Bishop Joseph E. Strickland is calling on the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Tyler to pray a 54-day Rosary Novena in support of his vision for a teaching diocese. The Novena began on Aug. 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and will continue until Oct. 7, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. The 54-Day Rosary Novena consists of praying three novenas of the daily Rosary in petition for the first 27 days, followed immediately by praying three novenas of the daily Rosary in thanksgiving during the second 27 days, for a grand total of six Rosary novenas over the course of 54 days. For more information, see the website here.
Bishop Strickland will present the annual Bishop Charles E. Herzig Humanitarian Award to the 2017 recipient during Mass Sunday, Set. 10, at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions within the Diocese of Tyler in seeking to promote human welfare. Nominations this year were expanded to include Catholic institutions, such as Catholic hospitals, Catholic schools, parishes, and agencies such as Catholic Charities and St. Vincent de Paul. The award is named in honor of Bishop Herzig, who led the diocese from its creation in 1987 until his death in 1991, and was instituted in 2007 by Bishop Álvaro Corrada, SJ, third Bishop of Tyler.
Brian Braquet, Cathedral Director of Music and Worship and Dianna Braquet, Cathedral Choir Director, are in the process of forming a Diocesan Choir. The first event will be a St. Cecilia Concert Sunday, Nov. 19, at 4 p.m. in the Cathedral. This concert will feature a Renaissance Mass and various other sacred music selections. The choir will also be on standby for other events, such as ordinations, the Chrism Mass, and other diocesan liturgies. For more information, contact Brian Braquet, 903-592-1617, ext. 114, or bbraquet@thecathedral.info.
Bishop Strickland will celebrate a Mass of Hope and Healing for those affected by abuseSaturday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. in Tyler in the Chapel of Sts. Peter and Paul on the Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic Schools campus. Many people, families, and communities suffer from child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, clergy sex abuse, etc. Whatever the cause of the wound, Jesus offers his healing love and mercy. Come join Bishop Strickland in prayer if you have been affected by abuse directly or indirectly or simply want to pray for an end to abuse and healing for those who suffer from abuse.
The diocese is opening another round of training in spiritual direction. Spiritual directors are not counselors, but companions on the journey of faith who help those they are “directing” discern the movement and guidance of the Holy Spirit and the movement of God in their lives. The two-year training course includes training in the Ignatian tradition and the Spiritual Exercises, communication skills, prayer traditions and practices, and more. Classes are held once a month. The training is open to all clergy, religious, and laity. An orientation session will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m.-noon in the parish hall of St. Mary Church in Longview. Training for certification as a spiritual director will begin in January. For more information, contact Susan Wells, 903-235-5693 or swells1116@aol.com.
An English-language Marriage Preparation Day for couples preparing for matrimony will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Nacogdoches. Topics to be addressed include the Sacrament of Marriage, personality styles, family of origin, communication, conflict resolution, forgiveness, finances, faith, in-laws, children, and natural family planning. Cost is $50 per couple and includes lunch. For information or to register, please contact Deacon Jerry & Mary Besze at 903-365-2355.
The diocesan Special Needs Ministry has several upcoming events. They include:
- Regional Diocesan Liturgy for Families with Special Needs Saturday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Michael Church in Mount Pleasant. Father Jorge Dinguis will celebrate the modified liturgy. All families with children or adults with special needs are welcome. A modified liturgy will be celebrated to accommodate these needs. All parishes are asked to send a representative so they can see how to model this liturgy in their parish. Special dispensation from your Sunday obligation for this weekend will be granted to those who attend. Please RSVP to Eduardo Mendoza, 985-276-0911 or emendoza@stmichaelmp.org, by August 23 so we can provide for the reception. For more information, see the website here.
- Catechist and Family Formation Day, 14. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. St. Paul’s Meeting Room in the Chancery in Tyler. Linda Porter will present.
- Advent Social for Families with Special Needs will be held open to the diocese at St. Patrick Church in Lufkin on Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The day will include lunch, visit from St. Nicholas, and activities.
Catholic Charities-Diocese of Tyler is seeking bilingual (English-Spanish) volunteers for the Parish Nurse Ministry. Part-time RNs are wanted to practice in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler, 8 hours per week at $20/hr. Hours are flexible. Please submit resumes via email to info@cctyler.org. For information, call Catholic Charities at 903-258-9492 or see the website.
Support Catholic Charities-Diocese of Tyler through Amazon.com. When ordering from Amazon, go to smile.amazon.com and choose Catholic Charities, Diocese of Tyler, as the recipient of the donation from the purchase.
The Tyler Diocesan Council of Catholic Women has launched a Rosary Crusade for 2017, calling upon Our Lady of Lourdes to intercede on behalf of the sick, the unborn, families, religious liberty, and more. To see the suggested dates of prayer, see the flyer here. For more information, email smcoter@gmail.com.
The Maria Goretti Network is a peer ministry group for survivors of abuse and their families. The East Texas Chapter of the Maria Goretti Network meets the third Saturday of every month in the Cathedral Office meeting room (not the Cathedral Center) at 7 p.m. For information, contact Peggy Hammett, 903-592-1617, ext. 19, or email phammett@thecathedral.info.
Catholic East Texas, the diocesan magazine, is online! Share the link to our full-color publication with family and friends. The magazine is an evangelical publication designed to implement Bishop Strickland’s vision for sharing the beauty of Catholic teaching, history, culture, spirituality, and liturgy in a way that makes our ancient faith attractive to both Catholics and non-Catholics in Northeast Texas. Every article, column, and review in the magazine is written by the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Tyler. Access the magazine online here.
Athens
St. Edward Church. Signup for a photography session with LifeTouch Photography for the new parish directory is available after all Masses. Photos will be taken the week of Aug. 28-Sept. 2. We also need volunteers to greet parishioners during their sessions. For information, please contact Pam Asmussen at 941-928-9302.
The Council of Catholic Women meets the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the parish hall.
Youth Night is the first and third Wednesday evening of each month, 6-8 p.m. To set up a reminder, text @youth2121 to 81010. For more information, contact us at mqhstedsyouth@gmail.com.
Anyone interested in helping fund a Child or Children may make a “Scholarship” donation in any amount. Thank you to all who have donated!
Si hay alguien interesado en apoyar a uno o mas ni- ños, puede hacer una donación de cualquier cantidad para “Una Beca”. ¡Gracias a todas los que han hecho donaciones!
The First Annual St. Edward’s Gala is seeking Silent Auction items. These items will be auctioned off at the Gala planned for October 14. The Silent Auction is a major part of the fundraising effort to raise money to help reduce the church debt. Any new item, with a value of $75 or more, is greatly appreciated. Items may include individual pieces or specific services. Examples might be: a gift basket for a romantic evening (wine, wine glasses, major food components, candles, plates), large items like tools or machinery, tickets to sporting and cultural events, services such as lawn maintenance, salon/ spa services, or financial services, artwork, jewelry, quilts, sculptures, yard art, and gift cards with a value of $25 or more to be added to baskets or bundled together.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul needs you. If you can volunteer 1-5 hours a week to serve your neighbors in need, please call 903-675-0076.
Atlanta
St. Catherine of Siena Church.
Our pastor would like interested parishioners to help set up a Spiritual Reading Library here in the Gathering/Fellowship corner. We plan on establishing a so-called “honor system” so that others may share books and videos and return them at their pleasure. If you would like to donate possible spiritual reading, please let us know.
Buffalo
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church. We will have a meeting for the pilgrimage to the Holy Land Thursday, Aug. 24, at 6:30 p.m.
The second platica bautismal will be Saturday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m.
We will have an English-language session on Natural Family Planning Friday, Sept. 22. A Spanish-language session will be offered on Oct. 1.
If you or someone you know in the parish is in need of assistance for food or basic necessities, please contact one of the members of our St. Vincent de Paul Apostolate in order to see if the parish can help: Elizabeth Sanchez, 903-390-0978, Leann Jonas, 903-388-1844, Nora Mata, 903-644-5180 or Claudia Carrillo, 903-391-1164.
Si usted o alguien que usted conoce en la parroquia necesita ayuda para comida o necesidades básicas, por favor contacte a uno de los miembros de nuestro Apostolado de San Vicente de Paúl para ver si la parroquia puede ayudar: Elizabeth Sanchez, 903-390-0978, Leann Jonas, 903-388-1844, Nora Mata, 903-644-5180 o Claudia Carrillo, 903-391-1164.
Crockett
St. Francis of the Tejas Church. Family Faith Formation will start September 10 at 9:45 a.m. in the parish hall with orientation and registration.
Fecha de inicio de la Formación en la Fe de la Familia será el 10 de septiembre a las 9:45 a.m. en el salón parroquial con orientación e inscripción.
Help is needed unloading the East Texas Food Bank truck the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, 9:45 a.m. at S.H.A.R.E.
We have daily Mass on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8:30 a.m.
We need more lectors, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, a sacristan, and altar servers for our English Masses.
Holy Mass from the sanctuary of St. Francis of the Tejas is broadcast Sundays at 5 p.m. on KIVY Channel 16.
Diboll
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Parroquia. Fiestas Patrias se llevara acabo 17 de Septiembre.
Fiestas Patrias is Sept. 17.
Retiro de preparación para Quinceañeras que celebraran sus 15 años entre Septiembre y Diciembre sera el Sábado 09 de Septiembre 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. en el salon parroquial. Por favor de venir al Quinceañera, chambelanes, damas, y padres.
A retreat for preparation for Quinceañeras will be Saturday, Sept. 9, 8:30 a.m.-noon at the parish hall. Everyone celebrating Quinceañeras in the months of September-December are asked to come with their courts and their parents.
Emory
St. John the Evangelist Church. Registration for the 2017-2018 year of faith formation is open through Aug. 27. Cost is $30 per child or $40 per family. After Aug. 27, the cost increases to $35 per child and $50 per family. To register, visit Tina in the church office after Mass.
Faith formation classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 12.
Catechists and aides are needed for children’s and youth faith formation. If you are interested in helping our young people know and love the Lord, please contact Tina Denny at 817-821-8530 for more information.
Women of the parish are invited to gather in the Parish Office meeting room at 1 p.m. on
Tuesday afternoons throughout the rest of the summer to play games (bunco, dominoes, etc.) and socialize. What should you bring? Bring a friend, a game (optional), something to drink for yourself and a $1 gift to be given to the game winners each week. Bring a snack to share if you want to, but keep in mind there is no kitchen in the Parish Office trailer. Exception: No games on August 22. Please direct questions to Sue Asbill at 903-474-4111.
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Fraternal Order that works to help those in need. We are always looking for men who are at least 18 years, who want to lend a hand to improve the lives of those in the parish and the community. Interested? Call Thomas Garcia, 903-855-9123, or Pat Giglio, 219-878-2872.
The Knights of Columbus general meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Mark Freund’s home. Dinner is at 6 p.m., and the meeting begins at 7 p.m.
Flint
St. Mary Magdalene Church. CORE proudly announces that Laura Chabarria has agreed to lead the Women’s ACTS Retreat this fall. It will be held at Pine Cove Towers Oct. 26-29. Pine Cove has increased its minimum occupancy rate from 40 to 60, so we can accommodate a much larger group. Pass the word and invite your friends.
St. Mary Magdalene Food Pantry serves 60-100 families per week and our costs for obtaining food from the East Texas Food Bank are normally $400-900 weekly. Please help support the Food Pantry and use the envelopes provided in the church with a check made out to St. Mary Magdalene Food Pantry.
Frankston
St. Charles Borromeo Church. You have two chances to wish Father Jonathon a fond farewell. On Saturday, Aug. 26, we will have a cake and coffee reception after the 5 p.m. Mass. On Sunday, Aug. 27, we will have a farewell meal after the 9 a.m. Mass. The parish will supply fried chicken, ham, and a cake. Everyone is asked to bring their favorite side dish as we celebrate our time with Father Jonathon and wish him well in his new assignment.
Sunday Socials will start up again on Sept. 3. Please feel free to bring something. Sign-up sheets will be available Aug. 26-27 in the parish hall.
The Ladies of St. Charles (LOSC) will hold their first meeting of the 2017-2018 year on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Please note this date is a week later than the normal first Tuesday of the month meeting. All women of St. Charles are welcome. Come and eat dinner and meet the ladies you see in church each Sunday.
Eucharistic Adoration is every Wednesday, 6-7:30 p.m. Come spend part or all of the 90 minutes with Jesus!
Gun Barrel City
St. Jude Church. The faith formation program needs you! We need volunteers as catechists and aides. If you are interested in helping our young people know and love Christ, please call the church office for more information.
Adoration is after 8:30 a.m. Mass every Friday.
The Cenacle Prayer Group meets every Tuesday after 8 a.m. Mass in the chapel to pray. All are invited to join us.
Holly Lake
Holy Spirit Church. Our Faith Formation programs consist of all age groups from kindergarten all the way to Adult education. If you are interested in attending and/or helping with any of these Formation ministries, please contact Wanda Stephens at 903-769-1180.
The Legion of Mary encourages all men and women of the parish to join them in their quest for a deeper prayer life and service to the Lord. Informational booklets are on the tables in the Narthex.
Do you have a parent, child, sibling, cousin, aunt, or uncle that is serving in one of our branches of the military? If so, please send us a picture, with the following information on the back of the picture: Name, address and or e-mail address that we may communicate with them. Fr. Mike will put a bulletin board up where the pictures will be displayed. Look below the prayers of the sick and note a new section to place names of parish family in the service.
Exposition is every Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Our gift shop is located in the parish hall to the right of the kitchen, in the hallway, across from the restrooms. It is generally open after weekend Masses. We carry a large selection of medals, holy cards, religious art and rosaries made by our own rosary group. If you have questions or need to place a special order, call Jean Kelly at 903-857-9868.
The rosary group meets every Friday after 9 a.m. Mass.
Jacksonville
Our Lady of Sorrows Church. The parish feast day festival is Sunday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on church grounds. We will have food, games, and a raffle with prizes such as an ATV, a TV, and a tablet. Come join us, and bring the whole family!
Jefferson
Immaculate Conception Church. Recertification for Ethics and Integrity will be Saturday, Aug. 26, 9-10:30 a.m. in the social hall. The Diocese of Tyler requires that all Church employees and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable have a signed Ethics and Integrity certification and background check on file at the Chancery. Cost of the background check is $10.
The parish picnic is Sunday, Sept. 3, after 9 a.m. Mass until 3 p.m.
The parish retreat will be Friday, Oct. 6, 7-8:30 p.m. in the church, and Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Moore Farm.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Conference of St. Vincent de Paul meets on Thursdays at 8 a.m. All are welcomed. Come help us feed Christ in our brothers and sisters who are in need.
Please remember our ongoing need to keep the food pantry stocked for those who come looking for help. Your weekly share continues to make others’ lives better.
Lindale
Holy Family Church. Attention Ladies! The National Council of Catholic Women’s Convention is in Dallas this year, on September 8th. It is being held at the Hilton Anatole. If interested please register at www.nccw.org.
If you would like your home blessed or home enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, please sign up. The home is the domestic church. Who wouldn’t want a home like Nazareth?
If you or anyone you know needs help please call St. Vincent de Paul at 903-590-7609.
Longview
St. Mary Catholic School. St. Mary Catholic School is enrolling for the 2017-2018 academic year. St. Mary is a college preparatory PreK3-12 program focusing on academic excellence and with a program that includes fine arts and competitive athletics. To schedule a tour of the school, call 903-753-1657. For information about the program or tuition, call principal Amy Blalock, 903-918-7182, or Melinda Dunn, 903-806-0175, or see the website.
For any new students registering for grades 6-10, the technology fee will be waived. That’s a value of $175!
Current school families can refer a friend to St. Mary’s and receive $1,000 off this year’s tuition.
St. Anthony. Get to know your Catholic faith better at a series of educational sessions presented by Dr. Allison Tobola Low, a lifelong Catholic and catechist with a master’s degree in theology from the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colo. Dr. Low will present three sessions sponsored by the St. Anthony faith formation office: Catholics: Are You Saved?, Thursday, Sept. 7, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Shopka Center; Life in Christ: Understanding Freedom, Grace, Sin, and Law, Thursday, Oct. 5, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Shopka Center, and Will Catholics Be Raptured?, Thursday, Nov. 2, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Shopka Center. All sessions are free of charge, and all are welcome. For more information, call the formation office at 903-758-0116.
The Holy Eucharist is exposed for Adoration on Thursdays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. If you would like to commit 30 minutes or an hour each week to sitting with the Lord in prayer, please contact the church office.
St. Mary Church. War wounds the soul. Join us for a free 12 week combat trauma healing course, led by veterans, that is aimed at healing the spiritual and moral injuries of war. WHEN: Begins Thursday, August 31, 6:30-8:30 p.m. WHERE: Parish Hall, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2108 Ridgewood, Longview, TX. A free meal and childcare provided at each meeting. Contact Lisa Herterich at 903-235-8222 or el.herterich@gmail.com for more information. To register or learn more go to www.rebootrecovery.com.
Volunteer to knit or crochet 8-inch squares which will be turned into blankets for our homeless brothers and sisters. Blankets are a simple yet potentially life-saving gift for people who have no shelter during the winter. (Yes, we’re starting early so we can be ready for cold weather.) You can bring finished squares to the church office. To ask questions or to volunteer to put the squares together, call Susan Wells at 903-235-5693.
RCIA meets on the first Wednesday of the month during August and the first and third Wednesdays in September. For information, please contact Gary McWilliams at 903-918-7725 or Steve Carden at 903-241-4854.
The Adoration Chapel is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m., 8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays. For more information or to volunteer, please call Sharon Milam at 903-753-9527 or Sheila Hargrave at 903-295-1728.
The St. Nicholas Bazaar will be Nov. 18-19. We are in need of volunteers. Please contact Pat Smith, 903-240-1635. We are collecting homemade jams and jellies. No need to wait until fall, bring your donations to the church office now. Please label jars and leave your name and number.
St. Matthew Church. Enrollment is open for faith formation for the year 2017-2018. Cost is $20 per child through August and $30 per child after August.
We will have a meeting for parents of children in faith formation Aug. 23 at 6: 30 p.m. Sunday classes resume Aug. 27. Wednesday classes resume Aug. 30. Christian Initiation classes for adults resume Sunday, Aug. 27, at 3:30 p.m.
We will have an Ethics and Integrity Basic training session Friday, Sept. 1, 6-9 p.m., and a Recertification training session Saturday, Sept. 2, 10-11:30 a.m. The sessions are free, but there is a $10 fee for the required background check. The Diocese of Tyler requires that all Church employees and volunteers who work with young people and vulnerable adults have a signed Ethics and Integrity certification and completed background check on file at the chancery.
Join us for an adult Bible study, “Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother” By Edward Sri, on Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. The study will bring participants on an extraordinary pilgrimage, revealing Mary’s unique role in God’s Kingdom and in our lives.
We need English-speaking catechists. Our faith is a gift from God; let us share it generously when the opportunity is available.
We will have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 6 at the 7 a.m. Mass. Come spend at least 30 minutes before the Lord.
The 2017 St. Matthew Annual Raffle is Saturday, Oct. 21. Tickets are $10 each. Prizes are a 2014 Ford Fiesta Titanium FWD, a $700 gift card, a $500 gift card, a $200 gift card, and six $100 gift cards. Purchase tickets or pick them up to sell after the weekend Masses or from the church office during the week. Please return ticket stubs and money to the church office. Proceeds will benefit the Building Fund.
Our next Men’s ACTS Retreat is Oct. 12-15. We would like to invite any of the men in our parish to consider attending the retreat. It is a life-changing experience and a great way to get to know and get more involved with the Catholic Community. For more information, please contact the directors or the church office. Director: Scott Brazell, 903-235-3347; co-directors: Bob Allen, 903–759-1308, and Scott Farler, 972-832-2401.
War wounds the soul. Join us for a free 12 week combat trauma healing course, led by veterans, that is aimed at healing the spiritual and moral injuries of war. WHEN: Begins Thursday, August 31, 6:30-8:30 p.m. WHERE: Parish Hall, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2108 Ridgewood, Longview, TX. A free meal and childcare provided at each meeting. Contact Lisa Herterich at 903-235-8222 or el.herterich@gmail.com for more information. To register or learn more go to www.rebootrecovery.com.
Our parish has a mobile app! Go to the App store or Google Play store and search for “St Matthew Longview.” You will have everything you need for your personal spiritual growth, from our parish to the Vatican.
Lufkin
St. Andrew the Apostle Church. The final dates to register your child for CCD are Sunday, Aug. 27, 8-10:30 a.m., and Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2-7 p.m. Please bring copies of baptism and first Communion certificates. Registration fee is $20 per child. Any questions, please call Gloria Pittman, 936-404-2362 or the church office.
Registraciones de Educacion Religiosa para 2017-2018 sera el 27 de agosto, a las 8 – 10:30 a.m., y el miercoles, 23 y 30 de agosto, a las 2-7 pm en el edificio de educación. Por favor de traer copias de certificados de bautismo y la primera Comunión. El costo de inscripción es de $20 por niño. Cualquier pregunta, por favor llame a Gloria Pittman, 936-404-2362 o a la oficina de la iglesia.
We welcome all ladies of the parish to join the Gathering for a special presentation of: “Oils of the Bible; Then & Now” by Majal. We will Gather for this event at 911 Ellis Avenue Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Gail Nichols at nichols21575@aol.com.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) will begin Sunday, Sept. 10, 8:30-9:45 a.m. in the Parish Hall. RCIA is a program for those who seek to become members of the Catholic Church. Registration forms for RCIA will be available in the Church Office, Tuesday- Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Please bring a copy of your birth certificate and baptismal certificate when registering for class. RCIA is also open to adult Catholics who wish to learn more about our Catholic faith. For more information contact Susie Healy at 936-465-5402 or Lorraine Lambert at 936-225-1175.
Attention all Parishioners! St. Andrew’s is getting a new parish directory and it won’t be complete without you. After every Mass through Sept. 4, you will be able to select a time and day to have your photo taken for the directory. Photos will be taken the week of Sept. 11-Sept. 16, Sept. 22-23, and Oct. 3. Directories are free to members of the parish, and you can purchase additional photos of your family.
Atención todos los parroquianos! La Iglesia de San Andrés está recibiendo un nuevo directorio parroquial y no será completa sin usted. A partir de este fin de semana a través de 4 de septiembre después de cada misa, usted será capaz de seleccionar la hora y día que usted puede tener su foto tomada para el nuevo directorio de la parroquia. Las fotos serán tomadas la semana del 11 de septiembre – 16 de septiembre. Los directorios parroquiales son gratis para los miembros de la parroquia y puede comprar más fotos de su familia.
Godparents and parents who wish to have their children baptized must attend a baptism preparation class scheduled every second and third Friday of the month at 7 p.m. in Spanish. English classes are by appointment. All baptisms are held the third Saturday of the month at 11 a.m. Please contact the parish office 2-3 months prior in order to register. Please bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
Padres y Padrinos que desean tener a sus hijos bautizados deben atender dos clases de preparación bautismal. Serán cada segundo y tercer viernes del mes a 7 pm. Todos los bautismos se llevarán a cabo el tercer sábado del mes a 11am. Por favor llamar a la oficina 2-3 meses antes del bautismo. Traer una copia del certificado de nacimiento de su hijo.
St. Patrick Catholic School. Registration for the 2017-2018 academic year is open. St. Patrick is a coeducational private Catholic school serving students of all faiths in grades PreK3-8. We offer exceptional educational opportunities to our students and are dedicated to their spiritual, academic and physical development. Our programs emphasize religious education, advanced curriculum, technology and physical fitness. Students learn the skills that empower them to excel in today’s society. St. Patrick is the only school in the Lufkin area to offer the Kumon math program and to be designated as a PreK Center of Excellence, a gold standard in high-quality PreK by the State of Texas. For more information, call 936-634-6719 or see the website.
The summer food program is under way for anyone under the age of 18. Free breakfast (8-8:30 a.m.) and lunch (noon-1:30 p.m.) are available. No proof of need or income is needed. Come eat, and tell your friends.
St. Patrick Church. G.I.F.T. registration for students ages 5-15 is open through August, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon and 1-6 p.m. Cost is $20 per child. Every child must register, even those who attended last year.
The next Baptism class in English will be Thursday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. in the Faith Formation Building. Please sign up by Monday, Aug. 28, by sending an email to deaconray@suddenlink.net A video will be assigned before the class so it is important to register before the enrollment date. If no registration is received, the class will be postponed.
We welcome all ladies of the parish to join the Gathering for a special presentation of “Oils of the Bible; Then and Now” by Majal. We will Gather for this event at 911 Ellis Avenue at 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 22. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Gail Nichols at nichols21575@aol.com.
Representatives from the Mexican Consulate will be at St. Patrick Sunday, Sept. 10, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. for a general information session on immigration and citizenship. The day will include “Heritage Protection Information and Strategies” and an educational workshop hosted by The Bridge Path and sponsored by the Consulate General of Mexico.
The International Festival is Sunday, Sept. 17, on the church grounds. Join us for a day of international food and the sharing of cultures. Drawing for prizes will be at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $1 each. You need not be present to win. If you wish to contribute food, please contact the church office.
Vendor applications for the Gift and Craft Fair are in the church office.
The Gift and Craft Fair will be Oct. 7, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. We are now accepting applications for vendors. Inside Booths are $25. Outside Booths are $15. Applications are available in the parish office.
The St. Benedict Prayer Group invites everyone to come every Tuesday, 7:30-9 p.m., to praise the Lord.
Malakoff
Mary Queen of Heaven Church. Anyone willing to say a decade of the rosary before the 4:30 p.m. Saturday or 10 a.m. Sunday Masses is asked to let Theresa know so she may call on you. More people are needed. The rosary is said 4 p.m. Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. Sundays.
If you would like to make a donation for the flowers at the altar in honor/memory of loved ones, please contact Pat Rummel or the church office.
Refreshments are served after the 10 a.m. Mass on Sundays in the parish hall. Come join us, and get to know your parish family.
The Rosary Group meets on Fridays at the church starting at 7 p.m., followed by dinner. Please join us for prayer and fellowship. Call the office for more information. Everyone is welcome.
Marshall
St. Joseph Church. We have Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. in the Adoration Chapel.
The Sunday morning Adult Faith Formation is taking a break for the rest of the summer. Classes will resume in September.
We are looking for a team of adults to help organize activities for our youth ages 13-18 for the summer. If you would like to help, please see Msgr. Zach.
Estamos buscando un equipo de 6 personas adultas para ayudar a organizer actividades para nuestros jóvenes de 13-18 para el verano. Si usted está interesado en ayudar, por favor llamas a Mons. Zach.
The food bank is requesting peanut butter, canned tuna, and canned vegetables. Please help us feed the hungry in our midst.
Hot meals are served to those in need Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the parish hall.
Mission Marshall needs volunteers for its Summer Food Program. They need teams of three people to serve children lunch from noon-1 p.m., Monday-Friday. First Baptist Church, 405 W. Austin St., is hosting Summer Feeding this year. Individuals and groups may sign up. For information or to volunteer, contact Mission Marshall at 903-472-4944 or foodpantry@missionmarshall.org.
Mineola
St. Peter the Apostle Church.
Mount Pleasant
St. Michael Church. Come and Join our Apologetics/Bible Study Wednesdays in St. Michael Hall from 9-10:15 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and participate in learning the word of the Lord.
Mount Vernon
Sacred Heart Church. There will be a four-hour course for quinceañeras on Saturday, Aug. 26. Please contact Angeles Rodriguez, 903-285-4836, or Cristina Narvaez, 903-204-0099, for more information.
Habra una plática de cuatro horas el dia 26 de agosto para las quinceañeras. Comuníquese con Angeles Rodriguez, 903-285-4836, o Cristina Narvaez, 903-204-0099, para más información.
If you would like to donate flowers for the altar please contact volunteers Marie LaTortue and Linda Edmondson.
If you know of anyone who is sick or terminally ill, please inform the parish office so that their names can be added to the prayers of the faithful.
Nacogdoches
St. Mary’s Chapel, Stephen F. Austin State University. Bishop Joseph E. Strickland will join with the St. Mary Catholic Campus Ministry community Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 5 p.m. to break ground for the new Catholic student center. A dinner will follow. For information or to register to attend, email Michael Molina at mmolina@sfacatholic.net.
Save the date for the annual St. Mary’s Catholic Jacks Spirit Brunch, Saturday, Oct. 21, at 10:30 a.m. in Ganter Hall, 211 E. College, Nacogdoches, 75965. Spirit Brunch is the annual fundraiser for Catholic campus ministry at Stephen F. Austin State University. If you or your business has a raffle prize or silent auction item to donate, please let us know. Sponsorships are also available. The sponsorship form is online here. For more information, contact Michael Molina at mmolina@sfacatholic.net.
Sacred Heart Church. We will have a marriage preparation day Saturday, Sept. 9.
All young people in grades 6-12 are invited to join us in the “Upper Room” for faith, fun, and fellowship. For information, please contact Rebecca at rebeccahiggins@sbcglobal.net.
Our food pantry is open on the second Tuesday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon. All monetary support is appreciated, and special envelopes are now available in the vestibule for your support. Help us feed the hungry in our midst.
Palestine
Sacred Heart Church. Tickets are now on sale for our 3rd Annual Boots and Jeans fundraiser Sept. 23 at the KC hall. You may purchase yours from any Parish Council member, or come by the Parish Office. Cost is $50 per guest, and includes Mexican dinner, dance, and a chance to win 1st: $3,000, 2nd: $1,000, and 3rd: $500.00!
Sacred Heart Catholic Radio is up and running! Tune in to FM 107.9 to hear God’s truth with clarity and charity.
Texarkana
Sacred Heart Church. Faith formation and youth ministry will resume in September. Watch the bulletin for details.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming Catholic, we will offer the Rite of Christian Initiation classes beginning in the fall on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. in the parish center classroom. Watch the bulletin for details.
The parish has a new website! For information, announcements, and links to the wider Catholic world, please go to www.sacredhearttex.com.
We have an app! The Sacred Heart Texarkana app is loaded with useful information, allows you to “carry” Sacred Heart in your pocket, and can keep you in the know at a moment’s notice. Apple users, go to the App Store. Android users, go to the Google Play store. Downloading is quick and easy.
We need adorers for Mondays, 2-3 a.m., Tuesdays, 1-2 a.m., and Saturdays, 4-5 a.m. If you would like a time or to be a substitute, please call Victoria Shelton, 903-831-9933, or David Blanton, 903-278-0244.
The Queen of Peace charismatic prayer group meets Monday evenings, 6:30-8 p.m., in Room 4. Evenings include the Rosary, praise and worship music, Scripture study, and prayer. All are welcome.
Are you interested in learning Spanish? Basic, intermediate, and advanced classes are available. Cost is $10 per lesson. For more information, call Betty Rodriguez at 903-691-7931.
Father Mike Adams will lead an Advent pilgrimage to the Holy Land Nov. 27-Dec.8. The 12-day “Where Christ Was Born Tour” will include visits to Tel Aviv and Nazareth, Capernaum, Cana and Mount Tabor, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Dead Sea. Cost is $2,920 per person without airfare and $4,420 all-inclusive. A deposit of $1,000 per person is required at the time of booking. For information, call John or Natalie at 800-675-9088, email info@oc-travel.com, or see the website.
Tyler
Bishop Gorman Catholic Schools. Registration for the 2017-2018 academic year is open. Bishop Gorman is a college preparatory 6-12 program that focuses on academic excellence with an emphasis on Catholic Christian formation. Bishop Gorman is a Top 50 Catholic High School, 2005-2015; a Blue Ribbon “Excellence in Education” Award Winner 1998 by the U.S. Department of Education; TAPPS 3A Overall State Champions 2001 and 2002; TAPPS 3A Academic State Champions, 1999, 2000, and 2002; and Middle School PSIA State Academic Champions 2014. For more information, call the school at 903-561-2424 or see the website.
Giving to Gorman has never been easier. Let your Amazon purchases help Bishop Gorman. Bishop Gorman is part of the Amazon Smile program. Amazon Smile pays .5% of your purchase to Bishop Gorman. To participate, go to smile.amazon.com and login using your normal Amazon username and password. Set up an Amazon account first if you do not already have one. Once on Amazon Smile, search for Bishop Gorman Catholic School as your charity of choice and continue shopping. Each subsequent time you shop on Amazon, start at smile.amazon.com instead of the usual Amazon website.
St. Gregory Cathedral School. Registration for the 2017-2018 academic year is open. St. Gregory is Tyler’s oldest private, Christian elementary school, serving grades PreK-5 and the city’s only U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School, a distinction earned by scoring in the top 15 percent of the nation on national standardized tests. St. Gregory has the distinction of being a three-time Blue Ribbon school, one of the very few in the nation to achieve this honor. For more information, call the school at 903-595-4109, or see the website.
The annual St. Gregory Fun Run, this year with the theme “Carunival: Run One, Run All,” is Saturday, Sept. 23, on the Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic Schools track.The 10K starts at 7:30 a.m., the 5K at 7:35 a.m., the 1-mile at 8:30 a.m., and the Kids’ Dash at 10 a.m. The day also will include food and games. For more information, see the Fun Run Facebook page. Registration is here.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 10, for the annual Cathedral Parish Picnic and Multi-Cultural Festival at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler, Texas. All the food and family fun begins at 6 p.m. in the Cathedral Center. More than a dozen cultures and regions will be represented in food, family, music, art, and clothing. Special activities will be provided for children of all ages, including games and prizes, face painting, clowns, and a fire truck! Don’t miss this opportunity to get to know the friendly families of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul. This gathering is open all. No cost to participate. If you would like to help plan the parish picnic or provide food, please contact Pastoral Council chairwoman Weegie Chappell, wfchappell@gmail.com.
The Feed My Lambs soup kitchen serves hot meals to those in need Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Cathedral Center.
Father Hank will lead a tour through Louisiana to see four beautiful churches from Shreveport to Grand Coteau Nov. 3-4. For more information or to register, contact Jeri Negem at 903-592-1617, ext. 126, or jnegem@thecathedral.info. The deadline to register is Sept. 12.
Join us for a Catholic Women’s Bible Study Tuesday mornings this fall as we study the Book of Revelation. We meet at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral Center, and registration is $35 until Aug. 1, after which it will increase to $40. Scholarships are available. Please send your registration fee to Shawna Tankersley, 2301 Firestone Circle, Tyler, TX 75703. For more information, contact Susan Weeks at susankayweeks1@gmail.com.
We are offering Scott Hahn’s “The Church: Sacrament of Salvation” on Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Cathedral Center, starting Sept. 13. The 15-session course is offered to parents in Family Catechesis and is open to all. Cost is $15 for the book. To order the book, contact Veronica Lemus, 903-592-1617, ext. 117.
Save the date! The annual Roses and Rosaries Gala will be Sunday evening, Sept. 24.
You are invited to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 3 p.m. in the Adoration Chapel in the Chapel of Sts. Peter and Paul. We recite or often sing the Chaplet with musical accompaniment. For more information, contact Joan West at 903-245-4192 or joanwest300@gmail.com.
The Cathedral once again is able to offer faith formation for children with special needs. We have two certified teachers who have dedicated themselves to this educational ministry. These classes are for any student with a special need or who might benefit from some extra help. We are already looking toward next year and how we can be more helpful for families that have a child with special needs and wish some help for their child’s faith formation. If you have any suggestions of how we could adapt for your family in a better way or if you would be willing to serve on a committee to enrich and grow our special needs program here at the Cathedral, please contact Peggy Hammett, Director of Faith Formation at 903-592-1617, ext. 119, or phammett@thecathedral.info.
A Rosary Holy Hour Held is weekly on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. in the Adoration Chapel at Saints Peter and Paul. All are invited to join us. For more information, contact Susan Mills 903-780-2935 or email mills_susan@sbcglobal.net.
St. Joseph the Worker Church. The monthly blessing table will be Sunday, Aug. 27.
Please join us, in prayer, in front of Planned Parenthood on First Friday, Sept. 1, from 9:00-10:30 am at the corner of South Broadway and Amherst. Drop in for a few minutes or the whole time! Whatever you can do is greatly appreciated. Call John Bezner with any questions at 214-790-2750.
Calling all men, if you are 18 years of age or older, to attend a Men’s Group meeting, geared at strengthening your Catholic manhood, Wednesday, Sept. 6. The evening will begin with Holy Mass at 6:30 p.m., followed by a meal, fellowship, and a talk by Father Valentine in the parish hall. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Kukla, 972-890-5760.
St. Joseph the Worker’s Homeschool Group meets once a month to plan activities for our children, prayer, reading to encourage us in our vocation, sharing, and fellowship. If you would like to join or receive emails of planned events, contact Grace Bezner at gracebezner@yahoo.com or Melissa Kukla at milissa@prolifeamerica.com.
We will have a parish council meeting Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 6 p.m.
It’s now even easier to connect with and get important updates about the parish. Text BVM to 84576 and follow instructions. For emails, visit the signup page here. https://app.flocknote.com/JMJ
Whitehouse
Prince of Peace Church. Please consider serving your parish community. Be a greeter, usher, altar server, lector/reader, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, cantor, or in music ministry. Be a catechist and help with the faith formation of our children. Call the church office or talk with your pastor or deacon and sign up to serve.
Please register your children for Faith Formation without further delay. Even if your children have attended classes last year, you need to register again this year. Registration forms are available in the foyer and at the church office.
We need help with the ministry to the sick, the homebound, and those in nursing homes. Please call the Church Office or talk with Fr. Gus if you are interested in helping.
Please support our church by purchasing your Brookshire’s, Walmart, and other gift cards in the vestibule of the church.
