ST. CATHOLIC COMMUNITY A Parish of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Weekend Masses

Saturday 5 pm Vigil Mass

(Recorded & shown on Maximilian Kolbe Church YouTube channel)

Sunday 8 am 10 am 12 Noon

Daily Mass

Monday – Saturday 8:30 am

Confessions

Saturdays: 3 pm – 4:30 pm

or by appointment.

13th Sunday In Ordinary Time June 27, 2021

Parish Office Hours Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm 10135 West Road Houston, TX 77064 Parish Office: 281-955-7324 Fax: 281-955-7328 www.stmaximilian.org Email: [email protected]

The Reverend Lawrence W. Jozwiak, J.C.L., Pastor Deacon Dennis Hayes ● Deacon Steve Klak Deacon John Naber ● Deacon Matt Rust ● Deacon Joe Weir p. 2 OUR PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

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

PARISH STAFF PASTORAL COUNCIL Mary Alice Greaney—Music Director FINANCE COUNCIL Anna Cardona Beth Jones—Parish Business Manager

Jason Donat Eileen Mace—Kolbe Kids EC Program Director Madelyn Henderson Sean Kennedy Lupe Mendez—Custodian Judy Quinn Wilfred Krenek (Facilitator) Yvette Neider—Parish Night Clerk & Baptismal Coordinator Christian Munoz (Recorder) Ricke Pam Munoz David Nguyen—Custodian Mitch Reece (Facilitator) Bob Charnock Sister Vinflora Onije—Pastoral Assistant Esteban Teran Miguel Perdomo—Maintenance Mark Kohlschmidt Eileen Torres Chuck Woodruff Phyllis Schoelman—Parish Secretary Evie Ornelaz

Paul Yim Molly Smith—Director of Evangelization & Catechesis Thomas Nelson Ken Zavatsky Diana Thomas—Faith Formation Assistant Chris Wuenscher—Coordinator of Youth Ministry

SACRAMENT of BAPTISM:

ADULT BAPTISM: Adults who desire to become Catholic will participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). INFANT BAPTISM (under the age of 7 years old): We celebrate Infant Baptism on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Parents of infants to be baptized are to attend Baptismal classes, preferably before the child is born. Godparents are encouraged to attend but are not required.

SACRAMENT of CONFIRMATION: Adults and older youth who have not been Confirmed should contact the parish office.

SACRAMENT of MARRIAGE Couples who are considering marriage are to contact the parish office, at least six (6) months (preferably earlier) before the couple's projected wedding date.

SACRAMENT of ANOINTING of the SICK: Any Catholic who is to have surgery due to a serious illness OR whose health is seriously impaired due to a serious illness or old age should be anointed ASAP, preferably before going to the hospital. Contact ASAP a priest to schedule an anointing.

Remember, Lord, those who have died and have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, especially those for whom we now pray. May these, and all who sleep in Christ, find in Your presence light, happi- ness and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Father Ryan Stawaisz † Pray for the repose of the souls of our faithful departed: Born: August 18, 1989 Ordained: June 1, 2019 Fr. Ryan Stawaisz †; Patricia Crim†; Carol Ann Geary†; Died: June 21, 2021 Janice Pannell †; Gloria Starks †; Denise Vann †

Pray for Fr. Ryan, his & friends, & the Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. parish community of Prince of Peace. —And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. —Amen. “Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be May their souls & the souls of all the faithful departed, offered to him. Know what you are doing, and imi- through the mercy of God, rest in peace. —Amen. tate the mystery you celebrate: For consolation and God’s healing graces upon the family & Model your life on the mystery of the Lord’s cross.” friends of the deceased. Heal their pain and dispel the dark- (Rite of Ordination of a Priest) ness & doubt that comes from grief. —Amen. Pastor’s Message p. 3

June 27, 2021 Fr. Ryan who would turn 32 years old on August 18th, it is Dear Friends in Christ, even more of a challenge. The death of anyone who is As many of you already know, Father Ryan Stawaisz, younger is so more difficult to accept. Pray for Fr. Ryan’s the parochial vicar at Prince of Peace Catholic parents & his family & friends. Pray especially for his Community, died on Monday, June 21. We have been parents, including his mother who is a cancer survivor praying for him recently. He had cancer back in 2010 herself. The challenge to watch your own child die when which was addressed. Then the cancer returned in 2019, normally it is the adult child who experiences the death of shortly before his priestly ordination on June 1, 2019. a parent. Fr. Ryan has handled his sickness with faith and hope. We priests feel the pain of losing one of our brother He wrote as of May 31, 2021 the following: “As far as priests. Like you, we struggle asking the question “Why spiritual reflection, I will say I have had a much greater the death of such a young priest, especially when we have appreciation for those in pain. To be honest, being in my so few priests available to serve?’ None of us have that 30’s I have not yet experienced that much physical pain in answer. We can quote scripture Wisdom 4: 13-14: “Having my life. Most of my joints work, I haven’t had severe become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of injuries or accidents. Even in my past treatments, I have a long career; for his soul was pleasing to the LORD, …. dealt mostly with fatigue and nausea, and temporary pain But the people saw and did not understand, nor did they after surgeries. Seeing the effect that all types of pain can take that consideration into account.” Though Scriptures have on the body has given me a deeper desire to are true, it still does not take away the sadness. acknowledge what others are going through and to be Though Fr. Ryan served as a priest only 2 years, God compassionate to them. St. John Paul II said in Salvifici used him profusely as His instrument of love & Dolores, that the purpose of suffering, as unfortunate and compassion. It is amazing how much positive influence a difficult as it is, is to bring forth compassion & a different priest can have (and unfortunately negatively also). Pray type of love into the world. In other words, we can’t do also for the parish community of Prince of Peace who is away with pain completely in this broken and fallen experiencing the loss of a priest they love. world, but we can strive to draw something good out of it Last week, I addressed some of the necessary repairs to - love. It’s not my first choice of things to do, but I the parish campus. Currently, the sound system company believe God is calling more and more to this type of discovered 3 pieces of equipment, causing the speakers in compassion in our daily lives. To look for those who are the cry room, narthex & sacristies not to work properly hurt, and like the Good Samaritan, try to bind them up.” with also a glitch with the sound from the ambo (pulpit). Only 3 weeks later, Fr. Ryan died in the presence of We are having also problems with the air conditioning. As his family. I was told that Cardinal DiNardo wanted to many of you noticed last Sunday & during the week, it was come visit him in ICU, but due to Covid restrictions, he much colder than normal. I am just amazed how was not able to do so. But Cardinal did speak to Fr. Ryan complicated AC systems are, how the humidifiers affect shortly before his death via a phone call, though Fr. Ryan the temperature, how they need to work in concert was no longer able to speak due to the tumor pressing together, etc. It is not as simple as just adjusting the against his vocal cords. temperature control panel. One needs a Ph.D to understand Death is always a painful reality to accept. Even with how these systems work, working through computer a person who has lived a very long life, it is a challenge to programs to make adjustments. The AC company & the accept since you love that person and will miss their building automation systems company (computer controls) physical presence. But when it is a younger person like are working together to figure it out. This is all beyond my small brain power. That is why we have the experts to do it. Be patient as we try to make these needed repairs. St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us!

“The Cross is the school of love.”

Fr. Lawrence W. Jozwiak “The most deadly poison of our time is indifference.”

Pastor —St. Maximilian Kolbe

“There is no greater love, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” John 15: 13 p. 4 TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading — God did not make death, nor

does God rejoice in the destruction of the living (Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24). Saturday, June 26 8:30 am Nicholas Bermea Psalm — I will praise you, Lord, for you have 5:00 pm Minh Thi Bach † rescued me (Psalm 30). Sunday, June 27 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Second Reading — Your abundance should 8 am Parishioners of St. Maximilian supply the needs of the others (2 Corinthians 10 am Mary Flanagan † 8:7, 9, 13-15). 12 Noon Tai Thi Huynh †

Gospel — Your faith has saved you (Mark 5:21- Monday, June 28 St. 43 [21-24, 35b-43]). 8:30 am Hermann Pereira

Tuesday, June 29 Ss. Peter and Paul READINGS FOR THE WEEK 8:30 am Alveraize Saizan Assunta Rubino † Monday: Gn 18:16-33; Ps 103:1b-4, 8-11; Mt 8:18-22 Tuesday: Vigil: Acts 3:1-10; Ps 19:2-5; Gal 1:11-20; Wednesday, June 30 The First of the Holy Roman Church Jn 21:15-19 Day: Acts 12:1-11; Ps 34:2-9; 2 Tm 4:6- 8:30 am Williams † 8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19 Lulu Clifford Flores † Wednesday: Gn 21:5, 8-20a; Ps 34:7-8, 10-13; Mt 8:28-34 Thursday, July 1 St. Junipero Serra 8:30 am Ashley Pereira † Thursday: Gn 22:1b-19; Ps 115:1-6, 8-9; Mt 9:1-8 James W. Cozart, Jr. † Friday: Gn 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67; Ps 106:1b-5; Mt 9:9-13 Friday, July 2 8:30 am Diane Shinn Saturday: Eph 2:19-22; Ps 117:1bc-2; Jn 20:24-29 Maria Rosanna A. Yano Sunday: Ez 2:2-5; Ps 123:1-4; 2Cor12:7-10; Mk 6:1-6 Saturday, July 3 St. Thomas 8:30 am Maribel Salcedo You changed my mourning into dancing; 5:00 pm Kong Taing † O LORD, my God, Sunday, July 4 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time forever will I give you thanks. Independence Day Psalm 30:13 8 am Parishioners of St. Maximilian 10 am Maria Calderon † 12 Noon Ashley Pereira †; Herman Pereira †

Our Food Pantry is now open for curbside pick-up only on Wednesdays beginning at 3:30 pm. [email protected] The pantry could use the following items: canned chicken, chili, toiletry items-paper towels, TP, For the scriptures used at Mass every day & to hear a shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste. Reflection, go to: https://www.usccb.org On the very top Menu bar, tab in on “Daily Reading.” Then click on the date of the readings you would like Parish Office will be closed Friday, July 2nd. to read. You may also request to have the daily read- The weekend Mass schedule of July 3rd & 4th ings sent to your email. remains the same as normal: Saturday Vigil: 5 pm Weekend Homilies are recorded & posted on our Sunday: 8 & 10 am, 12 Noon parish webpage: https://stmaximilian.org/homily May you all enjoy celebrating the 4th of July.

SIGNIFICANCE of BOWING

A bow signifies reverence & honor shown to the names or event being mentioned. We are to do the following: 1) A bow of the head is made when the three Divine Persons (the Trinity) are named together and at the names of Jesus, of the Blessed Mary, and of the Saint in whose honor Mass is being celebrated. 2) A bow of the body (a profound bow) is made during the Creed with the words “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.” —General Instruction to the Roman Missal, #275 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time p. 5 JESUS’ EXAMPLE OF HELPING OTHERS In today’s second reading Paul offers a wonderful argument to his converts at Corinth for seeking to help those in need. He is dealing with a practical problem, arranging a collection for the poor of the church of Jerusalem; but as he often does, he develops an important teaching about Jesus to make his point. After asking that they show their faith by generous gifts, he reminds them of the “gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). In the Incarnation our Lord assumed our human nature, certainly becoming poor for one who is God. The ultimate gracious act of this poverty was going to the cross with all its terrible sufferings. By this act of poverty, we definitely become rich. Now our sins can be forgiven; we can share in the very life of God through the sacraments; we can attain eternal salvation! Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. Pray for Auxiliary Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro’s Ordination as Bishop

Auxiliary Bishop-Elect July 2, 2021 Italo Dell’Oro The Meaning of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church

Since the conclusion of the Spring Plenary Assembly of the U.S. bishops last week, there has been much attention on the vote taken to draft a document on the Eucharist. The question of whether or not to deny any individual or groups Holy Communion was not on the ballot. The vote by the bishops last week tasked the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine to begin the drafting of a teaching document on the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life. The importance of nur- turing an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and mys- tery of the Eucharist in our lives is not a new topic for the bishops. The document being drafted is not meant to be dis- ciplinary in nature, nor is it targeted at any one individual or class of persons. It will include a section on the Church’s teaching on the responsibility of every Catholic, including bishops, to live in accordance with the truth, goodness and beauty of the Eucharist we celebrate. (USCCB website) CONFESSIONS Saturdays: 3 pm - 4:30 The Sanctuary Course One in 4 people will be affected by a mental health problem at some point in Who should attend? their lives. This course is designed to join in small group communities to learn, Anyone!! People who want to learn more support and grow in understanding about mental health in the light of the about mental health Catholic faith. Mental health professionals with a wealth of Meetings will be Thursdays Dates: July 1, 8, 29 knowledge to share Note: Leaders or educators who may engage their At 6:30 pm in Room 215/16 August 5, 12, 19 Date changes! Of the Gajowniczek Building community in mental health conversations People supporting loved ones with mental health problems Facilitated by Eddie Learning. For more info, ontact Molly Smith in the parish People living with mental health problems office or email”: [email protected]

An Act of Spiritual Communion My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen. p. 6 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time A Prayer to St. for the Year of St. Joseph

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.

Parent Night Out! See below & page 8

A Y C !!

To help us re-build our youth ministry, pray for Mr. Chris & our youth. We welcome input at https://www.stmaximilian.org/youth-ministry-survey

To all Youth: Start joining in with the activities of Youth Ministry!!

Religious freedom allows the Church, and all religious communities, to live out their faith in p. 7 public & to serve the good of all. Beginning June 22, the feast of Sts. and , the USCCB invites Catholics to pray, reflect & act to promote religious free- dom. To pray is below. To reflect & act, go to: https://www.usccb.org/committees/religious-liberty/religious-freedom-week

June 26 - Catholics in Nicaragua Pray for our Catholic sisters & brothers who are suffering in Nicaragua.

June 27 – Conscience Rights for Healthcare Workers Pray that governments will respect the consciences of all people who care for the sick & vulnerable.

June 28 – Christians in Iraq Pray for Christians in Iraq, and that people of all faiths in the land of may live in peace.

June 29 – Freedom of Speech Pray that Christians will have the courage to speak the truth with kindness & clarity, even in the face of adversity.

Sts. Thomas More & John Fisher were Renaissance men. Talented & energetic, FEAST DAY—JUNE 22 they contributed to the humanist scholarship of early modern England. More wrote theological & philosophical treatises, while making a career as a lawyer & government official. Bishop John Fisher worked as an administrator at Cam- bridge & confronted the challenge Martin Luther presented to Christian Europe. As Bishop of Rochester, he is notable for his dedication to preaching at a time when bishops tended to focus on politics. These men were brilliant. They both corresponded with Erasmus, who helped Bishop Fisher learn Greek & Hebrew, and who also famously referred to More as a man for all seasons.

Above all their accomplishments, these men bore witness to a deep faith in Christ & his Church. More considered joining religious life & was assiduous in his devotional practices. As a married man, he committed himself wholly to his vocation as a father. At the time, disciplinary practices with children tended to be severe, but More’s children testify to his warmth, patience & generosity.

St. John Fisher was a model shepherd & demonstrated remarkable humility. He remained in the small Diocese of Rochester his entire episcopal ministry, devoting himself to his local church rather than seeking promotion to a larger, more powerful diocese. More & Fisher are well-known for opposing King Henry’s divorce. Ultimately, it was their refusal to sign an oath of su- premacy that led them to be executed. King Henry VIII claimed to be the supreme head of the Church in England, as- serting sovereign power over English Christians. Neither Fisher nor More could abide this claim, and their steadfast- ness to their consciences put them in conflict with the king. They were convicted of treason. It is good to love one’s country, but ultimate loyalty is due only to Christ & his kingdom. Sts. Thomas More & John Fisher show us what faithful citizenship looks like. They loved & served their country. In the moments just before his execution, More is said to have stated, “I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first.” They never rose up to incite rebellion or foment revolution. They were no traitors. But when the law of the king came into conflict with the law of Christ, they submitted to Christ. These men gave their lives for the freedom of the Church & for freedom of con- science. They bear witness to the truth that no government can make a claim on a person’s soul. May their example continue to illuminate the path for us, as we seek to faithfully serve our Church & country. We ask for the intercession of Sts. Thomas More & John Fisher, that we too would be good servants to our country, but God’s first! We ask for the intercession of Sts. Thomas More & John Fisher, that we too would be good servants to our country, but God’s first! p. 8 Make sure our parish, St. Maximilian Kolbe, is wriƩen on your pledge card, not any other parish name. We have a shortfall of $23,345 from our mandatory amount. Only 303 households (out of 2,104 households) have made a pledge to DSF. IF the remaining 1,801 households who have not yet pledged made a pledge, we would easily make up our $23,345 shortfall!!!

Did you know ? Angela House - Women are learning how to grow spiritually with faith, hope & love at Angela House. Since 2001, this DSF ministry has served as a resource for women exiting incarcera- tion. Re-entry is never easy, but Angela House provides a safe place to live with services to help obtain employment, self-sufficiency & independent living. The Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) supports 60+ programs benefitting 1.7 million Catholics in our Archdiocese. Visit archgh.org/dsf to learn more. 2021 Mandatory Amount: $ 138,000

Since 2016, our DSF mandatory amount has remained the same at $138,000. Just like every year, we can meet this amount. So far, $99,887 has been paid. We have $14,768 in pledge amounts to be paid. For a total of $114,655. I challenged you that we should have met our pledged amount by June 30th. We have a shortfall of $23,345 from our mandatory amount. Please make your pledge today to cover this shortfall of $23,345.

Fr. Lawrence W. Jozwiak, Pastor

Café Catholica: Summer 2021 The Café Catholica summer series is open to all young adults (ages 18-39) and features dynamic speakers, prayer & socializing. This year’s theme is: Courageous Love. Café Catholica 2021 will be held in person at the Catholic Charismatic Center (1949 Cullen Blvd., Houston) on 4 Mondays in July, starting on July 5. Each night will include Mass at 6 pm, Talk at 7:15 pm, followed by snack, confes- sion & tailgate gathering at 8:15pm. Come for all or part of the evening! No registration is needed to attend. Dona- tions are accepted. Masks are still encouraged while in- doors. The event will be available through an online plat- form as well. July 5: A Love that Transforms; Mark & Katie Our youth would love to give our parents a break! Hartfiel, from Paradisus Dei For more info, go to www.archgh.org/cafecatholica. Drop off your children between 4 and 12 years of ------age after 5 pm Mass on Saturday, June 26th. This Parents Night Out is a fundraiser for our youth ministry activities and scholarships for A Y C. Any questions please call Chris our new coordinator of youth ministry in the parish office or email him: [email protected]. Thank you.

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY p. 9

JUNE: Intention for Evangelization—The Beauty of Marriage Let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS That we turn our daily focus to God and others to Roger Aiello, Laura Aguianga, Joan Alfaro, develop a “God-centered” lifestyle. Christopher Batey, Lupé Batey, Antonio Cardona, Bill “…as a matter of equality your abundance at the pre- Carew, Patricia Carter, Emilio Chavez-Cody, Charles sent time should supply their want, so that their Chude, Kayson Clay, Robert Coldwell, Alma abundance may supply your want, that there may be Contreras, Mary Dang, Martha Dardnel, Rose equality.” 2 Corinthians 8:14 Deathe, DeLeon Family, Jim Dodge, Jearald Dyer, One of the tenants of living a grateful and generous John Eaves, Bobby Embesi, Aurora Enciso, Isidra lifestyle is giving without expecting anything in return. Flores, Missy Fouts, Joseph Gallagher, Mike It is important that we not only grow, nurture and Gallagher, Eric Gensch, Dorothy Geveshausen, share our gifts; but that we also teach our children Richard Geveshausen, Kenny Gordon, Patricia and encourage others to do the same. This is the (Tish) Ann Gorman, Francisco Grados, Mack Harper, communal aspect of our Catholic faith. We are the CJ Harper, Mitzi Harper, Mary Hebert, Christine “Body of Christ.” We are called to be dependent on Herman, Annette Hernandez, Rachel Huebel, Elva each other and not live in isolation. Iris, Linda Johnson, Madison Koopmann, Laurine Krejci, Mrs. Hoang Le, Hoken Linden, Charlie

Collection for the Week of June 14-20, 2021 Lozano, Jr., Maria Lundstrom, Thelma Mandel,

Offertory: $ 14,402 Rachele Marchisio, Raymond Martin, Richard Maintenance & Repair: $ 1,461 Ornelaz, Stan Petty, Kendra Dawn , Jennifer Total: $ 15,863 Quintanilla, Robert Reue, Arnulfo Rodriguez, Sr., Jose Rodriguez, Kent Rogers, Jeff Rowell, Alveraize Faith Direct is received twice a month. Saizan, Paula Saizan, Rodrigo Santos-Coy, Maria

Thank you for your generosity in giving. Senjudo, Patricia Simon, Anthony Sliva, Louise Slott, Grace Smith, Joey Smith, Lance Smith, Irma Sosa, Albert Stocker, Marilyn Stocker, Christine Swiech, Ken Switzler, Randy Thomas, Linda Villanueva, Please! Do NOT staple, glue, or tape your Linda Webb, Gary Webber, Frances Wooley & offertory envelopes! Thank you. family, Calvin Sing Yeung

This week’s 2nd collection is for the Peter’s Pence Collection, which is a way to support the Univer- sal Church & the work of the , including helping Pope Francis with the funds to carry out his charitable works. Please be generous.

EXPOSITION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT: Day of the week Hours Needed To the side are days/times Monday 10 pm—11 pm where help is needed. Tuesday 12 Midnight – 1 am To sign up, contact Susie Charnock @ Tuesday 3 am—4 am 281-813-1492. Wednesday 12 Noon—1 pm “So you could not keep Friday 3 pm—4 pm watch with me for one Sunday 11 pm—12 Midnight hour?...” Mt 26:40