry & Martha Lebeck / Mike & Jeanette Rhodes Sun. 5/17 7:30am Beth Ramsberg Mike & Melinda Donnellan Sun. 5/17 8:45am Pro Populo (For the People) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sun. 5/17 10:00am Patty Wilber Patty Card Sun. 5/17 11:30am Harry Kocian Chris Kocian Mon. 5/18 9:00am Lois Abshire & Ellen Abshire Cherry Walter & Wilma Lege Wed. 5/20 9:00am Sammy Blair Gertrude Tepera Thurs. 5/21 9:00am Bob Card Ann Dowell Sat. 5/23 5:00pm Neil Rosenberg / Ron Sweatman PJ & Marlene Smith / Sharon Sweatman Sun. 5/24 7:30am Jake Richards Mary Ellen Lundquist Sun. 5/24 8:45am Pro Populo (For the People) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sun. 5/24 10:00am Matthew Alfred Tripp Dr. Linda Walker & Robert Addotta Sun. 5/24 11:30am Teresa Schwertner Frank Giglio families Mon. 5/25 9:00am NO MASS Wed. 5/27 9:00am Kimberly Delgado Eddie & Dianne Delgado Thurs. 5/28 9:00am Robert & Katherine Diehl David & Brenda Wagner Sat. 5/30 5:00pm Floyd, Sr., Veronica & Edna Keasling Betty Lott & Family Sun. 5/31 7:30am Dolores Hoffart Deacon Ted & Nancy Baker Sun. 5/31 8:45am George, Billy & Denise Lundquist Mary Ellen Lundquist Sun. 5/31 10:00am Adrian Piperi Dorothy, Carolyn & Raymond Belinowski Sun. 5/31 11:30am Pro Populo (For the People) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

St. Joseph’s Mass Intentions for May, 2020

Date Time Intention Requested By Sun. 5/3 7:30am Rufus Uilkie Donnie & Debbie Klawinsky Tues. 5/5 9:00am Living & Deceased Members of the SJAS St. Joseph Altar Society Sun. 5/10 7:30am ALL MOTHERS Tues. 5/12 9:00am Anton Fridye Mary Ann Gurka Sun. 5/17 7:30am Helen “Alice” Mock Leonard Busa Tues. 5/19 9:00am Louis Pavlock Mary Ann Gurka Sat. 5/23 3:00pm Success of the Bazaar Sun. 5/24 7:30am Frank, Elizabeth & Bernard Kuta Genevieve Kuta Tues. 5/26 9:00am Joe & Verna Kaminski Family & Friends Sun. 5/31 7:30am Ellie, August, Bert & Gay Imhoff & Louise McClosky Shelby Imhoff Family

For Your Information:

Fr. Ed and Fr. Lockey are celebrating Mass with your intention privately each day. If you want your Mass at a

different time, please call the office.