The Sacrament of Mercy
Jul 11, 2026
The Sacrament of Mercy
Lent invites us to return to the Lord with our whole hearts — and there is no more direct path than through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. For our children, learning to examine their conscience and bring their sins to confession is one of the most important habits of faith we can form in them. It doesn't need to be complicated. Even young children can learn to pause, think honestly about how they have loved God and neighbor, and say "I'm sorry" with real meaning. Consider making a family trip to confession part of your Lenten rhythm this year — and let your children see you go, too. There is no better lesson than the one they witness. Need help getting started? Our printable How to Go to Confession — A Guide for Children includes four examinations of conscience, step-by-step instructions, prayers, and a take-to-confession checklist. CHECH members can find a discount code on the Member Discounts page.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." — 1 John 1:9
Feast of St. Joseph: Altars Across the Archdiocese
The Feast of St. Joseph (March 19) brings Sicilian pasta dinners, Tupa Tupa processions, and beautiful altars to parishes across Houston. Bring your family to one this year.
Sat, March 14 — St. Helen, Pearland, 5 p.m., free dinner | St. Maximilian Kolbe, Houston, 6 p.m., $12/plate | St. Ignatius of Loyola, Spring, 5:15 p.m., free | Our Lady of Walsingham, 4:30 p.m. Mass + dinner | St. Martha, Kingwood, altar on display all week
Sun, March 15 — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 10:30 a.m. | All Saints, Heights, after all Masses
Wed, March 19 — Shrine of the True Cross, Dickinson, 6:30 p.m. Vespers + dinner | Regina Caeli, Spring, 7 p.m. Mass + dinner | St. John Vianney, lunch after 12:00 Mass | Presentation of the Lord, dinner after 6:30pm Evensong
March 20–22 — Prince of Peace | St. Rose of Lima, Fri 6 p.m., RSVP, by donation | Christ the Redeemer, Sat 10 a.m.–1 p.m., $10/$5 | St. Simon and Jude, Sat, potluck after Masses | St. Edith Stein, Sat, parish lunch
Community Spotlight
St. Joseph's House of Classical Learning (Montgomery)
St. Joseph's House offers weekly classical high school courses in a small, home-based setting. Classes use quality literature and great books rather than textbooks, with discussion, student-led presentations, and a focus on leading students toward God's beauty and goodness. Registration for 2026–2027 is open — families can sign up for one class or all of them. Download the course information for details and contact info. | Flyer
Members can explore more co-ops and programs on our Community Groups page.
Upcoming in Houston
Oxrose Academy — Scholarship Contest & Info Webinar | Scholarship deadline March 30 | $1,000, $2,000, and full-tuition awards available for 2026–2027 enrollment | Info webinar with Mrs. Rolling: Thursday, March 20, 1:00 p.m. CT | Registration for 2026–2027 now open | Flyer
Cantona Beginnings Community Market — Cantona Homestead | Saturday, March 28 | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Family-friendly outdoor market with petting zoo and barnyard activities | Support local artisans, small businesses, and young entrepreneurs | Child entrepreneur booths free | Adult vendor booths $35
The Heritage Foundation - High School Fellowship | Summer program in Washington, D.C. | Week-long immersive fellowship for high school students | Policy capstone project, mentorship, and community | Deadline: March 31, 2026
Love God's Will Movie Screening | Tuesday, March 31 | 6:30 p.m. | St. Theresa Catholic Church | The inspiring true story of Fr. Ryan Stawaisz | Homeschool families welcome
Fort Bend Chargers Spring Training | April 13–May 1 | Junior high & high school 6-man football for homeschoolers | Sugar Land area | Free returning, $150 new | Mandatory parent meeting April 7, 6:30 p.m.
Looking for more? Visit our Community Calendar for upcoming events across the Houston Catholic homeschool community.
Heart of a Mother
Homeschool planning season is here. Heart of a Mother offers free and paid resources to help you think through next year — starting with the free Ponder Workbook and a Custom Homeschool Planning Plan tailored to your family. Need one-on-one guidance? Schedule a consulting call with an experienced homeschool mom. And if you're new to homeschooling or know someone who is, don't miss the free Homeschooling 101 Masterclasses every week in March. Planning season deals are available now through August.
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