Upcoming Events
Christmas Play Practices | God’s Love Revealed
The Church of the Annunciation children’s Christmas play, “God’s Love Revealed” will be performed at 4 pm on Christmas Eve by the children of Annunciation.
Mini practices are held between 9 and 11 am Sunday Masses in the Foley House starting Oct 26 until Dec 21 (except Thanksgiving weekend).
Major practices are on Nov 16 and Dec 6 and it is held from 10:30 am -12 pm in the church
Practices
Nov 2 (Mini)
Nov 9 (Mini)
Nov 15 (Major )
Nov 16 (Mini)
Dec 6 (Major)
Dec 7 (Mini )
Dec 14 (Mini)
Volunteers are needed for helping with sets and props and costuming.
They must complete Archdiocesan Safe Environment training - archgh.org/ocyp
Remembering those in Purgatory
During the Month of Remembrance, let us be diligent in prayer for the souls in Purgatory.
Sign up to participate in daily prayer from Nov 1st through Nov 30th.
Participants will read stories from Purgatory. The object is to understand and be reminded of the suffering endured in Purgatory and to ease that suffering for the Holy Souls through fervent prayer.
“It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.”
We will read Stories About Purgatory and What They Reveal: 30 Days for the Holy Souls by an Ursuline Nun of Sligo, Ireland. You will read about 4 pages a day. There are also prayers included for every day of the week.
Pamphlets will be available with daily prayers for anyone not wanting to purchase a book. Tan Books has available for purchase a printed and a digital copy of Stories About Purgatory and What They Reveal: 30 Days for the Holy Souls
Refer questions to Yvette at prolife@acchtx.com.
Plenary Indulgence for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who: on any and each day from Nov 1 to 8,
devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, if only mentally, for the departed on All Souls’ Day
devoutly visit a church or an oratory and recite the Our Father and the Creed.
To obtain the plenary indulgence, in addition to the prescribed act, the usual conditions must also be met:
receiving Holy Communion
receiving the sacrament of confession
praying for the intentions of the Holy Father
complete detachment from sin, even venial sin.
Fr. Felix's Pilgrimage to Rome & the Holy Land
Please say a prayer for Fr. Felix and the pilgrims!
Solemn Chanted Vespers
On the Second Sunday of the month, we offer the opportunity to celebrate Vespers (Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours), combined with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
Join the universal Church in reflecting and giving thanks to Almighty God as the day comes to an end.
Holy Hour for Men | Holy League
5:30 am Adoration, confession, 6:30 am Mass, coffee and spiritual dialogue with Deacon Curtis at the Foley House.
The Holy League formed during the 1571 Battle of Lepanto, when Pope St. Pius V united Christian forces through prayer. Today, Cardinal Burke calls on men to wield spiritual weapons and stand united against the forces of evil.
Learn more at holyleague.com.
Mass & Rosary Procession in Downtown
Join us in honoring Our Blessed Mother and giving public witness to our faith at our Mass and Rosary Procession in downtown Houston on the third Saturdays of the month. Free rosaries and miraculous medals will be given along the way.
Schedule
8 am Mass
8:45 am Rosary Procession at Discovery Green Park
9 am light breakfast and fellowship at Foley House
Invite your family and friends — all are welcome!
Project Mercy | Pro-Life Mass & Devotions
We unite in prayer during Project Mercy to atone for the sin against abortion and pray for the conversion of hearts. We also pray for those who fight to end abortion.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Holy Rosary
Confession
Benediction
Holy Mass
Divine Mercy Chaplet & Litany for the Unborn
“It is only through prayer that we change the world for Christ.”
Landscaping Apostolate (moved due to pilgrimage)
Typically on the second Saturday of the month.
Join us on November 22 after the 8 am Mass to help provide a beautiful community space for our parish family. Anyone who has a green thumb or just enjoy being outdoors and gardening is welcome to join - no experience necessary! Email any questions to info@acchtx.org.
Christ the King | Eucharistic Procession | Plenary Indulgence
Join us for a beautiful, solemn Eucharistic public outdoor procession flowing out of the 11 am Mass in observance of Christ the King
Plenary Indulgence
Requirements for Obtaining a Plenary Indulgence on the Feast of Christ the King:
Publicly recite the prayer, "Most Sweet Jesus, Redeemer – Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King."
Say one "Our Father" and the "Apostles Creed" in the visit to the church.
Say one "Our Father" and one "Hail Mary" for the Pope’s intentions
Worthily receive Holy Communion (ideally on the same day)
Make a sacramental confession within 8 days before or after the Feast of Christ the King.
For a plenary indulgence, be free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin (or the indulgence is partial, not plenary).
Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King —Iesu dulcissime, Redemptor
Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before you. We are yours, and yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with you, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to your Most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known you; many, too, despising your precepts, have rejected you. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your Sacred Heart. Be King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken you, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned you; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and the unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. Grant, O Lord, to your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give tranquility of order to all nations; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor for ever. Amen
Flowing out of the 11 am Mass.
Requirements for Obtaining a Plenary Indulgence on the Feast of Christ the King:
Publicly recite the prayer, “Most Sweet Jesus, Redeemer – Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King.”
Say one “Our Father” and the “Apostles Creed” in the visit to the church.
To obtain the indulgence, the faithful must perform the indulgenced work; have complete detachment from sin; have sacramentally confessed their sins within a period of 8 days; go to Mass & receive the Holy Eucharist; pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff.
HISTORY | Msgr. Walsh died
Rev. Msgr. George T. Walsh was pastor of Annunciation for 20 years from 1914-1933.
He was our third pastor and first Houston Priest to be honored with the title of “Monsignor”.
He installed our marble communion rail, Picher Sons Opus #1206 Organ, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel, and a heating system in our church.
He founded the Catholic Women’s Club of Houston, Third Order of St. Francis at Annunciation, San Jose Clinic, Garden of Gethsemane Cemetery on Market Street, and All Saints parish in the Heights.
Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Thanksgiving Mass Schedule
Mass Schedule: 8 am Mass only.
Please note that our Office Closed will be closed on Nov 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving. We will return on Dec 1 during our regular business hours of 9 am - 4 pm.
Advent Begins
First Sunday of Advent - Christmas Flower collection begins
Help the Altar Society beautifully adorn the church with flowers to celebrate the birth of Our Lord! They will be collecting donations for Christmas Flowers after Mass.
Online: Visit giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/acchtx, and select "Christmas Flowers" in the dropdown menu.
By Mail: Send to PO Box 214, Houston TX 77001. Write "Christmas Flowers" in the memo line of the check.
Kids’ Meals Thanksgiving Service Project
Between 9 & 11 am Masses
Family Life Apostolate invites your family to assemble lunches for the Kids’ Meals nonprofit. They are a Houston-based organization that delivers over 8,300 meals per week to preschoolers facing food insecurity. Learn more at kidsmealsinc.org.
Children will decorate and fill bags with non-perishable lunch items.
Meet on the steps of the Foley House with your art supplies! Markers, crayons, stickers, etc. Please no glitter!
Suggested donation of $10 to cover the cost of food.
For more information, contact info@acchtx.org
Cor | Faith, Formation & Fraternity
Families need holy husbands and fathers. The world needs courageous men to witness to Jesus Christ.
Through Cor (Latin for “heart”), you will discover your call to holiness, your fatherly vocation, and brothers to support you in this mission.
Everything flows from the heart. Get the heart right, and you get the man right — a man of faith who will courageously live out the mission of God.
Starting at 7 pm with Food & Fellowship.
Men are invited to join us to pray the Holy Rosary and make an Act of Consecration to the Holy Family.
For those seeking membership in the Knights of Columbus Council 17060, please email our Grand Knight, Mike Stimac, at stimac73@yahoo.com.
Feast of St. Nicholas and Festival after Mass & Rosary
Hosted by the Marian Daughters
Following the 8 am Mass
In the Foley House
Enjoy…
Breakfast treats
Crafts and goodiesa
Take photos with St. Nicholas
Story time with Fr. Felix at 9:45 am
Celebrate St. Nicholas Day!
Our Lady of Guadalupe | Mass, Procession, and Dinner Reception
Mass
6:30 am
12:10 pm
6:30 pm (Latin) with Procession
8 pm Dinner Reception in the Foley House hosted by the Marian Daughters
God's Love Revealed | Children's Christmas Play
Children’s Christmas play, 4 pm on Christmas Eve in the church.
Children’s Choir directed by Catherine Schaefer.
Following are Christmas Carols at 5 pm and Christmas Vigil Mass at 5:30 pm
Mary, Mother of God / Circumcision | Holyday of Obligation
Mass Schedule
7 am
9 am
11 am (Latin)
Veni Creator at the principal Masses
Blessing Table
On the first Sunday of each month, bring your beloved devotional items, such as rosaries, crucifixes, medals, and statues to be blessed after the 9 & 11 am Masses! Leave your items on the Blessing Table in the narthex when you arrive.
Please note
Father will not bless oil
Bagged items are okay
Please label your items
All Souls' Day
Mass Times
Nov 2, regular Sunday schedule
Nov 3, 7 pm Latin Mass.
In the traditional calendar, All Souls’ Day is postponed to Monday, Nov 3 because Nov 2 falls on a Sunday. Our beloved dead should be remembered and prayed for. On this day, during our visits to their graves, we spruce up their resting sites, sprinkling them with holy water, leaving votive candles, and adorning them with flowers. This is also a good day to also tell your children stories about their ancestors
All Saints' Day | Family Festival
Celebrate All Saints’ Day by going to Mass and our Family Festival!
Fun for the whole family!
Join our Saint Parade & Costume Contest — come dressed as your favorite saint (kids and adults)
Schedule
8 am Mass & First Saturday Devotions (English)
9:30 am Mass (Latin)
Festival - 11 am - 1:30 pm
Guardians of Purity: Confidently Teach Sex Education to Your Kids
A Talk by Dr. John Bertini, MD, FACS
Consecrated to St. Joseph
“One hour with Dr. Bertini and I finally felt confident having these conversations with my kids.”
Are You the First to Teach Your Child About Their Sexuality?
In today’s culture, your child is learning about sex whether you’re ready or not. And often, the first voice they hear—online, at school, from peers—sets the tone.
If you're not the one guiding them, someone else will.
Even faithful Catholic parents and educators often know Church teaching but feel unequipped to explain it, especially when it comes to tough topics like LGBTQ+, pornography, or abortion. Many didn’t receive this kind of formation themselves.
That’s why we’ve invited Dr. John Bertini, a Catholic physician and grandfather, to walk with you.
Meet Your Guide
Dr. John Bertini, MD, FACS
A physician for over 40 years, Dr. Bertini combines medical knowledge, faithful Catholic teaching, and real-world experience as a parent and grandparent.
After years of seeing the spiritual and emotional consequences of poor formation, he became an advocate for age-appropriate, truth-filled education rooted in the dignity of the human person.
This Talk is for You If You Are
✔ A Catholic parent wanting to raise children confident in their identity and values
✔ A grandparent hoping to lovingly support and influence the next generation
✔ A Catholic educator or catechist looking for faithful, practical ways to address tough questions
You’ll Walk Away With:
✔ A plan to lead your child’s education on sexuality—not just react to it
✔ The confidence to discuss the Church’s teachings on LGBTQ+, pornography, gender, abortion, and marriage
✔ Tools to build trust with your child and create a safe, open relationship
✔ A better understanding of what your child is up against in today’s world
✔ Insight into how to form your child’s Catholic identity and self-worth
✔ Answers to your own questions and concerns
You are your child’s first and most important teacher. This talk will help you act like it—with love, clarity, and courage.
What We'll Cover
How to form a comprehensive and age-appropriate plan
What the Church teaches—and how to say it clearly
How to stay ahead of culture, not just react to it
Trusted resources and next steps
How to ask for grace, strength, and courage in your vocation as a parent
What Others Are Saying
“Thank you for addressing what most people are afraid to even bring up.”
“I learned things I didn’t realize my kids were already being exposed to.”
“Your tips on when and how to talk to my kids made all the difference.”
Your Child Needs You First
✔ Before the internet, their friends, or school shape their understanding
✔ Before confusion sets in about their identity and self-worth
✔ Before their questions go unanswered or misdirected
Give your child a Catholic foundation for sexuality that honors their body, soul, and dignity.
Sign Up for This Talk
Don't wait. Your children—and their future—are worth the investment.
About Dr. John Bertini
Catholic Physician, Grandfather, and Advocate for Virtuous Formation
Dr. Bertini is a native of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and has practiced urology for over 35 years. A graduate of Trinity University and the UT Medical School at Houston, he’s also a father of four and a proud grandfather. His mission: to help Catholic families reclaim the education of their children—before the world gets to them first.
Hosted by the Church of the Annunciation
As Houston’s mother church, we’ve been forming faithful Catholics for over 156 years. With beautiful liturgy and solid teaching, we remain committed to proclaiming the Gospel and equipping families to live it at home.
HISTORY: the first Catholic Church built in Houston burned down and was never rebuilt
The first Catholic Church built in Houston, the old German Language St. Vincent de Paul burned down October 15, 1894. It was never rebuilt. The parishioners transferred to Annunciation.
Casting for Christmas Children's Play | God’s Love Revealed
The Church of the Annunciation children’s Christmas play, “God’s Love Revealed” will be performed at 4 pm on Christmas Eve by the children of Annunciation.
Tryouts
Open to children ages 4-17 years
Oct 12, 19, 28
After the 9 am Mass
In the Foley House
Mini practices are held between 9 and 11 am Sunday Masses in the Foley House
Major practices are held 10:30 am -12 pm in the church
Practices
Nov 2 (Mini)
Nov 9 (Mini)
Nov 15 (Major )
Nov 16 (Mini)
Dec 6 (Major)
Dec 7 (Mini )
Dec 14 (Mini)
Volunteers are needed for helping with sets and props and costuming.
They must complete Archdiocesan Safe Environment training - archgh.org/ocyp
Stewardship Fair
Where is God calling you to serve?
After all weekend Masses
Discover the many ways to grow in faith and serve at Annunciation! Our Stewardship Fair brings together all of our parish apostolates in one place, giving you the chance to meet leaders, learn about opportunities, and find where your talents and interests can make a difference.
Whether you feel called to prayer, service, hospitality, or hands-on projects, there’s a place for you. Stop by, explore, and see how you can share your time and talent in building up our parish family.
The full Stewardship Fair will take place after the 9 and 11 am Masses.
For those attending other Mass times (Saturday 5:30 pm, 7 am and 5:30 pm Sunday), our Communications & Events Coordinator will have a table out in the courtyard.
Blessing of Rosaries
After the 9 and 11 am Masses
In honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, you are invited to hold your rosaries around the Blessing Table in the narthex (back of the church) after Mass to have them blessed.
Blessing of Animals | St. Francis
On the Feast of St. Francis at 8:45 am (after 8 am Mass), you are welcome to bring your furry, feathered, & scaled friends or a picture of them for a special blessing by Fr. Felix in the courtyard.
This event is open to the public!
Pet Owner Guidelines
For the safety and comfort of all, pets must remain leashed or under their owner’s care at all times.
Please bring supplies to clean up after them, and note that animals are not permitted inside the church.
Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels
Feast of the Archangels | Feast of St. Michael, traditional | Pray for Law Enforcement
Mass
6:30 am
12:10 pm
6:30 pm (Latin)
Join us in prayer for all law enforcement, military, and armed forces, entrusting them to the care of St. Michael the Archangel.
“O Glorious Archangel St. Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, be our defense in the terrible warfare which we carry on against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, spirits of evil...”
Exaltation of the Cross | Blessing of Crosses after Masses
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
HISTORY: Anniversary of Dedication of the Church of the Annunciation
Anniversary of the Dedication of the Church of the Annunciation September 10, 1871 by Rev. Claude Marie Dubuis, D.D. 1862-1892
The first baptism also happensed this day; Emma Theresa Maria Annunciata Will Duvernoy, on September 10
Plenary Indulgence can be obtained according to the Manual of Indulgences
A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, a church on the day of its dedication
In addition the faithful must
have complete detachment from sin
have sacramentally confessed their sins within a period of 8 days
go to Mass & receive the Holy Eucharist
pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff
Blessing of Seeds and Seedlings
Leave your seeds and seedlings at the Blessing Table in the narthex at the back.
