St. Catherine Labouré, born in France in 1806, was deeply devout from a young age. After her mother’s death, she felt a special connection to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom she regarded as her spiritual mother. She entered the Daughters of Charity in 1830 and experienced visions of the Virgin Mary. In one vision, Mary gave her a mission to create the Miraculous Medal, promising great graces to those who wear it. The medals spread quickly. Catherine spent 40 years caring for the sick and elderly. She died in 1876, and her body was found incorrupt. Her feast day is November 28. St. Catherine Labouré Time Period: 1806-1876 Feast Day: November 28 Title/Attributes: Daughter of Charity of SVDP, Marian Saint Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Catherine Labouré was born in France on May 2, 1806 as the ninth of 11 children to Pierre and Madeleine Labouré. In 1815, Catherine's mother passed away, leaving her 9-year-old daughter with the responsibility of caring for the household. After her mother's funeral, Catherine returned home and picked up a statue of the Blessed Virgin. Holding it close, she said, "Now you will be my mother." Growing up, Catherine was known for being a quiet and practical child, though she was extremely devout. A couple of years after her mother's death, Catherine experienced a dream of an old priest motioning her to a room of sick people. "It is a good deed to look after the sick. God has designs on you. Do not forget it." Years later, during a visit to the Daughters of Charity hospital, Catherine saw a picture of the old priest on the wall. She discovered it was of their founder, St. Vincent de Paul. Catherine immediately knew she would become a member of St. Vincent's order. In January 1830, Catherine Labouré entered the novitiate of the Daughters of Charity. Months later, on July 19, 1830, Catherine woke from her sleep after hearing a child's voice calling her to the chapel as the Blessed Virgin Mary was waiting for her. As Catherine approached the chapel, the door swung open revealing a brilliant light. The Blessed Virgin told Catherine she would be given a mission with all the graces necessary to complete it. Our Lady said, "God wishes to charge you with a mission. You will be contradicted, but do not fear; you will have the grace to do what is necessary. Tell your spiritual director all that passes within you. Times are evil in France and in the world." In November 1830, the Blessed Mother visited Catherine a second time during evening meditations. She showed herself inside an oval frame, standing upon a globe with rays of light coming from her hands toward the globe. Around the frame were the words, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." Mary asked Catherine to take these images to her father confessor, Father Jean Marie Aladel, telling him they should be placed on medallions. "All who wear them will receive great graces." At first, the priest did not believe Catherine, but after two years, he brought her story to the Archbishop. The Archbishop ordered 2,000 medals struck. The medals were dispersed so rapidly and effectively it was said to be miraculous. Catherine Labouré spent the next 40 years of her life caring for the elderly, sick and disabled. On December 31, 1876, Catherine passed away at 70-years-old. Her body was encased in glass beneath the side altar in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Paris. Her body was discovered to be incorrupt after being exhumed in 1933. She was beatified by Pope Pius XI on May 28, 1933 and canonized by Pope Pius XII on July 27, 1947. St. Catherine Labouré is often shown with the Daughters of Charity habit and the Miraculous Medal. St. Catherine Labouré is the patron saint of the elderly, infirmed people and the Miraculous Medal. Her feast day is celebrated on November 28. Next Item Previous Item

Safe Environment Safe Environment Training All clergy, employees, contracted school personnel, and volunteers over the age of 18, who work in any capacity with or around children, the elderly, adults with special needs, vulnerable adults, or adults “in a vulnerable position” are required to complete the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Training. A criminal background check must be submitted and reviewed before they may begin employment or volunteer at schools or with ministries, groups, movements, and organizations. In addition, the mandatory renewal training must be completed every 5 years and a new background check submitted. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Safe Environment compliance training and renewal training is a condition of employment and for volunteer ministry in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. St. Anthony of Padua requires all adults volunteering with our parish be in compliance with the Safe Environment qualifications. How Do I Access The Training Modules Log into galvestonhouston.cmgconnect.org , and follow the instructions. Note: Your legal name (on your driver’s license/passport) is the name that one needs to use when registering. Not doing so may prohibit your information from being processed. Questions Contact Safe@ap.church How Do I Report Abuse? For Minors (Under 18) Reporting in English Reportaje en Español For Adults (18 and Up) For adults who have been assaulted, please contact the local authorities at the Montgomery Country Sheriff's Office at 281-297-6500. If in immediate danger please call 911. Para adultos que han sido agredidos, contáctese con las autoridades locales en la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Montgomery al 281-297-6500. Llame al 911 si está en peligro inmediato. Abused at Another Institution If you are a a victim of abuse at another institution (other than St. Anthony of Padua in The Woodlands, TX), it is important that you contact local civil authorities where the abuse took place to follow the protocol for that municipality. Si usted es víctima de abuso en otra institución (que no sea St. Anthony of Padua en The Woodlands, TX), es importante que se ponga en contacto con las autoridades civiles locales donde ocurrió el abuso para seguir el protocolo de esa municipalidad. Previous Item Next Item

Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program for high schoolers is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the teen. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration.  First Reconciliation - Teen Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program for high schoolers is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the teen. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration. 9th-12th Grade 9th-12th Graders seeking First Communion and Reconciliation will be prepared over two years. Year One of Preparation is through our Life Teen Program (9th-12th Grade) and will discuss Church Teachings and integrate Sacramental Preparation. Year Two is through our Teen Confirmation Program (10th-12th Grade) and will cover the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Participants will receive their First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation during Year Two. 9th Grade Candidates for First Communion and Reconciliation can begin preparation in their Freshman year of high school. Each Candidate will complete their first year of preparation by attending Sunday evening Life Teen Sessions or enrolling in an accredited Catholic High School. The second year of preparation is the year in which the Candidate will receive First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation. 10th - 12th Grade After completing Year One of Preparation through Life Teen or through Catholic High School, the Candidate will attend our Confirmation Year Two Program on Wednesday Evenings. At the end of the program, the Candidate will receive their First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Youth Ministry Website Program Contact Shelly Wilson Youth Ministry Manager swilson@ap.church 832-482-4136 Next Item Previous Item

One of the most popular Catholic saints, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux has inspired generations of Catholics, despite never going on missions, never founding a religious order, writing only one main body of work, and living just 24 years on Earth. But it is the piety, the quiet self-sacrifice, and the love of simplicity that draws Catholics towards the Little Flower, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. The youngest ever Doctor of the Church, she pursued holiness despite declining health and other difficulties, but achieved sainthood through humility, and doing simple things with extraordinary love. St. Thérèse of Lisieux Time Period: 1873-1897 Feast Day: October 1 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Doctor of the Church, Carmelite Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Flesh mixed with wood from the coffin You would be hard-pressed to find another saint in the Catholic Church who has garnered the same amount of admiration and devotion as Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. She’s one of the most popular saints, inspiring generations of Catholics, despite never going on missions, never founding a religious order, writing only one main body of work, and living just 24 years on Earth. But it is the piety, the quiet self-sacrifice, and the love of simplicity that draws Catholics towards the Little Flower, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Thérèse Martin was born in Alencon France in 1873. Her father, Louis, was a watchmaker and jeweler, and her mother Zelie Guerin, worked as a lacemaker. She was the youngest of nine children, but four of her siblings would die at a young age. Both of her parents had previous desires to enter religious life, and even after they were married they decided that they would remain celibate, until a confession revealed their celibacy to a priest who insisted they pursue a marriage as God intended. All five of Louis & Zelie’s daughters would go on to enter the convent, but Thérèse was less than saintly for most of her childhood. Adored and coddled by her family, she would in turn become needy and insecure at a young age. Furthermore, her mother Zelie would die from breast cancer while Thérèse was only 4, and having to witness her mother’s slow, painful decline greatly saddened the poor little girl. With all the circumstances and being the youngest of the family, Thérèse quickly became demanding and expectant to have her way no matter what. Her father’s nickname for her was ‘petite reine’, or ‘little queen’. At the age of 11, she became so ill with a fever, that many thought she wouldn’t make it. Family and friends would gather around her bed, desperately praying for her healing. Her sisters would pray to a statue of the Virgin Mary, which they placed in her bedroom. One day, as Thérèse stared at the statue and prayed, she saw the statue of Mary smile at her. She instantly began to feel better, and she recovered so dramatically that many were curious about her healing. Word of the healing grace of Mary spread, but when pestered with questions about the details regarding Mary, Thérèse refused to answer due to the intimacy with Mary she felt in the healing, so many assumed she had just made everything up. Following her sickness, Thérèse still remained self-centered and controlled by her emotions. As more sisters left for the convent, soon it was only her, her father, and one other sister, Celine. A moment of clarity at the age of 14 would help usher her out of her egocentric nature and begin her road to sanctity. Louis and his two daughters were nearing Christmas, and the Christmas day ritual of filling children’s shoes with presents. Though Thérèse was already a teenager, her sister Celine was unable to let her fully grow out of these childhood traditions, and she filled Thérèse’s shoes with gifts. When they arrived back from the church on Christmas day, Thérèse and Celine found their father looking down at the shoes, and before he noticed the two girls, they overheard him sigh and say, “‘Thank goodness that’s the last time we shall have this kind of thing!” Celine looked over to her sister, fully expecting tears and a temper tantrum to follow, but instead, it was a moment of serene clarity for the future saint. Thérèse immediately noticed her immaturity and childish ways, and thanks to Jesus entering her heart in that moment, she swallowed her tears, walked to the shoes and exclaimed in authentic joy over the gifts. It was a true conversion of heart, and Thérèse would enter the convent the very next year. She desired to enter Carmel as a contemplative nun, but she was deemed too young to enter the convent. She appealed to the Mother Superior, who told the 15-year-old Thérèse that she could enter early – at the age of 16. Not satisfied, she appealed to the Bishop. When that didn’t work, she took a pilgrimage to Rome and appealed directly to the Pope himself! While at an audience with the Pope, despite being forbidden to speak to him, she began begging that he let her enter the Carmelite convent as soon as he was near enough to hear her. While the Pope didn’t intervene, the Vicar General was impressed by her zeal, and Thérèse Martin was admitted to the Carmelite Convent at Lisieux on 9 April 1888. A once shy little girl, the pursuit of an early entrance to the convent was the first beginnings of blooming into the Little Flower. Entering the convent, she took the name Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. Her sisters Pauline and Marie were in the same convent, but unlike her spoiled childhood, the life of routine and silent prayer was tough. On top of that, not long after she entered the convent, her father began hallucinating after a series of strokes left him stricken both physically and mentally. As a cloistered nun, she was unable to visit her beloved father, and this grief began a period of suffering and dryness of prayer for the distraught Sister Thérèse. She would try desperately to pray but write in her journals that “Jesus wasn’t doing much to keep the conversation going.” Thérèse persevered through this spiritual drought through one main focus: humility. Sitting in the convent, she knew that she may not be able to serve as a world-changer in the traditional sense of great works and deeds, but instead, she focused on the little sacrifices. She would write “Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love.” These ‘little sacrifices’ would range from being friendly to nuns she disliked, to not complaining about anything trivial, to even being accused of breaking a vase she hadn’t touched, and instead of proclaiming her innocence, she apologized and asked for forgiveness. This mindset would develop into an keen spirituality, based on childlike trust and confidence in God. The ‘little way’ of Thérèse was not about grandiose actions or words; it was about doing simple things well, and with extraordinary love. Another sacrifice for Thérèse would soon follow – her sister Pauline was elected prioress of the convent, and due to the politics of the order, many nuns feared the Martin sisters would ‘take over’ a rule on the convent. To alleviate those fears, Pauline asked Thérèse to remain a novice. This was no small request, as this would mean Thérèse would never become a fully professed nun in the order, continuing to have to ask permission for nearly everything. For Thérèse though, it was another sacrifice that she could offer up for the glory of God. As Thérèse continued her time in the convent, she reflected constantly on her ability to achieve holiness in life. For her, sainthood was the only option, even with the simple, hidden life she was living. She wrestled with her vocation, was placed in charge of the other novices, and even reflected on how she measured up to the saints in terms of her likelihood for sainthood. “I have always wanted to become a saint. Unfortunately, when I have compared myself with the saints, I have always found that there is the same difference between the saints and me as there is between a mountain whose summit is lost in the clouds and a humble grain of sand trodden underfoot by passers-by. Instead of being discouraged, I told myself: God would not make me wish for something impossible and so, in spite of my littleness, I can aim at being a saint. It is impossible for me to grow bigger, so I put up with myself as I am, with all my countless faults. But I will look for some means of going to heaven by a little way which is very short and very straight, a little way that is quite new.” She would continue to pursue her apostolic and missionary vocation, to love and draw everyone in her path closer to the Lord, even as her health began to fail her. In 1896, she coughed up blood, but kept working without telling another soul, until she became so sick that it was apparent. She experienced months of pain and agony, and her sister Pauline could only watch and pray at her bedside, before asking Thérèse to write about her life in hopes of distracting her. She penned her reflections on her childhood, her love of God, and her “everything is grace” mindset over the course of her final weeks, before finally succumbing to tuberculosis on September 30, 1897. She was 24. Before she died, realizing that her mission was only beginning, Thérèse proclaimed “I will spend my heaven doing good on Earth. I will let fall a shower of roses.” And while despite one nun at the convent commenting that there was “nothing to say” about Thérèse following her death, Pauline disagreed. She compiled the final writings of Thérèse, which would become her autobiography, “Story of a Soul.” Pauline sent the autobiography to 2,000 convents, and before long, her sister’s words had stirred up a passion for her “little way” of faith. The faith in Jesus and embracing of daily sacrifices that Thérèse had welcomed spoke to the hearts of nuns across the world. Her ‘shower of roses’ soon became a torrent, that still drenches the hearts of many Catholics to this day. Thérèse of Lisieux was canonized on May 17, 1925 by Pope Pius XI, only 28 years after her death. In October of 1997, Pope John Paul II declared her a Doctor of the Church, the youngest ever in the Catholic Church, thanks to the impact of her profound spirituality on so many faithful Catholics. She Is the patron saint of missionaries, florists and gardeners, the loss of parents, tuberculosis, and the gardens of the Vatican City. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux taught us that we should never stop seeking holiness, even in the midst of ordinary lives. To feel as though we can do nothing is false, and a lure of the enemy aimed to keep us content with mediocrity, or a lukewarm faith. Instead, let us look to this inspiring Carmelite nun, who trusted in God enough to seek every available sacrifice she could endure, no matter how big or small. Pursuing this ‘little way’ of faith, may we too journey on towards heaven, picking up our crosses on the way, one shard of wood, one sacrifice, at a time. A Doctor of the Church 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. Augustine, a martyr born in 1822 in Lorraine, France, was part of the Paris Foreign Missions Society and was beheaded in Vietnam. His Feast Day is May 1. Evangelization in Vietnam began in the 16th century, with missionaries and local Christians facing severe persecution. From 1645 to 1886, 53 anti-Christian edicts led to approximately 130,000 deaths. Rulers like Minh Mang and Tu Duc intensified the persecution, executing priests and forcing Christians to renounce their faith. Despite this, many remained steadfast, and the Church honors those whose martyrdom has been confirmed and documented. St. Augustin Schoeffler Time Period: 1822-1851 Feast Day: May 1 Title/Attributes: Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Piece of Cloth imbued with blood St. Augustine was a martyr of Vietnam. He was born in 1822, at Mittelbron, in Lorraine, France. Joining the Paris Foreign Missions Society, he went to Vietnam, and there he suffered martyrdom by beheading. His Feast Day is May 1. The work of evangelization, undertaken at the beginning of the 16th century, then established in the first Apostolic Vicariates of the North (Dàng-Ngoài) and the South (Dàng-Trong) in 1659, has seen an admirable development over the centuries. From the earliest years, the seed of Faith has been mixed in the Vietnamese land with the abundant blood of the Martyrs, both of the missionary clergy and of the local clergy and of the Christian people of Vietnam. All together they have endured the hardships of apostolic work, as in common agreement they have also faced death to bear witness to the evangelical truth. From 1645 to 1886 there were 53 edicts against Christians, signed by Lords Trinh and Nguyen or by the Kings who, for almost three centuries, XVII, XVIII, XIX (exactly 261 years: 1625-1886), decreed persecutions against Christians, one more violent than the other. There are approximately 130,000 victims fallen a bit everywhere in the national territory. During the reign of Minh Mang (king from 1821), the persecution became merciless: even those who dared to hide Christians were condemned to death. Emperor Tu Duc (who reigned from 1847 to 1883) also hated everything European, making no distinction between politics and religion. He decreed that anyone who helped capture a missionary should receive 300 ounces of silver. The missionary, however, should have his skull smashed and be thrown into the river. Local priests and foreign catechists were slaughtered, while local catechists had the words “Ta dao,” meaning “False religion,” branded on their cheeks with a red-hot iron, thus marking them as objects of public contempt. Ordinary Christian believers, on the other hand, could save their lives if they trampled on the cross before the judge. Faced with the Christians' steadfast faith, the sovereign ordered their dispersion and the confiscation of their property: husbands went to their wives and children to their parents; many were exiled to distant regions, among non-Christian populations. Of this myriad of heroes of faith, the Church has selected those whose lives have been reconstructed and whose martyrdom has been ascertained. Local priests and foreign catechists were slaughtered, while local catechists had the words “Ta dao,” meaning “False religion,” branded on their cheeks with a red-hot iron, thus marking them as objects of public contempt. Ordinary Christian believers, on the other hand, could save their lives if they trampled on the cross before the judge. Faced with the Christians' steadfast faith, the sovereign ordered their dispersion and the confiscation of their property: husbands went to their wives and children to their parents; many were exiled to distant regions, among non-Christian populations. Of this myriad of heroes of faith, the Church has selected those whose lives have been reconstructed and whose martyrdom has been ascertained. Next Item Previous Item

St. Teresa Margaret was born Anna Maria Redi in Arezzo on July 15, 1747. She was inspired by St. Teresa of Avila to join the Discalced Carmelites in Florence, where she became Sister Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Deeply moved by the verse “God is love” (1 John 4:16), she dedicated her short life to prayer and caring for elderly nuns. She died of peritonitis at age 22 on March 7, 1770. Her body, which emitted a sweet fragrance, remains incorrupt in Florence. She is remembered for her profound love and humility. St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart Time Period: 1747-1770 Feast Day: September 1 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Carmelite Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Body Anna Maria Redi was born in Arezzo on 15 July 1747. She attended the monastery of Santa Apollonia in Florence as a pupil until 1764. Decisive for her vocation was the inspiration attributed to Saint Teresa of Avila, thanks to which she chose Carmel. She entered the Carmelite monastery in Florence on September 1, 1764 and took the habit of the Discalced Carmelites on March 11, 1765, taking the name of Sister Teresa Margaret of the Heart of Jesus. The second great inspiration of his life was the passage from the first letter of John, "God is love" (1 John 4:16) and he tried to live by this concept. She then devoted herself to prayer and to assisting her elderly sisters until, very young (not even 23 years old), she died of peritonitis on 7 March 1770. Her body gave off a sweet perfume and is still preserved incorrupt today in the church of the monastery of the Discalced Carmelites in Florence, where she was buried. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI on March 19, 1934. https://www.causesanti.va/it/santi-e-beati/teresa-margherita-redi.html Next Item Previous Item

St. Lawrence of Brindisi, born in 1559 in Italy, joined the Capuchin Franciscans at 16 and was a gifted preacher and scholar. Fluent in several languages, he preached across Europe and helped found friaries in Germany and Austria. In 1601, he led Christian forces against the Turks in Hungary, carrying only a crucifix. He served as vicar-general of the order, papal emissary, and peacemaker in political conflicts. Lawrence authored sermons and theological works that earned him the title Doctor of the Church for his sanctity and deep insights into the faith. He died in Lisbon in 1619 and was canonized in 1881. St. Lawrence of Brindisi Time Period: 1559-1619 Feast Day: July 21 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Doctor of the Church, Franciscan Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Lawrence of Brindisi was a Capuchin Franciscan, a noted preacher, and is declared a Doctor of the Church. He was born in Brindisi, in the kingdom of Naples, Italy on July 22, 1559. He was named Caesare de Rossi, he later took the name Lawrence when he became a Franciscan at the age of sixteen. Well-educated at the University of Padua, he began preaching soon after ordination. In 1596, he became a high-ranking superior in the Capuchin order, and five years later was sent to Germany with Blessed Benedict of Urbino. They founded priories in Prague, Vienna, Austria, and Gorizia, in Italy. Lawrence also helped to raise an army to combat the Turks in Hungary and is credited with winning a battle in Hungary against them in 1601 by leading the troops into battle with only a crucifix to protect himself. Elected vicar-general of the order in 1602, he refused reelection in 1605, going instead of Madrid, Spain, to persuade King Philip III of Spain to join the Catholic League. He served as papal nuncio to the royal court of Bavaria, Germany, until 1618, when he retired to a monastery at Caserta, Italy. He was soon recalled to settle a problem with the duke of Osuna, Spain. The journey to Lisbon to meet with the king brought about his death on July 22. Among his writings were sermons, commentaries on Genesis and Ezekiel, and three volumes of religious polemics. His nine volumes of sermons display his holiness and brilliance. He was canonized in 1881 and declared a Doctor of the Church. A Doctor of the Church 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

Nearly everything known about Saint Monica comes from the writings of her well-known troublemaker of a son, Saint Augustine, but it’s believed Monica was born around 332 A.D. in the town of Tagaste (present-day Algeria). Married to a pagan Roman official, they had three children but none could compare to Augustine, who Monica spent countless nights praying and fasting for. She even followed him to Rome, where she joyfully witnessed his conversion and baptism in 387. Known as the “Mother of the Virtues”, she is the patron saint of both difficult marriages and difficult children. St. Monica Time Period: 332-387 Feast Day: August 27 Title/Attributes: Mother of St. Augustine Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones The life of Saint Monica gave her every opportunity to be a bitter mother, a nagging wife, and a lukewarm Christian, but instead, she patiently persevered through every difficulty and is now known as a holy, virtuous saint. Nearly everything known about Saint Monica comes from the writings of her well-known troublemaker of a son, Saint Augustine, so many facts and dates are unconfirmed in their exact detail. Regardless, it is believed Monica was born around the year 332 A.D. in North Africa, in the town of Tagaste (present-day Algeria). She was married off at a young age to Patricius, a pagan Roman official. Patricius inherited his mother’s violent temper, and it was just Monica’s luck that her mother-in-law also lived with the couple, leading to more than the occasional temper flare. It is written that Monica’s prayers and Christians beliefs “deeply annoyed” Patricius, but he is said to have nonetheless respected her beliefs. Still, there was animosity between the couple when the topic of baptism arose for their three children, Augustine, Navigius, and Perpetua. Despite Monica’s pleadings, Patricius wouldn’t allow them to be baptized Christians, until their son Augustine fell ill. Seeing her distress, Patricius finally agreed, only to withdraw his consent when the boy recovered. Monica was undeterred by her brutal husband and irritable mother-in-law, even when Patricius’ infidelity caused further rifts in their marriage. Monica prayed for their conversion every night, and slowly but surely won them over for the Lord. Patricius finally converted and was baptized one year before his death. During that time of Patricius’ gradual conversion, their three children were growing up in drastically different directions. Perpetua and Navigius both entered religious life, but their oldest son Augustine, who had recovered from his previous ailments, became lazy and coarse in his life decisions. When Patricius passed away, Monica, distressed about her son’s future, sent the 17-year-old Augustine to Carthage for schooling. Unfortunately, Carthage would provide Augustine ample opportunity to further fall into immorality, greatly wounding Monica’s heart. He had become a Manichaean, a 3rd century heretical religion focused on “all flesh is evil” and other non-Christian views. When Augustine finished his education, he returned home to his mother and when he shared his newfound views with her, she drove him away, refusing to allow him to eat or sleep in her house. Monica spent many tearful nights praying earnestly for her son’s conversion. Despite their estrangement, she soon had a vision that assured her Augustine would one day return to the faith, and that she needed to reconcile with her wayward son. Determined to bring her son closer to Christ, but still distraught about his current religious views, she visited a local bishop who consoled her with the words “the child of those tears shall never perish.” From that time on, Monica began earnest fasting and prayer for her son, staying as close to him as possible, which for the future Saint Augustine, was sometimes a little too close. At the age of 29, Augustine made the decision to travel to Rome to teach rhetoric. Naturally, Monica was determined to join him in order to keep a close and prayerful eye on him, an idea which Augustine wasn’t overly fond of. He attempted to stealthily depart for Rome without his mother by telling her he was going down to the docks to say goodbye to a friend, only to instead jump on a ship himself and sail away. The inspired Monica refused to allow her son to slip away from her again, and she soon set a course for Rome herself. When she arrived, she learned he had just traveled further on to Milan. So too did Monica. Her pursuit of her son led her to the doorstep of a third future saint in this journey, the wise Saint Ambrose. Ambrose was the Bishop of Milan who Augustine quickly came under the influence of thanks to his deep theological knowledge and influence. He also became Saint Monica’s spiritual director, and she accepted his advice in everything, humbly growing in holiness alongside her son, who she continued to pray for day and night. After six months in Milan, Monica was able to joyfully witness Augustine finally joining the church, being baptized by Saint Ambrose on Easter in the year 387, at St. John the Baptist church. Following his baptism, Monica and Augustine departed for Africa, where they felt called to spread the word of God, but although no one else was aware of it, Monica knew her journey was nearing its end. While stopped on their way in the Roman city of Civitavecchia, Monica fell severely ill, and eventually passed away. Augustine’s recording of her final words paints the picture of a loving mother who desired nothing more than to pursue her son in order to return him to the embrace of Christ. “Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now left for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled.” Monica’s remains were buried in Ostia, and then later moved into a hidden crypt in the church of Santa Aurea during the 6th century. Monica’s witness and sanctity despite an unfaithful husband and a faithless son led to a strong following of faithful believers, and a feast in her honor was held every year on May 4th. In 1430, Pope Martin V ordered Monica’s relics be brought to Rome for veneration. As her relics were being transported to Rome, numerous miracles were said to have occurred along the path, further spreading the legend of Monica of Hippo. Her relics would eventually find their home in the Basilica di Sant’Agostino, a church built to honor Saint Augustine. Her funeral epitaph survived in ancient manuscripts about her life, until in 1945, while digging a hole to plant a football post, two young boys found the original stone epitaph of Saint Monica. Translated, the tablet’s Latin message titled Saint Monica “Mother of the Virtues.” Today, she is the patron saint of married women, difficult marriages, difficult children, alcoholics, victims of adultery or unfaithfulness, victims of verbal abuse, and conversion of relatives. Patience in prayer is one of the hardest skills to master in our faith journey; we want God to give us answers and give us answers now! We should look to the witness of patient Saint Monica, who trusted that years and years of prayer, paired with strong, unshakeable virtues, would eventually bring the souls of her husband, her mother-in-law, and even her headstrong son, to be where were all so greatly desire – basking fully in the love of Jesus Christ. Next Item Previous Item

Our Adult Confirmation preparation process is intended for baptized Catholics who are now seeking the sacrament of Confirmation. If you are a baptized Catholic, but have not yet received First Communion, we will help you prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion while preparing for Confirmation. Confirmation - Adult Our Adult Confirmation preparation process is intended for baptized Catholics who are now seeking the sacrament of Confirmation. If you are a baptized Catholic, but have not yet received First Communion, we will help you prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion while preparing for Confirmation. 18+ years old Our Adult Confirmation preparation process is intended for baptized Catholics who are now seeking the sacrament of Confirmation. If you are a baptized Catholic, but have not yet received First Communion, we will help you prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion while preparing for Confirmation. Opportunities to prepare for Confirmation occur year-round at St. Anthony’s, and the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated at special Masses with the bishop throughout the year. What are the requirements to begin Adult Confirmation preparation? Must be at least 18 years old AND out of High School. (If you are under 18, or still in high school, please visit our Teen Confirmation page) Must have been baptized in the Catholic Church. Must live a life consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Must not have any marriage impediments ( see here for clarification ). To learn more about Adult Confirmation and to begin the process of preparation, please fill out the Adult Confirmation Interest Form. Adult Confirmation Request Form Por ahora sólo podemos ofrecer la preparación para la Confirmación de Adultos en inglés. Si usted prefiere recibir la preparación de la Confirmación en español, por favor póngase en contacto con la Parroquia de Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church: www.ssjwoodlands.com Program Contact Katie Krall Adult Faith & Sacraments Manager kkrall@ap.church 832-482-4147 Next Item Previous Item

St. George, born around 280 in Cappadocia, is famed for slaying a dragon in Selem, Libya—a symbolic act of faith triumphing over evil. A Christian soldier in Diocletian’s army, he publicly defied the emperor’s edict against Christians, gave away his wealth, and was martyred in 303. His legend, especially during the Crusades, grew into that of a holy warrior. Patron of soldiers and invoked against plagues, George remains a symbol of courage and divine victory, reminding believers that evil is conquered through faith. George is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. St. George Time Period: 280-303 Feast Day: April 23 Title/Attributes: Martyr, Holy Helper Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones Countless stories are told about St. George, including the famous episode of the dragon and the girl saved by the saint. According to the standard version of the legend, we hear that in the city of Selem in Libya, there was a large pond where a terrible dragon lived. To appease it, the inhabitants offered him two sheep a day and later a sheep and a child drawn by lot. One day the king's daughter was chosen, and while she was heading toward the pond, George passed by and pierced the dragon with his spear; a gesture that became a symbol of faith triumphing over evil. George, whose name in Greek means “farmer,” was born to a Christian family in Cappadocia around the year 280. After moving to Palestine, he joined the army of Diocletian. When the emperor issued the edict of persecution against Christians in 303, George gave all his belongings to the poor and, in front of Diocletian himself, tore the document apart and professed his faith in Christ. For this he suffered terrible torture and was eventually beheaded. Shortly after his death, a basilica was erected over the place of his burial in Lydda (modern-day Lod, in Israel). His relics are still visible today. Among the most ancient documents attesting to the existence of St. George, a Greek epigraph from 368 found in Heraclea of Bethany speaks of the "house or church of the saints and triumphant martyrs George and companions". A Passio Georgii was classified among the hagiographic works by the Gelasianum Decree of 496 and deemed apocryphal. There were many later redactions of the Passio, which informed subsequent legends. The crusaders contributed a great deal to transforming the figure of St. George the martyr into a holy warrior, seeing in the killing of the dragon a symbol for the defeat of Islam; Richard I of England (“the Lionheart”) invoked him as the protector of all soldiers. With the Normans the cult of St. George became firmly rooted in England where, in 1348, King Edward III established the Order of the Knights of St. George. Throughout the Middle Ages his figure inspired a great deal of epic literature. George is also one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers who are a group of saints venerated together in Catholic tradition because their intercession is believed to be particularly effective against specific diseases and dangers. Each saint is invoked for aid regarding particular ailments or needs. The Fourteen Holy Helpers are: Acacius, Barbara, Blaise, Catherine of Alexandria, Christopher, Cyriacus, Denis, Erasmus of Formia, Eustace, George, Giles, Margaret of Antioch, Pantaleon, and Vitus. George is considered the patron of knights, soldiers, scouts, fencers and archers, among others; he is also invoked against the plague and leprosy, and against venomous snakes. As in the case of other saints wrapped in legend, the story of St George serves to remind the world of a fundamental idea, that good ultimately triumphs over evil. The fight against evil is a constant in human history. It is a battle cannot we cannot win on our own. Saint George was able to kill the dragon because God was acting in and through him. With Christ, evil will never have the last word. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/04/23/st--george--martyr.html Next Item Previous Item