Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program for high schoolers is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the teen. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration.  First Communion - Teen Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program for high schoolers is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the teen. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration. 9th-12th Grade 9th-12th Graders seeking First Communion and Reconciliation will be prepared over two years. Year One of Preparation is through our Life Teen Program (9th-12th Grade) and will cover Foundational Teachings of the Catholic Church. Year Two is completed through our Teen Confirmation and Teen Sac Prep Programs (10th-12th Grade) and will cover the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which will integrate sacramental preparation sessions. Participants will receive their First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation during Year Two. Teen Sac Prep Year 1 (9th-11th Grade) Candidates for First Communion and Reconciliation can begin preparation during their freshman year of high school. Each Candidate will complete their first year of preparation by registering and attending Sunday evening Life Teen sessions or enrolling in an accredited Catholic High School. Teen Sac Prep Year 2 (10th-12th Grade) After successfully completing the first year of preparation through Life Teen or through Catholic High School, the Candidate will register and faithfully attend our Confirmation program on Wednesday evenings as well as Sac Prep sessions on specifically designated dates during the spring semester. The Teen Candidate will receive their First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation, during this year of preparation. Youth Ministry Website Program Contact Shelly Wilson Manager of Youth Ministry & Teen Sacraments swilson@ap.church 832-482-4136 Next Item Previous Item

Houston Vocations is here to help young adults, especially young men discerning the priesthood, hear God's voice. With our coaching, they will grow in prayer and virtue, meet people who relate to what they’re going through, and discover the next step God wants them to take. Holy Orders Houston Vocations is here to help young adults, especially young men discerning the priesthood, hear God's voice. With our coaching, they will grow in prayer and virtue, meet people who relate to what they’re going through, and discover the next step God wants them to take. 18+ years old If you are interested, or have been discerning a call to the priesthood or permanent diaconate, please visit the Houston vocations website or schedule an appointment with our clergy to discuss the discernment process in our archdiocese. Houston Vocations Website Program Contact Next Item Previous Item

Saint Renatus of Angers, or Saint René, is a lesser-known French saint whose story is closely tied to Saint Maurilius, bishop of Angers in the 5th century. According to legend, Renatus failed to baptize a dying child and, stricken with guilt, fled to England. After a miraculous discovery of the cathedral keys inside a fish, the people of Angers brought him back. Upon returning, Renatus prayed at the child’s tomb, and the child was revived. He was baptized "Renatus" (meaning “reborn”). Renatus later became bishop of Angers and was venerated as a saint. His feast is celebrated on November 12. St. Renatus of Angers Time Period: 5th Century Feast Day: November 12 Title/Attributes: Bishop, Confessor Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Renatus of Angers, or Saint René, is a lesser-known French saint whose story is closely tied to Saint Maurilius, bishop of Angers in the 5th century. According to legend, Renatus failed to baptize a dying child and, stricken with guilt, fled to England. After a miraculous discovery of the cathedral keys inside a fish, the people of Angers brought him back. Upon returning, Renatus prayed at the child’s tomb, and the child was revived. He was baptized "Renatus" (meaning “reborn”). Renatus later became bishop of Angers and was venerated as a saint. His feast is celebrated on November 12. Next Item Previous Item

We prepare high school teens over a two year period for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Candidates for Confirmation may begin preparation in 9th, 10th, or 11th of high school by attending Life Teen their first year.  The following year, Confirmation Classes are the next step to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation - Teen We prepare high school teens over a two year period for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Candidates for Confirmation may begin preparation in 9th, 10th, or 11th of high school by attending Life Teen their first year. The following year, Confirmation Classes are the next step to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. 9th-12th Grade PRE CONFIRMATION YEAR or LIFETEEN YEAR 1 St. Anthony of Padua prepares high school teens over a two year period for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Candidates for Confirmation can begin preparation as early as their Freshman year of high school. Each Candidate will complete their prerequisite year of preparation by attending Sunday evening Life Teen-Year 1 sessions or with enrollment in an accredited Catholic High School. This program is for incoming 9th -11th graders that desire to begin preparation to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston guidelines require this preparation to be done over 2 years. With excellent attendance in LifeTeen Year 1, your child will be eligible to enter Confirmation in the following school year. CONFIRMATION The second year of preparation is the year in which the Candidate will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is a year-long formation program, held on Wednesday nights, that gives your teen the very heart and soul of the Catholic faith to prepare him or her to worthily receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Spring. Mostly taught in classrooms, Confirmation is a vibrant part of our Life Teen ministry. Teens may be dual enrolled in Confirmation and Life Teen Youth Group on Sunday evenings. Youth Ministry Website Program Contact Angie Muckenthaler Confirmation Coordinator amuckenthaler@ap.church 832-482-4038 Next Item Previous Item

Pope St. Clement I, the fourth Pope and first of the Apostolic Fathers, led the Church from 88–97 AD. A disciple of the Apostles, he wrote the important Letter to the Corinthians, urging unity and obedience, and marking Rome’s first authoritative role in another Church’s affairs. His writings reflect Apostolic tradition and form a bridge between the New Testament and later Church teachings. Martyred under Emperor Trajan, Clement was exiled to Crimea, where he evangelized widely before being drowned with an anchor. His relics were later brought to Rome by Sts. Cyril and Methodius. He remains a model of early papal leadership. St. Clement of Rome Time Period: d. 97 Feast Day: November 23 Title/Attributes: Pope, Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones Pope St. Clement I, was the third successor of Peter, after Linus and Anacletus. He was also the first of the Apostolic Fathers. The Apostolic Fathers were Christian writers of the first and second centuries who were believed to have had personal relationships with the Apostles or were significantly influenced by them, such that their writings echoed genuine Apostolic teaching. These writings form a link between the New Testament and the later literature of the second century. Irenaeus, the Bishop of Lyons, attested that Clement "had seen the blessed Apostles," "had been conversant with them," and "might be said to have the preaching of the apostles still echoing [in his ears], and their traditions before his eyes". Clement is known for his letter to the Corinthians, where he addressed issues of unity and submission to authority. The writings of the Apostolic Fathers offer a valuable glimpse into the Christian community in the era following the death of St. John. Their works, often in the form of epistles, address specific needs of individuals or local churches, providing guidance and fostering unity. These letters were highly esteemed by early Christians, with some even being regarded as having almost canonical authority. Around 95, Clement wrote a letter to the Christians in Corinth, Greece, settling disputes. This letter is an important historical document and is the earliest known example of Rome intervening authoritatively in the affairs of another apostolic church. The letter also details the deaths of Peter and Paul in Rome. Clement was the pontiff from 88-97, which ended in his martyrdom. Clement’s successes irritated Emperor Trajan, who condemned him to the mines of Crimea, Ukraine. Clement opened up a spring in the mines and evangelized so well that seventy-five new churches were built in that area. For this, Clement was tied to an anchor and cast into the sea. His remains were discovered by Sts. Cyril and Methodius and transferred to Rome. Next Item Previous Item

St. Columba of Córdoba was a Spanish virgin and martyr renowned for her courage and holiness. Born in Andalusia, she was drawn to a life of prayer and asceticism, joining her sister Elizabeth in the double monastery of Tábanos. Known for her wisdom, humility, and devotion, Columba became widely admired for her sanctity. During Moorish persecution, she left her convent, publicly professed her Christian faith before the judge and council, and was beheaded outside the palace gates. Her body, miraculously preserved, was later buried in the Basilica of St. Eulalia. The relic is from the bones of St. Columba. St. Columba Time Period: d. 853 Feast Day: September 17 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Columba of Córdoba was a Spanish virgin and martyr renowned for her courage and holiness. Born in Andalusia, she was drawn to a life of prayer and asceticism, joining her sister Elizabeth in the double monastery of Tábanos. Known for her wisdom, humility, and devotion, Columba became widely admired for her sanctity. During Moorish persecution, she left her convent, publicly professed her Christian faith before the judge and council, and was beheaded outside the palace gates. Her body, miraculously preserved, was later buried in the Basilica of St. Eulalia. The relic is from the bones of St. Columba. Next Item Previous Item

St. Vitalis was among the Martyrs of the Thebian Legion. The members of a Roman Legion composed largely of Egyptians and serving in the army of co-Emperor Maximian (r. 286-305), colleague of the famed persecutor of Christians, Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). While serving in France, the legion marched to Agaunum, where it encamped for pagan rituals. Maurice, a commander - along with Exuperius, Candidus, Innocent, Vitalis, two Victors, and the men of the legion - refused to worship pagan dieties, or possibly refused to massacre the local innocent people. Some of their officers were beheaded, but they refused to be pressured to obey and resolutely refused to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods. Reportedly, Maximian brought in another legion to slay the sixty-six hundred Christians. A basilica, St. Maurice en Valais, was built from about 369-391 to commemorate this remarkable martyrdom. St. Vitalis Time Period: d. 287 Feast Day: September 22 Title/Attributes: Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Vitalis was among the Martyrs of the Thebian Legion. The members of a Roman Legion composed largely of Egyptians and serving in the army of co-Emperor Maximian (r. 286-305), colleague of the famed persecutor of Christians, Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). While serving in France, the legion marched to Agaunum, where it encamped for pagan rituals. Maurice, a commander - along with Exuperius, Candidus, Innocent, Vitalis, two Victors, and the men of the legion - refused to worship pagan dieties, or possibly refused to massacre the local innocent people. Some of their officers were beheaded, but they refused to be pressured to obey and resolutely refused to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods. Reportedly, Maximian brought in another legion to slay the sixty-six hundred Christians. A basilica, St. Maurice en Valais, was built from about 369-391 to commemorate this remarkable martyrdom. Next Item Previous Item

St. Deodatus of Antioch was a martyr who lived in the city of Antioch in the first century. He is known for his unwavering faith in Christ, choosing to enduring suffering and death rather than deny his belief. He is often considered a part of the countless unnamed martyrs who suffered under the Flavian dynasty (c. 69 - 96). Since Deodatus lived in Antioch, it is very likely that Deodatus knew Saint Ignatius of Antioch (d. 107), particularly since Ignatius was the singularly outstanding bishop and holy spiritual father of that city. St. Deodatus of Antioch Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: January 28 Title/Attributes: Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Deodatus of Antioch was a martyr who lived in the city of Antioch in the first century. He is known for his unwavering faith in Christ, choosing to enduring suffering and death rather than deny his belief. He is often considered a part of the countless unnamed martyrs who suffered under the Flavian dynasty (c. 69 - 96). Since Deodatus lived in Antioch, it is very likely that Deodatus knew Saint Ignatius of Antioch (d. 107), particularly since Ignatius was the singularly outstanding bishop and holy spiritual father of that city. Next Item Previous Item

Privacy Policy St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Online Privacy Policy This Privacy Policy was last updated on September 1, 2019. Our Policy Information We Collect Our Use of Your Personal Data and Other Information Our Disclosure of Your Personal Data and Other Information Your Choices Exclusions Children Links To Other Web Sites Security Other Terms and Conditions Changes to Archdiocese’s Privacy Policy Accessing Information; Contacting Archdiocese Our Policy: Welcome to the web site (the “Site”) of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (herein collectively referred to as the “St Anthony,” “we”, “us” and/or “our”). The Site, ap.church , stanthonyym.org , littlesaintspreschool.org and ap.churchcenter.com , is operated by St Anthony and has been created to provide information about our parish and to provide access to the information, resources, products and services available through the Site (“Parish Services”) to our Site visitors (“you”, “your”). This Privacy Policy sets forth St Anthony’s policy with respect to information including personally identifiable data (“Personal Data”) and other information that is collected from Site visitors. Information We Collect: When you interact with us through the Site, we may collect Personal Data and other information from you, as further described below: Personal Data That You Provide Through the Site: We collect Personal Data from you when you voluntarily provide such information, such as when you contact us with inquiries, respond to one of our surveys, register for access to Parish Services or use certain Parish Services. Wherever St Anthony collects Personal Data we make an effort to provide a link to this Privacy Policy. By voluntarily providing us with Personal Data, you are consenting to our use of it in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you provide Personal Data to this Site, you acknowledge and agree that such Personal Data may be transferred from your current location to the offices and servers of St Anthony and the authorized third parties referred to herein located in the United States. Other Information: Non-Identifiable Data : When you interact with St Anthony through the Site, we receive and store certain personally non-identifiable information. Such information, which is collected passively using various technologies, cannot presently be used to specifically identify you. St Anthony may store such information itself or such information may be included in databases owned and maintained by St Anthony affiliates, agents or service providers. This Site may use such information and pool it with other information to track, for example, the total number of visitors to our Site, the number of visitors to each page of our Site, and the domain names of our visitors' Internet service providers. It is important to note that no Personal Data is available or used in this process. In operating this Site, we may use a technology called "cookies." A cookie is a piece of information that the computer that hosts our Site gives to your browser when you access the Site. Our cookies help provide additional functionality to the Site and help us analyze Site usage more accurately. For instance, our Site may set a cookie on your browser that allows you to access the Site without needing to remember and then enter a password more than once during a visit to the Site. In all cases in which we use cookies, we will not collect Personal Data except with your permission. On most web browsers, you will find a “help” section on the toolbar. Please refer to this section for information on how to receive notification when you are receiving a new cookie and how to turn cookies off. We recommend that you leave cookies turned on because they allow you to take advantage of some of the Site’s features. Aggregated Personal Data : In an ongoing effort to better understand and serve the users of Parish Services, St Anthony often conducts research on its customer demographics, interests and behavior based on the Personal Data and other information provided to us. This research may be compiled and analyzed on an aggregate basis, and St Anthony may share this aggregate data with its affiliates, agents and business partners. This aggregate information does not identify you personally. St Anthony may also disclose aggregated user statistics in order to describe our services to current and prospective business partners, and to other third parties for other lawful purposes. Our Use of Your Personal Data and Other Information: St Anthony uses the Personal Data you provide in a manner that is consistent with this Privacy Policy. If you provide Personal Data for a certain reason, we may use the Personal Data in connection with the reason for which it was provided. For instance, if you contact us by e-mail, we will use the Personal Data you provide to answer your question or resolve your problem. Also, if you provide Personal Data in order to obtain access to Parish Services, we will use your Personal Data to provide you with access to such services and to monitor your use of such services. St Anthony and its subsidiaries and affiliates (the “St Anthony Related Companies”) may also use your Personal Data and other personally non-identifiable information collected through the Site to help us improve the content and functionality of the Site, to better understand our users and to improve Parish Services. St Anthony and its affiliates may use this information to contact you in the future to tell you about services we believe will be of interest to you. If we do so, each communication we send you will contain instructions permitting you to "opt-out" of receiving future communications. In addition, if at any time you wish not to receive any future communications or you wish to have your name deleted from our mailing lists, please contact us as indicated below. If St Anthony intends on using any Personal Data in any manner that is not consistent with this Privacy Policy, you will be informed of such anticipated use prior to or at the time at which the Personal Data is collected. Our Disclosure of Your Personal Data and Other Information: St Anthony is not in the business of selling your information. We consider this information to be a vital part of our relationship with you. There are, however, certain circumstances in which we may share your Personal Data with certain third parties without further notice to you, as set forth below: Related Companies : We may also share your Personal Data with our Related Companies for purposes consistent with this Privacy Policy. Agents, Consultants and Related Third Parties : St Anthony, like many organizations, sometimes hires other companies to perform certain business-related functions. Examples of such functions include mailing information, maintaining databases and processing payments. When we employ another organization to perform a function of this nature, we only provide them with the information that they need to perform their specific function. Legal Requirements : St Anthony may disclose your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to (i) comply with a legal obligation, (ii) protect and defend the rights or property of Archdiocese, (iii) act in urgent circumstances to protect the personal safety of users of the Site or the public, or (iv) protect against legal liability. Your Choices : You can use the Site without providing any Personal Data. If you choose not to provide any Personal Data, you may not be able to use certain Parish Services. Exclusions : This Privacy Policy does not apply to any Personal Data collected by St Anthony other than Personal Data collected through the Site. This Privacy Policy shall not apply to any unsolicited information you provide to St Anthony through this Site or through any other means. This includes, but is not limited to, information posted to any public areas of the Site, such as bulletin boards (collectively, “Public Areas”), any ideas for new information, resources, products or services or modifications to existing information, resources, products or services, and other unsolicited submissions (collectively, “Unsolicited Information”). All Unsolicited Information shall be deemed to be non-confidential and St Anthony shall be free to reproduce, use, disclose, and distribute such Unsolicited Information to others without limitation or attribution. Children : St Anthony does not knowingly collect Personal Data from children under the age of 13. If you are under the age of 13, please do not submit any Personal Data through the Site. We encourage parents and legal guardians to monitor their children’s Internet usage and to help enforce our Privacy Policy by instructing their children never to provide Personal Data on this Site without their permission. If you have reason to believe that a child under the age of 13 has provided Personal Data to St Anthony through this Site, please contact us, and we will endeavor to delete that information from our databases. Links to Other Web Sites : This Privacy Policy applies only to the Site. This Site may contain links to other web sites not operated or controlled by St Anthony (the “Third Party Sites”). The policies and procedures we described here do not apply to the Third Party Sites. The links from this Site do not imply that St Anthony endorses or has reviewed the Third Party Sites. We suggest contacting those sites directly for information on their privacy policies. Security : St Anthony takes reasonable steps to protect the Personal Data provided via the Site from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no Internet or e-mail transmission is ever fully secure or error free. In particular, e-mail sent to or from this Site may not be secure. Therefore, you should take special care in deciding what information you send to us via e-mail. Please keep this in mind when disclosing any Personal Data to St Anthony via the Internet. Other Terms and Conditions : Your access to and use of this Site is subject to the Terms of Use . By accessing, browsing or using this Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement. If you do not accept the terms and conditions of this Agreement, do not use the Site. Changes to St Anthony’s Privacy Policy : The Site and our business may change from time to time. As a result, at times it may be necessary for St Anthony to make changes to this Privacy Policy. St Anthony reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time and from time to time without prior notice. Please review this policy periodically, and especially before you provide any Personal Data. This Privacy Policy was last updated on the date indicated above. Your continued use of the Site after any changes or revisions to this Privacy Policy shall indicate your agreement with the terms of such revised Privacy Policy. Access to Information; Contacting St Anthony : To keep your Personal Data accurate, current, and complete, please contact us as specified below. We will take reasonable steps to update or correct Personal Data in our possession that you have previously submitted via this Site. Please also feel free to contact us if you have any questions about St Anthony’s Privacy Policy or the information practices of this Site. You may contact us as follows: By mail: St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church 7801 Bay Branch Dr The Woodlands, TX 77382 By phone: (281) 419-8700 By email: support@ap.church Previous Item Next Item

Are you thinking about Becoming Catholic? Do you desire to follow Jesus Christ for the rest of your life? This is the first step in a lifelong journey of discipleship! Formerly called RCIA or OCIA, this is the Catholic Church’s process to bring adults, through study, spiritual growth, and community, into the heart of the Kingdom of Heaven. Baptism - Adult Are you thinking about Becoming Catholic? Do you desire to follow Jesus Christ for the rest of your life? This is the first step in a lifelong journey of discipleship! Formerly called RCIA or OCIA, this is the Catholic Church’s process to bring adults, through study, spiritual growth, and community, into the heart of the Kingdom of Heaven. 18+ years old If you desire to follow Jesus Christ and be a member of his Catholic Church, then the Becoming Catholic process is for you. This process is a time of spiritual growth through prayer, reflection, and discernment, a time to learn more about the Catholic faith, and an opportunity to become part of the Catholic community of St. Anthony of Padua. If you are interested in learning more about becoming Catholic, please read through the FAQs and fill out the interest form below so we can learn more about you and help you find the path that suits your particular needs. Please note: If you are married, and your spouse is a baptized Catholic, but you were not married in the Catholic Church, you will need to be married in the Catholic Church BEFORE becoming Catholic. More information can be found here. Becoming Catholic Interest Form How do I become a Catholic Christian? Any person who wants to become Catholic may do so by entering the Becoming Catholic process. During this process, you will begin to participate in the liturgical celebrations of the Church, learn more about the Catholic faith, become a member of the St. Anthony of Padua community, and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. Who can participate in the Becoming Catholic process? • Those who have never been baptized: the Becoming Catholic process will prepare you to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (Holy Communion). • Those who have already been validly baptized in another Christian faith: the Becoming Catholic process will prepare you to make a Profession of the Catholic faith, and receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist (Holy Communion). • *If you are a baptized Catholic, and wish to receive the sacrament of Confirmation and/or Eucharist, please visit our Adult Confirmation page. How long does the Becoming Catholic process take? The time that you take to discern whether you want to become Catholic can take weeks, months, or years. The more formal preparation process also varies from person to person. For example, someone who is married to a Catholic and has been attending Mass with their spouse for 25 years will have a different experience than someone who has never attended Mass or heard the Gospel. A good time frame to keep in mind is one liturgical year or more. This allows you to live out the Catholic faith for at least a year before committing to being Catholic for the rest of your life. Regardless of your situation, we will work with you to get you on the best path forward and help you discern when you are ready to receive the sacraments. How much does the Becoming Catholic process cost? There is no cost to participate in the process, but you will need to invest your time and participation. We will also recommend some books that will be helpful while growing in the Catholic faith. You may purchase the books or view them online for free. More details will be given to you after you begin the process. On what days will we be meeting? Can I just take an online course? The foundational part of this process is regularly attending Sunday Mass. In addition to Mass, most events take place on Sunday throughout the Becoming Catholic process. Occasionally, there will be events on certain evenings of the week, but that will depend on your particular path. An online course can help you understand more about the faith, but it cannot replace an entire way of life. Becoming Catholic is much more than a class. The process will enfold you into the St. Anthony of Padua community, lead you in prayer and reflection, assist you with discernment, and offer you the opportunity to attend Sunday Mass. You said I should attend Mass. Am I allowed to do that even though I'm not Catholic? Yes, you are welcome to attend Mass, especially since, as a Catholic, you will be attending Mass weekly, if not more often! A very important thing to know when attending Mass is that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Because of this, you are asked to not yet receive Jesus in the Eucharist (at Communion) until you have fully prepared and entered into the sacraments. Click Here for Mass Times. How do I get started with the Becoming Catholic process? Please fill out the Becoming Catholic Interest Form . Once we receive your interest form, we will reach out to you to set up an appointment to learn more about your faith journey, answer any questions you might have, and get you started on the best path forward. We look forward to hearing from you! Program Contact Katie Krall Adult Faith & Sacraments Manager kkrall@ap.church 832-482-4147 Next Item Previous Item