The CCE Elementary students celebrated All Saints Day by dressing up as a Saint of their choosing. The children enjoyed a fun morning learning about the Saints, playing All Saints Day Bingo, and enjoying some time with Father Barker. We believe our students are “MINT” to be Saints and reminded them with a special treat bag of peppermints at the end of the morning. Thank you to all the students (and their parents)  and teachers who dressed up and shared fun facts about their Saint.

My dear parishioners, the human soul’s greatest longing is to dwell with God in the fullness of his eternal glory. With this in mind, we annually remember our beloved deceased in a special way throughout November. We pray for the souls of the faithful departed to be granted a favorable judgment by God and a heavenly rest at the last. Praying for the dead is a venerable Christian obligation. At the time of his crucifixion, Christ himself descended to the dead to minister to Abraham and his holy descendants who had “all died in faith, not having received what was promised, but having seen it and greeted it from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” [Heb 11:13]

My dear parishioners, do the underprivileged merit a greater share of God's care and favor due to their distressed conditions? Is impoverishment an inherently favorable environment in which to seek the Lord? Do we draw closer to God more easily if we are less distracted by the care of possessions and ownership? We must answer, in many circumstances, yes, perhaps most, but not by necessity. Some embrace poverty as an aid to their salvation and for the “sake of the kingdom of heaven.” [cf. Mt 19:12] Many, poor from birth or impoverished by circumstances, neither escape nor transcend the cruel environment in which they live...

My dear parishioners, to the Church at Rome, Saint Paul explains how the Sacrament of Baptism, confers “newness of life” to all who receive it: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” [Rom 6:4] The surpassing way of being “alive together with Christ” [Eph 2:5] is a surrender to God in humble prayer and worship, “for through (Christ, all) have access in one Spirit to the Father.” [Eph 2:18]...

My dear parishioners, woven into the fabric of our American history is the remarkable legacy of migration. Without this legacy and its compelling stories, we and our nation would vanish without memory. All our family stories about ancestors share something in common: good, courageous people setting out on long journeys, facing daunting obstacles -- even great danger -- in the hope of eventually reaping hard-earned rewards. Whether we realize it or not, each of our families adds an important chapter to the immigrant history of America. All too often we forget the hardships suffered by our own Catholic forefathers and the religious bigotry they endured. Stories of contemporary immigrants are no less compelling than the stories of our own forebearers or the founding families of our great nation.

My dear parishioners, the scriptures proclaim, “In the beginning . . . the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters.” And again, “God separated the light from the darkness.” [Gen 1:1-2,4] If you contemplate each day the sovereignty of God and the power of God’s grace, you will advance far on the road of your spiritual life. You will discover how your loving God helps you to conquer adversity and suffering, trials and disappointments, unfairness and wrongdoing in such a way that his divine perfection and purpose are ever before you magnified, not diminished...

My dear parishioners, Jesus Christ, in whose divine personhood resides the fullness of incomparable beauty and majesty, was faithful in all things throughout his earthly ministry so that many would choose salvation in his name. In Jesus, our loving heavenly father was pleased to bestow grace upon grace, raise him from the dead on the third day and receive him at his right hand in glory. More cherished than a multitude of good works is a priest’s solemn love of God, indeed his heartfelt love for God in ministry to others. When serving others exacts a high price, and it will, only God’s divine mercy can protect and sustain the priest and his ministry. Fortitude, the virtue that enables one to bear up when good things and good people are taken away, presupposes that a human being will experience grave difficulties in this world.  Indeed, some situations are marked by great suffering...

My dear parishioners, the expression in the ages of ages refers to the manifestation of divine mysteries beyond human understanding and impossibly beyond the vocabulary of time. Human beings, because we are mortal, perceive “ages” fundamentally in terms of past, present and future. Not so with God. Whether in the form of a thunder shaking the eternal cosmos or as a whisper in a moment of human time, God’s truth will forge the heavens’ stars and arrange the planets, summoning fire and ice to carve out valleys and fill the oceans...

We are so excited to announce that we now offer a Children’s Liturgy of the Word at the 8:30 am Mass. To make this program successful and special for our children, we need YOUR help. There’s still time to be a part of this fun, new ministry. We are still looking for volunteers. If you’d like more information, please email Nikki Metzler, nikkinoelmetzler@yahoo.com

The Knights of Columbus, Council 9794 at St. Philip, celebrated the installation of new officers on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at our Parish Center. Our newly appointed Grand Knight, Ray Kessler, was among the nine inducted officers. Eight wives also attended. A joyful dinner followed at nearby El Jimador Grill.

My dear parishioners, in these difficult and trying days, many persons need encouragement for the sake of goodness. From Jesus, you “have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, (and) were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” [Eph 1:13] Do not despair of becoming holy. Do not think that holiness is yesterday’s relic or today’s smartphone app...

My dear parishioners, I have meditated often about the story of Our Lord’s feeding of the multitude as told in John’s gospel chapter 6. This miracle story of loaves and fishes is like the human soul, fully known by God but an infinite and compelling mystery to the human mind. Surely, we need the help of the Paraclete, God’s Spirit, to understand it...

My dear parishioners, the Jesus of John's gospel repeats adamantly: "I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me." [Jn 5:30] "He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood." [Jn 7:18] Jesus' mission, as the Christ, is to lead a faithful people to his father’s household. Therefore, Jesus sent his disciples forth with a mission. They were to bring souls to him. That men could receive such a share of God's holy authority caused the crowds to be "afraid and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.” [Mat 9:8] Christ sent his disciples on a specific, limited mission to the children of Israel...

In conjunction with St Philip's Parish, the Knights of Columbus 9794 is honored to award the 2020 Sylvester Leonard Scholarship in the amount of $500 to Lourdes Cupples.  She will be attending the University of Texas - San Antonio in the fall.  We congratulate Lourdes for her endeavors and hard work in both KHS and church activities.

Father Barker blessed our refurbished Guadalupe Shrine on a beautiful July 7th morning. The shrine is accessible by following the sidewalk that leads to the patio at the back of the pavilion.  There, you will find a seating area for your prayer and meditation. The shrine is gracefully displayed amid Crape Myrtle trees and Waxed Leaf Myrtle bushes.  Our thanks to Don Walter, St. Philip Knights of Columbus, for beautifully refurbishing the shrine for our parish.

My fellow parishioners, while media is endorsing “change the world” pleas, let’s pause to reflect on how we can “change ourselves.” In our faith journey every day, we make choices about who we want to become and who we do not want to be. Sure, we would like to be more righteous, caring, and charitable. Catholics are motivated by inspirational guidelines like the Beatitudes, Works of Mercy, Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and Virtues. On the flip side, we are counseled by the Ten Commandments (do this and don’t do that), as we try to stay in our lane on the road toward the “narrow gate.” [Mt 7: 13-14]...

Dear Parish Families, Be aware of recent scam text messages, claiming to be from Father Barker.  These messages convey some type of emergency. Typically they will ask for 1) an immediate reply, or 2) money or 3) gift cards. Scammers from non-local area codes are "working" across the Galveston-Houston diocese. Do not reply to these messages. Fr. Barker will never send any request for help, nor will he ever send any emergency request via text message. If you receive one of these texts, ignore it and delete it.  In Christ, Kathy Corbett

Mary’s Blessings is currently servicing the Huffman community once again after an interruption due to the health advisory. We are here and able to assist the community with their financial struggles during this time or refer them to other organizations for help. The Huffman Food Pantry is also continuing with curbside service on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am-12 noon. The Pantry also accepts food donations on those days, so you may drop off a bag or two. If you are lucky enough and have a bumper crop of veggies in your garden, they have been a real treat to receive, bring them early! With your generous donations to Mary’s Blessings, we are able to send a contribution to the following organizations that we support, and that are in great need at this time. $1, 500 contributed to the Huffman Food Pantry which has been able to receive assistance from the Houston Food Bank but even this grand a donation of food is distributed in no time at all! $1,500 contributed to Birthright of Humble. …Planned Parenthood told her “It’s just a clump of cells and if you get it early enough it doesn’t even look like a baby.” Her response “What? That’s it? That’s your best? We’re all clumps of cells!” Ireland replied back. “The unborn doesn’t look like a baby, just like a baby doesn’t look like a teenager, and a teenager doesn’t look like a senior citizen. But that unborn human being looks exactly the way human beings are supposed to look at that stage of development!”… excerpt from Birthright of Humble website. $1,500 contribution to The Archdiocesan Office of Pro-Life Activities which is dedicated to promoting a Culture of Life at all stages and circumstances. Our Ministries include: Project Gabriel - support during pregnancy; Jerome's Hope - support after a prenatal diagnosis, miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant loss; Helpers - praying for the unborn; Project Rachel -Healing after abortion. If you know a local family that may need our help, please reach out and refer them to us at 832-764-9814. Thank you for your past donations to our ministry and your continued support is sincerely appreciated.

My dear parish families, when a person’s behavior does not match his own best interests, the world becomes a very dangerous place, and that person’s long term survival is in grave doubt. The same scenario holds true for communities in which large numbers of people persistently act in loathsome, destructive ways that do not match the highest interests of their shared communities. Reasonable people universally experience dangerous behavior as frightening and disgusting. They abhor the use of power and money to exploit people who bear authentic grievances. They abhor the abuse of innocent, helpless or impoverished human beings who cannot defend themselves. They abhor mobs and murder, savagery and looting. They abhor cowardly leaders who pander to violence and betray their community’s safety and well-being....

Five St. Philip high school graduates were honored during a special Mass on Sunday, May 31.  During the families-only event, Father Barker bestowed a blessing on these young adults as they move forward into the next phase of their lives.  After the Mass, a luncheon was held in the hall so that the families could celebrate their children’s achievements.  St. Philip’s graduates are: Elizabeth Alvarez (Hargrave HS) will be attending Texas A&M Univ. to study Public Health with plans to be a pediatric nurse.  Lourdes Cupples (Kingwood HS) will be attending Univ. of Texas @ San Antonio to study Health on a pre-physical therapy track. John Jenkins (Atascocita HS) is headed to Stephen F Austin State Univ. to study Mathematics. Zachary Jolly (Atascocita HS) will be going to St. Joseph Seminary College in Louisiana and will major in Theology and Philosophy. Adella Soto (Atascocita HS) will be attending the Univ. of Houston to study Biomedical Sciences with plans to be a Physician’s Assistant.  We are so proud of these students.  Please join the entire St. Philip parish family in praying for these talented youth as they head off on this next great adventure led always by their love of Christ and his Holy Church.  “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9