Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
 
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
In our gospel this week, the Pharisee arrogantly takes his position front and center in the temple area. The tax collector humbly takes his position at a distance. Jesus teaches that authentic prayer before God comes from a true knowledge of self. We cannot be selfish and have a prayer life. The challenge for all of us is to recognize the need for God’s mercy. When we know God’s mercy in our lives, we then can pray accordingly.
National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.  Beginning November 1 ^nd thru 7 ^th, there will be several events to kick off National Vocation Awareness throughout our Archdiocese.
I want to point out that the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston has encouraged all the parishes of the Archdiocese to host a Vocation Chalice Program of prayer for priestly and religious vocations. Our vocations committee has implemented Vocation Chalice program here at STHY. The program consists of the rotation of a chalice, among the families of a parish in order to promote awareness and prayers for priestly and religious vocations. The consecrated Chalice is a tangible reminder of this special intention for the Church. The Second Vatican Council highlights the responsibility of the laity to pray for and support vocations.
Praying for vocations is the most powerful way to support vocations. A vocation is a call from the Holy Spirit, a gift from God that is nurtured in prayer. When we pray for vocations, we lift up to our Father those men and women whom He is calling to follow Him in a very special way. We hope that those who bring the cup home will continue to pray daily for vocations. Each week at the end of Mass, an assigned family is called by the priest to come forward to receive the chalice. The family takes the chalice home and puts it in a place of honor. If you want to have the opportunity to have the chalice in your home, please contact the parish office for details.
ACTS retreats have enriched the lives of thousands of people; men and women, teens throughout our Archdiocese. It has reinvigorated the spiritual lives of individuals, of families, of entire parishes. The way this wonderful program came to be is a beautiful blend of the Holy Spirit and those who listen to His words. ACTS missions spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ among Catholic communities by promoting, consulting in, facilitating and coordinating ACTS retreats.
According to the accounts of people who have experienced ACTS retreats, attendees have credited ACTS with saving their lives, saving their marriages, convincing them to be ordained as priests or deacons, or leading them to the religious life, simply by opening their eyes and their hearts to God's word.
As Pastors, I have witnessed the effects of ACTS though out the Archdiocese and this program has led to parishioners being invigorated with new life. We are offering our next Women’s ACTS retreat November 18-20, 2016. I want to encourage all the women of STHY to think about attending this ACTS retreat and be renewed in your relationship with God. 
Mark your calendars to join us for “Trunk or Treat” - our annual fun day for the young people of the parish on Saturday, October 29 ^th  from 4:00 pm -8:00 pm in Guyot Hall. At STHY we are always looking for ways to serve our neighbors and strengthen families, so we always look forward to this time to fellowship and get to know each other. Dress up the kids and come enjoy and celebrate the fall season.
Now that we have moved into the fall and about to begin the Advent season here at STHY, please find a way to participate in the ministries of our parish. There is literally something for everyone. Not a day goes by that there isn’t something happening somewhere on our campus. Please check the our website: www.sthyacinth.org  to find the many ministries and activities, plus days and times when they meet. Moreover, go online and register for the varies ministries that we have here at STHY.
Finally, thanks to all those who have made their pledges for the capital campaign. Thank you for your generosity and sacrifice. As your pastor I am also a fellow parishioner, and I needed to make a sacrificial pledge for the capital campaign myself and I am asking you to prayerfully consider doing the same according to your means. We entrust this campaign to the intercession of Our Blessed Mother and our patron St Hyacinth. Thanking you in advance for your response in faith. As your pastor, I invite you to discern how best you are able to support this capital campaign to build Family, Faith and Future.
 
 
God Bless,
Fr. Reginald Samuels