In 2015, the Texas legislature amended several statutes to permit licensed carriers to openly carry handguns (HB910). These changes took effect on January 1, 2016. In a nutshell, HB910 simply changes current law related to licensed carriers of concealed handguns to permit licensed carriers to either openly carry handguns or to carry concealed handguns. Openly carrying a handgun requires the carrier to have the handgun properly holstered. A CHURCH or a place of business MAY PROHIBIT concealed handguns or openly-carried handguns, or both, in its buildings by providing notice under the statute. Notice may be accomplished in several ways: A) One may post signs at the public entrances of the building in a clearly visible manner. The text in the signs must be exactly as the statute prescribes in both English and Spanish. One may give NOTICE face-to-face, orally or in writing, to a licensed carrier that concealed handguns or openly carried handguns or both are not permitted in a building. Written notices must contain the same text as the signs.

Effective immediately, IT IS TO BE KNOWN THAT OPENLY CARRIED HANDGUNS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE CHURCH OR ANY OF THE BUILDINGS OF ST. MATHEW THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH, HOUSTON, TEXAS. A written and oral notice will be presented to anyone openly carrying a handgun to remove the handgun from the building. If a licensed carrier violates the statute by not removing an openly carried handgun from the church or other building once written and oral notice is given to the person, the carrier may be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 1 year in jail, a fine up to $4,000, or both jail time and a fine. The penalty may be enhanced for repeat offenses. Additionally, the licensed carrier may lose his/her license for such a violation.

https://www.archgh.org/about/ignite-capital-campaign/ignite-online-pledge-form/

 Church Re-Opening for Mass is now in effect with limited seating. If you are not able to attend you can still log in to your Facebook account and join in for daily mass with Fr. Martial Oya Tues.-Fri. 8:45a.m. and Sundays 10a.m. English Mass & 12p.m. Spanish Mass. 
                           FrMartial Oya or St. Matthew the Evangelist

Everyone attending mass in the church is encouraged to pick up an individual  bulletin to follow our Sunday readings.

Nuestras Lecturas Domiciales estan disponibles en el boletin. 

For all who have contracted coronavirus,
     We pray for care and healing.

For those who are particularly vulnerable,
     We pray for safety and protection.

For all who experience fear or anxiety,
     We pray for peace of mind and spirit.

For affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety,
     We pray for policies that recognize their plight.

For those who do not have adequate health insurance,
     We pray that no family will face financial burdens alone.

For those who are afraid to access care due to immigration status,
     We pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all.

For our brothers and sisters around the world,
     We pray for shared solidarity.

For public officials and decisionmakers,
     We pray for wisdom and guidance.

Father, during this time may your Church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all.
     Grant peace.
     Grant comfort.
     Grant healing.
     Be with us, Lord.

Amen.

Amazon will donate a portion of eligible purchases to the charity of your choice when you shop with Amazon Smile. Log in with your regular Amazon account at smile.amazon.com and select St. Matthew The Evangelist Catholic Church as your charity. Thank you!
 
 

If you have anything you would like to put on the church's website (including announcements, calendars, fliers, etc.) please email it to ravila@stmatthewhou.org or leave a written copy in the Parish Office on Fridays.