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Board of Directors President:

Melia Reed V.P. Vocations:

Jim & Jennifer Stevens V.P. Membership:

Bob & Arlane Sponaugle V.P. Programs:

Tony & Eileen Benvegnu V.P. Communications:

Mary Lou Purello Treasurer:

Charlie Garland Secretary:

Kay Nelson Chaplain:

Father Felix Osanna Trustees:

Diddy Muck Donna Rueby Sandie Taylor

Shalom Rep: Doug Reed Newsletter: Mary Lou Purello

Meetings: 4th Monday of the Month

Italiano’s Restaurant 217 FM 1960 Bypass

Humble, TX 6:30 Social, 7:00 Dinner

“To become a priest or a religious is not primarily our choice, it is our answer to a calling, a calling of love.” Pope Francis

Serra Club Northeast

of Houston

Volume 5, Issue 4

October 2018

St. Martha Mary & Lazarus, St. Philip the Apostle, St. Leo the Great, St. Mary Magdatlene, St. John of the Cross, St. Dominic

As a fellow Serran I want to share a few brief thoughts and pass on some wise and hopeful words that I have recently received. My hope is that they will bring a measure of light to the mighty challenges facing the Church that have touched us all in some fashion. 

Father Richard McNeillie, Vocation Director of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston sent me these thoughts: “I have been telling people that despite the evil in some of the Church’s members, let’s also pay attention to the way God is working. I really believe God is opening up a current of grace that’s quite strong - it’s the grace of repentance. I’ve seen a lot of good (and some lukewarm) priests reapply themselves to being holy. Everyone is repenting and doing a little more. The guys in the seminary too are doing their part to be holy. They’re fasting and praying more than we ever did in the seminary. For example, they’ve decided to fast or abstain every Friday. And during the United States Bishop’s conference, they’re going to adore Jesus every hour that the bishops are in session.” God provides and His providence abounds. So let us turn our anger, despair, disillusionment, sorrow and hopelessness into righteous anger and join the new wave of Christian soldiers fighting with renewed vigor and intensity through unwavering devotion, prayer and fasting for our God, our Church, and our faith.

Rhonda Gruenewald, founder of Vocation Ministry, sent this in an email: “I just arrived home from a week-long conference for 200 Diocesan Vocation Directors, and I wanted to let you know that they have received feedback from their seminarians that they feel called to be a priest at this time in the Church for a reason. They are not quitting due to the scandal; they want to Lead not Leave. Praise God!” So remember my friends when faced with darkness and light, turn always to the light. For it is in this way we do our part to make fertile ground for the miracles of God. 

Melia

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BUSY, BUSY MEETING!

Our September meeting at Italiano’s was packed with information. After prayers by Chaplin, Fr. Felix, and dinner, President, Melia Reed, shared the many accomplishments and needs of Serra. Our Club is growing with Spirit and Love for our church. Melia shared opportunities to help Serra in the next couple of months. Can you help with Fr. Richard’s Ignatian Retreat on Oct. 27, or help with Priesthood Sunday, on Oct. 28, help with Adoration at the St.

Martha Masses? Contact Melia.

Treasurer, Charlie Garland, is passionate about helping our Seminarians. Would you like to “Adopt a Seminarian” by sending notes occasionally? Contact Charlie for details.

Reports from our officers was followed by VP of Programs, Tony Benvegnu, who introduced our guest speaker, Marty Matulia. Marty is Director of Philanthropy at the St. John Paul II Foundation. The Foundation’s goals are to promote news about life and family through education and formation. The main focus is: heath care ethics and medicine converge; clergy embrace and life and family; family discovering God’s plan. Marty at an early age thought God’s plan for him was to enter the priesthood, however, the good Lord asked him to serve in another manner. Marty taught at St. Thomas High School for many years, and was Director of Campus Ministry. He continues serving the Lord not only, as husband and father, but in many volunteer roles.

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MONTHLY MEETING It is important to Nourish Our Souls with Fellowship and Friendship

Father Felix was the grand prize winner of our newly initiated 50-50 Raffle!

Welcome guests, Irene Peña and Thad and Jamie Cardine

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N E W S W O R T H Y

Sponsored by the Office of Vocations and the Office of the Vicar for Religious, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

On Behalf of His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardoArchbishop of Galveston-Houston

Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza, Archbishop EmeritusCordially Invites You

To Participate in a Mass and Reception Honoring Priests, Sisters, and Brothers

Who Are Celebrating aWho Are Celebrating aSilver, Golden or Diamond Jubilee in 2018.

Diamond- 60 YearsSr. Mary Bridget Aspel, CCVIRev. Rafael R. Davila, M.M.Msgr. James L. GolasinskiSr. Julie Greig, O.P.Sr. Mary Magdalen Hanel, O.P.Rev. Richard A. Johnston, S.C.J.Rev. Richard A. Johnston, S.C.J.Sr. Carletta LaCour, O.P.Sr. Mary Rachel O’Keeffe, CCVISr. Sheila Marie O’Sullivan, CCVIRev. Jose M. SanchezRev. John F. UlmSister Yvonne Wuensche, C.V.I.

Diamond- 75 YearsSr. Marie Bordages, O.P.

Silver- 25 YearsRev. James M. BurkartRev. Rodolfo L. Cal-OrtizRev. Oscar M. CastroSr. Mary Elizabeth Dinh, O.P.Sr. Theresa Josephine Thien An Do, O.P.Rev. Edmund P. EduarteRev. Edmund P. EduarteRev. Armando P. Ibanez, O.P.Rev. Jesus LizaldeRev. Daokim NguyenRev. Thu Ngoc NguyenRev. Ruben C. NwankworSr. Obinna Okpala, D.M.M.M.Sr. Mary Theresa Pham, O.C.D.Sr. Mary Theresa Pham, O.C.D.Rev. Sunny J. Plammoottil, O.S.H.Rev. Clint C. ResslerRev. Michael Saah-Buckman, S.S.J.Rev. Miguel A. SolorzanoSr. Catherine Yen Tran, O.P.Monica Trevino, (Regnum Christi)Msgr. Patrick R. WellsMsgr. Patrick R. Wells

Golden- 50 YearsSister Lauren Beck, C.V.I.Rev. Francis A. Frankovich, C.C.Rev. John Toan Minh HoangSister Theresa Hang Pham, O.P.Sister Charline Schlebach, C.V.I.Rev. Ronald G. Schwenzer, C.S.B.Rev. Ronald G. Schwenzer, C.S.B.Rev. George L. Stanfield, C.P.

Priesthood Sunday October 28.

THANK A PRIEST TODAY

Did You Know? The Diocese of Wichita, a relatively small diocese, has ordained 10 men to the priesthood and anticipate 10 more next year. Praise the Lord. Guest speaker, Marty Matulia, attributes this to many factors, one of which is affording parishioners free tuition to the Catholic schools and part of the seminarians role is to be teachers in the schools.

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N E W S W O R T H Y A R O U N D t h e D I O C E S E

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH “The more she is buffeted by storms, the more I am reminded that the Church’s firm foundation is Jesus Christ.  The failures of men cannot diminish the light of the Gospel.  Lord, by the help of your mercy, show us the way to salvation.”

Cardinal DiNardo

St. Ignatius Retreat with Father Richard Do you want to become aware of God's voice in your life? Do you want to understand the movements of your heart? Learn more about St. Ignatius' Discernment of Spirits following Fr. Gallagher's book "The Discernment of Spirits", while spending time with God in silence. The retreat will include conferences provided by Fr. Richard McNeillie, and opportunities for spiritual direction. $20.00 registration fee   Lunch is included. Space is limited; daily prayer life required. To register, please go to www.houstonvocations.com/silentretreat . Space is limited - designed for ages 18-45 Questions: Call 281-652-8239. St. John of the Cross Catholic Church 20000 TX-494 Loop Saturday, October 27, 2018 -8:30a.m - 5:00 p.m.

White Mass to honor healthcare professions on Saturday, Oct. 20. Reception and speaker Dr. Michael Brescia following Mass. The purpose of the White Mass is to honor St. Luke as the patron of physicians, and honor the healthcare professions.

Red Mass, at Co-Cathedral, honoring members of the legal profession, Tues. Oct. 30, 6:15 p.m., optional dinner immediately following Mass, Cathedral Centre 1701 San Jacinto. Contact: 713-222-8800, kbrant@hoganfirm.com.

Candice Tyrrell, Serra Club District 10 Governor will be the

honoree at the Annual Fishers of Men Benefit Dinner, Tues. Oct. 16, 7-9 p.m at 1811 Briar Oaks Ln. For information and reservations contact:

GRNONLINE.COM.

Jim McIngvale will be awarded the Faithful Citizen Award on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Houston Country Club. For information and tickets: 713-525-3173 or SrThom.edu/FCD.

50th Wedding Anniversary Jubilee Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo will celebrate the golden wedding anniversary Mass for those who are commemorating their 50th Anniversary years of married life. The Celebration for the couples that are celebrating their 50th years of sacramental marriage will take place on Sunday, October 21, 2018, at 3:00 pm, at the Co-Cathedral of the

Sacred Heart located at 1111 St. Joseph Parkway in Houston. Registrations will close on September 30, 2018.  

Rice University Chaplin, Father Ray Cook, O.M.I., will be the guest speaker at our next meeting on October 22.

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For more information about the Serra Club Northeast of Houston, please contact, President, Melia Reed, meliareed5303@gmail.com. To update your information or to share pictures and other Serra information, please contact Newsletter Editor, Mary Lou Purello, marylou0038@icloud.com.

Let us hear from you! REALLY! WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

SERRA Northeast of Houston HAPPENINGS

After 8:30 a.m. daily Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, displayed until 9:00 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalene in Humble Tues. Oct. 9, Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament following the 7:00 p.m. Mass at St. Martha Friday, Oct. 12, Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament following the 8:30 Mass at St. Martha Saturday, Oct. 13, St. Martha Parish Festival noon to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, Jubilee Celebration Mass and Reception, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 4:00 p.m. Thurs. Oct. 18, Mass at St. Leo the Great, 8:00 a.m., 2131 Lauder Rd. Monday, Oct. 22 Serra Monthly meeting at Italiano’s, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Silent Retreat with Father Richard, St. John of the Cross, New Caney Monday, Dec. 10, Christmas Meeting

October Birthdays

2 - Mark Helleck 4- Joy Ehrman Deacon Tony Cardella, St. Martha 5- Diane Applegate 6- Pam Miller 10 - Sr. Njoku Merrillac, Jesus the Savior Convent 12 - Tony Benvegnu 13- Arlane Sponaugle 17 - Cissy Wilson 19 - Sr. Josephine, Discalced Carmelite Monestary 22 - Terrell Nelson 23 -Fr. TJ Dolce, St. Martha 27 - Michael O’Brien 29 - Sr. Ana Teresa, Discalced Carmelite Monestary

Sr. Mary Iweanya, Daughters of Divine Love

October Anniversaries of Ordination

In Our Prayers

Rodney Williamson, recovering from a lung transplant, still needs many prayers Rita Tobias’s daughters, Rita Marie Girau, aka lil Rita, and Christina Ann Girau. Please continue prayers for these two young women.

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Serran Prayer for Vocations

O, God, Who wills not the death of a sinner but rather that he be converted and live, grant we beseech you, through the intercession of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Saint Joseph, her spouse, St. Junipero Serra, and all the saints, an increase of laborers for your Church, fellow laborers with Christ to spend and consume themselves for souls through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Serrans Called to Holiness

Serrans are being called to pray the vocation prayer daily. Cut this out and place it in a place convenient for you.

“Strive for peace with all men, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

Since Christ was Sacerdos-Victima, priests must also be victims. 2: The Priest is Like Jacob’s Ladder Every priest is another Jacob’s ladder:

1. Vertical relation to Christ in heaven – Our vocation derives from Him (Heb 5:4), all the effectiveness of our priesthood comes from Him (Heb 7:25) and our specific relation as priests is to the top of the ladder. We must be intercessors like Christ.

2. Horizontal relation to men on earth – We must represent sinful humanity (Heb 5:1-2). If we start (as we must) at the bottom of the ladder, having compassion on all men, nothing that happens to others is foreign to us. Their grief is our grief, their poverty our poverty. The priest must bring the whole of humanity to the altar, where he joins heaven and earth together (44).

“Our effectiveness at the bottom of the ladder depends on our communication with the top” (46). Application:

1. Separation from the world – Although we are in the world, we are never of it, for our High Priest has called us out of this world. Separated from the world. Separated unto God. “In proportion in which we seek what the world can give, we become unable to give what the world needs” (48).

2. Loss of our ego – We must eliminate our ego and become empty vessels for the heavenly treasure. “Our personality must be submerged in the Person of Christ as to think with Him, will what He wills and make Him the source of our responsibility and our power” (51).

3. The Importance of Ex Opere Operantis – Although all priests – by virtue of their ordination – confer grace in the sacraments ex opere operato, all priests must surrender their egos – their whole personalities – to the Person of Christ in order to be fruitful ex opere operantis  in all other duties (console, preach, convert, foster vocations, counsel, etc).

*Excerpt from A Priest Is Not His Own, by Bishop Fulton Sheen

As Serrans, we have responsibilities that include our own Call to Holiness. This writing, The Priest is Not His Own, by Bishop Fulton Sheen is one of our requirements. Excerpt 2 of 15.