TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME……….OCTOBER 20, 2019

Reverend John Kha Tran, Pastor ● Reverend Michael Pham, CRM, Parochial Vicar Deacon Dennis Hayes ● Deacon Bob Henkel ● Deacon Steve Klak Deacon John Naber ● Deacon Matt Rust ● Deacon Joe Weir

EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION (MASS): Saturday: 5:00 PM PARISH STAFF Sunday: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM Virginia Clack—Housekeeper Mary Alice Greaney—Music Director Weekdays: 8:30 AM (Monday through Saturday) Dana Henkel—Parish Stewardship Director RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION): Jennifer Henkel—Youth Ministry Director We have Confessions on Saturday from 3:30 - 4:30 PM, Beth Jones—Parish Business Manager and at other times by appointment. Eileen Mace—Kolbe Kids EC Program Director Lupe Mendez—Custodian ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Someone who is seriously ill, at home, or in the hospital, or who is Yvette Neider—Parish Night Clerk about to undergo major surgery, should call the parish office, and David Nguyen—Custodian arrange for a Priest to celebrate with them the sacrament for the ill. Sister Vinflora Onije—Pastoral Assistant Miguel Perdomo—Maintenance & Handyman BAPTISM: Phyllis Schoelman—Parish Secretary ADULT BAPTISM: Adults who are preparing to become Catholic, will participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation at Easter. Molly Smith—Director of Evangelization and INFANT BAPTISM: We celebrate infant Baptism on the 2nd Catechesis Saturday of each month, except during Lent. Parents and Diana Thomas—Faith Formation Assistant Godparents of infants to be baptized should attend Baptismal classes, preferably before the child is born. PASTORAL COUNCIL CONFIRMATION: Adults and older youth who have not been Confirmed should Anna Cardona Florence Shah contact the Parish office. Jason Donat Paul Simon Madelyn Henderson Eileen Torres MARRIAGE: George Montes (Facilitator) Jorge Torres Couples who are considering marriage should contact the parish Christian Munoz Chuck Woodruff office, at least six (6) months before the couple's projected Pam Munoz Paul Yim wedding date. Mitch Reece Ken Zavatsky (recorder) PRAYER: : Wednesday at 6:30 PM in Immaculata Chapel FINANCE COUNCIL Evening Prayer: Wednesday at 7:00 PM in Immaculata Chapel

Eucharistic Adoration: Daily in Immaculata Chapel Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Saturday at 4:30 PM in Church Bob Charnock Paul Hains Evie Ornelaz Rosary: Sunday following 10:00 AM Mass Sean Kennedy David Ricke Wilfred Krenek (Facilitator) Ali Rust

10135 West Road Parish Office: (281) 955-7324 Office Hours: Sundays 8:00am-11:00am Houston, TX 77064 Fax: (281) 955-7328 Monday—Friday 9:00am-5:00pm www.stmaximilian.org Kolbe Kids: (281) 970-0979 Evenings: Mon-Wed-Thurs. 5:00pm-9:00pm www.virtusonline.org Saturdays: 9am-3pm SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE Page 2 HOUSTON, TEXAS

World Mission Sunday Sunday, October 20th

Jesus knew that his followers live in the tension between two worlds. That is still true today. The says that our citizenship is now in heaven. And our values and priorities and relationships now reflect the character and the values of God. But our bodies are still living in this world—a world full of sin, a world in which people neither fear God nor care for their fellow man. Walter Payton played thirteen years as a running back for the Chicago Bears. During his career he rushed for 16,726 yards. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? That is a lot of running, more than nine miles worth of rushing yards. You know what makes it even more impres- sive? He achieved that record with someone knocking him down every 4.6 yards. (“Persevere in Obedience” by Rick Ezell https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon- persevere-in-obedience-jeremiah-37-38.) knew that his followers were going to get knocked down over and over again. That is just the way the world is. How could he convince them to get back up and keep running? He told them this parable to show them that they should always pray and never give up. The passage today about the persistent widow and the unjust judge is actually part of a larger teaching that is all about the kingdom of God. To understand this story in Luke 18, we have to go back to the end of Luke, Chapter 17 in which Jesus warns his followers that the kingdom of God is coming and they need to be prepared because most people will not be ready for it. We will be in the middle of our ordinary, busy lives, and the kingdom of God will suddenly be here. Then Jesus told his disciples “a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” The parable is about a poor widow. In Jesus’ day, widows had nothing. If their family or their community didn’t watch out for them, then they were in trouble. The very word for “widow” in Hebrew literally means “one who is silent.” Widows didn’t have a “voice” in their society. And this widow is in trouble. She has been wronged, and she goes to the courts to ask for justice. But the judge is heartless, corrupt. It says he did not care about God or man. No morality and no compassion. The judge is a good example of our fallen world. Our world does not respect God or show much compassion for the weak and needy. And this corrupt judge has all the power over this needy woman’s life. The poor widow is a picture of all those believers who are holding on to their faith in a cor- rupt and unjust world, who are praying to know God’s will, to hear God’s voice, who are praying for mercy and enough grace to get through another day. And Jesus is saying, “Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop believing that God can and will give you justice. Don’t give up on the kingdom of God, because it’s coming. No matter how bad things look right now . . . God will redeem this world back to Himself. His kingdom will come.” NEW BUILDING UPDATE

If you would like to consider donating towards landscaping around St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Community’s new building, the grotto area and along where the Stations of the Cross will be please feel free to contact Father John. In regards to the new building, when the retention pond is redone and the Certificate of Occupancy is issued, we will have a dedication. Hopefully in November! TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OCTOBER 20, 2019 OUR PARISH MISSION

We are the Christian Community of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, a Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of Galveston- Houston. Embracing our many and diverse gifts, we are united in Christ Jesus. Challenged by the teachings of Our Lord, and inspired by the example of our Patron, we strive to serve God, and to minister to others, in prayer, sacrament, faith formation, and charity.

Sunday, October 20 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Saturday, October 26 Eucharist (Mass) Church 8:00 am Eucharist (Mass) Chapel 8:30 am Coffee/Donuts Fellowship Gajowniczek Building 9:00 am Legion of Mary Meeting Room 203 9:15 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 10:00 am Reconciliation Church 3:30 pm RCIA Session Room 215 11:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 5:00 pm Eucharist (Mass) Church 12:00 pm BSA Religious Emblem Class Kolbe Room 1:30 pm Sunday, October 27 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Youth Faith Formation, Sunday Session Eucharist (Mass) Church 8:00 am Gajowniczek Building 2:30 pm Coffee/Donuts Fellowship Gajowniczek Bldg 9:00 am Adult Faith, Consoling the Heart of Jesus Eucharist (Mass) Church 10:00 am Room 215 6:30 pm RCIA Session Room 215 11:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Church 12:00 pm Monday October 21 Youth Faith Formation, Sunday Session Eucharist (Mass) Chapel 8:30 am Gajowniczek Bdlg 2:30 pm Kolbe Kids ECP Gajowniczek Building 9:10 am Adult Faith, Consoling the Heart of Jesus ESL Classes Room 206 1:00 pm Room 215 6:30 pm Youth Faith Formation, 1st Reconciliation Prep Meeting Room 215 6:30 pm Men’s ACTS Team Meeting Kolbe Hall 6:30 pm Fishers of Men Meeting Room 201 6:30 pm Fall Festival Raffle Winners 2019 Devotional Power Hour Prayer Chapel 7:00 pm Boy Scout Troop Meeting Gajowniczek Building 7:00 pm Samsung 55” TV Tuesday October 22 Eucharist (Mass) Chapel 8:30 am Mark and Mary Ann Provost Kolbe Kids ECP Gajowniczek Building 9:10 am $500 American Express Gift Card Children’s Choir Rehearsal Canticle Hall 6:30 pm Jr. High Youth Group Youth Room 6:30 pm Yvonne McNeilly Arceo Rosary Making Ministry Meeting Room 202 7:00 pm Catholic Daughters Board Meeting Room 205 7:00 pm Apple Watch Series 4 Nike Edition Ushers/Greeters Meeting Room 215 7:00 pm Julian Salinas

Wednesday, October 23 $400 American Express Gift Card Eucharist (Mass) Chapel 8:30 am Dorothy Battaglia Kolbe Kids ECP Gajowniczek Building 9:10 am ESL Classes Room 206 1:00 pm iPad Mini WiFi 64GB Food Pantry Kolbe Hall 3:30 pm Rosary Chapel 6:30 pm Vinh Vu Youth Faith Formation, 1st Reconciliation Make-up Meeting $300 American Express Gift Card Kolbe Hall 6:30 pm Prayer & Life Workshop Room 205 6:30 pm Nancy and William Carew High School Youth Group Youth Room 6:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal Canticle Hall 7:00 pm XBOX ONE S with NBA Bundle Evening Prayer Chapel 7:00 pm Will Smith Adult Faith, Symbolon Bible Study Room 215 7:00 pm Samsung HW-R550/ZA Sound Bar Thursday, October 24 Dave Alega Eucharist (Mass) Church 8:30 am Kolbe Kids ECP Gajowniczek Building 9:10 am $200 American Express Gift Card Youth Faith Formation, Thursday Session Gajowniczek Building 6:30 pm Ruben Torres

Friday, October 25 That Man Is You Ministry Meeting Kolbe Hall 5:30 am Congratulations!! Regina Caeli Academy Retreat Kolbe Hall 7:30 am Eucharist (Mass) Chapel 8:30 am Kolbe Seniors Game Day Gajowniczek Building 9:30 am HELP STOCK THE FOOD PANTRY! Adult Faith, Consoling the Heart of Jesus Room 215 10:00 am The Food Pantry at St. Maximilian could use your help in getting the shelves stocked in preparation for the coming holidays and to help those in need in our community. Thank you! SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH Page 4 HOUSTON, TEXAS

KOLBE SENIORS TODAY’S READINGS

Kolbe Seniors have several new bus trips First Reading -- As long as Moses kept his hands planned: raised up, Israel had the better of the fight (Exodus October 29th—a free U.S. Army Concert Band 17:8-13). and Soldiers Chorus at Klein Collins High Psalm -- Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven School. The bus will leave at 5:30pm. and earth (Psalm 121). November 8th—the new Holocaust Museum. The bus will leave at 10:15am. Second Reading -- Remain faithful to what you have December 7th—we will go to Navasota to see learned and believed (2 Timothy 3:14 -- 4:2). the play “Charlie Brown Christmas”. Gospel -- Will not God secure the rights of his chosen December 13th—we will go to Champion For- ones who call out to him day and night? (Luke 18:1-8). est Baptist Church to see their Christmas Spe- cial. The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass (c) 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corpora- All Seniors are welcome to join us. tion. All rights reserved. Call or text Becky Keels @ 713-724-1075 for more information on bus trips.

WE OFFER OUR CONDOLENCES We offer our condolences to Joyce Bontke and her children at the passing of her hus- Veterans/Surviving Spouses (Age 50+ years old): band and their father, Joe Bontke. We Benefits’ seminar topics: Caregiving support, ceme- also offer our sympathy to Mary Bontke, tery/funeral planning; In-home meal assistance. his mother. Providers on-site for benefits’ assistance. St. Leo the Great Parish Hall, 2131 Lauder Rd.,77039 Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and Wednesday, November 6th, 9:30am-Noon let perpetual light shine upon them. May Register Free online https://archgh.cvent.com/VA19 Joe’s soul, and the souls of all Your faith- or call the Office of Aging at 713-741-8712 ful departed, by Your loving mercy, rest in peace. La Pieta International Prayer Group of Houston, Texas KSHJ 1430AM is hosting the next Catholic Prayer invites you to a Healing Mass with Breakfast for men and women in NW Houston on Emma De Guzman Tuesday, November 5th @ 7am @ Los Cucos Mexi- Monday, October 21st @ 6:30pm can Restaurant on Hwy. 290 in Jersey Village. The cost is $10 which includes a hot breakfast buffet, an Prince of Peace Catholic Church inspirational talk, prayers led by a local Priest, and a 19222 Tomball Pkwy., Houston 77070 dynamic community of fellow Catholics from area par- Main Celebrant: Bishop George A. Sheltz ishes. Why not come see why this quarterly event For more information: keeps growing and growing? We are also looking for $250 table sponsors. Register online at www.lapietainternationalprayergroup.org GRNonline.com or by phone @ 832-786-4500. www.lapietainternational.com LOVE ♥ PEACE ♥ JOY

ADORATION FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION The Adoration Ministry is hosting a dinner to celebrate St. Maximilian’s fifth anniversary of perpetual adoration on Saturday, November 23rd from 6:30pm to 8pm. An invitation has been mailed to all who have committed an hour of adoration each week. Please contact Janice Moore at 281-469 -5766, if you have not received your invitation by October 28th. TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OCTOBER 20, 2019

Monday, October 21 John and Joe Barrientos † 8:30am Confirmation Preparation Has Begun If you Tuesday, October 22 St. John Paul II have a child who is 10th grade or older and Alveraize Saizan, Intentions 8:30am needs Confirmation, please contact Molly Smith Peter Hains † ([email protected]) to register him/her

Wednesday, October 23 St. John of Capistrano for the classes. The first class has already been held and no new students will be added Charlie and Della Bordorsky † 8:30am th Gervis and Viola Lastrapes † after November 11 . For a complete list of requirements (including two consecutive years Thursday, October 24 St. Anthony Mary Claret of Faith Formation), please contact Molly or see Maria Thu † 8:30am the Youth Confirmation page on the website. Chris and Craig Owens, Intentions

Friday, October 25 Marilyn Eigenschenk † 8:30am Mary Ann and Olin Harvey, Intentions

Saturday, October 26 Margaret Battle, Bill Carew, Michael Dominic Bui † 8:30am Cartafalsa, Denise Caskey, Emilio Mike Topley † 5:00pm Chavez-Cody, Kayson Clay, Patricia Joe and Jeanette Coury, Intentions Crim, P.S. Crim, Martha Dardnel, Sunday, October 27 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Deacon Fred Patrick J. Nelson † 8:00am Dinges, Mark Durocher, Bobby Kelby and Stephanie Ener, Intentions Embesi, Aurora Enciso, Jennifer Foty, Missy Alieda Kaehler † 10:00am Fouts, Joseph Gallagher, Carol Ann Geary, Eric Cristina Guilatco † Gensch, Richard Geveshausen, Beatriz Parishioners of St. Maximilian 12:00pm Gonzales, Anita Gordon, Kenny Gordon, Adria Gould, Francisco Grados, Jesse Guevara, Mack Harper, Janelle Hoffart, Jennifer Hornsby, Rachel Huebel, Irma Jacinto, Linda Johnson, Milam Kleas, Corine Konvicka, Laurine Krejci, The Chapel Sanctuary Tommy Kubeskie, Mrs. Hoang Le, Mark Candles & Flowers at the Altar of the Blessed Sacrament MacFarlane, Rachele Marchisio, Ashley Mueller, for the week of October 21st Mark Neagli, John Oggero, Father Roy Oggero, are in loving memory of Kristen Ornelaz, Richard Ornelaz, Carmen Ortiz,

Robert David + Jerry Pendlum, Stan Petty, Drake Pope, Chris Raggio, Oralia Ramirez, Kent Rogers, Nelda Ruiz, Alveraize Saizan, Maria Senjudo, Ernest Sepulveda, Doug Shepherd, Tony Sliva, Grace Smith, Lance Smith, Nancy Snyder, Irma Sosa,

If you would like someone added to our Parish Prayer List, please Ken Switzler, Diana Thomas, Ruth Tolentino, contact the parish office @ 281-955-7324. Going forward the Prayer Janet Vasko, Megan Waggoner, Jerelyn Walker, List in the bulletin will be reviewed periodically and names on the list over 90 days will be removed unless we receive notification to retain Linda Webb, and Adam Wendel. them. May God bless you, protect you and please keep all those on our list in your prayers. Thank you. SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH Page 6 HOUSTON, TEXAS Are you talented with technology? If yes, we invite you to serve during Mass and run the We invite you to spend 10, 15, 20, 30 minutes or an PowerPoint program, following the Order of the hour with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in the Im- Mass. This can be a rewarding ministry, for a maculata Chapel. There are about 300 committed and dedicated adorers in Adoration person, family or couple, giving you a unique praying an hour every day so that you way to serve our parish. We would like to add can come and visit Jesus exposed in more talented volunteers for each Mass. Train- the Holy Eucharist. If you would like ing will be provided! Please let us know if you to commit to an hour of Adoration, are interested in serving. You may contact Da- please call Susie Charnock at 281- na Henkel in the parish office @ 281-955-7324 813-1492. or [email protected]. Thank you for considering! Day of the week Hours Needed Monday 1:00 a.m.—2:00 a.m. ♫ MUSIC MINISTRY ♫ Monday 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. Tuesday 3:00 a.m.—4:00 a.m. The Adult Choir rehearses on Wednesdays Thursday 2:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. in Canticle Hall beginning at 7pm. Come Thursday 3:00 a.m.—4:00 a.m. join us! In addition, our Children’s Choir will Thursday 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. rehearse on Tuesdays from 6:30pm to updated: 09/30/19 7:30pm in Canticle Hall. The Children’s rd th Choir is open to 3 —8 graders, with some Calling all Ushers and Greeters exceptions for younger children. Email mary- A meeting for Ushers and Greeters is being [email protected] to see how you can held on Tuesday, October 22th in Room 215 get involved! from 6:30 to 8pm. We will be going over pro- cedures currently in place and discuss any Upcoming Blood Drive suggested changes. Both Ushers and Sunday, November 3rd Greeters are encouraged to attend! Food 8:30am – 1pm will be served, please RSVP whether coming Kolbe Hall or not so we can make sure there is enough food. You many contact Jude Wiggins @ [email protected] or 713-466-3400 Our Kolbe Seniors and Catholic Daughters have for more information or to RSVP. made a joint commitment to support a local charity, Casa Juan Diego. There will be an on-going col- lection of used items of which they can use. Casa For Safety! needs wheelchairs and supplies such as adult dia- Please do NOT let small children approach pers, wipes, underpads and towels and sheets the candle stands unattended. (slightly used). If you would like to donate some of Parents, watch your children when near these items, please contact Mary Ann Harvey at the candles. Thank you! [email protected]. There is also a need for silverware, dishes, along with pots and pans. Please do not tape offertory/donation envelopes. PERSISTENCE Today’s readings are about persistence, passionate persistence. Exodus tells of a battle won despite weariness because Moses, with help from Aaron and Hur, held his hands raised. Timothy asks that same persistence of his community and us. Luke tells of a court case won by a widow, despite the dishonesty of the judge, because she will not leave him alone. The psalm reminds us that God is everywhere, guarding us from harm day and night, coming and going, now and forever. The readings are about persistence, the relentless, un- wavering pursuit of what must not be lost. The readings are about God’s passionate persis- tence in pursuing us, seeking to win our hearts. Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co. TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OCTOBER 20, 2019

"May the Holy Spirit, the builder of fraternity, give us the grace to walk beside one another." Pope Francis

IGNITE: Our Faith, Our Mission Parish Goal: $1,442,331.00 Pledged: $697,615.00 Paid: $202,395.29 Offertory for October 12th and 13th Percent Paid: 14.03% Percent Pledged: 48.37% Offertory $18,064.00 Pledged Under Goal: $744,716.00 Debt Reduction $105.00 Paid Under Goal: $1,239,935.71 Coffee and Donuts $40.00 Youth Envelopes $365.00 Number of Participants: 207 Youth/Social Concerns Bldg. Landscaping $200.00 Total Number of Households: 2,132 This Collection total is: $18,774.00 Friendly Reminder: 5:00 PM Mass IGNITE donation checks should be made payable to Attendance: 371 IGNITE. All IGNITE checks are sent to the Archdio- Total Envelopes used: 57 cese for processing. Thank you for your generosity. Envelope Offering: $3,842.00 Loose Cash/Checks: $900.00 “Do Not Neglect to SHARE What You Have” 8:00 AM Mass “Keep doing good works and sharing your resources, Attendance: 264 for these are the kinds of sacrifices that please God.” Total Envelopes used: 56 Envelope Offering: $2,919.00 DSF 2019 Parish Goal: $138,000.00 Loose Cash/Checks: $1,218.00 Pledged $87,279.18 10:00 AM Mass Attendance: 654 Paid $80,806.34 Total Envelopes used: 78 Envelope Offering: $3,794.00 Percent Paid 58.56% Loose Cash/Checks: $2,685.00 Pledged Under Goal $50,720.82

12:00 PM Mass Paid Under Goal $57,193.66 Attendance: 424 Number of Participants 307 Total Envelopes used: 41 Envelope Offering: $1,375.00 Average Participant Pledge $284.30 Loose Cash/Checks: $1,321.00 Total Number of Households 2,132

Total attendance at Masses: 2,027 Offertory envelopes used: 232 OUR PARISH DEBT Original Loan, October 2010: $5,200,000 Checks should be made payable to St. Maximilian Kolbe. Amount to be paid: $347,488.33 DO NOT MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO CASH!

FAITH DIRECT Total: $14,142.67 # of Donors: STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS as of 10/15/2019 131 That we may be persistent in our stewardship, Debt Reduction $1,945.67 26 even when it is not convenient or comfortable. Prop. of the Faith $420 14 “…proclaim the word, be persistent whether it Fall Festival Spons. $2,250.00 2 is convenient or inconvenient...” 2 Timothy 4:2 Elem. Faith Form. $240.00 3 It is not always convenient to be a good stew- Men’s ACTS Retreat $450.00 1 ard, especially when all the temptations of our Women’s ACTS Retreat $450.00 1 busy and materialistic world get in the way. Now add our own pride and ego into the SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND equation and living a stewardship lifestyle may be downright uncomfortable! Remem- There will be a second collection this weekend for the Prop- ber, God didn’t call us to be comfortable. He agation of the Faith. Please be generous. called us to be faithful. SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH Page 8 HOUSTON, TEXAS

The Holy Father’s Intentions for 2019: OCTOBER: Evangelization—Holy Spirit That the breath of the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary “spring” in the Church.

Power Hour Prayer Time; READINGS FOR THE WEEK Mondays @ 7pm Immaculata Chapel Monday: Rom 4:20-25; Lk 1:69-75; Lk 12:13-21 Call Jeanette @ 281-914-3676 for more information. Tuesday: Rom 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b- 21; Ps 40:7-10, 17; Lk 12:35-38

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Wednesday: Rom 6:12-18; Ps 124:1b-8; Lk 12:39- Although the hours of daylight are rapidly dwindling, 48 many people would say that these October days bring Thursday: Rom 6:19-23; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 12:49-53 the years most splendid weather. Americans are riders and joggers, not strollers, and so the pleasures of the Friday: Rom 7:18-25a; Ps 119:66, 68, 76-77, 93-94; season are often lost on us. This is not the case with Lk 12:54-59 many Jewish people, who observe an ancient rule in walking to synagogue on the Sabbath. On city streets Saturday: Rom 8:1-11; Ps 24:1b-4ab, 5-6; Lk 13:1-9

and suburban sidewalks in many cities, we may notice Sunday: Sir 35:12-14, 16-18; Ps 34:2-3, 17-19, 23; 2 around sunset the nicely dressed families walking and Tm 4:6-8, 16-18; Lk 18:9-14 chatting on Friday afternoon. After a short prayer at dusk, the families stroll home again for a relaxing and festive meal. They return to synagogue in the morning, and then spend an afternoon in family leisure until three Our parishioner, Phong Bui, who works for the stars appear in the night sky and Sabbath ends. Social Security Administration is available Catholics, on the other hand, pile into the car and drive should you have any questions about retire- even a short distance to Mass; some even divide the family to participate at different hours. For Jews, the ment, disability, survivor, SSI benefits and other leisurely walk marks a dividing line between hectic life social security issues. Phong will be in the Ga- commitments and a day of abundant joy and enrich- jowniczek Building after our 10am Mass TO- ment. Before we became an automobile culture, Catho- DAY Sunday, October 20th for approximately lics embraced a similar pace, and in most places walked one hour. to church. These lovely days of fall invite us to tap into an old and life-giving tradition. If you live within a mile of your church, walk next week. If you must drive, park at a good distance and walk the rest of the way. Talk about your life, greet strangers, notice the crunch of leaves under your shoes. You may be surprised at how differ- ent Sunday Mass feels when it is framed by leisure! James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

REGINA CAELI AND A PRIEST TALENT SHOW! The Fishers of Men Ministry meets every third Monday of the month; the next meeting will be You're Invited to Regina Caeli Homeschool held tomorrow, October 21st at 6:30pm in Room Resource Center’s 8th Annual Priest Talent 215. Please join us, bring a friend and a potluck Show on November 16th! Help support Cath- dish to share. During our short time together we olic homeschooling families and your local will pray, discuss the readings of the week, life’s priests- you never know what hidden talents challenges and other interesting topics that come will be revealed! Join us for an evening of our way. For more information please contact dinner, entertainment and auctions with spe- Gabriel Gonzalez at 281-865-6665. cial guest emcee, Joe McClane from AM 1430 Catholic Radio. Doors open at 6:30pm with dinner served at 7pm, provided by Texas Come and pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy each Roadhouse. Purchase your tickets at Thursday at 3pm in the Immaculata Chapel. All www.rcahybrid.org. The event will be held at are welcome. the Christus Center, St. Ignatius Loyola Parish Campus in Spring. TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OCTOBER 20, 2019 MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS FRANCIS FOR WORLD MISSION DAY 2019 Baptized and Sent: The Church of Christ on Mission in the World Dear Brothers and Sisters, For the month of October 2019, I have asked that the whole Church revive her missionary awareness and commit- ment. The title of the present Message is the same as that of October’s Missionary Month: Baptized and Sent: The Church of Christ on Mission in the World. Celebrating this month will help us first to rediscover the missionary di- mension of our faith in Jesus Christ, a faith graciously bestowed on us in baptism. Our filial relationship with God is not something simply private, but always in relation to the Church. Through our communion with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we, together with so many of our other brothers and sisters, are born to new life. This divine life is not a product for sale – we do not practice proselytism – but a treasure to be given, communicated and proclaimed: that is the meaning of mission. We received this gift freely and we share it freely (cf. Mt 10:8), without excluding anyone. God wills that all people be saved by coming to know the truth and experiencing his mercy through the ministry of the Church, the universal sacrament of salvation (cf. 1 Tim 2:4; Lumen Gentium, 48). The Church is on mission in the world. Faith in Jesus Christ enables us to see all things in their proper perspective, as we view the world with God’s own eyes and heart. Hope opens us up to the eternal horizons of the divine life that we share. Charity, of which we have a foretaste in the sacraments and in fraternal love, impels us to go forth to the ends of the earth (cf. Mic 54; Mt 28:10; Acts 1:8; Rom 10:18). A Church that presses forward to the farthest frontiers requires a constant and ongoing missionary conversion. How many saints, how many men and women of faith, witness to the fact that this unlimited openness, this going forth in mercy, is indeed possible and realistic, for it is driven by love and its deepest meaning as gift, sacrifice and gratuitousness (cf. 2 Cor 5:14-21)! The man who preaches God must be a man of God (cf. Maximum Illud).

Fundraiser Donations Still Being Ac- cepted Online Through October 25th towards the Walk for Life @ www.houstoncoalition.org; click donate, then click picture, then choose a St. Maxi- milian team member. Many thanks to all who walked, ran or donated to the fund- raiser for HCL, which runs three pregnan- cy centers, helping women both before and after their baby is born. We want ex- pectant moms to know, we are here to help them choose life. For more infor- mation contact Karen at kcom- [email protected] or 281-639-1999.

Serving the Needy Parishioners of St. Maximilian will once again be serving lunch at Loaves & Fishes on Saturday, October 26th. Volunteers meet at St. Maximilian (near the BBQ Building) at 8am on the service date and leave for the location at 8:30am after loading supplies. Please wear closed toe shoes and a baseball cap if you wish to join us. We typically arrive back at St. Maximilian by 1pm. You may contact Bobby Knight for more information at 281-813-0983 or [email protected]. Please con- sider volunteering with this ministry.