Dearest Epiphany Parishioners,
What a year it has been! This past year with its challenges and its time of isolation has offered us an opportunity to reflect on our life and on our faith. This past year has also reminded me to reflect on the life and faith of our community of Epiphany, for this year, our beloved parish turns 40! (I can’t believe it myself.) And on this milestone anniversary, we have the opportunity to give due praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God for the blessings He has bestowed on us through His Church.
As you may remember, Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church was established on June 8, 1981 by the Archdiocese. Since its first Sunday Masses on the weekend of June 19-20, 1981, Epiphany of the Lord has grown into one of the largest parishes in the Archdiocese, through the dedication of parishioners like you. Through the past 40 years, our parish has added new ministries to those in need, those advanced in age, and those seeking to deepen their faith and spirituality. In addition to the expansive number of ministries here at the Church, Epiphany also raised up two organizations of faith: the Epiphany St. Vincent de Paul Society and Epiphany of the Lord Catholic School. When we look back on the entirety of the life of the parish, we also as a community persevered through major challenges, including the church fire in 1984, the Harvey flooding to the neighborhoods of Katy in 2017, and of course, the continuing global pandemic of this past year. Through the years and tears of it all, Jesus Christ has blessed us through our faith every step of the way!
The Pastoral Council and parish staff have been diligently preparing a way for us to worthily celebrate the parish’s 40th anniversary. They have planned a series of anniversary events to commemorate this milestone year. Starting this weekend, you will find a special 40th Anniversary section in the Sunday bulletin that will share memories of our parish's history. Also, to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we will also have the following parish-wide activities and events in the coming months:
• Family Fall Festival hosted by the School on October 30th
• A special 40th Anniversary Dinner & Dance on November 13th
• We will celebrate the Dedication of our Church at all of the Masses on the weekend of Nov. 13-14th
• Tree Lighting & Party on December 9th
• International Festival on Jan. 9th
Our parish celebration of our 40th Anniversary will culminate in our annual International Festival in January. Along the way, will have other activities and time for worship to tie into this milestone year for our parish. As in all things, let us continue to keep the people whom we serve in our church in prayerful remembrance as we invoke the fullness of God’s blessing and compassion on our parish on this and for many more anniversaries to come!
Devotedly yours in Christ,
Fr. Tom Lam
Pastor