The Alliance of the Holy Family International (AHFI) is sponsoring a visit of the International Centennial Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima to five parishes in the Diocese of Tyler in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s apparition to three shepherd children at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. The visit has the theme, The Urgent Call for Prayer and Reparation: The Appeal of Our Lady of Fatima. The statue, one of six blessed by Pope Francis in January for travel to six continents, will visit:

  • The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Tyler, July 21, 5 p.m., until July 22, noon;
  • The Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in St. Peter Claver Church, Tyler, July 22, 6 p.m., until July 23, 2 p.m.;
  • Our Lady of Victory Church, Paris, July 24, 5 p.m., until July 25, 10 a.m.;
  • St. Mary Church, Longview, July 25, 5 p.m., until July 26, 9:15 a.m.;
  • Sacred Heart Church, Nacogdoches, July 26, 5 p.m., until July 27, 8:30 a.m.

The campaign to each continent featuring the pilgrim images is based on the appeal communicated via Sister Lucia, the primary visionary of Fatima, which was focused on penance and prayer. Missionaries will accompany the statues to parishes and other venues where families will be invited to participate in the Fatima devotions of prayer and reparation.

herzigaward2The diocese is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Bishop Charles E. Herzig Humanitarian Award. The award, instituted in 2007 by Bishop Álvaro Corrada, SJ, third Bishop of Tyler, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions within the Diocese of Tyler in seeking to promote human welfare. The nominations this year have been expanded to include Catholic institutions, such as Catholic hospitals, Catholic schools, parishes, and agencies such as Catholic Charities and St. Vincent de Paul. Bishop Joseph E. Strickland will present the medal depicting Bishop Herzig during the Memorial Mass of Bishop Charles E. Herzig, Sunday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Nominations can be made using the forms below, and are due to the diocese by Tuesday, Aug. 15. They can be submitted by email to chancellor@dioceseoftyler.org, by fax to 903-534-1370 (ATTN: Office of the Chancellor), or by mail to Diocese of Tyler, Office of the Chancellor, 1015 ESE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701.

For more information, please contact the Office of Chancellor at 903-266-2154 or chancellor@dioceseoftyler.org.

Bishop Strickland will celebrate a Mass of Hope and Healing for those affected by abuseSaturday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. 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 diocesan Office for Marriage and Family Life is offering two English-language Marriage Preparation Days for couples preparing for matrimony. The workshops are scheduled for Saturday, July 22, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Frankston and 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 call the office at 903-534-1077, ext. 165.

The diocesan Office of Sacramental Catechesis and Christian Initiation is sponsoring a catechetical conference, Celebrating Sacramental Grace, Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Select on S. Broadway in Tyler. The day will offer formation in English and Spanish for all catechists helping children and youth to celebrate the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. For more information and to register, see the website here.

Conferencia Catequética: Celebremos la Gracia Sacramental el 12 de Agosto 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. en Holiday Inn Select en Tyler. Dia de formación para todos los catequistas que están ayudando a los niños y jóvenes a celebrar lo sacramentos de Bautismo, Reconciliación, Eucaristía y Confirmación. Para registración siga el link aquí.

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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.

To involve young people in preparations for the Synod of Bishops on youth in 2018, the Vatican has released an online questionnaire to better understand the lives, attitudes, and concerns of 16-29 year-olds around the world. The questionnaire ­– available in English, Spanish, French and Italian – can be found on the synod’s official site here and is open to any young person, regardless of faith or religious belief.

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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.

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Athens

St. Edward Church. We will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Dedication of St. Edward Church Saturday, July 22. Bishop Joseph E. Strickland will celebrate Mass at 5 p.m. Dinner and celebration will follow at H.C. Senior Citizen’s Center on Highway 31. Dinner will include grilled hamburgers, a fruit bar, ice cream bar. Cost is $3 for adults. Children under 18 eat free. Sign-up is required and sheets are at both church entrances. Tickets will be available for pick up Saturdays and Sundays, July 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 after all Masses. Tickets must be paid for at time of pick-up. If you have any questions, please call Carlita Morris 903-275-5392 or Maria de Jesus, 903-675-2509.

We will have a sale of new clothing and jewelry for $10 or less Saturday, Aug. 5, 8 a.m.-noon in the parking lot and Sunday, Aug. 8, before and after all Masses in the parish hall. Proceeds will benefit St. Vincent de Paul. We will accept cash or credit card. Please support our ministry to the poor and vulnerable in our area.

Seminarian Nick Nappier is leading a Bible study for the youth on Wednesdays during the summer, 11-11:45 a.m. The youth attend the noon Mass afterward. Please encourage our teenagers to attend!

El Seminarista Nick Nappier estara guiando un studio sobre la biblia para los jóvenes los miércoles durante el verano, de 11:00am-11:45am. Después los jóvenes podrán asistir a la Misa de las 12:00 del mediodía . Por favor anime a nuestros adolescentes para que asistan!

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.

La próxima clases de quinceañera serán los 15 y 22 de Julio de 10:30am a 1:30 pm en la Casa Blanca. Si desea mas información favor de llamar al (903)675-2509 o pase a la oficina para registrarse.

The Faith Formation program here at St. Edward is growing. As a result, we will be having CCD classes two nights each week to accommodate the growing numbers of children in our parish. In order to accomplish our need for twice as many classes, we are asking for help from you! We need teachers and classroom helpers. No experience is necessary, just bring your faith, hope, and love and we will do the rest. Please give this your prayerful consideration. For information or to volunteer, call Zoila Hunt, 903-292-5101.

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. The Loaves & Fish pantry here at St. Catherine now needs for the summer: juices (large and small containers), cereals, canned meats, and chili, crackers, preserves and jams, small bags of sugar, bags of potatoes, even Gatorade and gelatin. We could use some perishables like cheese and cold cuts for sandwiches. Please bring to church on any weekend and the ladies will organize them in the kitchen pantry. Seasonal fruit is always a plus for the families.

Buffalo

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church. The parish patronal feast day is Friday, July 14. We will celebrate with Solemn Vespers, Holy Mass, and Convivium beginning at 6:15 p.m.

We are offering youth of our parish an opportunity for learning outside of the regimentation of our schools with the St. Kateri Academy, inspired by the Montessori model, on Wednesdays from noon-6 p.m. (when Holy Mass begins). We provide books and other materials, with a focus on the arts (writing, drawing, music, etc.), and offer a place where young people may spend some constructive hours this summer developing talents and skills while learning at their own pace. We need volunteers with Ethics and Integrity certification from noon-6 p.m. on Wednesday. This will require no actual teaching or instruction (unless you want!), but we cannot have activities for minors without proper supervision. Please consider picking one or two Wednesdays this summer and volunteering to be at the parish hall the entire time. Persons with teaching experience who would like to come and run learning activities are welcome to join us. For more information, please contact Father Bowlin.

Our Family Sunday/Domingo Familial with guest speaker Sheila Morataya will be Sunday, Aug. 6.

Crockett

St. Francis of the Tejas Church. 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.

The Catholicism Series begins July 15. This is a fascinating look at our Catholic faith by Bishop Robert Baron. We have a new presenter this year, so mark your calendar for the third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The start date for Family Faith Formation will be 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.

We have daily Mass on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8:30 a.m.

We are planning to transition to the three-year formation model set by the diocese. We would appreciate all youths returning to formation every year, even if you have received your sacraments. Continuing formation is crucial to keeping our young people plugged into their life with Christ.

We need two married couples to take on Youth Ministry and two more couples taking on Adult Formation here at St. Francis. We could also use a few more catechists in the classrooms for 5-12-year-olds.

There is a great need at this parish for people to share their faith outside of Mass. Please see the church secretary if you have two to four hours a week you could give for the future faith life of St. Francis.

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. La rifa de la Santa Cena se aplaza hasta Julio 16.

The drawing of the Last Supper is postponed to July 16.

Fiestas Patrias se llevara acabo 17 de Septiembre.

Fiestas Patrias is Sept. 17.

Invito a todas las personas que están interesadas en aprendar más sobre la fe y la Sagrada Biblia los Miércoles después de a misa a 6 p.m. en el Templo Parroquial.

Jueves a las 6:30 p.m. inicia con la Santa Misa. Grupo de Oración Huellas en la Arena and Come Lord Jesus.

Emory

St. John the Evangelist Church. In thanksgiving for the financial assistance the youth group received that allowed 24 students to attend the Catholic Youth Conference, the group is offering to perform odd jobs around the house, including outside work, free of charge. If you have jobs or know of someone who could use some help around the house contact Monica Hughes 804-477-5424 or the Parish Office at 903-473-5116.

Volunteers are needed to staff the Good Samaritan food pantry and to prepare food boxes for distribution to local families on Monday, July 31, from noon to 4 pm. Contact Sherry Badalich at 903-473-2275 to volunteer.

Women of the parish are invited to gather in the Parish Office meeting room at 1 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons, beginning July 11, and 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 July 25 or August 22. Please direct questions to Sue Asbill at 903-474-4111.

The Ladies Guild is collecting gently used and clean men’s, ladies’ and children’s clothing and shoes for all seasons through Aug. 1. We are accepting purses, hats, backpacks, scarfs, gloves, ties, socks, baby accessories. Call or text Kathy Roel at 832-563-0609 to make arrangements for pickup or delivery.

Flint

St. Mary Magdalene Church. Vacation Bible School is July 17-21, 6-8 p.m. each day. We will have food at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $35 per child, with a family total of $55 for two or more children. Registration can be done in the church office or online here. We need 2-3 coordinators to help Brian with VBS planning. Please email him at magdalene.youth@gmail.com if you can lend a hand.

We have a large need for more volunteer help in our elementary, middle, and high school ministries. If you feel like you can contribute in any of these ministries, please pray about it and talk to Brian, our Children’s and Student Minister.

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. St. Charles is hosting a Marriage Preparation workshop on Saturday, July 22, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Cost is $50 per couple and includes lunch. For information, contact the diocesan Family Life Office at the Chancery in Tyler, 903-534-1077, ext. 165.

Eucharistic Adoration is every Wednesday, 6-7:30 pm. Come spend part or all of the 90 minutes with Jesus!

Thank you to all who have contributed to our Marian Garden fundraiser. For those who have not given yet, please prayerfully consider making a contribution to help. Also, spread the word! Ask your family members and friends if they would like to support this fundraiser. Remember, our goal is $25,000.

Gun Barrel City

St. Jude Church. We welcome Alex and Tiffany Miley as our new youth group leaders. To join our youth group, please contact the Mileys at 903-802-2482 between 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Everyone in grades 9-12 is welcome.

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. 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, some way 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, note a new section to place names of parish family that are 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. We will have no weekday Masses Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, July 12-14, and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday July 19-21. Father Joe will be out for surgery and recovery time. Father Dan Clayton will be here to celebrate Reconciliation and Eucharist Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16.

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. We are called to recognize the truth that we are completely and totally dependent on God for all the needs of our lives. And we hopefully do recognize our own need and hunger for Christ.

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.

St. Mary Church. Our new Sunday Mass times are 8 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. The Saturday evening vigil Mass remains the same.

statue longviewThe Alliance of the Holy Family International invites you to celebrate the Jubilee and the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima by welcoming one of the six images blessed by Pope Francis (one image for each of the 6 inhabited continents) to St. Mary July 25-26. Devotions begin at 5 p.m. with the confessions and the Rosary and will include a procession with imposition of the Rosary and Brown Scapular. Mass is at 6:30 p.m., followed by talks on the importance of consecration and the Brown Scapular, consecration of families to the Two Hearts, and investiture of the Brown Scapular. At 7:30 p.m. is Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the Nine Offices of the Sacred Heart, followed by a candlelight procession and all-night Adoration. Wednesday will begin with Benediction and Mass at 7 a.m., followed by a talk on the importance of consecration and the Brown Scapular, consecration of families to the Two Hearts, investiture of the Brown Scapular, and Veneration of Our Lady until 9:15 a.m. Pope Francis has offered a Plenary Indulgence when praying the Rosary in front of the Image of Our Lady of Fatima exposed for public veneration in any church.

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 June, July, and 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 Senior Group will not meet in July. Our next luncheon will be August 6 at noon. For more information, please call Darlene at 903-759-3123.

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. We have changed our Sunday Mass times. New times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. in English, and 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. in Spanish.

We will have a Teen ACTS Retreat July 20-23 for young people in grades 9-12. Cost is $130 per person, but don’t let financial hardship stand in the way. If you need assistance or more information, please contact Cyndi Starr at 903-720-3873 or Andrew Short at 903-235-3625.

Enrollment is open for faith formation for the year 2017-2018. Cost by the end of May is $10 per child; June-August, $20 per child; and $30 per child after August.

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. Registration for CCD for 2017-2018 will be held on August 6, 13, 20, and 27, from 8-10:30 a.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 6, 13, 20 y 27 de agosto, a las 8 – 10:30 a.m. 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.

Pictures from Confirmation are in the church office. You may pick them up Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Las fotos de la Confirmación están en la oficina de la iglesia. Ustedes pueden recoger los del martes a jueves, de 9 a.m. a 5 pm.

St. Andrew’s Youth Group invites all middle school and high school students to our Life and Edge Nights on Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m., at the church.

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 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. Join us for a retirement reception for teacher Regina Shupak Saturday, July 15, after the 5:30 p.m. Mass in the Faith Formation building.

Registration for the 2017-2018 academic year is open. St. Patrick is a co-educational 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 are needed. Come eat, and tell your friends.

St. Patrick Church. G.I.F.T. registration for students ages 5-15 is during July and 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 Ladies of the Rosary are selling wood rosaries and a rosary case for $5. You may purchase them in the church office. The group meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in the church office. Join us and make mission rosaries. For more information, contact Mrs. Wanda Brandon at 936-824-3253 or Mrs. Bea Treviño at 936-829-2209.

The Bethlehem Nativity Group will be here Aug. 12-13 to sell hand-carved olive wood religious items after all Masses.

The Festival Internacional-International Festival is Sunday, Sept. 17, on the church grounds. Drawing for prizes will be at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $1 each. You need not be present to win.

Vendor applications for the Gift and Craft Fair are in the church office.

Father Vaverek will offer an adult faith formation class, Introduction to the Catechism: Appreciating the Catechism of the Catholic Church, on two Saturdays, July 15 and 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. each day. Classes will be in the Faith Formation Building. Cost is $5 for a small lunch. For information or to register, contact Oralia Aguilar at 936-634-6833 or myorojas5@gmail.com. The parish will cover the cost for catechists.

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. The Council of Catholic Women membership drive is under way. We invite all women of Mary Queen of Heaven to join and share in the support of this organization. Our meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of the month after the 10 a.m. mass. If you are unable to attend the meetings, we still encourage you to join so we can have you as part of the organization and can help support activities as your time will allow. The annual dues are $10.

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.

James L. Collins Catholic School in Corsicana would truly appreciate your help collecting Box Tops for Education. Clip Box Tops for Education from a variety of General Mills products. Please turn in your Box Tops to the church office so we can give them to JLCCS.

Marshall

St. Joseph Church. The Knights of Columbus social is Monday, July 17, at Meyer Hall. Please bring a covered dish to share and canned food items for the food bank.

The July birthday celebration is Sunday, July 23, after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. The covered dish dinner will honor everyone who celebrates a birthday in July.

We have Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. in the Adoration Chapel.

We have adult faith formation Sundays at 9 a.m. in the parish hall.

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. We have placed in the Legion of Mary room a listing of all families registered in the parish. Please have someone from each family check the listing and make any needed corrections. Please indicate how we can best contact you for announcements, email or text message, and please be sure to provide the appropriate email address or phone number.

Hemos colocado en la sala de la Legión de María una lista de todos las familias registradas en la parroquia. Pido que alguien de cada familia revise la lista de su familia y hag alas correcciones necesarias. Por favor, indique cómo podemos ponernos en contacto con usted para los anuncios – correo electrónico o mensaje de texto y, por supuesto, proporcionar el número o dirección de correo electronico, según corresponda.

The Legion of Mary Comitium meeting is Sunday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m.

The SPO 5th Sunday breakfast is Sunday, July 30, at 10 a.m.

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. We will have a fundraising event Sunday, July 16, with a variety of activities and food sales throughout the day. Come join us for fun, food, and fellowship, and help support our parish.

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.

Marisol Ramirez and Jaqueline Castro will be competing as candidates for queen for Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They will have different activities to raise funds for our church. We ask your support given that all funds will be for the church.

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. 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. Sprit 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. Contact Michael Molina at mmolina@sfacatholic.net.

Sacred Heart Church. The Alliance of the Holy Family International invites you to celebrate the Jubilee and the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima by welcoming one of the six images blessed by Pope Francis (one image for each of the 6 inhabited continents) to Sacred Heart July 26-27. Devotions begin at 5 p.m. with the confessions and the Rosary and will include a procession with imposition of the Rosary and Brown Scapular. Father Ruggles will celebrate Mass at 6:30 p.m., followed by talks on the importance of consecration and the Brown Scapular, consecration of families to the Two Hearts, and investiture of the Brown Scapular. At 7:30 p.m. is Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the Nine Offices of the Sacred Heart, followed by a candlelight procession and all-night Adoration and veneration of Our Lady. Thursday will begin with Benediction and Mass at 7 a.m., followed by a talk on the importance of consecration and the Brown Scapular, consecration of families to the Two Hearts, investiture of the Brown Scapular, and veneration of Our Lady. Pope Francis has offered a Plenary Indulgence when praying the Rosary in front of the Image of Our Lady of Fatima exposed for public veneration in any church.

Sacred Heart Outstanding Catholic Kids (SHOCK) youth group meets Wednesday nights, 6:45-8:30 p.m. Upcoming events include Putt-Putt, July 5 (tentative), and Water Wars at Sacred Heart, July 12.

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. Sacred Heart Catholic Radio is up and running! Tune in to FM 107.9 to hear God’s truth with clarity and charity.

Paris

Our Lady of Victory Church. The Alliance of the Holy Family International invites you to celebrate the Jubilee and the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima by welcoming one of the six images blessed by Pope Francis (one image for each of the 6 inhabited continents) to Our Lady of Victory July 24-25. Devotions begin Monday at 5 p.m. with the confessions and the Rosary and will include a procession with imposition of the Rosary and Brown Scapular. Mass is at 6:30 p.m., followed by talks on the importance of consecration and the Brown Scapular, consecration of families to the Two Hearts, and investiture of the Brown Scapular. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the Nine Offices of the Sacred Heart begin at 7:30 p.m., followed by a candlelight procession and all-night Adoration and veneration of Our Lady. Tuesday will begin with Benediction and Mass at 8 a.m., followed by a talk on the importance of consecration and the Brown Scapular, consecration of families to the Two Hearts, investiture of the Brown Scapular, Rosary at 9 a.m. and veneration of Our Lady until 10 a.m. Pope Francis has offered a Plenary Indulgence when praying the Rosary in front of the Image of Our Lady of Fatima exposed for public veneration in any church.

Texarkana

Sacred Heart Church. Vacation Bible School is July 23-27. The theme is Hearing God’s Call, Message Received. This is a Bible- and activity-based learning experience for children in grades PreK-6. Volunteers are needed, and ages 7th-grade to adult are welcome. For more information, call Nancy or Ann, 903-794-4444.

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.

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.

Catholic Charities is seeking to expand the Parish Nursing Program in neighboring areas (Atlanta, New Boston, etc.). Part-time nurses are wanted to work in a parish setting eight hours a week at $20/hour. The hours are flexible. Please submit resumes via email to Jennie Pierce MSN, APRN-CNS, Parish Nurse Coordinator, NurseCoordinator@cctyler.org. For information, see the Catholic Charities website or call 903-372-3229.

Learn the Spanish language. Lessons in basic, intermediate, and advanced are available. Lessons are $10 each. For information, call Betty Rodriguez, 903-691-7931.

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.

Save the date! The St. Gregory “Run One, Run All” 10K, 5K, 1-mile, dash, and carnival is Saturday, Sept. 23.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Alliance of the Holy Family International invites you to celebrate the Jubilee and the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima by welcoming one of the six images blessed by Pope Francis (one image for each of the 6 inhabited continents) to the Cathedral July 21-22. Devotions begin at 5 p.m. with the Rosary and will include a procession with imposition of the Rosary and Brown Scapular, Mass at 6 p.m., Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the Nine Offices of the Sacred Heart at 7:30 p.m., a candlelight procession at 9 p.m., and all-night Adoration and veneration of Our Lady. Saturday will begin with a Scriptural Rosary and Benediction at 7:45 a.m., and Mass at 8:30 a.m. with family consecration to the Two Hearts and investiture of the Brown Scapular. At 9:30 a.m. will be a recollection on Answering the Urgent Call to Prayer and Reparation by Living the CARE Elements: Confession, Adoration, Rosary, and Eucharist, followed by veneration of Our Lady until noon. Pope Francis has offered a Plenary Indulgence when praying the Rosary in front of the Image of Our Lady of Fatima exposed for public veneration in any church.

We are discerning how many parishioners need transportation to and from Mass on weekends. If you know of someone who does not drive or has difficulty getting to and from Mass due to transportation issues, please call the church office and speak with Adriana. Also, if you are able to help drive, we need your help. Please contact Adriana at the church office, 903-592-1617.

We have a need for volunteers to visit the sick and bring them Holy Communion in our community. If you are interested in finding out more about this grace-filled ministry dedicated to bringing Jesus Christ, in the form of the Most Holy Eucharist, to those parishioners who cannot come to church to worship with the community, please contact Tammy Michaelsen 903-780-6898.

Calling all youth! Join us for “Christmas in July,” Thursday, July 13, 3-6 p.m. in Samperi Hall (Cathedral basement). Middle School Fellowship is Sunday, July 16, 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the basement. Twisted Tuesday is Tuesday, July 18, 6-8 p.m. in the basement, and ICY (middle and high school) will meet Saturday, July 23, 6-9 p.m. in the basement. If you are interested in going to Splash Kingdom on Wednesday, July 26, please email Emmafae at emortega@thecathedral.info.

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.

Save the date! The annual Roses and Rosaries Gala will be Sunday evening, September 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.

Children that need to celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist need to attend systematic faith formation for a period of three years. Registration will take place in August. For more information, please contact Mariela Gonzalez at 903 592-1617 or mgonzalez@thecathedral.info.

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. Come join us for “Sundaes for Sundays” July 16 following the 10 a.m. Mass. In honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, we will we will serve brownie sundaes with caramel sauce. Bring your loved ones and join us in making a little Catholic memory by enjoying a cool summer treat all in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

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.

St. Peter Claver Church. The Alliance of the Holy Family International invites you to celebrate the Jubilee and the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima by welcoming one of the six images blessed by Pope Francis (one image for each of the 6 inhabited continents) to St. Peter Claver July 22-23. Devotions begin at 6 p.m. with confessions and a Scriptural Rosary and will include a procession with imposition of the Rosary and Brown Scapular, Mass at 7:30 p.m., Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 8:30 p.m., a candlelight procession, and all-night Adoration and veneration of Our Lady. Sunday will begin with a Scriptural Rosary at 8 a.m. followed by Benediction and Mass at 9 a.m. (Spanish), 10:30 a.m. (bilingual), and noon (Spanish). After each Mass, missionaries will offer talks on the importance of consecration and the Brown Scapular, consecration of families to the Two Hearts, and investiture of the Brown Scapular. Pope Francis has offered a Plenary Indulgence when praying the Rosary in front of the Image of Our Lady of Fatima exposed for public veneration in any church.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, Deacon Shaun Black is presenting a multimedia series on the apparitions July 13, Aug. 19, and Sept. 13, 7-8:30 p.m. each evening.

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.

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.