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): $250.00 ( for couples preparing at St. Anthony’s, but marrying elsewhere within the United States Marriage Preparation Only Fee (International): $350.00 (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): $250.00 (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): $350.00 (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 Next Item Previous Item

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, born in 1647 in Burgundy, France, was a mystic and key promoter of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. After recovering from illness in her youth, she joined the Visitation convent at Paray-le-Monial in 1671. Beginning in 1673, she received visions of Christ over eighteen months, revealing His desire for devotion to His Sacred Heart. Initially doubted, her experiences were validated by St. Claude de la Colombière. She spent the rest of her life fostering this devotion. She died in 1690 and was canonized in 1920. Pope Clement XIII approved the devotion in 1765. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Time Period: 1647-1690 Feast Day: October 16 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: From the coffin St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was a mystic and leader of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was born on July 22, 1647 in L’Haute-cour, in Burgundy, France. When her father, Claude Alacoque, died, Margaret Mary was sent to the Poor Clare school at Charolles. There she was bedridden for five years with rheumatic fever, regaining her health at the age of fifteen. In 1671, Margaret Mary entered the Visitation convent at Paray-le-Monial and was professed the following year. She experienced visions, and on December 27, 1673, she began having revelations that lasted for eighteen months. She was informed by Christ that she was his instrument in spreading devotion to his Sacred Heart. After being rebuffed by her superior and local churchmen, Margaret Mary’s visions were declared genuine by St. Claude de la Colombiere. In 1683, she was given positions in her community and witnessed the spread of devotion to the Sacred Heart. She died at Paray-le-Monial on October 17, 1690 and was canonized in 1920. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque is called a “Saint of the Sacred Heart.” The devotion was approved by Pope Clement XIII in 1765. Next Item Previous Item

Volunteer Opportunities Are you looking to give your time and volunteer at St. Anthony's? Below are 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 Liturgy Hospitality Outreach Liturgy Hospitality Evangelization Evangelization 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 went on mission June 2026. Watch their personal testimonies! 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. More Information 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 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 Loving Choice Pregnancy Center Outreach Loving Choice Pregnancy Center provides free pregnancy tests, compassionate support, and information for women facing an unexpected pregnancy. Their volunteers offer a listening ear and guidance in a caring, judgment-free environment. 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 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 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 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 Outreach Liturgy Hospitality Evangelization BACK TO TOP

Beneficiary Designation Naming our parish as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy, or other financial asset is a simple way to make a lasting impact without changing your will or trust. Beneficiary Designations: A Simple Way to Leave a Legacy One of the easiest ways to make a meaningful gift to St. Anthony of Padua is by naming our parish as a beneficiary on your accounts. This option does not require rewriting your will or trust. Instead, you simply complete a beneficiary designation form. These forms are free and easy to update at any time. Assets for Beneficiary Designations • Retirement Plans: IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and other qualified plans. • Life Insurance Policies: New or existing policies where the church is named as a primary or contingent beneficiary. • Financial Accounts: Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs) designated as "Payable on Death" (POD). • Brokerage Accounts: Investment accounts, stocks, or mutual funds designated as "Transfer on Death" (TOD). • Commercial Annuities and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) . Benefits to You: • You retain full ownership and control of your assets during your lifetime. • You can change your designation at any time if your circumstances or intentions change. • Your estate may receive potential tax benefits, since these gifts typically pass outside of probate. • Every dollar from an IRA goes directly to St. Anthony which avoids income taxes for other beneficiaries of your estate. • It is often as easy as completing a one-page form from your provider. How It Works: 1. Request a beneficiary designation form from your provider. 2. List St. Anthony of Padua as a primary or contingent beneficiary for all or part of the account or policy. If listed, include below: Address: 7801 Bay Branch Drive; The Woodlands, TX 77381 Employer Identification Number (EIN)/ Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): 76-0545136 3. Return the form to your provider. 4. Your gift will be transferred directly to the parish after your lifetime, ensuring your legacy of faith continues. For questions, please contact: Joe Corona Email: jcorona@ap.church We encourage you to consult with your estate attorney, financial or tax advisor. Next Item Previous Item

Access tools, AV support, scheduling, Safe Environment, and parish planning resources for ministry leaders at St. Anthony of Padua in The Woodlands, TX. Ministry Leader Resources Communication Requests AV Equipment Internet for Volunteers Scheduling Meetings Room Use & Safety Room Configuration Ministry Expenses Safe Environment Fellowship Sunday 5-Year Pastoral Plan Parish Councils Privacy Policy BACK TO TOP

First Reconciliation and First Communion preparation for adults will occur through our Becoming Catholic/Adult Confirmation Process. During the process, participants will prepare for and receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. First Reconciliation - Adult First Reconciliation and First Communion preparation for adults will occur through our Becoming Catholic/Adult Confirmation Process. During the process, participants will prepare for and receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. 18+ years old First Reconciliation and First Communion preparation for adults will occur through our Becoming Catholic/Adult Confirmation Process. During the process, participants will prepare for and receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. Baptized Catholics will be Confirmed by the local bishop at a special Adult Confirmation Mass. We will work with you to prepare you to participate in that celebration. Please complete the Adult Confirmation Request Form to get started. Adult Confirmation Request Form Program Contact Katie Krall Adult Faith & Sacraments Manager kkrall@ap.church 832-482-4147 Next Item Previous Item

One of the most important philosophers in the history of the Catholic church, Saint Justin Martyr was the first known writer to quote from the Acts of the Apostles and his deeply profound writings made an indelible impact and contribution to Christian theology. Of all Justin’s writings, only a portion survive, but three are held in the highest regard amidst Christian apologetics: his two Apologies, and Dialogue with Tryphon. With his ardent defense of the faith, his use of philosophical wisdom, and hunger for undeniable truth, there is much we can learn from the inspiring Saint Justin Martyr. St. Justin Time Period: 100-165 Feast Day: June 1 Title/Attributes: Apologist, Martyr Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones Every human during their time on Earth is searching for something – purpose, fame, fortune, love, etc. For Saint Justin Martyr, his search was for truth, and he found it in the one true God: Jesus Christ. One of the most important philosophers in the history of the Catholic church, he was the first known writer to quote from the Acts of the Apostles and his deeply profound writings made an indelible impact and contribution to Christian theology. Born around the year 100 A.D. in Flavia Neapolis, Palestine (the present-day city of Nablus), Justin was born to pagan parents and became extremely well educated to the teachings of Stoicism, Platonism and other pagan philosophies. He developed a profound love for truth, and sought it out through multiple philosophical schools, but none of them quenched his thirst. He pinballed from one teaching to the other, but whether it was a philosopher too eager for his fee or a teacher unable to explain God’s being adequately to the student, he was left unsatisfied, until a chance encounter changed his life. Justin’s writings depict him crossing paths with an old man walking along the seashore, who engaged in a dialogue about God that kindled a fire in his soul. The old man imparted on Justin the testimony of prophets and their increased reliability over the flawed reasoning of philosophers. In his second-century Christian apologetic text Dialogue with Trypho, Justin recounts the man telling him “There existed, long before this time, certain men more ancient than all those who are esteemed philosophers, both righteous and beloved by God, who spoke by the Divine Spirit, and foretold events which would take place, and which are now taking place. They are called prophets. These alone both saw and announced the truth to men, neither reverencing nor fearing any man, not influenced by a desire for glory, but speaking those things alone which they saw and which they heard, being filled with the Holy Spirit.” Justin’s writings make it clear that he admired Christians from afar because of the beauty found in the way their profound morals shaped their lives. While a disciple of Plato, he had been skeptical of the accusations he heard regarding Christians, due to how they were “intrepid in the face of death and of all that men fear.” From what he was witnessing and learning, he felt that it was “impossible that they should be living in evil and in the love of pleasure.” After talking with the man by the beach, he finally understood the witness of Christians who “preferred truth to life.” The final cementing on the Christianity’s proof of truth for Justin was the witness of martyrdom; plenty of people had died for Jesus Christ, but nobody died for the teachings of Socrates. Justin soon renounced his former religion, becoming a Christian in the year 132, most likely in the city of Ephesus, located in modern Turkey. He began traveling far and wide, inspired with the passion of his Christian faith, to proclaim his newfound philosophy in hopes of converting educated pagans to the Lord. He spent a decent amount of time in Rome, establishing a school, debating cynics, writing wise apologetical works, and creating a fair share of non-Christian enemies in the process. Many of his teachings clashed with those of various Roman, Greek and Jewish scholars, and during the reign of Marcus Aurelius in Rome, Justin debated with the cynic Crescens, who would in turn denounce him as seditious to the authorities. Justin was arrested for being a Christian, a faith of which was under heavy persecution at the time by Aurelius, and after he refused to offer a sacrifice to pagan gods, he was tried, found guilty, and condemned to death in the year 165, alongside six companions. He died by execution, and authentic records of his martyrdom, by beheading, still exist to this day. Of all Justin’s writings, only a portion survive, but three are held in the highest regard amidst Christian apologetics: his two Apologies, and Dialogue with Tryphon. In the First Apology, Justin vehemently defended his fellow Christians against the accusations of atheism and open hostility towards them from the Roman state. He also dove into the core of his Christian philosophy, which was rooted in the term logos, the Greek word for “intellect” or “word.” Justin explained that logos enables humankind to understand basic truths all around them (time, creation, good & evil, etc.), but that Jesus Christ alone was the divine logos, and the ultimate truth. His writings went on to continually defend Christianity from Roman attack, provide incredible descriptions of the beauty contained within the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist, and compared core Christian beliefs with the beliefs of the Greco-Roman religion, to demonstrate the truth and beauty that was weaved throughout Christianity like a beautiful tapestry. Justin had an incredible knowledge of scripture – many scholars find his writings particularly informative thanks to his understanding of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. His writings established a solid foundation of salvation history, as well as a principal history of the Catholic church, from his writings regarding the sacraments. With his ardent defense of the faith, his use of philosophical wisdom, and hunger for undeniable truth, there is much we can learn from Saint Justin Martyr. He was unafraid to learn more, to grow in his faith, and to follow the Truth all the way unto death. Next Item Previous Item

Meet the priests, deacons, and parish staff of St. Anthony of Padua, serving our community through faith, sacraments, and ministries in English and Spanish. Clergy and Staff Priests Fr. Jesse Garcia Pastor (Bilingüe) sdewlen@ap.church 832-482-4121 Fr. Renni Ariplackal Hospital Chaplain frrenni@ap.church 832-482-4121 Fr. Mathew Thottiyil Parochial Vicar frmathew@ap.church 832-482-4121 Fr. Vincent Tran Parochial Vicar frvincent@ap.church 832-482-4121 Deacons Dcn. Bill Bane Deacon bbane@ap.church 281-419-8700 Dcn. Dan Dragone Deacon ddragone@ap.church 281-419-8700 Dcn. Duane Poage Deacon dpoage@ap.church 281-419-8700 Dcn. Eduardo Mejia Deacon (Bilingüe) emejia@ap.church 281-419-8700 Dcn. Franco Knoepffler Deacon (Bilingüe) fknoepffler@ap.church 281-419-8700 Dcn. Mike Krall Deacon mkrall@ap.church 281-419-8700 Dcn. Mitch Vicknair Deacon mvicknair@ap.church 281-419-8700 Dcn. Rick Vogel Deacon rvogel@ap.church 281-419-8700 Dcn. Scott Broussard Deacon sbroussard@ap.church 281-419-8700 Dcn. Tom Vicknair Deacon tvicknair@ap.church 281-419-8700 Parish Staff Adriana Flower Food Pantry Manager (Bilingüe) aflower@ap.church 832-482-4210 Amy Cordova Liturgy Assistant acordova@ap.church 832-482-4209 Angie Muckenthaler Confirmation Coordinator amuckenthaler@ap.church 832-482-4038 Ashley White Youth Ministry Administrative Assistant awhite@ap.church 832-482-4119 Carl Mueller Facilities Technician cmueller@ap.church 281-419-8700 Casey Barnes Facilities Planner cbarnes@ap.church 832-482-4060 Cheryl Ray Administrative Assistant cray@ap.church 832-482-4113 Chris Nolin Director of Liturgy & Music cnolin@ap.church 832-482-4125 Claudia Avena Baptism Coordinator (Bilingüe) cavena@ap.church 832-482-4033 Danel Brodie Outreach Coordinator dbrodie@ap.church 832-482-4116 Deborah Weidemann Manager dweidemann@ap.church 832-482-4124 Diane Czerniak Elementary Faith Formation Manager dczerniak@ap.church 832-482-4037 Didi Wright Administrative Assistant dwright@ap.church 832-482-4049 Eric Dao Marketing & Communications Coordinator edao@ap.church 832-482-4039 Erika Reyes Facilities Technician (Bilingüe) ereyes@ap.church 281-419-8700 Franklin Marsan Director of Outreach (Bilingüe) fmarsan@ap.church 832-482-4128 Janine Braun Director of Facilities jbraun@ap.church 832-482-4101 Joe Corona Director of Development jcorona@ap.church 832-482-4203 John Saladino Facilities Technician jsaladino@ap.church 281-419-8700 John Paulus Facilities Technician jpaulus@ap.church 281-419-8700 John Liptrap Facilities Technician jliptrap@ap.church 832-482-4131 Juana Moya Facilities Technician (Bilingüe) jmoya@ap.church 281-419-8700 Julie Moon Evangelization Coordinator jmoon@ap.church 832-482-4054 Kara Hofstede Nursery Coordinator khofstede@ap.church 281-419-8700 Kate Mims Director of Parish Administration kmims@ap.church 832-482-4109 Katie Krall Adult Faith & Sacraments Manager kkrall@ap.church 832-482-4147 Katy Nardone Sacramental Preparation Coordinator knardone@ap.church 832-482-4062 Kevin Johnson Facilities Technician kjohnson@ap.church 832-482-4044 Lauren Curtin Music Accompanist lcurtin@ap.church 832-482-4032 Lillie Harwood Little Saints Manager lharwood@ap.church 832-482-4111 Maria Quintero Elementary Faith Formation Assistant (Bilingüe) mquintero@ap.church 281-419-8700 Mark Vallone Middle School Youth Minister mvallone@ap.church 832-482-4135 Mary Batey Communications, Annulments, & Chapel Manager mbatey@ap.church 832-482-4115 Mary Jo Vogel Elementary Faith Formation Coordinator mvogel@ap.church 832-482-4132 Matt Jennerson High School Youth Minister mjennerson@ap.church 832-482-4217 Melissa Salamanca Music Assistant msalamanca@ap.church 832-482-4059 Michelle Priddy Receptionist mpriddy@ap.church 281-296-2800 Myriam DeKoster Hispanic Hospitality (Bilingüe) mdekoster@ap.church 832-482-4068 Phillip Cooper Audio Engineer pcooper@ap.church 832-482-4072 Shelly Wilson Manager of Youth Ministry & Teen Sacraments swilson@ap.church 832-482-4136 Stephen O'Connell Facilities Manager spoconnell@ap.church 832-482-4130 Susan Dewlen Executive Clergy Assistant sdewlen@ap.church 832-482-4121 Tamara Barry Marriage Coordinator tbarry@ap.church 832-482-4123 Tory Rollins Little Saints Administrative Asst. vrollins@ap.church 832-482-4146 Tracy Miesch Application & Data Administrator tmiesch@ap.church 832-482-4041

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. Anointing of the Sick 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. All Ages The Catholic sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is intended for baptized Catholics suffering from serious physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual illness, especially when facing death. It is not restricted to terminal illness and can be administered multiple times if a person’s health worsens or they relapse. Here are some situations when the sacrament may be appropriate: Serious illness: Cancer, heart disease, chronic illnesses like Parkinson’s, or illnesses that could become life-threatening Advanced age: Elderly people who are weakened, even if not seriously ill Upcoming Surgery: When surgery is due to a serious illness. [Note that if the upcoming surgery is for body enhancements, procedures such as in-vitro fertilization, tubal ligation, a vasectomy, sex reassignment surgery, and so on, do not sign up for this sacrament and instead make an appointment with a priest by emailing sdewlen@ap.church ] Mental illness: Acute depression, anxiety that causes panic attacks or other debilitations, bipolar disorders, or psychoses (such as schizophrenia) Addiction: Drug or alcohol abuse, when it creates a dangerous situation to the person Unconscious or incapacitated: If the person would likely have requested the sacrament Children: If they have sufficient reason (usually 7 years old or older) and would be comforted by this sacrament [if you are not sure, make an appointment or a phone call with a priest by emailing sdewlen@ap.church to schedule it]. If a child is under the age of 7, and has never been baptized, and it has been determined that the child is terminal by a physician, that child can be baptized and confirmed immediately. The sacrament is meant to provide spiritual and physical strength, unite the sick with Christ, and offer courage and peace to endure suffering. While the sacrament forgives venial sins, it does not forgive mortal sins, so if the person is healthy enough, he or she should ask the priest to hear his or her confession and receive absolution before receiving this sacrament of the anointing of the sick. We will have Intercessory Prayer Teams available on the third Saturday of the month immediately following the 10:00 am daily Mass. There is no registration required for those who have a prayer request. Upcoming Anointing of the Sick Masses The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: In the Church's Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, through the ministry of the priest, it is Jesus who touches the sick to heal them from sin – and sometimes even from physical ailment. His cures were signs of the arrival of the Kingdom of God. The core message of His healing tells us of His plan to conquer sin and death by His dying and rising. The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment, by the priest, about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient. When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God's will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the sufferings that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age. Program Contact Susan Dewlen Executive Clergy Assistant sdewlen@ap.church 832-482-4121 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