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March 28, 2025Dear friends in Christ,
It was a joyous celebration this past Tuesday as the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston welcomed our new shepherd, Archbishop Joe S. Vasquez. Fr. Vincent and I, along with the largest gathering of bishops and priests (easily 300+) I’ve ever seen at an Archdiocesan liturgy, and the faithful from all the parishes were packed tightly into the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
The Mass began with the traditional knocking on the door by the new archbishop. Our retiring archbishop, Cardinal DiNardo, opened wide the doors and welcomed him with a warm embrace, and a few minutes later, after the reading of the Papal letter (“the bull”) announcing his appointment, escorted Archbishop Vasquez to the chair (“cathedra” from where we get the word Cathedral). He took his rightful seat, and the assembly gave him a long and warm standing ovation. May God bless Archbishop Vasquez in his ministry to the people of God of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Be sure to listen for his name in the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass, and remember, he’s “just Joe,” not Joseph!
This weekend we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday, from the Latin word “rejoice.” It is a day of joy in the midst of the penitential season of Lent, much like Gaudete Sunday is in the third week of Advent. It’s not quite Easter yet (we still have no Gloria or Alleluia at mass), but it lets us know that our journey is at the halfway point. Keep the faith! It’s also the second scrutiny for our Elect at the 9 a.m. Mass as they make their way to the waters of baptism. Please remember to keep them and our Candidates for Full Communion in your prayers.
In addition, it’s the kickoff weekend for our 40th annual Spring Festival which will take place five weeks from this weekend on May 3-4. It’s no secret that what makes the Spring Festival such an awesome event for our parish and community is the great number of people who volunteer their time and talent over the weekend. It is Stewardship in action. Your help is especially needed to staff a shift or two (usually in a block of two hours each) in one of our many booths, rides and games. The help and support of everyone in the parish, both young and old, is most needed. It’s a great way to give back to the life of the community. I highly encourage you to make your commitment to helping our parish at the Spring Festival.
Online sign-ups are now open through our parish website at www.ctrcc.com/springfestival, or simply follow the link on the main front page, where you can easily sign up to help at one of the many areas in need. You will see tabs for the various areas where help is needed: games, rides, set up and take down (a vital area where we need your assistance), auctions, flea markets, food booths, and so forth. You can also sign up after Mass beginning this weekend, but if you register now you’ll get your pick of the places and times that best fit your schedule. It couldn’t be easier.
In particular, I would ask that you please consider taking one of the open spots for a booth chairman. We have several to choose from, and it’s a great way for a family or team to be involved in the festival. You don’t have to do everything – in fact, our committee has done a great deal of the work already. We just need folks to share the load by overseeing a booth. You can get your friend and neighbors involved, too. It’s a great way for a group (maybe a classroom or ministry) to work together throughout the weekend.
Raffle tickets will also be distributed after all masses this weekend. We ask every family to buy a book (10 tickets at $10 each = $100) and sell them to your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors for a chance at winning the Grand Prize of a $12,000 Visa gift card. How nice would that be? 2nd place is $5,000, 3rd place is $2,500, and there are four $500 prizes, too. But you cannot win if you do not play! The raffle is always the biggest part of the Festival and an easy way for the most people to support us. Remember all proceeds benefit the parish to further our mission of serving God and neighbor, so get involved and make plans to be part of it. Join us after Mass this weekend and learn of all the ways you can make our 40th annual Spring Festival one to remember!
Finally, our annual Lenten Family Day of Service is next Saturday, April 5. We have a number of projects and initiatives on tap, both on campus and out in the community, for individuals and families. One of the most frequent requests I hear from parishioners is, “Are there any service projects I can do?” or “We want to be able to do a project as a family.” Now’s your chance to give the alms of your time to help others and that’s a very good thing, especially in Lent. Visit www.ctrcc.com/family-service-day to learn more and sign up to help. Check it out and join in next Saturday.
Peace, Fr. Sean