Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

January 23, 2018

by Fr. Reginald Samuels

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Perhaps we don’t like to hear it, but the Christian life is riddled by encounters with evil. We learn in this week’s gospel that Jesus is more powerful than evil. Jesus has authority and by that authority he can dispel what is oppositional and troublesome. We can claim that authority over oppositional forces in our own lives when we make Jesus the center. We share His authority, and we are called to use it in our lives.

This weekend, there will be a special second Collection for the Church in Latin America. This collection supports pastoral projects that enrich the lives of believers throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. For more information on the Church in Latin America and the projects funded by the collection, please visit www.usccb.org/nationalcollections. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Next, DSF 2018 starts next weekend with “DSF Commitment Sunday.” Cardinal DiNardo has sent everyone an appeal letter and pledge card and he wants to encourage each and every one to become involved with DSF 2018. I know that we are in difficult economic times, yet each of us has been blessed in so many ways, and we are called to share those blessings with others. Please bring your personalized pledge cards to Mass next weekend or mail them in or go on-line and make your commitment. We reached our DSF goal for 2017, last year and this year I want to encourage 100% participation from the faithful of St. Hyacinth, so let’s pray and then give.

As we enter 2018, let us all think of ways in which we can make life easier for ourselves and the parish. Faith Direct, is an easy and secure way to see that your offertory contributions to the church are made on a timely basis. You can register by logging on to www.faithdirect.net and entering our parish code of TX526. From there a few short steps will have you set up as you wish: weekly, monthly, special collections, etc. You can pay by credit card or bank draft. Thank you for your generosity and support of STHY.

I send out my sincere thanks to all who made a pledge for our Building Faith, Family and Future … our Sanctuary, our Home… Capital Campaign. I truly appreciate your generosity and support. To make a donation, 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. Thank you for doing your part to help us reach our goal.

Next, our Church Organ is no longer working and needs to be replaced. We will be working in the several months for the best solutions to replace the organ. Liturgy is what this Church is here for and through the sacraments we celebrate Gods love; soo it is imperative that a Church has an organ to provide its people with music for worship. Please think of ways in which we can provide support for a new organ.

I want to address and issue that affects the Sunday Weekend Mass in the Church. I understand that there are many reasons for people and families to be late for Mass. However, over the last few months, people have been walking into Mass and seating themselves while the readings and Psalm response are taking place. This action is extremely distracting for those proclaiming the word and for those already seated. I ask, please; if you are late for Mass, please wait to be seated after the readings for the Mass are completed. We will give you enough time to find a seat.

Since the beginning of the Religious Education School year, we have been offering childcare nursery for children’s ages 2 to 4 years of age during the Mass times. This is a great way for parents to actively participate in Mass and not worry about being distracted with your child. The nursery is open during all the Sunday Masses.

Please keep in prayer throughout this weekend for our high school youth who will be having their Confirmation Retreat on January 26^th- 28^th . Our Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Mr Steven Sotelo along with our Faith Formation team consisting of our Director of Faith Formation , Mrs. Pamella Johnson and the Confirmation team, have all been working very hard over the past few months to make sure that all the details for the retreat ready for our Confirmandi. Cardinal Danial DiNardo will be the Celebrant for the Confirmation Mass which is scheduled for Spring 2018.

God Bless,
Fr. Reginald Samuels