Announcements


JANUARY 29, 2012 FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SAINT AGATHA (died 251) February 5 "Of noble birth and great beauty," so the ancient accounts describe Saint Agatha, martyred during an early persecution for refusing a powerful Roman’s offer of marriage, since she had consecrated her virginity to Christ. An early preacher, Saint Methodius, reflects instead on her name, noting that, in Greek, Agatha means "good," goodness being something we can all strive for, nobly born or common, blessed with beauty—or not! So brutal the tortures that violated her youthful innocence, Agatha, like Agnes and several other women martyrs, was honored from time immemorial by having her name inscribed in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I). Long invoked as protector against earthquakes—Mount Etna erupted as she was being tortured—recent attention has focused on the particularly cruel torture decreed for Agatha, the cutting off of her breasts. This has inspired cancer survivors to promote Saint Agatha as patron and intercessor for women courageously facing breast cancer, for their families and the multitude of supporters who participate in fund-raising marches and races, and, of course, for the dedicated researchers who seek a cure. —Peter Scagnelli, © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co ATTENTION ALL CCD TEACHERS:...If there is anybody among the CCD Teachers or CCD Teachers family members who missed his/her Confirmation and would like more information please call Father Thaddeus, 732.6295. http://Www.centerforpeace.faithsite.com THE 2012 ARCHBISHOP’S APPEAL WILL BEGIN IN A FEW WEEKS....This year’s theme is MISSION OF LOVE. The 2012 Archbishop’s Appeal pledge weekend, will take place the weekend of February 11-12. The campaign goal is $3,750,000.00 and our parish goal is $3,412.00. We can assure the continued existence of many important programs that help tens of thousands in our Archdiocese each year. Education of our children and seminary students, care of the sick and needy are among them. Please respond generously when you are asked to make your pledge. For more information visit the Appeal website at www.archsa.org/appeal HONORING ST. BLAISE: St. Blaise is venerated as one of the "Fourteen Holy Helpers," a group of saints invoked as early as the 12th century in Germany and who are honored on Aug. 8: St. Denis of Paris (headache and rabies), St. Erasmus or Elmo (colic and cramp), St. Blaise (throat ailments), St. Barbara (lightning, fire, explosion and sudden and unprepared death), St. Margaret (possession and pregnancy), St. Catherine of Alexandria (philosophers and students, and wheelwrights), St. George (protector of soldiers), Sts. Achatius and Eustace (hunters), St. Pantaleon (tuberculosis), St. Giles (epilepsy, insanity, and sterility), St. Cyriac (demonic possession), St. Vitus (epilepsy), and St. Christopher (travelers). The German Dominicans promoted this veneration, particularly at the Church of St. Blaise in Regensburg c. 1320). While we invoke St. Blaise for his protection against any physical ailment of the throat, we should also ask his protection against any spiritual ailment — profanity, cursing, unkind remarks, detraction or gossip. St. James reminds us, "If a man who does not control his tongue imagines that he is devout, he is self-deceived; his worship is pointless" (1:26) and later, "We use [the tongue] to say, ‘Praised be the Lord and Father’; then we use it to curse men, though they are made in the likeness of God. Blessing and curse come out of the same mouth. This ought not to be, my brothers!" (3:9-10). Therefore, may St. Blaise protect us from all evil, physical and spiritual, which may attack the throat. Throats will be blessed during the Masses on Friday, February 3, 2010. YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED...for all our sick parishioners, relatives and friends, especially for Betty Santiago, Paul Pollok, Lee G. Martinez, Paula Ramirez, Mary Rodriguez, Emilia Martinez, Rita Moulder, Fidel Aleman, Rosie Cardenas, MaryLou Lazo, Edward Langa, Alicia Ramirez, Maria Moreno, Baby Matthew Rey Ventura, Eva Lopez, Frank Longoria, Bianca Vargas, Janie Arredondo, Socorro Dutra, Rudy Rodriguez, Nick Rodriguez, Michael Marra, Natalie Zamora, Jeanette Moran, Rose Padilla, James Wheeler, Mariam Mott, Rose Cantu, Ralph Lerma, Mary Rodriguez, Elizabeth Garcia, Carmen Castillo, Eugene Novosad, Adelina (Corky) Pena-Denn, Marty Rodriguez, Patricia Messer, Connie "Beve" Puente, Steve Cardenas, Susie Gomez, Olga Delgado, Roger Escobedo, Mr. Guadalupe Pereida, Lawrence Jones, Robert Guillen, Fred Hildebrand, Jessica Carrillo, Halina Bazelak, Esequiel Padilla, Bertha Gonzalez, Nathan Villarreal, Sofia Salamon, Betsy Sullivan, Connie & Landry Kollodziej, Ana Hernandez, Maria Moreno, Tina Ryan, Deodato Flores, Saturnina Campos, Mary Gonzales, Angie Olguin, Louis Moran, Carmen Pfenninger, Amanda Cassidy, Fulgencia Gonzalez, Raul Ortiz, Alicia Ortiz, Eudelia Flores, Bertha Mendoza, Mercedes B. Gonzales, Louis Pena, Elisa Cortez, Carmen Garza, Fernanda Martinez, Romana Martinez, Janie Castro, Elizabeth Strzelczak, Angela Romo, Carlos Flores, Connie Flores and also FOR THE SOULS OF: Ed Frazer, Gloria Ortiz, Juan Carlos, (J.C.) Escamilla. For all these we pray to the Lord. RCIA (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS)....classes are held Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. PRESENTATION OF THE LORD...This feast celebrated on February 2^nd, commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem by His parents. Since it coincides with the fortieth day after childbirth, it also designates the purification of Mary, as the feast was formerly called. This purification rite was part of the Mosaic Law. Since 1969 the focus of the feast has emphasized the Presentation of the Lord, Jesus Christ, Who is considered the true light of the world. Therefore this feast has popularly been called Candlemas Day, and at the beginning of the Mass candles are blessed and a procession occurs, honoring Jesus as our Savior Who sheds light upon us and offers salvation to the whole world. THE CEREMONY FOR CANDLEMAS...In some suitable place distinct from the church, the faithful bring their unlighted candles. The priest, vested in white, comes with his ministers and the candles are lighted during the singing of a suitable song. After a greeting, a brief introduction follows, with the formal blessing of the candles, which are then sprinkled with holy water. Immediately thereupon, the procession begins with an acclamation by the priest: "Let us go forth in peace to meet the Lord." A processional antiphon or canticle is sung as the procession moves forward and enters the church. After the veneration of the altar, the Mass continues as usual with the Glory to God. Should there not be a suitable place distinct from the church, the faithful holding their candles assemble either in front of the church or immediately inside the church and participate in the rite as described above, but with a much shorter procession to the altar. CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2012...The national theme for Catholic Schools Week - 2012 is "FAITH. ACADEMICS. SERVICE." The annual observance starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2012 is January 29 to February 5. Schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses and activities for students, families, parishioners and the community at large. The theme focuses on three priorities that Catholic schools establish that make them stand out from other educational institutions. Children are taught FAITH – not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God. ACADEMICS, which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards, help each child reach his or her potential. SERVICE, the giving of one’s time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship. . Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration that focuses attention on the good work done by the nation’s Catholic schools. There is not a better investment in the future than to invest in the education of a child." KUDOS TO AND A TEXAS SIZE WELCOME TO TWO MISSIONARY HEROS FROM RUSSIA: Father Ignatius Pawlus, SDS and Msgr. Peter Fidermak. They will be staying at Our Lady of Sorrows for two weeks. So Father Ignatius will be celebrating his Feast Day, February 1, with us. Please keep all of our Priests in your prayers especially our two visiting priests PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR MUCH NEEDED RAIN.

JANUARY 29, 2012

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINT AGATHA (died 251)

February 5

"Of noble birth and great beauty," so the ancient accounts describe Saint Agatha, martyred during an early persecution for refusing a powerful Roman’s offer of marriage, since she had consecrated her virginity to Christ. An early preacher, Saint Methodius, reflects instead on her name, noting that, in Greek, Agatha means "good," goodness being something we can all strive for, nobly born or common, blessed with beauty—or not! So brutal the tortures that violated her youthful innocence, Agatha, like Agnes and several other women martyrs, was honored from time immemorial by having her name inscribed in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I). Long invoked as protector against earthquakes—Mount Etna erupted as she was being tortured—recent attention has focused on the particularly cruel torture decreed for Agatha, the cutting off of her breasts. This has inspired cancer survivors to promote Saint Agatha as patron and intercessor for women courageously facing breast cancer, for their families and the multitude of supporters who participate in fund-raising marches and races, and, of course, for the dedicated researchers who seek a cure. —Peter Scagnelli, © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co

ATTENTION ALL CCD TEACHERS:...If there is anybody among the CCD Teachers or CCD Teachers family members who missed his/her Confirmation and would like more information please call Father Thaddeus, 732.6295.

http://Www.centerforpeace.faithsite.com

THE 2012 ARCHBISHOP’S APPEAL WILL BEGIN IN A FEW WEEKS....This year’s theme is MISSION OF LOVE. The 2012 Archbishop’s Appeal pledge weekend, will take place the weekend of February 11-12. The campaign goal is $3,750,000.00 and our parish goal is $3,412.00. We can assure the continued existence of many important programs that help tens of thousands in our Archdiocese each year. Education of our children and seminary students, care of the sick and needy are among them. Please respond generously when you are asked to make your pledge. For more information visit the Appeal website at www.archsa.org/appeal

HONORING ST. BLAISE: St. Blaise is venerated as one of the "Fourteen Holy Helpers," a group of saints invoked as early as the 12th century in Germany and who are honored on Aug. 8: St. Denis of Paris (headache and rabies), St. Erasmus or Elmo (colic and cramp), St. Blaise (throat ailments), St. Barbara (lightning, fire, explosion and sudden and unprepared death), St. Margaret (possession and pregnancy), St. Catherine of Alexandria (philosophers and students, and wheelwrights), St. George (protector of soldiers), Sts. Achatius and Eustace (hunters), St. Pantaleon (tuberculosis), St. Giles (epilepsy, insanity, and sterility), St. Cyriac (demonic possession), St. Vitus (epilepsy), and St. Christopher (travelers). The German Dominicans promoted this veneration, particularly at the Church of St. Blaise in Regensburg c. 1320). While we invoke St. Blaise for his protection against any physical ailment of the throat, we should also ask his protection against any spiritual ailment — profanity, cursing, unkind remarks, detraction or gossip. St. James reminds us, "If a man who does not control his tongue imagines that he is devout, he is self-deceived; his worship is pointless" (1:26) and later, "We use [the tongue] to say, ‘Praised be the Lord and Father’; then we use it to curse men, though they are made in the likeness of God. Blessing and curse come out of the same mouth. This ought not to be, my brothers!" (3:9-10). Therefore, may St. Blaise protect us from all evil, physical and spiritual, which may attack the throat. Throats will be blessed during the Masses on Friday, February 3, 2010.

YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED...for all our sick parishioners, relatives and friends, especially for Betty Santiago, Paul Pollok, Lee G. Martinez, Paula Ramirez, Mary Rodriguez, Emilia Martinez, Rita Moulder, Fidel Aleman, Rosie Cardenas, MaryLou Lazo, Edward Langa, Alicia Ramirez, Maria Moreno, Baby Matthew Rey Ventura, Eva Lopez, Frank Longoria, Bianca Vargas, Janie Arredondo, Socorro Dutra, Rudy Rodriguez, Nick Rodriguez, Michael Marra, Natalie Zamora, Jeanette Moran, Rose Padilla, James Wheeler, Mariam Mott, Rose Cantu, Ralph Lerma, Mary Rodriguez, Elizabeth Garcia, Carmen Castillo, Eugene Novosad, Adelina (Corky) Pena-Denn, Marty Rodriguez, Patricia Messer, Connie "Beve" Puente, Steve Cardenas, Susie Gomez, Olga Delgado, Roger Escobedo, Mr. Guadalupe Pereida, Lawrence Jones, Robert Guillen, Fred Hildebrand, Jessica Carrillo, Halina Bazelak, Esequiel Padilla, Bertha Gonzalez, Nathan Villarreal, Sofia Salamon, Betsy Sullivan, Connie & Landry Kollodziej, Ana Hernandez, Maria Moreno, Tina Ryan, Deodato Flores, Saturnina Campos, Mary Gonzales, Angie Olguin, Louis Moran, Carmen Pfenninger, Amanda Cassidy, Fulgencia Gonzalez, Raul Ortiz, Alicia Ortiz, Eudelia Flores, Bertha Mendoza, Mercedes B. Gonzales, Louis Pena, Elisa Cortez, Carmen Garza, Fernanda Martinez, Romana Martinez, Janie Castro, Elizabeth Strzelczak, Angela Romo, Carlos Flores, Connie Flores and also FOR THE SOULS OF: Ed Frazer, Gloria Ortiz, Juan Carlos, (J.C.) Escamilla. For all these we pray to the Lord.

RCIA (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS)....classes are held Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

PRESENTATION OF THE LORD...This feast celebrated on February 2^nd, commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem by His parents. Since it coincides with the fortieth day after childbirth, it also designates the purification of Mary, as the feast was formerly called. This purification rite was part of the Mosaic Law. Since 1969 the focus of the feast has emphasized the Presentation of the Lord, Jesus Christ, Who is considered the true light of the world. Therefore this feast has popularly been called Candlemas Day, and at the beginning of the Mass candles are blessed and a procession occurs, honoring Jesus as our Savior Who sheds light upon us and offers salvation to the whole world.

THE CEREMONY FOR CANDLEMAS...In some suitable place distinct from the church, the faithful bring their unlighted candles. The priest, vested in white, comes with his ministers and the candles are lighted during the singing of a suitable song. After a greeting, a brief introduction follows, with the formal blessing of the candles, which are then sprinkled with holy water. Immediately thereupon, the procession begins with an acclamation by the priest: "Let us go forth in peace to meet the Lord." A processional antiphon or canticle is sung as the procession moves forward and enters the church. After the veneration of the altar, the Mass continues as usual with the Glory to God. Should there not be a suitable place distinct from the church, the faithful holding their candles assemble either in front of the church or immediately inside the church and participate in the rite as described above, but with a much shorter procession to the altar.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2012...The national theme for Catholic Schools Week - 2012 is "FAITH. ACADEMICS. SERVICE."

The annual observance starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2012 is January 29 to February 5. Schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses and activities for students, families, parishioners and the community at large.

The theme focuses on three priorities that Catholic schools establish that make them stand out from other educational institutions. Children are taught FAITH – not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God. ACADEMICS, which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards, help each child reach his or her potential. SERVICE, the giving of one’s time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship. . Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration that focuses attention on the good work done by the nation’s Catholic schools. There is not a better investment in the future than to invest in the education of a child."

KUDOS TO AND A TEXAS SIZE WELCOME TO TWO MISSIONARY HEROS FROM RUSSIA: Father Ignatius Pawlus, SDS and Msgr. Peter Fidermak. They will be staying at Our Lady of Sorrows for two weeks. So Father Ignatius will be celebrating his Feast Day, February 1, with us. Please keep all of our Priests in your prayers especially our two visiting priests

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR MUCH NEEDED RAIN.