Our Lady of Sorrows & Santísima Trinidad 4th Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020
THE WORD THIS WEEK
Sunday December 20, 2020 PASTOR’S NOTE Happy Advent and Merry Christmas! REFLECTIONS
There’s so much wisdom in the Church having us “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.”
pass through seasons in our worship. In Advent, every year we journey with the Israelites and wait We are ending our Advent jour- for Christ’s coming again. When Christmas comes, ney for 2020, on this fourth week more than being just one morning out of the year, of Advent. What a beautiful and we go on celebrating for more than a week. In Lent, simple, yet very powerful remind- we spend time in penance and sacrifice as we pre- er that we have this week of pare ourselves for Easter. We even recognize the God’s never ending love for us and of the necessity of our obedient free will choice to serve Him. At our creation, God times in life when our relationship with God is pro- made us with free will. He wanted us to do certain things, gressing regularly, when it’s ordinary. like not eat from the fruit of the forbidden tree, but He gave
humans the ability to choose for themselves. From the be- Seasons of life are a part of life. They aren’t just ginning of creation, we have made many bad choices. How- about changes in the weather. They don’t only mark ever, this Sunday a simple young woman, known as Mary, different points on the calendar. We all go through although frighten by the angel Gabriel listened to him. She spiritual and emotional Falls, Winters, Springs, and did not understand the angel’s announcement of her concep- Summers. tion of a son who would be known as the Son of the Most
High. How could she conceive a child without having relations You might feel like you’re in a Winter right now or with a man? Nevertheless, she answered him, by saying, that you’re deep into Lent. Maybe you lost some- “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Imagine how confused Mary one special this year and won’t get to see them at must have felt. We would understand if she said, “No, leave the normal family get togethers. Maybe Covid and me alone. What will my parents and our friends say? I cannot all the bad news in the world has you feeling like do this.” Instead, Mary showed complete trust and obedience the days are short and the nights are long. to the Lord with her response. “May it be done to me.” What a beautiful example to us as we await the birth of our Savior Just know this – it’s a season. It’s temporary. And in just a few days. Yes Lord, I am ready to follow You without God will see you through it. Days of Spring are just questions. I am ready to do Your will, not mine. Lead me Lord, around the corner. Easter follows Lent. Hang in and I will follow. Are we ready? Let us pray that we are! Have there. Trust that the Lord is with you and will show a blessed Christmas season, as Jesus arrives to grant us salva- tion and eternal life. you to a new day filled with life and joy and growth.
From Fr. Jacob Koether , Clergy & Staff. Sunday, December 20, 2020 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 (2a) Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
Our Lady of Sorrows & Santísima Trinidad 4th Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020
PRAYER AND WORSHIP
For the week of Dec. 19, 2020—Dec. 26, 2020 Saturday 5:00 p.m. Martin Lopez Sunday 8:00 a.m. Henry Vasquez Happy Advent and 10:00 a.m. Balsa/Lalo Cisneros
Merry Christmas! 2:00 p.m. Abel D. Barrera
S.T. 9:00 a.m. Ram Longoria
S.T. 11:00 a.m. Matt/Adela Lopez Monday 6:00 p.m. Lupita Hernandez Tuesday 6:00 p.m. Tom Jr./Tom Sr. Perez Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Noemi “Mimi” Silva
Thursday, CHRISTMAS EVE For Peace OLS: 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
& MIDNIGHT MASS 12:00 a.m.
ST: 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Friday, CHRISTMAS DAY 9:00 a.m. For Peace Christmas Masses
Our Lady of Sorrows: May They Rest in Peace Christmas Eve— Thursday, December 24th Please pray for the response of the souls 5:00 P.M., 7:00 P.M., 9:00 P.M. of Mary Espinoza, Janie Villarreal. and all Christmas Day—Friday, December 25th the faithful departed. May they rest peace 12:00 A.M. 9:00 A.M. and their families find comfort and peace in God, our father. Capilla de Santísima Trinidad: Christmas Eve—Thursday, December 24th In memory of In memory of 6:00 P.M. & 8:00 P.M. Mary Gonzales Ernest Zepeda By: Family New Year’s Eve and Day
Our Lady of Sorrows: To schedule a mass intention or the Sanctuary Candle for a loved one, anniversary or birthday, Thursday @ 6:00 P.M. please call the office. We are scheduling for 2021.
Friday @ 6:00 P.M. The office is now taking Credit Card payments for any of your purchase needs, Hall/Church Rentals,
candles, etc… Please let us know how we can better serve you.
Our Lady of Sorrows & Santísima Trinidad 4th Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020
OUR WEEKLY PARISH SUPPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING ON PARISH FINANCES December 13, 2020 OLS ST 2020 Jamaica Donation Request Thank you for you’re your generosity! Parish Collections: Since we weren’t able to have our Jamaica this year, we are 1st Collection asking for donations and you are responding. 4,174.26 1,036.00 We appreciate your support! Debt Reduction 1,762.00 111.00 Maria & Abierto Cervantes, Sofia & Vernal Jervis, Helen & Juan Candles (Church) Balderez Jr, Dan & Noemi Galvan, Mary Lou & Joe Rendon, 85.00 25.00 Rosie Reyes, Teresa & Joe Delossantos, Carmelita Guerra, Car- Online Tithes olina & Carmen Garza, Felice Guajardo, Janie M. Rubio, Robert 2,042.00 0 & Yolanda Gonzalez, Lalo & Janie Hinojosa, Julio Reyes, Be- Online Giving (Debt Reduction) 190.00 30.00 atrice Castaneda, Blanca & David Valdez, Theresa & Wenceslao Immaculate Conception Gutierrez, Robert & Margaret Alvarez, Martha Bentley, Cricelia 745.00 516.00 G. Uresti, Linda Longoria, Anonymous, Tali & Loretta Villafran- Our Lady of Guadalupe ca, Villafranca & Villafranca Law Firm, Dcn. Larry & Lynn 1,220.88 28.00 Koether, Felix & Guadalupe Chacon, Juanita Lopez, Ester Her- SUBTOTALS 10,219.14 1,746.00 nandez, Genaro & Melba Cortez, Raul & Josie Alvarado, Judge Office Income Bea & Leandro Gonzalez, Oscar & Rosa Ramirez, Mr. & Mrs. Mass Intentions Emilio Flores, Catherine Espindola, Guadalupe Garcia, Lupe & 86.00 0 Mary Reyes, Jesse Hernandez, Oscar & Nancy Cisneros, Mr. & Candles (Office) Mrs. Jessie Castillo, Anna & Richard Martinez, Rosalinda & Ra- 30.00 0 mon Garcia, Mr. & Mrs. Rogelio Cortines, Amigo del Pueblo, Sanctuary Lamp Mary Jane & Roger Cortines, Nilda Loya, Gordon & Diane 15.00 0 Beatty, Richard & Darlene Aguilar, Evila P Olguin, Ramon Gar- Rental Deposit cia, South Texas Ventilation, Beca & Henry Guajardo 150.00 0 Quince Total collected: $15,450.00 up to date. 100.00 0
Monthly Parish Projects Donations (Jamaica Letters) 635.00 0 Missalettes/Prayer Signs Weekend collections, office income, and your donations 150.00/130. 0 go to our monthly projects. Below are a few (not all) of Lectors Workbooks 124.00 0 the projects we have to raise money for every month. If Christmas Flowers (Envelopes) you would like to support these projects, you may con- 398.00 0 Christmas Flowers Donations / tinue to give online or in the collection. Or you may also Offering 185.00 0 support one of these projects directly as a sponsor. SUBTOTALS 1,238.00 0 Please call the office if you would like to be a sponsor and we will happily provide you with a letter for taxes. Outgoing Collections Catholic Education Project Cost for December 0 0
Funerals Mortgage for OLS Church Building: 7,657.54 650.00 0 OLS and ST Electricity (all buildings): 9,901.73 DSA OLS Property Insurance: 6,900.00 624.53 433.00 Diocesan Services Appeal (DSA): 7,500.00 Share In the Care 263.00 0 Phone and Internet: 1,114.19 SUBTOTAL Approximate Total To Raise Every Month 1,537.53 433.00 $65,000. GRAND TOTALS 13,187.67 2,179.00 Thank you for your many gifts, heavenly Father. In the Name Amount Left to Raise for December of Jesus, accept this offering, anoint it with your Spirit, $40,234.26 and multiply it for your honor and glory.
Our Lady of Sorrows & Santísima Trinidad 4th Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020
FAITH FORMATION
ADULT FORMATION
Acompáñanos en la Novena en Facebook en español con el P. Parmenio, terminando en Nochebuena para todos nuestros feligreses de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores y Santísima Trinidad.
Catholicism 101—RCIA Formación Cristiana— RICA Need Sacraments? Want to Learn? 14 de Enero en la Capilla de Santísima Trinidad, después January 6th please join us for Mass at 6 p.m. at OLS fol- de la Misa de las 7 p.m. Todos están invitados a unirse a lowed by the Class at Trinity Hall. All are invited to join nosotros, especialmente aquellos quen necesitan sus us, especially those who would like to receive his/her sacramentos, les gustaría ser católicos o gustan cresar en sacraments or would like to become catholic. Come nur- su fe. Venga a nutrir su fe y crecer en su discipulado a ture your faith and grow your discipleship to Jesus Christ Jesucristo en su Santa Iglesia Católica. in His Holy Catholic Church.
YOUTH NEWS
CCD SCHEDULE Sundays at 12:30 p.m. in the CCD Building and Ending with Mass at 2 p.m. Children who do not come to Mass with parents or guardians will not be able to continue in the ONLINE AND AT HOME FAITH FORMATION Faith Formation program HAY MUCHOS RECURSOS EN ESPAÑOL
Family Life Wednesdays Great app supporting an authentic Catholic Everyone is invited to spend some time in prayer on lifestyle. Watch, Learn and Share. Pulling to- Wednesdays throughout the school year. This will be gether the best in Catholic movies, children’s a great way to form the whole family in the faith. Remember, the family that prays together, stays programming, dramas and books. Our bible together! Mass at 6 p.m. and exposition of the Eu- studies, sacramental prep materials, docu- charist afterwards. Some nights have a target age mentaries, books and audio talks from leading but all are welcome. Catholic experts will help you grow in under- Come join us! standing your faith. Encountering and sharing 1st Wed—Family Life Rosary for all ages the content has never been easier. 2nd Wed—High School Adoration for grades 6-12 3rd Wed—Divine Mercy Chaplet for all ages 4th Wed—Children’s Adoration for grades 1-5 Go and seek. https://formed.org 5th Wed—Family Life Rosary for all ages
Our Lady of Sorrows & Santísima Trinidad 4th Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PPC will be conducting a Parish Census at OLS & ST Sunday, December 20,2020— after all masses during this Advent Season. Eucharistic Ministry, Knights of Columbus You are important to OLS/ST. Please help us connect with
you and keep you informed with upcoming parish events. If Sunday, December 27, 2020— you haven’t been receiving updates from us, we may not have your correct contact information. Please sign in with Ushers , Music Ministries. any of the volunteers at the tables ready to assist you with
the Parish Census. Thank you. January 3, 2020— PPC, Finance Council, CCD Usted es importante para OLS/ST. Por favor, ayúdenos a conectarse con usted y mantenerlo informado sobre los
próximos eventos parroquiales. Inicie sesión con cualquiera This is not just for Ministries, if you do not belong to de los miembros del PPC en las mesas listas para ayudarle a ministry and would like to help, please join us. con el Censo Parroquial. Gracias. Your help is needed. God will be pleased. Thank you for helping to provide a clean and safe place of worship for all come. The office will be closed Wednesday, December 23rd through January 1st.
With Christmas around the corner, You will be receiving give a gift that will last year long. your new 2021 Altar Society will be selling these envelopes in the mail. beautiful signs this weekend after If you haven’t regis- all the masses. tered yet to receive For more information, please call them please call the Gloria Cano at (361) 920-3127 or office to request the Parish office at (361)575-2293. some. If you prefer to pay online, that is Great way to unite in prayer and support our church. great. You may call the office and we will Donate of $10. or what your heart desires to give. be happy to assist you, if you need help. Thank you. Prayer Team
Deacon Richard Botello is forming a Prayer Team
and would like to invite UPDATING PARISHIONER RECORDS you to join. We always need prayers for our family, friends, community, ourselves etc….. Prayers are Please help us update your records. We need current even more powerful in numbers, please consider phone numbers, addresses and changes of members in joining this Prayer Team and strengthen your prayer your household to better serve your needs. Thank you for life. For more information, submitting your information to: please contact Dcn. Richard at (512) 294-7212. [email protected]