211 Present Street, Missouri City, TX 77489, Phone: 281-969-7236 |Weekly Bulletin Vol. 16 No. 33 August 18, 2013 7th of period of Kaitha CHURCH SCHEDULE Holy Mass On next Sunday, August 25 Sunday: 9:00 AM (Malayalam) • 2013-’14 CCE Inauguration Day! 10:45 AM (English) Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM • English Holy Mass @ 9:00 AM. Friday: 7:00 PM • No Malayalam Holy Mass. 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 Youth Prayer: @ 5:00 PM

CCE Classes starts @ 9:00 AM CCE Classes begin on next Sunday, Aug 25

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

“Will not then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.” Luke 18:7-8 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 , 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 "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (Jn 11:40)

Building Fund Weekly/Monthly Contribution August 11, 2013 Sunday $ 1,870.00 $ 4,553.00 Liturgical Calendar, August 18, 2013 ALTAR SERVERS August 18, Sunday: 7th Sunday of period of Kaitha 1st Reading: Is 30:1-15 Repent and come back August 25 , Sunday 2nd Reading: 1Thes 2:14-20 (2:14-3:13) Share in the suffering of Jesus Gospel: Lk 18:1-8 (18:1-14) The widow and the judge August 19, Monday English Mass @ 9:00 AM 1st Reading: Jas 1:12-18 Those who endure temptation will recieve the of life Gospel: Mt 7:21-28 One who does the will of the Father will inherit the Kingdom of Cyril Simon, Joe Arackal, Bryan Chacko, heaven Neville Tom August 20, Tuesday 1st Reading: Jas 1:19-27 Hearing and doing the word Gospel: Lk 8:16-21 Act according to the Word of God August 21, Wednesday; Feast of St. Pius X LECTORS 1st Reading: 1Thes 2:2-4 We shall please God Gospel: Jn 21:15-19 Take care of my sheep August 22, Thursday August 25, Sunday 1st Reading: 2Pet 1:10-15 Be firm in truth English Mass @ 9:00 AM Gospel: Jn 2:1-12 Do whatever he tells you August 23, Friday; Feast of St. Simon Barsaba and co-martyrs 1st reading: Christopher Thottasseril 1st Reading: Tit 2:1-8 Teach what is consistent with sound doctrine Gospel: Lk 12:41-48 From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be 2nd reading: Maria Aykara required August 24, Saturday Feast of St. Bartholomew, the Apostle 1st Reading: 1Cor. 12:27-31 We are the body of Christ (No Malayalam Holy Mass Gospel: Lk. 6:12-19 Jesus chooses the Apostles August 25, Sunday: First Sunday of Elijah-Cross-Moses on next Sunday, Aug 25 1st Reading: Is 31:1-9 Jerusalem returns to the God they have foresaken due to the CCE Inauguration ceremony) 2nd Reading: 2Thes 1:3-10 (1:1-10) The steadfastness and faith during all persecutions and afflictions is commented Gospel: Lk 18:35-19:10 From darkness to the light which is Christ

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy (Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX) | August 18, 2013 CONTINUING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (CCE) IMPORTANT CCE ANNOUNCEMENTS  CCE Classes begin on next Sunday, August 25.  CCE Registration for the academic year 2013-14 officially closes on Sunday, Aug 18. If for any reason you were unable to complete registration by the deadline, please contact the Vicar or trustees to schedule your registration.  To attend CCE classes you should have completed registration by August 24.  NO CCE Registration will be done on Sunday August 25.

The widow and the judge ~ Lk 18:1-14

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. Today’s Gospel presents two different characters: the judge and the widow. What can a shameless and unjust judge pitted against a crusty and pestering woman teach us about justice and vindication in the kingdom of God? The judge has authority and power but is not just and moral. He is not the protector of the poor and defender of widows that he is supposed to be. The widow, on the other hand, is powerless, without anyone to support or protect her and is taken advantage of and refused her rights.. But she has persistence. Through sheer persistence she wears down an unscrupulous judge until he gives her justice. Persistence pays off, and that's especially true for those who trust in God. Jesus illustrates how God as our Judge is much quicker to bring us his justice, blessing, and help when we need it.

Jesus tells us that if good can be achieved from an unjust judge through persistence, how much more from our ever loving and caring God? It is unthinkable that the Lord will not listen to our prayers. God will never ignore us, but we must be persevering and persistent in our prayers, like the widow in the parable. We must not give up. We remember that God will always act on our behalf. We must wait patiently, pray fervently, and see how God will work wonders. Jesus told this parable to give fresh hope and confidence to his disciples. In this present life we can expect trials and adversity, but we are not without hope in God. The Last Judgment will reveal that God's justice triumphs over all the injustices perpetrated by his creatures and that God's love is stronger than death (Song of Songs 8:6). The just can look forward with hope to that day when they will receive their reward.

Jesus ends his parable with a probing question for us. Will you and I have faith— the faith that perseveres to the end— of time when Jesus returns in glory to judge the living and the dead? If we want to live, grow, and persevere in the faith until the end, then we must nourish it with the Word of God and ask the Lord to increase our faith (Luke 17:5).

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy (Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX) | August 18, 2013 PARISH CALENDAR IMPORTANT DATES & EVENTS TO REMEMBER August 25 CCE Classes begin on Sunday, August 25; English Holy Mass @ 9:00 AM October October 5th, Saturday Church Picnic at Kitty Hollow Park, Missouri City. November 2nd & 3rd, Combined celebration of the 10th year Anniversary and Parish Bazar. Saturday & Sunday

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS !!! PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGES WITH OUR SUNDAY HOLY MASS & CCE CLASS SCHEDULE FROM SEPTEMBER 1st, 2013 ONWARDS…. • THE CCE CLASSES STARTS AT 9:00 AM. • THE ENGLISH HOLY MASS FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN STARTS AT 10:45 AM FOLLOWED BY THE CCE CLASSES. • THE MALAYALAM HOLY MASS WILL START AT 9:00 AM AS USUAL.

PARISH FAMILY PICNIC DAY October 5th, Saturday Kitty Hollow Park, Missouri City St. Pius X Feast day: August 21 On June 2, 1835, Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto saw the light of earth at Riesi, Province of Treviso, in Venice; on August 20, 1914, he saw the light of heaven; and on May 29, 1954, he who had become the two hundred fifty-ninth pope was canonized St. Pius X. Two of the most outstanding accomplishments of this saintly Pope were the inauguration of the liturgical renewal and the restoration of frequent communion from childhood. He also waged an unwavering war against the heresy and evils of Modernism, gave great impetus to biblical studies, and brought about the codification of Canon Law. His overriding concern was to renew all things in Christ. Above all, his holiness shone forth conspicuously. From St. Pius X we learn again that "the folly of the Cross", simplicity of life, and humility of heart are still the highest wisdom and the indispensable conditions of a perfect Christian life, for they are the very source of all apostolic fruitfulness. His last will and testament bears the striking sentence: "I was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor." His feast day is August 21.

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy (Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX) | August 18, 2013 ENCYCLICAL LETTER LUMEN FIDEI (The light of Faith) OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF FRANCIS Week 1 1. The light of Faith: this is how the Church’s tradition speaks of the great gift brought by Jesus. In John’s Gospel, Christ says of himself: "I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness" (Jn 12:46). Saint Paul uses the same image: "God who said ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts" (2 Cor 4:6). The pagan world, which hungered for light, had seen the growth of the cult of the god, Invictus, invoked each day at sunrise. Yet though the sun was born anew each morning, it was clearly incapable of casting its light on all of human existence. The sun does not illumine all reality; its rays cannot penetrate to the shadow of death, the place where men’s eyes are closed to its light. "No one — Saint Justin Martyr writes — has ever been ready to die for his faith in the sun".[1] Conscious of the immense horizon which their faith opened before them, Christians invoked Jesus as the true sun "whose rays bestow life".[2] To Martha, weeping for the death of her brother Lazarus, Jesus said: "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (Jn 11:40). Those who believe, see; they see with a light that illumines their entire journey, for it comes from the risen Christ, the morning star which never sets. An illusory light? 2. Yet in speaking of the light of faith, we can almost hear the objections of many of our contemporaries. In modernity, that light might have been considered sufficient for societies of old, but was felt to be of no use for new times, for a humanity come of age, proud of its rationality and anxious to explore the future in novel ways. Faith thus appeared to some as an illusory light, preventing mankind from boldly setting out in quest of knowledge. The young Nietzsche encouraged his sister Elisabeth to take risks, to tread "new paths… with all the uncertainty of one who must find his own way", adding that "this is where humanity’s paths part: if you want peace of soul and happiness, then believe, but if you want to be a follower of truth, then seek".[3] Belief would be incompatible with seeking. From this starting point Nietzsche was to develop his critique of Christianity for diminishing the full meaning of human existence and stripping life of novelty and adventure. Faith would thus be the illusion of light, an illusion which blocks the path of a liberated humanity to its future. 3. In the process, faith came to be associated with darkness. There were those who tried to save faith by making room for it alongside the light of reason. Such room would open up wherever the light of reason could not penetrate, wherever certainty was no longer possible. Faith was thus understood either as a leap in the dark, to be taken in the absence of light, driven by blind emotion, or as a subjective light, capable perhaps of warming the heart and bringing personal consolation, but not something which could be proposed to others as an objective and shared light which points the way. Slowly but surely, however, it would become evident that the light of autonomous reason is not enough to illumine the future; ultimately the future remains shadowy and fraught with fear of the unknown. As a result, humanity renounced the search for a great light, Truth itself, in order to be content with smaller lights which illumine the fleeting moment yet prove incapable of showing the way. Yet in the absence of light everything becomes confused; it is impossible to tell good from evil, or the road to our destination from other roads which take us in endless circles, going nowhere. Will continue on following weeks (source: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20130629_enciclica-lumen-fidei_en.html)

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy (Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX) | August 18, 2013 Saintly Wisdom The WORD OF GOD of Peace and Comfort “From Mary we learn to surrender to God's Will in Matthew 11:28-30 all things. From Mary we learn to “Come to me, all you who labor and are trust even when burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!" yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am Blessed John Paul II meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my “If you are silent, burden light.” be silent out of love. If you speak, speak out of love.” John 10:10 Saint Augustine “A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and

destroy; I came so that they might have life and "I was born poor, have it more abundantly. “ I have lived in poverty, and I Matthew 6: 25 wish to die poor." “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat St. Pious X [or drink], or about your body, what you will

wear.”

SAINT OF THE WEEK : St. Philip Benizi Feast Day: August 23 Servite cardinal and preacher. Born in Florence, Italy, to a noble family, he was educated in Paris and Padua where he earned a doctorate in medicine and philosophy. He practiced medicine for some time, but in 1253 he joined the Servite Order in Florence. He served as a lay brother until 1259, when his superiors directed him to be ordained. Philip soon became known as one of the foremost preachers of his era, becoming master of novices at Siena in 1262 and then superior of several friaries and prior general of the Servites against his own wishes. in 1267. Reforming the order with zeal and patience, he was named as a possible candidate to become pope by the influential Cardinal Ottobuoni just before the election to choose a successor to Pope Clement IV. This possibility was so distressing to Philip that he fled and hid in a cave until the election was finally FEAST DAYS over. He attended the Council of Lyons which brought about a August 18,Sun: St. Helena brief reunion with the Orthodox, worked to bring peace between August 19,Mon: St. John Eudes the Guelphs and the Ghibellines in 1279, assisted St. Juliana in August 20,Tue: St. Bernard of Clairvaux founding the third order of the Servites, and in 1284, dispatched August 21,Wed: St. Pius X the first Servite missionaries to the Far East. He retired to a small August 22,Thu: St. Andrew the Scot Servite house in Todi, where he died on August 22. He was August 23, Fri: St. Philip Benizi canonized in 1671. August 24,Sat: St. Bartholomew

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy (Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX) | August 18, 2013 Grand Celebration of the 10th Anniversary of our Church !!! Combined celebration of the 10th year Anniversary and Parish Bazar on November 2nd and 3rd (Saturday and Sunday)

Saint Joseph, St Joseph our Patron Syro Malabar saint, Catholic Church Missouri City, Texas, USA Pray for us!

Our Major Arch Bishop Our Holy Father Cardinal Our Bishop Our Vicar Pope Francis George Alenchery Mar Jacob Angadiath Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy

"I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness" (Jn 12:46) Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy (Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX) | August 18, 2013