St. Ann's Circle - Seguin, Texas

01/03/2026

✨ **January: The Holy Name of Jesus** ✨

The Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a special devotion, and January is devoted to the **Holy Name of Jesus**—a name rich in meaning, history, and saving power.

This devotion is beautifully tied to the beginning of the year. Eight days after Christmas, in keeping with Jewish custom, Jesus was given His name—**a name that means “God saves.”** The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, celebrated on January 3, invites us to honor that sacred name with love, respect, and reverence.

The name of Jesus is not just spoken—it is powerful, holy, and life-giving. This month is a perfect time to renew our devotion and let His name shape our hearts and lives.

💛 **Ways to dedicate January to the Holy Name of Jesus:**

1️⃣ **Acts of reparation** – When you hear the Holy Name taken in vain, gently respond in your heart or aloud: *“Blessed be the Name of the Lord.”*

2️⃣ **Loving aspirations** – Whisper His name often throughout the day: *“Jesus,” “My Jesus,” or “Jesus, I love You.”* Use reminders to help keep His name on your lips and in your heart.

3️⃣ **Mental prayer** – Spend quiet time reflecting on the power and gentleness of the name of Jesus. Let it bring peace and presence into your life.

4️⃣ **Memorize Scripture** that proclaims the power of His Name:
📖 *“If you ask the Father anything in my name, he will give it to you.”* (John 16:23)
📖 *“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”* (Acts 4:12)
📖 *“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow.”* (Philippians 2:9–11)

5️⃣ **Pray the Mass attentively**, especially when the name of Jesus is spoken, reflecting on the saving power of the Sacred Liturgy.

6️⃣ **Acts of charity** – Serve others intentionally *in the name of Jesus*, offering love and mercy for His glory.

7️⃣ **Live the meaning of His Name** – Remember that Jesus is our Savior and strive to reflect His virtues in your daily life.

🌿 **This January**, may we speak and think of Jesus with deeper reverence and love. As we honor His Holy Name in our prayers, actions, and thoughts, may our faith be strengthened, our love deepened, and our hearts drawn ever closer to Him—by the power of His Name.

✝️ *Jesus, Name above every name.*

12/03/2025

Saint Francis Xavier intercede for our petitions. ✝️🙏🏻

The Story of Saint Francis Xavier and the Crab.
In 1546, Saint Francis Xavier was traveling by sea to Malacca (in modern-day Malaysia). What began as a calm voyage quickly turned into a nightmare. Dark clouds rolled in, the wind roared, and towering waves smashed against the ship. The sailors clung to anything they could hold, certain that the storm would swallow them whole.

As the waves raged, Francis Xavier, in an act of faith, took his crucifix and, with prayer, dipped it into the sea, asking God to use it as an instrument to calm the turbulent waters. Almost instantly, the wind began to soften. The towering waves sank back into the ocean as though soothed by an unseen hand. Within moments, the sea became calm—so calm that it looked like a mirror stretching to the horizon.

But in that moment of relief, Francis realized something painful: the crucifix had slipped from his hand and disappeared into the deep. The storm had ended, yet the saint felt a deep sadness for the cross he cherished.

The next morning, after reaching land, Francis Xavier walked alone to the shore to pray. The sun was rising, shining gently across the water. As he knelt in silence, something small glimmered near the surface of the sea.

A crab slowly emerged from the water, its shell glistening under the morning light. And clutched firmly in one of its claws was the lost crucifix. The little creature crawled straight toward the saint and stopped at his feet, as if presenting the precious cross with reverence.

Deeply moved, Francis Xavier took the cross and blessed the humble crab. According to legend, ever since that day, a species of crab in the region—Charybdis feriata—bears a natural marking on its shell that resembles a cross, a reminder of the miracle and the faith of the saint.

11/05/2025

11/04/2025

🍞 The Invitation Is Still Open🍷

In Luke 14:15–24, Jesus tells of a banquet where the invited guests made excuses and stayed away. So the host opened his doors to the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame — everyone was welcome.

God’s invitation to joy and fullness of life is the same today. The only thing that can keep us away is our own hesitation. Don’t miss the feast — say “yes” to His invitation today, and help others find their seat at the table too. ✨

10/28/2025

“So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22

This passage reminds us that faith in Christ unites us into one family — the Church, where every believer has a place and purpose. We are not outsiders or forgotten people; through baptism and faith, we become living stones in God’s dwelling place. The Church isn’t just a building — it’s a spiritual home built on the foundation of the apostles, with Christ as the cornerstone holding everything together.

Christ calls us into belonging. In a world where people often feel isolated or divided, St. Paul reassures us that in Christ, we are **one household**, bound together by love and grace. Each of us helps build the living temple of God when we love, serve, and forgive one another.

Let us ask the Lord today: Lord Jesus, help me to be a living stone in your Church — faithful, loving, and united with my brothers and sisters — so that your Spirit may dwell richly among us.

10/23/2025

🙏 Confessions will be available on Friday, October 24 from 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm.
In preparation for our Assembly 2025 on Saturday, October 25, which begins at 1:00 in the parish hall.
There will be four different priests available to hear your confession.🙏

10/21/2025

Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.” -Luke 12:35-36.

This passage teaches vigilance, faithfulness, and readiness for the coming of Christ—whether that means His return at the end of time, or His daily presence in our lives through grace, prayer, and opportunities to love others.

Jesus calls us to live as faithful servants, always prepared—not out of fear, but out of love and devotion. “Gird your loins” means to be spiritually ready: to have hearts open, lamps of faith burning, and lives filled with good works.

When Christ comes—whether in the quiet moment of prayer or the final moment of our lives—He will serve those who have served Him. The shocking image of the Master waiting on His servants reveals the humility and love of Jesus, who came “not to be served, but to serve.”

Be ready for God in the ordinary moments. Our “lamps” are our hearts, kept burning with faith, prayer, love, acts of kindness, and fidelity to your vocation. When we serve others with kindness, forgive readily, and remain faithful in small things, we stay spiritually awake.

Today, keep your lamp lit. Let love be the flame that never goes out.

10/15/2025

Scripture: “Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil… But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” — Luke 11:39, 41

When Jesus dined with the Pharisee, He saw beyond the polished table and clean dishes. He saw the heart. The Pharisee was concerned that Jesus hadn’t washed His hands before eating, but Jesus was more concerned about spiritual cleanliness — what’s inside.

We, too, can fall into the trap of polishing our “outer cup” — appearing kind, faithful, or holy — while neglecting what’s within. But the Lord reminds us that true purity begins in the heart. It’s not about appearances; it’s about authenticity.

Jesus points us toward the cure: *give alms.* In other words, let love move you to mercy. When we give from the heart — time, compassion, forgiveness, or help to someone in need — we cleanse our souls in the most meaningful way.

Let’s ask God to make us clean from the inside out, that our hearts may reflect His mercy more than our manners ever could.

**Prayer:**
Lord, help me to seek a heart that is pure, not just a life that looks perfect. Wash away pride and pretense, and fill me with Your love, so that everything I do flows from a sincere heart. Amen.

10/11/2025

10/01/2025

Thank you to Seguin Mayor, Donna Dodgen, for being our guest speaker today at our October meeting. And to our buddy class, the 4K class for making a surprise visit.

09/15/2025

Let us join Pope Leo XIV in praying for our relationship with all creation.

Lord, who loves all beings
and hates nothing you have made (Wisdom 11:24).
Every creature, Father, is an object of your tenderness,
and you give each one a place in the world.
I am amazed to see that the fleeting life
of the smallest being is the object of your love,
and even in those few seconds of existence
you surround it with all your care.
"Praised be you, my Lord," as Saint Francis said,
and I say to you today, "Praised be you."
Through the greatness and beauty of creatures,
we know the author by analogy (Wisdom 13:5).
That's why, Lord, I deeply believe
that the world is more than a problem to solve;
it is a joyful mystery we contemplate with joyful praise.
Give us the grace to recognize ourselves as beloved beings,
each of us cherished by You,
conceived in Your heart, a fruit of Your thought.
"Praised be you, Lord," who reveals yourself
when the sun shines and when the night falls,
you are present in the diversity of all creation.
When we become aware of your reflection
in everything that exists,
my heart feels the desire
to worship you, for all your creatures...
Praised be you, Lord!
Amen.