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Catholic Church |
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Current NewsUpdates to this page will usually be weekly, sometime between Saturday
and Monday (depending on what Mass I go to)
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| Saturday, July 19, 5:30 PM Fred Pavoggi † |
| Sunday,
July 20, 7:30 AM In Thanksgiving for Fr. Ciaran ;
9:00 AM All
Travelers
;
11:00 AM Parishioners |
| Monday, July 21, 9:00 AM Special Intentions |
| Tuesday, July 22, 5:30 PM Welcome Home, Fr. Richard |
| Wednesday, July 23, 9:00 AM Mary Rush † |
| Thursday, July 24, 5:30 PM Margaret Hunt |
| Friday, July 25, 9:00 AM In Thanksgiving |
| Saturday, July 26, 5:30 PM Brent Decoteau † |
| Sunday,
July 27, 7:30 AM Edward Doering †;
9:00 AM Parishioners
;
11:00 AM David Curtis † |
FROM THE DESK OF
FR. CIARAN
Dear Parishioners,
As you look forward to the return of your Pastor, Father Richard, on Monday - rejuvenated after his vacation - I take this opportunity to once again express my sincere gratitude to you for the warm welcome. It was great being with you. I leave you with some food for thought:
• An interesting irony of life is we find what we seek by giving it away. How do we make friends? Isn't it by first becoming one? How do we win respect? By first respecting others. The principle applies to a grateful heart. The more we try to give it away, the more it multiplies and comes back to us. Be kind, be generous, and be helpful. And when you are, you will discover you live in a kind, generous, and helpful world.
• We are born for love - one another and God. It is the principle of existence and its only end. Love is what we are born with, fear is what we learn. The essence of love is kindness. Those who genuinely love are kind, gentle, and humble. When we immerse ourselves in love, we get a taste of eternity, for brief is life but love is eternal.
God Bless and thanks - until next time.
Fr. Ciaran McCarthy, M.S.C.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
"O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Savior of the world and source of all holiness, we ask You to implant in the hearts of young men and women in this parish, a call to serve You as priests or religious either for the Diocese or for Missionary work. Give them the guidance and courage to answer Your call so that they may give themselves completely in Your service, without reservation. This we ask through Christ, Our Lord. Amen."
We say farewell to Fr. Ciaran this weekend who will be heading back to his home in Ireland. We thank you, Fr. Ciaran, for being here with us during Fr. Richard's absence. You have been a blessing and a joy and we pray that Our Lord continues to bless you always. Please come back to visit us soon. Love and Thanks from the St. Paul Parish Community.
has a Pro-Life Holy Hour every Wednesday night at 7:00 PM in the church. All are welcome to attend.
For those of you who are contributing to the Phase III Building Fund, please use your blue monthly building fund envelopes (those with your number). If you do not use envelopes and are contributing to Phase III, blue envelopes will be provided for you. Also, we ask that you please write "Phase III" on the memo line of your check so that we can make sure your contribution goes into the Phase III Building Fund account.
A general meeting will be held in the Parish Hall on Thursday, July 24, at 7:00 PM to discuss plans for the "40 Days for Life" campaign starting in late September. All persons interested in participating in Pro-life activities are invited to attend. For more information, contact Ed Szeman at 698-6539.
"Forty Days for Life" is scheduled for Sep. 24 - Nov. 2, 2008. A planning meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 24 at 7:00 PM in the Church Hall. Please mark your calendars. Anyone who is willing to help is welcome to attend.
It's here! The opportunity has arrived to win a window-view cabin for two adults on the Carnival Conquest cruise* (a $1400.00 value), from Jan. 11 - 18, 2009! Proceeds of this raffle will benefit our parish pro-life activities through the Central Texas Voices for Life. Drawing will be held on October 25, 2008. For more information call Ed Szeman (Tel: 254.698.6539), Chairman, Central Texas Voices for Life.
*(Note: This is also the Parish Cruise, so the winners will be in good company!)
CENTEX VOICES FOR LIFE will also be collecting used cell phones, blackberries, PDA's, etc. to assist in their pro-life ministry. Just place them in the box provided in the Church Foyer. Every donation helps support our Church's pro-life work.
Knights & Squires THANK the following sponsors for their generous support in making the 4 Person Golf Scramble a success...please consider them when planning your next party, project or purchase:
ERA Colonial Realty - Harker Heights
Eva "Sells" Keagle - Harker Heights
Mac Metal Buildings - Florence
ARA Electric - Lampasas
Cooper and Bright Plumbing - Harker Heights
Bartek Paint and Decorating - Temple
Culp and Son Masonry and Quarry - Florence
Killeen Glass and Mirror - Killeen
Martinka Construction - Killeen
Tuffy's Heating and Air - Weatherford
UR Security - Killeen
TNT Striping - Florence
Shed Construction - Belton
Jim Lindley, Atty. - Killeen
Dr. Dave Webster - Killeen
ACE Lumber and Supply - Killeen
Richard Elsasser, Architect - Georgetown
Heights Lumber and Supply - Harker Heights
Uptown Liquor - Harker Heights
Vogel Construction Services, LLC
We thank Cecile Folkerson for donating the Altar Flowers this weekend.
The Junior Ladies of Charity will be selling tickets after Mass this weekend for their "Food for Thought" dinner on July 26 at 6:30 PM in the Parish Hall. The cost is $5 per plate. This is to raise awareness of World Hunger and the proceeds will go towards our Parish.
For our parishioners whose children will be attending CCD in the fall: registration will take place every Saturday and Sunday in August after all masses or every Tuesday from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Birth certificate and sacramental records will be needed. Check the bulletin for more details or contact Olga Touchet at 699-6855. RCIA Registration will also take place during August.
The M.S.C. Retreat this year will take place in San Antonio from Sunday, Sept. 14 through Wednesday, Sept 17. Fr. John Schweikert will be the retreat master, so mark your calendars. More information to follow.
If any parishioner requires the use of St. Paul Parish Hall equipment (tables or chairs) for personal use, please contact Mary or Leo at 254-290-3008 before borrowing so items can be properly signed out. When using the Parish Facilities: Please remember to turn off the A/C, fans & lights. Please leave the facilities as you found them. Please lock all doors. Thank you for your cooperation.
See the "KNIGHTS' on this site for important information related to this program (for military men on active duty, and professional policemen and firemen).
VOCATION CROSS: ATTENTION NEW PARISHIONERS...
You are invited to sign-up for the Vocation Cross after Mass. New Sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board in the Church Vestibule. The Vocation Cross will be distributed after every Mass. We ask that the families come forward when invited to do so at the end of Mass, take the Cross home, and during the week pray for Vocations using the prayers found on the base of the Cross. The following week bring it back to Church and place on the table at the back of Church for the next family to take home. Please be present to take the Cross home for the week you sign-up and to return it the following weekend. Please continue to pray for Vocations.
The St. Paul Playgroup meets at 9:00 AM every Monday during the summer. We gather at area parks and local indoor play areas. Kid's ages range from 2 - 6 years. If you are interested, please call Katie Ernst at (698-1989) or email: michaelernst@hot.rr.com for our calendar.
In case you have just joined this parish, we have a special Book of Remembrance containing the names of our Soldiers who have or are being deployed. We ask that you enter the Soldiers' names in it and at each Mass, it is brought forward at the Offertory of the Mass and placed in the Sanctuary.
It is through their generosity that our bulletin is published without cost to the parish. THANK YOU, SPONSORS!!
PAYMENTS TO OUR FAITH-OUR LEGACY must go through the Austin Diocese. Please continue to send payments directly to:
Diocese of Austin
P.O. Box 133327
Austin, TX 78711
BEFORE scheduling any events or meetings in the Parish Hall, Parish Office/Conference Room, or the Religious Formation Building, please contact Randy Sumerall at 554-8355. Thank you for helping things to work smoothly!
We welcome our new parishioners and bid a fond farewell to our departing families. For our new parishioners, please fill out a registration form available in the Church Vestibule and turn it in to Fr. Richard or an usher. If you are leaving or have a change of information, please notify the Parish Office at 698-4110 or fill out the change of address form. Please notify the office of any changes to your information as we are continually updating our Parish database. Just print the following info. on a sheet of paper/envelope and give it to an usher or put in collection basket. Thank you!!
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Name: ______________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: __________________________________________
Last Week's Collection: (See Church bulletin for details.)
Outside Parish Events and Notices
The
Austin Diocese Web Site
Important
News and Commentary pertaining to the Catholic Church in Central Texas....
Habitat
for Humanity
Press Release For Immediate Release [Habitat Closed for the 4th of July]
The Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity, an agency of the United Way, is always looking for volunteers. You can help make a contribution to our community, and learn something about home construction at the same time. No experience necessary. Contact information is listed below...give them a call.
Our
Lady of the Angels Maternity Shelter
Our Lady
of the Angels Maternity Shelter in Temple is licensed to serve women (age 14
to adult) in crisis pregnancy by offering a loving and stable family
environment to support the mother and child in their efforts to create a
hopeful future for themselves. There are
no charges or fees. For more
information, please call toll-free 1-866-389-2340 and click-on
"Voices For Life" on this web site.
Cedarbrake
Religious Retreat Center
Cedarbrake is a place where persons of all faiths can be in the
midst of God's creation in serenity and peace - a sacred space for prayer,
reflection, and spiritual growth. Through prayer, reading, talking
with a spiritual director, or in community with others, a new perspective on
life can emerge. Opportunities for holistic growth, body and soul, are
integral to Cedarbrake. Cedarbrake can accommodate
individuals, small groups, or large groups (up to a maximum of 96 persons)
overnight or for extended stays.
Directions to Cedarbrake:
Coming IH-35 north or south, take the 6th Avenue exit (N. Belton, TX).
Go west on 6th Avenue until it dead-ends at the intersection with N. Main
(Hwy 317). Turn right and go north for 3.4 miles. The signs and
entrance are on the west (left) of the highway.
For
information, please contact Cedarbrake at (254) 780-2436, e-mail
<cedarbrake@austindiocese.org>,
visit the web site at <austindiocese.org/cedarbrake.html>
or write: Cedarbrake Retreat & Renewal Center, P.O. Box 58, Belton, TX 76513.
Cursillo
Cursillo -
A 3-day short course in Christianity. Cursillo is a
personal encounter with Christ. You will not be able to see Him with your
eyes, but you will come to know Him with your mind and heart. You will
be aware of His presence and His love for you. Cursillo offers a whole
new approach to the work you are already doing in the parish, your home and
your work environment.
Not sure? Have questions? For more information or to register,
please call Greg Ganslen, former Lay Director, at (254) 698-2594 or e-mail
cursillo7@clearwire.net .
Marriage Encounter
Weekends
Married couples are encouraged to reserve 48 hours to
freshen up their vocation of marriage. Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends
provide an opportunity for married couples to put aside everything else and
focus on their relationship with one another and God. The weekend is
designed to help marriages become a true source of strength.
For more information or to register, visit
www.austineme.org, or contact Mike Furtado at (512) 396-3620.
Retrouvaille Helps Struggling Couples
Couples in difficult
relationships can find help rediscovering each other and rebuilding their
marriages. A Retrouvaille weekend seeks to help participants recommit themselves
to their spouse and to God. For more information, please visit
www.retrouvaille.org,
or call (979) 690-0561.
Continuous Postings
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VOCATION CROSS New sign-up sheets for the Vocation Cross are on the bulletin board in the Church Vestibule. Please be present to take the Cross home for the week you sign up, and to return it the following weekend. May we all continue to pray for vocations.
PRO-LIFE MINISTRY NEEDS VOLUNTEERSThe Central Texas Voices for Life Ministry is asking for your prayerful consideration as a volunteer for one hour a week praying at our local abortion facility for our most defenseless brothers and sisters, The Unborn. We need volunteers for everyday of the week. Currently we meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and also on the first Saturday. This is a prayer ministry but in the event that those seeking abortion want someone to talk to, we make ourselves available to give helpful information for loving alternatives to abortion through literature and referral to the many help centers available. If interested, please call Linda Busti at 289-7511 for more details.
INFANT & TODDLER PLAYGROUPAre you a stay-at-home mom? Are you looking for some interaction for both you and your little ones? Then join St. Paul's Playgroup. Moms and children meet twice a week for 1 - 2 hours. We plan many activities - outings to the park, birthday celebrations, field trips, arts and crafts, and even a few Mom's night out. The Summer Schedule of Activities is now available. For more information, please call Katie Ernst at (698-1989).
JUST
A REMINDER !BEFORE scheduling any events or meetings in the Parish Hall, Parish Office, or Religious Formation Building, please contact Randy Sumerall at 554-8355. Thank you for helping things to work smoothly.
"WHEREVER
YOU GO, BE CARRIERS OF GOD'S LOVE"We bid farewell to many parishioners who will be leaving us, and thank them for their presence and support. May God's blessings and guidance go with you. Know that you will be in our prayers. Please copy this form and place it in the collection basket or give to Father Richard. [OR SEND AN E-MAIL WITH THIS INFO. TO THE WEBMASTER.] Thank you for helping us to keep our administrative costs down! _________________________________________ Name _________________________________________ Address _________________________________________ City Zip Code Tel: # _________________________________________ Envelope Number Date Leaving |
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Landings What is "Landings?" It is a proven Paulist program specifically designed to welcome Catholics who wish to investigate returning to the Church. How does it work? "Landings" operates in a group setting. The group provides a landing place, a safe spot to touch down. People can share their faith journeys, pray, and discuss Catholic spirituality with ordinary Catholics who are trying to live their Faith. If you or someone you know, is questioning his or her return to Mass and the sacraments, please call 698-4338 and give "Landings" a try. |
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HOW
TO REPORT AN INCIDENT OF CONCERN! The Diocese of Austin, the Catholic Church of Central Texas, is committed to preventing harm from happening to any of our children or vulnerable adults. If you are aware of sexual abuse and/or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult by a volunteer, employee or clergy member, our Ethics and Integrity in Ministry policies require that you report that information to the Diocesan Chancellor by calling (512) 476-4888. A Notice of Concern form can also be used and is available on our diocesan Web site, www.austindiocese.org (click on the link "To report abuse"). These reports may be made anonymously. It is also state law that abuse and/or neglect of a minor must be reported to local law enforcement or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or www.dfps.state.tx.us. |
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St.
Paul's Bible Study Group Anyone interested in joining this group should contact Pat or Dick Dinwiddie at 699-2518, or e-mail pjdinwiddie@hotmail.com . |
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Knights of Columbus
Membership Information: Contact Knight Randy Sumerall (Tel: 554-8355) or Knight Al Ponce (Tel: 681-4369). |
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Father Richard's Weekly Sermons
On Film Father Richard's Sermons are filmed every weekend; any parishioner that would like a copy, please contact Robert Allred at 698-3930 or e-mail at: allred@centraltex.net |
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Hearing Aids Available We have purchased a new system for those parishioners who find it difficult to hear the readings or the sermon. We also have five hearing aids available. They may be obtained in the Sacristy where Father Richard vests for Holy Mass. Afterwards, they must be returned to the Sacristy. If anyone would like to make a donation to defray the cost of the console or hearing aids, please do so by handing your gift to Father Richard. |
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Photographs
Needed We need photographs of church activities to post on the Web site to show parish life. Photos can be dropped off at the office, or mailed to the Church, Attention Webmaster, or e-mailed to gsdeco67@vvm.com. Hard copy photos will be returned if desired. Thank You. |
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Wheelchair Available There is a wheelchair available in the Gift Shop in the Church for anyone disabled, who needs it to get to and from their car for Mass. |
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Moving? If you are moving, changing address and/or phone numbers, please contact the Parish Office at 698-4110, so that we can keep all our records up to date. Thank you for your presence and support. God Bless. |
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Mass on TV Sunday and daily Mass are televised for the homebound, Sundays at 7:30 AM and Monday through Friday at 9:00 AM. For more information call 1-800-THE-MASS. |
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St. Vincent de Paul Vehicle Donation Program St. Vincent de Paul sponsors a Vehicle Donation Program. Running and non-running vehicles can be donated at no cost for the donor. The tax law has changed with regard to this program; however, the vehicle's value (at sale) is still tax-deductible! Other provisions also apply. Proceeds help the needy regardless of race, creed, color or denomination. For more information, please call 1-888-317-7837 or (512) 912-7575 from the Austin area. |
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From the Ladies
of Charity:
Don't throw it away! All donations are tax deductible. The Ladies of Charity operate a Thrift Store located at 1005 S. Ann Blvd., Harker Heights. Store hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 AM - 3 PM; Wednesdays 2 PM - 5 PM; 1st & 3d Saturdays 10 AM- 3PM. You may deliver your donations (slightly used, clean, and in safe, working order...no trash items, please) or call the store to have your items picked up during operating hours at 680-7970. After hours, you may call 698-2091 or 690-5810 to arrange to have your items picked up. |
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Inkjet/Toner
Cartridge Recycling Please remember to bring in your used inkjet/toner cartridges. We will collect them and recycle them for Food for the Poor, which in turn will receive $2 to $7 for each used inkjet cartridge, and $10 to $15 for each used toner cartridge. They use these funds to feed hungry children, provide schools and build houses for the world's needy. Your contribution WILL make a difference. Leave your cartridges under the table by the front door. We will handle the rest. God bless you. |
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New Parishioners We welcome all the new parishioners who have recently joined this parish. As you know, every Catholic family must be registered in a parish of their choosing. The parish then assumes responsibility for that family in the administration of the Sacraments and the pastor becomes "their" priest. That is why we have to actually register before we can be classified as a member. We have these registration forms available in the church porch; please complete one and then hand it into the Office or give it to Father Richard. You will notice that in this church we try to have a sense of quietness before and after Holy Mass so as to give an opportunity for people to have a few moments of personal prayer. Then when we go outside we can talk and greet one another. You will also notice that during the Creed, we bow profoundly during the words "by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man." When we come forward to receive Holy Communion, we also either genuflect or bow while the person before us is receiving the Host. Having received the host, we step aside for a moment before proceeding to receive the Precious Blood (where we do not make any bow or genuflection). The minister will hand us the chalice; take it firmly in both hands, taking your time before handing it back. If you are not receiving the Precious Blood, you proceed directly to your bench to kneel down, not genuflecting or bowing. We keep kneeling and praying until the Tabernacle door is closed after Communion. Whenever we enter or leave our bench, except at Communion time, we genuflect, or if unable to do this, we bow profoundly. Your responsibility is to support by prayer and involvement in parish activities, and by sharing your time, talent and treasure in a realistic and practical way. The days of just attending Sunday Mass and putting a few dollars in the basket are long gone. Many years ago, this parish decided to take their Catholic Life seriously, whereby each member would give some time each week in active participation in parish affairs as well as financially supporting the parish by using the weekly envelopes for parish expenses, and the Building Fund envelopes for paying off the Building Debts. It was agreed that the minimum amount given in the Collection basket in loose cash by an adult would be $5.00, $2.00 from teenagers and $1.00 from young children. This would, of course, not refer to families who use the weekly envelopes. |
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A Special Book Our deceased parishioners will be remembered in a special book which will be perpetually kept in the Sanctuary of the Church. We will reserve these books for our parishioners who have died since the parish opened twelve years ago. If you have a family member whose name you wish inscribed in this book, please provide Name, Date of Birth, and Date of Death to Father Richard at your convenience. |
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Liturgical Bowing At Mass When we recite the Creed at Mass, it is the proper liturgical gesture to make a profound bow while we recite the words "by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man." On Christmas Day and the Feast of the Annunciation, we genuflect. We also either genuflect or bow while the person before us is receiving the Host during Holy Communion, whether at Mass or during a Communion Service. |
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Right To Life Would you like to help protect innocent life? Greater Austin Right to Life works through peaceful, legal means only, to protect unborn children, women, and all people from abortion, infanticide and euthanasia in education and legislative areas. If you would like to make a difference through volunteer opportunities, call (512) 477-1244 for more information. We are making it safer for innocent life. |
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Use of the
Parish Hall All organizations that wish to use the Parish Hall during the year should contact Randy Sumerall at 554-8355 to arrange for scheduling. |
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Church Flowers In the church porch, we have a list for the different weeks and Seasons of the year, and we invite you or your family to supply the flowers for the weekend Masses. You can do this in memory of someone or to celebrate a wedding anniversary. Please write your name and telephone number on the list and we will contact you the week before the date you choose. Also, in signing up, please consider others who may want to remember loved ones as well. Thank you! |
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Announcements to Bulletin All bulletin announcements must be submitted to the Rectory Office by close of business on Tuesday. NOTE: THIS IS A CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS. For publication on the Web site, Email me anytime. Wm |
