Explore the holy relics of saints and sacred objects at St. Anthony of Padua in The Woodlands, TX. Learn their history and veneration in the Catholic faith. Open Hours Monthly Feast Days Relic Information Relic Listing Upcoming Venerations Chapel and Relics What are Relics? A relic is an object that is considered holy or sacred because it is associated with a saint or a significant event in the life of Jesus or the early Church. The term “relics of the Saints” primarily refers to the bodies or notable parts of the bodies of the Saints who, as distinguished members of Christ’s mystical Body and as Temples of the Holy Spirit, now dwell in Heaven but once lived on earth. Objects that belonged to the Saints, such as personal items, clothing, and manuscripts, are also considered relics, as well as objects that have touched their bodies or tombs, such as oils, cloths, and images. Saints in our Reliquary Wood of the True Cross 1st Century September 14 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information Veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1st Century January 1 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information From the Tomb of Mary 1st Century August 15 Main Church - Near Mary Statue More Information Holy Innocents 1st Century December 28 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Agatha 231-251 February 5 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Agnes 291-304 January 21 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Alexander Sauli 1533-1592 October 11 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Aloysius Gonzaga 1568-1591 June 21 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Alphonsus Liguori 1696-1787 August 1 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Ambrose 340-397 December 7 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Anastasia of Sirmium 281-304 December 25 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Andrew Avellino 1521-1608 November 10 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Andrew Kim Taegon 1821-1846 September 20 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Andrew the Apostle 1st Century November 30 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. André Bessette 1845-1937 January 6 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Angela Merici 1474-1540 January 27 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Anrê Nguyễn Kim Thông 1790-1855 November 1 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Anselm of Canterbury 1033-1109 April 21 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Anthony of Padua 1195-1231 June 13 Main Church - Near St. Anthony Statue More Information St. Anthony of the Desert 250-356 January 17 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Athanasius 296-373 May 2 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Auguste Chapdelaine 1814-1856 February 27 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Augustin Schoeffler 1822-1851 May 1 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Augustine 354-430 August 28 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Aurelia c. 300 September 25 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Bartholomew the Apostle 1st Century August 24 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Basil the Great 330-379 January 2 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Benedict Joseph Labre 1748-1783 April 16 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Benedict of Nursia 480-547 July 11 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Benedict the Moor 1526-1589 April 4 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Bernadette Soubirous 1844-1879 April 16 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Bernard of Clairvaux 1090-1153 August 20 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Bernardine of Siena 1380-1444 May 20 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Blaise c. 280-316 February 3 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Bonaventure 1221-1274 July 15 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Bridget of Sweden 1303-1373 July 23 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Caesarius of Arles 470-543 August 27 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Camillus of Lellis 1550-1614 July 14 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Carlo Acutis 1991-2006 October 12 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Catherine Labouré 1806-1876 November 28 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Catherine of Alexandria 287-310 November 25 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Catherine of Bologna 1413-1463 March 9 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Catherine of Siena 1347-1380 April 29 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Cecilia 180-230 November 22 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Charles Borromeo 1538-1584 November 4 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Charles Lwanga 1860-1886 June 3 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Christopher c. 220-251 July 25 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Clare of Assisi 1194-1253 August 11 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Clement of Rome d. 97 November 23 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Columba d. 853 September 17 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Cunibert of Cologne 600-663 November 12 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Damien of Molokai 1840-1889 May 10 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Denis of Paris d.c. 250 October 9 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Deodatus of Antioch 1st Century January 28 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Desiderius of Langres d. 407 May 23 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Dominic 1170-1221 August 8 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Edith Stein 1891-1942 August 9 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Edward the Confessor 1003-1066 October 13 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Elizabeth 1st Century November 5 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 1774-1821 January 4 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Elizabeth of Hungary 1207-1231 November 17 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Ephrem the Syrian 306-373 June 9 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Faustus of Córdova d. 304 October 13 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Felicity d. 203 March 7 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Fortunatus d. 286 October 16 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Frances Xavier Cabrini 1850-1917 November 13 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Frances of Rome 1384-1440 March 9 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Francis Borgia 1510-1572 October 10 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Francis Caracciolo 1563-1608 June 4 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Francis de Sales 1567-1622 January 24 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Francis of Assisi 1181-1226 October 4 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Francisco Marto 1908-1919 February 20 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows 1838-1862 February 27 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Gemma Galgani 1878-1903 April 11 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. George 280-303 April 23 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Germain Cousin 1579-1601 June 15 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Gertrude the Great 1256-1302 November 16 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Gianna Beretta Molla 1922-1962 April 28 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Guiseppe Moscati 1880-1927 November 16 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Helen 248-330 August 18 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Hilary of Poitiers c. 310-368 January 13 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Ignatius Loyola 1491-1556 July 31 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Illuminatus 3rd-4th Century No Assigned Date Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. James the Greater Apostle d. 44 July 25 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. James the Lesser Apostle 1st Century May 3 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Jane Frances de Chantal 1572-1641 August 12 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Jerome 342-420 September 30 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Joan of Arc 1412-1431 May 30 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. John Berchmans 1599-1621 August 13 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. John Bosco 1815-1888 January 31 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. John Brito 1647-1693 February 4 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. John Damascene 675-749 December 4 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. John Francis Regis 1597-1640 June 16 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. John Neumann 1811-1860 January 5 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. John Paul II 1920-2005 October 22 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. John XXIII 1881-1963 October 11 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. John the Baptist 1st Century June 24 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. John the Beloved Apostle 1st Century December 27 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Josemaría Escrivá 1902-1975 June 26 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Joseph 1st Century March 19 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Joseph of Cupertino 1603-1663 September 18 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Jucundus d.c. 250 January 9 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Jude Thaddeus the Apostle 1st Century October 28 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Julia 5th Century May 22 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Julian of Le Mans 3rd Century January 27 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Justin 100-165 June 1 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Katharine Drexel 1858-1955 March 3 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Lawrence 225-258 August 10 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Lawrence of Brindisi 1559-1619 July 21 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Leonard of Port Maurice 1676-1751 November 26 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Louis de Montefort 1673-1716 April 28 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Louise de Marillac 1591-1660 March 15 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Lucianus of Beauvais d.c. 290 January 8 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Lucy of Syracuse 283-304 December 13 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Luke the Evangelist 1st Century October 18 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Marcellin Champagnat 1789-1840 June 6 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Margaret Mary Alacoque 1647-1690 October 16 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Margaret of Antioch 289-304 July 20 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Margaret of Castello 1287-1320 April 13 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Marguerite d'Youville 1701-1777 April 11 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Maria Goretti 1890-1902 July 6 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Marianne Cope 1838-1918 January 23 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Mark the Evangelist 1st Century April 25 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Martha 1st Century July 29 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Martin de Porres 1579-1639 November 3 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Martin of Tours 316-397 November 11 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Mary Magdalene 1st Century July 22 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Matthew the Apostle 1st Century September 21 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Matthias the Apostle 1st Century May 14 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Maximilian Kolbe 1894-1941 August 14 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Michael the Archangel (stone) Apparition in 492 September 29 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Monica 332-387 August 27 Main Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Nicholas of Myra 270-350 December 6 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Olcese 4th - 5th Century January 22 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Padre Pio 1887-1968 September 23 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Papias of Hierapolis 60-130 February 22 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Paul of the Cross 1694-1775 October 20 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Peregrine Laziosi 1260-1345 May 1 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Perpetua d. 203 March 7 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Peter Canisius 1521-1597 December 21 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Peter Julian Eymard 1811-1868 August 2 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Peter of Alcántara 1499-1562 October 19 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Peter of Verona 1205-1252 April 29 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Peter the Apostle 1st Century June 29 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Philip Benizi 1233-1285 August 23 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Philip Neri 1515-1595 May 26 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Philip the Apostle 1st Century May 3 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Pier Giorgio Frassati 1901-1925 July 4 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Pius X 1835-1914 August 21 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Raymond of Peñafort 1175-1275 January 7 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Renatus of Angers 5th Century November 12 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Rita of Cascia 1381-1457 May 22 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Rocco (Roch) 1295-1378 August 16 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Rose of Lima 1586-1617 August 23 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Rose of Viterbo 1234-1252 September 4 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Sebastian c. 255 - 288 January 20 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Severin of Cologne 4th Century October 23 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Simon the Apostle 1st Century October 28 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Stephen the Protomartyr d. 34 December 26 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Symeon the Stylite 390-459 July 27 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart 1747-1770 September 1 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Teresa of Calcutta 1910-1997 September 5 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Teresa of Ávila 1515-1582 October 15 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Thomas Aquinas 1225-1274 January 28 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Thomas the Apostle 1st Century July 3 Main Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Thérèse Couderc 1805-1885 September 26 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Thérèse of Lisieux 1863-1897 October 1 Back Right Reliquary - Right Section More Information St. Timothy 1st Century January 26 Main Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Titus Brandsma 1881-1942 July 27 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Tranquilus 3rd - 4th Century July 6 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Verecundus d.c. 522 October 22 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Victor d. 250 March 10 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Victoria d.c. 304 December 23 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information St. Vincent Ferrer 1350-1419 April 5 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Vincent de Paul 1581-1660 September 27 Back Right Reliquary - Center Section More Information St. Vitalis d. 287 September 22 Back Left Reliquary - Left Section More Information Sts. Louis & Marie-Azélie Guérin Martin 1823-1894 ; 1831-1877 July 12 Back Left Reliquary - Right Section More Information The Martyrs of Gorkum d. 1572 July 9 Back Left Reliquary - Center Section More Information The Seven Founders of the Servite Order 1233 February 17 Back Right Reliquary - Left Section More Information

Give your time at St. Anthony of Padua! Volunteer in liturgy, youth, outreach, or hospitality and help serve our parish and community. Volunteer Opportunities Are you looking to give your time and volunteer at St. Anthony's? Below are all the opportunities for you to get involved! St. Anthony of Padua requires all adults (18 years +) volunteering with our parish to be in compliance with Safe Environment. If you have not taken the Safe Environment Training, click the link below to complete it. If you have questions, please contact us. Safe Environment Training Contact Us Outreach Liturgy Hospitality Evangelization Outreach Evangelization Liturgy Hospitality Outreach Evangelization Liturgy Hospitality Food Pantry Outreach Many Volunteers are needed for the daily operations of the St. Anthony’s Bread Food Pantry: Unload truck deliveries from different vendors, sort food donations received, stock shelves, pre-pack bags of food, deliver bags/boxes of food to those in need by loading cars on food delivery days. Learn More St. Vincent de Paul Outreach St. Vincent De Paul helps tackle poverty and disadvantage by providing direct practical assistance to anyone in need. This is usually provided as short-term assistance to those in crisis in the form of rent assistance, utility bills, or other emergency funding. Volunteers will answer phones, scheduling and conducting home visits, pledging funds and paying client bills. Learn More Honduras Mission Outreach Every year, our missionaries work in outdoor clinics, schools and churches providing medical and dental care for hundreds of villagers in need of attention. Services include: check-ups, consultations, dental extractions and restorations and the distribution of medicines and vitamins. HIGHLIGHT : Both Fr. Jesse and Fr. Viet plan to go on mission this June. Watch their personal testimonies! Learn More Fellowship Sunday Hospitality Fellowship Sunday is a great opportunity for our parish to come together after Mass and enjoy some donuts, coffee, and community! Come meet some new friends, and learn about the various ministries and events going on in our Parish. If you would like to volunteer for Fellowship Sunday, contact us. Contact Us Breaking Bread Hospitality On Sundays after Mass, parishioners are invited over to Fr. Jesse's home to share a light meal with him. We are in need of volunteers to help "host" the Breaking Bread sessions. Contact us Altar Servers Liturgy Altar Servers provide respectful and reverent altar service at our Lord’s table during scheduled liturgies. The Altar Server ministry is open to those who have completed the fourth grade, have received their First Holy communion, and are members of a family that is registered in our Parish. Contact Us Children's Catechist Evangelization Catechist means “to echo.” As Baptized Catholics, we are all called to echo Christ’s message. Experience the rewards of sharing your faith and leading our young parishioners to know the love of God and our Catholic faith. There are at least 2 Catechists in each classroom, and all materials are provided. Learn More Children's Volunteer Evangelization With over 1000 children participating in the Faith Formation and Sacraments programs at St. Anthony’s, we need many hands to provide them with activities, handouts, and safety while they are on campus. Dates and times are flexible enough to fit any schedule. Please let us know if you can spare some time to help! Learn More Creation Care Ministry Outreach In partnership with Sts. Simon & Jude and inspired by Catholic teaching and Laudato Si’ , our Creation Care Team is committed to educating, advocating, and guiding our community in living out the call to care for our common home. Together, we seek to embrace ecological responsibility and build a more just and sustainable future for all. Join us for "Greener Lent" , a Lenten program inspired by Pope Francis's Laudato Sí. More Information EMHC Liturgy Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) assist the pastor and deacon in distributing Holy Communion during Mass. Contact Us EMHC Visitation Liturgy This extension of our liturgy permits commissioned Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to bring the Blessed Sacrament to those who are homebound or in a hospital setting. Contact Us Habitat for Humanity Outreach Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County, TX (Habitat MCTX) is building affordable homes and making critical home repairs to provide long-term home ownership to hard working families in need or to allow existing low-income homeowners to age in place. The major project over the next two decades will be the development of Marble Creek – a 201 home residential community in Magnolia, TX. More Information Instituted Acolyte Liturgy The Instituted Acolyte is appointed to assist the Deacon and serve the Priest during the Mass. He is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. The primary responsibility is to assist with the purification of vessels used in the distribution of Holy Communion. Contact Us Kolbe Prison Ministry Outreach Kolbe Prison Ministries is an apostolate to those incarcerated men in Texas prisons. We run three day retreats, bible studies, OCIA Classes, praise and worship, and much more! Contact Us Lector - English Liturgy Lectors proclaim the Word of God at Mass so as to bring alive the scriptures in the hearts of the faithful gathered. Contact Us Lectores - en Español Liturgy Lectores – en Español: Los lectores proclaman la Palabra de Dios en la Misa para dar vida a las Escrituras en el corazón de los fieles reunidos. Contact Us Loving Choice Pregnancy Center Outreach Loving Choice, a pregnancy help center, is a place any woman can go for help and information when she is facing an unexpected, emotional and possibly scary situation. Maybe she just wants to take advantage of a free pregnancy test. If test results read “Positive” she might wonder “What do I do now? Who can help me understand my options without judgement or pressure?“. The volunteers at Loving Choice will listen to you and provide compassionate options. We want to help. Contact Us Misc Volunteer Outreach Not sure where you want to give your time? Contact our Outreach Coordinator to learn more about volunteering opportunties Contact Us Music Ministry Liturgy The Music Ministry creates an atmosphere of celebration and reverence to God through music for all Masses. St Anthony's music program includes cantors, choir(s), and instrumentalists to share in the musical experience of prayer. If you are interested in volunteering with our music ministry, we are always looking for singers, musicians, and admin help! Submit an interest form here and we can schedule a time to meet with you. Learn More Pro-Life Council Outreach The Pro-Life Council at St Anthony of Padua is dedicated to promoting a Culture of Life throughout our community through pastoral ministry, education, advocacy and prayer. We are committed to recognizing and protecting of the dignity of every human life, especially where most vulnerable. Learn More Sacristan Liturgy The Sacristan’s supervises the set-up for Daily and Weekend Masses. They coordinate the Liturgical Ministers (EMHC’s, Ushers, Greeters) who are serving at that specific Mass. The Sacristan is responsible for the set-up and physical arrangement of the Liturgy. Contact Us St. Clare's Society Outreach St. Clare’s Society prepares lap-sized prayer blankets for those who may be in need of spiritual comfort during times of physical or emotional illness. The blankets are a witness to our belief in the healing power of prayer. Please stop by the Parish Office and pick up a prayer blanket for a loved one! Contact Us St. Daniel Prison Ministry Outreach St. Daniel Prison Ministry serves the incarcerated men and women in Texas prisons through bible studies and praise and worship. Contact Us St. Joseph's Foster Care Ministry Outreach The St.Joseph Foster Care Ministry is devoted to creating a supportive, Christ-centered community for foster and adoptive families. Our mission is to raise awareness, support vulnerable children and families in our community, and serve alongside community partners already doing incredible work to support foster youth. More Information St. Leonard Rosary Outreach St. Leonard Society makes specially designed rosaries for incarcerated men and women in prisons throughout the state of Texas. SLRG has provided over 9,000 rosaries over the last four years. Email us if you are interested in helping with this ministry even from the comfort of your own home! Contact Us Usher Liturgy Ushers are vital to Mass on Sundays. We welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds who are eager to extend a warm hand of welcome to those around them. Contact Us Walking With Moms Outreach Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our local community and we are increasing awareness of resources available to mothers and families in need. Learn More Wedding Coordinator Liturgy The Wedding Coordinator is responsible for running the wedding rehearsal the day before the wedding. Then on the big day, they are responsible for setting up the church, and assisting the musicians, florists, photographers, and families as they arrive for this special day and making them feel at ease as they await the ceremony to start. Contact Us Welcoming Team Hospitality We are seeking volunteers who can arrive 30 minutes before Sunday mass to warmly greet parishioners in the piazza and the church entrances, offering assistance when needed. Contact Us Youth Ministry Catechist Evangelization Catechist means “to echo.” As Baptized Catholics, we are all called to echo Christ’s message. Experience the rewards of sharing your faith and leading our young parishioners to know the love of God and our Catholic faith. There are at least 2 Catechists in each classroom, and all materials are provided. Learn More Youth Ministry Volunteer Evangelization 1. Youth Ministry Core Team Share your faith and help lead our middle and high school teens to know and love God. Our Life Teen, EDGE, and Confirmation programs provide essential spiritual and intellectual formation. Each small group has at least two Core members, and all training and materials are provided. 2. Youth Ministry Parent Volunteers With over 750 teens in our programs, we need extra hands to help with activities, materials, and campus safety. Dates and times are flexible to fit your schedule—let us know if you can help! Learn More BACK TO TOP

Deepen your faith at St. Anthony of Padua in The Woodlands, TX. Bible studies, retreats, devotions, and adult formation opportunities for all ages. Filter by Category Select Category Grow in your Faith Are you looking to deepen your faith? There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved at our parish. We have Bible Studies, Community Groups, Prayer and Devotions, Classes, Retreats, Organizations, and Groups in Spanish. I Want to Volunteer Contact Us Bible Study Class Community Group All Categories Devotion Organization Retreat BIBLE STUDY CLASS COMMUNITY GROUP DEVOTION ORGANIZATION RETREAT ACTS Retreats Various Times English & Spanish Retreat ACTS is a Parish Weekend Retreat that brings people closer to God and helps them build a relationship with Jesus. It’s based on Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service which is patterned after the description of the early Church by the Acts of the Apostles. Upcoming Retreats AGAPE Various Times English Only Bible Study Amazing Grace Adaptive Praise & Evangelization (AGAPE) is a Bible Study for Adults (18+) with special needs. Weekly we explore the Sunday Mass readings through reflection, discussion, and interactive activities like games. Our time together helps deepen our understanding of Scripture in a joyful and supportive setting. Throughout the year, we also come together for fun social events. More Information Baptism Prep - Part 1 Online English Class At St Anthony of Padua, the preparation for baptism is offered as a two part program. Part 1 is an online, self-led study done at your own pace. Part 2 is an in-person, classroom experience led by one of our parish deacons. More Information Bedside Prayers for the Dying Ministry Various Times English Devotion Do you have a loved one who is dying and in need of prayer? Our prayer team is available to visit and pray at the bedside, including the St. Joseph prayers and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. A Mass will be offered, and the individual will be included in parish prayer intentions. To request a visit, please call 832-482-4116. Please note that this is NOT Anointing of the Sick or Last Rites. Please call the Parish Office at 281-419-8700 if you have an EMERGENCY need for anointing and leave a message on our Priest Emergency line. Contact Breaking Bread Sundays English & Spanish Community Group Are you looking to meet other parishioners in a smaller setting? Breaking Bread is an opportunity for you to have a meal with our Pastor, Fr. Jesse and other parishioners in the priest home (rectory). Those who are 21+ are welcome to sign up for any available time slots. More Information Catholic Daughters Various Times English Only Organization Catholic Daughters of the Americas® (CDA) is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women. Formed in 2015, Court St. Jane Frances de Chantal #2699 is the local charter instituted at St. Anthony of Padua. Our members, women ages 18 and older, have answered the call to say YES to make a difference through spirituality and service in the community. More Information Circle of Friends Various Times English Only Community Group Circle of Friends is dedicated to supporting individuals through personal fellowship, educational and spiritual events and fun activities. Membership is open to all single, divorced, widowed or separated. This ministry is not a dating service but it is a great way to meet new friends, share common experiences and enjoy companionship with others. Register Communal First Saturdays 1st Saturday of the Month English & Spanish Devotion Communal First Saturdays provides a way of fulfilling Our Lady of Fatima’s request for the First Saturday and thereby helping bring about world peace and the salvation of souls. More Information Cornerstone Evening Mondays at 6:30 PM English Only Bible Study The Cornerstone Catholic Scripture Study strives to build, strengthen and deepen a personal and loving relationship with God and His people through prayer and the study of His Word. It incorporates daily studying the Word, Prayer, daily lessons, small group sharing, personal Reflections, and a Written Commentary. This year, Cornerstone will be studying Acts of the Apostles. Register Cornerstone Morning Wednesdays at 9:45 AM English Only Bible Study The Cornerstone Catholic Scripture Study strives to build, strengthen and deepen a personal and loving relationship with God and His people through prayer and the study of His Word. It incorporates daily studying the Word, Prayer, daily lessons, small group sharing, personal Reflections, and a Written Commentary. This year, Cornerstone will be studying Acts of the Apostles. Register Daily Communal Rosary Before Daily Mass English & Spanish Devotion Join us for Liturgy of the Hours at 8 AM and a Communal Rosary at 8:30 AM all before the 9:00 AM Daily Mass in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. See below for specifics. More Information Divine Mercy Cenacle Mondays at 10 AM English Only Devotion We study the Diary of St. Faustina using a formation manual with weekly lessons along with appropriate references from the Bible and Catechism of the Catholic Church. We emphasize and promote the concept that the Divine Mercy message is more than a devotion: It is a Way of Life. We learn the role of trust, forgiveness, and mercy in our daily lives. Register El Camino Thursdays at 6:30 PM Spanish Only Class El Camino es un grupo de Evangelización y Catequesis para Adultos en Español donde podrás crecer y fortalecer tu fe y amor a Dios, en un ambiente de comunidad fraterno y tranquilo. Register First Friday Devotion 1st Friday of the Month English Only Devotion First Friday Hour of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus comes from when Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alocoque, and gave her the special task to spread devotion to His Most Sacred Heart at a time when religion was growing cold in the hearts of mankind. More Information Holy Hour for Vocations Once a Month on Saturday English Only Devotion Join us in praying for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Monthly we host holy hours in the OLA Chapel from 3 - 4 PM. See below for upcoming dates. Upcoming Dates Holy Name Retreats Various Times English & Spanish Retreat Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center supports and encourages the great human and spiritual adventure: the discovery of God and God’s loving compassion through Christ Crucified. Holy Name exists to provide hospitality, healing, compassion, and opportunities for spiritual growth for all people. Retreats are offered on many different weekends throughout the year. Upcoming Retreats Intercessory Prayer 3rd Saturday of the Month English & Spanish Devotion Join your parish family for Intercessory Prayer on the third Saturday of the month immediately following 10:00 AM daily Mass. There is no registration required for those who have a prayer request. Our prayer teams desire to pray for you! More Information Knights of Columbus Various Times English Only Organization The Knights of Columbus Council 12327 is for Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. It is through these five service areas – Faith, Community, Family, Youth and Fellowship – that we truly make a difference. More Information La Divina Misericordia Lunes a las 12 PM Spanish Only Devotion El Cenáculo de La Divina Misericordia es un grupo de oración, para experimentar el esplendor de nuestra fe Católica a través de la devoción y el Mensaje de La Divina Misericordia. Basado en la enseñanza de las Sagradas Escrituras, el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica y el Diario de Santa Faustina; es una maravillosa oportunidad para crecer en la fe y confianza en el Señor y ayudar a la salvación de las almas. Más Información Legion of Mary Thursday Evenings English Only Devotion Legion of Mary is an apostolate centered on prayers and works of mercy. The primary objective of the Legion of Mary is the holiness of its members, under the auspices of our Blessed Mother. Through participation in the various programs of the organization, members develop an active prayer life, enhanced by serving others within our parish community. More Information Life in Christ Various Times English Only Class Our Director of Evangelization, Kate Mims, hosts a series called: "Life in Christ". Monthly, Kate will dive deep into various topics about our faith and how we can truly live a Life in Christ. She will cover topics like prayer, spiritual warfare, the Mass, and much more! This series will be held in the Main Church and start at 5:30 PM with a short talk followed by Q&As. All are invited! More Information Liturgy of the Hours Before Daily Mass English Only Devotion Join us in praying the Liturgy of the Hours before the 9:00 AM Daily Mass. All are welcome Monday – Friday in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel beginning at 8:00 AM. A rosary will follow the Liturgy of the Hours and then Mass. More Information Lord Teach Me to Pray Virtual Meeting English Only Class Lord Teach Me To Pray (LTMTP) is a three-part Ignatian prayer series that endeavors to bring the Holy Spirit into our daily lives in facilitated faith-sharing prayer communities, where, the Lord, Himself, teaches them to pray. Note: At this time LTMTP is offered only to women. Register Marriage & Family Series Saturday Mornings English Only Class The Marriage and Family Ministry hosts various events throughout the year. Monthly, on Saturday’s Mornings there will be a new speaker and topic. Upcoming Events Millions of Monicas Tuesdays after Mass - Monthly English Only Devotion We are a group of mothers coming together to lift up our children of all ages. Many of us have children who are struggling to embrace their Catholic faith or have left the church entirely. Like St. Monica, we pray for their joyful return to full unity with the Catholic Church. We are not a support group or a self-help group. We believe that by coming together monthly, uniting our hearts and voices, we can bring strength and joy to each other. More Information Ministerio Hispano Various Times Spanish Only Community Group Un grupo de hombres, mujeres y niños comprometidos en compartir su tiempo, talento y tesoro para convertirse en el portal cultural y la antorcha espiritual de la comunidad hispana en la parroquia de San Antonio de Padua. Más Información Momentum 3rd Friday of the Month English Only Community Group Momentum, a ministry for single moms, invites all single moms interested in growing in their faith and community with other single moms to an evening of fellowship, prayer and refreshments. Register Movimiento Familiar Various Times Spanish Only Community Group El Movimiento es un grupo de familias católicas que unen sus esfuerzos para promover los valores humanos y cristianos de la familia, para que sea en la comunidad: formadora de personas, educadora en la fe, consciente de su misión evangelizadora y comprometida con desarrollo integral de la comunidad y la iglesia doméstica. Más Información Philippine-American Group Various Times English Only Community Group A group of men, women & children committed in sharing their time, talent and treasure to become the cultural portal and spiritual torch of the Philippine-American Group at St. Anthony's (PAG-ASA). More Information Prayer & Life Workshop Sunday Mornings English Only Class The Prayer and Life Workshop is a practical, hands-on method of learning diverse ways to pray through Scripture, music, and sharing. Step by step, you will develop a deeper, more intimate union with the Lord while experiencing his peace. Register Retiro Mensuales Martes por la mañana Spanish Only Retreat El Retiro Mensual es una mañana de oración personal frente a Cristo Eucaristía ofrecido por el Movimiento Regnum Christi. Es una invitación abierta a todas las mujeres que quieran crecer en su relación personal con Jesús a través de meditaciones basadas en la Sagrada Escritura, oportunidad de confesión y de participar en la Santa Misa. Más Información Retreats Various Times English & Spanish Retreat Throughout the year we offer various retreats at St. Anthony's and around the Archdiocese. Visit our website for more information. Upcoming Retreats Rosario Familiar El primer sábado Spanish Only Devotion El Rosario Familiar en español se lleva a cabo en la Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles el primer sábado de cada mes a las 6:30 pm. ¡Todos son bienvenidos a unirse! Más Información Schoenstatt Movement Various Times English & Spanish Devotion Schoenstatt is an international Catholic movement focused on spiritual renewal through everyday faith, inspired by Mary. It unites diverse communities into one family, fosters personal holiness, and promotes lay apostolic life. Its unique spirituality encourages living God’s will with practical, modern steps in faith, hope, and love. More Information Scripture & Reflection Wednesdays at 7 AM English Only Bible Study Join us for the Wednesday Morning Daily Mass at 6:00 AM. Stay after Mass and enjoy some coffee and fellowship as you discuss the readings for the Day. More Information Secular Franciscan Fraternity 4th Saturday of the Month English Only Devotion The Secular Franciscan Order was established by St. Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago. Our purpose is to bring the Gospel to life where we live and where we work. We look for ways to embrace the Gospel in our lives and try to help others to do likewise. We meet monthly for a small group discussion and have an annual retreat. Contact Us Senior Pals Various Times English, Spanish and Mandarin Community Group Anyone 50+ is invited to join our community! We host a multitude of events every month! There is a monthly meeting, trips, luncheons, and other activities to participate in. Check the bulletin for the monthly meeting times and other events. For more information, call Art Dominguez at 281-622-7703 Monthly Newsletter St. Anne's Society Various Times English Only Community Group St. Anne’s Society encourages all women blessed with the gift of motherhood to fulfill their vocation with the dignity, humility, and love of St. Anne, the mother of Mary. Our community offers the opportunity to belong to a group of women, connected by their beliefs, and focused on spiritual, social, and educational growth through monthly meetings, philanthropic events, and planned programs. Register St. Anthony Novena Tuesdays after 6:45 PM Mass English Only Devotion St Anthony’s Novena Devotion is every Tuesday after the 6:45 PM Mass. St. Anthony our patron saint, is often invoked for helping to recover lost items, healing of sick and other intentions and is popularly known as a miracle worker. Join us in asking for St. Anthony’s intercession! More Information St. Monica's Society Fridays at Noon English Only Community Group St. Monica’s Society is a group of moms with children in intermediate school through college. We gather to pray, build each other up, and glean wisdom from various Catholic books on motherhood, prayer, and spirituality. Register That Man Is You Fridays at 5:30 AM English Only Community Group That Man is You! is an interactive men’s program from Paradisus Dei, focused on the development of men in the modern world. TMIY combines the best research from science with the teachings of the Catholic faith. It builds upon the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of authentic men capable of transforming themselves, their families and greater society. Register The Great Adventure Various Times English Only Bible Study The Great Adventure (TGA) bible study is designed in such a way that anyone can make sense of the Bible and experience the life-changing power of God’s word. TGA introduces Catholics to scripture, equipping them with a basic biblical literacy. There are multiple classes offered each semester. Register The Mass Explained Thursdays at 6:30 PM English Only Class Dcn. Scott Broussard will lead The Mass Explained: Dr. Brant Pitre gives insight on the Biblical, Traditional, and mystical meanings of the words, ceremonies, languages, gestures, postures, orientation, music, and signs of the Roman Catholic liturgy. From the Ancient Church through the Medieval Church, from the Council of Trent through Vatican II, explore the practice, purpose, and development of the Holy Mass. Register Together in Holiness Various Times English & Spanish Community Group Together in Holiness Formation series provides year-round marriage enrichment to small groups of married couples who gather seven times throughout the year for fellowship and formation. The format of the Formation series includes gathering in someone’s home for about 2 hours for a meal, a short video, and discussion to learn from each other and live out your vocation. Register Walking With Purpose Wednesday Afternoons & Evenings English Only Bible Study Walking with Purpose Bible studies help women grow closer to Christ as they lean on truths found in Scripture to live joy-filled lives. Our Catholic Bible studies are unique in that they offer solutions found in the Bible that can be applied to our everyday lives and vary in length and depth to meet the needs of different women. Register Work of Mary (Focolare) Various Times English Only Class Join Fr. Jesse and learning about the Work of Mary (Focolare), an ecclesial movement for spiritual and social renewal. The movement helps members deepen their understanding and live out the Spirituality of Unity in everyday life. More Information World Wide Marriage Encounter Various Times English & Spanish Retreat The Worldwide Marriage Encounter experience offers married couples an opportunity to reconnect with each other through dialogue and time spent together. Experiences are offered in various formats to meet the needs of couples - weekend retreats, weeknight meetings, and online options. More Information Young Adults Various Times English & Spanish Community Group The Young Adults at St. Anthony’s are a group of Catholic young adults ages 18-35 (single, dating, engaged, or married) who are looking for community and opportunities to serve others. Contact us to join our mailing list and learn about all the events hosted throughout each month! More Information BACK TO TOP

Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the Child. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration.  First Communion - Child Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the Child. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration. 2nd-8th Grade We look forward to helping your child prepare for their First Reconciliation and First Communion. In accordance with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston guidelines, St. Anthony's prepares children for these sacraments over 2 years. FIRST YEAR Child is in 1st Grade or older Grade level Faith Formation: In-Person/Classroom, Homeschool Program, or Catholic School Enrollment Excellent attendance, missing no more than 3 sessions. Parents attend a meeting in the Spring of the child's first year of Faith Formation to receive Sacramental year details and registration information. SECOND YEAR Child is in 2nd Grade or older Grade level Faith Formation: In-Person/Classroom, Homeschool Program, or Catholic School Enrollment First Communion & Reconciliation Program, which consists of: Monthly Family Sessions Weekly Home Study for the child, led by the parent Review the following to determine you and your child's readiness to enter the second year of the First Communion & Reconciliation Program IS YOUR CHILD READY? BAPTIZED - Your child has received Catholic Baptism or made a Profession of Faith FORMATION YEAR 1 - Your child completed the previous year of weekly Faith Formation missing no more than 3 sessions. JESUS - Your child knows Jesus through prayer and knows the sacrifice He made for our sins, and desires forgiveness of sins through the sacrament of Reconciliation and to receive Him in the Eucharist. FORMATION YEAR 2 - Your child is receptive to weekly and monthly formation sessions led by you and the parish, is in 2nd Grade, and will be at least 7 years old by the end of December. SUNDAY MASS - Your child attends Mass with your family every Sunday and Holy Days of Obligations PARENTS, ARE YOU READY? You will play an active role in preparing your children to receive TWO sacraments of the Catholic Church. These sacraments are the ones they will receive many times in their lives. Will you commit to investing the time for their preparation this year? Will you attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation? Will you go to sacramental Confession at least once a year? Will you pray WITH and FOR your child? Will you attend ALL monthly Family Sessions? Will you bring your child to their weekly grade-level Faith Formation Sessions? Will you lead your child through the workbooks in weekly preparation to receive the sacraments? If you answered YES to all the above, you have made a commitment to give your child the best preparation for an important year of receiving two sacraments! We look forward to walking with you and your family on the sacramental journey this year. If you answered "No" to any of the questions above, let's talk about the best way forward to meet your family's needs. Jesus Christ desires to be in communion with you! Please contact us to set up a phone or in-person appointment. Registration for First Communion and Reconciliation is from August 1st to August 31st and can be found at ap.church/registration . For children beginning their second year of preparation : Registration for the First Communion & Reconciliation Preparation program is only available through a link that will be emailed to eligible families. Remember to also register for grade-level Faith Formation program. Registration for all programs are open from August 1st – 31st. For children beginning their first year of preparation : Register for a Faith Formation session in your child’s grade-level, and attend a Parent Meeting in the Spring (Parent meeting dates/times are listed below). Registration for all programs are open from August 1st – 31st. PARENT MEETINGS for children who are in their first year of the First Communion & Reconciliation preparation requirement: Monday, April 27, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the OLA Chapel Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 4:45 PM in the OLA Chapel Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2:30 PM in Sheltz Hall Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 4:15 PM in Sheltz Hall Program Contact Katy Nardone Sacramental Preparation Coordinator knardone@ap.church 832-482-4062 Diane Czerniak Elementary Faith Formation Manager dczerniak@ap.church 832-482-4037 Next Item Previous Item

Andrew, whose name is Greek for "courage" or "virility," was the son of a Galilean fisherman named Jonas and the brother of Simon Peter. Andrew lived in Capernaum, and was a follower of St. John the Baptist before being called by Christ. He recognized Jesus as the Messiah and introduced him to his brother Simon Peter. With Peter, James the Elder, and John, Andrew formed the inner circle of Jesus' Apostles. He was crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patrae. Andrew was tied, not nailed, to his cross, so that his suffering would be prolonged. His martyrdom was believed to have taken place on November 30th in 60 AD. His feast day is November 30th. St. Andrew the Apostle Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: November 30 Title/Attributes: Apostle, Martyr Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Andrew was Saint Peter's brother and was called with him. "As [Jesus] was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is now called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, 'Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed him" (Matthew 4:18-20). Saint John the Evangelist presents Saint Andrew as a disciple of John the Baptist. When Jesus walked by one day, John said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." Andrew and another disciple followed Jesus. "Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, 'What are you looking for?' They said to him, 'Rabbi' (which translated means Teacher), 'where are you staying?' He said to them, 'Come, and you will see.' So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day." (John 1:38-39a). Little else is said about Saint Andrew in the Gospels. Before the multiplication of the loaves, it was Saint Andrew who spoke up about boy who had the barley loaves and fishes (see John 6:8-9). When the Gentiles went to see Jesus, they came to Philip, but Philip had recourse to Andrew (see John 12:20-22). Legend has it that Saint Andrew preached the Good News in what is now modern Greece and Turkey and was crucified at Patras. The Gospels give us little about the holiness of Saint Andrew. He was an Apostle. That is enough. He was called personally by Jesus to proclaim the Good News, to heal with Jesus' power and to share his life and death. Saint Andrew was martyred and crucified. He asked to be nailed to a cross different from the Cross of Jesus. In his case it was a diagonal or X-shaped cross, which has thus become known as Saint Andrew's Cross. 1 Foley, Leonard, and Pat McCloskey. Saint of the Day. 7th ed., Franciscan Media, 2013. Next Item Previous Item

St. Peter of Verona, born to heretical parents, became a Dominican after being educated in Catholic schools. He was appointed inquisitor for northern Italy by Pope Gregory IX in 1234, converting many heretics. Despite drawing large crowds, Peter made enemies among the Cathars. He was ambushed and murdered by a heretic while traveling between Como and Milan. Before dying, he supposedly wrote "Credo in Deum" (I believe in God). Depicted with a blade or knife in his head, Peter was canonized the year after his death and named patron saint of inquisitors. St. Peter of Verona Time Period: 1205-1252 Feast Day: April 29 Title/Attributes: Martyr, Dominican Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Peter of Verona, was an inquisitor and martyr. He was born in Verona to parents who were adherents of the Cathar heresy. Educated in a Catholic school and the University of Bologna, he was brought into the Dominican Order in 1221 by St. Dominic himself. Preaching with some success in Lombardy, he endured and overcame false accusations that he had been visited by women in his cell. In 1234, he was appointed inquisitor for northern Italy by Pope Gregory IX at a time when the region was filled with Cathars and other heretics. Although attracting very large and enthusiastic crowds, Peter also made enemies among the Cathars, who hated him for his activities and his success in converting many heretics back to the faith. A group of Cathars ambushed him on the road between Como and Milan, and a heretic named Caino murdered him. He supposedly wrote in the dirt the words “Credo in Deum” which means “I believe in God.” In art, Peter is shown with a blade cleaving his head or sometimes a knife in his head and a sword piercing his breast. Canonized the year after his death by Pope Innocent IV, he was also named the patron saint of inquisitors. Next Item Previous Item

St. Augustine, a martyr born in 1822 in Lorraine, France, was part of the Paris Foreign Missions Society and was beheaded in Vietnam. His Feast Day is May 1. Evangelization in Vietnam began in the 16th century, with missionaries and local Christians facing severe persecution. From 1645 to 1886, 53 anti-Christian edicts led to approximately 130,000 deaths. Rulers like Minh Mang and Tu Duc intensified the persecution, executing priests and forcing Christians to renounce their faith. Despite this, many remained steadfast, and the Church honors those whose martyrdom has been confirmed and documented. St. Augustin Schoeffler Time Period: 1822-1851 Feast Day: May 1 Title/Attributes: Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Piece of Cloth imbued with blood St. Augustine was a martyr of Vietnam. He was born in 1822, at Mittelbron, in Lorraine, France. Joining the Paris Foreign Missions Society, he went to Vietnam, and there he suffered martyrdom by beheading. His Feast Day is May 1. The work of evangelization, undertaken at the beginning of the 16th century, then established in the first Apostolic Vicariates of the North (Dàng-Ngoài) and the South (Dàng-Trong) in 1659, has seen an admirable development over the centuries. From the earliest years, the seed of Faith has been mixed in the Vietnamese land with the abundant blood of the Martyrs, both of the missionary clergy and of the local clergy and of the Christian people of Vietnam. All together they have endured the hardships of apostolic work, as in common agreement they have also faced death to bear witness to the evangelical truth. From 1645 to 1886 there were 53 edicts against Christians, signed by Lords Trinh and Nguyen or by the Kings who, for almost three centuries, XVII, XVIII, XIX (exactly 261 years: 1625-1886), decreed persecutions against Christians, one more violent than the other. There are approximately 130,000 victims fallen a bit everywhere in the national territory. During the reign of Minh Mang (king from 1821), the persecution became merciless: even those who dared to hide Christians were condemned to death. Emperor Tu Duc (who reigned from 1847 to 1883) also hated everything European, making no distinction between politics and religion. He decreed that anyone who helped capture a missionary should receive 300 ounces of silver. The missionary, however, should have his skull smashed and be thrown into the river. Local priests and foreign catechists were slaughtered, while local catechists had the words “Ta dao,” meaning “False religion,” branded on their cheeks with a red-hot iron, thus marking them as objects of public contempt. Ordinary Christian believers, on the other hand, could save their lives if they trampled on the cross before the judge. Faced with the Christians' steadfast faith, the sovereign ordered their dispersion and the confiscation of their property: husbands went to their wives and children to their parents; many were exiled to distant regions, among non-Christian populations. Of this myriad of heroes of faith, the Church has selected those whose lives have been reconstructed and whose martyrdom has been ascertained. Local priests and foreign catechists were slaughtered, while local catechists had the words “Ta dao,” meaning “False religion,” branded on their cheeks with a red-hot iron, thus marking them as objects of public contempt. Ordinary Christian believers, on the other hand, could save their lives if they trampled on the cross before the judge. Faced with the Christians' steadfast faith, the sovereign ordered their dispersion and the confiscation of their property: husbands went to their wives and children to their parents; many were exiled to distant regions, among non-Christian populations. Of this myriad of heroes of faith, the Church has selected those whose lives have been reconstructed and whose martyrdom has been ascertained. Next Item Previous Item

Saint Jerome was born Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus around 343 AD in Stridon, located in modern Croatia. His education began young, traveling to Rome to further his studies before he was a teenager. He became a Christian in 366, studied theology in Trier, before retreating to the desert of Calchis to live as a hermit. Known for his scholarly work and monasticism, he became a priest, secretary to Pope Damsus, and author of numerous biblical translations, including the famous Latin translation, The Vulgate. His writings provided source material for essentially all future translations of the Bible for thousands of years. His feast day is September 30th. St. Jerome Time Period: 342-420 Feast Day: September 30 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Doctor of the Church Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Stone from the room where he composed the Vulgate A legendary translator, part-time hermit, and sharp-witted debater. Saint Jerome was one of the most important scholars of the early Catholic Church. Born around 343 AD in Stridon, located in modern Croatia, Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus had his education begin early, traveling to Rome to further his studies before he was a teenager. In Rome, Eusebius studied grammar, philosophy and rhetoric, before becoming a Christian in the year 366. The next portion of his life was spent traveling far and wide, studying theology in Trier, learning about the self-discipline of ascetism near Aquileia, and taking a pilgrimage to the East. Throughout all his travels, Jerome was developing his skills as a translator, which he first started to take interest in while in the Roman catacombs, where he would attempt to translate the inscriptions above the tombs. Around 375, Jerome traveled into the desert of Chalcis to live as a hermit. He spent four years in the desert, desiring a life of ascetic penance - fasting, simple living, meditation, and abstaining from any sensual pleasures. While this time of hermitage did not go smoothly for Jerome, he worked hard to study and pray, learning Hebrew from a Jewish convert and continuing to improve in his translation skills. By the year 378, Jerome was well-known for his work as a scholar and monasticism. He returned to Antioch, where he met Bishop Paulinus, who wanted to ordain Jerome a priest. Jerome had no desire to do so, but with many Church officials in Antioch (including Pope Damasus) encouraging him to be ordained, Jerome relented on two conditions: he wouldn’t have any priestly functions forced on him, and he would still be allowed to pursue a monastic life. He was subsequently made a priest, immediately traveling to Constantinople to begin a three-year period of intensive study of scripture. Jerome would cross paths with many noted theologians and scholars, learning greatly from them and helping him improve his knowledge of Greek. This knowledge would allow him to begin translating the homilies of Origen, a famous Greek biblical scholar, into Latin, as well as Eusebius’ Chronicon (Chronicles). These translations would take up much of Jerome’s time until the year 382, when he was made secretary to Pope Damasus. Back in Rome, Jerome served dutifully while also pursuing further scholarly work and translations. He promoted the ideal of asceticism to those around him and used the best Greek manuscripts he could find to attempt to revise the Old Latin versions of the Gospels. Jerome’s pen would not be deterred by dissent though, crafting writings that defended Mary as a perpetual virgin, attacked the idea that marriage was as equally virtuous as virginity, and called out many Roman clergy who Jerome saw as corrupt or lax. He left Rome following the death of Pope Damasus in 384, returning to Antioch in 386. Jerome led a religious and archaeological pilgrimage across the Holy Land – traveling through Jerusalem, Alexandria, and eventually settled in Bethlehem. It was here that his followers would build a monastery for men, three cloisters for women, and a hostel for pilgrims by 389. Jerome would spend most of his remaining years at this monastery, writing extensively and engaging in debates against heretics or fellow teachers of the Church, including a heated exchange with St. Augustine himself. They eventually repaired their relationship and saw each other as equals, with Augustine once saying “What Jerome is ignorant of, no mortal has ever known.” Jerome would spend the remaining 34 years of his life writing the bulk of his literary works. Jerome would never finish a complete translation of the Bible into Latin, but his work would form the core foundation of the eventual accepted Latin translation, known as The Vulgate. Jerome died peacefully on September 30th, 420, and his remains were buried under the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, before being later transferred to Rome. He was beatified in 1747 by Pope Benedict XIV, and officially canonized a saint in 1767 by Pope Clement XIII. He is the patron saint of translators, Biblical scholars, librarians, students, and archaeologists, and he is recognized as a Doctor of the Church. Jerome’s translation of the Bible provided the source material for essentially all future translations of the Bible for more than a thousand years. He was a passionate writer, dedicated to prayer, and unwilling to allow the weakness of the flesh to deprive him of the glory found in full unity with God. St. Jerome is a Doctor of the Church which are certain men and women who are revered by the Church for the special value of their writings and preaching and the sanctity of their lives. They each made important and lasting contributions to the faith and are to be recognized for their great merits. To be declared a Doctor of the Church, you have to meet three basic requirements. First, you must have lived a life of exemplary holiness, or insignis vitae sanctitas (outstanding sanctity). In short, you have to be a saint. Second, to be a Doctor of the Church you must have deepened the whole Church’s understanding of the Catholic Faith with emins doctrina (eminent teaching). Which is to say, sanctity isn’t enough. There are thousands of saints, but only 37 Doctors of the Church. To be a Doctor one must do more than just live the Faith. Rather, one must significantly and profoundly contribute to our understanding of Divine Revelation, helping us to know more deeply some truth about God and His actions in the World. And third, a pope must officially declare you a Doctor. That being said, as the Church understands it, when a pope declares someone a Doctor of the Church, he’s not so much making someone a Doctor as he is recognizing what the Holy Spirit has already done - that He has conferred the charism of Doctor upon them. Next Item Previous Item

St. Jane Frances de Chantal was a French noblewoman and widow who became a close spiritual friend of St. Francis de Sales. After her husband’s death in 1601, she devoted herself to a life of service and holiness. With the support of St. Francis, she founded the Congregation of the Visitation in 1610, a religious order that welcomed widows and women unable to follow stricter convent rules. Jane founded sixty convents throughout France and inspired many with her deep faith and compassion. She died in 1641 and was canonized in 1767. She is buried beside St. Francis de Sales in Annecy. St. Jane Frances de Chantal Time Period: 1572-1641 Feast Day: August 12 Title/Attributes: Widow, Mother, Foundress Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Jane Frances de Chantal was the Foundress of the order of the Visitation and a dear friend of St. Francis de Sales. She was born in Dijon, France, and married the Baron de Chantal. He was killed in a hunting accident in 1601, and Jane became a disciple and close friend of St. Francis de Sales. After arranging for the care of her children Jane, Mary Faure, and Charlotte, and a servant, Anne Coste, she founded the Congregation of the Visitation in 1610, thanks to the encouragement of St. Francis de Sales. The Visitation convents accepted widows and others who could not endure the more rigorous life of other convents. In the next three decades, Jane founded sixty convents before dying at Moulins on December 13 after a visit to Queen Anne of Paris. Francis de Sales wrote On the Love of God for Jane and her companions, and he called Jane “the perfect woman.” She is buried near St. Francis de Sales at Annecy and was canonized in 1767. Next Item Previous Item

Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the Child. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration.  First Reconciliation - Child Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the Child. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration. 2nd-8th Grade Preparation for First Reconciliation for children will occur while also preparing for First Communion. Please visit our First Communion Page for more information. First Communion (2nd-8th Grade) Program Contact Katy Nardone Sacramental Preparation Coordinator knardone@ap.church 832-482-4062 Diane Czerniak Elementary Faith Formation Manager dczerniak@ap.church 832-482-4037 Next Item Previous Item