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Rev. Wayne
W. Wilkerson, Pastor
Pastor's News
Dear Parish Family,
As many of us work hard to restore what has been damaged or permanently taken by Hurricane Ike, these simple words
resound in my mind… we are a blessed people and have much to be thankful for. At the writing of this note to you, some of you may
still be without electricity…indeed; this has been a trying time for many. I am comforted through God’s Holy Word that He will
never abandon His faithful people. It is by faith that we walk and through faith that we live, move, and have our being. In the wee
hours of Sunday morning, September 14th, I found comfort in Psalm 57; Have pity on me, O God; have pity on me, for in you I take
refuge. In the shadow of your wings I take refuge till harm pass by.” Indeed, God has pity on us, His people…He has chosen to spare
and save us…for this, we are eternally grateful. In the days, weeks and months to come, may all of us be not only hearers of the
Word, but also doers and sharers of the Word. Because we have experienced this natural disaster together, we are a changed people.
We can never be the same. I pray that we can only be better…better Christians and better witnesses of God’s presence in our
lives. I urge you to be Christ to your neighbor, to estranged members of your family and even, to the stranger. Welcome all and let
them know that we are Christians by our love. I thank the many people who offered their support, food and shelter to me during the
many days following Hurricane Ike. To all who came to SFDS to assist in our massive property cleanup, thank you very much! To
Fr. Drew Wood who opened St. Laurence so that I could celebrate a mass of Christian burial, I thank you. To Fr. John Rooney of St.
Angela Merici in Sienna Plantation who provided shelter to Deacon Jeff and me, my heartfelt thanks for your generosity. On
Wednesday, September 24th, a collection was taken at our Wednesday mass with our school children. We collected $1500.00 and I
will be sending this amount to Galveston O’Connell High School to assist them in their rebuilding efforts. I encourage each of us to
share from what we have to those most in need… may we never forget that we are a blessed people and have much to be thankful for.
May God Bless You,
Fr. Wayne
What is a Catholic Annulment?
At times, some of our parishioners have married and
their marriages have ended due to a painful divorce. As well, some
wish to and do remarry
outside the church. Many long to return to the
Eucharist but have no idea what is involved in doing so. Recently,
members of our parish laity
have taken a class offered by the Tribunal in our
Archdiocese and have been trained as Case Sponsors for those who
seek an annulment. They,
along with the clergy of SFDS, are here to help you.
If you would like to ask questions about what is involved, please
contact the parish office at:
713.774.7475 and ask for either Fr. Wayne or Fr.
Maynard. A case sponsor would be most happy to assist you through
this process of healing.
Case sponsors are available in English and Spanish.
Church Doors
Effective immediately, the main church doors will be
locked at all times. Last week we had a situation where a person who
was armed with a
knife entered the church building. Thankfully the
situation was resolved without incident, but for the safety of our
parishioners and guests,
we have taken the necessary steps for security
purposes. Should you desire entry to the church, please contact the
parish office for
information on how to access the church building
through the chapel entrance. Alternately, one of our staff members
would be happy to
provide access to the church during regular business hours.
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