Dear friends in Christ,

     This, That & the Other ... Our Gospel on this weekend’s 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time comes from the Sermon on the Mount from St. Matthew and follows immediately after Jesus has taught the Beatitudes to the multitude that has gathered to hear him. We know those beatitudes by heart – blessed are the poor, blessed are the hungry, blessed are the lowly, and so forth. Jesus follows up those beatitudes with two declarations spoken directly to his disciples – you are the salt of the earth and you are the light of the world. ... Salt and light. It’s beautiful in its simplicity, is it not? Salt gives flavor and preserves the life of what it touches. So, too, can we be for others when we are Christ to them. Likewise, light illuminates that which is hidden or in darkness. It’s creative and comforting, radiating warmth far and wide. So, too, must we bring the light of Christ to others so that they too might taste and see the Good News of the Lord.

     ... A beautiful way to be salt and light to the world is by being a good steward of the gifts we have received. Having been blessed and gifted by God, we in turn seek to return thanks to our creator through our time, talent and treasure. Thus Stewardship becomes our way of life. This weekend we are celebrating Stewardship Sunday at CtR. We have been abundantly blessed. How can we return that blessing to the Lord? It’s part of the rhythm of parish life at CtR. ... At all masses this weekend we’ll distribute a Stewardship booklet and I invite you to take some time with it over the next few weeks. Pass it among family members, young and old alike and consider how you might be a good steward of your gifts.

     ... The stewardship booklet offers insight into not only what it means to practice stewardship, but also the many ways at CtR to put that practice into action. It covers in detail how we are called to: a) put prayer first in our lives; b) take the initiative to serve in parish ministries; and c) strive to live up to the scriptural tithe. ... This is truly a time for renewal – for you and your family, and for our parish as a whole. I’m not asking you to sign up this weekend or commit yourself to any one thing in particular at this time. Rather, I’d ask us to take this idea of Stewardship to our prayer and discernment. How is God calling you, and how can you respond? I invite us all to be a part of making Stewardship a way of life for our community. It truly is what makes CtR such a vibrant parish.

     ... Next Saturday, Feb. 15 is the annual Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk benefiting Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Thanks to everyone who has signed up to join us. Extra special thanks to everyone who has made a donation to our team, and please know that it is not too late to do so. You can do so at this link. Remember, all donations – 100 percent – are returned to us to help support scholarships and other initiatives at our CtR Catholic School. ... Please note as well, as both Fr. Vincent and I will be participating in the Steps for Students, there will be no confessions next Saturday, Feb. 15. They will resume the following week.

     ... This Saturday, Feb. 8 we’re hosting a Father-Daughter dance in the Parish Hall from 7-9 p.m. and it’s open to all families in the parish and school. Tickets are $50 per family (not per person so the more dancers the merrier!) and available at the door, and include the DJ, photo booth, snacks, and much more. ... Married couples who may be planning for Valentine’s Day next week are also reminded of the upcoming Married Couples Retreat Day on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Camp Allen. It’ll run from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and afford you the opportunity to spend the day rediscovering God’s plan for you as husband and wife. Of course, lunch and dinner and everything is included for just $130 per couple. It’ll be a beautiful act of love to give one another the gift of this day together. Register online at this link. 

     ... A reminder that our Genesis Early Childhood Program opens its priority registration for the 2020-21 school year to all parishioners this coming Tuesday, Feb. 11. Space is limited for both our two- and three-day programs for children 18 months-4 years of age so act quickly. See the Genesis page on our website for more information. ... And, of course, our CtR School has its registration underway as well for the next school year. We've got openings for students in Pre-K 3 through 8th, but again, don't delay. All the CtR School admission details can be found here.

     ... Next Tuesday, Feb. 11, is the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Day of the Sick. To commemorate the feast day we’ll offer the Anointing of the Sick at our 9 a.m. daily Mass. (We usually offer it at our evening Mass on the last Wednesday of each month, but we’ll do so at our morning Mass this month for those who might not like to get out at night.) It’s important that we pray for all who are sick and suffering, especially those dealing with long-term and debilitating illnesses such as cancer and the like. May God's healing hand rest upon all who are ill. ... Finally, thanks to everyone who has made their pledge to the Diocesan Services Fund that I spoke about last week. You can bring your pledge envelope to Mass this weekend and we’ll get it processed for you, or if you like, you are welcome to make your DSF pledge on line. I did and it was fast and easy. ... Lastly, and most importantly, God loves you! See ya’ at Mass!