CHURCH SCHEDULE July 3Rd, Wednesday: Dukrana of St

211 Present Street, Missouri City, TX 77489, Phone: 281-969-7236 |Weekly Bulletin Vol. 16 No. 26 June 30, 2013 7th Sunday of period of Apostles CHURCH SCHEDULE July 3rd, Wednesday: Dukrana of St. Thomas Holy Mass Sunday: 9:00 AM (Malayalam) Holy Mass @ 7 :00 PM (No English Mass until Sept 1st, Sunday) Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM Friday: 7:00 PM Novena to St. Joseph, our patron Saint Saturday: 9:00 AM Novena to our Mother of Perpetual Help

Eucharistic Adoration & Night Vigil Every 1st Friday Starting with the Holy Mass @ 7:00 PM Confession Before and after weekday Masses

Charismatic Prayer on Saturdays Adult’s Prayer: at Bl. JP II Home @ 5:00 PM Kids’ Prayer: @ 5:00 PM Jesus Youth Prayer : @ 5:00 PM

CCE Classes (No CCE classes until Sept 1st, Sunday) Contact Information Office: 281-969-7236 Vicar: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy Tel: 281 904 6622 Email: [email protected] Trustees: Augustine Vaniapurackal - 832-692-3456 John Babu - 832-520-9500 Jose Uthirakulath - 832-233-1480 Joy Chencheril - 832-577-6375

“Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will

not be strong enough.”

Luke 13:24 Parish Council

Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy (Vicar) 281 904 6622 1. Augustine Vaniapurackal -Trustee & ward member - St. Agnes-Lake Olympia & Lake Shore 832-692-3456 2. John Babu -Trustee 832-520-9500 3. Jose Uthirakulathu -Trustee 832-233-1480 4. Joy Chencheril -Trustee & ward member - St. Sebastian- Alief, Sugar Land, Katy 832-577-6375 5. Lisamma Joseph - Ward member - St. Antony's - Stafford 832-576-2136 6. Sunil Kurian - Ward member - St. Augustine-Sugar Land & Missouri City 281-450-4669 7. Vinoy Kurian - Ward member - St. Elizabeth - Riverstone & Colony Lakes 832-886-2566 8. Biju George-Ward member -St. Mathew-New Territory, Telfair, Sugar Land, Avalon Villages 832-455-9005 9. George Joseph - Ward member - St. George - Sharpstown & Westbury 281-844-0048 10. James Viruthukulangara-Ward member -St. Alphonsa-Sienna, Missouri City North, Alvin 713-530-8026 11. Bobby Joseph - Ward member - St. Thomas – Creek Stone 713-972-2620 12. Roychen Joseph - Ward member - Blessed Chavara-North Shore & Spring 713-478-9573 13. Bose Kurian - Nominated member 832-545-0054 14. Jose Manakalathil - Nominated member 281-731-4570 15. Salby Vincent - Nominated member 281-818-3733 Saint Joseph, 16. Sabeena Roncy - Nominated member 832-475-9962 17. Stacy Ouseph - Nominated member 832-453-5260 our Patron saint, 18. Anoop Kudakasseril - CCE staff member 832-684-5392 19. Geo Thayil - SJYAL member 281-630-8185 Pray for us! 20. Manju Maliekkal - Church Organizations 832-656-6335 21. Rev. Sr. Alphin MSMI - Pastoral Services 832-287-2926 22. Paul Joseph - Pastoral Council member 281-728-3222 23. Jessy Kurian - Pastoral Council member 281-857-6572

OFFERTORY “Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2Cor 9:7 Building Fund Weekly/Monthly Contribution June 16, 2013 Sunday $ 1100.00 $ 4057.00 June 23, 2013 Sunday $ 1000.00 $ 2858.00 Liturgical Calendar, June 30, 2013 June 30, Sunday: 7th Sunday of Apostles ALTAR SERVERS 1st Reading: Is 5:8-17 ( 5:8-25) The Holy God shows himself holy by righteousness 2nd Reading: 1Cor 15:58-16:4,13,14 (15:58-16:24) In the Lord your labor is not in July 7, Sunday vain Gospel: Lk 13:22-30 (13:22-35) Enter through the narrow door Malayalam Mass @ 9:00 AM July 01, Monday 1st Reading: Gal 2:15-21 A person is justified through faith in Jesus Christ Sam Kurian Gospel: Mk 9:17-27 (9:14-29) All things can be done for the one who believes July 02, Tuesday 1st Reading: Gal 1:6-10 There is no other Gospel but Christ Kurian Pannapara Gospel: Mk 9:38-41 Whoever is not against us is for us July 03, Wednesday; Dukrana of St. Thomas Apostle; Holy Mass @ 7:00 PM 1st Reading: Eph 2:19-22 Apostles and Prophets are the foundation and Christ Jesus the corner-stone LECTORS Gospel: Jn 20:24-29 My Lord and my God July 04, Thursday; Feast of St. Anthony of Padua 1st Reading: 2Cor 1:8-11 God consoles us in all our afflictions July 7, Sunday Gospel: Lk 16:1-10 The parable of the dishonest manager July 05, Friday; First Friday, All Night Vigil and Eucharistic Adoration 1st Reading: Rom 8:28-39 Who will seperate us from the love of Christ? Malayalam Mass @ 9:00 AM Gospel: Mt 10:37-42 (10:37-11:15) The cost of discipleship and reaward July 06, Saturday; Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles 1st Reading: Gal 3:10-14 Righteous man lives by faith Gospel: Lk 9:37-43 Jesus casts out the evil rules for christian life 1st reading: Prince Mundanathadathil July 07, Sunday: 1st Sunday of period of Kaitha 2nd reading: Beena Mathew 1st Reading: Act 5:12-16 ( 5:12-32) The Apostles heal many 2nd Reading: 2Cor 1:8-14 (1 Cor.1:9-16 + 2 Cor. 1:8-14) You be united in the same mind and the same purpose No English Mass until Sept 1st, Sunday Gospel: Lk 14:7-14 (14:1-14) The mentality of the disciples

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy ( Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX ) | June 30, 2013 Enter through the narrow door . What does the image of a door say to us about the kingdom of God? Jesus' story about the door being shut to those who come too late sug- gests they had offended their host and deserved to be excluded. It was customary for teachers in Jesus' time to close the door on tardy students and not allow them back for a whole week in order to teach them a les- son in discipline and faithfulness. Jesus told this story in response to the question of who will make it to heaven. Many rabbis held that all Israel would be saved, except for a few blatant sinners who excluded themselves! After all, they were specially chosen by God when he established a covenant with them. Jesus doesn't directly answer the question, however; but his response is nonetheless unsettling on two counts:

First, Jesus surprised his listeners by saying that one's membership as a covenanted people does not automatically mean entry into the kingdom of God. Second, Jesus asserts that many from the gentile nations would enter God's kingdom. God's invitation is open to Jew and Gentile alike.

But Jesus warns that we can be excluded if we do not strive to enter by the narrow door . What did Jesus mean by this expression? The door which Jesus had in mind was Himself. I am the door; if any one enters by Me, he will be saved (John 10:9). Through the cross Jesus opens the way for us to enter into his kingdom. But we must follow Jesus in the way of the cross. Jesus invites us to understand the real nature of discipleship and its challenges. He reveals the hard fact that our personal actions will determine our eternal destiny. It does not mean that eternal life is im- possible, but each person has to make every effort getting into God’s Kingdom. Jesus says that many would make efforts to enter into Heaven, but they will not succeed since they would not be strong enough in their faith and persevere. The word strive can also be translated agony . To enter the kingdom of God one must struggle against the forces of temptation and whatever would hinder us from doing the will of God (even apa- thy, indifference, and compromise).

At the end of today’s Gospel the concept of ‘narrow door’ is shifted to the heavenly banquet. In the Book of Isaiah we read about God’s promise of Redemption and Restoration of Israel. The prophet says that God would bring Israel’s descendents back from the east and from the west, the north and the south (Isaiah 43:5- 6). He recommends His listeners to make every effort to do the Will of God and put into practice Jesus’ teach- ings.

The parable of the ‘Narrow Door’ is a stern warning to repentance and transformation into Christ-like per- sons. The good news is that we do not struggle alone. God is with us and his grace is sufficient! As we strive side by side for the faith of the gospel (Phil. 1:27) Jesus assures us of complete victory!

1st Friday Night Vigil & Adoration On Next Friday, July 05, 2013, After 7:00 PM Holy Mass We incorporate the powerful spiritual weapons such as the sacraments of Holy Mass and Reconciliation, the power of the mysteries of the holy Rosary, the Chap- let of Divine Mercy at 3:00AM, the Stations of the Cross, and other prayers while we adore Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament with enough quiet time to Listen to the Holy Spirit. These Vigils are powerful. Please do come and join us. God Bless!

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy ( Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX ) | June 30, 2013 PARISH CALENDAR IMPORTANT DATES & EVENTS TO REMEMBER July - August July 3rd, Wednesday: Dukrana of St. Thomas

Holy Mass @ 7 :00 PM

July 31, August 1 &2 Vacation Bible School

September Sept 21st, Saturday Onam Celebration - Onasadhya and Cultural Program at St. Thomas Orthodox Hall October October 5th, Saturday Church Picnic at Kitty Hollow Park, Missouri City. October 20th, Sunday 10th Year Anniversary Celebration of our Parish. November November 3rd, Sunday Church Bazar ***** VBS - 2013 *****

JUL 31– AUG 2

Vacation Bible School on July 31, August 1 &2 Registration started; Reg. Fee: $40/Child Admission from KG to children going to 6th grade

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy ( Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX ) | June 30, 2013 The WORD OF GOD of Peace and Comfort

EXODUS 19:5 “Now, if you obey me completely and keep my covenant, you will be my treasured pos-

session among all peoples, though all the Matthew 6:306:30----34343434 earth is mine. “ “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O Col 3:2 you of little faith? So do not worry and say, “Think of what is above, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to not of what is on earth.” drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Matthew 18:3 kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and these things will be given you besides. Do not become like children, you will not enter worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil. the kingdom of heaven. “ Saintly Wisdom St. Maria Goretti(1890 - 1902) Feastday: July 6 Patron of youth, young women, purity, and victims of rape Born in Corinaldo, Ancona, Italy, on October 16 1890; her farmworker father moved his fami- ly to Ferrier di Conca, near Anzio. Her father died of malaria and her mother had to struggle to feed her children. In 1902 an eighteen-year-old neighbor, Alexander, grabbed her from her steps and tried to rape her. When Maria said that she would rather died than submit, Alexander began stabbing her with a knife. As she lay in the hospital, she forgave Alexander before she died. Her death didn't end her for- givness, however. Alexander was captured and sentenced to thirty years. He was unrepentant until he had a dream that he was in a garden. Maria was there and gave him flowers. When he woke, he was a changed man, repenting of his crime and living a reformed life. When he was released after 27 years he went directly to Maria's mother to beg her forgiveness, which she gave. "If my daugh- ter can forgive him, who am I to withold forgiveness," she said. When Maria was declared a saint in 1950, Alexander was there in the St. Peter's crowd to celebrate her canonization. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950 for her purity as model for youth. She is called a martyr because she fought against Alexander's attempts at sexual assault. However, the most important aspect of her story is her forgiveness of her attacker -- her concern for her enemy extending even beyond death. Her feast day is July 6. St. Maria Goretti is the patroness of youth and for the victims of rape.

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy ( Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX ) | June 30, 2013 SAINT OF THE WEEK : St. Thomas the Apostle Feast Day: July 3rd; Dukrana of St. Thomas St. Thomas was a Jew, called to be one of the twelve Apostles. He was a dedicated but impetuous follower of Christ. When Jesus said He was returning to Judea to visit His sick friend Lazarus, Thomas immediately exhorted the other Apostles to accompany Him on the trip which involved certain danger and possible death because of the mounting hostility of the authorities. At the Last Supper, when Christ told His Apos- tles that He was going to prepare a place for them to which they also might come because they knew both the place and the way, Thomas pleaded that they did not understand and received the beautiful assurance that Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. But St. Thomas is best known for his role in verifying the Resurrection of his Master. Thomas' unwillingness to believe that the other Apostles had seen their risen Lord on the first Easter Sunday merited for him the title of "doubting Thomas." Eight days later, on Christ's second apparition, Thomas was gently rebuked for his scepticism and furnished with the evidence he had demanded - seeing in Christ's hands the point of the nails and putting his fingers in the place of the nails and his hand into His side. At this, St. Thomas became convinced of the truth of the Resurrection and exclaimed: "My Lord and My God," thus making a public Profession of Faith in the Divinity of Jesus. St. Thomas is also mentioned as being present at another Resurrection appearance of Jesus - at Lake Tiberias when a miraculous catch of fish occurred. This is all that we know about St. Thomas from the New Testament. Tradition says that at the dispersal of the Apostles after Pentecost this saint was sent to evangelize the Parthi- ans, Medes, and Persians; he ultimately reached India, carrying the FEAST DAYS Faith to the Malabar coast, which still boasts a large native population June 30,Sun: First Martyrs of the See of Rome July 01,Mon: Bl. Junipero Serra calling themselves "Christians of St. Thomas." He capped his left by July 02,Tue: St. Bernardino Realino shedding his blood for his Master, speared to death at a place called July 03,Wed: St. Thomas Calamine and buried at Mylapore, near Chennai (Madras - India). His July 04,Thu: St. Elizabeth of Portugal July 05,Fri: St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria feast day is July 3rd and he is the patron of architects. July 06,Sat: St. Maria Goretti

Spiritual Reflection Your kingdom come. The prayer continues: Your kingdom come. We pray that God’s kingdom will become present for us in the same way that we ask for his name to be hallowed among us. For when does God not reign, when could there be in him a beginning of what always was and what will never cease to be? What we pray for is that the kingdom promised to us by God will come, the kingdom won by Christ’s blood and passion. Then we who formerly were slaves in this world will reign from now on under the dominion of Christ, in accordance with his promise: Come, O blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom which was prepared for you from the foundation of the world. However, my dear friends, it could also be that the kingdom of God whose coming we daily wish for is Christ himself, since it is his coming that we long for. He is our resurrection, since we rise again in him; so too he can be thought of as the kingdom of God because we are to reign in him. And it is good that we pray for God’s kingdom; for though it is a heavenly kingdom, it is also an earthly one. But those who have already renounced the world are made greater by holding positions of authority in that kingdom. Our prayer is communal Above all, he who preaches peace and unity did not want us to pray by ourselves in private or for ourselves alone. We do not say “My Fa- ther, who art in heaven,” nor “Give me this day my daily bread.” It is not for himself alone that each person asks to be forgiven, not to be led into temptation or to be delivered from evil. Rather, we pray in public as a community, and not for one individual but for all. For the people of God are all one. God is then the teacher of harmony, peace and unity, and desires each of us to pray for all men, even as he bore all men in himself alone. From a treatise on the Lord’s Prayer by Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr (Nn. 13-15: CSEL 3, 275-278)

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy ( Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX ) | June 30, 2013 Rexband is the first Catholic band from the Indian subcontinent to be invited to the World Youth Day performance in 2002 at Toronto. From then, they have been consistently invited for the later World Youth days in 2005 at Cologne, in 2008 at Sydney and in 2011 held at Madrid. It was established in the late 1980s and early 1990s by a group of young musi- cians who experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus through the Jesus Youth movement. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) REXBAND invites you to Experience a life changing Encounter with JESUS our LORD!!

“Bear your share of hardship along with me like a

good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2Tim 2:3

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy ( Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX ) | June 30, 2013