St. Mary Magdalene

Catholic Church Served by the Missionary Society of St. Paul

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

MISIÓN DE LA PARROQUIA: Somos una familia en Cristo con un corazón

acogedor llamado a servir.

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT: We are one family in Christ with a welcoming

heart called to serve.

Sacrament of Baptism: Parents requesting baptism for their child must call the parish office two months prior to the desired month of baptism. There are no baptisms during Lent or Advent. Sacrament of Matrimony: Couples interested in marriage at St.. Mary Magdalene must contact the office at least six months prior to their desired wedding date. Anointing of the Sick Please call the parish office if you or a loved one wish to receive the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. Sacramento del Bautismo: Padres que quieran bautizar a sus hijos deben de llamar a la oficina por lo menos 2 meses antes de la fecha del bautismo. No hay bautizos durante la Cuaresma o el tiempo de Adviento. Sacramento del Matrimonio: Parejas interesadas en casarse en Santa María Magdalena deben contactar a la oficina por lo menos seis meses antes de su fecha preferida de matrimonio. Por favor llamen a la oficina para información. Unción de los Enfermos: Por favor llame la oficina si usted o algún ser querido desea ser ungido.

Weekend Mass English: Saturday Vigil: 5:30 P.M.

Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, & 11:00 A.M.; 5:00 P.M. (Youth) Español: Sábado (Misa de Víspera): 7:00 P.M.

Domingo: 1:00 P.M. Weekday Mass

Monday--Friday: 8:30 A.M. (English) Martes: 7:00 P.M. (Misa en Español) 1st Friday Devotion Mass: 8:30 A.M.

1st Saturday Devotion Mass: 8:30 A.M. Reconciliation (Confession)

Tuesday: 6:00 P.M.—6:45 P.M. Saturday: 3:30 P.M.—5:00 P.M.

Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration 9:00 A.M.—9:00 P.M. (Mon.—Fri.)

Pastor: Rev. Felix Ilesanmi Osasona, M.S.P. Parochial Vicar: Rev. Anthony Udoh, M.S.P.

Deacons: Nick Caruso, Rene Ramon & Rick Simon

527 South Houston Avenue, Humble, TX 77338 † (281) 446-8211 Fax † (281) 446-8213 † www.st-mm.com Office Hours: M-F 8:00 A.M. — 4:30 P.M.

Pastor’s Weekly Message

Rejoice Always

St. Paul in our second reading invites us to rejoice always.

The responsorial psalm uses the Magnificat of Mary in the

gospel of Luke: “My soul rejoices in my God.” We also read

about joy in the first reading from the prophet Isaiah “I rejoice

heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul…” The

reason for our joy is that we have a savior who became one

like us in all things but sin so that we may also become like

him in his divinity. The birth of Jesus is what we are

preparing for and this is what fills our hearts with joy. I hope

many of you were able to go to St. Martha for the joint

penance service held there last Thursday. If you did not, we

have the regular confession hours on Saturdays at 3:30pm and

on Tuesdays at 6pm. When we prepare ourselves spiritually,

we benefit from the gifts that Jesus brings to us this season.

The advent season is a very short season this year. We will

have only few hours to celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent

next week before the Christmas season begins. Our Arts and

Environment ministry have an especially challenging but

rewarding task decorating the church for Christmas within the

shortest possible time. We will celebrate 4th Sunday of Advent

Sunday morning but by evening, we will be celebrating the

Vigil of Christmas. I am so grateful to these ministers for their

service and dedication to our community. Please take note of

our Christmas schedule. The evening Mass next Sunday,

December 24th will be the Vigil Mass for Christmas. The

Masses will be at 5pm (Children’s Mass) and 8pm. At

Midnight we will celebrate the Midnight Mass of

Christmas. Our Christmas Day Masses will be at 9am,

11am, and 1pm (Spanish). Kindly join us for this festive

event as we celebrate the joy of our salvation and please come

with your whole family.

Last Sunday, our Gospel reading from St. Mark introduced

John the Baptist as the Precursor of his Cousin, Jesus Christ,

the Son of God. Today, we have the Gospel of St. John

describe for us the person of John the Baptist. He was

regarded as someone who came to testify to the light but he

himself was not the light. John the Baptist in his very person

and message, gave us the meaning of this season of Advent.

He was the last of the prophets sent to make straight the path

of the Lord. He came to give witness to the light as he himself

was not the light. He was a man of convictions and spoke

with utter boldness. He was not afraid of the authority but

feared rather the authority of God. It seemed his actions and

speeches matched the expectation of many people who were

waiting for the Messiah and so they thought he was the

Messiah. In his humility, John the Baptist told them that he

was “I am not the Christ”.

When Jesus the Christ finally came into the scene, it was John

who introduced him to the world. John drew the attention of

his disciples to Jesus Christ saying: Look, there is the Lamb of

God (John 1:35). He was not afraid of losing his own

followers for another man. He knew who he was and would

not take another man’s glory. He was a very humble man. He

said he was not fit enough to be a slave of Christ. Slaves, at

that time in Israel, were the ones who normally remove the

sandals from the feet of their masters. Even though he had a

very successful ministry, John reminded his followers that

what he offered them was not enough, “I baptized with water;

but the one coming after me will baptize with the Holy Spirit.”

John the Baptist described himself as the ‘friend of the

bridegroom’ whose function was to rejoice upon hearing the

bridegroom’s voice (John 3:29). The joy of John was in

pointing the world to Jesus. He was like a telephone operator

who fades out once the caller is connected to the person to

whom he/she wishes to speak with. John said: He must grow

greater, I must grow less (John 3:30).

The mission of John the Baptist is also our mission. We are

called to make Christ known everyday of our lives, to point to

Him in our daily endeavors. We are to give him more space in

our hearts so that he will increase and we decrease. Our joy

must come from knowing who Jesus is for us and for the

world. This ought to be our focus as we prepare for Christmas.

The prophet Isaiah in the first reading spoke of his mission as

an anointed one of God. Jesus is the perfect Anointed of God,

the Christ. We too have been anointed in baptism and

Confirmation. We are called to bring good news to the poor,

to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives,

release to the prisoners, and to announce the year of favor

from the Lord (Isaiah 61:1-2). To do this effectively, we must

take on the humility and courage of John the Baptist.

Formation Towards Christian Ministry: We thank Br ian

Garcia-Luense for coming last week to promote this program

in our parish. This third and final semester will begin on

January 8, 2018 and will be held every Monday at 7pm in

McGivney Hall. We are going to be focusing on Morality and

Church History. Come and learn more about your faith. Please

use the registration for in the bulletin or you can register

online at www.archgh.org/oec/ftcm

Fr. Felix Osasona (pastor@st-mm.com)

P. 2

“He is always with us. Jesus promised this when he gave the disciples the same mission he gives to each of us: Go. …

Walk with each other. Do not be afraid to embrace God’s gift of life. Whatever storms or trials we face, we are not

alone. He is with us.” - USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities

2017-18 Respect Life Reflection

Word of Life

Time & Talent Ministries

MASS / LITURGY

ART & ENVIRONMENT Jean Johnson - (281) 358-3416 June Domengeaux - (281) 852-2555

ALTAR GUILD Shirley Jones - (281) 852-0670

ALTAR SERVERS Vickie VanGordon - (832) 496-9876 Jimena Farfán (Esp.) - (832) 513-0812

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION Freda Monk - (281) 852-7257 Horacio Garcia (Esp.) - (281) 808-1647

INSTITUTED ACOLYTE Ron Cecil - (281) 590-7528

MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY Bert Guempel - (281) 852-1549 Nelly Fernandez (Esp.) - (832) 405-2735

LECTORS Denise Ruffino - (281) 300-8534 Francisco Saldaña (Esp.) - (832) 875-3116

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF WORD Ben Bates - (281) 454-7575 Raquel Serrano (Esp.) - (832) 790-0058

MUSIC MINISTRY Perci Cacanindin - (281) 446-8211 Yvette Rodriguez - (281) 548-1674

DEVOTIONS

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Gilbert & Linda Alfaro - (281) 852-4573

DIVINE MERCY Terry Mares - (832) 790-0837

LEGION OF MARY Barbara Rivera (Eng.) - (281) 913-9631 Violeta Amador (Esp.) - (832) 571-6391

GRUPO DE ORACIÓN Eduardo Farfán - (708) 945-2579 Sub-Coord.: German Pereira - (281) 703-2418

HEARTS AFIRE Cynthia Meneses - (832) 492-1742

1 CHURCH INITIATIVE Ron McCuen - (281) 852-4743

STEWARDSHIP Tom Kleypas - (281) 852-7937

ORGANIZATIONS

KEENAGERS (60+) Barbara Walker - (281) 852-4103

YOUNG AT HEART (50+) SENIOR TRAVEL GROUP Jan Crawford - (281) 852-3508

RED HAT SOCIETY Loretta Schermock - (832) 640-9357 Jo Smith - (281) 381-9892

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 6878 Tony Butera, Grand Knight - (832) 279-7072

KC 4th Degree Assembly 2517 Faithful Navigator Tony Butera - (832) 279-7072 Columbian Squires Chief Counselor Tom Andrews - 713-376-2044 CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS Virginia R. Eckert - (713) 823-8951

MOVIMIENTO FAMILIAR CRISTIANO Evaristo y Linda Estrada - (832) 244-9908

FORMATION DEPARTMENT

ADULT FORMATION, MINISTRIES ADULT CONFIRMATION, BECOMING CATHOLIC (RCIA) Judy Bitowf (281) 446-8211

CCE/FORMATION, INFANT BAPTISM Mike Smith - (281) 446-2933

ELEMENTARY FORMATION (K-5) Ginger Herrington - (281) 446-2933

YOUTH MINISTRY (6-12) Carissa Moses - (281) 446-1241

JÓVENES EN ACCIÓN POR CRISTO Ana Maria Ortega - (713) 405-0652

ACTS RETREAT COORDINATION Alex Fuentes - (832) 423-0739 Roxana Fuentes - (832) 723-8748

SCHOOL MINISTRIES SCHOOL BOARD Joshua Raab - (281) 446-8535

MINISTERIO HISPANO +

FORMACIÓN DE FE PARA ADULTOS, SACRAMENTOS DE CONFIRMACIÓN Y COMUNIÓN, EL PROCESO DE RICA, PATROCINADORES DE MATRIMONIO, BAUTISMO DE NIÑOS DE 0-6 AÑOS, QUINCEAÑERAS Vickie Cortez - (281) 446-2933

OUTREACH MINISTRIES SOCIAL SERVICES Chris Rubio - (281) 540-1907 PRISON MINISTRY Mary Hernandez - (713) 299-8493 HOSPITAL MINISTRY Margarita Rodriguez - (832) 445-6318 HOMEBOUND MINISTRY Linda Enloe - (281) 389-1820 RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY Teresa O’Brien - (919) 623-5343 (TeresaRespectLife@gmail.com) BLOOD DRIVE Rosa Herrera - (281) 687-5823 BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY Madeline Graham - (281) 446-8044 NURSING HOME MINISTRY Humble Health Center, Oakmont & Park Manor, Deerbrook Nursing Home Monica Fontenot - (281) 913-5221 ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE Darril B. - (281) 852-4230 Wayne B. - (281) 777-9217 Florentino V. - (832) 605-1881 Susan G. - (281) 813-0575 PRAYER CHAIN MINISTRY Ron & Ann McCuen - (281) 852-4743 (smprayers@gmail.com) PRAYER QUILT MINISTRY Jean Chebret - (713) 254-1714 HELPING HANDS MINISTRY Jan Crawford - (281) 852-3508 LITTLE DRESSES FOR AFRICA Dottie Gauthier - (337) 344-2461 HOME AGAIN MINISTRY (FURNITURE BANK/ HOUSEHOLD ITEMS) Closed Until Further Notice SERENITY SENIORS MINISTRY Paulette Meeks - (281) 446-3122

OTHERS NURSERY Wanda Conley - (281) 446-8211 FALL FESTIVAL COMMITTEE Pauline Brown Chair - (832) 338 - 9657 PASTORAL COUNCIL Elizabeth Chapman - (281) 782 - 3579 FINANCE COUNCIL Bert Guempel - (281) 852-1549 SECURITY TEAM John Garza - (832) 875-1377 P.3

Are you new to our parish or have been coming for a while but are not yet registered? We offer you a

warm welcome to St. Mary Magdalene parish. Becoming an active parishioner begins when you

register with the parish. Please stop by the Welcome Ministry table in the narthex to pick up a

welcome packet. You can also come by the church office during the week to register.

CHURCH STAFF

Administration Wanda Conley, Business Manager

Irma Bueno, Bookkeeper

Susie Zamarrón, Parish Secretary

Nery Lucarini, Parish Communications Coordinator

Lupe Gonzales, Receptionist

Estela Treviño, Receptionist

Derek Swanson, Receptionist

Faith Formation Michael Smith, Pastoral Associate for Formation

Ginger Herrington, Coordinator of Elementary Formation

Carissa Moses, Coordinator of Youth Ministry

Judy Bitowf, Director of Adult Formation

Vickie Cortez, Director of Hispanic Ministry

Brenda Contreras, Formation Secretary

Community Outreach Chris Rubio, Director of Family Life and Social Concerns

Maintenance Jorge Acosta, Maintenance Technician

Ester Castro, Housekeeper

Jose Garcia, Maintenance Technician

Music and Liturgy Perci Cacanindin, Director of Music and Liturgy Becky Bibens, Pianist Kathy Yoo, Pianist

ST. MARY MAGDALENE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

530 Ferguson St. Humble, Texas 77338 Phone: (281) 446-8535 Fax: (281) 446-8527

www.smmcs.org

Accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department

Joshua Raab, Principal Trish Duhon, Director of Marketing & Communications Tom Walsh, Athletic Director Cathy Brown, Director of Before & After School Program Laura Valladares, Counselor Laura Rocha, Director of Admissions Kelli Pitt, Bookkeeper Donna Mohrman, Nurse Sam McKinney, Secretary

BULLETIN ARTICLES ARE DUE THE MORNING OF

Issue for December 24 - due by December 15. Issue for December 31 - due by December 20.

E-mail bulletin articles or announcements to nlucarini@st-mm.com

Liturgy and Faith Formation have priority over all articles, thank you for your cooperation.

Offertory - $20,613.00 Online Giving - $ 8,579.00 Total - $29,192.00

Second Collection (Retirement for Religious) Offertory - $7,230.00 Online Giving - $ 395.00 Total - $7,625.00

Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) 2017 Goal - $165,000.00 Paid to Date - $146,700.00 Amount Pledged - $150,702.36 Participants - 392

NURSERY STAFF

Wanda Conley, Nursery Coordinator Patricia De Los Santos, Nursery Attendant Isabel Gonzalez, Nursery Attendant Alexis Mendoza, Nursery Attendant Rachel Meza, Nursery Attendant Jenna Meza, Nursery Attendant Samantha Meza, Nursery Attendant

P.4

The Second Collection for this weekend is

For Social Concerns

Your generous donations help those in need of food, clothing

and other assistance in the Humble area. Please indicate

Social Services on your check if you do not have

an envelope.

Stewardship of Our Treasures Week of December 10 , 2017

Knights of Columbus Breakfast

Come out and enjoy a Mexican Breakfast hosted by the

Knights of Columbus on December 17, in the Family Life

Center after all morning Masses.

Come for the food, stay for the fellowship.

Parish Office Holiday Schedule The office will be closed on the following days to celebrate

the Christmas Holidays with Family.

Friday, December 22 - Office closes at noon

Monday, December 25 - Closed

Tuesday, December 26 - Closed

Wednesday, December 27– Office Reopens

Update From The Nursery

The Nursery will be closed on the

following dates:

Sunday, December 24, 2017

through Monday, January 1, 2018

Please plan accordingly and We wish everyone a

Merry Christmas!

A Friendly Reminder from CCE There will be no CCE Classes for the next three weeks

(Dec. 17 - Dec. 31, 2017). Classes will resume the week of

January 7, 2018. Have a blessed and safe Christmas from the

Faith Formation Staff!

Mass Intentions for the Week Saturday Dec. 16 5:30 pm

7:00 pm MSP Comunidad de STMM

Sunday Dec .17 7:30 am 9:00 am

11:00 am

1:00 pm

5:00 pm

Miriam Varghese † Mary Vargahese † Marilyn Stayton † Collen Randazzo † Javier Canales † Lorena Giselle Garessa Azhalea Benavides † Frank & Terry Mares (SPI)

Monday Dec. 18 8:30 am Devin James Barcinas (SPI) Dolores Barcinas & Family (SPI)

Tuesday Dec. 19 8:30 am Staff Srgt. Enrico Antonio Rojo †

Wednesday Dec. 20 8:30 am Aurora Flores Protomartir † Susie Robles †

Thursday Dec. 21 8:30 am Ugnacio Perez (SPI)

Friday Dec. 22 8:30 am Annamma Devarsy Martha & Connie Jimenez †

Saturday Dec. 23 5:30 pm 7:00 pm

Larry Kirchner † Aron Manuel Miranda † Rafael García †

Sunday Christmas Eve

Dec. 24 7:30 am 9:00 am 11:00 am

1:00 pm 5:00 pm 8:00 pm 12:00 am

Darryl & John Sigsworth † Elizabeth McLellan † Marilyn Stayton † Joseph & Regina Rose † Pat John Pepe † Marin & Hermina Sánchez (SPI) Scott Trent † Elena Mares † Larry Smith † Elizabeth McLellan † Fam. Of Salomé Treviño (SPI) Virginia Goycolea (SPI)

This Week in the Parish

P. 5

To reserve a Mass, please stop by the Parish office and reserve the date and time for your intention.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19;

Mt 1:18-25

Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17;

Lk 1:5-25

Wednesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38

Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a;

Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45

Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd;

Lk 1:46-56

Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14;

Lk 1:57-66

Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29;

Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38

Sunday December 17

7:30 am - CH Mass 8:30 am - FLC KC Mexican Breakfast 9:00 am - CH Mass 11:00 am - CH Mass 1:00 pm - CH Mass (Sp) 3:00 pm - CP Chaplet of Divine Mercy 5:00 pm - CH Mass

Monday December 18

8:30 am - CH Mass 9:30 am - MGH Keenagers 9:00 am - SJH Hearts of Fire 7:00 pm - MGH FTCM

Tuesday December 19

8:30 am - CH Mass 6:00 pm - CH Confessions 7:00 pm - FLC Asamblea Grupo de Oración 7:00 pm - 101 Legion de Maria Penance Service At St. Martha at 6:30 pm (No 7 pm Mass)

Wednesday December 20

8:30 am - CH Mass 10:30 am - SMH Serenity Seniors Movie Day 6:00 pm - MGH KC 4th Degree Mtg. 6:30 pm - CH Children’s Christmas Liturgy 7:00 pm - LIB Legion de Maria Mtg.

Thursday December 21

8:30 am - CH Mass 10:00 am - SJH Encuentro (Sp) 6:00 pm - FLC Grupo de Oración/Convivo 7:30 pm - MGH Columbian Squires Mtg.

Friday December 22

8:30 am - CH Mass 6:30 pm - CH Children’s Christmas Liturgy

Saturday

December 23

3:30 pm - CH Confessions 5:30 pm - CH Mass 7:00 pm - CH Mass (Sp)

Sunday

December 24

Christmas Eve

7:30 am - CH Mass 9:00 am - CH Mass 11:00 am - CH Mass 1:00 pm - CH Mass (Sp)

5:00 pm - CH Children’s Christmas Mass 8:00 pm - CH Vigil Mass Nativity of the Lord Midnight Mass - CH Bilingual/Bilingue

Weekly Announcements

P. 6

VIRTUS Training

The next two sessions of “Protecting God’s Children” VIRTUS

classes will be held here at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church on:

January 12th and January 26th from 6 to 9 P.M. Location to be determined.

The Archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection requires that all volunteers and employees of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church attend VIRTUS Training.

If you have not received the training, please make every effort to attend the training on January 12th and 26th 2018.

Visit www.virtus.org to register.

If you have any questions, please contact Linda Enloe at (281) 389-1820 or e-mail

Linda at l.domec@yahoo.com.

Adoration News

† December 22 to January 2, 2018 - Adoration will

be closed and resume on January 2, 2018.

God Bless you all and have a Blessed Christmas!

See you at the Eucharist.

Annual Christmas

Matching Fund

Our parish continues to experience tremendous growth. Thanks to your commitment and that of other parishioners, we

acquired the former Lakeland Baptist Church on Isaacks Road and have paid for it. We also paid off the loan for the construction of the school as of June 30th, 2017. We are now debt free!! Our

church, school, Family Life Center, St. Paul Religious Education Center, McGivney Hall and

offices provide comfortable spaces to worship and minister to our spiritual needs but just like your

home, these facilities come at a cost. We also have a wonderful staff that assist us in our faith needs.

The maintenance of these facilities and the building of more programs for our needs are part

of our stewardship commitments.

We are once again blessed this year to have a number of parishioners who agreed to match your Christmas donations. Please prayerfully consider a

generous and meaningful Christmas gift to St. Mary Magdalene this year. The value of your gift will be

doubled, and you can continue to enjoy our beautiful facilities with pride even

as we continue to make them better. God bless your generosity.

The priests of St. Mary Magdalene will be celebrating

the sacrament of reconciliation with the following

parishes. Come and prepare the way of the Lord by

celebrating this beautiful sacrament.

Date of Service Parish Celebrating Time

Tues, Dec. 19, 2017 Prince of Peace 19222 Tomball Pkwy,

Houston, TX 77070

6:30 pm

Vigil of the Lord’s Nativity

5:00 pm - Children’s Mass

8:00 pm - Vigil Mass

Midnight Mass - B i l in g u a l / Bilingue

Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Day)

9:00 am - English

11:00 am - English

1:00 pm - Misa en Español

281-446-8211 • st.mm.com

•

Weekly Ministry Announcements

A Healthy Marriage is a Happy Marriage

Married Couples - Shopping Tip. It has been

said the greatest gift you can give your children

is two parents very much in love with each other. Polish

up this gift and put a bow on it at a Worldwide Marriage

Encounter Weekend. You deserve the best your children

need to see you reaching for it. Check with us for the

next scheduled weekends close to you.

Find out more or sign up at: www.houstonme.org

or call (713) 482-1791.

NORTHEAST CATHOLIC SINGLES A MINISTRY FOR SINGLES

AGES 40 and Older.

Our next gathering will be on Wednesday, December 20 at 7pm. Join us at RC’s Pizza,

1202 King wood Drive in Kingwood.

For more info contact Peggy Broyels at: 281-359-4560 or peggybmom4@gmail.com

Or Subscribe to us on Flocknotes at STMM or St. Martha’s website.

P. 7

MINISTRY HANDBOOK

Last weekend, the Stewardship

Committee distributed the new

“Ministry Handbook” after all of the

weekend Masses. If you did not receive one, please stop

by the “Welcome Table” and pick up a copy. We will try

to have some on the table for the next few weeks.

This is the first time a handbook like this has been

published for St. Mary Magdalene. The handbook has a

lot of general parish information as well as contact

information and summaries for many ministries and

organizations available at this parish.

Pick one up and get involved with the parish community

and find your calling.

KEENAGERS

ALL ADULTS AGES 60 AND

UPARE INVITED

Fellowship — Bingo — Lunch

MONDAY — December 18th, 2017 McGivney Hall 9:30 A.M. — 1:00 P.M.

Bingo at 11:00 am, Lunch at noon

Just bring a Snack or Dessert to share Volunteers & Helpers always welcome

Barbara Walker—(281) 852-4103 walkerbarb@aol.com

Serenity Seniors

WHO’S INVITED: SENIORS

AGED 50+

WHEN: Wednesday, December 20, 2017

WHERE: St. Mary Magdalene Church in St. Mary’s Hall

TIME: 10:30 AM (Good Idea to arrive at 10:15 to get

snacks before movie)

FREE MOVIE: “The Young Messiah”

All seniors are invited to come and enjoy this Christian

movie among friends.

These amenities are offered during the movie: a box of

popcorn, home-made cookies, chocolate candy, a bottle

of water and a chance to win a $25 gift card to a local

restaurant. Since this is a pre-Christmas event, some

other gifts will be offered as door prizes. (The Young

Messiah is astounding and truly inspiring as we imagine

what it was like for Jesus as a normal young boy to “put

aside being God” and to grow in wisdom and

knowledge.)

Love Offering Accepted. Donations are used by Serenity

Seniors Ministry in their service to others.

Parking Lot Etiquette

We are very blessed here at St. Mary

Magdalene to have such a busy and lively

parish. In addition to the Sunday Masses and

the Catholic School there are many ministries

that use our campus for various activities and events.

Here are a few things to keep in mind (when leaving or

entering the parking lot) as the Holidays will bring more

activities to our campus.

† Leave with plenty of time to get a parking spot.

† Watch your speed and watch for pedestrians.

(Especially in the morning during school days)

† Pedestrians, try not to walk in the middle of a drive

path.

† Please do not block traffic coming in and out of the

parking lot. Especially during CCE, please pull into a

parking spot if you are waiting to pick up your

students.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Weekly Announcements

P. 8

Update from the Business Manager St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Community is pleased to offer electronic contribution statements for your tax-deductible giving. You can download your statement today from our “My Own Church” site. If you already have a login, simply navigate to the My Offering tab, view your Giving History, and click the Download button. Save or print the PDF file of your statement.

Receive statements instantly! No waiting for a paper statement to arrive in the mail.

Help the parish reduce mailing costs and paper usage.

Be secure! Electronic delivery to your “My Own Church account” allows greater confidentiality than printed statements.

Don’t forget that My Own Church also lets you update your information, register online for classes, set your availability to serve in ministries, and more! Don’t have a login? Creating one is easy! 1. Go to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Community’s “My Own Church” website: http://connectnow.parishsoft.com/galveston 2. Create your login. 3. Wait for notification that your account has been approved.

Keep your username and password handy. You’ll want to return to My Own Church again and again to use the online registration and ministry management tools. You can also view your giving history at any point during the year.

God Bless, Wanda Conley Business Manager

Employment Opportunity

St. Mary Magdalene is looking for 5 experienced part time

nursery attendants for its Mother’s Day Out program.

Position will be 20 plus hours per week.

Applicants must have the following qualifications:

Experience in caring for children between the ages of 0

to 3 with the ability to adapt and interact with a variety

of personalities.

At least 18 years of age.

Pass and complete of background check and drug

screening.

Must present the results of a current (within 1 year) TB

test and current immunizations record.

Satisfactory completion of CPR training for infants and

children.

Must adhere to the teachings of the Roman Catholic

Church.

Must be VIRTUS trained. Please submit resume to Wanda Conley at:

WConley@st-mm.com. No phone calls, please.

Employment

Opportunity

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church has an immediate opening for a full-time, salaried Coordinator of Youth Ministry (CYM). The CYM will develop

and coordinate a comprehensive Youth Ministry program for both middle school {grades 6 -8} and high school {grades 9 – 12} youth; special emphasis should be placed on evangelization, outreach, and service / mission work. The CYM will collaborate with the Pastoral Associate for Formation in implementing the catechetical and sacramental preparation programming for grades 6 – 12.

A qualified applicant must: be an active and practicing Catholic (in full communion with the Church) and be at least 21 years of age with a minimum of 2 years of parish Youth Ministry experience; hold a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Religious Education, Youth Ministry, or a related field – or equivalent combination of experience and education. The applicant must also have a strong Catholic theological background; possess strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills; be able to effectively and efficiently manage fluctuating demands and deadlines, as well as ministry volunteers. Experience using Windows-based computers with Microsoft Office software is essential.

Please submit a resumé with cover letter, salary requirements, and references to Mike Smith (Pastoral Associate for Formation) via email at msmith@st-mm.com; no telephone inquiries, please. Interested applicants should submit their paperwork by December 30, 2017 for consideration.

Knights of Columbus Sponsor Youth

Free Throw Championship

All boys and girls ages 9-14 are invited to

participate in the local level of competition for the 2018

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship.

The local competition will be held on

January 14, 2018 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic

Church in the Family Life Center.

Registration begins: 12:30 pm

Contest starts at 1:30 pm.

All contestants on the local level are recognized for their

participation in the event. Participants are required to

show proof of age and written parental consent. For entry

forms and additional information

Contact: Tony Butera at 832-279-7072

Weekly Announcements

No Other School Teaches Them To

Shine Like This.

When you choose St. Mary Magdalene for your children, you surround them with a community that

shares your faith and your values. Here your children will learn to shine - with a light that

they will carry with them into the world.

Www.smmcs.org

Community based-family Oriented-

Child Centered

SMMCS would like to

thank all those who

participated in this

year’s Humble

Christmas Parade!

We would like to

especially thank

SMMCS parents:

Mrs. Vasquez, Mr.

Holden and

Mrs. Espinoza!

Have a

Merry Christmas! P.9

Faith Formation

P. 10

FTCM Contact for STMM is Tina Cao - 832-573-7288

CCE / Formation & Youth Ministry News

Thank you, Carissa!

Our Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Carissa Moses, submitted her resignation last week. She will be staying home to take care of her new baby. We are grateful for her 2 years of service to the Young Church! Please keep her, and our staff, in your prayers during this time of transition.

Vacant,

Coordinator of Youth Ministry

Mike Smith, M.A.

Pastoral Associate for Formation

msmith@st-mm.com

CCE Office: (281) 446-2933

CCE / FORMATION CLASSES: Our fall semester is done, and we are now on a three-week Christmas Break! Have a happy and holy Christmas season. CCE classes will resume the week

of January 7, 2018 in the St. Paul Center.

A special note of thanks to all our catechists, who make this Formation program possible. Your faithfulness is such a blessing to so many! We are looking for a few new catechists to replace those who can no longer teach, particularly on Sunday afternoons (3:00 pm - 4:30 pm) and Tuesday evenings (6:00 pm 7:30 pm). Please contact Mike in the Formation Office for more details!

2018 Confirmation CLASS: Students who have not turned in their paperwork and whose parents missed the “Parent / Candidate Meeting” back in October were removed from the 2018 Confirmation class on Friday, December 15th! Copies

of the student’s Baptism and First Communion certificates were due in September. Please continue working on service forms, as they are not due until

February 28, 2018. Reminder - the $175

Confirmation Retreat fee should be paid in full by

Friday, December 29, 2017. The Candidate Orientation Meeting (and “Parent / Sponsor Session”)

is coming up on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 7:00pm.

P. 11

Text Message Reminders: We offer text message reminders, which can be sent straight to your cellphone / mobile device. Simply enter 81010 in

the “To:” field, and send the following message to register for specific messages for our programs… you can also download the Remind app from your cell app store.

2018 Confirmation candidates / parents: @conf2018

2018 Confirmation TEAM (plans and runs the program): @smmconteam

High School Youth Ministry: @stmmHS Middle School Youth Ministry: @stmmJR

2017 - 2018 Sacrament Preparation (parents / students preparing for Reconciliation & Eucharist): @sacprep

2018 Jr. High Rally: The Junior High Rally - our largest archdiocesan event for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders - is coming up on

Saturday, February 24th from 10:30 am - 9:00 pm at

Sts. Simon and Jude in The Woodlands.

The theme is “Faithful and Fearless”; regular registration is $45 per person (early deadline is Monday, January 29)… late registration is $55 through February 7). Please contact Mike for registration paperwork.

Sacrament Preparation:

Students who did not pass their initial Reconciliation interview should contact the Formation Office when the student is thoroughly prepared and ready to be re-interviewed. The Reconciliation interview will be include the interview, reviewing Chapters 1 - 6 are completed, and the four required prayers are memorized.

Parents are reminded that their student WILL NOT BE

INTERVIEWED until a copy of the Baptism certificate

is received by Mike Smith. You can email it to him at msmith@st-mm.com, fax it to 281-446-8213, or bring by the original to the Parish Office.

Christmas Nativity for Children: Would your 1st - 5th grade student like to participate in our Christmas Nativity play? If so, please plan to attend the two remaining Nativity

rehearsals on Wednesday, December

20th and Friday, December 22nd ; the rehearsals run from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm in the Church.

Costumes are provided! The nativity play will be presented at the Christmas Eve “Children’s Liturgy” on Sunday, December 24th at 5:00 pm. Please contact our special events coordinator, Vickie VanGordon, at 832-496-9876,

or vickievv@gmail.com for more information.

Children’s News and Adult Formation

P. 12

Breaking Open the Word for Families Third Sunday of Advent

By: Ginger Herrington

Reading 1: Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11 I rejoice heartily in the Lord; in my God is the joy of my soul. Isaiah foresees the mission of our

Lord Jesus: bringing glad tidings to the poor; healing the brokenhearted; freeing the captives and prisoners from sin.

He wraps us in a robe of salvation and a cloak of justice.

Reading 2: First Thessalonians 5:16-24 The Lord who calls you is faithful. St. Paul advises us to rejoice and to pray without ceasing. How can you pray all

the time? Be mindful of God in everything you do. Give thanks to Him whenever something good happens; ask for His

help when you or someone else needs it.

Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28

There is One among you whom you do not recognize. John the Baptist answered those who wanted to know who he

was and who he was not: he was not the Christ to come nor was he Elijah back from the dead. John also alerted them

that the Christ to come was already among them, unrecognized.

Access the full article online at www.st-mm.com/bulletins-childrens-news-full-text OR Scan the QR

Judy Bitowf Adult Faith Formation

judyb@st-mm.com, 281-446-2933

Ginger Herrington Coordinator of Elementary Formation

gingerh@st-mm.com, 281-446-2933

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

NEW BIBLE STUDY BEGINNING JANUARY 11, 2018

WORD ON FIRE MATERIALS BY BISHOP ROBERT BARRON

9 SESSIONS 01/11/18 THROUGH 03/08/18

Sin separates us from God, but the cultivation of Virtue can restore right relations with him. Pride,

envy, anger, sloth, gluttony, avarice and lust are all patterns of dysfunction within us that lead to

unhappiness. This study explains the nature of these sins and offers a corresponding virtue to

mitigate each sin, and practical advice for your life. Registration is Required by December 31, 2017

for Materials. Donation for Sessions is $20.00 per person, payable 1st session.

TO REGISTER, sign-up at the Parish Office or online at www.st-mm.com .

CONTACT JUDY BITOWF, judyb@st-mm.com.

If you are age 18 or older, a graduate from high school, and have been baptized and received

first Communion, but never confirmed, you may prepare for the Sacrament in our Adult

Confirmation program. Classes will begin in January 2018 for celebration of Confirmation at

Pentecost in May 2018. Contact Judy, judyb@st-mm.com for details.

Mensaje Seminal del Párroco

Regocíjate Siempre:

San Pablo en nuestra segunda lectura nos invita a regocijarnos

siempre. El salmo responsorial usa el Magnificat de María en el

evangelio de Lucas: "Mi alma se regocija en mi Dios". También

leímos acerca del gozo en la primera lectura del profeta Isaías

"Me regocijo sinceramente en el Señor, en mi Dios está la

alegría de mi alma ... "La razón de nuestro gozo es que tenemos

un salvador que se hizo uno como nosotros en todas las cosas

excepto en el pecado para que también podamos llegar a ser

como él en su divinidad. El nacimiento de Jesús es para lo que

nos estamos preparando y esto es lo que llena nuestros

corazones de alegría. Espero que muchos de ustedes hayan

podido ir a St. Martha para el servicio de penitencia que se

celebró allí el jueves pasado. Si no lo hizo, tenemos las horas

regulares de confesión los sábados a las 3:30 p.m. y los martes a

las 6 p.m. Cuando nos preparamos espiritualmente, nos

beneficiamos de los dones que Jesús nos brinda esta temporada.

La temporada de adviento es una temporada muy corta este año.

Tendremos pocas horas para celebrar el 4º domingo de

Adviento la próxima semana antes de que comience la

temporada navideña. Nuestro ministerio de Arte y Medio

Ambiente tiene una tarea especialmente desafiante pero

gratificante que decora la iglesia para la Navidad en el menor

tiempo posible. Celebraremos el cuarto domingo de Adviento el

domingo por la mañana, pero por la noche, celebraremos la

Vigilia de Navidad. Estoy muy agradecido con estos ministerios

por su servicio y dedicación a nuestra comunidad. Por favor,

tome nota de nuestro calendario de Navidad. La Misa el

próximo domingo 24 de diciembre será la Misa de Vigilia de

Navidad. Las misas serán a las 5 p.m. (Misa de los niños) y a

las 8 p.m. En la medianoche celebraremos la misa de

medianoche de Navidad. Nuestras Misas del Día de Navidad

serán a las 9 a.m., a las 11 a.m. y a la 1 p.m. (español). Por

favor, únase a nosotros en este evento festivo mientras

celebramos la alegría de nuestra salvación y, por favor, venga

con toda su familia.

El domingo pasado, nuestra lectura del Evangelio de San

Marcos introdujo a Juan el Bautista como el precursor de su

primo, Jesucristo, el Hijo de Dios. Hoy, tenemos el Evangelio

de San Juan para describirnos la persona de Juan el Bautista.

Fue considerado como alguien que vino a testificar a la luz, pero

él mismo no era la luz. Juan el Bautista en su misma persona y

mensaje, nos dio el significado de esta temporada de Adviento.

Él fue el último de los profetas enviados para enderezar el

camino del Señor. Él vino a dar testimonio de la luz ya que él

mismo no era la luz. Era un hombre de convicciones y hablaba

con total audacia. Él no tenía miedo de la autoridad, sino que

temía más bien la autoridad de Dios. Parecía que sus acciones y

discursos coincidían con la expectativa de muchas personas que

estaban esperando al Mesías y entonces pensaron que él era el

Mesías. En su humildad, Juan el Bautista les dijo que él era "Yo

no soy el Cristo".

Cuando Jesús el Cristo finalmente entró en escena, fue Juan

quien lo presentó al mundo. Juan llamó la atención de sus

discípulos a Jesucristo diciendo: Miren, allí está el Cordero de

Dios (Juan 1:35). No tenía miedo de perder a sus propios

seguidores por otro hombre. Él sabía quién era y no tomaría la

gloria de otro hombre. Él era un hombre muy humilde. Dijo que

no estaba en condiciones de ser un esclavo de Cristo. Los

esclavos, en ese momento en Israel, eran los que normalmente

quitan las sandalias de los pies de sus amos. A pesar de que tuvo

un ministerio muy exitoso, Juan les recordó a sus seguidores

que lo que les ofreció no fue suficiente: "Bauticé con agua; pero

el que viene después de mí bautizará con el Espíritu Santo.

"Juan el Bautista se describió a sí mismo como el" amigo del

novio "cuya función era regocijarse al escuchar la voz del novio

(Juan 3:29). La alegría de Juan fue al señalarle el mundo a

Jesús. Era como un operador telefónico que se desvanece una

vez que la persona que llama se conecta con la persona con la

que desea hablar. Juan dijo: Él debe crecer más; Debo crecer

menos (Juan 3:30).

La misión de Juan el Bautista también es nuestra misión.

Estamos llamados a dar a conocer a Cristo todos los días de

nuestras vidas, a señalarlo en nuestros esfuerzos diarios.

Debemos darle más espacio en nuestros corazones para que él

aumente y disminuyamos. Nuestra alegría debe venir de saber

quién es Jesús para nosotros y para el mundo. Este debería ser

nuestro enfoque mientras nos preparamos para la Navidad.

El profeta Isaías en la primera lectura habló de su misión como

ungido de Dios. Jesús es el perfecto Ungido de Dios, el Cristo.

Nosotros también hemos sido ungidos en el bautismo y la

Confirmación. Estamos llamados a llevar buenas nuevas a los

pobres, a sanar a los quebrantados de corazón, a proclamar

libertad a los cautivos, a liberar a los prisioneros y a anunciar el

año de gracia del Señor (Isaías 61: 1-2). Para hacer esto de

manera efectiva, debemos asumir la humildad y el coraje de

Juan el Bautista.

Formación del Ministerio Cristiano: Agradecemos a Br ian

García-Luense por venir la semana pasada para promover este

programa en nuestra parroquia. Este tercer y

último semestre comenzará el 8 de enero de

2018 y se llevará a cabo todos los lunes a las 7

p.m. en McGivney Hall. Nos enfocaremos en la

moralidad y la historia de la iglesia. Ven y

aprende más sobre tu fe. Utilice la inscripción

en el boletín o puede registrarse en línea en

www.archgh.org/oec/ftcm.

Padre Felix (pastor@st-mm.com)

P. 13

Palabra de Vida “Él está siempre con nosotros. Jesús nos lo prometió cuando dio a los discípulos la misma misión que nos da a cada uno de

nosotros: Vayan… Caminen juntos. Abracen el don de la vida que nos da Dios sin temor. No importa las tormentas o pruebas que

enfrentemos, no estamos solos. Él está con nosotros”.

- Secretariado de Actividades Pro-Vida de la USCCB Reflexión Respetemos La Vida 2017-2018

El Ministerio de Bienvenida tiene una mesa en el atrio de

la iglesia para asistir a los visitantes y los nuevos miembros

de nuestra parroquia con información acerca de la Iglesia

Santa María Magdalena. La mesa se encuentra cerca de la

puerta del cuarto de los niños.

Vengan y pregunten cualquier pregunta que tengan; los

ministros que están presentes tratarán de asistirlos lo mejor

que puedan. Estamos aquí para hacerlos sentir en casa.

Anuncios de la Semana

Ofrenda - $20,613.00 Por Internet - $ 8,579.00 Total - $29,192.00

Segunda Colecta (Religiosos Retirados ) Ofrenda - $7,230.00 Por Internet - $ 395.00 Total - $7,625.00

Fundo de Servicios Diocesanos (DSF)

Gol - $165,000.00 Pagado a la Fecha - $146,700.00 Comprometido - $150,702.00 Participantes - 392

Ofrendas de Nuestras Tesoros 10 de Diciembre 2017

La Virgen Peregrina le invita a que le des Posada en tu Casa para rezar en Familia

Usted y su familia recibirán muchas bendiciones

a través del Santo Rosario. La Familia que reza

junta permanece unida. Para más información

llame a: Sylvia Zavala 832-866-1520 o

Esperanza Garza 281-513-9118

GUIAS DE LA ARQUIDIOCESIS PARA BAUTISMOS DE NIÑOS

A petición del Ordinario de la Arquidiócesis, la

Oficina de Educación Cristiana continúa preparando guías

para la preparación de los padres para la recepción del

sacramento del bautismo para sus hijos pequeños. Estas

guías se aplican a los padres con niños de 6 años y menores.

Una vez que el niño alcanza la edad de la catequesis (cerca

de 7 años, como es determinado por la Conferencia

Episcopal de los EE.UU.) ella/el deben ser puestos en un

proceso catecúmena para niños.

La razón principal para la preparación de estas Guías

Sacramentales son para servir como herramienta

evangelizadora cuando los padres presentan a sus niños para

el bautismo. El bautismo es la labor de la Iglesia que da

testimonio vivo de la fe que profesa. Por lo tanto, los padres

que buscan el bautismo de su hijo/a son invitados a

contactar la oficina parroquial para su cita tan pronto como

sea posible durante el embarazo.

Favor de llamar a Vickie Cortez al 281-446-8211

P. 14

La adoración en SMMCC solo es posible porque

USTED se ofrece como voluntario para pasar una hora

con ÉL. Ayúdenos a mantener la Adoración en Santa

María Magdalena.

Dile que estás dispuesto a pasar 1 hora una vez a la

semana con Jesús, que está realmente presente en el Santísimo

Sacramento. Para mas Información Llama: Gilbert Alfaro al

281-808-0661 o ggila10@aol.com

APRENDER A ORAR PARA

APRENDER A VIVIR

Encuentra el “por qué” de las cosas de tu vida.

Recupera la alegría de vivir y el sentido de la vida. Conoce

formas de orar que se adaptan a tu estilo personal de oración.

Este es un modo nuevo de relacionarse con Dios.

Se impartirán 2 talleres: uno por la mañana y el otro en la

noche.

INICIA: miércoles 31 de enero 2018,

DE MAÑANA: 10 am 12 pm/DE NOCHE: 7 pm A 9 pm

DIRECCION: Iglesia St. María Magdalena.

Para mas información llamar a:

Maricarmen (281) 870-2423 ó (281) 904-0523

Posadas! Posadas! Posadas!

A llegado el tiempo de empezar la

preparación para nuestras posadas las

cuales anuncian la venida de Cristo

(Navidad, Nacimiento de Cristo).

El Adviento es un tiempo que nos ayuda a reflexionar y

crecer de manera personal en nuestro camino espiritual.

El tiempo de las Posadas es para hacer procesiones y

Oración.

Las posadas comienzan el 16 de Diciembre y terminan el

24 de 7 pm a las 8:30 pm en los hogares de personas que

desean abrir sus puertas para compartir esta procesión de

Oración. Los invitamos a participar. Si usted desea tener

una Posada en su casa, favor de llamar a Beti Cordero para

reservar su día o para mas información.

Anuncios de la Semana

P. 15

Horario de la Oficina Parroquial La oficina estará cerrada los siguientes días para Navidad.

Viernes, 22 de diciembre: la oficina cierra al mediodía

Lunes, 25 de diciembre - Cerrado

Martes, 26 de diciembre - Cerrado

Miércoles, 27 de diciembre - la oficina resume horas

regulares

Feliz Navidad!

Un recordatorio amistoso de CCE

No habrá clases de CCE para las próximas tres

semanas, Del 17 de diciembre al

31 de diciembre de 2017.

Regresamos la semana del

7 de enero de 2018.

Ten una Navidad bendecida Por parte del Personal de

Formación de Fe!!

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS

St. Mary Magdalene Church #515133

527 S. Houston Avenue

Humble, TX 77338

TELEPHONE

(281) 446-8211

CONTACT PERSON

Nery Lucarini

SOFTWARE

MS Publisher 2016

Adobe Acrobat XI Standard

Windows 7 Professional

PRINTER

Xerox WorkCentre 7855 PCL6

TRANSMISSION TIME

Wednesday 13, December , 2017 @ 9:30 am

SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION

December 17th , 2017

NUMBER OF PAGES SENT

1 through 16

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Please deliver by Thursday Noon