First Reconciliation and First Communion will be through our Adult Confirmation Program – Participants will receive their First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. During the Fall Semester, Adult Confirmation preparation is offered through an 8-10 week course. First Communion - Adult First Reconciliation and First Communion will be through our Adult Confirmation Program – Participants will receive their First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. During the Fall Semester, Adult Confirmation preparation is offered through an 8-10 week course. 18+ years old Next Item Previous Item Program Contact Katie Krall Adult FF/ Marriage Manager kkrall@ap.church 832-482-4147 First Communion and Reconciliation Preparation for those at least 18 years old and out of high school, will be through our Adult Confirmation Program. Participants will receive their First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. Adult Confirmation preparation is offered through a ~10-week course during the Fall Semester. Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old AND graduated from High School. Have already received the Sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic Church. Do not have any marriage impediments. Are growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Fill out the Adult Confirmation Interest Form ***You will need to provide a recently issued copy of your baptismal certificate dated within the last 6 months. Please call the church that you were baptized at and ask them to “re-issue” your baptismal certificate. Please Note: If you are married, and you and/or your spouse are Catholic, but you were not married in the Catholic Church, you will need to have your marriage convalidated prior to becoming Catholic. For more information and to see if this applies to you, please read the Marital Status Information below. Marital Status Information Adult Confirmation Request Form

Houston Vocations is here to help young adults, especially young men discerning the priesthood, hear God's voice. With our coaching, they will grow in prayer and virtue, meet people who relate to what they’re going through, and discover the next step God wants them to take. Holy Orders Houston Vocations is here to help young adults, especially young men discerning the priesthood, hear God's voice. With our coaching, they will grow in prayer and virtue, meet people who relate to what they’re going through, and discover the next step God wants them to take. 18+ years old Next Item Previous Item Program Contact Fr. Viet Nguyen Parochial Vicar frviet@ap.church 832-482-4121 If you are interested, or have been discerning a call to the priesthood or permanent diaconate, please visit the Houston vocations website or schedule an appointment with our clergy to discuss the discernment process in our archdiocese. Houston Vocations Website

Saint Katharine Drexel, a beacon of social justice and religious devotion, was born in Philadelphia, PA, into a wealthy family in 1858. Despite her privileged upbringing, she was deeply moved by the plight of Native Americans and African Americans. Katharine dedicated her life to uplifting the marginalized, using her fortune to establish schools and missions across the US. In 1891, she founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a religious order committed to promoting racial harmony and educational opportunities for minority communities. Her tireless advocacy and commitment to equality earned her recognition as a saint. St. Katharine Drexel 1858 - 1955 Feast Day: March 3 Location: Philadelphia, PA Identifiers: Foundress Relic located in the: Right Reliquary Type of Relic: A piece of clothing Saint Katharine Drexel, the second American-born saint to be canonized, exemplifies unwavering dedication to faith and an unyielding commitment to social justice. Born into a wealthy Philadelphia family Katharine defied societal expectations and used her considerable resources to uplift marginalized communities, particularly Native and African Americans, and live an extraordinary life of faith and philanthropic work. Katharine Mary Drexel was born on November 26, 1858, into the prominent Drexel family, known for their vast wealth derived from banking and investments. Raised in a devout Catholic household, Katharine imbibed the values of charity and compassion from her parents. She received an exceptional education and was exposed to a life of privilege. However, it was during her formative years that Katharine’s heart was stirred by the plight of the less fortunate. Inspired by her parents’ philanthropic endeavors, Katharine accompanied them on various charitable visits to aid the poor. These experiences planted the seeds of empathy and compassion in her heart, igniting a profound desire to make a lasting difference in the world. Katharine’s spiritual awakening deepened during a trip to the Western United States, where she witnessed firsthand the dire conditions faced by Native Americans. Appalled by the injustices and systemic racism they endured, Katharine felt called by God to dedicate her life to their upliftment. In 1891, Katharine made the extraordinary decision to enter religious life and founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People. Taking a vow of poverty, she embraced a life of simplicity and service, committing her resources and those of her family to the cause of racial equality and social justice. One of Saint Katharine Drexel’s most significant contributions was her tireless advocacy for education among marginalized communities. She believed that education was the key to empowerment and worked tirelessly to ensure that Native and African American children had access to quality education. Using her vast inheritance, Katharine established and funded numerous schools and missions across the United States, including Xavier University in New Orleans and the first Catholic university for African Americans. She recruited dedicated religious sisters to teach in these institutions, ensuring that marginalized communities received a well-rounded education rooted in faith and dignity. Saint Katharine Drexel’s commitment to social justice extended beyond just education though. She spoke out against racial segregation and injustice, using her influence and resources to challenge the prevailing attitudes of her time. She tirelessly advocated for equality, working to dismantle the barriers that impeded the progress of marginalized communities. Katharine fearlessly confronted the societal norms that perpetuated racial discrimination. Her boldness and determination to create a more just and inclusive society inspired others to join the fight for equality and ignited a lasting change. After a life dedicated to serving God and championing the rights of the oppressed, Saint Katharine Drexel passed away on March 3, 1955. Her extraordinary legacy lives on, serving as an example of selflessness, compassion, and the transformative power of faith. In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized Katharine Drexel as a saint, recognizing her profound holiness and the significant impact she made on society. Her tireless efforts to combat racism, promote education, and elevate the marginalized continue to inspire individuals around the world. In a world often plagued by inequality and injustice, Saint Katharine Drexel stands as a radiant beacon of love and social justice. Her unwavering dedication to the marginalized, her unyielding commitment to equality, and her tireless pursuit of education continue to inspire and challenge us today to do our part in building a more just society. 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 Apostle 1st Century Feast Day: December 27 Location: Jerusalem, Ephesus Identifiers: Apostle, Evangelist Relic located in the: Center Reliquary Type of Relic: A piece of bone 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. Sts. 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

Saint Gemma Galgani’s life was a testament to extraordinary faith and profound suffering. From a young age, she displayed a deep devotion to Christ, often experiencing mystical visions and receiving the stigmata. Gemma’s life was marked by illness and tragedy, losing her parents, and enduring her own physical ailments. Despite these challenges, she embraced her suffering as a means of union with God and offered her life as a sacrifice for the salvation of souls. Gemma’s unwavering trust in divine providence, coupled with her ardent love for Jesus, earned her recognition as a saint and an enduring inspiration for believers worldwide. St. Gemma Galgani 1878 - 1903 Feast Day: April 11 Location: Italy Identifiers: Virgin, Passionist Sister, Stigmata Relic located in the: Right Reliquary Type of Relic: A piece of bone In the small town in northern Tuscany, a radiant soul named Gemma Galgani was born into a devout Catholic family on March 12, 1878. The fourth child of eight children to Enrico Galgani and Aurelia Landi, Gemma lived a life marked by extraordinary sacrifice and suffering. But amidst her experiences of pain came powerful spiritual experiences that would forge a remarkable devotion to prayer and a burning desire to unite herself entirely with Christ. As a young girl, her mother fell victim to tuberculosis, enduring a long battle with the illness. Gemma had learned her first lessons of Christian piety from her beloved mother, and grappled severely with her looming death. Gemma received the sacrament of Confirmation on May 26th, 1885, and with it came the first of her heavenly communications that would continue throughout much of her life. According to Gemma, a voice in her heart spoke up following the Confirmation Mass, asking, “Will you give me your Mamma?” Gemma replied, “Yes, if you take me as well.” “No,” the voice replied back. “Give me your Mamma without reserve. I will take you to heaven later.” Gemma could hardly bring herself to respond, but still answered “Yes” before running home in tears. Her mother died a few months later. Gemma was eight years old. Shortly after her mother’s passing, Gemma was sent to the school of the Sisters of St. Zita in Lucca. It was here that she developed a greater understanding of prayer and a devotion to the Passion of Christ that she began to meditate on daily. Her school life would be brought to an abrupt end though by a painful illness. A small injury to her foot, which she thought little of, resulted in a severe infection that caused her to be bedridden for months. An operation was necessary, but Gemma refused any anesthetics – fixing her eyes on the crucifix and enduring the surgery silently, amazing the doctors. This illness was followed by an even graver one – spinal tuberculosis, which left her bedridden once again. But despite her repeated physical ailments, Gemma’s spirit remained indomitable. Her love for the Eucharist was unmatched, as she often spent hours in adoration, immersing herself in the presence of her beloved Jesus. In February of 1899, the doctors pronounced Gemma’s health as hopeless and she received her Last Sacraments. Her pitiful condition drew friends and family members to her bedside, and one of them left her the book titled “Life of Venerable Gabriel Possenti”. She read the book several times, developing a special devotion to him. It was Gabriel himself who would appear to Gemma in March of 1899, and ask her, “Do you wish to be healed?” Gemma answered in her heart, “Whatever You will, O Jesus!” and she was miraculously healed. With her health restored, Gemma’s spiritual life flourished, growing in intensity and fervor. She had more intense visions and ecstasies, many of which filled her with an intense desire to suffer with Jesus, and become a victim for the salvation of souls. On June 8th, 1899, while praying with Jesus in His sufferings, she received the stigmata, coming out of the vision to find blood flowing from her hands, feet and side. The wounds would appear every Thursday evening, with Gemma continually pleading for mercy for sinners as her own blood darkened the bandages on her body. As she grew older, Gemma desired to become a nun, but was met with immediate opposition. Upon asking for admission to the convent in Corneto, Italy, the Reverend Mother there turned her away, having heard about Gemma’s illness and cure, and the reported extraordinary graces that surrounded her. Convinced that such a mystic would not be suitable for their contemplative community, she denied Gemma’s admission. Additional attempts were made by her spiritual director and confessor, without any effect. Nonetheless, Gemma began to live the life of a nun as much as she could, outside of the cloister. She had already made a vow of chastity previously during her illnesses, and now added vows of poverty and obedience to her life. She wore the Sign of the Passion on her heart underneath her clothing, and recited the Divine Office every day. Even with the wounds of the Stigmata appearing weekly, Gemma found this opportunity to be the greatest sacrifice of her life – the sacrifice of her vocation. One morning after receiving Holy Communion, she heard Jesus speak to her, “But, do you know, My child, that there is a life still happier than that of the Convent?” She let these words lead her for the remainder of her life, humbly serving everyone around her in love. On the feast of Pentecost in 1902, Gemma was suddenly stricken with another severe illness, which would be the final one for her to endure. She prayed unceasingly, offering up her suffering as pains racked her body. Nearly two months later, on Holy Saturday, she passed away at the age of 25. So joyous and peaceful did she appear to those present that they found it difficult to convince themselves that she was actually dead. Gemma Galgani was beatified by Pope Pius XI on May 14th, 1933, and canonized by Pope Pius XII on Ascension Thursday, May 2nd, 1940. Despite dying without being clothed an official Passionist, her life still greatly furthered the order. In one of her first letters to her spiritual director, Passionist Father Germanus, she had written in extreme detail the establishment of a Passionist convent in Lucca, following her denial from the convent in Corneto. There was not even the thought of such a project at the time, but Gemma repeatedly prayed for the coming of nuns to Lucca. She even searched the town of Lucca more than once for a suitable location for a potential convent. Despite minimal traction being made during Gemma’s life, she remained hopeful, telling those close to her that the foundation would occur after her passing, in the year of the Beatification of St. Gabriel. Just two years after her death, a group of Passionist Sisters arrived in Luca and established a new convent in 1908, just two months after the beatification of St. Gabriel. Today, Saint Gemma’s relics are housed at the Passionist monastery located in Lucca. Saint Gemma lived an extraordinary life of holiness and virtue, embracing suffering rather than running from it. She stands as a powerful intercessor in heaven, ready to assist those who call upon her for help, and she calls us to deepen our relationship with Christ, to embrace the cross in our own lives, and to strive for holiness. Next Item Previous Item

Thank you for supporting the mission of St. Anthony of Padua. Check out different options to donate to our Parish and Ministries. 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 Give Now General Offertory The financial support given through the General Offertory allows us to keep our buildings, our programs, sacraments, staff, and liturgies running smoothly. Giving is an expression of our gratitude to God for the blessings He has given us! Give to Second Collections 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 DSF 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 Outreach 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! Planned/Legacy Giving Planned/Legacy Giving Learn more about naming St. Anthony's in your will and designating assets such as retirement accounts, endowments, stock and investment accounts, bank accounts, saving bonds, life insurance, and other non-cash gifts. Memorial Bricks Memorials Honor the memory of your loved ones with a lasting tribute at our parish. At St. Anthony of Padua, we offer a meaningful way to remember our loved ones in one of our memorial prayer gardens. Parish Wishlist 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. Contact Us 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. 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? Statements for 2023 were emailed on Friday, January 26, 2024, 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 we do not have an email address for your profile in the PushPay system, but we do have a USPS mailing address, you will receive a PAPER statement by postal mail delivery IF you had a single contribution greater than $250 and we have a USPS mailing address for the donor. If you do not have an email address 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. Send your inquiry to 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.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first United States citizen to become a saint, was born on July 15th, 1850 in a village near Milan, Italy. Inspired with missionary zeal at a young age, she attempted to join a religious order at 18, but was denied due to her poor health. Undeterred, her missionary heart led her to restore an orphanage in Cadagono, Italy, which began an incredible journey of founding a religious order, becoming Mother Cabrini, and opening schools, hospitals and orphanages around the world. She became a U.S. citizen in 1909, and is the patron saint of immigrants. Her feast day is November 13th. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini 1850 - 1917 Feast Day: November 13 Location: Italy & Chicago, IL Identifiers: Virgin Relic located in the: Right Reliquary Type of Relic: A piece of bone Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first United States citizen to be canonized a saint, was a fearless, resourceful and caring missionary soul who followed the will of God to the streets of New York City. Sent on a mission from Pope Leo XIII, she would meet hardship and difficulties at nearly every turn, but undeterred, she changed the world with her zeal for souls. The youngest of thirteen children, Frances Cabrini was born on July 15, 1850 in S’ant Angelo Lodigiano, a small village near the city of Milan, Italy. She was born two months premature, and she would live the majority of her life in fragile health because of it. Her parents, Agostino Cabrini and Stella Oldini, were farmers and Frances’ older sister Rosa assumed charge of the new arrival to the family, carrying her on errands around their village, teaching her to sew, and teaching her a few prayers. Their father Agostino enjoyed reading aloud to his children, often gathering them to read from a book of missionary stories, which intrigued young Frances. Her dolls became nuns and when visiting her uncle, a priest who lived nearby, she would make small boats out of paper, drop violet petals into them, and send them down the swift canal running alongside his house, calling them “missionaries” headed to India or China. Once while preparing to send these “missionaries” off, she fell into the water, nearly drowning, which would spur a deep fear of water that she would carry with her into adulthood. Inspired with a missionary zeal and intrigued with the future of religious life, she studied arduously at her school, run by the Daughters of the Sacred Heart. She graduated with high honors and a teaching certificate. At 18, she applied for admission to the religious congregation of her teachers, but was turned down from joining the Daughters of the Sacred Heart due to her poor health. Disappointed but not discouraged, she devoted herself to a life of lay service. Frances would experience the grief of losing both her parents in 1870, and not long after, was offered and accepted a substitute teaching position in a village school about a mile away from home. Her spirit of service grew greatly from this teaching position, and Father Antonio Serrati, the rector of the parish run by the Daughters of the Sacred Heart, had observed her desire to join the order and took notice of her missionary heart. When Frances attempted to join the religious order again, Fr. Antonio instead tasked her with a different mission: to travel to Cadagono, Italy in order to help restore a disorganized and poorly-run orphanage called the House of Providence. At 24 years old, she journeyed to Cadogno, for what would become a six-year period of training, teaching, and building a community of women who were devoted to a life of charitable work. In September of 1877, she became Mother Cabrini, making her vows at the House of Providence, and putting on her religious habit for the first time. She also added “Xavier” to her name, in honor of St. Francis Xavier. Frances was also named Mother Superior of the House of Providence, helping train seven young nuns, before the orphanage was abruptly closed in 1880. Now homeless, Frances would soon receive a suggestion from the Bishop of Lodi that would set her on a new, exciting course. The Bishop of Lodi wished for Frances and her nuns to found a missionary order of women to serve in his diocese. She accepted the opportunity, moving with the nuns into an abandoned Franciscan friary in Cadogno. Almost immediately, they became a hub of activity, receiving orphans, opening a day school, teaching classes in needlework, and doing everything they could with few resources to serve those in their area. At the same time, Mother Cabrini was beginning to draw together a simple rule of life for the institute, choosing St. Francis de Sales and St. Francis Xavier as their patrons. She composed the rule and constitution of their religious institute, designing a simple habit (absent of elaborate linens or headdresses) and they became the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. In its first five years, the institute would open seven homes, a free school, and a nursery, with many postulants flocking to Cadogno to join. Mother Cabrini was starting to become well-known in her locality, and her good works caught the attention of the Pope Leo XIII. In September of 1877, Mother Cabrini traveled to Rome seeking papal approval for her order, which up to this point had just existed on a diocesan level. Frances had her eyes on a global mission, wanting to open a house in Rome, and travel to China. Within two weeks of arriving in Rome, she had made contacts in high places, holding meetings with various Cardinals and supporters. She would be granted the opportunity to establish a free school and kindergarten in Rome, but when speaking with Pope Leo XIII, he encouraged her to take her missionary zeal “not to the East, but to the West.” At that time, millions of Italians had emigrated to the United States and to South America due to increasing hardships in Italy. They dreamed of bettering themselves and sought new opportunities for their families, but many found only hardships and cruelty. Immigration into the United States hadn’t reached its peak yet, but a steady stream of arrivals, lured by the enticements of a fresh start, poured into the ports with little to no provisions made ready for them. Many Italians were immediately exploited and pulled into exceedingly dangerous jobs of digging, draining and toiling in sweatshops. Clusters of overcrowded, disease-filled slums cropped up in cities, becoming known as “Little Italies.” The majority of Italians found their dreams unmet, lonely and homesick in a new, vast, and dire country. Enter Mother Cabrini, inspired by the Pope’s redirection, who wrote to Archbishop Corrigan in New York that she and her nuns were coming to aid him. On March 31, 1889, Mother Cabrini and six other sisters arrived in New York, ready to serve the Lord. The challenges of the city were immediately apparent, when a misunderstanding at the time of their arrival revealed that the building originally intended to be their orphanage was no longer available. The Archbishop suggested that the nuns should return back to Italy, but Mother Cabrini refused. Homeless yet again, the sisters couldn’t afford to stay in a hotel, and were taken to an inexpensive lodging house with beds so dismal and dirty, that they instead spent the night praying together, preparing themselves for the work ahead. Young and courageous, the nuns emerged the next morning to attend Mass and outline a plan of action with the Archbishop. Almost immediately, a wealthy Italian woman lent her support to the group, contributing money to purchase their first house, and an orphanage was soon taking root in West Park, New York, which is now known as the Saint Cabrini Home. What followed next was the work of a valiant woman, filled with the love and trust of God, determined to serve him ardently. Mother Cabrini would overcome her childhood fear of water to travel across the Atlantic Ocean time after time, traveling back to Rome to secure more support, embarking for Nicaragua to open a school for girls, stopping in New Orleans to lend support to the plight of Italians in similarly dire situations, and much more. In 1892, Mother Cabrini opened her first hospital. With a starting capital of $250, the Columbus Hospital opened its doors on Twelfth Street in New York. Doctors worked free-of-charge, and what the nuns lacked in equipment or experience, they made up with their zeal for souls. The hospital grew in reputation, soon securing further financial support, and moving to a larger building on Twentieth Street, where it is still open to this day. Every year that passed brought more schools, hospitals and orphanages opening around the world. When the Nicaraguan school was forced to close due to a revolutionary overthrow of the government, the sisters moved to Panama and continued to work. Once when invited by an archbishop to travel to Buenos Aires and support the area with her work, she arrived to find that he had died in the time it took her to get there, and the Missionary Sisters were unsure of their welcome. Nonetheless, Mother Cabrini had soon garnered enough support to open a school in the area. While schools were founded in Paris, England, Spain, Rio de Janeiro and beyond, she also founded the Sacred Heart Villa in New York in 1899, as a training center for novices to her order. This place was as close to a home in the United States as Mother Cabrini would ever have, and there is an avenue not far from it that bears her name today. She traveled the world vigorously, leaving a wake of care and support to those in need behind her. Even where she didn’t have an established institution, her presence alone led many groups and governments to take constructive steps to remedy any suffering or shortages in their area. In 1909, at the age of fifty-nine years old, Mother Cabrini took the oath of allegiance to the United States in Seattle. She would reduce her traveling, as her age and health were beginning to draw on her energy, but her prayer, passion and purpose never relented. Eight years after becoming a U.S. citizen, she was in Chicago when she suffered a recurrence of illnesses related to a previous bout with malaria. She died on December 22, 1917, in one of her own hospitals in Chicago. She was 67. Frances’ body was initially placed at the Saint Cabrini Home in New York, before being exhumed in 1931 as part of her canonization process. Her head is preserved in Rome, one of her arms is located in Chicago at the national shrine, and the rest of her body rests in New York. Frances Cabrini had a speedy canonization process, getting beatified by Pope Pius XI on November 13, 1938, and canonized by Pope Pius XII on July 7, 1946. She has two miracles attributed to her – restoring the sight of a day-old baby who had been blinded by receiving a 50% silver nitrate solution instead of the normal 1% solution, and healing a terminally ill member of her congregation. The baby whose sight she restored was present at her beatification, and would later become a priest. A celebration Mass for her canonization filled Soldier Field in Chicago, with tens of thousands of Americans coming together to pray for the intercession of the first American citizen to attain sainthood. In 1950, she was named the patron saint of immigrants. In 35 years, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini founded 67 institutions dedicated to the care of the poor, the sick, the uneducated, and the abandoned. Seeing the desolation among countless Italian immigrants, she swooped in, restoring their faith and exceeding their needs. The compassion of St. Frances made an indelible impact on countless lives, and she is an incredible witness of a citizen-servant who was unafraid to serve God and neighbor alike. Next Item Previous Item

As we continue to grow together, there are certain aspects of our beloved church that would benefit from rejuvenation and upkeep. These include various yearly expenses where your generous support would make a significant difference. Parish Wishlist As we continue to grow together, there are certain aspects of our beloved church that would benefit from rejuvenation and upkeep. These include various yearly expenses where your generous support would make a significant difference. While your name won't be publicly listed as a donor for these items, it will be gratefully acknowledged on your annual giving statement. Your contribution, no matter the size, is deeply valued and helps sustain the vibrant spirit of our parish. Contact Us Giving Homepage Easter Candle $3,000 1 per year Give Now Purificators $30 per Purificator 100 Purificators Give Now English Bibles $25 per Bible 20 Bibles for Chapel Give Now Spanish Bibles $25 per Bible 20 Bibles for Chapel Give Now Sunday Missals $5 per Missal 1,500 per year Give Now Weekly Flowers $100 per week As Needed Give Now YM Scholarship $150 per Teen As Needed Give Now CFF Scholarship $80 per Child As Needed Give Now Baptism Gifts $5 per Rosary 350 per year Give Now

Born on October 13, 1563, in Villa Santa Maria, Italy. St. Francis Caracciolo came from a noble family and developed a deep devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary early in life. After surviving a severe illness at 22, he renounced earthly wealth and became a priest, serving the sick and prisoners. He co-founded the Clerics Regular Minor in 1588 with St. John Augustine Adorno. He is known as the “Hunter of Souls” and “Father of the Poor,” he dedicated his life to the poor, fasting, and promoting Eucharistic devotion. St. Francis Caracciolo 1563 - 1608 Feast Day: June 4 Location: Italy Identifiers: Confessor Relic located in the: TBD Type of Relic: A piece of bone St. Francis was born on October 13, 1563 in Villa Santa Maria (Chieti), into the noble and wealthy Caracciolo family. His love for Jesus, bread of life, which was born very early, like his vocation, when he still lived with his noble and rich family in Villa Santa Maria. No less is the love he felt for the Madonna, honored by wearing the habit of Carmine since he was a child and then by reciting the rosary and fasting every Saturday. At 22 he is struck by a bad form of elephantiasis that disfigures his entire body. So he vows to forever renounce earthly riches in exchange for healing. He is listened to. Two years later he was ordained a priest and was noted for some alleged healings among the sick in the hospitals where he exercised his ministry, as well as in prisons. Among the last. Always. Therefore, he asked to join the Company of the Whites that in Naples served among those condemned to death and convicts at the hospice of the Incurables. It was 1588. One day he receives a letter from a Genoese nobleman, Don Agostino Adorno, and from the abbot of Santa Maria Maggiore in Naples, Fabrizio Caracciolo. In reality, it is addressed to a religious man of the same name who is part of his own congregation, but it is delivered to him, who welcomes it as a sign of Providence. It is due to this misunderstanding that together with the two aforementioned people Ascanio meets at the Camaldolese and writes the constitution of a new institute of which he is co-founder. It was he who proposed to add to the three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, a fourth vow that committed one to refuse any ecclesiastical office. When the new institute was recognized, Ascanio changed his name to Francesco. In 1589 Francis went to Spain with Adorno, who wanted to expand the new institute there. The trip, however, was a failure: after a year they returned home, Francis was ill, Adorno died. In 1591 Francis was elected perpetual general provost, a position he had to accept in order to fulfill the vow of obedience, but he did not change his way of living penance, fasting, or even his habit of doing the most humble jobs. He returned to Spain three years later, but in Madrid King Philip II threatened to close the Hospital of the Italians where he was in charge of the care and assistance of the sick. Only in 1601, elected master of novices, did he succeed in founding a house in Valladolid, demonstrating a great capacity for discernment among the young people, predicting to some a vocation to religious life, to others even apostasy. In 1607 he was finally released from all office and to dedicate himself only to prayer. “Hunter of souls”, “father of the poor”, but also “the man of bronze”: these are the three nicknames by which Francis was known, which perfectly reflect the three faces of his ministry. He never stops visiting the sick and assisting the dying: in the hospital he dedicates himself with great energy to the most humble tasks such as making beds, cleaning rooms, mending the clothes of the sick. He is always ready to collect alms to provide for the education of girls, he brings everything he has to the poor, literally taking the bread from his mouth, often fasting, and donating the clothes that all the brothers discard. He is also tireless in hearing confessions, in teaching catechism to children, in organizing works of charity and in preaching eternal truths to the faithful. If he wants the best for others, for himself he wants nothing: Francis always chooses the narrowest rooms, sleeps and eats very little, and also does penance, even wearing a cilice on feast days and on long journeys on foot. But above all he promotes the cult of the Eucharist, establishing that the students of the Order take turns in the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He never tires of urging other priests to do this, exposing the Blessed Sacrament every first Sunday of the month. Having made a pilgrimage to the Holy House of Loreto, he was born into heaven here on June 4, 1608 after invoking Saints Michael, Joseph and Francis of Assisi. He was canonized by Pius VII in 1807. https://www.causesanti.va/it/santi-e-beati/francesco-caracciolo.html Next Item Previous Item

We are dedicated to connecting your Kindergarten to 5th Grade child to Jesus Christ and His Church. Everything we do is rooted in the love of the Gospel to provide your child with a safe, positive environment to learn our Catholic Faith. 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 Formation K to 5th grades We are dedicated to connecting your Kindergarten to 5th Grade child to Jesus Christ and His Church. Everything we do is rooted in the love of the Gospel to provide your child with a safe, positive environment to learn our Catholic Faith. Classroom formation is offered during the school year from September to May during the following session days and times: Sunday 2:30 -3:45 PM Sunday 4:15 – 5:30 PM Monday 5:30 – 6:45 PM Wednesday 4:45 – 6:00 PM. Our holidays generally follow the Conroe ISD school calendar. Registration for classroom formation opens on August 1st. Registration closes on August 31st. For tuition and online registration links go to ap.church/registration. Church Center Homeschool Formation K to 8th grades In this program, parents will work with their child(ren) on their grade-level faith formation. It is best to set a regular day and time to stick to throughout the year, but there is flexibility when needed. Home study is offered for students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade. The Faith and Life Series from Ignatius Press leads students in 1st-8th grades to the Person of Jesus Christ and then immerses them in the Mystery of Christ, fostering dispositions in which students desire communion with God through Jesus in the Holy Spirit, a communion in truth, charity, and mercy. Our Kindergarteners use the Allelu! curriculum. Parents must submit completion forms for each semester. Church Center Amazing Grace K to 12th grades Amazing Grace is a faith formation ministry to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to children with Adaptive Needs in K 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." Amazing Grace Ministry exists to provide opportunities for inclusion and true fellowship for persons with special needs, their families/supports, friends, and community members. 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 Sunday afternoons from 2:30 to 3:45pm and Monday evenings from 5:30 to 6:45pm. AG on Facebook Program Contacts Mary Jo Vogel Elementary FF Coordinator mvogel@ap.church 832-482-4132 Leslie Bevilacqua Sacramental Preparation Coord (Bilingüe) lbevilacqua@ap.church 832-482-4062 Diane Czerniak Elementary FF Manager dczerniak@ap.church 832-482-4037 Activities for Children American Heritage Girls K to 12th grades American Heritage Girls’ Troop is made up of girls aged 5-18 who meet together to enjoy learning new skills, giving service, growing in their faith, practicing leadership, experiencing teamwork, building friendships and strengthening character. We provide opportunities for the girls to earn merit badges, sports pins, religious awards, and service stars. AHG Troop 1180 Boy Scouts of America 5th to 12th grades Boy Scout Troop 1180. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. A program for boys 11 through 17 designed to achieve the aims of Scouting through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the 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 Columbian Squires 5th to 12th grades Interested in joining a Catholic young men’s group? The Columbian Squires is the official youth organization of the Knights of Columbus. The program develops leadership skills and strengthens the Catholic faith of young men between the ages of 10-17. Sponsored by the Knights in our parish, the Squires will have fun and bond while helping their Church and community through service projects. KoC Squires 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