“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart..." (Joel 2:12, NIV)
Dear friends in Christ,
We begin the Lenten Season next week with Ash Wednesday. It is the beginning of the Church’s observance of the desert journey towards Easter. It is a time in which we are called to reflect inwardly, to stop whatever we are doing, no matter how important it might be, and enter more intentionally into the disciplines of prayer, self-examination, fasting, and repentance. But we must be careful because these disciplines, though significant and helpful, are not ends in themselves. They are means to an end and the goal is to return to God with all our hearts.
Unfortunately, the common practice of entering the Lenten season has often been reduced to this question: “What are you giving up for Lent?” It is a reasonable and typical question, but it can only take us so far. The real question of Lent should be, “How will I find ways to return to God with all my heart?” This question begs an even deeper question, “Where in my life have I gotten away from God and what are the disciplines or ways that will enable me to find my way back?”
Remember what the Prophet Isaiah has explained on the meaning of fasting, “Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me: to break unjust fetters, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break all yoke? Is it not sharing your food with the hungry and sheltering the homeless poor; if you see someone lacking clothes, to clothe him, and not turn away from your own kin?” (58: 6-8)
That is the fasting that God calls us to practice. It is without a doubt that the disciplines of fasting and other kinds of practices help us face sinful patterns and imperfection. If we want to find our way back to God, we have to either change or improve our way of life. Furthermore, these disciplinary practices invite us to consider how we might be called to give more of ourselves to others.
We all know that Lent requires and encourages something from us. We all are familiar with the fact that there can be no feasting without fasting. Entering the Lenten discipline by giving up something to create more space for prayer is the fast that prepares us to fully enjoy the Feast of the Resurrection.
So let us begin this wonderful Lent together.
Quang A. Nguyen, SCJ
Ash Wednesday is the first day of the liturgical season of Lent. It always falls six and half weeks before Easter, beginning the Lenten season of preparation for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Is Ash Wednesday a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation in 2025?
Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation for Roman Catholics, yet receiving ashes is a universal practice among Christians to begin their Lenten journeys. Most Catholic parishes offer Ash Wednesday Mass, and in some places, it is possible to receive ashes without attending Mass. (source: Hallow app)
Do I need to be Catholic to receive ashes?
You do not need to be Catholic to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. Several other traditions within Christianity also share this act of repentance. (source: Hallow app)
For more resources on Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season, click here >> https://hallow.com/blog/ash-wednesday/
For more resources on Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season, click here >> https://hallow.com/blog/ash-wednesday/
We will be sending off our 13 Catechumens (students who are preparing to be Catholics) this coming Sunday! Please continue to pray for them as they participate in the "Rite of Sending" when they will be received officially in a "Rite of Election" by our Bishop.
"The Rite of Election includes the enrollment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens, their sponsors and families gather at the cathedral church. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called the Elect."(Christian Initiation of Adults | USCCB)
The UH Day of Remembrance is historically held in March each year to honor our Cougar Family – students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the University – who have passed away the previous calendar year. During the service, four candles are lit by the respective leaders of the Student Government Association, Faculty Senate, Staff Council, and the UH Alumni Association.
We are currently updating our remembrance booklet. If you know of a UH community member (student, faculty, staff, or alumni) who has passed away in 2024 calendar year, please feel free to send adbrc@uh.edu the following information:
- Name (Last, First) (Middle name or initial if known)
- Major/Minor
- Year of Graduation
To RSVP: If you can attend in person, RSVP by filling out our form, (coming soon), by Friday, February 28, 2025. If you cannot join us in person, we will be live-streaming the ceremony, and it will be available on the A.D. Bruce Religion Center website.
Pier Giorgio Frassati Canonization
The Holy Father will canonize Pier Giorgio Frassati during the Closing Mass for the Jubilee of Young People in Rome on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Pope Francis made the announcement on November 20, 2024, saying, "Next year, during the Jubilee of Adolescents, I will canonize Blessed Carlo Acutis and in the Jubilee of Young People, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati." Details about the canonization are still pending. In the meantime, please check out the USCCB web page for Frassati
Calling Catholic men and women! Catholic Speed Dating is back!
Due to space and time constraints space will be limited. Our last events sold out so be sure to snag your ticket quickly. **You must purchase a ticket in advance to attend.**
In the modern world of online dating we are seeking to help bridge the gap and foster Christ centered romantic connections. Our next Catholic Speed Dating event will be on March 8th at Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel. This one will be broken into two age groups. Each age group has its own ticketing site. We are not planning to host the 38+ age group this time around but have included an interest form below.
Ages 21-28 at 5:45 pm - https://25Catholicspeed1.eventbrite.com
Ages 27-38 at 7:45 pm - https://25Catholicspeed2.eventbrite.com
Interest form for other speed dating events:
Tickets:
$35 plus processing fee.
Save $5 if purchased before Feb 24th use Code "early"
Returning guests save $10 use code "Return25"
Tickets are nonrefundable. We strive to keep the ratios equal and having cancellations would make this quite difficult.
Get your tickets here: https://TheHowToFoundation.eventbrite.com
Location:
Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel
3000 N Loop W, Houston, TX 77092
Any questions please contact: catholicspeeddatinghouston@gmail.com
Notes:
- Everyone must register in advance
- Tickets are nonrefundable
- We are not liable for any damages (sickness, harm or theft) We cannot be held responsible for the actions of grown adults.
- We require everyone to be respectful
- We will not stand for any form of harassment or bullying.
- We reserve the right to ask anyone at any time to leave for any reason.
Notes:
- Everyone must register in advance
- Tickets are nonrefundable
- We are not liable for any damages (sickness, harm or theft) We cannot be held responsible for the actions of grown adults.
- We require everyone to be respectful
- We will not stand for any form of harassment or bullying.
- We reserve the right to ask anyone at any time to leave for any reason.
Other FAQ Can be found on the event pages
Café Catholica Lite: March 13, 2025
Our next Café Catholica Lite will be held on March 13, 2025, at the Holy Family Parish Life Center (1525 25th Street, Galveston) from 7:00-8:45 pm. Our speaker will be Fr. Jorge Alvarado, CC, pastor of the Catholic Charismatic Center in Houston. Fr. Jorge’s talk will be titled “Recognizing God’s Voice in Prayer”, exploring how the Scriptures guide us in recognizing the voice of God and the profound impact this can have on our relationship with Him. The night will include lite snacks, the talk, Q&A, and communal prayer. For more information, go to www.archgh.org/cafecatholica
If you are unable to join us in person, please join us online via livestream!
Café Catholica Lite: Livestream
For those who cannot join us in person, we hope you'll tune in for the Livestream for the event. Visit this Livestream Zoom Link to tune in! The zoom will open on 7:30 p.m. in time for the talk.
All young adults are invited to join us for Magnify at St. Mary’s Seminary (9845 Memorial Dr, Houston) on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 8:15 pm. Magnify, formerly known as the Archdiocesan Young Adult Day, will include a keynote speaker, small group discussions, workshops, Mass, and time for social activities. Our English Keynote is Sr. Albert Marie Surmanksi, OP, an Associate Professor of Theology at the University of St. Thomas in Houston and St. Mary's Seminary. Our Spanish Keynote is Mari Pablo, a national speaker through Ascension Press. This year’s theme is “Journey to the Father’s Heart” (Luke 15: 20, 31). Early Bird Registration Cost is $45 (register by February 17) or Regular Cost is $55 (register by March 17). At the door Registration Cost is $65 (register by March 22). All details for the day are available online at: www.archgh.org/magnify. This is a bilingual event with offerings available in English and Spanish.
Todos los jóvenes adultos están invitados a unirse a nosotros para Magnifica en el Seminario St. Mary’s (9845 Memorial Dr, Houston) el sábado 22 de marzo de 2025, de 12:00 pm a 8:15 pm. Magnifica, anteriormente conocido como el Día Arquidiocesano de Jóvenes Adultos, incluirá un orador principal, discusiones en grupos pequeños, talleres, misa y tiempo para actividades sociales. Nuestra oradora principal en español es Mari Pablo, oradora nacional a través de Ascension Press. Nuestra oradora principal en inglés es la Hna. Albert Marie Surmanksi, OP, profesora asociada de teología en la Universidad de St. Thomas en Houston y el Seminario St. Mary's. El tema de este año es "Caminando hacia el corazón del Padre" (Lucas 15: 20, 31). El costo de inscripción anticipada es de $45 (inscripción antes del 17 de febrero) o el costo regular es de$ 55 (inscripción antes del 17 de marzo). En la puerta el costo de inscripción es de $65 (inscripción antes del 22 de marzo). Todos los detalles del día están disponibles en línea en: www.archgh.org/magnify. Este es un evento bilingüe con opciones disponibles en inglés y español.
Priests vs. Seminarians 2025 is coming! Mark your calendars for Friday, April 4, 2025, at Rice Tudor Field House.
Tickets now on sale!
Charis Retreat for Young Adults
Save the date for this year’s Charis Retreat that will be held on April 25-27, 2025! All young adults (ages 18-39) are invited to join us for this 3-day, 2-night retreat based on Ignatian Spirituality at Circle Lake Retreat Center (19000 Circle Lake Dr., Pinehurst, TX). More information will be coming soon at: www.archgh.org/charis. If you would like to be a part of the retreat team, please contact Neil Albaña at nalbana@archgh.org or 713-741-8780. We would love to have you on the team
¡Reserven la fecha para el Retiro Charis que se llevará a cabo del 25-27 de abril de 2025! Todos los jóvenes adultos (de 18 a 39 años) están invitados a participar en este retiro de 3 días y 2 noches basado en espiritualidad ignaciana en el Circle Lake Retreat Center (19000 Circle Lake Dr., Pinehurst, TX). Para obtener más información, visiten www.archgh.org/charis-espanol. Si te gustaría formar parte del equipo, por favor, comunícate con Thalía Romero en tromero@archgh.org o al 713-741-8768.
Marx, Darwin, T. S. Eliot, Foucault: a new semester of spiritual adventure starts soon! If you want to consider the great questions of human existence and co-existence within a congenial community, don't miss out. Dr. David Franks, senior research fellow at the Abigail Adams Institute, would like to invite everyone to join The Great Conversation, a weekly online discussion group exploring formative texts of Western culture in manageable portions. It focuses on the question, “How should we live?” This spring we cover modern times, from the long nineteenth century up to our current situation. Together we will think through, and with, writers from Hegel to Solzhenitsyn, including Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Martin Luther King, and Judith Butler. The conversation takes place Wednesday evenings on Zoom from 8:00-9:30 pm (Eastern). Sign up at https://www.abigailadamsinstitute.org/tgc. All ages, all backgrounds, are welcome. Join us, and please spread the word to those who relish conversation that is both serious and exciting!
Need prayer or someone to talk to/pray?
Our Chaplain, Fr. Quang Nguyen, SCJ, and Campus Minister, Salisha Miller, are here to serve you. You are welcome to contact them by email or GroupMe message in case of any need.
UH Catholic Newman Center
4305 Martin Luther King Blvd. | Houston, TX | 77004 | 713-748-2529
CATHOLIC@UH.EDU
Director: Fr. Quang Nguyen, SCJ
Email: qnguyen@archgh.org
Campus Minister: Salisha Miller
Email: smiller@archgh.org
