ST. LAURENCE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD SUGAR LAND, TEXAS January 3, 2016

St. Laurence Catholic Church OUR MISSION PARISH OFFICE 3100 Sweetwater Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-980-9812 Pastor: Fr. Drew Wood We the people of Parochial Vicar: Fr. Jaison Thomas, MSFS [email protected] St. Laurence Catholic Church Parochial Vicar: Fr. Simon Kipiti [email protected] are centered in Deacon: Renato (Rey) Arellano [email protected] Deacon: Albert Bothe [email protected] the love of Christ Deacon: Don Burns [email protected] and live to glorify God Deacon: Charles Plant [email protected] in all we do.

Parish Administrator: Tony Oltremari [email protected] Liturgy: Theresa Rawls [email protected] Facilities: Deanna Ennis [email protected] FIRST FRIDAY MASS Social Concerns: Pennie DeGroot [email protected] February 5 – In the Chapel 7:00 pm - Rosary & Confessions Communications: Sharon Ehrenkranz [email protected] 7:30 pm - Mass

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICES 281-265-5774 FIRST SATURDAY MASS Director Religious Education: Laura Stephens [email protected] February 6 – In the Church Adult Faith Formation: Justin Frato [email protected] 7:45 am - Meditation & Rosary Children’s Faith Formation: Joan Hastreiter [email protected] 8:30 am - Mass Youth Ministry: Kris Frank [email protected] Sara Sahlezghi [email protected] MISA EN ESPAÑOL Eric Painter [email protected] Enero 9 - En la Capilla Segundo y cuarto sábado de cada mes a las ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 2630 Austin Pkwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-980-0500 7:00pm. Confesiones en Español antes de Principal: Debra Haney [email protected] la misa de 6:00 a 6:45 pm. Comunión a los enfermos, Irma Martinez Registrar: Marie Brown [email protected] Tel 281-313-2833 WEEKDAY CHILDREN’S PROGRAM 281-313-0329 Director: Becky Wilkinson [email protected] PARISH OFFICE & COURTYARD The parish office provides services including PARISH LEADERSHIP COUNCILS 281-980-9812 pastoral care, liturgical planning, business, Pastoral Council: Tom Ruck [email protected] communications, & administrative support, Finance Council: Bob Ladd [email protected] and social concerns & social justice support. Discipleship Council: Marc Sherman [email protected] The parish hall and meeting rooms are available through reservation by calling Lise at 281-980-9812. Office Hours: Monday- PARISH FINANCIAL INFORMATION Thursday 8:00am-9:00pm; Friday 8:00am- 6:00pm; and Saturday 8:30am-12:00noon.

WEEKLY OFFERTORY A Parish of Cheerful Givers RELIGIOUS EDUCATION December 20 Collection $ 68,869 The new Ave Maria Parish Life Center will We are grateful to you for so generously Registered Households 7,201 open for business on January 4, for all supporting your parish throughout the Religious Education classes, the Weekday Envelopes Used 804 year! Thank you for your support of the Children’s Program, meetings and ministry Loose Checks 200 capital campaign, DSF, and all parish drives activities. Until then, please go to the 2nd Collect: Social Concerns $ 7,925 to aid those in need. There’s still time to parish office during regular Monday-Friday office hours (see above) to register for donate to DSF! To give online, please visit www.archgh.org/dsf. For the 1,049 families religious education classes or meet with a AUTOMATED GIVING member of Staff. who have already responded with a gift, Monthly Offertory $ 170,660 please accept our sincere gratitude. As we PARISH SCHOOL & CHAPEL Participants 889 begin a new calendar year, please be sure St. Laurence Catholic School provides strong your records and accounts are complete academics in a Christian environment to DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND and up-to-date. Are you an online giver? 720 students enrolled in PreK4 through Please check your Faith Direct account Grade 8. Office Hours: Monday-Friday are 2015 Parish Goal $ 480,000 8:00am-4:00pm. regularly. If you’ve moved, please send Total Amount Paid $ 451,695 updates to Lise at [email protected]. Adjacent to the school is the Chapel of the Pledged to Date $ 463,048 Thank you and Happy New Year from Divine Mercy which offers Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Participants 1,056 your St. Laurence parish family! serves as the site for smaller liturgies.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK GOD MADE MAN SUNDAY, January 3 – Epiphany Our Sunday Visitor Newsweekly (www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly) (#1011 IN YOUR GATHER BOOK) First Reading IS 60:1-6 The solemnity of the Epiphany is a celebration of the epiphaneia — the revelation and Second Reading EPH 3:2-3A, 5-6 manifestation — of God become man. It is a celebration of the Incarnation; it is also a Gospel MT 2:1-12 recognition that Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God, is both the joyous center of history and the cause for division and discomfort. The prologue to John’s Gospel expresses Monday this in stark terms: “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. First Reading 1 JN 3:22–4:6 He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know Gospel MT 4:12-17, 23-25 him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him” (Jn 1:9-11). Tuesday First Reading 1 JN 4:7-10 The light, as St. John wrote, shines in the darkness. However, if we cannot see and Gospel MK 6:34-44 recognize the darkness — the sad and desperate state of a fallen humanity and a wounded creation — we will not see the light. The prophet Isaiah, in today’s first reading, Wednesday touches on this in his exhortation, “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, First Reading 1 JN 4:11-18 Gospel MK 6:45-52 the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” The city was in deep spiritual slumber, oblivious to both the darkness and light, existing in a sort of confusing mist: “See, darkness covers the Thursday earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples,” declared Isaiah, “but upon you the Lord shines, First Reading 1 JN 4:19–5:4 and over you appears his glory.” We might ask: Wouldn’t it be obvious to all if God’s light Gospel LK 4:14-22 was shining upon us? How could anyone miss such an event? Friday

First Reading 1 JN 5:5-13 The French poet Paul Claudel, in his Hymn for Epiphany, delved into the mystery of Gospel LK 5:12-16 spiritual sight and blindness. “But see!” he wrote, “the star has tarried, Mary holds God within her arms!… We have but to open our eyes and brush the mist away...” The Saturday mysterious magi saw the light in the darkness and sought it out. Pope Emeritus Benedict First Reading 1 JN 5:14-21 XVI, in Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, noted that the wise men from Persia Gospel JN 3:22-30 used their religious and philosophical wisdom “to set off in the right direction”; they are SUNDAY, January 10 - Baptism of the Lord open to the directives of God, even if it involves the difficulty of a long journey. First Reading IS 42:1-4, 6-7 Second Reading ACTS 10:34-38 Another poet, T. S. Eliot, in Journey of the Magi, considered how daunting it must have Gospel LK 3:15-16, 21-22 been for the magi, traveling in the cold night and wondering if it “was all folly.” The magi witnessed a birth, but “this Birth was/Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death.” PRAYING THE NEWS Returning home, the magi are “no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation/With an alien people clutching their gods.” This is surprisingly melancholy, but it reiterates the fact January 3, 2016 that the Incarnation is not a nice story or a curious tale, but the shattering entrance of the …magi from the east arrived in true light into a world of darkness. Jerusalem… Matthew 2:1

Who will stay in the darkness? Who will come into the light? Who will follow the star and Dear Lord, the daily news and events arrive at the house, see Mary and prostrate themselves in worship? Who will take the gift of our lives can make it hard to of life and toss it away with passionate frivolity? And who will take their life and lay it believe that you are near, or even before the newborn King? exist. But if we are faithful in seeking, we’ll find you. During this The words of Herod were filled with obvious deception and unintended irony: “Go and Jubilee Year of Mercy, may our search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may family homes, parish homes, and our go and do him homage.” The murderous king was right to command the wise men to universal church be welcoming places search for the Christ-child. He said the right things; he gave public lip service. But he for searchers. They may come with spoke from darkness and to darkness he returned. The magi, however, knelt within the questions, doubts, wounds or fears. light, and they would never be the same. Touched by the mystery, they were free of the Please let your mercy, through us, mist, journeying home in light. warmly embrace each and every one.

Jesus we trust in you. By Carl E. Olson, editor of Catholic World Report Amen. †

ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH EPIPHANY OF THE LORD SUGAR LAND, TEXAS January 3, 2016

Pray for the Sick PARISH CELEBRATIONS MASS INTENTIONS Please pray for these members of our January 2 – 10 parish family and all our loved ones Baptisms Andrew Kasemervisz, Annaliese Duong, listed in the Book of the Sick: Reyes Velazquez, Gavin Grisaffi, Harper Aquino, Saturday, Jan 2 Elia Acuna, Stephanie Alford, Sofia Soriano, Elliott Goodman 5:00 pm Law Enforcement Officers (I)

Weddings Louis Ambeaux, Zade Ambeaux, Sunday, Jan 3 Michelle Gaona & Michael Messina John Argue, Linda Babin, Deborah Beck, 7:30 am Veronica & Lawrence Revelt (D) Funerals Charles Beneke, Deacon Al Bothe, Bob Brenner, 9:00 am Tina Saenz (D) Kenny Huynh, family member of Jennifer Nguyen

Eduardo Caballero, Jun Castro, Joe Celestain, 11:00 am Elisa Garza (D) 12:45 pm Celina Espejo (D) Michelle Collins, John Deathe, Pray for Servicemen and Women 5:00 pm St. Laurence Parishioners Lupita de la Rosa, Ernest Dimaline, Julie Donati, CW2 Brett Aderhold, US Army, AV Spc David Ambrocik, US Army Monday, Jan 4 Terri Donovan, Joyce Dunham, Pvt Michael Baird, US Army Judith Dupre, Rene Elias, Agnes Fagnant, SA Matthew Baird, US Navy 7:30 am The Gorney Family (I) P.O. 5 Debra Barnette, US Navy 12:00 pm Joker Annoyo (I) Amelia Flores, Enrique Flores, Maggie Flores, LCpl Trevor Bello, USMC Maxima Flores, Sally Flowers, Robb Flynn, PFC John Blair, US Army Tuesday, Jan 5 Lupe Fraga, Alicia Garcia, Patricia Garmon, Maj. Michael Carroll, USMC 7:30 am William Jordon (D) Staff Sgt. Jason Chacon, USMC 12:00 pm Clifford Ricci (D) Delia Genova, Beth Gloff, Kathy Gonzalez, Lt Matthew Chesney, US Navy Jordan Hancock, Martha Harbin, Maj. Christopher Coffman, US Air Force Wednesday, Jan 6 Capt. Patrick Coffman, USMC Angelina Hernandez, Rita Hershman, 7:30 am Dorothy Macdonald (D) LTJG Colin Day, US Navy 6:30 pm Orlando Quirch (D) Mary Ann Hines, Joe Howlett, James Hrebenar, 1stLt Andrew DeSplinter, US Army Rosa Janik, Shanthy Jayaprakash, Paul Joseph, Sgt. Nicholas Dockum, US Army Thursday, Jan 7 Capt. Brandon Driscoll, USMC 7:30 am Robert A. Winzerling (D) Brian Judice, John Judice, Sylvia Kauffman, Maj. James Dunphy, USMC 12:00pm Andy Cables (I) Christine Kingerski, Michael Klotz, Cindy Kral, 2ndLt Michael Eberhardt, US Army Capt. Stacey Eberhardt, US Army Friday, Jan 8 Charles Kramer, Kelley Lamendola, Chris Larkins, Derek Farias, US Navy 8:15 am Rene Gonzalez (I) Lisa Lauve, Mary Lavine, Capt. Matthew Fenelon, USMC Pvt Jahneil Xavier George, US Army 12:00 pm Susan Pace (D) Jeff Leising, Beverly Marcellus, SSgt. Philip Graham, US Army Saturday, Jan 9 Carol McDonough, Lavonne McFarland, 1stLT Spencer Henry, US Army 8:30 am Simon McGlone (I) Elsa Mendiola, Marina Monroy, Jim Murray, Daniel Hines, US Navy SSG Matthew Hollobaugh, US Army Reserve 5:00 pm Peter Douglas Cantu (D) Patrick Navidad, Paul Vung Nguyen, 2LT Michelle Horstman, US Army Sunday, Jan 10 Fr. Roy Oggero, C.S.B., SPC Joshua Keenan, US Army Joseph Kingerski, US Navy 7:30 am Rosemarie Lancia (D) Sandra Ortiz, Meena Outlaw, Catalina Padora, EM4 James Locus, US Navy 9:00 am Liska & Socha Family (I) Sharon Pelton, Lily Belle Pyle, PFC Philip Loera, US Army 11:00 am Emelda Ugwumadu-Eze (I) Angela Rankin, Frank Reena, Frances Revelt, PFC John Lundgren, US Army 12:45 pm Ermentiana & Mario Forcade (D) PFC William Marcellus, USMC Melanie Robb, Rodolfo Rodriguez, Provi Sabido, 5:00 pm St. Laurence Parishioners SSgt. Aaron Marin, US Air Force Ed Sabrsula, Kathleen Schroeder, Jean Shapley, Cpl Kevin McGinnis, USMC Capt. Brendan McPartland, USMC Pray for Our Parishioners Joan Sherman, June Sherman, Sandra Smith, 1stLt Todd Miller, US Army William Smith, Steve Spaulding, Justin Stout, Capt. Alexander Morningstar, US Army in Religious Formation Cordell St. Cyr, Doris St. Cyr, Marianne Szalay, CB, Richard Pinard, US Navy LCpl Byron Ray Ramirez, USMC Marc Fryer, Br. Peter Francis (Brian Kelsch), Jackie Tanner, Brian Teykl, Todd Triggs, Sgt. Santiago Ramirez, US Army Chad Henry, Bryan Williams, JD Tyler, Anie Usore, Amy Visser, 2ndLt Taylor Rammrath, US Army Sgt. Barbara L. Rangel, USMC Sr. Philomena (Krystle Cagandahan), Doris Wagoner, Marie Walsh, Kylie Ward, SRA Jonathan Slusser, US Air Force Sr. Rachel (Gosda), Sr. Daniela (Megan Bennett) Loretta Wehmeier, Irene Wenglar, ENS Kevin Stransky, US Navy LCpl Daniel Thesing, USMC Margaret Uche, Dennis Henderson John White, Monica Williams Capt. Michael Thesing, USMC

PRAY FOR INTENTIONS OF THOSE IN PRISON KINGDOM CARE WEDDING PREPARATION Following are the prayer intentions of people Sunday Morning Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 Next class: JANUARY 11 visited by our Correctional Ministry. Please pray for… Childcare is provided through Kingdom Care, The standard preparation time for weddings is a loving, Christian, and safe environment for Joshua Lopez, Jojo Lopez, Tamera Mayo, 9-12 months in advance of the desired date. young children while their parents attend All engaged couples must attend an informa- Blackwell family, Hernandez family, Metcalf Mass and other parish programs. Register tion session, usually offered every other month. family, Mary Stockhousen, Audelia Palacio, in advance at the parish office with Christy Register with Theresa Rawls at 281-980-9812. Mario Salinas, Arnoldo Lucio, Maria Almaraz, Delamora, at 281-980-9812.

Jose Lopez, Lina Garza, Briggs family, Miko PASTORAL CARE TO SICK & HOMEBOUND BAPTISM PREPARATION Cerrone, Teresa Ruiz, Gonzalez family, Hardy If you or someone you know in our parish is Next class: JANUARY 9 family, Robert Lee Martinez, Debbie Green & homebound and would like to receive Holy The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the family, James Simpson, James Wehagen & Communion, please call the parish office at 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Sundays each month. To family, Deacon Al Bothe, the Society of St John 281-980-9812. To volunteer, call Ambrose schedule a baptism call Rose Davis at 281-980- 9812. The parent prep class is offered monthly. de Matha… and all the people of Jester 3. Graham at 713-865-3729.

FEB 6: Come to the Heart of Worship Register now for Heart of Worship 2016, held here on Saturday, February 6, from 11:30am-9:00pm. This year’s theme is Serve the Lord with Gladness and we are happy to NEWS welcome Brendan Cahill, Sr. Miriam Heidland and Ennie Hickman as guest speakers at the daylong event that includes great praise & worship music, dinner, Mass & Eucharistic Adoration. Get all the details and register online at www.stlaurence.org. Heart of Worship is open to everyone 6th grade and older and the cost to attend is just $15, if you register before January 15.

JAN 12: Discovering Christ Begins! Register for this outstanding series that focuses on essential questions like, ‘what is the meaning of life’ and ‘why does Jesus matter’. If you are searching for answers to these Come and See questions, look into Discovering Christ. Each session will start with a free meal, where you BEGINS TOMORROW can relax and get to know others, followed by music, a talk, and small group discussion. A Six Mondays one day retreat will also be part of the experience. Discovering Christ will meet at the new Ave Maria Center on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9:00pm, beginning January 12, through January 4 – February 8 March 1. Contact Justin Frato for more info at [email protected] and go to 7:15-9:00pm www.stlaurence.org/discoveringchrist before January 8 to register. St. Anne Room For Catholics who have been away and wish to renew their relationship with the Church. JAN 4: COR Adoration & Worship Night Come to the next COR Worship Night on Monday, January 4, Flowers for from 7:00-8:30pm, at the Ave Maria Center. COR is 90 Christmas minutes of pure praise, teaching & adoration, offered to Thank you for your people of all ages, free of charge. Danielle Noonan will lead donations for flowers the music and Matt Regitz, a popular Steubenville speaker to adorn our sanctuary this and Youth Minister on the staff of Prince of Peace parish in Christmas! To see the list of the North , will speak on the subject of freedom, names of your loved ones in whose honor inspired by Romans 8:15. No RSVP, no charge. Just come. and memory these donations were made, please visit www.stlaurence.org. Thank you!

JAN 9: KC Free Throw Competition Family Night at the Movies! Knights of Columbus Council 11343 will sponsor its annual Free Throw Competition on See “Yellow Day” Friday, January 8 Saturday, January 9, at 1:00pm in the St. Laurence School Gym. This competition is 7:15pm show at First Colony AMC open to all girls and boys, age 9-14. They will be divided into groups by age and gender. Purchase your tickets at Winners will participate in the District competition on January 17, and a Regional www.amctheatres.com/movies/yellow-day competition on February 13. Be there by 1:00pm to register and be sure to bring along and let Melissa know you’re coming at proof of age. For additional information, please contact Antony Willy at 832-270-6390 [email protected]. or [email protected]. Have fun and good luck!

JOY CLUB – Parish Group for Seniors Monday, JAN 4: Float into the New Year! NOW: Parish School hiring BASC staff Bring a brown bag lunch, St. Laurence Catholic School is now hiring Before and After School Community (BASC) we’ll provide the root Program Staff. We are looking for dependable, mature, and energetic college students beer floats and plan our (must be at least 18 years old) or adults who enjoy working with children. The position 2016 activities. Meet in includes supervising children, preparing snacks, and completing paper work as needed. AMC Marian Hall B from VIRTUS training is required. Hours are 6:30-7:45am and 2:00-6:30pm, Monday- Friday. 11am-1pm. For more Schedules will vary. Interested candidates for part-time job opportunities should send info, contact Anne resumes to Lindsey Vainstein at [email protected]. Higgins at 832-755-5597.

ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH EPIPHANY OF THE LORD SUGAR LAND, TEXAS January 3, 2016

LUNCH AND LEARN For Adults WEDNESDAYS (Jan 13-Mar 23) 12:00-2:00pm, St Francis Room Bring a lunch and join us for Symbolon II: Living the Faith: Sacraments and Moral Life. Cost is $15 for materials. Reservations by Jan 11. For more info, register and pay, go to stlaurence.org/lunchandlearn.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY MONDAYS PM (Jan 4-Jun 27) 7:30-9:00pm TUESDAYS AM (Jan 5-Jun 28) 6:30-7:30am Ave Maria Center, St Francis Room Join other men on Monday evenings in studying Daniel, Ignatius Catholic Study Bible and deepen your personal study of God’s Holy Word. The Tuesday bible study reflects on Sunday's Readings, introducing men to the Scripture passages used in the upcoming Coming up in Adult Faith Formation Sunday's Mass. Contact Steve Ewbank at [email protected]. www.stlaurence.org/aff Get updates at facebook.com/groups/stlaurenceadultfaith MOMS GIFT GROUP

WEDNESDAYS (Jan 20-Apr 6) 9:30-11:30am Marian Hall B Growing In Faith Together is a small group book study for moms. Make a RESOLUTION Join us to read, Holy Mom, Holy Family by Rachelle Dooley. to join one of these great studies Babysitting provided by Kingdom Care. Contact Christy De La Mora at 281-980-9812 to register your child. For more info, contact Rachelle Dooley at [email protected]. COME AND SEE…Welcomes you MONDAYS (Jan 4-Feb 8) 7:15-9:00pm St Anne Room SPANISH BIBLE STUDY We’re family. We’ve missed you. Welcome home, inactive Catholics. THURSDAYS (Jan 7-May 26) 9:30am-12:00pm Marian Hall B Contact Art & Marilyn Ramponi for more info, 832-945-2110 and El Evangelio de San Marcos, Little Rock Estudio. Para más información [email protected]. contactar Verónica Reinoso al [email protected].

DISCOVERING CHRIST SPANISH DIVINE WILL FORMATION TUESDAYS (Jan 12-Mar 1) 6:30-9:00pm Marian Hall B TUESDAYS (Jan 5-May 24) OR FRIDAYS (Jan 8-May 27) You are invited to participate in Discovering Christ in a large group St Joseph Room setting. Each session will include a meal, music, talk and small Este grupo tiene como plan de estudio el conocimiento de Dios y de group discussion. Deadline to register is Jan 8. For info, go to su Divina Voluntad, con la finalidad de aprender a amar y vivir en la stlaurence.org/discoveringchrist. Voluntad de Dios. Para mayor información contactar a: Patricia Marulanda Bonilla, [email protected]. EUCHARISTIC APOSTLES OF DIVINE MERCY THURSDAYS (Jan 14-Jun 2) 10:00-11:30am St Clare Room TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Join us in our ongoing morning study of the Diary of St. Maria TUESDAYS (Jan 12-Apr 12) 9:15-11:45am Marian Hall A & B Faustina. On Apr 14-Jun 2, we will start a study of Fr. Michael Join St. Laurence TMBS to study Revelation: the Kingdom Yet to Gaitley’s Consoling the Heart of Jesus. For more info, contact Sally Come by Jeff Cavins. Study sets available at Mary Regina. Flowers at [email protected]. Registration will take place at the first class. Find more info at www.stlaurence.org/aff. EVENING OF CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER THURSDAY, January 7, 7:00-9:00pm, St Francis Room THURSDAY SCRIPTURE STUDY All are welcome to join the World Community for Christian THURSDAYS (Jan 14-May 26) 1:00-2:00pm St Anne Room OR Meditation and St Laurence Contemplative prayer group for an 7:15-8:15pm Ave Maria Center Room 205 introduction to contemplative prayer. For more info, contact Join our group to read & discuss On the Care for Our Common Home, Elaine Smith at 281-499-6660. Group Reading Guide to Laudato Si by Bill Huebsch. For more information, contact Julie Evett at [email protected]. LAY APOSTLE PRAYER GROUP FIRST MONDAYS (Jan 4, Feb 1, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, Jun 6) WESTERN DATE NIGHT RETURNS 10:30am-12:00noon OR 7:00-8:30pm SATURDAY, January 16, 7:00-11:00pm, The Swinging Door Ave Maria Center - Room 205 A night of fun and fellowship for all couples with BBQ, dancing Join us for the Lay Apostolate of Jesus Christ the Returning King lessons and cash bar. $55 per couple. No walkins! Register and pay prayer group. For more info contact Kay Quenan at online at stlaurence.org/datenight. [email protected].

Children’s Faith Formation

NO PRESCHOOL CCE due to Christmas Break Preschool CCE classes will resume next Sunday, January 10, For Children in the Ave Maria Center, for all registered children.

NO ELEMENTARY CCE THIS WEEK Children’s Liturgy of the Word CCE will resume on January 12-13, with a Student and Parent JAN 24 – 9:00am and 11:00am Masses Night in the new Ave Maria Center during regular CCE session Children (grade K-4) are invited to leave their parents during times (Tues @ 6:15pm and Weds @ 5:15 pm). Mass to learn the Sunday’s Scripture readings in a way they can Attention all Catechists! Please note that there is a mandatory understand. For info, contact Susan Choate (281-682-3389) in-service meeting THIS Wednesday, January 6, from 6:00-7:30pm or Claire Gregory (281-208-2715). in the Ave Maria Center. Be sure to attend this important training as we gear up to resume all CCE classes in the AMC next week!

FIRST SACRAMENT PREPARATION St. Laurence First Reconciliation Group Celebration Several priests will offer individual Reconciliation for those children who have completed their preparation for the Sacrament. Catholic School www.stlaurence.org/school Monday, January 11, 7:00-8:30pm, in the Church Individual option is available during regularly scheduled times STUDENTS RETURN TO SCHOOL JANUARY 5, 2016 after completion of assessment interview. HAPPY NEW YEAR! First Eucharist Parent Meetings (select one) God, thank You for a new year. WED, Jan 20: 1:00-2:00pm in Marian Hall B Remind us of our truest values and our deepest desires. Help us to THU, Jan 21: 6:00-7:00pm in Guardian Angels Hall live in the goodness that comes from doing what You want us to do. MON, Jan 25: 7:00-8:00pm in Guardian Angels Hall Help us to put aside anxiety about the future and the past, so that we Contact Melissa Calcote at [email protected] or Molly might live in peace with you now, one day at a time. Amen. Zimmer at [email protected] with questions.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! Interested in having your child attend St. Laurence Catholic School? We will host an Open House for Prospective Parents on Thursday, February 4, from 6:00-8:00pm.

The St. Laurence Weekday Children’s Program Staff wishes you a Joyous Christmas Season! We have moved into the classrooms in the Ave Maria Center and have gotten everything ready for the new semester!

Jan 4 Meet the Teacher (9am-noon) Jan 4-8 Book Fair Jan 5 Classes Resume Jan 18 MLK Holiday

Jan 22 Parent Mixer ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT Jan 28/29 Prayer Celebration (1:00pm) As a pastoral instrument of the Church, St. Laurence Catholic School educates and develops the whole Christian person in body, mind, Jan 29 SLCS New Parent Information Coffee and spirit through the trinity of parent, child, and educator.

ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH EPIPHANY OF THE LORD SUGAR LAND, TEXAS January 3, 2016

Live to Glorify God! Meditation for the Epiphany of the Lord www.catholicstewardship.org

Today we hear Saint Paul proclaim that he exercises stewardship of “God’s grace” for the

benefit of the Christian community. Earlier in this letter to the Ephesians, he prayed they Once we come to realize how would come to realize the actual value of much God has given us, a life “these riches” of God’s grace they inherited. of self-sacrifice, of working This letter was written to remind, encourage, and spiritually motivate this Eucharistic for him and for others, community to appreciate just how becomes a privileged way of immeasurably wealthy they had become to responding to his great love. inherit a life in Christ. What value do we place on our life in Christ? If someone asked us to Pope Francis, September 2015 put a price on this life in today’s currency, how would we respond? $100 million? $100 billion? Priceless? Do we live as though our life in Christ is priceless?

STEWARDS AMONG US Catechism Corner ASK PAULA Maria Dunning The oldest of 8 Answers to your questions from the Dunning kids, Catechism of the Catholic Church. Q. Maria has spent What is the Does freedom mean being her entire 18 Q. process to weed years of life here able to choose evil? at St Laurence out “registered (and we really A. Evil is only apparently worth striving families” that no mean AT St. for. And deciding in favor of evil only longer call St. Laurence)! Her apparently makes us free. Evil does not Laurence their parents, David make us happy but rather deprives us of home parish? and Renee, have what is truly good; it chains us to always been involved in parish life and something futile and in the end destroys A. Maria has followed their lead and set an our freedom entirely. We see this in example for her younger siblings and addiction: Here a person sells his freedom I believe the person who sent this in is other young people in our parish family. to something that appears good to him. In concerned that we’re carrying households She says, “The Church makes it easy to reality he becomes a slave. Man is freest (dead weight) on our roster who are no make a difference. It doesn’t take dollars when he is always able to say Yes to the longer here, which makes it look like our to touch someone’s life. You can make a good; when no addiction, no compulsion, percentage of givers is smaller than it big difference with your time… and JUST no habit prevents him from choosing and actually is. Well to be honest, we do have YOU!” Early on, she started by helping at doing what is right and good. A decision in to rely on families to notify us. Sometimes the KC fish frys, singing in the Children’s favor of the good is always a decision when parishioners move, we learn by Choir and assisting at Mass as an altar leading toward God. Man is responsible returned mail and make the change, but it server. Today, even as a busy Clements for everything he does consciously and would be great if people would remember High School senior, Maria is the President voluntarily, but no one can be held (fully) to call the office to let us know. If there of the Junior Catholic Daughters and sings responsible for something he did under has been a change in a telephone number, coercion, out of fear, ignorance, under the in two choirs – the 11am and Life Teen. your marital status, or if for some strange “Singing in the choir has improved my influence of drugs or the power of bad reason you join another parish – please confidence and helped me realize that habits. The more a person knows about call the office and tell us. We won’t hold it everything we do is for God.” And she the good and practices the good, the more against you, promise! encourages other teens to get involved in he moves away from the slavery of sin ministry: “The ministry leaders are not as (Rom 6:17; 1 Cor 7:22). Paula Savo has been our Parish Receptionist for over 19 years and knows the practical scary as you think. They are so nice and Dig Deeper: Read CCC sections 1730-1737 supportive and they want you to be a part answers to (practically) everything. Call or for more on this subject. This answer is email her at [email protected]. of their ministries.” reprinted from YOUCAT questions 287-288.

Faith Bingo

Got Faith? This game of Faith Bingo will test your knowledge! Join us in the Ave Maria Parish Life Center for some great family fun, food and Faith!

Friday, January 15, 2016

6:30 BBQ Dinner 7:00 Faith Bingo 8:00 Closing Prayer

Please RSVP by Wednesday, January 13 at www.stlaurence.org/family-nights

BBQ meat & drinks will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.

St Laurence Family Night For more information, please contact Laura Stephens at [email protected]. ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH EPIPHANY OF THE LORD SUGAR LAND, TEXAS January 3, 2016

What is EDGE? It's way more than effective catechesis. It's Catholic Middle School Youth Ministry that helps young people with life's most challenging years. Edge Nights take place Wednesday evenings from September-April in the school gym. All 6th-8th graders are invited and encouraged to attend. Questions? Interested in helping out? Contact Eric Painter at [email protected].

Public Announcement – Rite of Candidacy for Thomas Ruck Life Teen is for any teen currently in high school. This ministry is St. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston formally announces that Laurence's main outreach to 9th - 12th graders. Through teaching Thomas Ruck will be admitted to candidacy for the permanent and social events we hope to build up the kingdom of God one teen diaconate on February 20, 2016, at a Mass to be celebrated by at a time. For info, contact Kris Frank at [email protected]. Bishop George Sheltz. If any person knows of a serious reason why this Aspirant should not be admitted to Candidacy or continue to ordination to the permanent diaconate, please notify CONFIRMATION Deacon Rob Ward, Director of Formation, Archdiocese of Confirmation at St. Laurence is part of Youth Ministry and Religious Galveston-Houston at 281-723-1910 or via email at Education. We bring teens closer to Christ through this Sacrament of [email protected]. Please keep Thomas in your prayers the Church. Contact Sara Sahlezghi at [email protected]. as he is called to the Rite of Candidacy. May he always remain Confirmation is open to sophomores and juniors in high school. faithful to the vocation to which he is called. This announcement is in compliance with Canon 1051:2 of the Code of Canon Law. Teens who do not attend Catholic School should attend Life Nights (HS religious education) for at least a year prior to beginning preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, to ensure they have been catechized and are prepared for the journey to Confirmation. JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY December 8, 2015 – November 20, 2016

In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, passing through a Holy Door is part of the pilgrimage that all Catholics are encouraged to make, whether during a trip to Rome or a trip to the cathedrals or specially designated churches in their own dioceses. These pilgrimages come with special graces, and they allow each of us to share in the many blessings of the Holy Year.

Eight Catholic churches in the Archdiocese will serve as pilgrimage sites during the Holy Year of Mercy:

The WKND Retreat is an annual Life Teen getaway, a ST. MARY CATHEDRAL BASILICA 2011 Church St., Galveston, 77550 4-day weekend of fun, rest, community and prayer. Find more info on the parish website and RSVP! ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH 5100 Dabney St., Houston, 77026 When: Jan 15-18, 2016 Where: Huntsville, TX CO-CATHEDRAL OF THE SACRED HEART 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston, 77002 Cost: $175 ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH 15500 El Camino Real, Houston, 77062

Mark your calendars ST. THERESA CATHOLIC CHURCH - SUGAR LAND Life Teen kicks off the next semester 705 St. Theresa Blvd., Sugar Land, 77498

Sunday, January 10th with special guest: OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH Josh Blakesley Band! 2405 Navigation Blvd., Houston 77003

OUR LADY OF LAVANG CATHOLIC CHURCH Lead Teens Closer to Christ 12320 Old Foltin Rd., Houston, 77086

Be a part of something big. Be a part of the team that helps ST. IGNATIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH disciple and lead middle school and high school youth 7810 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, 77379

closer to Christ. Learn more about serving on Core! For visiting information, please contact these parishes directly. Contact Eric, Kris or Sara at 281-265-5774.

ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH EPIPHANY OF THE LORD SUGAR LAND, TEXAS January 3, 2016

Serve Others

WEEKLY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

MONDAYS: Our Daily Bread 9:30am, SCM Workroom

WEDNESDAYS: Coupons for a Cause 1:00pm, SCM Workroom

OTHER GREAT SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Bingo Call weekend Bingo games for nursing home residents at GIRL SCOUTS GOING FOR THE BRONZE Sugar Land Health Care Center A special thank you to Girl Scout Troop 19252 who are on their Birthday Celebrations Organize bi-monthly birthday/holiday way to earning their Bronze Award! The girls spread Christmas celebrations at Sugar Land Health Care Center cheer by collecting PJ’s, slippers and sports balls for the teens at Park’s Youth Ranch. They also brightened the day for the seniors Caring Creations Meets first 3 Fridays each month to create crafts to donate to Mamie George & other Fort Bend agencies at the Mamie George Community Center by collecting much needed art supplies for their art program. Great job, girls! Child Advocates Snack Bags Monthly assembly of 100+ snack bags for children JANUARY IS POVERTY AWARENESS MONTH Fresh Food Delivery Twice a month, purchase and deliver fresh Every January, Catholic Charities puts a focus on poverty by food St. John Fisher food pantry hosting a Poverty Summit at The University of St. Thomas. This year, the summit is on Thursday, January 28. All are welcome. Learn English Ministry Teach English to non-English-speaking Please register at www.catholiccharities.org/povertysummit. adults; no teaching or foreign language experience necessary Poverty Summit Schedule Lunches of Love Decorate lunch bags; over 1,000 brown bag 7:30 Mass (Campus Mass, Chapel of St. Basil) meals provided each week to children in Richmond-Rosenberg 8:00 Registration (light breakfast) Village Program Matches parish families with families that 8:30 Welcome – Dr. Robert Ivany struggle each month to make ends meet 9:00 Keynote Presentation – Dr. Shane Lopez, Ph. D

10:00 Break For more info about these and other great ways to 10:15 Breakout sessions serve others, go to www.stlaurence.org/social-concerns 11:15 Break 11:30 Lunch – Panel discussion 1:00 Action sessions 3:00 Closing comments You can help our many ministries in a variety of ways, Contact Pennie DeGroot at 281-980-9812 to join others from St. but the simplest is through Laurence. For more info, please contact Matthew Johns at 713- donations! Easier yet, you may 874-6659 or [email protected]. have many of these items at home. Items may be dropped off at the parish office or in the Habitat for Humanity Ministry SCM Donation bin in the church. We still need to raise $25,000 for our Spring Build!  NEW! men's clothing for residents of ROSARY HOUSE, a Thank you to everyone who has halfway house for ex-prisoners: new underwear and gently contributed thus far! We are getting used and new long & short sleeve shirts, pants, socks, shoes closer to our goal but are still $25,000 and jackets. There are 18 to 20 residents at the home. short of our sponsorship need in order  baby wipes, mini-toothpastes, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, to build our 11th home this coming mini Gold Bond foot powder for the MILITARY & HOMELESS Spring in Richmond. The family for

 new white crew socks, new white t-shirts (size large), pop-top which we hope to provide a safe, tuna/meat, individual peanut butters, granola bars for the decent home has two young children HOMELESS and is living in a very undesirable and unsafe small apartment. You may drop your donation off at the Parish Office or in the collection  birthday party gifts of new/unused toys, $10-$20 gift cards (fast food, Wal-Mart, Target) Birthday in a Bag Ministry, new basket. Please make your check payable to St. Laurence with or very gently used small children’s books, and small fleece “Habitat For Humanity” in the memo line. The need is very real and blankets (Nighttime Cuddle Kits) for CHILDREN IN SHELTERS together our parish family has been an important sustaining sponsor of the Habitat for Humanity mission. God bless you and  Sunday Coupon inserts for COUPONS FOR A CAUSE program; please keep our ministry in your prayers! drop off in parish office or the Hospitality Desk in the church

SUPPORT SOCIAL CONCERNS WITH AMAZON SMILE When you shop at Around the Archdiocese AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to St. Laurence Social Concerns. GUADALUPE EXHIBIT AT HMNS Bookmark the link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/76-0157777 and La Virgin De Guadalupe: Empress of the support us every time you shop! Thanks for your help. Americas, an exhibit devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe, opened at the Houston Museum of Natural Science on Dec 11, and Respect Life Ministry News will run through Sept 5, 2016. This 8,000 square foot exhibit includes many pieces Brochure of the Month – Love, Sex and Sterilization coming from the Basilica De Guadalupe in Caring for young children can be exhausting, and many couples are Mexico City. Look for information at the tempted to say “Enough – no more.” But decisions made during a Hospitality Desk; the flyer doubles as a difficult time are not always the best decisions. Our capacity to coupon which reduces your $35 admission conceive is a participation in the creative work of God himself. price to $20. For more information, please visit www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629. Married couples are called to be open to life, and to maintain the unity of the love-making and life-giving aspects of sex. Contraception or sterilization means that we are no longer giving FEB 4: CATHOLIC CHARITIES FUNDRAISER ourselves totally to our spouse – we hold back our fertility. True Reserve the evening of Thursday, February 4, 2016, for “Mission of married love is total, faithful – and fruitful. That doesn’t mean Love,” an event honoring our own Fr. Drew Wood, at the Marriott everyone must have 6 or 10 kids – natural family planning can be Sugar Land. This fundraiser benefits Catholic Charities in Fort Bend used to limit ourselves to the number of children we feel God is County (Mamie George Community Center). For more information calling us to have. NFP can be difficult to practice, but it also tends to strengthen marriages – divorces among NFP couples are about tickets and sponsorships, please contact Debbie Godfrey at extremely rare. If God calls us to marriage and children, he will give [email protected] or 281-202-6220. us the grace we need to fulfill His plans for us. JAN 17: “FAUSTINA” DRAMA AT SACRED HEART PLAN NOW! Carpool for Texas Rally for Life in Austin on Saturday, January 23. Be energized and encouraged by gathering with pro-life Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy, the moving, live production people and hearing state leaders speak! directed by Leonardo Defilippis of Saint Luke Productions, will be presented at Sacred Heart Church in Richmond on Sunday, January 17 at 7:00pm. Experience firsthand the message of St. CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS? Faustina whose personal encounters with Jesus have inspired a On the 2nd and 4th Thursday of worldwide devotion to Christ’s Divine Mercy. The program runs each month at 7:00pm in the Social 90 minutes, and is suitable for ages 13 and up. Admission is a Concerns Workroom, the National free-will offering. For additional information, contact Betty Holub Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at 281-342-8371 or visit www.sacredheartrichmond.com. Watch Support Group offers the opportunity to gain support and learn of the trailer & learn more at www.DivineMercyDrama.com. resources that are available to help our loved ones and ourselves. The NAMI Spanish Support Group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each FEB 27: ARCHDIOCESAN YOUNG ADULT DAY month in the Social Concerns workroom. A Chinese Support Group Attention Young Adults! Come and join hundreds of young adults is also available. There are no charges for the services. Contact Ken ages 18-35 years old celebrate the Jubilee of Mercy at the or Pat Sumner at 281-265-1554 or [email protected] for info. Archdiocesan Young Adult Day. “The Door of Mercy: Blessed be the Merciful” on Saturday, February 27, from 8:30am-5:30pm at St. Learn English Ministry: Volunteer Teachers Needed Pius X High School, in Houston. Come for workshops, fun, music, Find out how rewarding it is to teach English prayer & Mass celebrated by Bishop Sheltz. Be inspired by to immigrants from all over the world. We international, national and local speakers who are living the works need volunteer teachers to teach adults to of mercy. Presented in English and Spanish. Early Bird registration improve their English, thereby helping them is $25 (by Jan 31) or $35 after that date. Register at to get better jobs, parent their English- www.archgh.org/yacm or call 713-741-8778 for more information. speaking children and become US citizens, to name just a few benefits. No experience is needed; we will train you MAR 31: BISHOP RIZZOTTO GOLF CLASSIC and provide teaching materials. Please contact Wendy Moore at The 13th Annual Bishop Rizzotto Golf Classic will kick off with a [email protected]. shotgun start at 12:30pm on Thursday, March 31, at the Wildcat Golf Club, on Almeda Road, Houston. The Golf Classic is St. Dominic INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? Village’s largest fundraiser with a direct impact on the lives of the residents. This year has significant meaning, as it marks the 60th NEED SERVICE HOURS? anniversary ordination date for Bishop Rizzotto. For info, contact Visit the Social Concerns page on the parish website: Kimberly Elliott at 713-741-8722, www.stdominicvillage.org. www.stlaurence.org/volunteer-service-opportunities ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH EPIPHANY OF THE LORD SUGAR LAND, TEXAS January 3, 2016

Find more information about all our parish groups SOCIAL CONCERNS & SOCIAL JUSTICE and ministries at www.stlaurence.org. Bridges to Life Dana Cutbirth 281-343-1417 Correctional Ministry Dcn. Al Bothe 713-582-3870 Dcn. Charles Plant 281-300-3059 SACRAMENT PREPARATION Funeral Receptions Sue Kulha 281-265-8332 Baptism Rose Davis 281-980-9812 Habitat for Humanity Steve Pondell 281-253-7088 Confirmation (Teens) Sara Sahlezghi 281-265-5774 Learn English Ministry Wendy Moore 713-208-5169 Confirmation (Adults) Mary Visser 281-265-5774 Learn Spanish Ministry Adriana Gutierrez 713-269-2851 First Holy Communion Melissa Calcote 281-265-5774 Meals That Heal MaryAnne Talab 281-438-2381 First Reconciliation Melissa Calcote 281-265-5774 Medical Missionaries Cordell St. Cyr 832-449-3759 Marriage Preparation Theresa Rawls 281-980-9812 Ministry of St. Joseph Tim Beverick 281-265-1533 Marriage Sponsor Couples Sharon & John Harry 281-980-8090 Respect Life Marie McCoy 281-265-7749 Senior Rides & More Annette Bisanz 281-980-1449 FAITH FORMATION & EDUCATION Social Concerns Pennie DeGroot 281-980-9812 A.C.T.S. Retreat Dcn. Don Burns 281-734-8715 Society St. John DeMatha Deacon Al Bothe 713-582-3870 Adult Faith Formation Justin Frato 281-265-5774 Edge (Middle School) Eric Painter 281-265-5774 MINISTRIES OF PASTORAL SUPPORT Elementary CCE Joan Hastreiter 281-265-5774 Annulments Anne Marie Daniel 281-265-5774 Family Faith Joan Hastreiter 281-265-5774 Bereavement Ministries: Life Teen (High School) Kris Frank 281-265-5774 Grief Support Group Sandy Barber 281-633-9090 Natural Family Planning Jacob/Jillian Counts 281-300-3704 Grieving Families Agnes Fernandes 281-933-3721 Parish School (SLCS) Debra Haney 281-980-0500 H.O.P.E. Annette Bisanz 281-980-1449 Parish School Board Michael Hurtado 281-635-0926 Cancer Support Angela Rankin 832-945-2245 Parish School PTO Kristin Holy 281-491-8236 Caregivers Support Group Lori Knowles 281-261-5738 Susan Crockett 713-857-5504 Lorrie Kehoe 281-980-2431 RCIA Justin Frato 281-265-5774 DivorceCare Janie Picou 832-860-3398 Vacation Bible School Monica Doucet 281-265-5774 NAMI Pat Sumner 281-265-1554 Vocations Committee 281-980-9812 Pastoral Care for Sick Ambrose Graham 713-865-3729 Weekday Children’s Program Becky Wilkinson 281-313-0329 Spiritual Direction Anne Marie Daniel 281-265-5774

PRAYER GROUPS & SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES EVANGELIZATION, STEWARDSHIP & LEADERSHIP Cath Men Called to Be Saints Jim Kij 281-253-4800 Come & See Art & Marilyn Ramponi 832-945-2110 Challenge Club for Girls Monica Hager 281-240-7672 Discipleship Council Marc Sherman 713-962-0617 Contemplative Prayer Elaine Smith 281-499-6660 Evangelization Committee Marie McCoy 281-265-7749 Divine Mercy (AM) Sally Flowers 281-265-8360 Finance Council Bob Ladd 281-980-3246 Divine Mercy (PM) Patti Kallemeyn 281-438-0696 Financial Peace University Jason Davalos 832-876-9824 Hearts of Jesus & Mary Margie Calo 281-980-4711 Pastoral Council Tom Ruck 713-855-2399 Lay Apostle Prayer Kay Quenan 281-265-3238 Welcome Ministry Eva Fernandez 832-633-5640 Legion of Mary Carmelita Kussad 713-922-2446 Men’s Bible Studies Steve Ewbank 281-980-5575 COMMUNITY & PARISH LIFE St. Anthony of Padua Joseph Ellankil 832-282-3032 African Catholic Community Esther Iredia 832-661-2945 Sunny Tom 832-620-7417 Bazaar Tom Barry 281-545-4112 Small Christian Comm Genoveva Duque 281-980-1014 Les Fuchs 832-360-3104 Tuesday AM Bible Study Regina Johnson 281-403-1792 Boy Scout Troop 828 Craig Popp 281-731-6140 Cub Scout Pack 1828 Danny Kliebert 225-614-3148 LITURGICAL MINISTRIES Catholic Daughters Pam White 281-265-3070 Adoration Janice Swoboda 281-980-8481 Council of Catholic Women Mary Ann Brenner 713-306-6410 Altar Linen Care Rose Davis 281-980-9812 Family Ministry Melissa Calcote 281-265-5774 Altar Servers Joy Smith 281-265-0839 Filipino Community Margie Calo 281-980-4711 Art & Environment Michele Holbrooke 281-265-8425 Hispanic Ministry Francisco Rojas 281-690-3374 Catherine Short 713-628-3949 Knights of Columbus Gary Arrington 713-882-9567 Children’s Liturgy Susan Choate 281-682-3389 Ladies Guild Joan O’Daniel 281-788-5430 of the Word Claire Gregory 281-208-2715 Moms & Tots Chrissy Campbell 310-926-7085 Extraordinary Ministers Tom Ruck 713-855-2399 St. Laurence Singles Kathy Gawlik 281-980-2677 Liturgical Ministers Theresa Rawls 281-980-9812 Seniors (JOY Club) Pennie DeGroot 281-980-9812 Mass Hospitality Hal Mechler 281-543-9876 Vietnamese Group Amy Le 281-330-0565 Music Ministry Mary Thompson 281-980-9812 Women of the Cloth Margie Koenig 281-313-3625 Kevin Klotz 281-980-9812 Young Adult Group Steve Washer 585-410-4467

Adoration in the Chapel We at St. Laurence pray that all may know the true presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and be graced with the holy Ministry News desire to spend time with our God in adoration. Please prayerfully consider the hours listed that we are in need of committed adorers and subs. Call Janice Swoboda at 281-980- The ME25 Parish Survey results are in! 8481 or 832-816-4660. Visit www.stlaurence.org/get-engaged to see the full report

Due to the Christmas holidays, there is no scheduled adoration of “Aside from family members, the Blessed Sacrament from 2 pm Friday, Dec 18, until 8 am I have a best friend in my parish.” Tuesday, Jan 5. This question on the ME25 is about relationships, and really is ADORERS STILL NEEDED FOR THESE HOURS: asking this: if you need something in your life, someone to help you Sunday 12pm-1pm and Friday 6pm-7pm or to celebrate with you or just to talk to, is there a person like that in our parish? If not, maybe it is time to become better acquainted with other parishioners, through a small faith community, or a parish ministry. Call the parish office for ideas!

HELP IN OUR NEW PARISH LIBRARY This January, the new Parish Library, relocated to the Ave Maria Cancer Support Group The Cancer Support Group will host its annual New Center, will be bigger, fresher, and better than ever! There are big Year celebration at a member’s home on Thursday, plans in place to offer story times for children, book clubs for adults January 7, at 11:00am. All are welcome! Plan to and teens, movie/book discussion groups and many other future join us, whether you are a longtime member or activities! We also welcome your ideas, so please let us know what someone interested in learning more about our you have in mind. We want this new library to become an important group. The cost to attend this special get- element of parish life at St. Laurence. We can use some help now, together is $8. For more information and on weekdays between 9am and 1pm, to organize the collection and directions to the location, please contact Angela Rankin at 832-945- prepare the library for its official opening. Even if you can only help 2245 or [email protected]. for a day, it will benefit the library. Or donations of high quality children's picture books, particularly with a religious theme or DivorceCare: New Session begins January 6 centered on moral virtue, as well as donations of good Catholic or If you have been suffering from the effects of divorce or Christian fiction. Please contact Parish Library Coordinator Susan separation, seek support in the new year. Come receive help in Mulé at 281-265-5774 or [email protected]. rebuilding your life, focused on God's love for you. DivorceCare meets on Wednesday evenings, 7:00-9:00pm, in the St. Francis JAN 4: Consecration to Jesus thru Mary Room at the new Ave Maria Center! For more info, please contact Janie at 832-860-3398 or [email protected]. Six Popes have testified to the great power of Marian Consecration as the best way to enter into the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We have found Bible Women COME ALIVE! this devotion so powerful that we repeat it yearly; it proves to be an WEDNESDAYS 1:00-2:30PM (Feb 17, 24; March 2, 9, 23) unending fountain of graces! Based on “33 Days to Morning Glory” by Join us for a Lenten study of the women of Fr. Michael Gaitley, the course consists of six weeks of video/group the Bible, presented by Laura Laine and discussion sessions. Choose from either AM or PM classes (10:00- Diana Herring, Spiritual Directors. Through 11:30AM on Mondays or 7:00-8:30PM on Wednesdays). Over 157 Bible stories, step into the shoes of a few parishioners have already been blessed by this book study! Please extraordinary women as they wrestled contact Paul Cranley to register at 979-236-5906. with their joys, sorrows, doubts, fears and complex human emotions, just as we do today. We will meet in the St. Clare Room NEW Parent Ministry Forming! of the new Ave Maria Center. For more PACT: Parenting Adolescents w/Catholicism Together info and to register, please contact Diana at 713 562 0280 or [email protected]. Could you use some more support raising your teen? How about an opportunity to connect with other Catholic parents of middle, high school and college age children? Join us as we find peace in our Calling Moms with Tots! parenting mission. Open to all interested, especially grandparents, Are you a mom who is home with your young child(ren), ages infant guardians, single parents and step parents. PACT will begin on to pre-K, on Monday mornings? Please join the Moms & Tots Wednesday, January 20, from 7:15-8:30PM in Guardian Angel Hall in ministry for our weekly Play & Pray Group! We plan a variety of the new Ave Maria Center. We will meet the first and third activities for our children as we support and encourage you in your Wednesdays through April 20 (except Mar 16 during spring break). vocation as a mother. Please contact Chrissy Campbell for more Spread the word and invite others to join you! For more info, please information at [email protected] or 310-926-7085. contact Steve Brown at [email protected].

ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH EPIPHANY OF THE LORD SUGAR LAND, TEXAS January 3, 2016

Pope Francis’ Prayer for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy

Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief.

Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God!”

You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God.

Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind.

We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

Amen.