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December 30, 2018 Vol. 37 No. 21

St. Stephen’s Catholic Church 4601 Neely Avenue Midland, Texas 79707 (432) 520-7394 Fax (432) 520-7395

www.ststephensmidland.com

Rev. Rodney White, Pastor Assistant Pastor: Rev. Adam Droll & Rev. Freddy Perez

Deacons: Leonard Hendon, Luis Mata, Fidel Saldivar, Larry Salazar Sisters: Gertrudis Muñoz, Leonila Torres, Lupita Ibanez

Youth Director: Thomas Shows Director of Religious Education: Gretchen Lara

Music Director: Gabriel Salgado

The anointing of the sick can be administered to a member of the faithful who, having reached the use of reason, begins to be in danger due to sickness or old age. Please call the office for more

information or to make an appointment to receive the sacrament.

La unción de los enfermos puede ser administrada a un miembro de los fieles que, habiendo alcanzado el uso de la razón, comienza a estar en peligro por enfermedad o vejez. Por favor llame a la oficina para más información o para hacer una cita para recibir el Sacramento.

Mass Times For

Monday, December 31, 2018 7AM—ENGLISH

12:15 PM—ENGLISH 5:30 PM—ENGLISH

New Year’s Day Tuesday, January 1, 2018

7 AM—ENGLISH 12:15 PM—ENGLISH 5:30 PM—ENGLISH

Eucharistic Adoration Schedule

The Blessed Sacrament will be reposed Friday, December 21st before the 7am Mass for the Christmas Holiday. Eucharistic Adoration will resume following the 7 a.m. Mass on Thursday, January 3rd, 2019.

Have a safe and blessed Christmas Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Holiday Office Hours

Closed New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day

Will reopen on Wednesday, January 2, 2018

Have A Safe and Blessed New year!

Adults (18+) Confirmation Classes for those Catholics who are above high school age. Those candidates who also need to receive First Holy Communion will receive it in

the same ceremony. These classes are not for those who need to receive Baptism or Reception into Full Communion. Classes begin on Monday, January 7th through March 25 from 7pm-9pm in the Ballroom. Please contact Gretchen @ (432)520-7394 or by email Gm.lara@att.net

Adultos (18+) Se invita a todos los adultos mayores de 18 años que necesiten los sacramentos de Primera Comunión y Confirmación a una formación que iniciará el 8 de enero y concluirá el 26 de Marzo, la formación se llevara acabo los martes de 7:00 pm a 9:00 pm en el salón 1 en la parroquia de San Esteban. Los que estén insertados favor de pasar a la oficina a inscribirse. Gracias.

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ST. STEPHEN’S CONFESSION SCHEDULE

Monday - Tuesday - Thursday - Friday 6:45 am - 7:00 am; 12 noon - 12:15 pm; &

5:00 - 5:30 pm

Wednesday 6:45 a.m.-7 a.m.; 12 noon-12:15 p.m.;

5-5:30 p.m.; & 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday 7:45 am - 8:00 am; 4:00 - 4:45 pm

Sunday 20 minutes prior to each Mass

And anytime, by appointment

New Hope Counseling 4400 N. Big Spring St

(432) 687-4673

Francis Hymel D.MIN, LPC, LMFT

Last Week’s Collection

Regular Deposit: $23,340.42 Other Income: $ 4,000.99 Building Fund: $ 300.00 Christmas Collction: $17,036.63

Financial reports are available in the parish office.

Marriage Counseling, Children, Adolescence, Adults, & Families

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS, LECTORS AND USHERS ARE NEEDED!

If you are interest in serving on any of these ministries, please contact the following persons: For Lector: Carol Kiowski: Ph# 432-553-4648; e-mail: carol.kiowski@att.net

For Extraordinary Minister or Usher: Josie Brenner Ph#:432-556-7012; e-mail josiebrenner@yahoo.com

ALTAR SERVER NEWS

Mark your calendar for the upcoming Altar Servers Meeting for 2019

Marque su calendario para la próxima reunión de servidores de Altar para 2019

When(cuando): February 4, 2019 March 4, 2019 April 1, 2019 May 6, 2019

Time(hora): 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where(dónde): Sanctuary of the Church

If you have questions, please contact:

Anne Hobbs 432-934-3192 Bianca Gonzales 432-894-9554

Sunday, December 30 – The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Monday, December 31

Tuesday, January 1 - The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord, Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Wednesday, January 2

Thursday, January 3

Friday, January 4

Saturday, January 5

Sunday, January 6 – The Epiphany of The Lord

For the week of December 30, 2018

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December 30 Jesus Chavez

Isabella Fuentes Diana Gallegos

Fernando Garcia Andrew Gomez

Sammy Gonzales Laura Jimenez

Anthony Moreno Debbie Wolfe

December 31 Issaias Chavez Julia Chavez

Cesar Cordova Marlie Davis Jayla Garcia

Janeth Moreno Jesus Moreno Jesus Ramos Jane Russell Teresa Sailler Andy Torres

January 1 Levan Aguilar Juan Anaya

Modesto Armendariz Edgar Baeza

Paz Carrizales Lucero Contreras

Fred Herrera Alexavier Miranda

Rylan Montes Gloria Parson

Valerie Saucedo Robert Sharum

Brock Thompson Floyd White

January 2 Renda Breithaupt

Jose Cisneros Jonathan Farmer

Kendra Fernandez Jacob Klein

Oscar Lujan Jr. Ancel Mariscal

Viviana Martinez Ruben Mata Laura Ochoa

Carolina Ramos Lonie Shelkey Jennet Yanez

January 3 Kirsten Guerra Socorro Lopez Lilliana Reyes

John Thibodeaux Sylvia Villalba

January 4 Ramon Borunda Alex Cheramie Rudy Flores III Suzette Flores Violet Florez Eusvio Florez

Claire Hardeman Judy Hardy

Silvia Jefferson Eva Pando

Armando Saenz Jamie Schwalbach Yvonne Valenzuela

Selma Vasquez Amalia Velasquez

Christina Villanueva

January 5 Dora Barrera

Elizabeth Boss Marcus Flores Maria Garza

Esben Hernandez Alina Hernandez

Luz Lee Juan Rodriguez

Brian Tagle Elsa Torres

Francisco Vargas Jr. Ramon Yanez

January 6 Jose Baeza

James Carrasco Javier Dominguez

Eli Garcia Eric Gomez

Carlos Hermosillo Gene Lopez

Diane Mendoza Angela Montez

Mia Padilla Mark Perez

Destiny Rodriguez Joe Shelkey Jr.

Teela Sierra Jennika Vidana

Eucharistic Adoration Openings

WEDNESDAY: 9:00 PM

Please prayerfully consider signing up to spend an hour with our Lord in adoration! Call Linda Foster (habla español) at

432-559-8888 for information.

Alexa & Olivia Mikulik, Brian & Debra Mikulik, Lisa M. Reeves, Angela M. Villegas, Irene Villegas, Larry White, Avian Rodriguez, Fran Thetford, Gerald Thetford,

Bob Breeze, Ana & Kacey, Hernandez Family, Ayala Family, Arnoldo Mendoza, Veronica Garcia, Jesse Julius Garcia, Alyss Munoz, Alejandro Munoz Jr, Avyel Munoz, Mancha Family, Manuel H., Tonia C., Burdette Family, Isaiah V., Vanessa V., Carlos C., Anita P., Carlota W., Judy D., Daniel R. & Alicia S., Mercy Sanchez, Frank Garcia, Rebbeca R., John A., Vasquez Family, Jermy Retana, Marin Family, Mascorro Family, Paulina Aguirre, Edward M. Garcia, Mary Esparza, Niki Galan,Pablo Talamantez, Art Nunez, David Bernal, Raquel Mendoza, Abel Fonseca, Harold Brisco, Rosemary Melvin, Pascuala Mendieta, Mark Clark, Potsy Sotelo, Jaelynn G. Garcia, Virginia Perches, Hermilla Pena, Manuelita Ramos, Daniel Ramirez, Frank Hartter, Oscar Aguilar Sr., Bonifacio Ceballos, Rebecca Rodelo, Mariana Corte, Ignacio Jr. Villegas, Ashley McGeorge, Yolanda Rodriguez, Richard Wolfe, Sonia McGeorge, Joe Munoz Jr., Jesus Munoz, Anita Morin, Joe Munoz III, Lalo Lujan, Mingo Lujan, Julio Rodriguez, Eric & Skylar Ramirez, Lynda Beal, Manuela Carrillo, Silva Family, Rosario Borrero, Melba Bederlin, Tony Cruz.

Email frontdesk.sscc@att.net or call the office at 520-7394 to be added to the prayer list! If someone needs to be removed from

prayer list please contact the office to remove request.

We need volunteers! On January 3rd, an all-volunteers meeting for Youth 2000 will take place in the Ballroom at 6:30pm. Many volunteers are needed for a number of roles, so please come to help make this retreat a success!

Necesitamos voluntarios! El 3 de enero, una reunión de todos los voluntarios para el retiro Youth 2000 se llevará a cabo en el salón de baile a las 6:30pm. Muchos voluntarios son necesarios para una serie de roles, así que por favor venga a ayudar a hacer este retiro un éxito!

“SPECIAL INVITATION”

If you have never experienced a Holy Hour with the Lord, including benediction, don’t miss this opportunity on

Monday, January 7, 2019 in the chapel at 6 PM. The Lord awaits you…

“You can’t run the race if you are not willing to spend time with Him”

We will not meet this week or next week in RCIA so we can celebrate Christmas and New Year's Day. RCIA will meet again on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 6:45 p.m. in the church parlor. I wish everyone in

RCIA is very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! We are on a wonderful journey of faith together and it is so exciting to be on this journey with you. God has great things in store for us in 2019! "RCIA" stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It's the process by which adults come into full communion with the Catholic Church. It's free, childcare is provided, we have a lot of fun and we always have something good to eat! If you have questions, feel free to email me at billberry100@aol.com.

RCIA News by Bill Berry

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Please join us for First Friday and First Saturday Masses

Many graces are conferred on those who attend Mass in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the First Friday of each month. Friday, January 4th, Masses will be held at 7:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Then, on the First Saturday, of each month Mass is offered at 8:00 a.m. for the

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Afterwards a potluck breakfast is shared in the foyer of the church. Bring a dish to pass, if you can, and stay a while to enjoy good food and fellowship.

Youth News

Need Volunteer Hours for Confirmation 1 or 2

Please contact Thomas or Gretchen at 432-520-7394 for more Info.

Necesita horas de Voluntario para la Confirmacion 1 o 2

Por favor comuníquese con Thomas o Gretchen al 432-520-7394 para más información.

Upcoming Baptismal Classes:

Próximas clases bautismales

January 6th & 20th February 3rd & 10th

English : 2:00 - 4:30 Spanish: 2:30 - 5:00

Please Call Office to Register (432) 520–7394.

Por favor llame a la oficina parroquial para registrar (432) 520–7394.

Annual Christmas/

Epiphany Party for

Spanish and English

Altar Servers

Fiesta anual de Navidad / Epifanía para servidores de Altar en español e inglés

When (Cuándo): Friday, January 4, 2019 Time (Hora): 6:15 to 8:30 Where (Donde):Youth Building Who (Quién): Altar Servers and families, Mass Coordinators and families What (Qué): Dinner, games, presents, and door prize

Please call, text, or email your RSVB (yes or no) before Dec. 31 to: (Llame, envíe un mensaje de texto o envíe un correo electrónico a su RSVB (sí o no) antes del 31 de diciembre a:)

Bianca Gonzales 432-894-9554 florbianca15@gmail.com

Anne Hobbs 432-934-3192 behobbs47@gmail.com

No CCD classes January 2, 2019.

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and we will

see you next year!

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ADORACIÓN DEL SANTÍSIMO

Personas interesadas en pasar una hora con El Santísimo en Adoración una vez por semana, durante las siguientes horas:

Miércoles: 9:00 PM

Si El Señor te esta llamando para pasar una hora con El acompañándolo, comuníquese con Linda Foster (habla Español) al 432-559-8888.

30 de diciembre 2018 celebramos la fiesta de la “Sagrada Familia”

Padres, caigan en la cuenta de esta verdad. Su familia es santa. Cierto, santo de verdad es solo Dios. Por eso

en toda familia cristiana debe estar presente y actuante Dios. No estará de más que ustedes los papás y

mamás miren hoy si en su familia se ora como familia, si oran los unos por los otros, si se vive a Dios como

Padre, a la Virgen María como Madre, si se tienen respeto unos con otros, si la caridad, el perdón, el

sacrificio por el prójimo son casi espontáneos.

La fe de los padres y de los mayores, su compromiso creyente, su práctica religiosa va consolidando la

apertura y la familiaridad con Dios, como con alguien que acompaña en la vida, que unas veces puede

corregir con seriedad, pero en quien siempre se encuentra la comprensión y el ánimo tan necesario en la vida.

El Dios cercano, exigente, pero al mismo tiempo comprensivo, siempre amigo y refugio de los padres, lo será

normalmente también para los hijos.

Una familia donde la fe se vive será una familia rica en esperanza. Y así mismo una familia cristiana es una

familia donde se vive por todos y todos sienten la fuerza del amor cristiano, del amor que se da, del amor que

no se dirige a asegurar la propia felicidad sino la del otro. Cuando los esposos tratan ellos de relacionarse así

y lo van proponiendo como tarea a sus hijos, aquella familia se convierte en la casa de Nazaret.

Tengan todos presente que la eficacia de la parroquia, de la catequesis, de la escuela o de la universidad,

pasan por la familia. Si la familia marcha, esas instituciones contribuirán con eficacia a la mejora de las

personas y de la sociedad; pero si por desgracia por el contrario está fracasando, es muy difícil que los

mejores medios den grandes resultados.

Por eso el concilio y la Iglesia constantemente alertan a los sacerdotes a la atención de los matrimonios y

familias en su esfuerzo pastoral.

Porque también en este aspecto no basta con conformarse con evitar lo peor, sino que toda familia debe

tratar de mejorar continuamente todos sus valores y sus frutos con la ayuda de Dios. Porque debemos creer

que no sólo el niño, sino que todos en la familia de Nazaret crecían constantemente en sabiduría, en virtudes

y en gracia ante Dios, ante los hombres y ante sí mismos.

¡Feliz año nuevo!

Hermana Gertrudis Muñoz Mendieta I.C.A.S.

Avisos:

El Santísimo Sacramento será reposado debido las vacaciones de Navidad empezando el viernes 21 de

diciembre antes de la Misa de las 7:00 AM hasta después de la misa de las 7:00 AM el jueves 3 de enero del

2019.

Espero que tengan una feliz y bendita Navidad y Feliz Año 2019

31 de diciembre 2018 7:00 a.m. Ingles 12:15 p.m. Ingles 5:30 p.m. Ingles

1 de enero 2019 7:00 a.m. Ingles

12:15 p.m. Ingles 5:30 p.m. Ingles

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Thank You for (our first) 20

Years of Service to Midland!

The Articles of Incorporation that created Helping Hands was accepted by the State of Texas Dec. 7, 1998. At the time there were only a small handful of volunteers. Our

helpline was on a desk at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. We came into existence when St. Vincent de Paul was closed temporarily by the main office. Our founder, Fr. James Bridges worried about who would be here to care for the poor and so the phone was moved to the church of which he was pastor. He immediately began taking up a monthly collection for the poor at the church and he spoke to the parishioners endlessly that we must put the legitimate needs of the poo before all others. He claims if we take care of the poor God will take care of us. Clothing and food were collected and a small giveaway station was formed in the garage of one of the volunteers. When St. Vincent de Paul reopened we chose to form our own organization that cannot be dictated by a main office. We chose to be non-denominational and to remain an all-volunteer organization with absolutely no paid salaries.

It was not until Sept. of 2002 that the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts declared Helping Hands to be exempt from payment of franchise tax and we became a 501©3 nonprofit agency. We moved into what used to be the old Wolfe Nursery building on Scharbauer Drive and opened our thrift store which was stocked from items that had been donated at the church. We acquired a very old box van and (when we would get it to run) began going to homes to pick up larger items that could not be brought to us. At the time we had three caseworkers and each of us had a budget of $25 per case that we could use to assist the poor. (But remember, 20 years ago that $25 went much farther than it does today!) Over the years we have seen steady growth. While at times we have come close, in those 20 years we have never run out of money. As word got out about our work, more and more people from around the community, churches and businesses began sending us donations of money and merchandise. Likewise our volunteer base has continued to grow. We also began receiving the support of many of our area benevolence foundations. Abell-Hanger assists us generously with support for utility bills, and ATMOS provides funds to assist with gas. Many oil companies provide matching grants to their employees. Don Bennett provided us with four brand new box vans which solved all of our transportation needs. In our effort to be transparent, we began running a weekly ad in the Midland Reporter-Telegram. We give instances of who we have helped (we feel it is important that you come to know those we help as people). We also break down each week how our money was spent. If you donate money to Helping Hands we feel it is our responsibility to let you know where that money is going. In our first 20 years we have given $15,419,319 in assistance to the poor with their rent, utilities, medical bills and legal expenses. We pride ourselves on the fact that we work poor, minimalizing expenses wherever we can to free up more money for the poor. These 20 years have gone by so quickly! Each day we are humbled by the support that you continue to give us that goes so far in helping those in need. We pray that you will continue to support the poor through Helping Hands for years to come. God bless each and every one of you for making our ministry possible!

Helping Hands

of Midland

1301 Brinson Lane

(432) 520-8900

www.helpinghandsmidland.com

Fr. Freddy invites you to A Holy Land Experience!

Treat yourself or a loved one to an adventure of a lifetime–a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with a Catholic Bible scholar, historian, and New York Times best-selling author as your guide. Directed by Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio (known as “Dr. Italy” on Catholic radio and TV), the trip departs on April 29, 2019, and returns on May 9, 2019. This trip, with wonderful times of prayer, liturgy & music daily under the spiritual direction of Fr. Freddy Perez, promises to be a fascinating journey into a deeper life in Christ and richer understanding of the Bible. For more information online, visit www.goholyland.info or call Cyndi from the Crossroads Initiative at 214-882-7262. Act now--

the remaining places are going fast!--

Don't miss out on a new Dynamic Catholic Study, " The

Gospel According to John" beginning Wednesday, January 9 at 9:30 a.m. and January 10 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 2. Come study....come learn with us as we bring the Gospel alive in our own lives during this 8-week journey. The study materials include a Turning Point Study Guide, the Gospel of John, a 3-DVD set of the video lessons, and "The #1 Reason I Love Being Catholic" DVD by Dr. Allen Hunt, all for $16, and available now in the Church Office. Come prepared for discussing Session 1

and 2. Call JoAnn at 432-559-2658 or Beverly at 686-8425 for more information. Coming also for our Lenten Study, beginning March 6 and 7, is a NEW 6-week Study by Catholic Scripture Study, "Lent: The Road to Redemption, Cycle C" which incorporates the ancient method of Lectio Divina (praying the Scriptures) and preparation of our own 40 days in the desert with Jesus. Consider taking advantage of these opportunities which the Church offers to us to increase our spiritual renewal. For more information call JoAnn at 432-559-2658 or Beverly at 686-8425.