OUR MISSION STATEMENT

St. Mary's is a community of believers dedicated to the living worship of God. As the only Catholic Church in Limestone County, our faith community reflects the ethnic diversity of the towns in which we live. We gather to fulfill our mission as disciples of Jesus Christ: we hear His Word, we celebrate the Sacraments and we witness His love to others. Our Christian witness consists of sharing our spiritual gifts with the grace of God and the example and prayers of our patron saint, the Immaculate Conception, among us and with others - striving to grow in Holiness.

PARISH OFFICE 606 North Bonham St., Mexia, TX 76667

Phone:(254)562-3619 Fax:(254)562-6377

Web page: stmarysmexia.org.

OFFICE HOURS:

Sunday: 9:30AM - 11:30AM

4th Sunday: Closed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:

10:00 AM- 4:00 PM

Wednesday: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

(Summer: Wednesday 10:00 AM – 4:00PM)

PARISH CLERGY

Pastor: Rev. Fr. Justin Nguyen

Email: stmarysmexia@yahoo.com

Deacon Richard Johnson

Email: seatrek76@msn.com

Deacon Dwight Mahoney Phone: (254) 729-2573

Deacon Daniel Ramirez

Phone: (254) 562-9196

PARISH STAFF & VOLUNTEERS

Secretary: Juanita Rodriguez

Email: juanaperico26@yahoo.com

Finance Manager: Mary Seale

Email: stmarysmary@gmail.com

CCE director: Filo Contreras and Gladys Mendoza

Parish council chairman: Mary Jane Mehringer Finance council chairman: Don Altland

CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST

Sunday Masses: 8:00 & 10:00 AM (English); 12:00 PM (Spanish) Weekday Masses: Tuesday - Friday 12:00 PM

DEVOTION Adoration: 1st Fridays 11:00 AM 3rd Saturday 7:00PM (Spanish) Rosary: 30 minutes before Sunday Masses

St. Mary’s

Catholic Church

DIOCESE OF AUSTINDIOCESE OF AUSTINDIOCESE OF AUSTIN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

IN CENTRAL TEXAS

Established 1886

February 7, 2016 — Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE

Wednesday 5:00PM – 6:00PM

Sunday AM : 7:15-7:45, 9:15-9:45, 11:15-11:45

During office hours or by appointment.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Baptism is after Sunday Masses.

Baptismal classes:

English class: By appointment. Spanish class: 3rd Sunday of each month at

9:00AM-11:00AM

SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY

Contact the office at least 6 months in advance.

SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK Contact the priest immediately if you or your family

members, are seriously ill or will have a major surgery

or are old aged or in danger of death.

CELEBRACION DE LOS SACRAMENTOS

SACRAMENTO DE RECONCILIACION

Miércoles 5:00PM – 6:00PM

Domingo AM: 7:15-7:45, 9:15-9:45, 11:15-11:45

Durante las horas de la oficina o con cita.

SACRAMENTO DE BAUTISMO

Bautismos: después de la Santa Misa en Domingo.

Las clases pre-bautismales para Padres y Padrinos.

Clases en Ingles: son con cita

Clases en Español: El tercer Domingo

de cada mes a las 9:00AM-11:00AM

SACRAMENTO DE MATRIMONIO

Comunicasen al despacho parroquial con 6 meses de

anticipó.

SACRAMENTO DE UNCION DE LOS ENFERMOS

Comunicasen con el padre inmediatamente si usted o

un familiar esta grabe o va tener una operación seria o

si es una persona de la tercer edad o peligro de muer-

te.

MINISTERS OF THE WEEK

Altar Servers:

8:00AM: Quang Nguyen, Charles Benford,

Amanda Howard, Lewis Taylor & Chris Staton.

10:00AM: José Contreras, Alex Lira, Makayla Contreras

Mani Contreras & Samantha Lira.

12:00PM: Dionico Azurar, Diego Hernández

Stephanie Hernández, Alexis Rivero & Ana Mendoza

Lectors: 8:00AM: Jo Mahoney (L) & Mary Schaefer (A)

10:00AM: George Satsky (L) & Helen Matthews (A)

12:00PM: Maria Solis (L) & Margarito Salazar (A)

Extraordinary Minister of the Cup: 8:00AM: Ray Zies

10:00AM: Jane Schlitt

12:00PM: Nora García

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

Sunday:

8:00 AM: +John Schubrick

10:00 AM: +Joan Burns

12:00 PM: Pro Populo

Tuesday: No Intention

Ash Wednesday: Remember - Fast & Abstinence age 7-65.

8:00 AM: Thanksgiving of: Thomas Martin

12:00 PM: No Intention

5:00 PM: Liturgy of Word

6:30 PM: +Isidro Aguilar, +Olimpia Aguilar,

+Angelina Cruz Aguilar & +Alfredo Ortiz.

7:45 PM: Liturgy of Word

Thursday: Eric Martinez Health Vision

Friday: Eric Martinez Health Vision

Pastoral Council members: Enrique Crosby, Michael Gragg

Margaret May, Matt Wilson, Linda Kuborn, Darlene Arrington,

Filo Contreras, Jeanette Estrada, and Daniel Mata III.

Finance Council members: Don Atland, Marcelino Ayala,

Janice Davis, Helen Matthews, Polo Mora, Ray Zies, and Mary

Seale.

Let us pray for the sick: Ethel Goolsby, Jim Rodgers, Jimmy Bur-

row, Xochill Olguin, Alejandro Ramirez, Eric Martinez, Lisa Hill,

Jim Rodgers, David Goolsby, Trinidad Villafranco, Marie Williams,

Sharon Parsons, Frances Arrington, Ruth Palmer, Walter Kimmer-

ling, Wendy Simmons, Randy Goolsby, Dian & David Frederick,

Charles Little and Nelta Little.

Let us pray for the deceased: Joseph Sandifer, Mike Tekell, Thera

Tacker, Bud Stelly, Joan Burns, San Juana Prado, Sarabeth Mat-

thews, Ralph G. Lee, Raymond Fuentes, Mary Anna Minchew,

Mike Schuster & Donald Teeple.

Please call the parish office to update the list.

Por favor llame al despacho parroquial para actualizar la lista.

Catholic Social Teaching Corner

Feb. 6 —7 Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time: The absence of

personal fault for an evil does not absolve one of all responsibil-

ity. We must seek to resist and undo injustices, least we become

bystanders who tacitly endorse evil and so share in guilt in it.

6 y 7 de Febrero Quinto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario: La

ausencia de culpa personal respecto a algo malo no nos absuel-

ve de toda la responsabilidad. Debemos tratar de resistirnos a

las injusticias y de deshacerlas, para que no nos convirtamos en

observadores que calladamente avalan la maldad y por lo tanto,

tienen parte de culpa en ella.

Bishop Vásquez’ Prayer Request

For all the faithful, that we will go where the Lord leads,

allowing all people to experience the Lord’s presence, we

pray…

Por todos los fieles, para que vayamos a donde nos guía el

Señor, permitiendo a toda la gente que experimente la pre-

sencia del Señor, oremos...

ANUNCIOS EN ESPAÑOL

Grupo Guadalupano: Tendrá una hoy después de Misa. Todos

los miembros deben de asistir.

El Grupo de Oración: Se les hace una invitación cordialmente

a toda la comunidad todos los martes, a las 7 de la tarde. Los

Esperamos con los brazos abiertos.

La Cuaresma: Es un tiempo único para los Cristianos: un tiem-

po de gracia, conversión, y crecimiento espiritual. El Evangelio

nos llama a la oración, penitencia y obras de caridad.

Horarios para Miércoles de Ceniza: El 10 de Febrero. Re-

cuerden de Ayunar y Abstinencia entre las edades de 7 años

hasta 65.

8:00 a.m.— Misa

12:00 p.m.—Misa

5:00 p.m.—Liturgia de la Palabra en la Iglesia (No Misa)

6:30 p.m.— Misa con todos los estudiantes de catequismo en el

Salón Parroquial.

7:45 p.m.— Liturgia de la Palabra en la Iglesia (No Misa)

Colecta Especial para Miércoles de Ceniza: El 10 de febrero,

todas las parroquias de la diócesis harán una colecta especial

para Mundial y Las Misiones. Esta colecta especial es combina-

da que apoya varios programas y ministerios aquí en los Esta-

dos Unidos, América Latina, Central y de Este de Europa. Sean

generosos como siempre.

De Cenizas a la Pascua: La Campaña Misionera diocesana De

las Cenizas a la Pascua comienza el Miércoles de Ceniza, 10 de

febrero. Invitamos a cada familia a que lleve su cajita misionera

a casa en apoyo a los trabajos misioneros de la Diócesis de Aus-

tin. Como declara el Catecismo, “Las temporadas y días de pe-

nitencia en el curso del año litúrgico (Pascua y Cada Viernes en

memoria del Señor) son momentos intensos para la practica

penitencial de la Iglesia. Estos tiempos son particularmente

apropiados para los ejercicios espirituales, las liturgias peniten-

ciales y los peregrinajes como signos de penitencia, auto nega-

ción voluntaria tal como el ayuno y la limosna y la comparti-

ción fraternal (obras misioneras y caritativas)” (CCC 1438). Por

favor apoye a esta campaña de larga duración.

Proyecto San Andrés: Se llevara a cabo el 13 de febrero a las

10 a.m. en la Catedral de Santa María en Austin. Hombres indi-

viduales católicos entre las edades de 16 y 45 años que estén

interesados en aprender más sobre el discernimiento, el sacerdo-

cio y la vida del seminario están invitados a asistir. El día in-

cluirá la oración, testimonios de sacerdotes y seminaristas,

Habrá Misa y un lonche con el Señor Obispo Daniel García.

Para obtener más información, póngase en contacto al despacho

parroquial.

Segunda colecta especial para el próximo domingo: Todas

las parroquias de la Diócesis de Austin hará una segunda colec-

ta especial para el próximo fin de semana el 13 y 14 de febrero

Para La Educación Superior Católica Esta colecta apoya direc-

tamente a los programas de pastoral universitarios en los cole-

gios y universidades en nuestra Diócesis.

Si usted quiere ofrecer: Una Misa especial del para un aniver-

sario de un ser querido o para un cumpleaños o una ocasión

especial, lo puede hacer. Por favor comuníquense al despacho

parroquial.

Si usted conoce a alguien que esta enfermo/a o un asilo de

ancianos y no puede salir de su casa: Si desecan que los visi-

temos o quiere recibir La Santa Eucaristía. Por favor comuní-

quense al despacho parroquial. Recuerden debemos de visitar a

los enfermos.

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

The Book of Exodus: The Bible study group will meet today at

9:00 A.M.. in the conference room of the parish hall.

Ash Wednesday Special Collection: On February 10th, all par-

ishes in the diocese are to take up a special collection for World

and Home Missions. This Special Collection is a combined col-

lection that supports many worthwhile programs and ministries

here in the U.S., Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe.

Please be generous as always.

From Ashes to Easter: The diocesan Ashes to Easter Lenten

Mission Campaign begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10. We in-

vite each family to take a mission box home in support of the

missionary works of the Diocese of Austin. As the Catechism

states, “The seasons and days of penance in the course of the

liturgical year (Lent, and Each Friday in memory of the Lord)

are intense moments of the Church’s penitential practice. These

times are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, peniten-

tial liturgies, and pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self

-denial such as fasting and alms giving, and fraternal sharing

(charitable and missionary works)” (CCC 1438). Please support

this long-standing campaign.

Young Adult Ministry: Beginning Friday Feb. 12 from 5:00

p.m.—6:00 p.m. of Lenten season., Fr. Justin would like to invite

all young couples or singles age from 20-40 to join our young

adults group. We will read and discuss the wonderful book

“Theology of the Body for Beginners” by Christopher

West. Please let Fr. Justin know if you will attend so he can or-

der books.

Parish Mission for Lent: Every Friday during Lent from 6:30

p.m.—7:30 p.m.. (after Stations of the Cross), Fr. Justin will

offer the class of Catholic Spirituality. Please offer some sacri-

fice of your time during Lent to be with God by learning our

rich treasure of different prayer forms of our church.

St. Mary's Spirits: St. Mary's Spirits', announce, a "Special",

February Lenten Meeting", featuring our own Deacon Dwight

Mahoney, who will provide inspiration and motivation, for a

more active and spiritual "Forty Days Journey." Come join us,

Friday, February 12, in the Parish Hall. Deacon Dwight's pres-

entation will begin at 10:30, followed by Mass; then in the spirit

of Lent, we will enjoy a fish luncheon, at the Farmhouse. What a

wonderful opportunity for all of us, to share together!

Project Andrew: Will be held Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary

Cathedral in Austin. Single, Catholic men between the ages of

16 and 45 who are interested in learning more about discern-

ment, the priesthood and seminary life are invited to attend. The

day will include prayer, testimonials by priests and seminarians,

Mass and lunch with Bishop Daniel Garcia. For more informa-

tion, contact the church office.

Special Collection Next Sunday: All parishes in the Diocese of

Austin are requested to take up a special collection on the week-

end of February 13-14 for Catholic Higher Education. This col-

lection directly supports campus ministry programs at the col-

leges and universities in our Diocese.

Ladies Altar Guild & Knights of Columbus: Will meet next

Sunday, February 14th, after the 8AM Mass in the Parish Hall.

Members are requested to attend.

COLLECTION REPORT

Weekly average needed: $3,400.00

Offering Last Sunday: 01/31/16: $ 2,637.00

Thank you for your generosity!

Mary - The Immaculate Conception

The Apostolic Constitution Ineffabilis Deus, The Dogma of the Immaculate Concep-

tion, pronounced and defined that the Blessed Virgin Mary “in the first instance of her concep-

tion, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of merits of Jesus Christ, the

Savior of the human race, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin.”

This he decreed in order that man who, contrary to the plan of Divine Mercy had been

led into sin by the cunning malice of Satan, should not perish; and in order that what had been

lost in the first Adam would be gloriously restored in the Second Adam. From the very begin-

ning, and before time begun, the eternal Father chose and prepared for his only-begotten Son a

Mother in whom the Son of God would become incarnate and from whom, in the blessed full-

ness of time, he would be born into this world. Above all creatures did God so loved her that

truly in her was the Father well pleased with singular delight. Therefore, far above all angels

and all saints so wondrously did God endow her with the abundance of all heavenly gifts

poured from the treasury of his divinity that this mother, ever absolutely free from all stain of

sin, all fair and perfect, would possess that fullness of holy innocence and sanctity than which,

under God, one cannot even imagine anything greater, and which, outside of God, no mind can

succeed in comprehending fully. It’s important to understand what the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is and what

it is not. Some think the term refers to Christ’s conception in Mary’s womb without the inter-vention of as human father, but that is the Virgin Birth. Others think the Immaculate Concep-tion means Mary was conceived “by the power of the Holy Spirit,” in the way Jesus was, but that, too, is incorrect. The Immaculate Conception means Mary, whose conception was brought about the normal way, was conceived without sin or its stain - That’s what “immaculate” means: without stain. The essence of original sin consists in the deprivation of sanctifying grace, and its stain is a corrupt nature. Mary was preserved from these defects by God’s grace; from the first instant of her existence she was in the state of sanctifying grace and was free from corrupt nature original sin brings.

When discussing the Immaculate Conception, an implicit reference may be found in the angel’s greeting to Mary. The angel Gabriel said, “Hail, full of grace the Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). Such is the meaning of the term “Immaculate Conception.” The Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 8th.

Joe Rosas

Realtor

joerosas45@gmail.com

www.hometownrealtygroesbeck.com

Belen’s Beauty

Salon

208 E. Commerce

Mexia, Texas Horario: Lunes – Cerrado

M - V 11 A.M. – 8 P.M.

Sabado 9 A.M. – 8 P.M.

Domingo 9A.M. – 2 P.M.

CECI

Parishioner

John &

Ellie Engle Parishioners

Lake Limestone

Campground & Marina

100 PR 5888A

Jewett, Texas

(800) 636-4119

(903) 626-4119

Cabins, Camping, Store, Res-

taurant, Fishing Pier

engle@lakelimestonemarina.com

Complete Funeral Services Pre-Arrangements Monuments

McKinney at Glendale Streets

P. O. Box 309 Mexia, Texas

(254) 562 – 2131

blairstubbs@sbcglobal.net

www.blair-stubbs.com

President: Cathy Martin

(254) 729-8055

Vice-President: Mary Demny

(713) 992-6225

Secretary: Margaret May

(254) 562-2641

Treasurer: Darlene Arrington

(254) 562-5697

ALL LADIES ARE WELCOME. WE MEET EVERY 2ND SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

In Service To One. In Service To All. For more information: Greg Pitts (903) 529-1597 Pat Simmons (254)562-2732 Parishioners

REICHER CATHOLIC

HIGH SCHOOL

2102 N 23RD STREET

WACO, TEXAS

Frankie’s Pasta & Pizza 602 N. Hwy 14

Daily Lunch Special

Call 562-2388 for

Reservations & Catering

Best Pizza in Town!

Please join your voices in

prayer with Pope Francis

to stop attacks on family

life.

Janice Davis & Ray Zies Parishioners

Old Fashioned Homemade

Yeast Rolls

312 E. Milam

Mexia, Texas

838 Hwy 171

Mexia, TX

472-0400

472-0428

Parishioner

Fox Dental DDS

Dr. Tom Fox, DDS

110 N. Bonham St.

Mexia, Texas (254) 562-2881