By MARTHA McCLAIN
Special to the PRESS
A busy schedule of activities is underway this summer at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Parish in Port Isabel.
With events ranging from entertainment to principle, the entire Laguna Madre community and seasonal visitors are invited to participate.
Vacation Bible School continues for grades first through fifth grades through from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 19.
Evelyn Gonzales is taking charge of the expanded Youth Ministries program with movie nights, skating, sports and other fun events. Youth and parents are asked to check the weekly bulletin or office for activities.
Church members will host a benefit rummage sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 3. with bargain items offered at the Church parking lot at 705 Longoria St. Volunteers are welcome to help organize and sell items.
“A Quick Journey Through the Bible” workshop is being planned for adults. Please call for information.
Classes for enrichment include a diocesan course in “Youth Ministry 101 Fastrack” from July 22-25 at St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Brownsville. The class helps renew the vision and leadership in Catholic Youth Ministry.
The 12th annual Catholic Women’s Conference entitled, “Come to Me,” is scheduled Sept. 20-21 in San Antonio under the instruction of The Pilgrim Center of Hope. Registration deadline is Aug. 12.
“Angels” are needed for the Altar Society to help in the overall appearance of the Church. This special service can apply to families, organizations or individuals.
Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church with pastor, Father Pat Seitz, was pleased to lead the local traditional Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet again this year. Special thanks go to Tutu Gonzalez for providing the vessel that allowed Fr. Pat to tour the shrimp docks and bless the shrimp boats and crews as they embark on their often dangerous voyages. Prayers for a safe and bountiful harvest were delivered.
Slated in the near future is a “Bereavement Support” class for those who have lost a loved one. Training is scheduled to begin in September. Please call now for information.
Registration for the sacrament of Baptism class has closed for this session. Classes are now underway for actual baptism candidates, with baptisms scheduled on at the 10 a.m. mass, July 27. New classes will be forming soon. Please call the church office for information.
Training classes for catechist volunteers are scheduled now through September by the Church’s Continuing Christian Education department. On July 20, two sessions are scheduled including, “I Believe,” and “Liturgy and Sacraments.” On Aug. 10, “Prayer and Spirituality” and “Introduction to the Learner” classes are slated. And, on Sept. 7, “Methods for Grades 5 and 6” and “Getting Started as a Catechist,” are scheduled. Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please sign-up at the CCE office.
Registration is now underway for all 14-year-olds through high school seniors to sign-up for the Teen’s ACTS Retreat from Aug. 15-18. It will be a fun-filled weekend celebrating community, theology, service and adoration.
Prizes from area merchants are now being received for the annual Church Bazaar. Gift cards, merchandise or other items will be gratefully accepted.
With the pending arrival of football season, the OLSS “Overtime Program” kicks-in with activities scheduled for after home games with supervised activities from 10 p.m. to midnight.
For more information about these matters, or for more information about the Church, please call (956) 943-1297.
