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On May 17, 2003 - Fr. Dat Hoang was ordained to the priesthood. Learn more about Fr. Dat here.

It’s officially October, which means our annual Trunk or Treat event is coming up soon! This will be the third year that St. Faustina’s hosts this fun event for the children of our parish and our community.

The Finance Council at St. Faustina’s has been an integral part of our growth as a community of faith. Not only do they inform the parish on financial matters and meet regularly to keep communication clear, they also put in many hours compiling financial data that is vital to our parish operations.

Two little boys excitedly approached what looked like any other house in their small-town neighborhood. One dressed like a pirate, the other like a ghost, they were eagerly going from door to door, boldly holding out their pillowcases and declaring “trick or treat” as they held their receptacles open in expectation of another treat.

Finding time for daily prayer isn’t always easy, but it is essential to our lives as Christians. Since next month is dedicated to Our Lady and the Rosary, it’s the perfect time to get to know this beautiful form of prayer better.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year- the feast day of St. Faustina! Our patroness is constantly interceding for us, so we want to have a big celebration in honor of her life and the life we have built together as a parish. This feast day is a reminder of the unity we share both in our parish and in the entire Body of Christ.

Angels play an important role in our salvation. The word “angel” means “one who is sent.” Indeed, throughout the Scriptures angels are sent by God with important messages for mankind. But they also serve other purposes in God’s plan. Scripture tells us that an angel was sent to guard the entry to the Garden of Eden after man was cast out for disobeying God (Gen. 3:24). Every person is guarded by an angel who protects him/her from the demons, and guides him/her on the path that leads to God (cf. Matt. 18:10). We are escorted into God’s presence by the angels when we die (Lk. 16:22). Entire nations and even institutions have angels assigned to them to guard them from danger and the sway of evil (Dan. 12:1). And, on a more terrifying note, angels unleash plagues and devastation at God’s command (e.g. the seven angels that unleash the seven plagues in Revelation). Satan and the other demons are also revealed to be fallen angels (Rev. 12:7-9).

Roughly two years ago, Pack Leader Jeremy Odell met Brian Lennox, a parishioner of St. Faustina, and recognized that the values-based organization would need to partner with a church. This year Mr. O’Dell expects over 150 scouts to participate in Pack 106. This particular pack has one of the best retention rates in the Houston area. “In our group at the Cub Scout level, we are a family based program. We encourage the whole family to get involved in camping and all activities. Anytime you’re there together as a family, you are building the family bond, and passing on principles of faith,” said Odell.

On September 14, as the Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Cross, we’d like to do a little something called “typology.” Whoa there! Stay with us. We could almost see your eyes glazing over. Don’t be scared off by the theological jargon. Typology is one of the oldest, simplest, and most exciting forms of biblical interpretation. And once you know how to do it, it’ll really make the Scriptures come alive for you. “Typology” simply means that we look for parallels between Jesus and the persons and events of the Old Testament. It’s like playing a game of biblical connect-the-dots.

Innovator, educator, entrepreneur, and a Catholic creative, Janisse Valenzuela has been on a journey since her childhood that has led her to her current role as Coordinator of Family Life at St. Faustina. Janisse was born and raised in a Catholic family as the youngest of four daughters. Her mother laid a foundation of a deep love for Scripture, the rosary, and Mass within her early years of life. These things were part of the routine in her household, but, as often happens to the best of us, Janisse did not fully understand the value of the habits her mom instilled.

Parents in Fulshear and all around us are busy taking all the necessary steps to prepare children to go back to school. We want to help the children of our parish start the school year with their minds and hearts focused on Jesus.  Take a break from shopping and doctor’s appointments to join us at St. Faustina’s Annual Back to School Bash on August 21st from 5:30-7:30 pm. There will be food, Kona Ice, and games. Don’t forget to bring your bookbags because at 6:30 we will gather in front of the church for the Blessing of the Backpacks.

You’ve been at Mass for an hour now and things are beginning to wind down. This Sunday has been pretty good. You’ve paid attention during the readings. Father’s homily was remarkably insightful. The music was spot on. And, although they felt long and your mind wandered a bit, you were actually able to pull some spiritual insights from the Eucharistic Prayers today (fueled, of course, by these wonderful little articles that you’ve been reading in the parish Newsletter each month…).

Heidi Cain didn’t quite know what she was getting herself into three years ago when she mentioned that “if they couldn’t find anyone else” she would direct the first-ever Vacation Bible School (VBS) at St. Faustina. She could never have imagined how much joy and fulfillment this ministry would bring to her. God has taken her “yes” and used it to inspire hundreds of children, volunteers, and parents in their faith.

It’s very important for Catholics to have quality materials and resources regarding faith, Church History, and theology. Formed is a FREE online streaming resource full of videos, podcasts, Bible studies, articles, and presentations about our Catholic faith.

The door to the ransacked church opened slowly, and a timid little girl with straight pitch-black hair and deep brown almond-shaped eyes poked her head through nervously, searching for guards before entering. Quiet as a mouse, she made her way up the center aisle, approaching the sanctuary where the Eucharist lay strewn across the floor. Heavy boot prints filled the sanctuary, marking where the Communist soldiers had trampled the sacred Host in an act of defilement. Life was not easy, or safe, for Catholics in Communist China.