211 Present Street, Missouri City, TX 77489, Phone: 281-969-7236 |Weekly Bulletin Vol. 16 No. 25 June 23, 2013 6th Sunday of period of Apostles CHURCH SCHEDULE Holy Mass JuneJune–––– the month of Sacred Heart of Jesus Sunday: 9:00 AM (Malayalam) (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 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

“By no means! But I tell you, if you do

not repent, you will all perish “

Luke 13:3 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

“The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God. ” 2 Cor 9:10-11

Liturgical Calendar, June 23, 2013 June 23, Sunday: 6th Sunday of Apostles ALTAR SERVERS 1st Reading: Is 2:1-5 (2:1-19) God may teach us His ways and we may walk in His paths 2nd Reading: 1Cor 10:14-22 (10:14-32) We all partake of the one bread June 30, Sunday Gospel: Lk 13:1-9 (12:57-13:17) Unless you repent, you will perish June 24, Monday; Birth of John the Baptist Malayalam Mass @ 9:00 AM 1st Reading: Gal 4: 1-7 You are no longer a slave but a son Gospel: Lk 1: 57-66 The birth of John the Baptist Sam Kurian June 25, Tuesday 1st Reading: 2Cor 2:12-17 We are the aroma of Jesus Gospel: Mk 1:40-45 If you choose you can make me clean Kurian Pannapara June 26, Wednesday 1st Reading: 2Cor 4:1-5 If our gospel veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing Gospel: Lk 9:23-26 Those who lose their life for my sake will save it June 27, Thursday; Feast of St. Anthony of Padua LECTORS 1st Reading: 2Cor 6:14-18 Temple of the living God Gospel: Mk 1:21-28 Jesus casts out evil spirit June 28, Friday June 30, Sunday 1st Reading: Gal 3: 23-29 We all are children of God through faith Gospel: Mt 18:15-20 Come together in my name, I am there with them June 29, Saturday; Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles Malayalam Mass @ 9:00 AM 1st Reading: Act 9:36-42 Sign worked by Peter OR 2Cor 11:21-33 (10:1-7 or 11:21- 33) Paul acknowledges his own weakness 1st reading: Feby Jose Gospel: Jn 21:15-19 (Mt 16:13-19+Jn 21:15-19) Lead my sheep 2nd reading: June 30, Sunday: 7th Sunday of Apostles Baneeja Cheru 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 vain No English Mass until Sept 1st, Sunday Gospel: Lk 13:22-30 (13:22-35) Enter through the narrow door

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy ( Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar , Missouri City, TX ) | June 23, 2013

REPENTANCE

Today’s gospel reading contains material found in no other gospel which raises crucial questions about the justice of God and the need for repentance. We frequently hear about human suffering, suffering inflicted by other people or resulting from ‘natural disasters’. Suffering and tragedy have always led to the question ‘Why me?’ The random nature of human suffering leads many to question the existence of a loving God. What Jesus makes clear in the first part of this gospel passage is that suffering is not necessarily brought about by sin. Those who suffered at the hands of Pilate and in the collapse of the tower of Siloam were no guiltier than their fellows. Jesus does not explain at this point the mean- ing of innocent suffering. He acknowledges that it is part of the human condition. The answer he will give will be seen on Calvary. The second part of the gospel reading contains the parable of the fig tree. The fig tree symbolizes the people and their lack of fruitfulness. The gardener ‘intercedes’ for the fig tree, recalling the role of Jesus in relation to sinners. The gardener makes his appeal, but we are not told the reply. We may presume that the fig tree was granted a reprieve, but for how many years?

What can barren fig trees tell us about the kingdom of God? Fig trees were a common and important source of food for the Jews. Bad figs or a decaying fig tree was linked with evil deeds and spiritual decay. The unfruitful fig tree symbolized the outcome of Israel's unresponsiveness to the Word of God. The prophets depicted the languishing fig tree as signifying the desolation and calam- ity of Israel due to her unfaithfulness to God (see Joel 1:7, 12; Habakkuk 3:17; and Jeremiah 8:13). Jeremiah said that evil people are like rotten figs (Jeremiah 24:2-8). This parable of Jesus depicts the patience of God, but it also contains a warning that we should not presume upon it. God gives us time to get right with him, but that time is now. We must not assume that there is no hur- ry. A sudden and unexpected death leaves one no time to prepare to settle one's accounts when he or she must stand before the Lord on the Day of Judgment. Jesus warns us that we must be ready at all times. Tolerating sinful habits and excusing unrepentant sin will result in bad fruit and eventual destruction. The Lord in his mercy gives us both grace and time to turn away from sin and from worldliness, but that time is right now. If we delay, even for a day, we may discover that grace has passed us by and our time is up.

It is not possible for the believers to receive God’s blessings and graces and remain without producing the fruits He desires. He can- not tolerate the procrastination, and the ‘spiritual barrenness’. Today’s parable of the barren fig tree can make us very uncomforta- ble. What is Jesus telling us? God expects something from you and me, so let us get busy doing it. God certainly desires that we bear fruit. The fruits God expects from us are repentance and the renewal of life which could be resulted in the virtues of love – compassion, mercy, forgiveness, selfless and humble service. Twelve promises for those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart. In the apparitions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Jesus gives these twelve promises for those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart: 1.I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life. 2.I will establish peace in their families. 3.I will console them in all their troubles. 4.They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death. 5.I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings. 6.Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy. 7.Tepid souls shall become fervent. 8.Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection. 9.I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored. 10.I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts. 11.Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced. 12.The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

"Look at this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men do not want to love Me in return. Through you My divine Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth."

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy ( Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX ) | June 23, 2013 PARISH CALENDAR IMPORTANT DATES & EVENTS TO REMEMBER

July - August Vacation Bible School July 31, August 1 &2 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 begins on June 16, Sunday Reg. Fee: $40/Child Admission from KG to children going to 6th grade next year

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy ( Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX ) | June 23, 2013 The WORD OF GOD of Peace and Comfort

Matthew 28:10

“Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.”” John 8:12 Matthew 28:20 “Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light "I am with you always, of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in until the end of the age.” darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 14:6 Ezekiel 36:26 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way and “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit the truth and the life. No one comes to I will put within you. I will remove the heart the Father except through me.” of stone from your flesh and give you a

heart of flesh.“ John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he Psalms 116:1-2

gave his only Son, so that everyone “I love the LORD, who listened to my voice

who believes in him might not per- in supplication, Who turned an ear to me on the day I called.” ish but might have eternal life.”

Psalms 103:1-3

John 6:35 “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; “Bless the LORD, my soul; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and all my being, bless his holy name! whoever believes in me will never thirst.” Bless the LORD, my soul; and do not forget all his gifts, 1John 4:15 Who pardons all your sins, “Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the and heals all your ills” Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. “

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy ( Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX ) | June 23, 2013 Saintly Wisdom Spiritual Reflection Feast of Sts Peter & Paul June 29, Saturday

Benedict XVI, Angelus, Solemnity of the Holy Apos- tles Peter and Paul, 29 June 2010

The Church of Rome is celebrating her holy roots. She is celebrating the "The life of a Christian is nothing but a Apostles Peter and Paul. Peter's profession of faith to Jesus: perpetual struggle against self; there is no flowering of the soul to the beauty of its "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Mt perfection except at the price of pain." 16:16) is not the product of reason but a revelation of the Fa- Saint Padre Pio ther to the humble fisherman of Galilee, as Jesus himself confirms, saying: "flesh and blood has not revealed this to you" (Mt 16:17). Simon Peter is so close to the Lord that “Until we have he himself becomes a rock of faith and love on which Jesus acquired genuine has built his Church and, as St John Chrysostom observes, prayer, we are like "he has made her stronger than heaven itself" (Hom. in Mat- people teaching thum 54, 2: PG 58, 535). Indeed the Lord concludes by say- children to begin ing: "whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in to walk.” heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be Saint John Climacus loosed in heaven" ( Mt 16:19). St Paul spread the Gospel with divine Grace, sowing among "The deeds you do pagan peoples the word of truth and salvation. Although the two Holy Patrons of Rome had received from God different will be the only ser- charisms and different missions to fulfil, both are pillars of mon some persons the Church, "permanently open to missionary and ecumeni- will hear today." cal endeavour, for she is sent to the world to announce and witness, to make present and spread the mystery of commun- Saint Francis of Assisi ion which is essential to her" (Congregation for the Doctrine

of the Faith, Communionis Notio).

FEAST DAYS SAINT OF THE WEEK : St. Joseph Cafasso June 23,Sun: St. Joseph Cafasso Feast Day: June 23 June 24,Mon: St. John the Baptist Patron of prison chaplains, captives, imprisoned June 25,Tue: St. William of Vercelli people and prisoners: 1811 - 1860 June 26,Wed: St. Anthelm Joseph Cafasso was born at Castelnuovo d'Asti in the June 27,Thu: St. Cyril of Alexandria Piedmont, Italy, of peasant parents. He studied at the June 28,Fri: St. Irenaeus seminary at Turin, and was ordained in 1833. He contin- June 29,Sat: St. Peter, First Pope & St. Paul ued his theological studies at the seminary and university at Turin and then at the Institute of St. Franics, and de- spite a deformed spine, became a brilliant lecturer in moral theology there. He was a popular teacher, actively opposed Jansenism, and fought state intrusion into Church affairs. He succeeded Luigi Guala as rector of the Institute in 1848 and made a deep impression on his young priest students with his holiness and insistence on discipline and high standards. He was a sought-after confessor and spiritual adviser, and ministered to prisoners, working to improve their terrible conditions. He met Don Bosco in 1827 and the two became close friends. It was through Joseph's encouragement that Bosco decided his voca- tion was working with boys. Joseph was his adviser, worked closely with him in his foundations, and convinced others to fund and found religious institutes and charitable organizations. Joseph died on June 23 at Turin and was canon- ized in 1947. His feast day is June 23rd.

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy ( Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX ) | June 23, 2013 Rexband is the first Catholic band from the Indian subcontinent to be invited to the performance in 2002 at Toronto. From then, they have been consistently invit- ed for the later World Youth days in 2005 at Cologne, in 2008 at 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!!

“Bless the LORD, all you his hosts,

his ministers who carry out his will.” Ps 103 : 21

Read this bulletin online: www.stjosephhouston.org | Published by: Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy ( Vicar, St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Missouri City, TX ) | June 23, 2013