St. Philip the Apostle 2308 3rd Street ∙ Huffman TX 77336 Spirit and Truth Newsletter September 20, 2020 Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Parish Office

Phone: 281-324-1478 Sublime Oblation Fax: 281-715-5533 [email protected] My dear parishioners, Jesus Christ, in whose divine personhood resides the fullness of incomparable Mailing Address beauty and , was faithful in all things PO Box 2363 throughout his earthly ministry so that many would Huffman, TX 77336 choose for salvation in his name. In Jesus, our loving Office Location heavenly father was pleased to bestow upon 2308 3rd Street grace, raise him from the dead on the third day and Huffman, TX 77336 receive him at his right hand in glory. Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am–1:00 pm More cherished than a multitude of good works is a priest’s solemn love of God, indeed his heartfelt love for God in ministry to others. Pastor When serving others exacts a high price, and it will, only God’s divine mercy can Rev. Richard Barker protect and sustain the priest and his ministry. Fortitude, the virtue that enables one to bear up when good things and good people are taken away, presupposes Mass Times that a human being will experience grave difficulties in this world. Indeed, some situations are marked by great suffering. Sunday Masses Saturday Vigil: 4:00 pm His Eminence, the late Cardinal Francois-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan Sunday: 8:30 & 11:00 am (Bishop of Nha Trang 1967-1975; Coadjutor Archbishop of Saigon 1975-1994) was imprisoned by Hanoi henchmen after the fall of South Vietnam in 1975. Daily Mass Tues & Thurs: Noon Sentenced to a re-education camp, he spent nine of his thirteen years imprison- Wed & Fri: 9:00 am ment in solitary confinement. In the midst of great suffering, he offered the Holy First Sat: 9:00 am Sacrifice of the Mass with tiny fragments of bread and by using the palm of his hand for a chalice. He told this story: Adoration Friday: 9:00 am–3:00 pm One day, one of the prison guards asked me: "Do you love us?"

I answered: "Yes, I love you." Reconciliation By appointment "We have kept you shut in for so many years and you love us? I 't believe it ..." I then reminded him: "I have spent many years with you. You have seen it and know it is true." The guard asked me: "When you are freed, will you send your faithful to

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“MyParish” smartphone app Facebook.com/stphiliphuffmantx www.stphiliphuffmantx.org

Dear St. Philip parishioners, with all NEW ALTAR SERVER my heart, I welcome you back to your RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING fully-restored and beautiful parish of Saint Philip the Apostle Catholic Church! For several decades now, August and September have been the most dan- gerous weather-related months of the year for the Houston area. Because St. Philip parish was destroyed by hurricane Harvey (Aug 2017) and tropical storm Imelda (Sep 2019) just two years apart, and in view of the fact that we remain very vulnerable to severe I’m excited to announce that our Altar Server Corp weather, I am asking all our parish members to join will be recruiting new Altar Servers Sunday Septem- with me in praying daily for the protection of our fami- ber 27 and Wednesday September 30. lies, home and Church during the 2020 hurricane sea- We will reach out at Mass and during CCE. New Altar son (see prayer below). Servers need to be in the 3rd grade or higher and I ask that our parish ministries be in the vanguard of have made their First Holy Communion and Confes- this daily weather prayer vigil throughout August and sion. Of course, Altar Server families need to partici- September, especially our Friday Holy Face Adorers of pate in Sunday Mass regularly. the Blessed Sacrament, Prayer Warriors, PrimeTimers, New altar server training is scheduled for three Rosary Group, Disciples of Jesus and Mary, Choir, Litur- consecutive Sunday mornings: gical Ministers, CCE, Women’s Guild, Knights of Colum- bus, and Journey in the Catholic . October 11, 18 and 25, 9:30 to 10:45 am (All three sessions are required.) Moms and Dads, pray with your children daily, and en- trust your households to God’s protection. Prayer is Our high school Acolytes lead and guide our Altar talking to God in sacred conversation and then listening Server squad. They will give our new servers all the to him. Praise God. Express sorrow for neglecting pray- support and guidance necessary to assist worthily at er. Affirm God’s call to be holy. Intercede for the Mass and to enjoy their service at God’s altar! We Church, your family, friends, and those in need. Pray give thanks to God for our wonderful parish families for our country in troubled times. Thank God for every and for the support you give to our Altar Servers! blessing and good thing he has given you. Sincerely in Sincerely, Reverend Richard Barker Christ, Reverend Richard Barker. +++

SAINT PHILIP THE APOSTLE’S PROTECTION IN THE HURRICANE SEASON by Father Richard Barker +++

LORD JESUS, when your apostles cried out in the midst of a stormy sea, you commanded the wind and waves to be still. DEFEND Saint Philip parish and your Christian families from threatening storms. GIVE your faithful people enjoyable weather throughout this hurricane season. PRESERVE us from all evil and harm, for you created us in your image and likeness. Grant your people confidence in mind and heart. LORD Jesus Christ, implore your heavenly Father and your Holy Spirit. Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Philip the Apostle our patron, with the host of angels and saints, to mercifully receive our prayer. REFRESH our souls and give us peace, now and forever, world without end. Amen. 2

Altar Flowers Mass Intentions  The greatest and most powerful prayer we possess is the Mass. The fruits of the Mass are the very fruits Our Sunday bouquets can be given in honor or cele- of Jesus' redemption. This is why our Church encour- bration of a loved one or event. Parishioners are ages the faithful to have Mass offered for loved invited to sponsor a bouquet for their intentions. ones, both living and deceased. It is a worthy and The donation for a bouquet is $50.00. ancient Catholic devotional practice. The flower binder can be found on the display case To have a Mass offered, please call our St. Philip par- counter next to the main front doors. Please fill in ish office at (281) 324-1478. We will let you know the information for the date you choose. Payment what Masses are available in the liturgical calendar. can be made online or mailed to the parish office. Mass intentions may be requested for most week- days and Sundays but not every solemnity or holy day of obligation, for example, the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), Holy Week or All Souls. Requests will be honored in the order in which they are received at our parish office. A $5.00 stipend, as determined by diocesan policy, is usual for each Mass your priest will offer on your behalf. Mass re- quests will be granted as close to the requested date and time as possible. If it is not possible to comply with the primary request, the next closest date and time will be scheduled. Stop by the office or give us a call. We will help you!

Sunday, October 11 St. Philip Children’s Liturgy Program We are so excited to announce that beginning Sunday, October 11, we will be offering a Children’s Liturgy at the 8:30am Mass. To make this program successful and special for our children, we need YOUR help. We are still in need for volunteers at the 8:30 am and the 11:00 am Mass. It is not too late to be a part of this new ministry. There will be a training session on Wednesday, September 23 @ 7:00 pm. For more information, please email Becky Pursell [email protected] .

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CCE NEWS & More How wonderful it was to welcome our CCE families back for a new year of CCE; to see our classrooms once again filled with our parish children and to hear their voices fill our space. St. Philip has chosen to hold CCE classes in person as normal this fall. While homeschooling is always an option, and we understand why some families have made this choice, sharing in the fellowship of our Catholic faith is always best done face- to-face in relationship with our faith community.

Registration remains open. In truth, it never closes. If you still need to

sign your child(ren) up for class, visit our St Philip website to complete The CCE ministry would like to all paperwork on-line; stphiliphuffmantx.org/elementary. We are be- welcome our new volunteers: Trudy ginning a new two-year Confirmation program for students in 9th and Perry (3rd grade), Victoria Flores (3rd 10th grades. If you have a high school student who has not yet re- grade) and Jessica Schneider (Sunday morning office aide). Thank you ladies ceived the Sacrament of Confirmation, please be sure and enroll them for your “yes” to God’s call to work in now. His vineyard. Wednesday Night CCE for middle and high school students is still in need of teachers. Thank you to our parents who have stepped up to join us in class as weekly volunteers so that we may move forward with class and be in compliance with Safe Environment rules, but our teach- ers who are committed to catechizing their class every week need a full partner in their efforts. Our 8th grade class needs a co-teacher. You will have the joy of working with lead teacher Kristy Phillips and sharing your faith with a great group of young people. Please call Becky Pursell @ 713-516-7376 for more information on volunteering. Sunday September 20 is Catechetical Sunday. I ask that you all join in praying for our CCE teaching team for a blessed and fruitful school year. Welcome Home!

Confirmation Retreat at St. Philip We were so excited to at last be able to give our 2020 Confirmandi their final Confirmation retreat on Sunday August 30. Originally scheduled in March at Camp Cho-Yeh, we instead gathered in our own St. Philip parish hall. It was wonderful to be with the kids again, to see them reconnect with their classmates who have taken this two- year journey with them and to dive back into our faith together. Retreats are a special and integral part of the Confirmation pro- cess. It is a time for the students to step away from the everyday and dive deep into their faith. Special thanks to Megan Pursell, Jera Towns, Geri Moulds, Hunter Boyd and Father Barker for staffing the re- treat. The day started with a beautiful parish Mass. After, the kids heard talks centered around the working of the Ho- ly Spirit during critical moments in Christ’s ministry and how He will work in their life too if only they are open to God’s plan for them. The wonderful Gifts of the Spirit (Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgment, Knowledge, Courage, Rever- ence and Fear of the Lord) which they will receive at their Confirmation are the tools they need to succeed as they go into battle for God. In small group sessions they were able to break these ideas down and share their ideas on how they can affect their everyday lives. Beautiful Praise and Worship music helped open the youths’ hearts to the messages they were about to receive, and we may have played a game or two along the way as well. We are so proud of the young, Catholic adults they are becoming. We look forward to welcoming them as fully initiated members of the Church on Sunday, September 27 when they will be confirmed by Cardinal DiNardo at the 11:00 Mass.

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Please Advertise in our Spirit and Truth Newsletter Why Church Newsletter Advertising? Learn more: 4lpi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/LPi_Advertising_ChurchBulletin.pdf Repetition means recognition! Church bulletin advertising brings instant trust and credibility to your business. Your ad will also be listed with the online bulletin at parishesonline.com and linked to your business’s website. 66% of the members of an average church own their home 58% of Catholics are married with children 97% of Catholic Church bulletins are taken home every week 85% of bulletins are held onto each week by parishioners How your business benefits from church bulletin advertising • You have a captive audience- your church community • A good source of referrals or word of mouth advertising • Potential customers will see your business name, building awareness • Affordable local, targeted community advertising • Shows your support for your community, in turn parishioners will support you • Your business will be seen as a trusted source by parish families • For the same price as a one-week in a newspaper, you receive a full year of advertising support both in print and online.

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Keeping St. Philip Saints of the Week St. Cosmas and Alive and Vibrant! St. Damian Feast day: Sept. 26 Saints Cosmas and Damian were brothers, born in Arabia, who had become eminent for their skill in the science of medicine. Being Christians, they were filled Giving to St. Philip has just gotten easier! Simply open with the spirit of charity and nev- your smartphone camera, and point it at the QR code er took money for their services. below. At Egaea in Cilicia, where they lived, they enjoyed the It will take you directly to our online giving site where highest esteem of the people. When the persecution you can sign up for a recurring donation. Thank you for under Diocletion (Roman Emperor, 284-305) broke your continued and much-needed support of our sweet out, their very prominence rendered them marked parish. objects of persecution. Being apprehended by order of Lysias, governor of Cilicia, they underwent various Here are four more ways you can support our parish torments about the year 283. They are patron community with your donations: saints of pharmacists. • Visit our website, www.stphiliphuffmantx.org, and click on the “Online Giving” box • Download the MyParish app, set St. Philip as your church, and tap the “Giving” button • Mail your check to St. Philip the Apostle, PO Box 2363, Huffman, TX 77336 • Set St. Philip the Apostle as a vendor in your bank’s online bill pay. Use our mailing address, PO Box 2363, Huffman, TX 77336

Thank you to all those who teach the children of St. Philip! WELCOME BACK! Journey in the Catholic Faith (JCF) Wednesday, September 30, 7-8:30 pm, in the St. Philip Parish Hall We meet on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month…September 30; October 14, 28 Wednesday evenings will enable all parents of Middle and High School age children to attend our study while their children are receiving CCE instruction. We all hope that many parents will join us. We are currently using the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible to study the Book of Genesis. For parents of CCE students, this book will be provided you by the CCE Team. We will begin our first day back with a summary of Ch 1-11, which we did before the pandemic hit. We will then be ready to continue with Ch 12. We are an interactive group, bringing our past experiences and knowledge to the group with our discussions. You do not have to have extensive knowledge to join us… some sit quietly taking in the discussion, others actively participate. Please accept this invitation to ALL, not just CCE parents. We would love to have you join us. Contact Deb Kessler: [email protected] or call (719) 660-8880.

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Sublime Oblation (Continued from page 1) burn our homes and kill our relatives?" generous in sharing himself in large and small ways "No, although you might want to kill me, I that find their destiny in the shadow of our Lord’s love you." cross: humiliations, arrest, torture, and his passion "Why?" he insisted. and death. Jesus says, "But he to whom little is "Because Jesus has taught me to love forgiven, loves little." [Lk 7:47] everyone, even my enemies. If I don't do The holy archbishop loved much because he found this, I am not worthy to bear the name within himself much to be forgiven. He understood Christian. Jesus said: 'Love your enemies and what St. Paul meant when he wrote: “Now I rejoice pray for those who persecute you.'" in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I "This is very beautiful but hard to under complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the stand," the guard replied. sake of his body . . . the mystery hidden for ages and [Zenit, Sept 17, 2002] generations but now made manifest to his Toil, drudgery, and sometimes great danger do not saints.” [Col 1:24-26] Hence, the Catholic priest's spare the priest who loves much. Pray that your ministry of selfless charity and mercy is established unworthy priests grow to understand that generosi- as a sublime oblation of cosmic proportions. ty does not refer merely to material things and Sincerely in the hearts of Jesus and Mary. enjoyable experiences at table. A priest must be Your pastor, Reverend Richard Barker. +++

“Let us pray for all good and faithful priests who dedicate themselves to their people with generosity and unknown sacrifice.”

Pope Francis, 2/10/14

St. Philip Ministry Event Schedule “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” [Matt. 18:20] Date Event Day Time Location More info (pg)

By Appt. Confessions By Appt By appt. with Fr. Barker St. Philip Call office

Children’s Liturgy September 23 Wednesday 7:00 pm St. Philip 3 Volunteer Training Confirmation Mass with September 27 Sunday 11:00 am St. Philip 4, 9 Cardinal Dinardo CCE Parents: Journey in September 30 Wednesday 7:00pm-8:30pm St. Philip 6 the Catholic Faith Journey in the Catholic September 30 Wednesday 7:00pm-8:30pm St. Philip 6 Faith October 11, 18, Altar Server Training Sunday 9:30-10:45 am St. Philip 2 &25

October 11 Children’s Liturgy Every Sunday 8:30 am St. Philip 3

Call now Mass Intentions Daily Call office to schedule St. Philip 3

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Mass Intentions More Resources For Sunday Masses Saturday, September 19 Parishioners In Need 4:00 pm - + Manuela Madrigal + Catholic Charities of Galveston-Houston Sunday, September 20 continues to serve people in need during the COVID-19 8:30 am - People of the parish pandemic through all of its programs. 11:00 am - Mary Comeaux Food pantries are open for drive-through food Daily Masses distribution at three locations: Guadalupe Center in Monday, September 21 Houston; Mamie George Community Center in No Daily Mass Richmond; Beacon of Hope Center in Galveston. For Tuesday, September 22 hours and other information, visit https:// Noon - Scott Walker catholiccharities.org/covidfooddistribution/ or call the Wednesday, September 23 COVID Assistance Line at 713-874-6521. 9:00 am - + David Harbin + Thursday, September 24 Counselor Phone Line is available! Call Catholic Noon - Jeanne & Kevin McMahon Charities’ Mental Health Line from 9 am to 4 pm to Friday, September 25 request a session, and a licensed counselor will call you 9:00 am - Fr. Barker back within a day: 713-874-6590

Sunday Masses Saturday, September 26 4:00 pm - + Jacqueline Clark + Sunday, September 27 8:30 am- People of the parish 11:00am- Scott Walker

TEXAS STILL NEEDS YOUR INPUT!

CENSUS DUE SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

The United States census is now being conducted and our archdiocese is encouraging us to participate because it is important to our communities and nation. We are told that it is Easy, Safe, and Important. It is a fact that from one-third to one-half of our population has moved since the 2010 census. Communities needs have changed along with these moves. Census is Easy: It only consists of 9 questions. There is no question regarding immigration or citizenship. Census is Safe: No other governmental agency will be able to access the information collected. It is against the LAW. Census is Important: The distribution of $675 billion will be impacted by the results of this year’s census. Our roads, buildings, bridges, etc. will all be improved or neglected due to the results of this census. Even our electoral votes are affected by the census! We may respond online or call in our information. GO TO 2020census.gov If you are interested in being a census taker: www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ decennial-census/technical-documentation/questionnaires/2020.html

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Graces, Strength and Healing St. Philip is very proud of the two-year journey our Confirmandi have completed. We look forward to Josie Garza, Ron Williams, Lilia Lee, welcoming them as fully initiated members of the St. Philip Parishioners Catholic Church next Sunday, September 27, For the repose of the souls of… when they will be confirmed by Cardinal DiNardo at the 11:00 am Mass. +Johnny Harold Watson, Bobby Prejean, Robert W. Barker, Ray Norman, Fay Norman, John Grindle+

2020 Parish Office Catholic Family Resources Holiday Schedule We have excellent recommendations for Catholic web- sites that encourage learning and growing your faith as The parish office is open Monday– Friday between a family. More information can be found on our web- the hours of 9am-1pm. The parish office will be site. closed on the following dates. https://stphiliphuffmantx.org/elementary • Loyola Press – Catholic Family Resources Thursday-Friday, November 26-27 - Thanksgiving • The Liturgical Year – Overview for the Month Tuesday, December 8 - Solemnity of the Immaculate • Strong Catholic Family Faith Conception • The Kids’ Bulletin • Catholic Mass Coloring & Work- Thursday - Monday, December 24 (1 pm) through sheets for Sunday Mass December 28 - Solemnity of Christmas • Catholic Icing • Catholic Mom

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 to begin marriage and times for funeral services. Regarding per- preparation. Marriage preparation requires six sonal spoken remembrances at funeral 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 Phone: (281) 324-1478 Instituted Acolyte - John Comeaux (281) 324-2044 Parish Fax: (281) 715-5533 Parish Administrator/Pastoral Associate - Kathy Corbett Parish E-Mail: [email protected] (281) 324-1478, [email protected] Parish Website: www.stphiliphuffmantx.org Bulletin Submissions: [email protected]

LITURGICAL Rosemont Assisted Living Altar Servers [email protected] Father Richard Barker (281) 324-1478 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION [email protected] Transitions Ministry CCE Office (281) 324-1478 Susie Cleary [email protected] Sacramental Ministry [email protected] (281) 324-1934 Fr. Barker CCE Core Team Chairperson (765) 490-1369 [email protected] Middle/High School Coordinator

Kathy Corbett- Pastoral Associate Becky Pursell [email protected] SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT [email protected] John Comeaux, Instituted Acolyte Disciples of Jesus and Mary (713) 516-7376 (281) 324-1478 Laity Spiritual Formation Elementary Coordinator Communion to the Homebound Jan Williams Carlie Richard Kathy O’Donnell [email protected] [email protected] John Comeaux, Instituted Acolyte (713) 419-8097 (337) 258-4840 (281) 324-1478 Eucharistic Adoration/Holy Face First Sacrament Coordinator Adornment of Sanctuary Suzanne Burch Disciples of Jesus and Mary [email protected] Bonnie Sulkowski Prayer Group (361) 877-9728 (281) 508-5198 Janet Hays Confirmation Coordinator Music Core Team (281) 852-3444 Becky Pursell Geri Moulds, Director Knights of Columbus [email protected] [email protected] Ray Kessler, Grand Knight (713) 516-7376 (281) 540-4682 CCE Registrar [email protected] Jan Williams André Taylor [email protected] (832) 644-8078 [email protected] (713) 419-8097 Women’s Guild (832) 233-0829 Valerie Sivil Dianne Truitt Nursery Coordinator (713) 202-1310 (713) 823-4948 Becky Pursell Usher Ministry [email protected] [email protected] Gary Aldrich Prayer Ministry (713) 516-7376 [email protected] MyParish App - Prayers Journey in the Catholic Faith (832) 586-6430 Or email prayer requests to Ray and Deb Kessler [email protected] [email protected] SOCIAL OUTREACH/CONCERN Get our “ MyParish (832) 644” -8078 Mary’s Blessings Team smartphone app: text APP to 88202 For financial assistance please call (832)-764-9814 Marie Hohmann Find us on Facebook [email protected] facebook.com/stphiliphuffmantx (281) 360-9032 Prime Timers (55+) Claudia Herron [email protected] Explore Parish website [email protected] www.stphiliphuffmantx.org (832) 270-3385 10