Dear Epiphany Parishioners,
Many of us have expressed our sincere desire to be an instrument of peace and compassion for the suffering and devastation we have witnessed in Ukraine and the war in Europe. As we continue to offer our personal intentions, fasting, and almsgiving during this Season of Lent for the people of Ukraine, His Holiness Pope Francis has also asked that the people of God make a solemn Act of Consecration of Russia, Ukraine and all of humanity to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, March 25th. It is a way as a Church to offer our deepest prayers for the end to violence and war and to entrust the future of humanity to the Queen of Peace.
You are invited to join Cardinal DiNardo to make the Act of Consecration on Friday, March 25th at
11:00am via this link:
www.archgh.org/live
We here at Epiphany will make the Act of Consecration on this Friday as well, as part of the 7:00pm Stations of the Cross in our Church. Join us as a community of faith for the Stations of the Cross and the Act of Consecration this Friday, March 25th. I have also attached a copy of the Act of Consecration for you to pray with Cardinal DiNardo online or on your own as well.
For those who desire to support the relief efforts for those seeking refuge from the war and for the the churches in Ukraine, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has made available two ways to offer care and compassion amid the hostilities in Eastern Europe. This weekend (March 26-27) we have our annual second collection for Catholic Relief Services, which as you may remember is the Catholic outreach ministry in the world. This year's second collection for Catholic Relief Services will support the Church's work of bringing mercy and comfort to the people of Ukraine. Additionally, the weekend of Palm Sunday (April 9 & 10), the Archdiocese will have a special second collection for aid to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, to be given to the Major Archbishop of Kyiv for use to care for the needs of his flock during this time of war and violence.
Let us continue to unite ourselves to all who suffer from oppression and war, offering ourselves as instruments of peace to the heavenly intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth.
Devotedly yours in Christ,
Rev. Tom Lam
Pastor