Second Week of Advent

November 28, 2016

by Fr. Reginald Samuels

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we enter the second week of the season of Advent, we are called to wait joyfully for the Lord. We know Christmas is near. We know it’s always a stressful time. Why not make a “liturgical new year resolution” to wait patiently free from distractions? While everyone else is speeding up, try slowing down and listening for the voice crying out in the desert, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Our Advent wreath was blessed last Sunday and the first candle was lit to remind us of the hope we have in the coming of the light of Christ. As we light the second candle this weekend, let us not allow the darkness of the world to overshadow that light. It has been entrusted to us to be kept burning brightly. Just as we light our trees and homes these days, do not fail to show forth the light of Christ in all you say and do.
Next, I want to thank all those who have contributed to the various donation drives that have been going on here at STHY in the last few weeks. Angel Tree 2016 was a great success. Thank you for your generosity.
The Archdiocese annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious is next weekend. Cardinal DiNardo is encouraging all of the faithful to give what they can in support of the 34,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests who have served throughout our Archdiocese and the United States. Thank you for your generosity.
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception which is a Holy Day of obligation is Thursday December 8^th. There will be three scheduled Masses for Immaculate Conception on Wednesday evening (Vigil) at 7:00 pm and on Thursday December 8^th at 8:00 am and 7:00 pm.
The Immaculate Conception teaches the faithful in the Catholic Church that from the moment when she was conceived in the womb, the Blessed Virgin Mary was kept free of original sin, so that she was from the start filled with the sanctifying grace normally conferred in baptism. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was dogmatically defined on December 8, 1854, by Pope Pius IX in his papal decree Ineffabilis Deus.
In the Apostolic Constitution Ineffabilis Deus, Pope Pius IX wrote that “We declare, pronounce, and define that the doctrine which holds that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin, is a doctrine revealed by God and therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by all the faithful.”
Sacred & Safe is the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston’s safe environment formation program for children and youth in Kindergarten through the 12th grade. Cardinal DiNardo has directed that all parishes participate in the program which operates in accord with the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Article 12.
 Program Objective: To provide an age appropriate faith-based lesson which helps enable children and young people in kindergarten through the 12th grade to protect themselves from sexual abuse.
 Role of Parents: Because parents are valued as the primary educators of their children, they will be given the opportunity to preview all lessons. They will also be given the option of having their child participate in a catechist-directed session or adapt the lesson as a parent for usage in the home. Should parents register objections to their child’s participation, they may also choose to sign an “opt out” waiver. An on-line parent resource is available at www.archgh.org/sacredandsafe to assist parents in reinforcing their child’s formation.
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. Please consider making an year end 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. As we enter the Christmas season and the time for giving, 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.

God Bless,
Fr. Reginald Samuels