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Founded in 1943 by Msgr. John J. Roach of the Galveston-Houston
Diocese.
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It provides fourteen vital social service programs and ministries
to those in need through the area without regard to race, religion or socioeconomic
status.
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The annual operating cost is $6 million.
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Major sources of support are: United Way, federal and state
funding, the Diocese, private foundations, corporations and individuals.
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There is a need now for African-American and bi-racial
families who will consider adopting children. If you are considering
adoption and would like to know general information, please call 713-526-4611,
Mary McDonald, Ext. 3242.
ADOPT A CHILD FROM HONDURAS OR PANAMA
Guadalupe Internat'l Adoption Agency, licensed by
the State of Texas, is placing children from Hunduras and Panama. The agency
is available for consultation and direction in this field. For further
information call 409-449-5858, or visit their website, Click
Here or visit www.adoptintl.com
CHRISTUS
St. Joseph Hospice is recruiting persons interested in completing
a volunteer training course. Volunteers provide a variety of supportive
services to terminally ill patients and their families as part of an interdisciplinary
Hospice team. For info about the training class call 713-756-4216.
WHO? ME? PRIESTHOOD?
Applications for men (seniors in high school and older)
interested in studying for the priesthood are being accepted, Please call
Fr. Steve Tiemann, Dir. of Vocations, 713-659-5461.
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS
DID YOU KNOW THAT...
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the Univ. of St. Thomas has a cooperative agreement with
three engineering schools-Texas A & M, Univ. of Notre Dame, and Univ.
of Houston?
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Dr. Ron Hatchett, Dir. of the Center for International Studies
at the Univ. of St. Thomas and a military analyst for the CBS affiliate
in Houston, was the first man to interview Yugoslav President Slobodan
Milosevic during the crisis in Kosovo?
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more than $4 million in institution financial assistance
was awarded to Univ. of St. Thomas students for 1998-99?
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in 1998 alone, more than 80% of the Univ. of St. Thomas students
who applied to medical schools were accepted, and more than 90% of UST
students who applied to law school attended the school of their choice?
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the Univ. of St. Thomas Academic Mall & Chapel of St.
Basil were designed by world-renowned architect Philip Johnson? The Chapel
of St. Basil is the recipient of several awards for the American Institute
of Architects. The Chapel of St. Basil is listed in the New York Times
"Things to See When Visiting Houston?
Visit the University of St. Thomas campus. You are
welcome.
Weekly Bible Study is held in the Medical Center
for those who work or study there. Please call Sr. Kitty Carter, O.P.,
Campus Minister at the Cath. Student Center, 713-526-3809.
THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY
As Catholic Christians we believe the family to be
the foundation of Church and society and the most basic of all human communities.
To be a Christian family is to be called to create
a community of life and love, one which evangelizes its members in the
faith and trains them to contribute to a just society. Families have the
task of forming persons and creating disciples.
Yet no family can be expected to accomplish this
responsibility without Church and societal support.
Family Ministry is that which enables persons
to live their Christian values at the most immediate and personal level,
that of their every day home life.
Family Life Ministry 1999 Directory; Catholic Dioc.
Galveston-Houston
The Family Life Office of the Galveston Houston
Diocese exists to encourage parish ministers to strengthen and support
the many kinds of families who make up their membership.
For more information on their programs, call the Family
Life Office, 713-741-8730.
FOR MOMS ONLY...
FAMILIA is back by popular demand!
If you are a mother of children infants - 4th grade and
you would like to:
*learn more about your Catholic Faith
*be better acquainted with the Bible
*get ideas on how to raise your children to be happy
and holy
*enhance your married life
*have a personal relationship with Jesus
*make new friends
Then FAMILIA is for you!!!
For information call Cathy Airola, 713-666-5554.
ATTENTION: Husbands and Fathers
FAMILIA now has a program designed for Husbands and Fathers.
It is a 4-year plan with evening meetings twice a month during the school
year. It is designed to encourage you in your vocations through prayer,
study of Scripture and Papal Encyclicals, and practical sharing with others.
Some topics: Your Relationship with God, Your Relationship with your Wife
and Children, Spiritually and Temporally. For more information, please
call Mark Pelletier, 713-777-8902.
RESPECT LIFE
I want our local church to say loudly and clearly, "No woman
should feel so alone that abortion seems her only alternative. No man need
feel so trapped or fearful that he believes there is no other answer."
I want us to be able to say to any woman: "Come to any Catholic parish...and
you will find help."
Most Rev. Harry Flynn, Archbishop of St. Paul & Minneapolis
"A Community Caring for Life."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
If you need help or support in a decision to not abort
your baby, please call the rectory, 713-729-0221, or Janet Hafernik, 713-465-4334.
The choice in favor of life is not a private option
but a basic demand of a just and moral society.
Pope John Paul II to Cardinal William Keeler; Pro-life
Leadership Convocation, March 3-5, 1999.
STM GABRIEL PROJECT
The STM Gabriel Project is currently helping a record
number of families. Recently one mother who was considering abortion
for financial reasons decided to keep her baby because of the loving concern
and support of two women from STM. The young woman said, "I have never
known people like you who really care. I have decided to trust in Jesus
and have my baby"
The Gabriel Project is in need of people willing to
help women and families experiencing a crisis pregnancy. We are currently
looking for women interested in being a "Gabriel Angel." As an "angel"
you would be a friend to a mother in need. You would call the mother occasionally
and check on her, possibly give her a ride to the doctor's office, or take
her things needed for the new baby.
Many thanks to the family who donated their used car
to one of our Gabriel families. It was heaven sent! We thank all of our
benefactors who are truly practicing the Corporal Works of mercy by generously
making contributions which help us feed the hungry, shelter the homeless,
and clothe the poor.
We continue to need monthly contributions to cover
the expenses of those who seek our help in a temporary crisis situation.
Some of the families we service are not eligible for welfare. A common
response from government employees is to tell our pregnant women to quit
their part time job or leave their "ill" husband if they want help!
You, our benefactors, are often their
last ray of hope!
Some of these mothers who experience such cold-hearted
rejection, start to wonder if there really is a God. When they discover
that someone cares, they know God does exist. If you would like to help,
please call Janet Hafernik, 713-465-4334.
Checks may be made out to St. Thomas More Gabriel,
Contributions are tax deductible. Many thanks to those who are already
"Gabriel Angels."
If you have a truck and would be willing to donate
one hour of your time once a month to help pick up or deliver donations
for Gabriel families, please call Janet, 465-4334.
Peace and Quiet
How many times have you thought, "I need some peace and
quiet." There is one place where you can always find
it. The Chapel at STM is open 24-hrs a day. It's a great place to come
and pray in silence, to collect yourself and place the cares of the world
in perspective. All are invited to come and share in peace in the
Presence of our Lord at any time. Come and see the difference that
just one hour in the Chapel can make in your life, then schedule a special
hour each week to come and adore!
Would you like to schedule a special hour with
Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament?
There are hours that need coverage to help maintain
our Perpetual Adoration.
The hours that need coverage are listed in the Online
Bulletin.
If you can commit to any of these times, please call
the parish office or click HERE
to e-mail us. Please give your name and phone number, along with the best
day(s) and time to call and someone will contact you.
Perpetual Adoration is kept alive at STM because of the
many members of our parish family who make their hour of adoration a primary
commitment. The dedication and devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
of the parishoners who are faithful to their hour each week has enabled
Perpetual Adoration to continue at St. Thomas More for 16 years.
Anyone is welcome to come and adore at the sanctuary
at any hour of the day or night. Try It! It's a wonderful time for just
you and our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament to get to know each other.
There are special times reserved for group prayer aloud
in the chapel:
*Monday, 12 noon until 8:00 p.m., we are reminded to pray
for vocations. (These hours also start with a Rosary prayed out loud if
the adorers so wish.)
*Monday, 7-8:00 p.m. The Rosary Group
*Monday, 8:00-9:00 p.m. Benediction (with Fr. Bill) Chapel
opened to Church
*Wednesday, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Kanayan Prayer Group
*Wednesday, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Prayer Group
*First Fridays, 8:00 p.m. Friday to 8:00 a.m. Saturday,
Nocturnal Adoration (see below)
The main purpose of our adoration chapel is to provide
an opportunity for parishioners to spend quiet and meditative time with
Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. People have a right not to be disturbed
during their established Holy Hour. Also, people who drop in should be
able to spend some quiet time with the Lord. Before any group
may meet in the chapel, they MUST receive permission from
Father Bill and Suzie Hamilton. The groups listed above took over times
where there was no scheduled adorer, and were given permission to use the
hours listed.
NOCTURNAL ADORATION
Nocturnal Adoration is the practice of praying the
Office of the Blessed Sacrament every hour on the hour on the first Friday
of the month. Prayer groups begin at 8:00pm Friday and continue until 8:00am
Saturday. Anyone is invited and welcome to come and join any group.
Knights of Columbus - SW Council 3910
We want to thank everyone for their continued support of the
KC fundraisers. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events:
Visit
the Knights of Columbus SW Council 3910 Home Page
FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED
FOSTER PARENTS are needed for females under age
18, primarily from Central America, who have come to this country alone.
If you are bilingual and interested,
please call Peter Stempien or Connie Hidalgo at Associated
Catholic Charities, 713-526-4611. Thank you.
PRO-LIFE! GET INVOLVED!
You can make a difference! Call Texas Right-to-Life
713-952-5432. Ask how you can help! The tide is beginning to turn. We must
keep the momentum going. Please donate a small part of your time to make
a big difference. Call now.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION
Engaged couples begin their marriage preparation by
contacting the parish office at least six months ahead of their anticipated
wedding date. Administration of the FOCUS questionnaire is the first step
in which all couples must take part.
The FOCUS questionnaire is a series of statements which
are answered individually. After a week or so you will have a second meeting
with the priest or deacon and review the results. No wedding date may be
placed on the calendar until these meetings have taken place. In rare circumstances
there may be an indication of areas that might need special attention and
additional visits may be scheduled.
FOCUS is given on the first and third Mondays of the
month in the rectory at 7:30 p.m. Reservations must be made.
Please call the rectory, 713-729-0221, to make arrangements.
SING! SING! SING!
Singers Needed for all Choirs!
One need NOT be the winner of a gold record award
to sing in the choir! We invite anyone who enjoys singing to come and join
us in praising the Lord! We need younger people! (no offense to
our tried and true songsters, but attrition is taking its toll in the form
of parishioners moving, etc.)
So...if you would like to try our choirs, we now have
a beautiful re-designed choir area which will accomodate more singers.
If you are interested in singing in any of our choirs,
see the Choir News in this week's Bulletin
for
the practice days and times.
please call choir director Mary Endres, 713-729-0221,
for more info.
CLASSES FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES
St. Dominic Deaf Center of the Diocese offers programs
for those with learning disabilities. Some of those offered are: CCE classes
for children and CIC (Church Information Class) for those interested in
learning more about their Catholic faith and/or those interested in becoming
Catholic.
Call 713-741-8721 (voice), or 713-741-4457 (TDD) for
information about these or other programs offered.
ATTENTION DEGREED TEACHERS
Applications are accepted for positions in the Catholic
Schools of the Diocese.
Please contact Sue Robenolt, Dir. of Teacher Personnel,
Catholic School Office, 2403 E. Holcombe, 77021-2098, or call 713-741-8704.
Corpus Christi Abbey
The only Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery for men
in Texas, is looking for young Catholic men interested in Monastic
life. If interested in the monastic life, please write the Vocation Director,
Corpus Christi Abbey, HCR #2, BOX 6300, Sandia Tx. 78383-9989.
This is My Parish
It is composed of people like me.
We make it what it is.
It will be friendly, if I am.
Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them.
It will do great work, if I work.
It will make generous gifts to many causes
if I am a generous giver.
It will bring other people into its worship
and fellowship,
if I bring them.
It will be a church of loyalty and love.
of fearlessness & faith,
and a church with noble spirit
If I, who make it what it is, am filled with these.
From: Parish Bulletin, Santa Susanna Church, Rome
Communion is brought to shut-ins
Communion is brought to the sick and shut-ins of the
parish on Fridays by our Eucharistic Ministers. If you would like to take
advantage of this service and cannot get to Mass, please call the rectory,
713-729-0221. If you need another day of the week, please call and we will
try to arrange for someone to bring you Communion when you are available.
FOOD PANTRY
Remember the poor. STM's food pantry accepts donations of
non-perishable food items and distributes them to those in need. Donations
are accepted at the pantry in Prinster Hall Tuesdays and Thursdays from
9:00-11:00 am and from 1:00-3:00 pm and on Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 am.
Our St. Vincent de Paul Society serves many people in our area.
SAVE TAXES BY GIFTING APPRECIATED STOCK
In many cases, people would like to sell a stock that
has gone up in value over the years, but don't want to pay the taxes on
the gain. Many of these same people make cash contributions to their church.
What they don't know is that instead of donating cash, they would be better
off donating the appreciated stock to the church. The church in turn can
sell the stock. In most cases the donor does not pay any tax on the gain,
and in fact also gets to deduct the full market value of the stock if he
itemizes deductions on his tax return.
For example, a taxpayer in a 33% tax bracket owns stock
worth $10,000 for which he originally paid $2800. If he sells the stock
and donates the proceeds to the church, he will owe $2400 ($7200 profit
x 33%) in taxes on the gain. After paying taxes he would have only $7600
remaining to give to the church. If instead the taxpayer gives the stock
to the church, he pays no tax on the gain, and gets an itemized tax deduction
of $10,000 instead of $7600. And, the church gets $10,000 instead of $7600.
Call your CPA or tax advisor before employing the above strategy.
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