May 15 update from Fr. Sean

Parish Update – Friday, May 15

Happy Friday to one and all! We’re heading into the 6th Sunday of Easter this weekend and I especially like the Psalm for this Sunday. It comes from Psalm 66 – “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy!” Perhaps we’ve been crying out frequently to God over the past two months, but I don’t imagine there was a lot of joy in it. I know there wasn’t always for me. But the psalm is a reminder that we are an Easter people and “Alleluia” is our song.

All around us there are signs of new life. We just have to be open to seeing them and giving God the praise and glory. While we mourn for those we have lost and take necessary precautions to keep ourselves and others safe, we mustn’t ever lose sight that our God is with us on this journey. Better still, God has sent us his Holy Spirit to accompany us as we make our way to Pentecost.

Let’s take a look at what is happening around the parish. We’ve got a lot to share with you:

• Our weekend Masses will again be open to the public on Saturday at 5 p.m., and Sunday at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Last weekend was our first Sunday celebration with a congregation and it went very well (as have our weekday Masses), and we’re looking forward to seeing those who would like to join us again this weekend. For those curious, we had 162 people attend the Saturday vigil last week and 178 for Sunday at 9 a.m. (the 5 p.m. on Sunday was very lightly attended, but that’s not uncommon on Mother’s Day), and I expect we’ll see a slight uptick this weekend.

A few reminders: We’re asking that the Saturday 5 p.m. Mass be reserved for those aged 60 and older, please. (Though if your work schedule precludes you from coming on Sunday, you are welcome to attend.) I know our seniors appreciated the sacrifice others made so that they could attend safely. Both Sunday masses are open to everyone, but remember we are still limited to 25 percent capacity, or roughly 300 people. Follow the ushers’ direction and keep social distance in the pews. We do ask that everyone wear a mask, please, for the safety of all. 

Of course, the 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday will be livestreamed as usual on both Facebook and YouTube, and you can find a worship aid to follow along with the liturgy at www.ctrcc.com/live-stream

• Beginning on Monday, May 18 we are going to gradually re-open our parish offices each day from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Some of our staff will be splitting their time working in the office and remotely, but there will be someone here daily and our front receptionist desk will be open to handle your phone calls and drop-ins. It is our hope that this will be the beginning of getting us back to a “new normal” schedule. As with all things, we’ll take it week-by-week and see how it goes.

While we may have some individual meetings, we will not be hosting any of our ministries or large groups gatherings for a few more weeks. I anticipate we’ll try to start those on June 1. Note that the office will be closed in the evenings and on the weekends, too. Our staff will continue to be available to serve you via email or phone as they have done throughout this entire shutdown. I’m grateful for their dedication to their ministry and to the life of the community.

• Remember we are hearing confessions each Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the chapel, and anytime by appointment by emailing [email protected]. Additionally, the day chapel (old church) is open each day for private prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament from 9:30 – 6 p.m. If you are looking for a bit of respite amid the craziness of the world and a quiet place to be with the Lord, stop in at your convenience.

• There are other signs that the parish is slowly and carefully coming back on line. We are resuming baptisms this weekend, but we’re keeping them very small and private with social distancing and masks required. We had two funerals this past week, and weddings are still taking place – I’ve had two already and Fr. Vincent has one on Saturday. They, too, are relatively small affairs, but I’ve been so moved by the faith of the couples for forging ahead with the Sacrament of Matrimony and putting off the party until later. May God bless them with many happy years together!

• Here’s another great sign of life: Plans are underway for Vacation Bible School this summer. Yes, VBS is definitely happening, except this year it’s going to have an extra “V” – as in VVBS for Virtual Vacation Bible School! It’s going to take place the week of July 13 (a month later than usual) and children entering grades 1st through 6th in the fall will be able to participate. Perhaps the best things about VVBS? It’s absolutely free!

You can read all about it on our website at www.ctrcc.com/vbs, but in short, we’re partnering with other parishes in Houston and even out of state to put on this unique on-line experience for the children. They are still working out all the details, but it’s going to be a fun and easy way for the kids to stay connected to the Lord over the summer. And, yes, we’ll have virtual teams of adults and teens to assist them, so we still need volunteers as always. See the website for more information and spread the word. All are welcome at VVBS!

• We haven’t forgotten about you adults, either. Camilla MacKenzie, who will begin as our new Adult Faith Formation director in the summer, is getting a jump start with a new 6-week, on-line bible study on the parables of Jesus, called “Eyes on the Kingdom.” It starts this coming Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m., and it, too, is free to all. This deep dive into the Sacred Scriptures will be held on an online platform, similar to Zoom, called Lifesize. It’s easy to use and, having seen a sneak preview of what Camilla has planned, I think you’ll like it. Register to join in on it by visiting www.ctrcc.com/onlinestudies.

• As the current school year winds down we invite parents to look ahead to the fall and consider our CtR Catholic School for your children in grades Pre-K – 8th, as well as our Genesis Early Childhood Program for children from 18 months – 4 years. Both are accepting registrations now and both are open for tours. For more information visit www.ctrschool.com or www.ctrcc.com/genesis

• We’ll keep you updated right here as we slowly ramp up to add more on-campus ministries and meetings. For now, let’s continue to wash our hands, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and, above all, “Cry out to God with joy!” May God bless our parish and all who call CtR home. Hope to see you soon! #weareCtR

One final note: Tomorrow, Saturday, May 16, is my 22nd anniversary as a priest! Here’s a photo taken on that day of ordination at St. Theresa Church in Memorial Park in 1998. It’s not a great shot but I like it in that it shows me (with such a baby face!) offering my first priestly blessing to then Bishop Joseph Fiorenza, who ordained me, and the two auxiliary bishops of Galveston-Houston at that time, Bishop Curtis Guillory, now the bishop of Beaumont, and Bishop James Tamayo, now bishop of Laredo. It’s been a great 22 years (the last 16 at CtR!) and I’m grateful for your prayers.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
Peace, Fr. Sean