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February 8, 2019Dear friends in Christ,
On this 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time we hear one of my favorite phrases of Jesus: “Duc in altum.” That’s the Latin translation for the words “Put out into deep water,” which He says to Simon (Peter). I just love how that sounds – ”Duc in altum.” It’s a powerful invitation to Simon and the other fishermen to go not only physically deeper into the water for a better catch, but for all of us to go deeper into our relationship with Christ. When we stay at the surface level, we don’t experience the richness of the depths of Christ. Sure, it’s safer and easier to stay in the shallow water, but the Lord invites us to trust in Him and go deeper. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus says to Simon. He’s saying it to us as well. Do not be afraid to follow Him, to trust in Him, to go deeper with Him. You, too, will be amazed at what you’ll catch.
Tomorrow, Feb. 11, is World Day of the Sick (it always falls on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes). It’s important that we pray for all who are sick and suffering, especially those dealing with long-term and debilitating illnesses such as cancer and the like. We also pray for our many elderly who are suffering under the burden of years. Those hospitalized or in care facilities are also in need of our prayers. Though they are separated from us because of illness and not able to attend Mass on a regular basis, they are nonetheless part of our parish community. We unite ourselves as one body in Christ, no matter how sick that body may be. In Christ, we are all made one.
One of our most beautiful ministries at CtR is our Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick and Homebound. These are parishioners who literally bring Jesus to the sick. You see them often at Mass, usually receiving Holy Communion in a pyx (a small blessed container) and leaving afterward to visit the sick. There they pray with them and distribute the Eucharist. From the altar at church to the altar of the heart, the sick are always united with us. I’m grateful to all our Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick, and to Deacon Steve and Carol Moses, who oversee the ministry for us.
We’ll commission our Ministers to the Sick this Sunday at the 9 a.m. Mass and then you’ll begin to notice a slight change to how they receive communion from the altar. They will no longer come up at the end of the communion line, but rather we’ll have their pyx pre-filled and on the altar at Mass for consecration. After the reserve Eucharist from Mass is returned to the tabernacle, the Ministers to the Sick will receive their pyx and go forth immediately to take it to those in need. This way we insure that the sick receive communion that has been consecrated at that particular Mass and it is more fullness of the sign of being united with us at the altar.
I’m happy to announce a new ministry for us at CtR. We are now partnering with
Rejoice Parish Counseling to provide on-campus access to licensed professional counselors to our parishioners. We frequently receive requests for those seeking counseling services that go beyond what our priests and deacons can offer. We’re happy to talk, of course, but there is often a need to go deeper and receive counseling from someone formally trained in the practice, be it for individual, marriage, family or youth counseling. In this day and age there is a real need among the people of God to unpack the vicissitudes of life – be they bad or good or, as is the case for so many of us, somewhere in between.
Rejoice Counseling helps individuals, couples and families make sense of it all. Perhaps most importantly, they walk with our parishioners to help them rediscover the light of Christ within themselves and that great sense of hope that only the God of mercy can provide. Professional counseling, grounded in Catholic doctrinal and moral teachings, can help heal wounds and warm the hearts of the Christian faithful.
Rejoice Counseling is its own, independent service provider. They work in a number of parishes in the Archdiocese and we’re happy to have them now at CtR. They will have two counselors available at CtR (they see clients here in our office) and they’ll set their own appointment times and rates. They offer a sliding scale fee depending on income level and family size so that all parishioners in need might be able to take advantage of their services. To learn more about our new parish counseling services or to schedule an appointment with a counselor, go to myparishcounseling.com/ctrcc or call 844-295-3167. You’ll find a link on our parish website as well.
Next Saturday, Feb. 16 is the annual Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk benefitting Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Thanks to everyone who has signed up to join us. Extra special thanks to everyone who has made a donation to our team, and please know that it is not too late to do so. If you’d like to make a donation to my team, visit my dedicated web page. It only takes a few minutes to make your pledge safely and securely online. Or if you like, you can give me a check or cash in person at Mass or in the office and I’ll see that it is credited to my team. And remember, all donations – 100 percent – are returned to us to help support scholarships and other initiatives at our CtR Catholic School.
Please note as well, as both Fr. Ralph and I will be participating in the Steps for Students, there will be no confessions next Saturday, Feb. 16. They will resume the following week.
As I mentioned at all Masses last weekend, Cardinal DiNardo has written a letter to the faithful in light of the recently released list of names of priests credible accused of sexual abuse of a minor. You’ll find that letter on page eight of this week’s bulletin ( and on our website). Please continue to keep all those who have suffered such abuse over the years foremost in your prayers. May God bring us all His healing peace.
Lastly I send my thanks to the Piece Makers who recently donated more than $5,000 to our Capital Campaign from the proceeds of their annual Holiday Sale back in December. They are a wonderful group of parishioners who have a knack for craft making. They are some of the most creative people you will ever meet. They meet the first and third Monday of every month in the Parish Office. They welcome all women (and men!) of the parish who have a talent and desire to create with sewing, needlework, painting, woodworking, jewelry making, and all other “crafty” things. It’s a great group of parishioners who enjoy wonderful fellowship and use their talents to give back to the community. Thanks, Piece Makers!
Peace, Fr. Sean