Twenty First Week In Ordinary Time

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
 
 
The way to the cross is countercultural and Jesus is asking us to be countercultural in this week’s gospel reading. As those who could not accept the truth from Jesus, many of us are not accepting the gospel truth in our lives and are simply waking away. Jesus commands us to move from being selfish to selflessness. This requires us to change our way of thinking. 
 
I want to thank everyone who came out to help us celebrate the 59^th anniversary of our parish. The celebration was a great success with everyone having fun. I want to thank all the varies parish organization of our Church for their volunteer help and donations for the event. Please thank the Catholic Daughters of America, Society of St. Vincent De Paul Society, Knights of Columbus, Our Men’s and Women’s ACTS team and members, Queen of Angels School group, and the Legion of Mary for all their help with making the celebration a success. Now is the time to start planning for the 60^th Anniversary in 2025.
 
For 2024, Cardinal DiNardo has assessed our parish DSF goal at $81,200. DSF supports more than 60 ministries and programs that serve the faithful of the Archdiocese and us here at St. Hyacinth. Envelopes are in the narthex or you can go online and give at : https://www.archgh.org/ways-to-give/diocesan-services-fund-dsf/donate-to-dsf/  Thank you in your generosity in supporting DSF 2024.  
 
I do want to address the approximately the over 1000 registered families here at STHY that we have no record of your giving to the Church. We do acknowledge that many are giving to the Church through the weekend collection; however, St. Hyacinth  needs you start moving toward electronic giving. Go to https://www.sthyacinth.org/online-giving to sign up and give online. 
 
Many in our community continue to need food to feed their families.  Our St. Hyacinth St. Vincent De Paul Society is asking for your help to feed our neighbors in need by donating to our ministry gift cards in the amount of $25 from any of our local grocery stores: Food Town, Joe V’s, Aldi, Kroger, HEB, or Walmart.   Place your donated cards in the collection basket during any weekend Mass.  Thank you for your generosity.
 
Finally, I want to address an 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, Psalm response, and the gospel readings 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 and psalm response for the Mass are completed. We will give you enough time to find a seat.  
 
God Bless,
Fr. Reginald Samuels