Dear Fellow St. Mary's Families,

Peace be with you! We continue this journey of faith together in the comfort (and sometimes chaos, it's okay!) of our own homes right now. The Domestic Church has a renewed meaning, as each day we are given an opportunity to come together to pray like never before, to love like never before, even though attending Sunday Mass together at this time isn't possible physically. We have more time with one another face to face, we have less distractions, we have no excuses; only grace, opportunity, and God Himself reaching down to us to lift up our heads (Psalm 3, see below) through these interesting times. He is attempting to gain more of our attention and our affection, too.  "He reached down from Heaven and rescued me." Psalm 18:16. God is still reaching for us even here, even now.

Through this season of "staying safe at home," let's make more space and more time for Him and for one another. It's the silver lining! It's the lemonade we can make with the lemons of these days. And to be sure, there are real struggles that we are all facing in very new and real ways right now. God will give us the grace to carry these crosses with peace if we allow Him to, if we ask Him for help. Because He said He would. Because He only tells the Truth, because He is the Truth. ^"Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7.  Times like these are when we are given new sight (or at least an updated prescription); we are refined and we are humbled in our sufferings and through that process we are strengthened in His faith, His hope, His love. The choice is up to us, even here and now, feeling like we don't have much control over much else. We are still free to love, to worship and to grow in the most important ways. 

The wonderful books we use for our Catechesis in Kindergarten through 5th grades are now available on this webpage to the right (thank you, Sophia Institute Press!). We'll follow the basic curriuculum set out for the Spring semester, with a little simpler plan. Stay tuned via weekly newsletters.

And if you need anything, spiritual or material, St. Mary's is READY to come to your aid. We have so many parishioners who have come together to meet the needs of our parish family, whether large or small. Just call the office @ (512) 352-2175, or email kate-barta@stmarystaylor.org, or aaron-barta@stmarystaylor.org, and we'll get the ball rolling in the right direction. We are praying for you daily!

Love in Christ,

Kate and the Catechetical Team 

Psalm 3: Trust in the Lord in Adversity (NRSV)

O Lord, how many are my foes!
    Many are rising against me;
 many are saying to me,
    “There is no help for you in God.”

 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.
 I cry aloud to the Lord,
    and He answers me from his holy hill.

 I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.

Looking for ways to keep your children learning about their Catholic faith? All St Mary's parishioners have free access to FORMED.org. Watch all kinds of family and kid friendly content on your smart TV, phone, tablet or laptop! Visit formed.org/signup and select our parish to register. 

MAKE YOUR TELEVISED OR ONLINE SUNDAY MASS A SPECIAL SUNDAY EXPERIENCE DURING THIS UNUSUAL TIME

1.   Sit in chairs to help you & your family/friends (if others are present) engage in the Mass & to keep you from passively watching from the couch or recliner. Silence and put away all phones and devices for this special time.

2.  Get dressed as you normally would when attending Mass.  Keeping this routine is especially helpful for children.

3.  If you have holy water in your home, bless yourselves before & after watching the Mass.

4.  Take a few moments of silence to prayerfully transition from the busyness of the home to the sanctity of the Mass.

5.  Fully participate by standing, kneeling, sitting & responding as you normally would when physically attending the Mass.

6.  Set a Crucifix or sacred art in the close proximity of TV or streaming device to assist in remaining focused.

7.  Follow along with a missalete or lectionary when the Liturgy of the Word (readings) are taking place.

8.  Light a candle to symbolize Christ, the light that shines in darkness, to help your home resemble the Church environment. 

9.  Don’t forget to continue supporting your church financially. Make a Sunday contribution online, by mail or drop it off at the office. 

10. Make a Spiritual Communion:

Spiritual Communion Prayer

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there And unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you.

Amen.

Shared from St. Pius X in Corpus Christi via their Facebook page. Thank you!

Registration is open online for all youth registered as parishioners of St. Mary's.  

Thank you for using our online registration. If you have any questions, or are in need of financial assistance, please contact Kate Barta at kate.barta@stmarystaylor.org, or (512) 352-2133.

Registration fees are as follows:

• K- 12 Basic (non-sacramental) year of Catechesis & Formation: $50
• 2nd Grade First Reconciliation/Holy Communion Prep: Addition $25 for retreats
• RCIA for ages 7 & Up: $25
• 9th Grade Confirmation: Additional $50 for retreat and Super Sundays
• Family Discount: Free Basic Registrations for four or more children enrolled