Our Lady of Lourdes

Mass with Distribution of Ashes will be at 8:00 am and 7:00 pm.
Ashes will NOT be distributed outside of Mass.

 
The Book of Blessings is one of the documents published by the Church that directs clergy on how to properly conduct rituals. It says the following about Ash Wednesday and the Distribution of Ashes:
 
“The season of Lent begins with the ancient practice of marking the baptized with ashes as a public and communal sign of penance. The blessing and distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday normally takes place during the celebration of Mass. However, when circumstances require, the blessing and distribution of ashes may take place apart from Mass, during a celebration of the word of God.”
 
There are two things in that directive to note:
 

1) Ashes are only given during a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word. Beginning this year in accordance with the Roman Missal, ashes will be given after the homily, not after Communion. Ashes will not be given before or after Mass.

2) Only baptized people should receive ashes. Infants are not properly marked with ashes, as they do not have the propensity to sin.

 
What about the sick and the homebound? 
Our Ministers to the Sick will provide ashes for those who are legitimately unable to attend one of the two Masses. No one else will be given ashes to take to someone else.
 
 

BANNS - Rite of Initiation as Candidate for MICHAEL CARR

It is herewith announced that MICHAEL CARR, a candidate for the order of deacon, will be instituted into the ministry of candidate on February 22, 2020 at a Mass to be celebrated by Bishop George Sheltz. If any person knows of a serious reason why this candidate should not be called to this ministry, please notify:

Deacon George Silva
Director of Formation, Office of the Permanent Diaconate
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
(713) 686-4345
george.silva@smseminary.com

Please keep Michael in your prayers as he is instituted into the ministry of candidate.

This announcement is in compliance with Canon 1051:2 of the Code Canon Law.

OLOL School is “up and running” for the
15th Annual Steps 4 Students 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, Feb. 15th in downtown Houston

 
This yearly event is sponsored through the Archdiocese to support Catholic Schools. This year, your school will hold an event in conjunction with Steps4Students…
 

1^st Annual OLOL Catholic School Color Run
Friday, Feb 7, 2020 at 1:30 pm

 
In lieu of running in Steps4Students in Houston, our students and some of our brave teachers are participating in a color run, and you are invited to come watch and cheer our runners. Parishioners are invited and encouraged to come out and cheer our students on. Even Dr. Emilie and Fr. David will be participating! Donations given directly to the school through Steps 4Students can be made here.
 

No amount is too small. We are grateful for anything and everything you share with us.

Confirmation preparation sessions are beginning again soon. Here is a 2020 Confirmation calendar.

Also, here is an updated 2019-2020 Family Faith Formation calendar. 

CMG Safe Haven has replaced Virtus
 

The CMG Safe Haven online training is replacing the Virtus training. The training consists of three training videos and will include a criminal background check that must be completed. The Archdiocese will no longer offer live training. All training will only be available online.
 
The Archdiocese requires all volunteers in ANY capacity to have training and a background check. This includes members of clubs/organizations who do anything on our property, even if you aren’t working with or around children.
 
· All new volunteers will complete the Safe Haven online training program instead of Virtus training.
· All individuals must complete the training and complete a background check prior to the start of volunteer service. Even if you are not currently volunteering, please go ahead and do this, so that in the future, you won’t be excluded from something you might want to do.
· Your 5-year anniversary date is still in place. Individuals who attended VIRTUS will not need to complete refresher training until they have met their 5-year anniversary date. There is no longer a year’s grace period after the 5-year anniversary date. You’ll be able to do the refresher training 60 days prior to your 5-year anniversary date.
· To check your status, please go to the website at the bottom of this article. To log in, use your previous Virtus user ID. Your new password is 1234. Once you log in, you should change your password.
· If you don’t remember your user ID, DO NOT open another account. Please call Paige Persad at the parish office at 409-925-3579 for assistance.
· Please log in soon to see if your information is correct and up to date.
 

To access CMG Safe Haven training, please go to: galvestonhouston.cmgconnect.org

Our Lady of Lourdes
Parish Mission Statement:
"We are a people formed by God,
willing to serve each other in His name."

Parish Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Friday
8:30 am - 12:00 pm

Parish Office Phone Numbers:
409-925-3579
409-925-5094 (fax)

Address:
10114 Highway 6
Hitchcock, TX 77563
 

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