Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

 
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
 
Jesus in the gospel gives us words for prayer, orientation of heart for prayer, and a model for persistence in prayer. Every prayer is answered by God, but according to God’s will and orientation of the divine heart. Or prayer does not change God; it changes us. As we surrender to prayer, we become more like Jesus who prays boldly.
This past Saturday, Knights of Columbus hosted their annual Awards Banquet where they awarded $500 scholarships to several of our young people who currently students in school. The funds for the scholarships are supported by Knights of Columbus Father's Day brisket sales and other fund raising efforts. On behalf of the STHY Community, I want to thank the Knights of Columbus for all the work that they do in support of the community and the Church.
I know it is near the end of July, but it is time to start thinking about the next coming school year and the beginning of Religious Education classes. With more than 600 children in some level of Religious education this year, we need to have a head start in preparing for next fall’s Religious Education classes. Early registration is ongoing. (please check the bulletin and parish website for more information).
Please use this opportunity for early registration so you won’t get caught scrambling at the last minute this fall. Call or stop by the Faith Formation office during business hours or call if you have questions. And also begin to pray about becoming involved yourself as a teacher or aide. With the good number of kids comes the need for a good number of teachers. We’ve got plenty of training classes scheduled and we’ll offer you all the help you need, but I would ask that all parents become good stewards about their children’s religious education and get involved as a teacher or aide. It’s a great way to involve the whole family in the life of Christ.
Church attendance during the summer months tends to drop off as vacations and weekend sporting events often conflict. On the other hand, the services STHY provide with the parish and for the larger community continue year round, as do their associated expenses. Thus, your consistent financial support of our parish is vital to achieving our stewardship mission. The easiest way to be sure that your gift of treasure reaches us, even when you can’t be here, is through enrollment in our electronic offertory program: Faith Direct. Enrollment forms are available in the Church office or you can visit Faith Direct’s secure website at www.faithdirect.net to enroll on line. Our parish code is TX526. As always, know that your generosity is truly a gift from God.
I send out my sincere thanks to all who made a pledge for our Building Faith, Family and Future Capital Campaign. I truly appreciate your generosity and support. There is still time for you to make your pledge. Envelopes are in the Narthex along with our collection box specifically designed for our Capital campaign or you can do so online through the parish website. When you complete your pledge envelope, drop it in the collection box, offertory basket, or mail it or bring it by the office at any time. Remember, we ask every family to consider an equal sacrifice, not an equal size gift. We can all do our part, and every pledge, of every size, is most needed and welcomed. Thank you for doing your part to help us reach our goal.
I don’t think it is too late to sign up for our next Men’s ACTS retreat to be held  July 28-31. I want to encourage all the men of STHY to think about attending this ACTS retreat and be renewed in your relationship with God. 
Finally, please continue to pray for the young people of our parish. STHY had a good number of our young people will be attending the 60th Annual Archdiocesan Youth Conference next weekend at the Hilton Americas Hotel in downtown Houston. All who are participating will be blessed with a powerful message from Cardinal DiNardo and other presenters. I want to send a special thank you to our team of adult chaperones who will be providing supervision for our youth.
 
 
God Bless,
Fr. Reginald Samuels