Gaudete Sunday: Rejoice, the Lord Is Near “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.” What are we to make of this Sunday—commonly known as Gaudete Sunday—from the words of the entrance antiphon? Today is supposed to be a day of joy. In fact, St. Paul’s words are written as a command, not as an option. That should strike us as odd. I would posit that, among our many

St. José Sánchez del Río Chapel Over the summer of 2025, St. Mary’s Catholic School embarked on a meaningful mission: the creation of the St. José Sánchez del Río Chapel, a sacred space on our school campus created to foster prayer, reflection, and spiritual unity within our community. Led by Fr. Will, Dcn. Chris, and dedicated seminarians, the chapel was constructed through the heartfelt efforts of volunteers and donors, transforming a simple room into a

Advent Homily: Conversion – Refuse Complacency, Wait Well Homily for the Second Sunday of Advent – Theme: Conversion We are in the season of Advent — Advent means “arrival.” During Advent we prepare for the arrival of the King: the King who has arrived, arrives, and will arrive. Jesus arrived, born of the Virgin Mary about 2,025 years ago. He will arrive at the end of time in glory and majesty. And He arrives in

Advent & Christmas Schedule – Join Us for the Holy Days Advent is a beautiful season of anticipation, hope, and preparation. As we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus, we invite you to join us for the many liturgies, events, and prayer opportunities offered here at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Whether you are a parishioner, a visitor, returning to the Church, or simply looking for a place to worship this Christmas, we are

Join December 12 & 13, 2025 St. Mary’s is kicking off the Advent season with our Advent Retreat, offered on two different days this year for our parishioners. Our Advent Retreat includes moments for reflection, prayer, and creative activities — great for individuals, families, and anyone looking to enter the season with joy. We hope you will join – let us know you are coming by filling out the form here. Click here to register

Go to Confession this Advent! As we prepare for the Advent Season, it’s an apt time to consider going to Confession.  Here are some tips! When is Confession? At St. Mary’s we have Confessions on Saturdays at 4 PM and Sundays between the Masses (8:45 AM). Father Will will also hear your confession pretty much anytime you ask!    Here are the Penance Services in our Deanery this Advent (2025) St. Stephen, Salado December 3

https://vimeo.com/1125921253?fl=pl&fe=vl Click here to give to the CSA to support our amazing seminarians, priests, schools, and parishes in the Diocese of Austin. At St. Mary’s Parish, we joyfully join parishes across the Diocese of Austin in supporting our shepherd, Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, through the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). This year’s theme, “Together We Bring Hope,” reminds us that when we unite as one Body in Christ, our collective generosity transforms lives. Your gift supports

A Parish Rooted in Mission For more than 140 years, St. Mary’s has been an outpost of faith—a place where people come to know, love, and serve Jesus, and a place from which we are sent out to share Him with the world. Everything we do as a parish exists for this purpose: to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel. To be faithful evangelists, we must remain deeply rooted in Christ. As Pope Paul