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April 19, 2020 - From the Pastor - UPDATE

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As I write this, we all are wondering the same thing – when will this end? Will we ever be back to normal? And, what will become “normal”? Obviously, at this point none of us can answer those questions. Even with the President’s three-phase plan of restarting the country, we see that there are a lot of unknowns that must be factored in. Even though the Churches have been deemed “essential” we are still under the restrictions of 10 or less people gathered. Our nave seats almost 2000 people; what purpose would it serve to allow only 10 people (including the ministers) to gather? Since we have been in the Lady Chapel, on Sundays we have 8 people serving the Mass (priest, deacon, acolyte, lector, cantor, organist, worship coordinator, and camera/program operator). I know that other denominations (and even some Catholic parishes outside of our Archdiocese) are holding drive-in style services and Mass. When I was ordained, I placed my hands into the hands of the ordaining bishop and promised respect and obedience to my Ordinary and his successors. And so, I follow the guidelines set by the Ordinary (Cardinal DiNardo) of this Archdiocese. He has asked that we not have parking lot services of any kind; and so, that’s what we at St. Ignatius of Loyola will follow. Even when we reach the lightening of the “stay at home”, I don’t know how many people will feel safe coming back in a crowd. I imagine many in the “risk categories” will opt to stay home, and, who can blame them. That’s a lot to get to the point that I really don’t know when we will be able to celebrate together again. But we stand ready and as soon as we receive the permission to do it, I will notify the parish.

With the recommendation of the Archdiocese, we applied for the Payroll Protection Plan. We had everything ready the day we were notified, about a week before our bank would start taking applications. After a week of waiting, the bank notified us that they couldn’t accept the applications electronically and so they would do them manually. We turned everything they requested over to them that very day. Needless to say, the bank was a day late and $349 billion short since the funding had run out of stimulus money. And so, at this time we are not able to bring all of our employees back to work. Our collections are not there. Before the shutdown we would collect anywhere from $28k to $34k a week in the collection baskets at Mass (that doesn’t count Faith Direct). As of today, the mail in and drop off collection for all of April – including Easter (which can be normally be upwards of $60k+ alone) – has been $24.5k. So, that’s less than one fourth of our normal monthly collection outside of Easter! If you are able to do so, please send your tithe in via mail or sign into Faith Direct to give electronically. You can text any amount to 281-801-4940 and follow the prompts to make a onetime donation or an ongoing donation. To those of you who are giving – thank you for your donations and your accompanying notes of support. And for those who cannot give at this time, please know, we understand. If there is something we can do for you, please let us know. Ascención in the Outreach Department has resources available through various organizations, including Catholic Charities.

Unfortunately, I need to announce that our Director of Music, Chris Bearer, has accepted a position at another parish. Chris has been with us since January of 2015. We give thanks for the time that Chris has been with us and worked with us to maintain a quality music program – especially during the period of post-Harvey recovery. Peter Ramirez, the Assistant Director of Music is temporarily taking over until a new Director can be found. And so, a new search begins. The job posting can be found both on our website as well as that of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston (www.archgh.org/employment.

Next weekend (April 25-26) we would have been celebrating the reception of First Holy Communion for our children. I always look forward to and enjoy the day that our children receive our Lord for the first time in the Holy Eucharist. The day will come for them, without a doubt. So, in solidarity with them, as you pray the Prayer for Spiritual Communion remember them and our Elect who are waiting to be initiated into our life of faith. Talk about a trial for them! They would have been initiated at the Easter Vigil on April 11th and yet, as much as they long to be one with us, we wait with them. We have also postponed weddings and baptism. It’s just heartbreaking for all of them, their families and all of us together. We have had several deaths in the parish. The majority have been buried with the rites of the Church; a couple have been cremated and the families are waiting for the ability to have a full Funeral Mass. I think of the Hail Holy Queen prayer: “Turn, then, O most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.” We shouldn't forget that remaining faithful will make us stronger in our faith and in our relationship with One in whom we have placed our trust, Jesus, the Lord.

Speaking of death, I received word from Fr. David Lawrence, SJ, one of our former pastors, that Lois Lehtinen, a former Office/Business Administrator hired by Fr. Tom Gillien, SJ, our first pastor, in the early days of the parish passed into eternal life on March 27th. Along with the religious education director, Lois was the only other paid employee, all the others, including Jim Sexton, were volunteers. Lois worked in the parish for about 10 years, including the days we were still in the office park on Squyres Road. She assisted in the move to Cypresswood. Fr. David said, “she created an environment of kindness, welcome, organization and friendship among our staff and parishioners.” May she rest in peace.

Be assured of my prayers as well as those of Fr. Justin. May God keep us all safe.

With Easter Blessings of joy,

Fr. Norbert

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to our aid!
April 12, 2020 - From the Pastor - Easter

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,

for his mercy endures forever.

Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.”

The right hand of the LORD has struck with power;

the right hand of the LORD is exalted.

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.

These words of Psalm 118 set the tone for the Gospel at the Easter Vigil. The Gospel Acclamation, or the “Alleluia” as we normally call it, allows the entire psalm to be sung on Easter so as to announce that God’s mercy has allowed life to endure. That which is rejected by others becomes the cornerstone, the foundation upon which all else is built.

Friends, this is why we celebrate Easter; rather, why we live as an Easter people. As St. Teresa of Á vila wrote in her famous poem:

Nada te turbe

nada te espante

Todo se pasa

Dios nose muda.

La paciencia todo alcanza.

Quien a Dios tiene nada le falta

Solo Dios basta.

Let nothing disturb you,

nothing frighten you,

All things are passing.

God never changes.

Patience obtains all things.

Whoever has God lacks nothing.

God is enough.

This great mystic of the Church knew that with God, all things are possible. She, who could speak to the Lord just as you and I can speak to one another, knew that God will see us through all things and all we have to do is patiently trust. God is good and He is all we need.

The Easter message is just that – God is all we need. When all seemed lost and hopeless, Jesus was raised from the dead and restored all that was lost through the sin of Eve and Adam. The gates of Paradise have been reopened to us. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice!

I am so proud of the parish staff. Technically, according to Canon Law, the staff is the pastor’s staff since all that each one does is in the pastor’s canonical job description! I guess that’s why so often people come to me for things instead of the appropriate staff member. As pastor, I can delegate responsibilities to others but never the authority. In other words, I can have a member of the staff take on certain responsibilities but the obligation to make sure it’s done is still that of the pastor. The members of the staff have been creative, energized, optimistic and filled with a positive attitude about continuing to bring the Good News to all of you. Each one has found new ways to proclaim the message that our faith is still being proclaimed and lived out in each of your homes. Why do I mention this? Well, let’s go back to the Gospel of the Resurrection according to Matthew: The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him,” Behold, I have told you! What the members of the staff are doing is living out this Gospel. They have witnessed the presence of the crucified one in your lives – you who have suffered job layoffs, furloughs, and shortened hours and pay. You who have searched for food and supplies, you who have searched for medical care, you who have searched for ways to care for your loved ones. These members have seen that He is risen and continue on even when the time clock says “don’t”. They have come before you – via Zoom, website, email and Flocknote to announce to you that the tomb is empty. There is new life in the midst of the doom and gloom. A new day and a new way of sharing the news of the Risen One is before us. And now, it is up to you. Armed with the Good News, it’s your responsibility now to proclaim the Resurrection via the life you live. Through your words and actions, beginning at home and extended beyond, the world will come to know the mercy of God; that His love endures for ever. Let the house of Israel say, His mercy endures for ever; let the house of Maduzia (your last name goes here) say, His mercy endures for ever!

Brothers and sisters, on this Easter day, I wish you and your family great joy. Hope is with us; hope is ours because the new life in the Resurrection is ours. Happy Easter!

Blessings for Easter peace and good health,

Fr. Norbert

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to our aid!
April 2, 2020 - From the Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I’m sure you are aware that Governor Abbot has decreed churches as an essential “business”. It makes sense. We can go to the doctor for our physical needs; we can go to a therapist for our emotional needs; and we can now go to a church for our spiritual needs. Body, mind and soul make up the whole of the person. Cardinal DiNardo issued an updated letter last evening allowing us to open a part of our churches once more for prayer. And so, effective immediately, I am very happy to announce that we are reopening the Reservation Chapel. We ask that you be conscious of physical distancing while in the chapel and that you be aware that no more than 10 people may gather at any one time. If you arrive to pray and see that there are already 10 people in the chapel, please exit and wait until someone leaves. The Marian Garden would be a wonderful place to wait in prayer. If you feel comfortable wearing a mask, then know that you can wear it in the chapel as well. One of our hand sanitizer “kiosks” will be appropriately placed in the chapel for your use. Let us continue to fight against this pandemic through prayer and practical means.
It’s time to prepare for Holy Week. This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, traditionally known as “Palm Sunday”. Because the order is still in place not allowing large gatherings of people, after consultation, it has been decided not to distribute palm branches at this time. There were a variety of creative ways that were brought to the table, but each way hit a roadblock. Our ultimate concern was how to distribute palms in a safe way, how to keep them from blowing all over the parking lot and the palms sanitized, while keeping the ministers protected. And, we have directives not to allow people to congregate, even in their cars. We envisioned a line of cars snaking through the parking lot for people coming to receive a palm branch. There is a discussion going on throughout all of the USA regarding this. One voice spoke up and said, “Friends, this is a SACRAMENTAL, similar to a holy card. Why are we discussing this when people have been deprived of the SACRAMENTS?” What a great question! And so, after lots of discussion we arrived at a consensus for us at St. Ignatius of Loyola. The decision was made that we would hold the palms until the community can gather again. Then, we will bless them and distribute them. Remember that the palms are a sign of triumph and victory. The people of Jerusalem greeted Jesus, the Son of David, as Messiah – the one who would triumph over evil, over sin and over death. What a marvellous sign it will be for us to gather, waving our palm branches together in community to greet the Lord in our midst after we triumph over this pandemic! BUT, the symbol of the palms should be used this Sunday. What is everyone on Sunday, April 5^th in the morning, puts a branch on their door or in their window to celebrate Palm Sunday? It could be any green branch you can get – maybe a sego palm, elephant ears, branches from a crepe myrtle tree, etc. – anything green. Tie a red ribbon on it and hang it. Mark your house with branches and let the world know that you are a Christian. Matthew 21:8 states: The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. By you marking your home with cut branches from trees, you will bring alive the message that the Messiah has come. I’ve attached a picture for you with ideas.
I want to direct you to a new feature on our website, Faith@Home. While working from home and holding meetings via Zoom, the formation team has put together many ideas on how to live out Holy Week this year. There are many ideas in English and in Spanish on how you, as a family and as individuals, can bring alive the mysteries we celebrate during Holy Week and Easter. There are even videos there for you to watch and put into practice.
We continue to live stream our daily Mass at 9:00 am, Mass on Sundays at 11:00 am and the Spanish Mass at 1:00 pm via Facebook. We have begun sending out a PDF of the worship aid for the Masses via Flocknote. You are invited to print the worship aid and have it ready for full, active and conscious participation in praying Holy Mass. We also continue with praying the Angelus and the Holy Rosary at 12:00 noon, Monday through Friday, as well as the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday. On Fridays at 3:00 pm we will live stream the Stations of the Cross. I’ve once more attached the downloadable PDF of the stations to pray along with us at home.
Since we are faced with the difficult decision to suspend the public celebration of Masses, you are encouraged to consider online giving to continue your faithful donations to the parish. Please consider using our online giving option, https://membership.faithdirect.net/TX134. You may also donate via texting any amount to 281-801-4940. Lastly, if you prefer, you may also mail your check donation to the parish offices, 7810 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX 77379. Your contributions assure that we will not only be able to minister during this time but will be here when the pandemic has past allowing us to gather again. Many are choosing to give, and I am edified and grateful. If you are financially unable to give at this time, know that your prayers are important and needed.
The Outreach department, with the assistance of a group of volunteers, is reaching out on my behalf to check on all of our parishioners. They have reached out via phone or email to over 2100 registered households. If your phone number has changed or your email has changed you are encouraged to let us know so we can be in touch beyond this pandemic. If you find that you are in a need of some kind or know someone that is in need, please call the Outreach Department directly 281-290-4606. Ascención Amado, the director, will return your call if she is on another line.
While we are at home, I want to bring to your attention that the US Census is underway. It’s important that everyone be counted at this time. The citizens in the State of Texas are lagging behind in being counted. Remember that the number of Representatives in Congress is based on this census. Federal funding to our area is based on the census. And, the census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution in Article 1, Section 2. Over the next decade, lawmakers, business owners, and many others will use 2020 Census data to make critical decisions. The results will show where communities need new schools, new clinics, new roads, and more services for families, older adults, and children. The results will also inform how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated to more than 100 programs, including Medicaid, Head Start, block grants for community mental health services, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. I invite you to visit www.my2020census.gov for more information and to be counted.
Remember, Jesus died for you to redeem you by His blood and to free you from sin. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, so that we might have life. This week as we approach Easter Sunday, how can you thank God for dying for you? Think about how you can honor and remember His sacrifice in the coming days. Even in these unprecedented circumstances, we can live Holy Week with our eyes turned to God. Spend some time in prayer and thank God for the life he's given you. Be assured of my prayers as well as Fr. Justin’s. May God keep us all safe.
Continue to watch for more Flocknotes to come. Our Formation Team is keeping that little sheep busy!
Blessings for peace and good health,
Fr. Norbert

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to our aid!
March 26, 2020 - From the Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In my promise to keep you updated, I bring this latest news to you. I keep praying that a drooping spirit will be uplifted by the Holy Spirit. And even though things may be beyond my control, I want you to know that I trust implicitly that God is in our midst and will see us through.
As you know, Harris County issued a work from home mandate that went into effect midnight, March 25, 2020. The mandate had specific provisions for churches. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, in consultation with lawyers, has determined the mandate to mean that faith leaders may minister and counsel in individual settings, so long as physical distance protocols are followed. This indicates that individual Confessions may continue by appointment only for those who are gravely ill. In his homily of March 20, 2020, Pope Francis reminded the world that the Catechism of the Catholic Church, N. 1452, provides for moments like these. It states: “When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called ‘perfect’ - contrition of charity. Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.” The Holy Father said, “As the catechism teaches, you can draw near to God’s forgiveness without having a priest at hand. Think about it. This is the moment.” He continued: “Do what the catechism says. It is very clear: If you cannot find a priest to confess to, speak directly with God, your father, and tell him the truth. Say, ‘Lord, I did this, this, this. Forgive me,’ and ask for pardon with all your heart. Make an act of contrition,” the pope said, “and promise God, ‘I will go to confession afterward, but forgive me now.’ And immediately you will return to a state of grace with God.” And so, make that perfect act of contrition and make a firm purpose of amendment not to commit those sins again. In case of grave illness, call the Administrative Assistant to the Clergy, Mary Blanton at 281-290-4617, and she will assist you. There are a variety of Acts of Contrition suggested in the Rite of Penance. You may find them at this site: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/prayers/act-of-contrition.html.
The Order also prohibits public or private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household or living unit. This prohibition requires the closing of our church and Reservation Chapel to private prayer. Therefore, effective immediately, the Reservation Chapel is closed, and the church will not be open for praying the Stations of the Cross on Fridays. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament has been cancelled. This is in effect until further notice.
Ron Svoboda, the Director of Operations, and I met with each and every staff member individually on Tuesday and discussed with them the options of working from home and furlough. Much of the staff was furloughed in one way or another, i.e., work from home with less hours, less pay, use PTO time, no pay, no PTO, etc. It was a horrible day all the way around for sure. But, with such a mandate in place and the parish facing hard economic times ahead, it was something that we had to do. I am very proud of this parish staff. They are very qualified and filled with understanding and compassion. Some asked to be paid half their normal salary and others to have their hours cut so that the parish could meet our other financial obligations. While it was a sad day, my heart overflowed at the tremendous dedication of each staff member.
We will continue with to live stream our daily Mass at 9:00 am, Mass on Sundays at 11:00 am and the Spanish Mass at 1:00 pm via Facebook. We have begun sending out a PDF of the worship aid for the Masses via Flocknote. You can print those out and join in with praying Holy Mass. We have also begun work at establishing a YouTube page and, hopefully, will be able to live stream through YouTube as well. I will keep you posted.
We also will continue with praying the Angelus and the Holy Rosary at 12:00 noon, Monday through Friday, as well as the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday. On Fridays at 3:00 pm we will live stream the Stations of the Cross. I invite you to download the attached PDF and pray along with us at home.
Since we are faced with the difficult decision to suspend the public celebration of Masses, we want to encourage you to consider online giving to continue your faithful donations to the parish. Please consider using our online giving option, http://faithdirect.net and use our parish code TX134. OR, you may donate via texting any amount to 281-801-4940. If you prefer, you may also mail your check donation to the parish offices, 7810 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX 77379. We are most grateful for your continued support during this stressful time in our country, world and parish.
In this update, I would like to share two more opportunities for common prayer. The first opportunity comes from Pope Francis. Tomorrow, Friday, March 27, 2020 at 12:00 PM CDT (6:00 PM local time in Rome), the Holy Father will impart an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing on all of those tuning in worldwide. The Urbi et Orbi blessing (meaning “to the city [of Rome] and to the world”) is traditionally offered each year in St. Peter’s Square on Christmas and Easter or in extraordinary fashion following the election of a new pope. Those who take part in the blessing (in person, by television, radio, or internet), and express sorrow for their sins and promise to go to confession and receive the Eucharist as soon as they are able are offered the opportunity for a plenary indulgence. At this time it remains undetermined what television networks might be broadcasting the blessing, but at a minimum, the Holy Father’s address and blessing to the world will be accessible by livestream at www.vaticannews.va. All of the faithful who are able to tune in are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity for prayer with the whole Church.
The second opportunity is one that is more local and ecumenical. In conversation with local religious leaders of different traditions, Cardinal DiNardo has given his support to a city-wide Moment of Prayer and Reflection in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, March 30, 2020 from 12:00 — 12:05 PM CDT, all people of faith and goodwill are asked to pause wherever they are and pray according to their own faith tradition. We will unite our prayers for the intentions of an end to the pandemic, for the healing of those who are sick, for those who have died, and for strength and wisdom for our medical personnel and government leaders. This effort is being organized by Pastor Harvey Clemons of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the assistance of Interfaith Ministries (www.imgh.org).
Continue to watch for more Flocknotes to come. Our Formation Team is about to launch some wonderful ways to keep your formation ongoing.
Be assured of my prayers as well as Fr. Justin’s. May God keep us all safe.
Blessings of peace and a Lenten conversion,
Fr. Norbert

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to our aid!
March 22, 2020 - From the Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Well, here we are in another week of uncertainty. Thank you all for your continued support and understanding through this difficult time. As you know, life continues to change daily, if not hourly in some instances. We have just finished one week of live streaming Masses, as well as the Angelus, Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy. I know I must sound like a broken record, but, the best way to stay informed is through the use of Flocknote. If you know someone that hasn't yet registered for a Flocknote account, invite them to do so and offer to help them in setting it up Remember, you can also set your own parameters as to how you will receive the notices as well as if you want “push notification” or for you to check your notes on your own. We will also use MyParish app when the message warrants immediate and precautionary information. (You can sign up at www.myparishapp.com.)

I am meeting with the Finance Council this Wednesday, March 25th, via teleconferencing to review our financial standing. I’m not an accountant but have been around long enough in parish life to know that right now our head is above water financially. (I’m not sure how much of the head, though.) I am asking the staff to shut down all expenses at this time and, as hard as it may be to do, as necessary, we will begin to furlough some of the staff. Our parish motto is to be a people for others. Therefore, we want enough staff to fulfill our parish mission and motto. We have visually seen the work of the Worship Department through the use of Facebook Live. What an outstanding job they did to pull together all that was necessary to live stream our Masses today. I want to give a special shoutout to Luis Rodarte, the seminarian from El Paso that is working with us this year, to Jimmy Nguyen with “Your Tech Guys”, Peter Ramirez, and Ron Svoboda. They pulled together and each had a part to make the live stream more than just a wide angle, “I can’t hear” production. Luis learned the program and did all the graphics in one day! Luis is going to make a fine priest, if only we could keep him in this Archdiocese.

The Formation Department has worked on putting together some videos and live streaming for ongoing formation in the homes. They will send out notices via Facebook, MyParish app, and of course, Flocknote. I truly hope that you will use the opportunities to grow in your faith and as a family.

Everyone, this is the perfect time to convert your regular donations to electronic giving. During Hurricane Harvey we continued to gather in various places to celebrate Mass and had weekly collections to sustain our parish operations. But, this is different. However, we have a way to give electronically to the parish. Faith Direct is a platform by which many of you are already participating. All you have to do to give electronically is to text the word ENROLL or a dollar amount, to 281-801-4940. Faith Direct will respond back immediately to seek more information. Of course, you and also go to our parish website, www.silcc.org and click on Faith Direct and sign up there. You can make a one-time contribution or set up recurring contributions. If you have not signed up for Faith Direct, please consider doing so now.

For those who normally contribute via the collection baskets on Sundays (cash and envelopes), but who do not want to participate in Faith Direct, I ask that you mail your weekly donations to the parish or drop them in the mail slot just to the left of the office front door. The parish needs your help to continue our mission and to help others who are hurting during this time.

I encourage you to check our website (www.silcc.org) for updates. We are trying to keep everything updated, but sometimes information comes in too fast from too many sources. I am grateful for your patience. Remember to pray. Remember that the Lord is with us. While the Cardinal has removed the obligation for Mass attendance, if able, we should still observe Sunday, the original feast day, by spending time in prayer; giving thanks to God for life, and our redemption in Christ; recalling our many blessings, praying for strength and healing; and praying for the needs of others.

If you don't already have one, I encourage you to set up a dedicated prayer space in your home. There, you can read and reflect on the readings of the day. The Scripture texts as well as an audio reflection are available at http://www.usccb.org/nab/. You can pray the Liturgy of the Hours. Go to www.ltp.org/LOH where you will find an explanation of the Hours, a link for the worship and MP3 for each Sunday. You and friends, family, etc., could pray Morning and Evening Prayer on Sundays. If you prefer to pray in Spanish, here is a link for you: https://liturgy.life/2020/03/santificando-el-dia-del-senor-cuando-no-podemos-asistir-a-la-misa/

In last Sunday’s live streamed Mass Fr. Justin pointed out that we priests are sort of numb at this moment because our lives are given to be of service to the flock entrusted to our care. We grieve the loss of seeing you in your spot each week. I want to end this message to you with some of Fr. Justin’s “maybes”:

Maybe, just maybe, God, in His providential care, intends to bring about a greater good from this for His priest…Maybe the priesthood, after having experienced this loss, will across the world be re-energized, will have a renewed spirit and zeal for souls – a revived spirit of service and sacrifice – to carry out what the Holy Father, Pope Francis had asked us several years ago, “to smell like the sheep.”… And for you at home watching, you have experienced the loss especially of the Mass and the reception of the Eucharist… But, maybe, just maybe, God in His providential care intends to bring about a greater good from this for all the faithful scattered throughout the world… Maybe you as well as our brothers and sisters throughout the Church will be re-energized, renewed with a zeal and a fervor for the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass – that it will no longer be seen as a routine or something “I have to do”…but rather a great gift, and something I have the privilege to participate in…maybe, just maybe we will have a greater fervor for our Blessed Lord in the Eucharist, that we will long to come before Him in prayer and adoration, that we will be careful not to receive Him unworthily, that we will REJOICE In the Lord’s Real Presence in the Eucharist.

Know, brothers and sisters, that Fr. Justin and I have you all in our constant prayer. Pray for us!

Blessings of peace and a Lenten conversion,

Fr. Norbert

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to our aid!
Homily for Sunday, March 22, 2020

Several peopke have asked for the homily from the Mass for March 22, 2020. You may access it by clicking HERE.
March 20, 2020 - From the Pastor
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As you know, life is not what it has been. It’s a crazy Lenten season that is calling for all sorts of sacrifices in our lives as citizens of this country as well as Catholic Christians. As the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continually plays out, I wanted to take this time to update you about our life together as members of the St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Community. This may be a little long, but there’s a lot of ground to cover for us, especially with some major (and shocking) news.
But, before I do, I want to thank those of you who came to the Parish Mission and viewed it on Facebook Live. The mission is still posted on our Facebook Page for your viewing. I thank those who came out last Saturday to disinfect our entire church space. They worked long and hard to cover every space. I thank you for your patience, flexibility and life of faith as a community who believe that God is in our presence. And I want you to know that the entire Parish Staff is working hard to help us have some sort of normalcy in the midst of these trying times.

This past week, Cardinal DiNardo issued a letter to the people of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The letter can be found in its entirety on the Archdiocesan website, but I want to break it down for you and our life together here in the parish. He states that the current health emergency has induced fear and anxiety in many hearts and minds, and, yet, at the same time, it has brought unity to us as a people who seek the good for others. Our faith has to be lived with reason, prudence and good judgement.

In consultation with Bishop Sheltz and the entire Presbyteral Council, Cardinal DiNardo has made the following announcements:

PUBLIC MASSES
The public celebration of all weekday and Sunday Masses will be suspended in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, until further notice. Our Reservation Chapel will remain open for private prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will continue on Fridays of Lent in the Lady chapel from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Fr. Justin and I will be celebrating Mass to fulfil all scheduled Mass intentions; however, these Masses are not open to the public. Though we do so privately, I assure you that you and your intentions will be in our prayer. We invite you to join us on Facebook and to make a spiritual communion as you do so. The prayer is posted on our website homepage.

Here at St. Ignatius of Loyola, we will deploy the use of Facebook Live. It can also be accessed via our home page on this website. We suggest you gather as a family to join us in our Live Prayer times as follows:
- Monday through Friday we will live stream on Facebook at 9:00 am for daily Mass.
- Monday through Friday we will live stream at 12:00 noon to pray the Angelus and the Holy Rosary together.
- Monday through Friday we will live stream at 3:00 pm to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy together.
- On Sundays we will go live for the 11:00 am Mass, which is always prayed pro populo, that is, for the people of the parish and the 1:00 pm Mass in Spanish.
- If you cannot join us during one of these times, there are many other parishes (even the Pope) offering Mass that you can view online.
- Sunday is still the Lord’s day and even though the obligation to participate in Mass has been suspended, we invite you to use the resources from Magnificat, Our Daily Bread and others that we have sent to you in other Flocknotes and emails. You can pray Morning and Evening Prayer, reflect upon the daily readings, and, as a family pray the Rosary.
RECONCILIATION/CONFESSION
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) will be made available during the normal times. Wednesdays from 5:15pm to 6:15pm and Saturdays from 9:30am to 10:30am. We ask that you remember “physical distancing” while you are waiting to confess your sins.

The priests ask that you use ONLY the anonymous option and confess your sins behind the screen. We are suspending the option of face-to-face confessions at this time to prevent the spread of germs.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Priests will be available for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for only those who are gravely ill.

Only the priests will bring Holy Communion to the gravely sick and Viaticum to the dying. Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EHMCs) are hereby notified they are not to bring Holy Communion to shut-ins or the sick. Please consult with Fr. Justin for more information by emailing EucharisticVisitor@silcc.org.

Please know that hospitals, nursing homes, and other health related institutions will have their own guidelines that we must follow. At the present time they are not allowing visitors, including priests.
Please continue to visit the sick via phone calls and not jeopardize the health situation of those who are ill.

In case of a life and death emergency needing clergy, please call our regular parish phone number (281-370-3401) and follow the prompts. A live operator will assist you.

BAPTISM OF INFANTS
The celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism is postponed until further notice, unless there is a danger of death.

WEDDINGS
Weddings are limited to the celebration of the Marriage Rite outside of Mass itself, with no more than 10 persons in attendance, including ministers.

Our parish worship office will call couples scheduled for weddings through the end of April to notify them of this regulation. If you have not heard from Natasha Faircloth, please contact her at 281-370-3401 or NFaircloth@silcc.org.

FUNERALS
Funerals may take place ONLY in the form of “The Rite of Committal with Final Commendation” (also known as the “graveside’).

A memorial Mass can be scheduled appropriately at a later date.

We will not offer Bereavement Meals during this time until further notice.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Public gathering for praying the Stations of the Cross are suspended. The church will be open on Fridays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm for you to come and pray the Stations of the Cross privately. Booklets will be provided.

FORMATION CLASSES
Our Early Childhood Program and all formation classes for PreK-12 ^th Grade have been suspended. The Formation Department is working on a home school option as we did in Hurricane Harvey. They will send out information soon.

All Adult formation & Bible study classes have been suspended. If a Bible Study group wishes to gather in one’s home, remember the limitations placed on gatherings to 10 persons only. Perhaps a virtual class using Skype, Zoom or other type would serve well. More information will be forthcoming on this topic from the Formation Department.

PARISH MEETINGS
All meetings on campus have been suspended. This includes Pastoral Council, Leadership, Finance, and all other ministerial meetings.
One on one appointments with members of the Clergy and the Lay Ecclesial Staff will continue at the discretion of the Clergy or Staff member.

OFFICE HOURS
We will maintain our staff, possibly rotating staff members during office hours. Our hours will be Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. Office hours on Tuesday and Wednesday will continue to 8:30 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Lent is about making sacrifices, and, I’m sure that none of us chose this type of penance. But it is an opportunity for grace and for us to find new ways to be united in prayer with one another and for those who are suffering greatly at this time. I and the staff will keep you posted about other modifications as they come to us as soon as we can. In the meantime, let us keep Our Lady of Prompt Succor in front of us as we beg her intercession.

Blessings and peace and a Lenten conversion,
Fr. Norbert

O Mary, Mother of God, through the years,
your people have called on your intercession in times of epidemic and illness.
We call on you, now, as our mother and ask that you pray for us,
that we might find healing and refuge, and a quick end to this time of illness.
Be to us truly Our Lady of Prompt Succor
and draw us ever closer to your Son,
the source of all healing and consolation.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. Amen.
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