St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church 2308 3rd Street ∙ Huffman TX 77336 Spirit and Truth Newsletter February 14, 2021 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Parish Office Phone: 281-324-1478 For Your Safety and Ours Fax: 281-715-5533 Below is a list of common symptoms of COVID-19. If you experience the following [email protected] symptoms, please do not come to daily or Sunday Mass. Fulfill your obligation by watching Mass online from home, either on TV or online. Do not return to the St. Philip campus until Mailing Address you are certain you do not have the COVID-19 virus or you obtain a negative COVID-19 test PO Box 2363 result. Huffman, TX 77336 • Fever or chills • Sore throat, Cough Office Location • Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, pressure in the chest 2308 3rd Street • Muscle or body aches, fatigue Huffman, TX 77336 • New loss of taste or smell Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 am–4:00 pm

Pastor Working Stiff Rev. Richard Barker My dear parishioners, Jesus invited Simon Peter and his brother Andrew to accompany Mass Times him in ministry, saying, "Follow me, and I will

Sunday Masses make you fishers of men." [Mk 1:17] Farther Saturday Vigil: 4:00 pm along Galilee’s shore, John and his brother Sunday: 8:30 & 11:00 am James were mending their nets when Our Lord summoned them also to serve in his kingdom. Daily Mass Who were these men whom Jesus called? Tues & Thurs: Noon Wed & Fri: 9:00 am Simon, Andrew, James and John belonged to prosperous entrepreneurial families First Sat: 9:00 am headquartered at the Sea of Galilee’s northern end. The four men were highly skilled and successful fishermen, their intimate knowledge of fishing waters, Adoration weather conditions, and equipment having been accumulated over years of Wed*: 9:00 am–1:00 pm experience and hard work. To be sure, the four were not powerful or wealthy * Moved to Wednesday, starting Ash Wednesday men. James and John were very young. Nevertheless, owning boats, nets, rigging and hiring crews to man them was no Reconciliation small achievement in first century Roman-occupied territory on the Mediterre- Saturday: 3:00-3:30 pm Or by appointment an’s eastern shore. It is no exaggeration to say that their self-assurance and confidence came into play when Jesus summoned them to follow him in ministry. They were free to say no. However, when Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make (Continued on page 7)

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ONE VOICE, ONE CHOIR, ONE HOLY COMMUNION The human face is supremely expressive, truly a language without words. Faces convey a wealth of reactions and emo- tions, information and intuition, alarm and serenity, disappointment and elation. Second only to the face is the human voice. Whereas a human face communicates visibly, the human voice is an invisible form of sharing and expression. It conveys a wide range of messages, for example coldness and warmth, invitation and dismissal, laughter and anger. Within the parish community, it goes without saying that faces and voices speak of the heart and to the heart. Voices especially should convey openness, gentleness and togetherness. The world seems to favor harsh voices these days, voices that are jarring, penetrating and discordant. This is not appropriate at the Church campus nor any faith gathering for that matter, and should be avoided always in the celebration of Mass. God’s people assist at Mass as one voice, one choir, one holy communion praising God in prayer and song. As the Body of Christ is one, so the voice of the assembly is one. Our Lord intended his Mass to be a visible and audible sign of peaceful harmony. Listening to others matters. Quieter voices matter too. They should not be overpowered. The assem- bly should not be pulled this way and that. Surely the peace of the assembly is a great good requiring the cooperation of eve- ryone. “Every one of you should form a choir, so that, in harmony of sound through harmony of hearts, and in unity taking the note from God, you may sing with one voice through Jesus Christ to the Father.” [Saint Ignatius of Antioch] +++

Exposition and Adoration Stations of the Cross Beginning Ash Wednesday, February 17, Exposition Beginning Friday, February 19, please join us each Fri- and Adoration will take place on Wednesdays. Exposi- day at 6:30 pm for Stations of the Cross. Mass will tion of the Blessed Sacrament will take place after the follow at 7 pm. 9 am Mass, and Benediction will begin at 12:45 Please note: there will be no Mass on Friday mornings pm. As we journey through Lent, come and pray in during Lent. the presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ash Wednesday, February 17 Mass with distribution of Ashes 9 am and 7 pm Holy Thursday—Mass of the Lord’s Supper, April 1 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 7 pm Every Wednesday

9 am—1 pm Good Friday—Passion of the Lord, April 2 Exposition following 9 am Mass 3 pm Benediction at 12:45 pm Stations of the Cross and Mass—Every Friday Holy Saturday—The Easter Vigil, April 3 Stations 6:30 pm 8:30 pm Mass 7 pm (no morning Mass on Fridays during Lent) Easter Sunday, April 4 Confessions—Every Saturday 8:30 am 3—3:30 pm 11 am 2

“Times of Refreshing” The full participation of lay members in celebrations of Mass is the fruit of a tree carefully planted and nurtured over the years by prayer, commitment and steady work in the Lord's vineyard. I am calling Saint Philip parish to refresh its most vital activity, the celebration of Holy Eucharist. Open your eyes to see the eucharistic celebration in a new way. Open your eyes to what God wants you to say and do to help. Exam- ine your hearts and discern how our Saint Philip faith community needs your humble and devoted "hands on" par- ticipation. We must rekindle our lay adult liturgy teams which support the Mass. We have three teams:  Lay readers -From the LECTIONARY, adult and teen lay readers (lectors) proclaim the Sunday Mass readings from the ambo (Lat. pulpit) in the sanctuary of our worship area. Lectors also read the prepared intercesso- ry prayers after we recite the Nicene Creed.  Extraordinary ministers of the eucharist- offer Holy Communion to the people. We offer the consecrated hosts only at Mass.  Sacristans- The Mass books, vessels, candles and other items needed for Mass are prepared in the sacristy and taken to the sanctuary. After each Mass, a sacristan returns the liturgical items to the sacristy, refresh- ing and storing them for use in the next Mass. To serve our parish families, we need 2 lay readers, 2 eucharistic ministers and 1 sacristan for each weekend Mass (4 pm Saturday, 8:30 and 11 am Sunday). A Christian’s devotion to the Mass is the defining measure of life in Christ. Whatever happens in the near future, whatever challenges we must face, God will lavish on our parish community “times of refreshing”. [Acts 3:19] But we must ask! And ask again! And act with audacious confidence. Therefore, let us be alive in Christ and breathe his Spirit. Sincerely in the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Your pastor, Reverend Richard Barker. NOTE: To give your “YES,” please fill out the application in the Sacristy, speak with Fr. Barker after Mass, or call the parish office.

Children’s Liturgy Program We are so excited with the success of the Children’s Liturgy program we started this Fall! The children are engaged in their own special Liturgy of the Word. They listen to the readings and the Gospel for Sunday Mass read on their own level. Our volunteers then lead the children in discus- sions that bring the lesson of the day to life. Currently, the children are learning about the life and miracles of Jesus and discipleship. As we enter the month of February, we prepare for the Lenten season by studying with the children how they can glorify God. One such way is through song. The wonderful and very talented music director for St. Philip, Geri Moulds, wrote a song for the children to learn called “Praise His Holy Name.” We are very grateful to Geri for providing us this opportunity to expand minds and hearts by singing and praising the Lord. If you are interested in volunteering or want more information, please contact Nikki Metzler at [email protected].

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First Sacraments Class Eighth Grade News Our nine first sacrament students have been Lent Preparations busy preparing their hearts and minds for the In the hopes of preparing the eighth grade students sacrament of First Reconciliation. On Saturday, for Ash Wednesday Mass, we discussed what Ash January 30, the students received their First Wednesday is and what it means. We discussed the forty days of Lent and the Church practices and teach- Reconciliation. We are so proud of all their ings during this season leading up to Easter. hard work! Please keep our young parishion- The students had some great ideas about what they ers in your prayers as they continue on their would be giving up for Lent and how this would help faith journey preparing to receive their First them remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us. We ended the Holy Communion on May 2, 2021. lesson with the kids using construction paper to make self portraits that they marked with a cross.

James K., Eric D., Keegan G. Rigby O., Ava O., Francesca D., Jolee H. and Father Barker The Women’s Guild Our Mission Statement: The Women’s Guild of St. Phil- Journey in the Catholic Faith ip the Apostle provides financial assistance and per- Invites ALL Parishioners to join us for our sonal service to the care and upkeep of the sanctuary Lenten Activities and sacristy, as well as, assistance to the Pastor in the spiritual and corporal work of caring for God’s house Our next gathering will be February 24 at 7:00 pm. We and other designated parish activities. These tasks are will study the readings for February 28, the second Sun- carried out in a spirit of familial charity and fellowship. day of Lent. We will not meet on February 17, Ash Wednesday. The Women’s Guild assists other parish ministries by providing receptions and decorating the parish hall. Beginning February 24 (our next meeting), JCF will be Upon request, we host funeral receptions in the par- studying the upcoming Sunday readings using Emmaus ish hall or deliver food dishes to the deceased’s family Journey Reflections. We invite EVERYONE to join us for home. We support charities outside of St. Philip. this special Lenten activity. You do not have to be a member of the group to participate. The readings for The group is about parish women enjoying life in the upcoming Sunday can be downloaded from Christ together. Our members celebrate the warmth, www.emmausjourney.org. Be sure to download the talents, experiences and feelings of one another as we NAB version for the appropriate Sunday, read the re- work and pray together. We are open to having others flection and readings, and think about the questions. in our lives, and we hope our new members will in- Make sure to download the reflection and questions for clude you! February 28! We have resumed our monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting is March 9 at 10:30 am. 4

Second Collection to Benefit Mary’s MARY’S BLESSINGS 2020 ANNUAL REPORT Blessings Ministry Speaking from the heart, as our experience shows for This Weekend! 2020 and past years, our greatest need is to assist people in keeping a roof over their children’s heads. Mary's Blessings is our local The next greatest need is to keep those children warm outreach ministry to the needy, in the winter and comfortable in the summer. Our especially single mothers with Walmart gift cards especially help single mothers to children. They helped so many purchase perishable foods and gasoline to go to job families during the holidays and interviews. Without your help we could not have through the hardships of this past year that it is time to help done the following: replenish their funds. • $9,600 distributed for rent • $4,532 for utilities At all Masses this weekend, February 13-14, there • $545 for Walmart cards purchased will be a second collection benefitting this extraordi- nary group and their mission. Please show your • 68 families & 234 individuals were assisted by you! LOVE by making a special donation during Mass. If your heart draws you to become an active member of the Mary’s Blessings Ministry please give us a call at 281-360-9032.

Reflection on the Stations of the Cross

Journey in the Catholic Faith (JCF) invites you to ex-

plore the Catholic devotion of walking with Jesus on His journey to the Cross. St. Philip Ministries Mrs. Jan WIlliams, parishioner, will be sharing the There is always an open invitation to join any ministry. origin of this beautiful tradition and insights into the Contact information for ministry heads can be found Stations from the perspective of our Blessed Mother. on p. 10 of the Spirit and Truth newsletter. We would Join us Sunday, February 28 at 9:45 am (between the love to have you join us in the active ministry life at St. 8:30 am and 11:00 am Masses) to experience and gain Philip! a deeper understanding of this 1500 year-old tradition.

Mary’s Blessing Ministry “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” [Matthew 25:40] Do you feel a need to bless those less fortunate with a hand during this pandemic and the coming of even worse times? Will you heed the still small voice to join Mary’s Blessings and help those in our community that are really in need? Our parish has been blessed with the support of our community to return to our Church, and we, in partner with others in the community, have been able to return some of these blessings by aiding some of those in need. However, we need your help in continuing to serve those in need. You can do this by giving your time, joining our ranks, and/or giving of your fortune. To join us, contact Marie Hohmann as per the Spirit and Truth Newsletter. We meet once a month. To give of your fortune, please give directly to Mary’s Blessings in the special collection at all Masses this weekend, February 13-14, 2021.

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St. Philip Ministry Event Schedule “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” [Eph. 2: 10]

Date Event Day Time Location More info (pg)

Sundays Children’s Liturgy Sunday 8:30am Mass St. Philip Call office Ash Wednesday Mass February 17, 2021 Ash Wednesday 9:00 am & 7:00 pm St. Philip 2 (Mass, Distr. Of Ashes) Every Wed. in Journey in the Catholic February 24, 2021 Lent starting 7:00pm-8:30pm Parish Hall 4 Faith (JCF) February 24 Reflections on the 9:45am February 28, 2021 Stations of the Cross Sunday St. Philip 5 (Between Sunday Masses) (JCF Sponsored) CCE Faith in Action Immediately following March 7, 2021 Sunday Parish Hall 4 (Bury the dead) 8:30am Mass March 9, 2021 Women’s Guild Tuesday 10:30am Parish Hall 4

Ways to Give to St. Philip

Mail your check to: Download the St. Philip the Apostle MyParish app, PO Box 2363 set St. Philip Huffman, TX 77336 as your Church, and Use our mailing address to tap the Place in the collection set St. Philip the Apostle “Giving” basket at Mass. as a vendor in your bank’s Scan QR code. online bill pay.

Q & A Series: Stations of the Cross Question: What is the history of the Stations of the Cross? Answer: The first Stations of the Cross were walked by Jesus himself on the way to Calvary. Known as the "Via Dolorosa" ("The Way of Suffering") or the "Via Crucis" ("The Way of the Cross"), it was marked out from the earli- est times and was a traditional walk for pilgrims who came to Jerusalem. The early Christians in Jerusalem would walk the same pathway that Jesus walked, pausing for reflection and pray- er. Later, when Christians could not travel to the Holy Land, artistic depictions of "The Way of the Cross" were set up in churches, or outside and Christians would walk from station to station, reading the Gospel account of the Passion, or simply praying and reflecting on each event. While the content or place of each station had changed, the intention was to make a mini-pilgrimage and follow-- literally--in the footsteps of Jesus. 6

Working Stiff (Continued from page 1) you become fishers of men,” all four seized on the making talents greater than his. Or if one expects opportunity, answering yes with great conviction. [Mk Jesus to chauffeur him down the golden road of 1:17] Not so for today’s generation. Doubtless entitlement. So often while we wait patiently for someone or other should commit his life to ministry, privileged persons to mature, they rot. Jesus most people would agree, as long as that “someone” characterized anyone who clings to his own agenda or is not me. fiercely protects his own vested interests, as hired hands. At the end of the day, few things were worse Mark’s gospel strikingly addresses this prejudicial one- in his eyes. Our Lord had much to say against false sidedness by stating flatly, yes, the cost is high, but is shepherds. He called them thieves, robbers and this not true for anything of great value? Moreover, hirelings who scorn the sheep. [cf Jn 10:8,13] These even a weak person will move mountains to acquire shameless persons who say they are ministers, but are thirty pieces of silver. Thus the decision of the four not, excel at one thing only: monetizing their fisherman to follow Jesus immediately, far from unabashed guest-host relationship with faith revealing rustic ignorance or instability, is precisely communities they claim to serve. Servant-discipleship, the opposite. ah that, is the least of their concerns. Strong people make decisions like this every day, and Jesus needed strong spiritual partners who would the four fishermen were no exception. “And when labor diligently in the great harvest of souls He they had brought their boats to land, they left wanted men who would not be afraid to take their everything and followed him.” [Lk 5:11] Without eyes off the ground nor their feet off the wide hesitation. The fact that Peter, Andrew, James and highway. Prayer and the proclamation of Good News John possessed little formal education was of no great were to be their essential tasks. Understandably concern to Jesus whose knowledge of the scriptures Capernaum’s villagers desire that Jesus remain with and the Jewish law was formidable. Being intelligent, them for a long time. But Our Lord will not be skilled and eager to learn the mysteries of salvation corralled no matter how ardently the villagers yearn counted for much. Jesus appreciated the working stiff for him to stay. Jesus tells his disciples why he needs who could grasp the importance of spiritual things respite in the wilderness, "Let us go on to the next and act on them in practical ways. towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I We must remember that Jesus will have little need for came." [Mk 1:38] Sincerely in the hearts of Jesus and anyone who perceives his opinions and decision- Mary. Your pastor, Reverend Richard Barker. +++

PRAYER OF AN OLDER PERSON Lord, keep me from the habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details. Give me wings to get to the point. I ask for grace enough to listen to the tales of others' pains. Help me to endure them with patience. But seal my lips on my own aches and pains. They are increasing and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not want to be “perfect” - such a person can be very hard to live with - but a sour, old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people. And give me, Lord, the grace to tell them so. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all. But Thou knowest, O Lord, that I want a few friends at the end. [“Reader's Digest”] +++ 7

Mass Intentions Sunday Masses Saturday, February 13 Graces, Strength and Healing 4:00 pm - Scott Walker (int) Sunday, February 14 Scott Walker, Rachel Honza, Anna Artero, 8:30 am - People of the Parish Mary Williams, Phillipe DeBernay, Laura Pavlat, 11:00 am - + William Chenoweth + Carol Asher, Bobby King, Susie Cleary, St. Philip Parishioners Daily Masses Monday, February 15 No Daily Mass Mass Intentions Tuesday, February 16 The greatest and most powerful Noon - Rachel Honza (int) prayer we possess is the Mass. The Wednesday, February 17 (Ash Wednesday) fruits of the Mass are the very 9:00 am - People of the Parish fruits of Jesus' redemption. This is 7:00 pm - People of the Parish Thursday, February 18 why our Church encourages the Noon– Fr. Barker faithful to have Mass offered for Friday, February 19 loved ones, both living and de- 7:00 pm - Fr. Barker ceased. It is a worthy and ancient Catholic devotional practice. Sunday Masses To have a Mass offered, please call our St. Philip par- Saturday, February 20 4:00 pm– Family of Janie & Nick Jaramillo (int) ish office at (281) 324-1478. We will let you know Sunday, February 21 what Masses are available in the liturgical calendar. 8:30 am– People of the Parish Mass intentions may be requested for most weekday 11:00am– + Hector Villalon + and weekend Masses. Stop by the office or give us a call. We will help you!

Request a Prayer Altar Flowers Given Did you know that you can request prayers for a loved By Brett and Carlie Richard one or for any special intention by using our parish app? In Memory of Mildred David, Simply open the myParish app and choose the grandmother of Carlie Richard PRAYERS button. At the bottom of the screen, choose  PRAYER REQUEST. Fill out the form and your prayer All are invited to sponsor a bouquet for their inten- request will be sent to our Prayer Warriors group. We tions. The donation for a bouquet is $50.00. will also add your loved one to our prayer list which is always found on p. 8 of our Spirit and Truth News- The flower binder can be found on the display case letter. You are always welcome to call or email the counter next to the main front doors. Please fill in the parish office with any prayer requests. information for the date you choose.

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Saints of the Week Series St. Valentine, Feast Day February 14 (third century Roman Saint) The romantic nature of Val- Whoever he was, Valentine did really exist, because entine's Day may have de- archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and rived during the Middle Ag- an ancient church dedicated to St. Valentine. In 496 es, when it was believed AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebra- that birds paired couples in tion in honor of his martyrdom. mid-February. Valentine's St. Valentine is the Patron Saint of engaged couples, Day was most likely created bee keepers, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy mar- to overpower the pagan holiday, Lupercalia. riages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, and young peo- Although the exact origin of the holiday is not widely ple. He is represented in pictures with birds and roses agreed upon, it is widely recognized as a day for love, and his feast day is celebrated on February 14. devotion and romance.

Catholic Literary Arts announces its second annual Sacred Poetry Contest The contest opens February 1, 2021, and closes at midnight, April 30, 2021.

Please visit our website for guidelines and submission information.

Catholicliteraryarts.org/poetry-contest-2021

Margherita Gallucci is the artist of February 14 the image "Sacred Heart of Jesus.” "This is my commandment: love one an- other as I love you." (John 15:12)

Sacraments SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY FUNERAL SERVICES If you have been participating actively at least six To ensure that parish ministers can assist you, months after registration in the parish, you may ask please call the parish office before setting dates for an appointment with the pastor or pastoral and times for funeral services. Regarding per- associate to begin marriage preparation. Marriage sonal spoken remembrances at funeral preparation requires six months. liturgies, St. Philip parish adheres to the poli- cies of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Children age 6 or younger, the following documents ANOINTING OF THE SICK are required before baptism date may be scheduled: By appointment. Please call our office to make parish registration, birth certificate, and baptism class arrangements. certifications. Godmother and Godfather must be in good standing as practicing Catholics. Please call our Church office at (281) 324-1478 if you are in need of these sacraments. If you have been participating actively at least six months after registration in the parish, you may call the parish office to begin baptismal preparation. 9

Parish Ministries Contact Information

Pastor - Rev. Richard E. Barker Mailing Address: PO Box 2363, Huffman TX 77336 Parish Administrator/Pastoral Associate - Kathy Corbett Parish Phone: (281) 324-1478 Parish Fax: (281) 715-5533 (281) 324-1478, [email protected] Parish E-Mail: [email protected] Parish Website: www.stphiliphuffmantx.org Bulletin Submissions: [email protected]

LITURGICAL SOCIAL OUTREACH/CONCERN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Altar Servers Mary’s Blessings Team CCE Office Father Richard Barker For financial assistance [email protected] [email protected] please call (832)-764-9814 (281) 324-1934 (281) 324-1478 Marie Hohmann CCE Core Team Chairperson Sacramental Ministry [email protected] Middle/High School Coordinator Fr. Barker (281) 360-9032 Becky Pursell [email protected] Prime Timers (55+) [email protected] Kathy Corbett- Pastoral Associate Claudia Herron (713) 516-7376 [email protected] [email protected] Elementary Coordinator Children’s Liturgy of the Word [email protected] Carlie Richard Nikki Metzler (832) 270-3385 [email protected] [email protected] Rosemont Assisted Living (337) 258-4840 936-521-9483 [email protected] First Sacrament Coordinator Communion to the Homebound (281) 324-1478 Suzanne Burch Kathy O’Donnell Transitions Ministry [email protected] Adornment of Sanctuary Susie Cleary (361) 877-9728 Disciples of Jesus and Mary [email protected] Confirmation Coordinator Bonnie Sulkowski Becky Pursell (765) 490-1369 (281) 508-5198 [email protected]

Music Core Team (713) 516-7376 Geri Moulds, Director CCE Registrar [email protected] SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT André Taylor (281) 540-4682 Disciples of Jesus and Mary [email protected] Jan Williams Laity Spiritual Formation (832) 233-0829 [email protected] Jan Williams Journey in the Catholic Faith (713) 419-8097 [email protected] Ray and Deb Kessler Valerie Sivil (713) 419-8097 [email protected] (713) 202-1310 Eucharistic Adoration/Holy Face (832) 644-8078 Usher Ministry Prayer Group Gary Aldrich Janet Hays [email protected] (281) 852-3444 (832) 586-6430 Knights of Columbus

Ray Kessler, Grand Knight [email protected] Get our “MyParish” (832) 644-8078 smartphone app: text APP to 88202 Women’s Guild

Dianne Truitt (713) 823-4948 Find us on Facebook [email protected] facebook.com/stphiliphuffmantx Prayer Ministry MyParish App - Prayers Or email prayer requests to Explore Parish website www.stphiliphuffmantx.org [email protected] 10