Congratulations on your decision to enter Holy Matrimony in the Catholic Church. The celebration you are planning and the lifelong commitment you are choosing to make are signs of God’s great love for us all. Click below for information.  Marriage Congratulations on your decision to enter Holy Matrimony in the Catholic Church. The celebration you are planning and the lifelong commitment you are choosing to make are signs of God’s great love for us all. Click below for information. 18+ years old Marriage Preparation Congratulations on your decision to enter Holy Matrimony in the Catholic Church. We at St. Anthony of Padua welcome you and rejoice with you! The celebration you are planning and the lifelong commitment you are choosing to make are signs of God’s great love for us all. We are here to support you and guide you through your preparation. The first step for preparing for your wedding is to read through the Marriage FAQs (below). Then, fill out a Request for Marriage. We cannot discuss available ceremony dates or marriage preparation until this request is complete. Marriage Request Form/Solicitud de Matrimonio Marriage FAQ'S When should I contact the Church? What days can I get married in the Church? You should contact us 1 year in advance of your desired wedding date. Please secure your wedding date with us before securing your reception venue and vendors. Weddings are held in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel (seats 350) on: Saturdays at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm Very small weddings may be held in the Adoration Chapel (seats 40) on: Saturdays at 11:30 am Very large weddings may be held in the Main Church (seats1,200) on: Saturdays at 2:00 pm Other things to consider when choosing a wedding date and location: Weddings are held on Saturdays. We are unable to accommodate weddings on other weekdays. No weddings can be scheduled on Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation, Parish holidays or Archdiocesan holidays. Weddings held during the liturgical seasons of Advent (the month preceding Christmas) and Lent (the 40 days preceding Easter) will reflect the nature of these more subdued seasons. Practically speaking, your floral and church decoration will be less elaborate, your music selections may be limited, and your choice of readings may be limited. The Adoration Chapel does not have an organ or piano, so please plan accordingly. What are the costs involved for a wedding and/or marriage preparation? Church Reservation Fees A $100 deposit is required to reserve your wedding date Wedding in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel (holds 350 guests): $1000 Wedding in the Adoration Chapel (holds 40 guests): $500 Wedding in the Main Church (holds 1,200 guests): $1500 Marriage Preparation Fees Separate Prepare/Enrich Online Assessment Fee (required for all couples preparing at St. Anthony’s): $35.00 Marriage Preparation Only Fee (Domestic): $200.00 (for couples preparing at St. Anthony’s, but marrying elsewhere within the United States Marriage Preparation Only Fee (International): $300.00 (for couples preparing at St. Anthony’s, but marrying elsewhere outside the United States) Other Costs Presider: $ TBD by the couple. This is a gift of appreciation to the priest or deacon presiding at your wedding Music & A/V Technician Fees: Varies. These depend on the type and number of musicians you will have at your wedding and the complexity of the A/V set up needed. Altar Server: $25 (for Marriage within Mass) Natural Family Planning class (optional, but highly recommended): prices vary by provider. Other costs may be incurred if you choose to complete marriage preparation at another parish, through a retreat, or through an online provider. How long does it take to prepare for marriage? Marriage preparation takes at least 8 months to complete if you prepare for marriage and have your wedding ceremony at St. Anthony’s. If you plan to marry elsewhere, you must add 1-3 months to the timeline, depending on the location of your wedding. (Weddings held in another diocese, another state, or another country add to the time needed to process documents.) There are several steps involved in marriage preparation. We will guide you through each step, so you do not feel overwhelmed. Unless otherwise noted, all of the elements of marriage preparation are conducted on-site at St. Anthony’s. This will total 8-12 in-person meetings on the St. Anthony’s campus. If you do not live near St. Anthony’s, we recommend that you complete your preparation at the Catholic parish near your residence. The key parts of preparation are as follows (not in any particular order): Attend a Wedding Day Orientation (if wedding is at St. Anthony’s). Take an online Prepare/Enrich assessment and meet with a facilitator to discuss your strength and growth areas as a couple. Meet with a deacon to discuss what is expected in Catholic marriages and complete some documentation establishing your freedom to marry. Attend a 3-part series of life skills sessions, led by mentor couples, to help you build a strong and holy marriage. (Held on Sunday afternoons, 4 series per year) Attend a 1-day retreat and Mass to understand the sacramental and covenantal nature of Catholic marriage. (Held on Saturdays, 4 times per year)\ Take a Natural Family Planning Class (offered by third party providers – online or at alternate locations). Gather and submit any necessary documents. Plan your wedding liturgy and meet with the presider of your ceremony. There is no “expedited” timeline for marriage preparation. The process relies on a group of clergy, staff, and volunteers who are dedicated to giving you every tool necessary to build a holy, lasting marriage. Give yourself the gift of time to properly prepare for the rest of your life. Can we have a priest come and marry us at our reception venue? No. Catholic marriage is a sacrament and so it is celebrated within the context of a sanctuary. In exceptional cases, with grave reason, you could be granted special dispensation from the bishop to have your wedding in a church or oratory that is approved by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Approval for this request takes time and is rarely granted. I am Catholic but my fiance is not. Can we still get married in the Catholic Church? Yes. This is called a “ mixed marriage .” The Catholic will be asked to make the following declaration and promise: “I reaffirm my faith in Jesus Christ and with God’s help I intend to continue living that faith in the Catholic Church.” “I promise to do all in my power to share the faith I have received with our children by having them baptized and reared as Catholics.” The non-Catholic must be informed of this declaration and promise. During your marriage preparation, we will help you complete the necessary documentation and obtain the dispensation required by the Archdiocese. Can a Catholic Priest, not from this parish, come and marry us? Yes! You will need to confirm that the priest or deacon is available for your wedding date and assist with any travel or accommodations for him. Please have the priest or deacon contact the Marriage Preparation Coordinator so we can secure the proper delegation for him to preside at your marriage ceremony. The priest or deacon will also need to secure a Letter of Suitability from his Diocese or Superior. Can I provide my own musician(s) at my wedding ceremony? Can I choose whatever music I like best? With the approval of the Music Department, an outside musician will be able to participate. While we are open to relatives/friends serving as guest cantors/song leaders, we do have a few guidelines that accompany that privilege. A St. Anthony of Padua staff accompanist and cantor must be present. They will be responsible for singing the Proper & Ordinary parts of the liturgy (Gloria, Gospel Acclamation, Eucharistic Acclamations, etc.) and the Responsorial Psalm. This is done first and foremost to ensure liturgical soundness and to alleviate potential stress for guest musicians/singers. Guest singers are permitted to sing processional/recessional hymns, offertory hymns, communion hymns, or a Marian hymn (for presentation of flowers to Our Lady). For your ceremony, we hope that you choose music that you like, while keeping in mind that your marriage ceremony is a sacred liturgy. As such, all music in the marriage ceremony is a prayer offered to God and must therefore be appropriate to the celebration and express the faith of the Church. We will provide you with guidelines to help you choose music that you love and that gives honor and glory to God. I am married civilly OR I am divorced and re-married civilly and I am now looking for the Catholic church to "Bless our Marriage". Where do I start? Since Convalidation marks the beginning of your sacramental marriage, the preparation for it will be very similar to the preparation that we have for couples who are not already civilly married. Your preparation will focus especially on the sacramentality of marriage, and how we are called to love each other with the sacrificial love of Christ. Many couples who are seeking Convalidation do not want a wedding ceremony, but that is exactly what a Convalidation is. A Convalidation is like any Catholic wedding that you may have attended. The prayers and vows are exactly the same as a couple who is not already civilly married. You will be making new, sacramental vows to each other, and these vows must be professed publicly, in the presence of at least two witnesses. By giving your consent to the marriage, you take on the responsibilities of a Catholic married couple. This is why preparation is such an important part of the process – so that you understand what you are asking of the Church and what is being asked of you in return. To get started in the Convalidation process, please fill out the “Request for Marriage.” The information you provide in the request will help us to know your specific needs and get you on the best path forward for preparation and marriage in the Catholic Church. Please note: if you were married previously to someone else, and that former spouse is still living, you will need to seek an annulment for that marriage, so you will be free to marry in the Catholic Church. Please visit our Annulments page for more information. Matrimonio FAQ'S ¿Cuándo debo contactar a la Iglesia? ¿Qué días puedo casarme por la Iglesia? Debe comunicarse con nosotros 1 año antes de la fecha deseada de su boda. Asegure la fecha de su boda con nosotros antes de asegurar el lugar de la recepción y los proveedores. Las bodas se llevan a cabo en la Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (350 asientos) en: Sábados a la 1:00 pm y 4:00 pm Se pueden celebrar bodas muy pequeñas en la Capilla de la Adoración (40 asientos) en: Sábados a las 11:30 am Las bodas muy grandes pueden celebrarse en la Iglesia Principal (con capacidad para 1200 personas) los: Sábados a las 2:00 pm Otras cosas para tener en cuenta al elegir la fecha y el lugar de la boda: Las bodas suelen celebrarse los sábados. Las bodas también pueden programarse los viernes, dependiendo de la disponibilidad. No podemos organizar bodas en otros días de la semana. No se pueden programar bodas los domingos, días festivos de precepto, días festivos de la parroquia o días festivos de la arquidiócesis. Bodas celebradas durante los tiempos litúrgicos de Adviento (el mes que precede a la Navidad) y Cuaresma (los 40 días que preceden a la Pascua) reflejarán la naturaleza de estas temporadas más tenues. Hablando en términos prácticos, su decoración floral y de la iglesia será menos elaborada, sus selecciones de música y elección de lecturas pueden ser limitadas. La Capilla de la Adoración no dispone de órgano ni de piano, por lo que le recomendamos que mantenga esto en cuenta. ¿Cuáles son los costos involucrados para una boda y/o preparación matrimonial? Se requiere un depósito de $100 para reservar la fecha de su boda. Boda en la Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (tiene capacidad para 350 invitados): $1000 Boda en la Capilla de la Adoración (tiene capacidad para 40 invitados): $500 Boda en la Iglesia Principal (tiene capacidad para 1,200 invitados): $1500 Honorarios de Preparación Matrimonial Cuota separada de evaluación en línea Prepare/Enrich (requerida para todas las parejas que se preparan en San Antonio de Padua): $35.00 Cuota de Preparación Matrimonial Solamente (Doméstica): $200.00 (para parejas que se preparan en San Antonio de Padua, pero se casan en otra Iglesia dentro de los Estados Unidos) Cuota de Preparación Matrimonial (Internacional): $300.00 (para parejas que se preparan en San Antonio de Padua, pero se casan en otra Iglesia fuera de los Estados Unidos) Otros Costos Celebrante: $ TBD por la pareja. Este es un regalo de agradecimiento al sacerdote o diácono que preside su boda. Honorarios de la música y del técnico de A/V: Varía. Estos dependen del tipo y número de músicos que tendrán en su boda y la complejidad de la instalación A/V necesaria. Acólito: $25 (para el Matrimonio dentro de la Misa) Clase de Planificación Familiar Natural (opcional, pero muy recomendable): los precios varían según el proveedor. Otros costos pueden ser incurridos si usted elige completar la preparación matrimonial en otra parroquia, a través de un retiro, o a través de un proveedor en línea. ¿Cuánto tiempo lleva prepararse para el matrimonio? La preparación para el matrimonio tarda al menos 8 meses en completarse si se prepara para el matrimonio y tiene su ceremonia de boda en San Antonio de Padua. Si planea casarse en otro lugar, debe agregar de 1 a 3 meses a su preparación, según el lugar de su boda. (Las bodas celebradas en otra Diócesis, otro estado u otro país aumentan el tiempo necesario para procesar los documentos). No hay un programa “acelerado” para la preparación matrimonial. El proceso se basa en un grupo de clérigos, personal y voluntarios que se dedican a brindarle todas las herramientas necesarias para construir un matrimonio santo y duradero. Date el regalo del tiempo para prepararte adecuadamente para el resto de su vida. ¿Podemos hacer que un sacerdote venga y nos case en nuestro lugar de recepción? No. El matrimonio Católico es un sacramento y por eso se celebra en el contexto de un santuario. En casos excepcionales, con motivo grave, se le podría otorgar una dispensación especial del Obispo para celebrar su boda en una iglesia u oratorio aprobado por la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston. La aprobación de esta solicitud lleva tiempo y rara vez se concede. Soy católico pero mi prometido no lo es. ¿Todavía podemos casarnos en la Iglesia Católica? Sí. Esto se llama un “ matrimonio mixto ”. Se le pedirá al católico que haga la siguiente declaración y promesa: “Reafirmo mi fe en Jesucristo y con la ayuda de Dios me propongo seguir viviendo esa fe en la Iglesia Católica”. “Prometo hacer todo lo que esté a mi alcance para compartir la fe que he recibido con nuestros hijos bautizándolos y criándolos como católicos”. El no católico debe ser informado de esta declaración y promesa. Durante su preparación matrimonial, lo ayudaremos a completar la documentación necesaria y obtener la dispensa requerida por la Arquidiócesis. ¿Puede un sacerdote católico, que no sea de esta parroquia, venir a casarnos? ¡Sí! Deberá confirmar que el sacerdote o diácono está disponible para la fecha de su boda y ayudarlo con cualquier viaje o alojamiento para él. Pídale al sacerdote o diácono que se comunique con el Coordinador de Preparación Matrimonial para que podamos asegurar la delegación adecuada para que él presida su ceremonia de matrimonio. El sacerdote o diácono también deberá obtener una carta de su Diócesis o Superior. ¿Puedo proporcionar mi(s) propio(s) músico(s) en la ceremonia de mi boda? ¿Puedo elegir la música que más me guste? Con la aprobación del Departamento de Música, un músico externo podrá participar. Si bien estamos abiertos a familiares/amigos que sirvan como cantores invitados/líderes de canciones, tenemos algunas pautas que acompañan ese privilegio. Debe estar presente un acompañante y un cantor del personal de San Antonio de Padua. Serán responsables de cantar las partes Propias y Ordinarias de la liturgia (Gloria, Aclamación al Evangelio, Aclamaciones Eucarísticas, etc.) y el Salmo Responsorial. Esto se hace ante todo para garantizar la solidez litúrgica y para aliviar el estrés potencial de los músicos/cantantes invitados. Los cantantes invitados pueden cantar himnos de procesión/recesión, himnos de ofertorio, himnos de comunión o un himno mariano (para la presentación de flores a Nuestra Señora). Para su ceremonia, esperamos que elija la música que más le guste, sin olvidar que su ceremonia matrimonial es una liturgia sagrada. Como tal, toda la música de la ceremonia matrimonial es una oración ofrecida a Dios y, por lo tanto, debe ser apropiada para la celebración y expresar la fe de la Iglesia. Le proporcionaremos guías para ayudarle a elegir la música que más le guste y que dé honor y gloria a Dios. Estoy divorciado, me he vuelto a casar civilmente y ahora busco la iglesia católica para ``Bendecir nuestro matrimonio``. ¿Dónde empiezo? En primer lugar, debemos hablar de su matrimonio anterior. Si su ex-cónyuge aún vive, tendrá que iniciar el proceso de anulación. Incluso si se trataba de un matrimonio civil con un no-católico / católico, este matrimonio todavía necesita una anulación. Por favor visite nuestra página de Anulaciones para más información. Si su ex cónyuge ya no vive, o si ya recibió un decreto de nulidad, puede solicitar una Convalidación para su matrimonio civil actual. Una convalidación es más que tener su matrimonio “bendecido”. Visite nuestra página de Convalidación para obtener más información. Program Contact Tamara Barry Marriage Coordinator tbarry@ap.church 832-482-4123 Katie Krall Adult Faith & Sacraments Manager kkrall@ap.church 832-482-4147 Next Item Previous Item

The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life. Preparation for sacraments looks different for each age group. Sacraments Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law. There are seven: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian's life of faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life. - CCC 1210 Please note: Preparation for the sacraments looks different for each age group. See below for more information on the different programs. Baptism - Infant 0-6 years old "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 More Information Baptism - Youth 7-18 years old Order of Christian Initiation adapted for Children. Children who are at least 7 years old and in 1st through 12th grades and have not been baptized (or were baptized in a faith other than the Catholic Church) will be placed in our wonderful program, OCIA for Children. More Information Baptism - Adult 18+ years old 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. More Information First Reconciliation - Child 2nd-8th Grade 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. More Information First Reconciliation - Teen 9th-12th Grade 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. More Information First Reconciliation - Adult 18+ years old First Reconciliation and First Communion will be through our Adult Confirmation Program – Participants will receive their First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. During the Fall Semester, Adult Confirmation preparation is offered through an 8-10 week course. More Information First Communion - Child 2nd-8th Grade 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. More Information First Communion - Teen 9th-12th Grade 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. More Information First Communion - Adult 18+ years old First Reconciliation and First Communion will be through our Adult Confirmation Program – Participants will receive their First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. During the Fall Semester, Adult Confirmation preparation is offered through an 8-10 week course. More Information Confirmation - Teen 9th-12th Grade 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. More Information Confirmation - Adult 18+ years old Our Adult Confirmation preparation process is intended for baptized Catholics who are now seeking the sacrament of Confirmation. If you are a baptized Catholic, but have not yet received First Communion, we will help you prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion while preparing for Confirmation. More Information Marriage 18+ years old Congratulations on your decision to enter Holy Matrimony in the Catholic Church. The celebration you are planning and the lifelong commitment you are choosing to make are signs of God’s great love for us all. Click below for information. More Information Annulments 18+ years old The ending of a marriage is a difficult experience. Many marriages end in divorce in spite of good intentions. We are sensitive to the pain and stress a failed marital relationship brings to those involved. We are here to assist those who want to know more about how to file a petition for an annulment. Request Form Holy Orders 18+ years old 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. Houston Vocations Anointing of the Sick All Ages 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. We highly encourage anyone who is struggling with a serious illness of mind, body, or spirit, or who is anticipating surgery, to plan on attending one of our Anointing of the Sick masses. More Information Certificate Request All Ages Did you receive your sacraments here at St. Anthony’s? Are you in need of a re-issuance of one of your Certificates? If you need a new certificate, please submit an online Certificate Request Form. Request Form Funerals "Fear not, for I am with you." Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in thy eternal and everlasting glory, and with the blessed Virgin Mary and all thy saints, to receive the crown of life which thou dost promise to all who share in the victory of thy Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. More Information

Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in thy eternal and everlasting glory, and with the blessed Virgin Mary and all thy saints, to receive the crown of life which thou dost promise to all who share in the victory of thy Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. Funerals Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in thy eternal and everlasting glory, and with the blessed Virgin Mary and all thy saints, to receive the crown of life which thou dost promise to all who share in the victory of thy Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. "Fear not, for I am with you." Funeral Request- For A Loved One We are here to assist you in the planning of a Funeral Mass following the death of a loved one. Before filling out the Funeral Request Form, we ask that you read through the following three documents and contact Deacon Scott Broussard for an appointment. The Guidelines for Christian Burial will give you an overview from the Archdiocese. Planning the Funeral Liturgy will help you plan the funeral logistics. ( Planificación de la liturgia funeraria. ) Readings & Music Selection Guide will help you navigate the selection of readings and music for the Mass. ( Lecturas y música para funerales en español. ) Funeral Request - For a Loved One Funeral Pre-Planning Funeral pre-planning can be done at any time. Please contact Deacon Scott Broussard for an appointment if you are interested in pre-planning for yourself or a loved one. Pre-Planning Form DONATIONS: To celebrate a loved one who has passed, many families suggest making a memorial donation online. Please put their name in the memo line so we know who the gift is honoring. FEE PAYMENTS: If you need the option to pay funeral fees by bank card, please use the link below. Make a Memorial DONATION Make a Funeral FEE PAYMENT Program Contact Dcn. Scott Broussard Deacon & Liturgy Manager sbroussard@ap.church 832-482-4061 Amy Cordova Liturgy Assistant acordova@ap.church 832-482-4209 Next Item Previous Item

St. Martin de Porres was a Dominican lay brother and mystic born in Lima, Peru, the son of a Spanish nobleman and a freed Panamanian slave. Despite facing discrimination, he devoted his life to caring for the sick, poor, and enslaved. He joined the Dominicans in 1594 and performed humble tasks while also founding an orphanage and hospital. Known for his humility and charity, he was gifted with miracles such as bilocation and levitation. A close friend of St. Rose of Lima, he died in 1639. St. Martin is the patron saint of interracial justice. St. Martin de Porres Time Period: 1579-1639 Feast Day: November 3 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Dominican Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Martin de Porres was a Dominican mystic and friend of St. Rose of Lima. He was born in Lima, Peru, the illegitimate son of a Spanish Knight, John de Porres, and a freed Panamanian slave named Anna. In 1594, Martin became a Dominican lay brother in Lima and served in various menial offices. Outside of the monastery he became known for his care of the poor and the sick. Martin founded an orphanage and ministered to African slaves brought to Lima. He was aided by St. Rose of Lima, who respected his penances and labors. Martin experienced many mystical gifts, including bilocation and aerial flights. When he was dying in Rosary Convent on November 3, the viceroy, the count of Cichon, knelt by his bed, seeking Martin’s blessing. Martin de Porres is the patron of interracial justice. Next Item Previous Item

Parish Councils We, the people of St. Anthony of Padua, are a joyful Roman Catholic Community. We believe Our Lord calls us beyond membership to become His true disciples and live as One Body in Christ. Therefore, we choose to use our unique gifts to build a welcoming, interconnected gathering of the faithful that will be a beacon, a light to the world. - Parish Mission Statement, Adopted September 8, 1997. Pastoral Council The Pastoral Council is a chief consultative body to the pastor. Consultation is a sharing of wisdom through discernment, prayer, planning and collaboration that enables the parish to carry out its mission. The pastoral council discerns issues that impact the lives of parishioners: prays, studies, and discusses those issues; and recommends practical ways of addressing them. If you have questions about the Pastoral Council, contact pastoralcouncil@ap.church . Development Council The Development Council is a collaborative group that works with the pastor to nurture a culture of stewardship and advance the parish’s long-term goals. It promotes the sharing of time, talent, and treasure; advises the pastor on growth initiatives; and helps secure resources to support the Church’s mission. If you have questions about the Development Council, contact our Staff Liaison, Joe Corona at jcorona@ap.church . Finance Council The primary purpose of the Finance Council is consultative. The Council is responsible for assisting the Pastor with parish financial administration, with the specific mandate to assist the pastor in the administration of parish goods. If you have questions about the Finance Council, contact our Staff Liaison, Barbara Beale at bbeale@ap.church . Pro-Life Council The Pro-Life Ministry 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, from natural conception to natural death. If you have questions about the Pro-Life Council, visit ap.church/prolife . Previous Item Next Item

St. Thérèse Couderc was born Marie-Victoire Couderc in 1805 in Ardèche, France. She was the fourth of twelve children in a humble farming family. Inspired by a mission preached by Fr. Terme, she joined his congregation and took the name Sister Thérèse. She helped transform a hostel in La Louvesc into a house of prayer, leading to the foundation of the Sisters of the Cenacle, focused on retreats and spiritual renewal. Despite being sidelined in leadership, she remained humble and obedient, contributing quietly to the congregation's growth. St. Thérèse Couderc Time Period: 1805-1885 Feast Day: September 26 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Foundress Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Clothing The fourth of the twelve children of Claude Michel and Anne Méry, Marie-Victoire Couderc was born on 1 February 1805 in Mas de Sablières, between the countryside and mountains of Vivarais, in the department of Ardèche. Peasants with few resources, her parents were able to provide her with an education only between the ages of 17 and 20, at the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Les Vans. Her entire life was spent in villages and towns (Aps, Les Vans, Sablières, La Louvesc) in the diocese of Viviers. In 1825, Maria Vittoria had the opportunity to listen to the missionary Father Terme, who came to her town for a series of preaching. He was a priest also known as the founder (1821) of the teaching nuns, called “of Saint Francis Régis” (from the name of the great Jesuit evangelizer of the seventeenth century, who died while preaching in these lands and was buried in La Louvesc). This meeting helped her find a path. Father Terme welcomed her among his nuns, and in 1827 she took her vows with the name of Sister Teresa. The following year she went up with two nuns to the thousand meters of La Louvesc, to run a hostel that in the summer welcomed women and girls on pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint Francis Régis. There, in 1829, she was already a reformer: the hostel became a house of prayer. The diversification of tasks leads to a distinction between the nuns: the teachers remain “Sisters of Saint Francis Régis”; those involved in spiritual retreats take the name of “Ladies of the retreat at the Cenacle”. In 1834, after the death of Father Terme, Teresa places herself under the guidance of Father Renault, provincial of the Jesuits, who in 1836 separates the teaching nuns from those of the retreat. It is she who leads the latter, but not for long. In 1838 she is dismissed, and in her place a woman who has recently entered the institute is appointed, with the title of countess. (She will then be dismissed before she damages the institute). Teresa responds to all this by inviting her sisters to obey the new arrival. Once the countess is “fired”, Teresa remains in the corner: for many she is now “the elder”. They will then call her to face a crisis in the community of Paris. She will be local superior here and there, but excluded from the top; and always very sure of working for the Institute of the Cenacle just like that, from offense to offense. She repeats that one must abandon oneself to God (se livrer). She obeys, is silent, sees the community grow, which takes the name of “Our Lady of the Cenacle”, spread throughout the world as a “simple and happy religious formula: a synthesis of contemplative life and active life; of personal, community and social life, of silence and of speech" (Paul VI). Mother Teresa, after having given this gift to the Church, goes from one small community to another. Sick, she does not ask to be healed, but to know how to face evil. While the Institute opens to France and the world, she is peripheral superior in Fourvières, and the announcement of her death is given by the sisters with the singing of the Magnificat. Paul VI will proclaim her a saint in 1970. Her body is kept in an urn in the cenacle of La Louvesc-Ardèche (France). https://www.causesanti.va/it/santi-e-beati/teresa-couderc.html Next Item Previous Item

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Korea's first priest and a martyr, exemplified unwavering faith and apostolic zeal. Born into a time of severe Christian persecution, he risked his life to evangelize in secret, identifying fellow believers through discreet signs and whispered confirmations. As a seminarian, he endured extreme hardships, including near-fatal journeys to welcome foreign missionaries. Executed in 1846 for his faith, he was canonized in 1984 as the leader of the Martyrs of Korea. His perseverance and courage continue to inspire, calling all Christians to evangelize with joy and unwavering commitment, even in the face of adversity. St. Andrew Kim Taegon Time Period: 1821-1846 Feast Day: September 20 Title/Attributes: Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon, was a martyr and Korea's first priest. His life was and remains an eloquent testimony of zeal for the proclamation of the Gospel. About 200 years ago, the Korean land was the scene of a very severe persecution: Christians were persecuted and annihilated. At that time, believing in Jesus Christ in Korea meant being ready to bear witness unto death. Specifically from the example of Saint Andrew Kim, we can draw out two concrete aspects of his life. The first is the way in which he had to meet with the faithful. Given the highly intimidating context, the saint was forced to approach Christians in a discreet manner, and always in the presence of other people, as if they had been talking to each other for a while. Then, in order to confirm his interlocutor's Christian identity, Saint Andrew would implement these devices: first, there was a previously agreed upon sign of recognition: you will meet with this Christian and he will have this sign on his outfit or in his hand, after which he would surreptitiously ask the question but under his breath "Are you a disciple of Jesus?" Since other people were watching the conversation, the saint had to speak in a low voice, saying only a few words, the most essential ones. Thus, for Andrew Kim, the expression that summed up the whole identity of the Christian was "disciple of Christ." "Are you a disciple of Christ?" but in a soft voice because it was dangerous. It was forbidden to be a Christian. Indeed, being a disciple of the Lord means following him, following his path. And the Christian is by nature one who preaches and bears witness to Jesus. Every Christian community receives this identity from the Holy Spirit, and so does the whole Church, since the day of Pentecost (cf. Vatican Council ii, Decree Ad Gentes, 2). And it is from this Spirit that we receive passion, passion for evangelization, this great apostolic zeal. It is a gift of the Spirit. And even if the surrounding context is not favorable like the Korean context of Andrew Kim the passion does not change. On the contrary, it becomes even more valuable. Saint Andrew Kim and other Korean believers have demonstrated that witnessing to the Gospel in times of persecution can bear much fruit for the faith. Now let us look at a second concrete example. When he was still a seminarian, Saint Andrew had to find a way to secretly welcome missionaries from abroad. This was not an easy task, as the regime of the time strictly forbade all foreigners from entering the territory. This is why it had been so difficult to find a priest that would come to do missionary work, before this: the laity undertook the mission. One time, he walked in the snow, without eating, for so long that he fell to the ground exhausted, risking unconsciousness and freezing. At that point, he suddenly heard a voice, "Get up and keep walking!" Hearing that voice, Andrew reawakened, and caught a glimpse of something like the shadow of someone who was guiding him. This experience of the great Korean witness makes us understand a very important aspect of apostolic zeal; namely, the courage to get back up when one falls. But do saints fall? Yes! Indeed, from the earliest times. Think of Saint Peter: he committed a great sin, but he found strength in God's mercy and got up again. And in Saint Andrew, we see this strength. He had fallen physically but he had the strength to go, go, go to carry the message forward. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2023/documents/20230524-udienza-generale.html Next Item Previous Item

Order of Christian Initiation adapted for Children. Children who are at least 7 years old and in 1st through 12th grades and have not been baptized (or were baptized in a faith other than the Catholic Church) will be placed in our wonderful program, OCIA for Children.  Baptism - Youth Order of Christian Initiation adapted for Children. Children who are at least 7 years old and in 1st through 12th grades and have not been baptized (or were baptized in a faith other than the Catholic Church) will be placed in our wonderful program, OCIA for Children. 7-18 years old If you are interested in learning more about your child Becoming Catholic , please read through the information below. Children who are at least 7 years old and in grades 1st - 12th grade and have not been baptized or were baptized in another faith are elligible to become Catholic in this program. In accordance with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, St. Anthony's prepares children over two years. The first year, the child must regularly attend a Faith Formation class corresponding to their grade level. Children should also attend Mass weekly with their families. If your child has not received any formation up to this point, begin by enrolling them in a year of Faith Formation during open registration in the fall from August 1st to August 31st. Visit ap.church/registration . The second year, the child must regularly attend the "Becoming Catholic" program. Children should also attend Mass weekly with their families. Enrolled children and teens who haven’t been baptized in any faith will receive Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation during the Easter Vigil Mass. Children and teens who were baptized in a faith other than Catholic will make a Profession of Faith, and receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation during the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass. Child and parent(s) will meet with program administrators before beginning the second year to ensure readiness for this program. 7 Years to 8th Grade OCIA for Children participants attend faith formation as they did in the first year of preparation, and then meet once a month for sacrament-specific formation. YEAR 1 : Child will attend weekly Faith Formation classes. Open registration is in the fall from August 1st to August 31st. Elementary sessions are offered on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays for 2nd-5th grades. Intermediate/Junior High session time is Sunday afternoon for 6th-8th grades. Visit ap.church/registration for more information and to sign up. YEAR 2 : For children who are determined ready to continue, the second year consists of the following components for the family to attend. OCIA participants and their families will sit together at the 9:00AM Mass on Sundays. During Mass, children are dismissed after the homily (around 9:30AM) for Breaking Open the Word (BOW). After Mass/Breaking Open the Word, children attend a weekly session until 11:15AM. Parents join the children at once-a-month sessions after attending the 9AM Mass. Parents and children attend once-a-month Sacrament Preparation sessions on a selected Tuesday or Wednesday evening. 9th to 12th Grade High school-aged children will participate in Youth Ministry programs for 2 years. The second year of formation will take place on Wednesday nights as a part of the Teen Confirmation Program, which meets on Wednesday Nights, instead of the Sunday morning classes. YEAR 1: Teen will attend weekly Faith Formation classes. Open registration is in the fall from August 1st to August 31st. Life Teen sessions are offered on Sunday evenings only from 7:30 to 9:00PM only. Visit stanthonyym.org/confirmationyear1 for more information. YEAR 2: High school aged children will participate in Youth Ministry programs for 2 years. The second year of formation will take place on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30PM as a part of the Teen Confirmation Program. Visit stanthonyym.org/confirmationyear2 for more information. Program Contact Diane Czerniak Elementary Faith Formation Manager dczerniak@ap.church 832-482-4037 Angie Muckenthaler Confirmation Coordinator amuckenthaler@ap.church 832-482-4038 Next Item Previous Item

St. Caesarius was born in 470 in France and became bishop of Arles in 503 after briefly living as a monk. A tireless reformer, he brought the Divine Office to local parishes, founded a convent, and appointed his sister, St. Caesaria, as abbess. Falsely accused and exiled by King Alaric II, he was soon restored. Pope St. Symmachus later granted him the pallium and appointed him apostolic delegate to France. Revered for his leadership at synods, especially the Council of Orange in 529, Caesarius retired in 536 and died on August 27, leaving a lasting legacy of pastoral reform and holiness. St. Caesarius of Arles Time Period: 470-543 Feast Day: August 27 Title/Attributes: Bishop, Confessor Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Caesarius of Arles was born in Burgundy, France in 470 of a Gallic-Roman family. He spent a brief time as a monk in Lerins but was forced to depart from the community when he became ill. His uncle, the bishop of Arles, ordained Caesarius and sent him to reform a local monastery. He succeeded his uncle, Eonus, as bishop of Arles in 503. Caesarius instituted many reforms, brought the Divine Office into the local parishes, and founded a convent, placing his sister St. Caesaria there as abbess. In 505, Caesarius was banished by the Gothic King Alaric II because of a false accusation. He was restored soon after. When Theodoric the Great, king of the Ostrogoths, besieged Arles, Caesarius was arrested, but he met with Theodoric and was pardoned. He then went to Rome, where Pope St. Symmachus gave him the pallium (a significant liturgical vestment symbolizing the Archbishop’s communion with the Pope, pastoral authority, and imitation of Christ, the Good Shepherd) and made him the apostolic delegate to France. When the Franks captured Arles in 536, Caesarius retired to St. John’s Convent. He was revered for his more than forty years of service and for presiding over Church synods and councils, including the Council of Orange in 529. He died on August 27. Next Item Previous Item

St. Margaret of Antioch, an early virgin martyr and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, was the daughter of a pagan priest. Raised by a Christian woman, she embraced the faith and consecrated her virginity to God, prompting her father to disown her. When Governor Olybrius proposed marriage and demanded she renounce Christianity, she refused and was tortured. Miracles reportedly occurred during her suffering, including defeating Satan in the form of a dragon. She was eventually beheaded. Margaret later appeared to St. Joan of Arc and is invoked for protection against dangers and diseases as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. St. Margaret of Antioch Time Period: 289-304 Feast Day: July 20 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Martyr, Holy Helper Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Margaret of Antioch is one of the early virgin martyrs of the church and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Margaret was the daughter of a pagan priest and her mother died during childbirth. Margaret was raised and nursed by a Christian woman. She soon embraced Christianity and consecrated her virginity to God. Her father disowned her for her faith. Olybrius, a Governor in the Roman Empire asked to marry her and demanded that she renounce her faith. She refused and was tortured. During her torture, various miracles occurred, including defeating a Satan in the form of a dragon. Margaret was eventually beheaded. Margaret is one of the saints that spoke to St. Joan of Arc. She is also one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers who are a group of saints venerated together in Catholic tradition because their intercession is believed to be particularly effective against specific diseases and dangers. Each saint is invoked for aid regarding particular ailments or needs. The Fourteen Holy Helpers are: Acacius, Barbara, Blaise, Catherine of Alexandria, Christopher, Cyriacus, Denis, Erasmus of Formia, Eustace, George, Giles, Margaret of Antioch, Pantaleon, and Vitus. Next Item Previous Item