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Sacraments

The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." The seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence. That's what theologians mean when they say that sacraments are at the same time signs and instruments of God's grace.

Children categories

Baptism

 

Baptism is our birth as Christians. Through it we are cleansed of original sin, incorporated into the Body of Christ that is the Church, and it is the beginning in us of the new life Christ imparts through his death and resurrection. It is the role of the father and mother, accompanied by the godparents, to present the child to the Church for baptism. These guidelines are offered to you to help make the preparation for your child's baptism a time for spiritual growth and the ceremony a joyful celebration. Registered members of the parish may have their child baptized in St. Mary's Church.One godparent must be a practicing and believing Roman Catholic who has received the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation, be at least 16 years old, and if married, the marriage must be a valid Catholic marriage. It is through baptism that one enters the Church. Godparents or sponsors represent the Church community. Therefore, it is necessary that one godparent be an active member of the community. A baptized Christian may serve as a witness to the ceremony.

Godparents may be represented by proxies if they are unable to be present for the ceremony. Those serving as proxies must fulfill the same requirements as godparents. Catholics serving as godparents must contact their parish and obtain a sponsor letter or certificate. Please bring the letter or certificate to the baptism.

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Reconciliation

Reconciliation (Confession)

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available each Saturday from 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.. Special arrangements can be made by contacting one of the priests for times other than Saturday.
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Eucharist

 

The liturgical action called the Eucharist is also traditionally known as the Holy eucharist1Sacrifice of the Mass.

The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of the Church's life. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation.

Our Mass schedule is as follows:

  1. Each morning (week days) at 7:00 AM (In the small chapel)
  2. Every Friday of each month during the School Year (September to June) at 8:30 A.M. in the main Church
  3. On all Saturdays at 5:00 P.M. in the Main Church (this is the mass of the Sunday)
  4. On Sundays at 8:30 A.M. and 11:00 A.M.
  5. On the last Sunday of each month the 11:00 A. M. Mass is a Gospel Mass

Please let us know if there is someone who is confined to their home and unable to attend Mass with us in our Parish Church on Sunday. We would be happy to bring Communion. Please call the parish office at (713) 528-0571 or email justinasamy@yahoo.com to make arrangements. Fr. Justin  and Fr. Charles will also vist the sick and home bound.

 

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Confirmation

The preparation for and celebration of sacraments are an important and privileged encounter with God's grace.                                       

The National Directory for Catechesis (p. 114) states:

Dioceses and parish should present sacramental catechesis that

  • Is a comprehensive and systematic formation in the faith, one that integrates knowledge of the faith with living the faith
  • Is fundamentally Trinitarian and centers on initiation into the life of the Triune God
  • Presents Christian life as a lifelong journey to the Father in the Son and through the Holy Spirit
  • Is appropriate to the age level, maturity, and circumstances of those being catechized
  • Is intended for all members of the Christian community, takes place within the community, and involves the whole community of faith\
  • Involves parents in the preparation of their children for the sacraments
  • Is integrated into a comprehensive catechetical program
  • Focuses primarily on the symbols, rituals, and prayers contained in the rite for each sacrament
  • Enables the believer to reflect on the meaning of the sacrament received by implementing a thorough experience of mytagogia following the celebration.

In light of this, the Office of Religious Education provides support for sacramental catechesis in the following areas:

Children's Catechumenate 

The Children's Catechumenate presents many opportunities and challenges to parishes. In order to welcome unbaptized and uncatechized children above the age of reason, parishes are encouraged to provide the opportunity for catechumenal formation for these children and their families. The OEC offers guidelines, support, and resources to assist those who direct these processes which enable children to be fully initiated into the faith.

Contact Information 

For more information please contact: Valarie Harrison

 

Infant Baptism

The Archbishop has issued guidelines and ecclesial norms regarding the preparation for and celebration of Infant Baptism.

Every parish must follow these guidelines. Our office offers assistance as needed to explain the guidelines.

Each parish should have a baptismal team consisting of clergy and laity who prepare the family for their child's Baptism. The Archdiocesan guidelines tell how to train an Infant Baptism Team, set up a parish program, design parent meetings, prepare for the baptism liturgy, and follow up with the family after the baptism of their child.

For more information please contact: Deacon Malveaux or Robin Thornton

 

First Penance and Reconciliation 

The Archbishop has issued guidelines and ecclesial norms regarding the preparation for and celebration of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

Every parish and school must follow these guidelines. Our office offers assistance as needed to explain the guidelines.

First Reconciliation/Penance

Children shall be prepared for and given the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance before the reception of the Eucharist. This usually happens in the second grade when the child is seven years old, but older children should also be prepared if they have not made their First Reconciliation/Penance. The Archdiocesan Guidelines describe how to set up a program, plan parent meetings, select approved texts and prepare for the child's reception of First Reconciliation/Penance.

For more information please contact: Valarie Harrison or Daphine Sands

 

First Eucharist 


First Eucharist 
The age of discretion for First Reconciliation/Penance and Holy Communion is the time when a child begins to reason, that is about the seventh year. The Archdiocesan Guidelines will show the catechetical leader how to set up a program, plan parent meetings, select approved texts, and prepare the child for their First Communion.


Contact Information - First Eucharist 
For more information please contact:Valarie Harrison or Daphine Sands

 

Youth Confirmation

For more information please contact:Valarie Harrison or Daphine Sands

 

Adult Confirmation

Catholic adults who are active in the practice of their faith but who, for whatever reason, have never received the Sacrament of Confirmation are encouraged to do so.  In this Archdiocese the normal pastoral practice is to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with adults at special Masses throughout the Archdiocese on two occasions: Pentecost Sunday, and early January at the Baptism of the Lord, or Epiphany feasts.

At the direction of Cardinal DiNardo, the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis has been working to renew the process of preparation of adults for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

A new process was created in collaboration with pastors, catechetical leaders, Office of Worship, and others. In years past, an announcement was made in the Texas Catholic Herald regarding the location and contact information of parishes conducting formation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for Adults. 

Every year, the announcement in the Herald will instead direct potential Confirmation candidates to contact their home parishes. If your parish is conducting formation sessions for Confirmation of Adults, the process remains the same. If your parish does not plan to conduct formation sessions for Confirmation of Adults, the process will consist of welcoming potential candidates and conducting a discernment interview with them to assess readiness to enter sacramental preparation, before referring them to a nearby parish for sacramental preparation. This will help prevent candidates with impediments (baptized non-catholic, marriage issues, etc.) from entering sacramental preparation. If the candidate is deemed ready to enter the formation process after the discernment interview takes place, the candidate may be referred to a nearby parish  with a letter from the pastor and a recent copy of his/her baptismal certificate. Thank you for your cooperation in facilitating an encounter with Christ for these adult candidates as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Please contact: Tamera Singleton (RCIA)

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Marriage

The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston requires that marriage preparation begin at least six months prior to the celebration of the marriage. Please call the Rectory to arrange an appointment with one of the priest. At least one of the couple should be a registered member of the St. Mary of the Purification Parish. If not from the St. Mary’s Church, permission from the parish where you are registered should be obtained.

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Anointing of the Sick

Any parishioner who is scheduled for serious surgery should receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick prior to the hospitalization. Please contact one of the priests to schedule.

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  Weekday Mass - Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM

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Weekend Liturgy


Saturday Confession at 4:00 TO 4:45 PM


Saturday Mass at 5:00 PM 


Sunday Mass at 8:30 AM  and


Sunday at 11:00 AM

Prayer for an End to Human Trafficking

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you across the world in prayer to pray for the abolishment of human trafficking in all its forms. Save the victims, help them to receive the proper guidance, counseling, shelter and healing that is needed for them to overcome this violent act, we humbly pray. Flood the hearts of those committing these acts, so they may come to know Your Grace. Thank you, Lord, for your angels here on earth who serve and protect these vulnerable peoples. Through the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita, Patroness of charity and patience, bring us the spirit of wisdom and love. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, be our protector. Grant us the courage, strength, and ability to fight successfully to end the scourge of human trafficking. We ask this through,

Christ Our Lord. Amen.

National Human Trafficking Resource Center
1-888-373-7888
Text HELP or INFO to
BeFree (233733)

 Know It!..........See It!....... Report It!

 

St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church and Schoo 
3006 Rosedale at Ennis Street
churchoffice@stmaryshouston.org

713-528-0571

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