REGULAR SCHEDULE Tuesday - Saturday: 8:30 a.m. Wednesday: 7:00 p.m. Sunday Vigil: Saturday 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:15 a.m.*; 11:00 a.m.*, & 5:30 p.m. *The nursery is available

RECONCILIATION See inside for Advent Penance Services in our area. Or by appointment

BAPTISM To begin the process of having your child baptized, please call the office. FUNERALS Please contact the parish office if there is a death in the family. The parish will cooperate with funeral arrangements. A priest will assist the family with funeral preparations. COMMUNION FOR THE SICK & SHUT-INS: To make arrangements for home or hospital visits, contact the Parish Office. MARRIAGE It is necessary for couples to contact the parish when the engagement is made. You should be a registered active member of the parish. Allow six to nine months for preparation for the sacrament. Extra time must be allotted if either of the parties has been married before.

CLERGY Robert Barras

Deacon Kevin Woodvine NORMAL PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.—5 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.—4 p.m. Sunday Receptionist: 9:20—10:50 a.m.

15500 El Camino Real | Houston, Texas 77062 | 281-486-0337 | www.stbchurch.org

December 9, 2018

St. Paul offers a prayer for the Philippians so that they may “discern what is of value”.

What do you value most in this life?

Second Sunday of Advent

Sunday Nov. 25, 2018 $ 15,893.62 Children’s 86.92 Faith Direct* 9,220.98 Total Collection $ 25,201.52 Budget 29,231.00 Over (under) budget $ (4,029.48) Thank you for your continued commitment to St. Bernadette Parish. We pray for your continued generous support of God’s work here at St. Bernadette. *Faith Direct is a weekly average based on a monthly total DSF 2018 Summary as of Nov. 26, 2018 Goal $ 184,800.00 Pledged by Parishioners $ 161,746.97 Paid to date $ 152,549.72 Over (under) goal $ (32,250.28)

FAITH COMMITMENT OF TREASURE

Readings for the Week Sunday: 2nd Sunday of Advent

Bar 5:1-9/Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 [3]/Phil 1:4-6, 8-11/Lk 3:1-6

Monday: Is 35:1-10/Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 [Is 35:4f]/Lk 5:17-26

Tuesday: Is 40:1-11/Ps 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13 [Is 40:10ab]/Mt 18:12-14

Wednesday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/Jdt 13:18bcde, 19 [15:9d]/Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47

Thursday: Is 41:13-20/Ps 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab [8]/Mt 11:11-15

Friday: Is 48:17-19/Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 [Jn 8:12]/Mt 11:16-19

Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11/Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19 [4]/Mt 17:9a, 10-13

Next Sunday: 3rd Sunday of Advent Zep 3:14-18a/Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 [6]/Phil 4:4-7/Lk 3:10-18

Welcome To St. B’s

We’re one week closer! As we prepare our worship space and our homes for the coming of Jesus at Christmas, let us also prepare our hearts.

12/11 St. Helen Pearland 7:00 p.m. 12/13 St. Clare Clear Lake 7:00 p.m. 12/18 Mary Queen Friendswood 7:00 p.m. 12/19 St. Luke Houston 7:00 p.m.

No Saturday Confessions at St. B’s During Advent

Advent Penance Services in our Deanery

Please join us for a Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 16, at 2 p.m. in the church. Our Adult Choir, Children’s Choir, and LifeTeen Band will provide joyful music of the season as you take a much-needed break from your hectic schedule. Refreshments will be served after the concert.

MUSIC NEWS

Our new website has launched! Please check out our exciting new look at: www.stbchurch.org You’ll find information on all our ministries, and current events taking place in our parish. You’ll also find areas of reflection for the Advent season as well as videos to broaden your understanding of the Catholic faith. We hope you enjoy perusing our new site!

WEBSITE

St. Bernadette Catholic Church Email: office@stbchurch.org Web: www.stbchurch.org December 9, 2018

See “General News” for more information. EDGE will start in the PLC this week, December 9. Come a little early for snacks. Have you seen our new website yet? Check it out!

Save The Dates: All Parish Christmas Decorating and Caroling – December 15

after the Saturday evening Mass – sign up on the website so there is enough pizza for everyone!

Christmas Choir Concert – December 16, 2-3 p.m. in the church JrHigh Youth Rally – February 23 Check the website for

registration information Extreme Challenge – April 27 EXPEDITION! JrHigh Away Camp – July 1-5 at Forest Glen,

Huntsville, Texas EDGE Summer Bash

JR. HIGH FAITH FORMATION

Second Sunday of Advent this week – join your parish family at Vespers on Sunday at 6:45 p.m. Calendar: Faith Formation will meet December 9 and 16. We will be on Christmas Break December 23 and 30, and January 6. 2019 classes will resume January 13. YOU ARE NEEDED to help with the youth of our Par ish - sign up today for a Virtus Training Class!! Please attend this - the youth of our parish need you to help out, AND you need to know what to look for, as well as, the dos and don'ts of being with youth. Saturday, December 15, in the morning at True Cross in

Dickinson For instructions on how to register, go to: www.stbchurch.org/parish life/safe environment-virtus If you are not receiving Parent News via email/Flocknote, contact your Faith Formation Director.

FAITH FORMATION GENERAL NEWS

ECC invites everyone to … Christmas Blessings

Monday, Dec 10 and Tuesday, Dec 11, at

12:30 p.m. in the Parish Life Center. All classes will gather to celebrate “Christmas Blessings”. Mrs. Nagala will tell the Nativity story. We will bring gifts for the

baby Jesus, have a blessing, and sing a song. The remembrance is simple and short. To complement our theme, we are requesting that each child bring a small baby gift that they can give to the baby Jesus. If you can, please bring a new and unwrapped baby item or consider a special needs request from Christian Action: Children’s new zipper hoodie style jackets, winter hats, and clothing 3T - 6X; also, any clothing outfits or packages of pull-up disposable training pants are greatly appreciated.

Early Childhood Connections News

Also see "Faith Formation General News “ Our class schedule for December is Sunday, December 9 and Sunday, December 16. Parents of Pre-K Faith Formation students please plan to attend our short Christmas Pageant in the

Mini Hall after your child’s class on Sunday, December 16. Remember your camera. Pre-K Faith Formation Parent News: If you are not receiving a weekly Pre-K Faith Formation Parent News email through Flocknote, inform me at summaa@stbchurch.org or call 281-486-0337 x 254 to get on the distribution list. You will receive information about class news, upcoming events, etc.

PRE-K FAITH FORMATION

“Perhaps one of your friends has become pregnant unexpectedly. As someone who has been there, I encourage you to support your friend in her new journey of being a mother. Not sure how to help or what to say?’ Learn ten tips at www.usccb.org/support-her.” “10 Ways to Support Her When She’s Unexpectedly Expecting” USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities

Second Sunday of Advent

Time and Talent

Lend a Hand with Christmas Preparations: Please let us know if you can help to assist us in planning. Please call Suzanne at 281-486-0337 x110 to sign up. You can also sign up online at www.stbchurch.org (Parish Life menu, then click Time and Talent)

Thursday, December 13: 9:30 a.m. Fluff garland, wreaths, and bows Saturday, December 15: 9:30 a.m. Hang garland Thursday, December 20: Time to be determined. Poinsettia Delivery Friday, December 21: 9:30 a.m. Groom and stage poinsettias

Sunday, December 23: Time to be determined. Place poinsettias in church

Monday, December 17: 9:30 a.m. Christmas Decorating in the Church –putting ornaments on trees, etc.

Want to assist? Please call Suzanne at 281-486-0337 x110, so we know how many people to expect. Help for an hour or more, let us know your availability. Parish Decorating Party Saturday, December 15 (after the 5:00 p.m. Mass): Adults, teens and parent/child teams can help with a variety of tasks. (Children under 13 need to work directly with a parent/guardian). Service hour letters will be available. If you can help, please let us know to help us plan tasks and for food. Pizza following. Please call Suzanne at 281-486-0337 x110. Christmas Light Helpers We are looking for multiple people to help decorate a few bushes and other areas (no ladders needed) with Christmas lights. For more information, please call Suzanne at 281-486-0337 x110. Mass Ministers Don’t forget to sign up to assist with one of the Christmas Masses. Please consider helping in the Parish Life Center for Mass, we don’t always have enough help. Thank you! Computer Programmer—Raspberry Pi 3 Raspberry Pi Programmer: Are you familiar with the Raspberry Pi 3 computer system? We are in need of someone to help with a special project. If you do not have time to work on a project, but could provide basic troubleshooting that would also be appreciated. Please call Suzanne at 281-486-0337 x110 if you may be able to help. Thank you!

CHRISTIAN ACTION

Food items needed in your Christian Action Food Pantry: Canned soup (vegetable or chicken noodle) Cereal (cheerio style) Canned Chili 15 oz Toothpaste Toothbrush (individually wrapped) Bars of bath soap Shampoo and Conditioner Shaving cream Laundry soap Your Christian Action Clothing Pantry needs the following items: Ladies low cut white socks Girl’s socks size 3-5 Little girl’s underclothes Size 2T & 3T Boys briefs size 6-7-8-10-12-18-20 Men’s briefs size 32-34 Ladies briefs size 10-3X The Christian Action Clothing pantry is also in need of : Non-skid black work shoes. We need both women and men’s shoes in the following sizes: Size 8, Size 9, Size 10

(these shoes can be found at Walmart in the work shoe section)

The list below includes answers to often asked questions for Christian Action during the holidays: The Christmas gifts that are purchased (from the tree tags)

are due by December 16.

All gifts should be brought to the Mass you attend and placed in the collection boxes in the Narthex. Should you bring a purchased gift to church, (other than your Mass time) please take the gift to the collection bin

in the front office near the receptionist area. Please do not wrap the gifts.

Thank you for your participation in the Christmas giving tree project.

St. Bernadette Catholic Church Houston, Texas December 9, 2018

Christmas

December 24 5:30 p.m. Church December 24 5:45 p.m. PLC December 24 8:30 p.m. Church December 25 9:00 a.m. Church

The floral arrangement at the shrine honoring the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is in remembrance of the deceased members of the Legion of Mary.

In today’s second reading, Saint Paul prays with joy and confidence for his friends in the Christian community at Philippi. He is encouraged that the community has partnered with him to proclaim the Gospel. He sees Christ’s active presence and plan of salvation at work in the community. God’s overarching plan is unclear to us, but when we see evidence of God working through others, doesn’t it give us reason to hope that Christ is alive among us? Does the witness of others help our own prayer lives? Does it inspire us to be partners with others in promoting the Gospel? Food for thought in this second week of Advent.

Mass Schedule

“Advent is the time to welcome the Lord who comes to

meet us, the time to look ahead, and to prepare ourselves

for Christ’s return.”

Pope Francis @Pontifex

While waiting … Advent does not lead to nervous tension stemming from expectation of something spectacular about to happen. On the contrary, it leads to a growing inner stillness and joy allowing me to realize that he for whom I am waiting has already arrived and speaks to me in the silence of my heart. Just as a mother feels the child grow in her and is not surprised on the day of the birth, but joyfully receives the one she learned to know during her waiting, so Jesus can be born in my life slowly and steadily and be received as the one I learned to know while waiting. —Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Genesee Diary

St. John of the Cross "Let us rejoice, O my Beloved!" December 14 is the feast

of mystic, poet, and reformer, St. John of the Cross. St. Teresa of Avila enlisted his assistance in reforming the Carmelite order. The proposed reforms didn't go over well, and John was imprisoned. Rather than become discouraged

or defiant, John turned to prayer. His time in prison resulted in some of the greatest mystical poetry the Church has seen. After his escape, his efforts were recognized and honored by the Carmelites. While he was appointed to the

highest office in his order, dissension forced him into solitude again. Following Christ isn't always easy, nor will it always be received well by everyone around us. John of

the Cross teaches us that these challenges can be opportunities to unite ourselves closer to Jesus.

St. Bernadette Catholic Church Email: office@stbchurch.org Web: www.stbchurch.org December 9, 2018

DECEMBER 09 THRU DECEMBER 15, 2018 Sat. 5pm: Tomislav Vlasic Sun. 8:15am: Albert Bea Jones, Jr. + Sun. 11am: All Parishioners Sun. 5:30pm: Mr. & Mrs. Leo Kelly + Mon. No Mass Tues. 8:30am: The Vu-Ho Family Wed. 8:30am: Al Morrey + 7pm: Thurs. 8:30am: Julia Jacoby + Fri. 8:30am: Santiago C. Petalver, Sr. + Sat. 8:30am: Eric Concepcion +

MASSES FOR THE WEEK

PLEASE REMEMBER OUR PARISHIONERS: Leland Derrick Jr., 12/10/1989; Frederick Johnston Sr., 12/10/1995; Anita Kumar, 12/11/2013; Ralph McNamara, 12/12/1999; Cecelia Gonzales, 12/12/2005; Isrrael Gonzales, 12/12/2016; Richard Carnes 12/13/1978; Roger Thomas, 12/14/1999; Tony Garcia, 12/14/2015; Rose Raborn, 12/15/1992; John Simon, 12/15/2006 on the anniversaries of their entrance into Heaven.

Advent Vespers Tonight 6:45 p.m. in the church

Advent Mission - this week! Welcoming Christ Into Our Hearts and Homes

Father Bob Weiss, CP December 10-11, 2018

7:00 p.m.

Advent Morning of Recollection Tuesday, December 11

Following 8:30 Morning Mass After Mass, Fr. Bob Weiss, CP will join us for

breakfast foods in the PLC and give a talk that will surely inspire our spiritual preparation for Christmas.

We will be finished by 11:00 a.m.

A New Year’s Eve Event

Monday, December 31 8:15 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Vizio Divina: Art, Music, Prayer, Food Please register online:

www.stbchurch.org/education/spiritual life so we will know how much food to prepare!

SAVE THE DATE! "Gifts of The Holy Spirit Workshop"

January 26, 2019 - the last Saturday in January 8:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Please contact Marsha Morthland for more information, 281-480-9308.

New Training for Pastoral Visitors! February 12 – April 9, 2019

St. Bernadette will be hosting an eight-week training offered through the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Catholic Chaplain Corps to help you develop the capacity to make empathetic connections with others and artfully extend God's compassion. Please go to the Spiritual Life page of our website, under education, at www.stbchurch.org to get all the information, and to fill in a registration form. Forms due by January 15, 2019. For more information, please contact Chris Twardowski at the parish office.

ADULT SPIRITUAL LIFE

Gerald (Jerry) Wobbe went home to the Lord on

November 21, 2018

St. Bernadette Catholic Church Email: office@stbchurch.org Web: www.stbchurch.org December 9, 2018

Parish Events Calendar www.stbchurch.org

www.facebook.com/stbhouston

ADVENT GOSPELS On the four Sundays of Advent, the Catholic lectionary presents a series of Gospel readings that prepare for the celebration of the birth of Christ. The Sunday Advent readings all rotate on a three-year cycle, but they always follow the same pattern. The Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent always tells of the reign of Christ at the end of time. It echoes the theme of the previous Sunday, the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King. Advent starts with the message that we await the second coming of Christ. This entire season is not just a

reminder of a past birth but an anticipation of future glory. The Second and Third Sundays of Advent always have Gospel readings about John the Baptist. John is an adult in these passages, proclaiming the nearness of the kingdom of God and serving as the prophet who bridges the Old and New Testaments. John foreshadows Jesus in his birth, his preaching, and his death. John’s message on these two middle Sundays of this season inspires us to follow Christ. The Fourth Sunday of Advent always tells part of the story that just precedes the birth of Christ. These familiar episodes set the stage for one of the Bible’s best-known passages, the story of Christmas.

The Gospel readings of the four Sundays of Advent come to us in reverse chronology. We start with the end of time. We continue to the period when Jesus was an adult. We end in the days before his birth. Like a funnel, Advent opens with a giant theme, the grandness of Christ the King, and it ends with a specific one, the child lying in a Bethlehem manger. Paul Turner Copyright © 2012 Resource Publications, Inc. 160 E. Virginia St. #170, San Jose, CA 95112, (408) 286-8505.