St. Basil the Great, a Doctor of the Church and Bishop of Caesarea, was a key defender of orthodoxy against Arianism. Along with his brother St. Gregory of Nyssa and St. Gregory Nazianzus, he was one of the Three Cappadocians. Raised in a devout family, he studied in Caesarea and Constantinople before embracing monastic life, earning the title Father of Eastern Monasticism. As bishop, he cared for the poor, defended Church rights, and opposed heresy. His writings, including On the Holy Spirit and the Liturgy of St. Basil, remain influential. He died in 379, beloved by many. St. Basil the Great Time Period: 330-379 Feast Day: January 2 Title/Attributes: Bishop, Doctor of the Church Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Basil the Great is a Doctor of the Church, Bishop of Caesarea and who was noted, with St. Athanasius, as a great defender of Christian orthodoxy against Arianism. With his brother St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. Gregory Nazianzus, Basil is one of “the Three Cappadocians” who distinguished themselves in Church history. Basil was the son of St. Basil the Elder and Emmelia, the daughter of a martyr, and was one of ten children, three of whom – Basil, Gregory, and Macrina – became saints. Largely raised by his grandmother, he studied at Caesarea, his native town, and at Constantinople, where he developed his long friendship with St. Gregory Nazianzus. Having obtained a superb education, he returned to Caesarea as a teacher. He soon also underwent a profound spiritual transformation, embarking on a journey in 357 to the monasteries of Egypt, Palestine, and Mesopotamia. Returning, he founded a monastic community near Annesi, where his sister Macrina had already established a religious house. Basil’s innovations within the monastic community, especially his rule, earned him the title Father of Eastern Monasticism. The rule of St. Basil is still followed by the members of the religious life in the lands of the Orthodox Churches. In 360, he was finally convinced to depart his hermitage and take part in a council at Constantinople. Subsequently ordained with great reluctance, he played a major role in the administration of the diocese of Caesarea under Bishop Eusebius, so much so that the two entered into a dispute. Basil withdrew to his monastic community but was recalled in 365 at the insistence of Gregory Nazianzus. In 370, he was chosen to succeed to the see of Caesarea that had by now acquired the status of metropolitan. His appointment was a great pleasure to St. Athanasius but was greeted with suspicion by the ardent Arian Emperor Valens. Over the next nine years he was noted for his care of the poor, his efforts at the defense of ecclesiastical rights, and most of all, for his steadfast opposition to heresy, especially Arianism. When defending himself before Valens, Basil was so fiery that a courtier questioned his boldness, to which the saint gave his famous reply: “Perhaps you are not familiar with a proper bishop.” Owing to the controversy over Melitius, bishop of Antioch, and the efforts of Valens to reduce Basil’s power, his friendship with Gregory was severely strained. He died on January 1, 379, at a time of terrible upheaval in the Roman Empire both politically (because of the Goths) and religiously (because of the Arians). Because he was so beloved, his funeral was attended by a large weeping crowd, including Christians, Jews, and pagans. Basil was revered for his spiritual achievements and his vast contributions to Christian culture in the fourth century. His letters reveal a remarkably holy and eloquent person, who, while never strong physically, was utterly fearless in defense of orthodoxy or in the face of imperial threats and pressures to conform to the doctrinal trends of the day. Some three hundred sixty-six letters are extant, most from the time after his elevation to the episcopacy. His other writings included: a treatise, On the Holy Spirit; three books against Enomius, an outspoken Arian bishop of Cyzicus; a compilation with Gregory of Nazianzus from the works of Origen in the Philocalia. He is also the ascribed formulator of the Liturgy of St. Basil, still used on certain days in the liturgy of the Greek Orthodox Church. St. Basil the Great is declared a Doctor of the Church which are certain men and women who are revered by the Church for the special value of their writings and preaching and the sanctity of their lives. They each made important and lasting contributions to the faith and are to be recognized for their great merits. To be declared a Doctor of the Church, you have to meet three basic requirements: First, you must have lived a life of exemplary holiness, or insignis vitae sanctitas (outstanding sanctity). In short, you have to be a saint. Second, to be a Doctor of the Church you must have deepened the whole Church's understanding of the Catholic Faith with emins doctrina (eminent teaching). Which is to say, sanctity isn't enough. There are thousands of saints, but only 37 Doctors of the Church. To be a Doctor one must do more than just live the Faith. Rather, one must significantly and profoundly contribute to our understanding of Divine Revelation, helping us to know more deeply some truth about God and His actions in the World. And third, a pope must officially declare you a Doctor. That being said, as the Church understands it, when a pope declares someone a Doctor of the Church, he's not so much making someone a Doctor as he is recognizing what the Holy Spirit has already done - that He has conferred the charism of Doctor upon them. Next Item Previous Item

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

St. Aloysius Gonzaga, born in Italy in 1568, was a nobleman who renounced his title to join the Jesuits. He served as a page in the courts of Philip II of Spain and Francesco de Medici, where he was spiritually guided by St. Charles Borromeo. Despite his aristocratic upbringing, he chose a religious life, excelling in philosophy and mathematics. In 1590, he had a vision foretelling his death. During a famine-induced plague, he cared for the sick, contracted the illness, and died in 1591 after receiving last rites from St. Robert Bellarmine. He is honored as the patron of youth. St. Aloysius Gonzaga Time Period: 1568-1591 Feast Day: June 21 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Jesuit Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Aloysius Gonzaga was a scholar and patron of youth. He was born in Castiglione Castle in Italy on March 9, 1568. He was the eldest son of Ferdinand Gonzaga, the marquis of Mantua-Castiglione, and was sent to serve as a page in the court of King Philip II of Spain in 1581. He also served as a page in the court of Francesco de Medici and came under the spiritual guidance of St. Charles Borromeo. While in the court of Philip II, Aloysius decided to embrace the religious life, choosing the Discalced Carmelites at first and then the Jesuits. In 1584, he returned to Italy, where he won his father's approval to renounce his title and inheritance. He then presented himself to Claudius Acquaviva, the father general of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, on November 25, 1585. A brilliant man and both trained philosopher and mathematician, Aloysius earned honors at the University of Alcala. During his Jesuit novitiate, or early period of training, he was singled out for his intellect and for his piety. In 1590, he received a vision that declared he would die within a year. In the vision, the Archangel Gabriel led Aloysius and St. Anthony of Padua to heaven. When a famine developed in Italy, a form of plague swept across the land. Aloysius cared for the victims, contracted the plague, and died on June 21, 1591, after receiving the last rites from St. Robert Bellarmine. Next Item Previous Item

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. STEP 1 - Review The Guidelines for Christian Burial will give you an overview from the Archdiocese. STEP 2 - Review Planning the Funeral Liturgy will help you plan the funeral logistics. ( Planificación de la liturgia funeraria. ) STEP 3 - Review Readings & Music Selection Guide will help you navigate the selection of readings and music for the Mass. ( Lecturas y música para funerales en español. ) STEP 4 - Click here to schedule an appointment with our liturgy department. This meeting will allow time to discuss what decisions you and your family have made for your loved one. STEP 5 - After your meeting, you will be prepared to answer the questions found on our funeral request form. Please do not submit the form before your appointment. ** Please note that funeral arrangements cannot be finalized until clergy availability has been confirmed. Funeral Request - For a Loved One Funeral Pre-Planning Funeral pre-planning can be done at any time. Please contact our Worship Aid 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 Chris Nolin Director of Liturgy & Music cnolin@ap.church 832-482-4125 Amy Cordova Liturgy Assistant acordova@ap.church 832-482-4209 Next Item Previous Item

Faith formation, Scouts, VBS, and inclusive programs for children K–5 at St. Anthony of Padua in The Woodlands, TX. Learn, pray, and grow in Christ. Children's Ministry Children's Formation A program for children, Kindergarten through Grade 5, our Faith Formation classes focus on the baptismal call to become followers of Jesus Christ. With an emphasis on Scripture and the traditions of the Catholic faith, students participate in the community's worship, prayer and service to others. Parents, the first and best teachers in the faith, are supported by catechists working in partnership with them in the religious education of their children. Love of Christ and the Church, frequent reception of the Sacraments, prayer, and service are encouraged as parents fulfill the obligation to their children in the promises made at baptism. Adult volunteers are needed as catechists (teachers and co-teachers), substitute catechists and assistants to help with planning, publicizing or arranging activities. Classroom Sessions K to 5th grades Our curriculum is the Faith & Life series by Ignatius Press. This program provides a basic foundation of faith and the love of Jesus Christ, through which students respond to God’s call in prayer, mercy, and justice. Students are taught by trained volunteers that include teachers, parents, grandparents and Confirmed teens. We ask that all parents are involved in some way, whether it is as a teacher, teacher assistant, substitute, parent helper, or hall monitor. Classes are offered on the following days and times, and our calendar generally follows the Conroe ISD school calendar. Sunday 2:30 -3:45 PM Sunday 4:15 – 5:30 PM Monday 5:30 – 6:45 PM Wednesday 4:45 – 6:00 PM Classroom Sign Up Homeschool Formation 1st to 8th grades Homeschool is parent-led formation. This program is an online version of the Faith & Life series by Ignatius Press, offering unique and engaging content. It provides a basic foundation of faith and the love of Jesus Christ, through which students respond to God’s call in prayer, mercy, and justice. The online version is available to view on any device and includes a Parent Guide to assist you in leading discussions with your child, furthering their understanding of the material. Our program includes a required in-person Parent Meeting in September to pick up course information. Home Study Sign Up Amazing Grace 1st to 12th grades Amazing Grace is a faith formation ministry to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to children with Adaptive Needs in 1st through 12th grade. "Our belief is that no one, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, should be kept from opportunities of inclusion in faith formation, sacramental preparation, and fellowship with others." This program is designed for the specific needs of each child. We look forward to meeting with you to learn how we can include your son or daughter in a class. Session times are Sundays at 2:30pm or Mondays at 5:30pm. Parents are required to shadow their child during each session. AG on Facebook Circle of Grace The Catholic Church teaches that God has created each of us as unique and special. Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are created “male and female in God’s image” and that God saw this as “very good.” In that goodness, we are meant to respect ourselves and everyone else as persons created and loved by God. Adults assist children to recognize God’s love by helping them to understand that each of us lives and moves in a Circle of Grace. You can imagine your own Circle of Grace by putting your arms above your head then circle down in front of your body including side to side. This circle, front to back, holds who you are in your body and through your senses. It holds your very essence in mind, heart, soul, and sexuality. The goal of the Circle of Grace curriculum is to educate and empower children and young people to actively participate in a safe environment for themselves and others. COG Kindergarten COG Grade 1 COG Grade 2 COG Grade 3 COG Grade 4 COG Grade 5 COG Grade 6 COG Grade 7 COG Grade 8 Program Contacts Mary Jo Vogel Elementary Faith Formation Coordinator mvogel@ap.church 832-482-4132 Katy Nardone Sacramental Preparation Coordinator knardone@ap.church 832-482-4062 Diane Czerniak Elementary Faith Formation Manager dczerniak@ap.church 832-482-4037 Activities for Children Boy Scouts of America 5th to 12th grades Boy Scout Troop 1180. Our mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law. A program for boys 11 to 17 designed to achieve the aims of Scouting through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with counsel of an adult Scoutmaster. If new to scouting, boys can join Scouts BSA if they are at least 10 years old, currently in the fifth grade and register on or after March 1st; or are age 11 but have not reached age 18. BSA Troop 1180 Cub Scouts of America K to 5th grades Cub Scout Pack 1180 is for boys ages 5-10 (Grades K-5). Scouting is “fun with a purpose” – developing character, citizenship, leadership, fitness, and faith through activities and adventures. Annual pack events include Fall and Spring campouts and a Pinewood Derby Race. We’d love to answer your questions about starting your Cub Scout Adventure with Pack 1180! CSA Pack 1180 Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas 1st to 12th grades Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas® is our charter for young girls. “Jetts” ages 6 to 10 and “Junioretts” ages 11 to 18 develop a deeper relationship with God and the Church while living out the motto of Message, Service and Community. JCDA Website Bread of Life Homeschool K to 12th grades Bread of Life – a community of local Catholic homeschool families – provides support to parents through mutual cooperation and friendship. We provide a platform for homeschooling families to connect with other families; a way to discuss relevant topics, gather wisdom, find encouragement and crowd-source information. This makes it possible for members to enrich one another through a broad array of educational, spiritual, and social activities in The Woodlands and surrounding areas. BOL Website Vacation Bible School K to 5th grades Vacation Bible School is offered each summer generally during the second week of June, Monday through Thursday for elementary students who will be attending kindergarten through 6th grade in the following fall school year. Space is limited. Registration for VBS generally opens during the month of March and fills to capacity within a few days. We offer early registration to our committed four-day adult volunteers. Questions can be directed to vbs@ap.church . Church Center BACK TO TOP

The Holy Spirit April 2027 Monthly Meeting View Session Session Transcript Monthly Meeting View Session Session Transcript Isaiah 30:21: "No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, and your ears shall hear a word behind you: “This is the way; walk in it,” when you would turn to the right or the left" John 14:26:"The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name - he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." This month we will focus on Renewal and Charisms. The Holy Spirit, the love between the Father and the Son personified, introduces us into this trinitarian unity. He uses modern charisms to make God less ‘unknown’ to people today, helping the Church to fulfill its role as a sign and instrument of unity for the entire human race. The Holy Spirit: The Spirit draws us into the communion of the Trinity and makes communion possible among us. The Holy Spirit is not merely a divine power that helps us accomplish God’s work. He is Love personified, the eternal Love between the Father and the Son. The Spirit therefore introduces us into the very life of God. The Christian vocation is ultimately a vocation to Trinitarian communion: to live in the relationship of love that is the very life of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And the Spirit continues to act in history through the charisms he gives to the Church. Modern charisms are not competing spiritualities or private gifts added onto Christianity. They are ways in which the Holy Spirit makes some dimension of the Gospel particularly visible and accessible in a particular age. Through the charisms, what can seem abstract or distant becomes concrete. God becomes less unknown. His love acquires a face, a language, a way of life. This is why charisms are always ordered toward communion and mission. The Spirit gives them not simply for our personal sanctification but for the building up of the Body of Christ. The Church, animated by the Spirit and enriched by her charisms, can increasingly become what she is called to be: a sign and instrument of communion with God and of unity among all humanity. MONTHLY GATHERING: Sunday, April 11, 2027 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Located in the Main Church The speaker will be Fr. Don Nesti ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Rev. Donald S. Nesti, C.S.Sp. Rev. Donald S. Nesti, C.S.Sp., is a Catholic priest, theologian, professor, and member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Ordained to the priesthood in 1963, he has devoted more than six decades to priestly ministry, theological education, formation, and helping people encounter the Gospel in the midst of contemporary culture. Fr. Nesti earned his Licentiate and Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and has taught theology at institutions including Duquesne University, the Pontifical College Josephinum, and the University of St. Thomas in Houston. He also served as the tenth president of Duquesne University and as Provincial Superior of the Western Province of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. In 1994, Fr. Nesti founded the Center for Faith and Culture at the University of St. Thomas, where he has served as its director. The Center seeks to explore the relationship between the Gospel and contemporary American culture, reflecting Fr. Nesti’s longstanding commitment to helping the Christian faith engage the world with wisdom, conviction, and love. A gifted teacher and retreat master, Fr. Nesti has lectured extensively and written on theology, faith, culture, and Christian engagement with people of different religious traditions. His work and ministry have given him a rich perspective on how the Gospel is not simply something we believe, but a life that must be lived through the power of the Holy Spirit. For the Embers Evangelization Program, Fr. Nesti will lead us in reflecting on the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who gives life, transforms us from within, and enables us to bring the presence of Christ into the world.

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity were young Christian women martyred in Carthage around 203 AD. Perpetua, a noblewoman with a newborn son, and Felicity, her pregnant slave, were arrested for their faith after they were baptized. Despite pleas from Perpetua’s pagan father to renounce Christianity, she remained steadfast, declaring, “I am a Christian.” In prison, the women suffered hardship—Felicity even gave birth in jail. Perpetua received heavenly visions foreshadowing their martyrdom. During a brutal public execution, they faced wild beasts and the sword with unwavering faith. Their heroic witness inspired many, and Perpetua’s written account became a treasured text in the early Church. St. Felicity Time Period: d. 203 Feast Day: March 7 Title/Attributes: Mother, Martyr Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones Saints Perpetua and Felicity were young women in Carthage around 181-203 AD. Perpetua was a rich young wife in Carthage, who had just given birth to a son. Felicity was Perpetua’s slave, and was about to have a baby of her own. Perpetua’s mother and brothers were Christian, but her father was a pagan. So when Perpetua told her father she wanted to be baptized, he flew into a rage. “Why can’t you just keep your faith secret?” he asked her. “Don’t you know you can be killed for becoming a Christian?” “Do you see this jar of water on the table?” Perpetua asked him. “Can you call it anything but a jar of water? Can you call it a hurricane? Or an elephant?” “No,” her father said. “I’m a Christian,” Perpetua told him. “I can’t call myself anything else.” Her father was so angry he didn’t talk with her for days. While he still wasn’t speaking to her, Perpetua was baptized, along with Felicity and several other slaves. And just as Perpetua’s father feared, when the Roman rulers heard about it, Perpetua and her friends were all arrested, along with her teacher, Saturus. The prison they were thrown in was hot and dark. The guards pushed and shoved the prisoners, even Felicity, who was about to give birth. Worst of all, they took Perpetua’s baby son away from her. She wasn’t allowed to see him until her mother and brother brought the child to her so she could nurse him. Nobody knew what was going to happen next. Would they be set free? Would they be killed? “You should ask God for a vision,” Perpetua’s brother told her. So Perpetua prayed, and that night God gave her a dream. In the dream, she saw a huge bronze ladder. All along it were swords, spears, hooks, and knives. The only possible way to climb it was to always look up, never down. If someone looked away for even a moment, they’d be torn apart. At the bottom of the ladder was a giant serpent, ready to bite anyone who tried to climb. Saturus, Perpetua and Felicity’s teacher, was in the dream too. He started to climb up the ladder. “Don’t let the snake bit you,” he called back to Perpetua. “It will not hurt me,” Perpetua said. “In the name of Jesus Christ.” When the snake heard that name, it bowed its head, afraid. So instead of stepping on the first rung of the ladder, Perpetua stepped on the snake’s head. Then she climbed all the way up the ladder, to a beautiful garden. It was full of thousands of people dressed in white. “Welcome, child,” a man said, and handed her a bowl of sweet milk. Perpetua could still taste the sweetness when she woke up. But when she told her brother the vision, they both knew what it meant: she wouldn’t be set free. She would be killed for her faith. Perpetua’s father came to visit her in jail, weeping. “Have pity on my gray hairs,” he said kissing her hands. “You’ve always been my favorite. Why don’t you just give up your faith?” “We don’t live in our own power,” Perpetua told him, “but in the power of God.” When Perpetua and Felicity and their friends were put on trial, her father came, holding her baby. “Just give a sacrifice for the emperor,” he said. “And this can all be over. Come home and raise your son.” The judge didn’t want to sentence Perpetua to death, either. “Why don’t you just do as your father says?” he asked. But Perpetua and Felicity and their friends refused to deny their faith, so all of them were sentenced to death. In the prison, it came time for Felicity to deliver her child. While the jailers made fun of her, in that hot, dark cell, she went into labor and gave birth to a beautiful daughter. Because Felicity couldn’t care for her little girl, she gave her to a free Christian woman, who promised to adopt her. The judge decreed that Felicity, Perpetua, and their friends should all be killed just two days later, during a feast in the amphitheater, in front of thousands of people who thought that seeing them die was nothing more than watching a game. Waiting in prison, Perpetua had another dream. She dreamed that when she was taken into the amphitheater, she turned into a man. Another man was there to fight her. He tried to trip her, but she kicked him in the face. As she rained blows down on his head, she realized she wasn’t even touching the ground anymore: she was flying. And when she won the fight, she was given a branch as a reward. Saturus had a dream in the prison as well. He dreamed that they were transported by four angels to a beautiful garden, where there were rose trees as big as cypresses, with leaves that sang. In the garden were other people who had been killed for their faith, and a building with walls made of light, where they met a man with a white head, surrounded by four elders. The day of the feast, Perpetua went to the amphitheater with her friends, singing. “You judge us,” they told the people who had come to watch them die. “But God judges you.” First, the men were led into the ring with wild beasts. Perpetua and Felicity watched as their friends were torn apart by leopards, bears, and a wild boar. They crowd loved it. But when Perpetua and Felicity were brought out, the crowd fell silent. They were shocked to see the young mothers stripped and in danger of being trampled by a wild cow. So before the cow could kill them, Perpetua and Felicity were taken out of the ring. Perpetua was in an ecstasy, a trance of faith so deep that she didn’t realize anything had happened to her. “When are we to be thrown to the beasts?” she asked. Her friends and her brother, who had been watching, showed her wounds to her to prove that she had already been sent into the ring. Before they dragged Perpetua and Felicity back out, she said her last words to her brother: “Stand fast in faith,” she told him. “And love one another.” Then Felicity and Perpetua were sent back into the ring. In the ring, a solider had been ordered to kill them by the sword. But the soldier was young. He didn’t know what he was doing, so when he stabbed Perpetua, she cried out in pain, but she wasn’t killed. Finally, Perpetua placed the blade on the neck herself. The young soldier sliced her throat, and she died. But her story wasn’t over, because she had written it down while she was in prison. After her death, it spread around the Roman Empire like wildfire. Some churches even read it during their services. And many of the people who saw how Perpetua and Felicity died became Christians – even the jailer who had held them once in prison. Saint names in Eucharistic Prayer I The first list begins with Mary and Joseph and then the “blessed Apostles and Martyrs,” including Peter, Paul, Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (“the Greater”: the brother of John), John, Thomas, James (“the Lesser”: the son of Alpheus), Matthew, Bartholomew, Simon (“the Zealot”), and Jude (also called Thaddeus). The First List of Saint Names Continuing this first list of saints in Eucharistic Prayer I, as Charles Belmonte notes, “Five popes head the list: St. Peter’s first three successors, Linus, Cletus, Clement; then two popes of the third century, Sixtus II and Cornelius; Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, the intrepid defender of Catholic unity; the deacon Lawrence, who when his persecutor demanded from him the ‘treasures’ of the Church, showed him hundreds of poor people; Chrysogonus, a Roman priest who carried out the holy work of comforting the Christians who were in prison; two brothers, John and Paul, both officers of the [Roman] imperial palace, who were put to death under [the emperor] Julian the Apostate; and lastly, Cosmas and Damian, two Oriental physicians who gave their aid freely, and at whose graves there occurred ‘yet more cures than they had effected in their lives’” (Understanding the Mass, p. 158). The Second List of Saint Names As for the second list of saints in Eucharistic Prayer I, we ask for “some share in the fellowship” of several saints who were martyrs. Belmonte continues, “It mentions, in the first place, John (here obviously St. John the Baptist), and then seven men, followed by seven women, all martyrs. Stephen is the first deacon, whose glorious martyrdom is recounted in the Acts of the Apostles (6:8-7:60). Two apostles come next: Matthias, elected to take the place of Judas (Acts 1:15-16) and probably left out of the first list so as not to exceed the number of twelve, and Barnabas, St. Paul’s companion in his first missionary journey. Ignatius is the famous bishop of Antioch, sentenced to be fed to the wild beasts in Rome under [emperor] Trajano. Besides their names and the place of their martyrdom, little else is known of Alexander, the priest Marcellinus, and the exorcist Peter, who were all put to death in the great persecution of [emperor] Diocletian. The list continues with the names of the two young girls, Felicity and Perpetua (their names form the expression ‘everlasting happiness’), who confessed their faith at Carthage [in North Africa]; and of Agatha and Lucy in Sicily. It concludes with the names of two young martyrs beloved by the Romans, Agnes and Cecelia; and of Anastasia, martyred at Sirmium and later honored in Rome” (Understanding the Mass, pp. 159–160). All these saints are important because they were among the many early witnesses to Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. These are our spiritual fathers, our older brothers and sisters in Christ, who showed us that our faith was worth living and dying for. They showed us that, strengthened by the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their hearts, they could overcome any persecutions and sufferings, even to the point of being killed. These saints give us great hope, and their prayers for us give us confidence that we, too, can live out the faith as they did, that we can live our life in Christ every day and look forward to the glory of heaven! https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/post/do-this-in-remembrance-of-me-part-55-saint-names-epi Next Item Previous Item

My Catholic Will Create a Will For FREE! As a gift to you we are proud to sponsor free access to MyCatholicWill.com so that you can protect your family, ensure your wishes are carried out, and support our Parish with your Legacy of Faith. Complete a legal will in 20 minutes or less. Leave a Legacy of Faith Give a Gift That Lasts for Generations By including St. Anthony of Padua Parish or other charitable causes in your Will, you can ensure your faith and values are passed onto future generations. Consider a Gift – Make it Legal My Catholic Will Partnership : As a valued member of the St. Anthony of Padua community, you now have access to a FREE online will-writing tool through our partnership with My Catholic Will. Visit mycatholicwill.com/apchurch and use promo code “apchurch” to waive the standard fee. You can complete your legal Will in as little as 30 minutes—online, securely, and at no cost. Why Create a Will? Planning your estate offers peace of mind and ensures your wishes are honored. A will allows you to: Protect Loved Ones – Reduce stress, avoid conflict, and designate guardians for minors. Honor Your Intentions – Ensure your assets go to the people and causes you care about. Simplify Legal Matters – Speed up probate and reduce legal costs. Leave a Legacy – Support your parish, favorite charities, and values long into the future. Creating a Will gives you confidence that your plans are in place—and offers your loved ones the clarity they’ll need when the time comes. Complete Your Will in 3 Easy Steps Create Your Will – Visit mycatholicwill.com/apchurch . Use Promo Code “apchurch” – To waive the service fee. Make It Legal – Follow your state’s requirements by signing with witnesses. For more information about the My Catholic Will partnership or other planned giving opportunities, please contact: Joe Corona Email: jcorona@ap.church VIDEO: Creating Your Will Made Easy: A Guide for St. Anthony's Parishioners Next Item Previous Item

John the Apostle was one of the Twelve Apostles and a close companion of Jesus Christ. He embarked on a journey with Jesus, both physically and spiritually, learning faith in Him. John’s writings, including the Gospel and Letters attributed to him, emphasize the theme of love. His words, “God is love,” highlight the unique aspect of Christian love. John’s teachings on love are not abstract or theoretical but concrete and applicable to real persons. As an Apostle and friend of Jesus, John provides insight into the phases of Christian love. His writings are considered sacred and canonical by the Catholic Church. St. John the Beloved Apostle Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: December 27 Title/Attributes: Apostle, Evangelist Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint John the Divine as the son of Zebedee, and his mother's name was Salome [Matthew 4:21, 27:56; Mark 15:40, 16:1]. They lived on the shores of the sea of Galilee. The brother of Saint John, probably considerably older, was Saint James. The mention of the "hired men" [Mark 1:20], and of Saint John's "home" [John 19:27], implies that the condition of Salome and her children was not one of great poverty. SS. John and James followed the Baptist when he preached repentance in the wilderness of Jordan. There can be little doubt that the two disciples, whom Saint John does not name (John 1:35), who looked on Jesus "as he walked," when the Baptist exclaimed with prophetic perception, "Behold the Lamb of God!" were Andrew and John. They followed and asked the Lord where he dwelt. He bade them come and see, and they stayed with him all day. Of the subject of conversation that took place in this interview no record has come to us, but it was probably the starting-point of the entire devotion of heart and soul which lasted through the life of the Beloved Apostle. John apparently followed his new Master to Galilee, and was with him at the marriage feast of Cana, journeyed with him to Capernaum, and thenceforth never left him, save when sent on the missionary expedition with another, invested with the power of healing. He, James, and Peter, came within the innermost circle of their Lord's friends, and these three were suffered to remain with Christ when all the rest of the apostles were kept at a distance [Mark 5:37, Matthew 17:1, 26:37]. Peter, James, and John were with Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. The mother of James and John, knowing our Lord's love for the brethren, made special request for them, that they might sit, one on his right hand, the other on his left, in his kingdom [Matthew 20:21]. There must have been much impetuosity in the character of the brothers, for they obtained the nickname of Boanerges, Sons of Thunder [Mark 3:17, see also Luke 9:54]. It is not necessary to dwell on the familiar history of the Last Supper and the Passion. To John was committed by our Lord the highest of privileges, the care of his mother [John 19:27]. John [the "disciple whom Jesus loved"] and Peter were the first to receive the news from the Magdalene of the Resurrection [John 20:2], and they hastened at once to the sepulchre, and there when Peter was restrained by awe, John impetuously "reached the tomb first." In the interval between the Resurrection and the Ascension, John and Peter were together on the Sea of Galilee [John 21:1], having returned to their old calling, and old familiar haunts. When Christ appeared on the shore in the dusk of morning, John was the first to recognize him. The last words of the Gospel reveal the attachment which existed between the two apostles. It was not enough for Peter to know his own fate, he must learn also something of the future that awaited his friend. The Acts show us them still united, entering together as worshippers into the Temple [Acts 3:1], and protesting together against the threats of the Sanhedrin [Acts 4:13]. They were fellow-workers together in the first step of Church expansion. The apostle whose wrath had been kindled at the unbelief of the Samaritans, was the first to receive these Samaritans as brethren [Luke 9:54, Acts 8:14]. He probably remained at Jerusalem until the assumption of the Virgin, though tradition of no great antiquity or weight asserts that he took her to Ephesus. When he went to Ephesus is uncertain. He was at Jerusalem fifteen years after Saint Paul's first visit there [Acts 15:6]. There is no trace of his presence there when Saint Paul was at Jerusalem for the last time. Tradition, more or less trustworthy, completes the history. Irenaeus says that Saint John did not settle at Ephesus until after the death SS. Peter and Paul, and this is probable. He certainly as not there when Saint Timothy was appointed bishop of that place. Saint Jerome says that he supervised and governed all the Churches of Asia. He probably took up his abode finally in Ephesus in 97. In the persecution of Domitian he was taken to Rome, and was placed in a cauldron of boiling oil, outside the Latin gate, without the boiling fluid doing him any injury. [Eusebius makes no mention of this. The legend of the boiling oil occurs in Tertullian and in Saint Jerome]. He was sent to labor at the mines in Patmos. At the accession of Nerva he was set free, and returned to Ephesus, and there it is thought that he wrote his gospel. Of his zeal and love combined we have examples in Eusebius, who tells, on the authority of Irenaeus, that Saint John once fled out of a bath on hearing that Cerinthus was in it, lest, as he asserted, the roof should fall in, and crush the heretic. On the other hand, he showed the love that was in him. He commended a young man in whom he was interested to a bishop, and bade him keep his trust well. Some years after he learned that the young man had become a robber. Saint John, though very old, pursued him among the mountain fastnesses, and by his tenderness recovered him. In his old age, when unable to do more, he was carried into the assembly of the Church at Ephesus, and his sole exhortation was, "Little children, love one another." The date of his death cannot be fixed with anything like precision, but it is certain that he lived to a very advanced age. He is represented holding a chalice from which issues a dragon, as he is supposed to have been given poison, which was, however, innocuous. Also his symbol is an eagle. From The Lives of the Saints by the Rev. S. Baring-Gould, M.A., published in 1914 in Edinburgh. Next Item Previous Item

Support St. Anthony of Padua in The Woodlands, TX. Give to offertory, outreach ministries, DSF, Mass intentions, endowment, or planned giving. Giving Giving Options Thank you for supporting the mission of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church! Below are different options for making a gift to our parish. For more information, check out the most commonly asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us at support@ap.church . Contact Us Questions General Offertory The financial support given through the General Offertory allows us to keep our buildings, programs, sacraments, staff, and liturgies running smoothly. Giving is an expression of our gratitude to God for the blessings He has given us! Give Now Second Collections As Catholics, not only do we support our parish family, but also our greater community around us. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston second collections allow us to give resources to both our region and the world. Give to Second Collections Diocesan Services Fund The Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) is the annual appeal of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston that provides funding for essential ministries and programs that serve the religious, spiritual, and human needs of thousands of people from every parish. Give to DSF Outreach Ministries St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church has approximately 100 active ministries serving the local and global community. Give to one of our various Outreach Ministries such as the Food Pantry, St. Vincent De Paul Assistance Ministry, and many more! Give to Outreach Additional Ministries Our parish has many causes worthy of your financial support. Give to campus maintenance, funerals, pro-life and prison ministry, Honduras Mission, our parish school and more. Give to Additional Ministries In Memory Of 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. Make a Donation Mass Intentions From the days of the early Church it has been common to offer Mass for the dead, as well as for others. A total of two public parish intentions per parishioner per year may be ordered, however, you may come in person to the parish office to request unlimited Archdiocesan and Unannounced intentions. View the Calendar Memorial Pavers Honor a loved one, a special intention or event with a custom-engraved paver. Your gift supports the parish and creates a lasting place of prayer and remembrance. Buy a Paver Parish Wishlist As the parish grows with time, some items need to be updated and refreshed. Click the button below to view our Parish Wishlist and how you can donate these items. Parish Wishlist Holy Day Offerings Holy days represent times of renewal, repentance, or reflection, and giving special donations ensures that the true, selfless meaning of the holy day is honored. It acts as a form of worship and fulfills our moral obligation to assist the poor. Holy Day Offerings Matching Gifts Did you know you can double your support without even giving a dollar more? Many corporations match employee donations to non-profit organizations like ours. Our EIN is 76-0545136. Contact Us Frequent Questions Check out some of the most asked questions we receive on topics having to do with donations, statements, envelopes and matching gifts. FAQs Found Here My Catholic Will Create a Will For FREE! As a gift to you we are proud to sponsor free access to MyCatholicWill.com so that you can protect your family, ensure your wishes are carried out, and support our Parish with your Legacy of Faith. Complete a legal will in 20 minutes or less. Start My Free Will Parish Endowment Investing in the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Endowment is a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy—one that nurtures our parish and sustains the faith for generations to come. Learn More Gift in Your Will or Trust Remembering our parish in your will or trust is a meaningful way to extend your faith and generosity beyond your lifetime More Information 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. More Information IRA - Qualified Charitable Distribution A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) (also referred to as Charitable IRA Rollover Gifts) is an excellent way to show your support for St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and receive tax benefits in return. More Information Donor-Advised Fund A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a flexible and tax-efficient way to support charitable causes. It functions as a charitable giving account that allows donors to contribute assets—such as cash or stocks—receive a tax deduction and then give to charities over time. More Information Stock Gifts To transfer a gift of securities submit a completed LETTER OF INTENT form to your broker, and to assure that your gift will be properly identified and applied to your intended purpose please send a copy to the Archdiocese. More Information Giving FAQs How do I change my payment method? Unfortunately, our parish staff is not able to edit your scheduled recurring giving amount or payment method for you. This is for your protection. Find detailed instructions on how to edit your card number, edit a card expiration date, change your bank account, change the dollar amount or frequency of your recurring gift here. Looking for your annual giving statement? Yearly statements will be emailed in January, to donor accounts with annual giving to the email address found on your PushPay account profile from the address of no-reply@pushpay.com . If we have an EMAIL address for your profile in the PushPay system, you will receive an ELECTRONIC statement by email delivery. Detailed instructions on how to log into your PushPay account can be found here. ALL DONORS, regardless of how they give, have an online PushPay account. If you give cash in a giving envelope OR by check, we have created a PushPay account on your behalf and can help you get logged in to see your transactions and download a statement. If you do not have an email on file in PushPay and you do not have a mailing address on file in PushPay, we are happy to send you a statement upon request. Contact support at support@ap.church . Want to stop receiving envelopes? Do you give online but still receive Giving Envelopes? By choosing to give online instead of by envelope, you will save the parish money and cut the cost of printing and shipping! Let us know you no longer want to receive envelopes by filling out the Envelope Change Request Form. Can I set up a Corporate Matching Gift? Corporate matching gifts are a type of philanthropy in which companies financially match donations their employees make to nonprofit organizations. When an employee makes a donation, they’ll request the matching gift from their employer, who then makes their own donation. Some companies have a policy against contributing to religious organizations, but will match donations made to institutions affiliated with houses of worship that provide a service to community members regardless of religious beliefs, such as St. Anthony’s Bread (the food pantry of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church). St. Anthony’s Bread is the 2nd largest distributor of food in Montgomery County, Texas. Please check with your employer to see if a Matching Gift can be made to either St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church or to St. Anthony’s Bread. EIN is 76-0545136. How do you keep my information secure? Due to an increase in identity theft, the credit card brands (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) have developed a security standard to help protect cardholder data. It is called the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). When using the St. Anthony of Padua+Pushpay payment portal, your cardholder data is handled carefully as it is transmitted through the St. Anthony of Padua+Pushpay system to our Merchant Provider's system. Responsibility for the security of your cardholder data can be broken up into two categories. St. Anthony of Padua+Pushpay are responsible for the security of all cardholder data transmitted through its systems. To ensure that your cardholder data is handled securely, St. Anthony of Padua has been assessed by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) and found to be compliant with the PCI DSS as a Level 1 Service Provider. Our Merchant Provider is responsible for the security of all cardholder data transmitted, stored, and processed on their systems. Merchant Providers also maintain compliance with the PCI DSS. BACK TO TOP