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ON THE
VOL. 49 NO. 5 Publisher Most Rev. Wm. Michael Mulvey, STL DD
COVER
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Father Sebastian Thomas, joins parishioners at St. Mary in Freer for their annual Palm Sunday procession. The parish is at
the end of the diocese’s western boundary but at center of faith. Photo by Alfredo E. Cardenas, South Texas Catholic
Editor Alfredo E. Cárdenas ACardenas@diocesecc.org Theological Consultant Father Joseph Lopez, JCL Associate Editor Mary E. Cottingham MCottingham@diocesecc.org Web Coordinator Julissa Rokohl JHernandez@diocesecc.org Administrative Assistant Adel Rivera ARivera@diocesecc.org Correspondents Rebecca Esparza, Luisa Scolari, If you or someone you know would like to receive the South Texas Catholic call us at (361) 882-6191 Office Address: 620 Lipan Corpus Christi TX 78401-2434 E-MAIL: stc@diocesecc.org www.southtexascatholic.com FAX: (361) 693-6701
Calendar Items Submit your announcements by using our Online form, e-mail, fax, mail, or drop it off at the Chancery office. Only announcements for the month of publication will be included in the print edition, if space permits. All other calendar items will appear on the magazine or diocese Web sites. The South Texas Catholic is not liable or in any way responsible for the content of any advertisement appearing within these pages. All claims, offers guarantees, statements, etc. made by advertisers are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Deceptive or misleading advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints regarding advertising should be made directly to the advertiser or to the Better Business Bureau. (USPSN 540-860) Published monthly by the Diocese of Corpus Christi for $25 per year. Periodical postage paid in Corpus Christi Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to South Texas Catholic 620 Lipan, Corpus Christi TX 78401-2434.
If you wish to read our Spanish language articles in English visit our Web site southtexascatholic.com and use the Google language translator. Si desea leer nuestros artículos escritos en Inglés en español, visite nuestro sitio web southtexascatholic.com y utilice el traductor de idiomas Google.
Keep up with the Faith at www.SouthTexasCatholic.com
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Neal Tyagi, 18, estudiante de último año en la escuela secundaria Ray, interpretó el papel de Jesús en las estaciones del Vía Crucis en Viernes Santo, a través de el vecindario de la parroquia Sagrada Familia en Corpus Christi. Luisa Scolari para el South Texas Catholic
INSIDE NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
NATIONAL NEWS
Memorial Day and the story of the Sherrill family ............................................. 4
Robstown native ministers to sailors, marines on high seas ..................................28
NEWS BRIEFS
VATICAN
Bishop names new Chancellor for diocese .............................................................................12
Pope Francis canonized two new saints, St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II ...........30
VOCATIONS
VIEWPOINTS
Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II inspire discernment for vocations ........................13
Pope lays out roadmap for media reporting .........................................................39
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
OUR FAITH
Computer lab, advanced math, Montessori program give school its identity.....20
No one is exempt from call to be missionary disciple .............................................40 MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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Memorial Day honors those who sacrificed to defend and preserve freedom
Three Sherrill brothers among those who served with honor By Msgr. Michael Howell Contributor
Sherrill Park honors the Sherrill family who attended Corpus Christi Cathedral. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
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SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC | MAY 2014
NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
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n a brief meeting held shortly before noon on March 20, 1943, the Corpus Christi City Council voted to designate the block of land on Shoreline just south of the USO building (today’s Art Center) as Sherrill Park in honor of one of the first Corpus Christians who died in World War II—Warren Joseph Sherrill, a young Catholic whose family attended the Corpus Christi Cathedral. It was not the city’s last gesture to memorialize fallen heroes. Veterans of south Texas celebrated when the new high school to be built in Corpus Christi was designated Veterans Memorial High School. This was a welcomed gesture of support for both living veterans and those who died for their country. This came after the city tore down the Memorial Coliseum, originally built to honor the 393 area men and two women who died in service during World War II. The Memorial Coliseum was dedicated on Sept. 26, 1954 as the Texas Gold Star Mothers Association–an association of women who lost a son or daughter in wars–finished a statewide four-day convention. The mothers presented a plaque with the names of the fallen men and women that hung in the Coliseum, and now is at the Corpus
Christi City Hall. Sherrill Park, along the shoreline just north of the Coliseum site, was also dedicated as a Memorial to those who died for America, and it continues to host gatherings on such days as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, the Fourth of July and the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Sherrill, and his twin brother John Benjamin Sherrill, were born in Republic, Kansas on Sept. 29, 1920 to K. E. Sherrill and Lora Mary Williams. As war threatened the world in 1938, the boys dropped out of high school in Corpus Christi to join the Navy. They were both assigned initially to the USS Arizona where Warren Sherrill, a young Catholic, served as a chaplain’s assistant. His brother John was transferred off the Arizona in 1940 and sent to serve aboard the naval destroyer John D. Ford in the Far East. On that fateful Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, Warren Sherrill was most likely helping the chaplain prepare for Sunday services. Initially his mother Lora only received word that her son Warren was missing. The Corpus Christi Times carried a photo of young Warren Sherrill on the front page of
➤ On Memorial Day we are reminded of the many who joined these brothers’ noble efforts and have been called the “Greatest Generation” because of the sacrifices they made that the freedoms we value might be defended.
Warren Joseph Sherrill
the Dec. 22, 1941 issue and noted that his twin brother John Sherrill was in China at the time while another younger brother, Koren Sherrill, had joined the Coast Guard only a week earlier on Dec. 13, 1941. It was after the war that the remains of Warren Sherrill were returned to Corpus Christi for a Memorial service in the Cathedral and burial in Holy Cross Cemetery where his stone stands next to that of his brother Koren Sherrill. The simple white stone, provided by a grateful nation, records his rank as yeoman second class, his birth and his death on Dec. 7, 1941 at the age of 21. Koren Sherrill was only 20-yearsold when he died at the home of his mother on Second Street while on leave from the Coast Guard. His military marker reports that he was a boatswain’s mate, second class USCGR, born on March 1, 1924 and died on Nov. 18, 1944. The article announcing his death and funeral arrangements reports that Father Charles J. Aubrey of the Cathedral sang his requiem high Mass on Tuesday Nov. 21, 1944 and that he was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery with military guard furnished by the Coast Guard captain of the port. MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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It was on All Souls Day 1947 that an article in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times Sunday edition announced that the body of Warren Sherrill had arrived in San Francisco on Oct. 10, 1947 after an overseas trip from the Pacific on the funeral ship Hondo Knot. It was then in San Antonio at the Quartermaster Depot for several weeks before the body arrived by train on Monday noon, Feb. 3, 1948 where it was met by Gold Star Mothers, Navy Mothers, Disabled Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and city and county officials. The body lay in repose at the Cage Mills Funeral Home until the rosary was prayed. The next day funeral services were conducted at the Corpus Christi Cathedral, followed by full military burial ceremonies at Holy Cross Cemetery by the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Among the three militar y brothers, only Warren’s twin— John Sherrill—lived to a ripe old age, dying at Columbus, Texas in March 2001 in his 80s. After military service John Sherrill served his community as a dentist. The mother of these three boys, Lora M. Sherrill, died in December 1975. Besides her son John, she was survived by three daughters—Bonnie J. Andrews of Corpus Christi, Alice E. Gould of Las Vegas, Nevada and Dr. L. K. Sherrill-Hardin of Austin. Her obituary noted that she was a native of Bismarck, Missouri who moved to Corpus Christi in 1932 and owned a nursing home until her retirement. Lora Sherrill also served as a member of the American Legion
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SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC | MAY 2014
Auxiliary during many years. She was clearly proud of the service of her three sons, and as a Gold Star Mother she served as the local chapter’s president, secretary and chaplain over the years. After the war she travelled to Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier during ceremonies held on “Corpus Christi Day” at Arlington—March 2, 1949. The ceremony was attended by leading civilian and military personnel, and it was heralded as “the only ceremony of the type sponsored by a city.” Lora Sherrill and other representatives from Texas then returned from Washington, D.C. by way of St. Louis where she spoke to the Gold Star Mothers there. It was the Gold Star Mothers who provided the five-pointed star shaped wreath for the Arlington Cemetery. At the same time Lora Sherrill was placing the wreath at Arlington, Mrs. O. B. Nickelson placed wreaths on the gravestones of Warren and Koren Sherrill in Holy Cross Cemetery in Corpus Christi. Warren Sherrill was honored by the city’s decision to designate the shoreline site as Sherrill Park, and Gragg-Sherrill American Legion Post #248 also bears the family name in honor of the three brothers who answered their country’s call to service. On Memorial Day we are reminded of the many who joined these brothers’ noble efforts and have been called the “Greatest Generation” because of the sacrifices they made that the freedoms we value might be defended and preserved.
Deacon David Javier Bayardo
Deacon Luis Alfredo Villarreal
Four priests will be ordained at Cathedral May 31 Bishop Michael Mulvey will ordain four new priests at the Corpus Christi Cathedral on Saturday, May 31, at 10 a.m. Two of the new priests will be diocesan priests and will serve in the Diocese of Corpus Christi and two will be ordained for the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. Deacons David Javier Bayardo and Luis Alfredo Villarreal will be ordained priests of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Both received their seminary education at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston Deacons Tristan Abbott and Michael Slovak will be ordained for the SOLT order.
Deacon Tristan Abbott, SOLT
Deacon Michael Slovak, SOLT
Retired priests need help with pension benefits By Msgr. Roger Smith Contributor
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n the weekend of May 17-18, parishes throughout the Diocese of Corpus Christi will take up the annual special collection for the Priests’ Pension Plan Fund, which assists retired and disabled diocesan priests. There are 25 diocesan priests presently receiving a monthly pension benefit. Unlike priests who belong to a religious order and whose retirement needs are completely taken care of by their religious community, a retired diocesan priest for the most part must support himself in retirement. The diocese provides every retired priest with health insurance coverage, a $500 per month housing allowance and a monthly pension, based on his years of service as a priest in the diocese. However, all of a priest’s other expenses, such as car payments, car maintenance and insurance, other housing costs, food, utilities, clothing and other needs must be taken care of out of his own pocket. This is a big adjustment for a retired diocesan priest, who while he was active and working in a parish had a majority of these expenses taken care of by the parish to which he was assigned. Almost every Catholic can think of a priest who has made a major impact upon his or her life. Perhaps it was the priest who heard their first confession or gave them first Holy Communion. Perhaps it was the priest who married them or baptized one of their children. Perhaps it was the priest who helped them through a very difficult or painful time in their life or who assisted at the funeral rites of a loved one. For everyone, there is a priest whom they
consider to be very special. Just as these priests have played a special role in people’s lives, people can also play a special role in the lives of priests by supporting them in their retirement years. The 25 priests from the Diocese of Corpus Christi that are receiving pension benefits are Father Brendan Ashe, Father Paschal Bergin, Father Michael Burke, Msgr. Mark Chamberlin, Msgr. Gregory Deane, Father Charles Doherty, Father Federico Fidalgo, Father Eduardo H. Garcia, Bishop Rene Gracida, Father James Hamilton, Father Henry Heese, Father Manual Hernandez, Msgr. John Kileen, Father Michael Lenihan, Msgr. Marcos Martinez, Msgr. Thomas McGettrick, Msgr. Seamus McGowan, Father Bruno J. Mikolajczyk, Msgr. Celestine Murray, Father Thomas O’Donovan, Father Sebastian Pasulpalety, Msgr. Morgan Rowsome, Msgr. Richard Shirley, Msgr. William T. Thompson and Father Jerry G. Zurovetz Some of our retired priests may have set aside some retirement money over the years, but others were not able to do so. Some retired priests are still able to earn stipends by serving or helping out in parishes, but others for reason of age and health are not able to do so. Consequently, for most retired diocesan priests,
the monthly check, which they receive from the Priests’ Pension Fund along with their housing subsidy, is their primary means of self-support, with the exception of those who may have a little social security income. The present monthly cost of providing a pension to 25 retired priests is $38,500. Besides this monthly pension, the availability of the St. John Vianney Residence for priests to be dedicated at the end of this month will also be a great blessing to retired priests who might choose to live there. On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday and prays for vocations to the priesthood throughout the world. It is an opportune time to also remember those priests who responded to God’s call in their youth and who, now in their retirement years, need help so they can live in dignity, free from any anxiety about their means of support. As they have taken care the faithful with the love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, day-by-day laying down their lives in both simple and extraordinary ways, it is time for the faithful to take care of them by giving generously to this special collection for retired priests on the weekend of May 17 and 18. MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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Unos fieles en la Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia rezan las Estaciones de la Cruz. Dirigiendo la oración son, de izquierda a derecha, Jorge Luis Najar, Diácono Tomás Gallegos y Concepción Dimas. Luisa Scolari para el South Texas Catholic
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Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia asiste a fieles en forma bilingüe en todas asuntos Por Luisa Scolari
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Corresponsal
aciendo honor a su nombre, la congregación en la Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia en Corpus Christi se comporta como una gran familia que practica la hermandad que Jesús enseñó. El hecho de que todas las actividades parroquiales se hagan en inglés y español al mismo tiempo, ha servido para unificar mucho a los parroquianos al estar oyendo el mismo mensaje.
SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC | MAY 2014
VIDA CATÓLICA Actualmente la parroquia está formada por una congregación de 3,000 familias con un total de 9,000 feligreses. Por el hecho de estar asentada en una comunidad bilingüe, su párroco el Padre Patrick Donohoe, vio la necesidad de atender a sus parroquianos en su idioma, por lo que se ha dado a la tarea de ofrecer todos los servicios en los dos idiomas. El Domingo se ofrecen tres misas en español y tres misas en inglés y entre semana, una misa en español y otra en inglés. También todos los cursos de formación espiritual que se imparten, son en ambos idiomas, contando con todo el material y la instrucción bilingüe. La planeación de los cursos que se impartirán la hace el Padre Donohoe junto con el Padre José Gutiérrez y los Diáconos Tomás Gallegos y Fred Castillo apoyados por la Señora Irene Anes. “El obstáculo mas grande que presenta la preparación de los cursos, es conseguir el material en los dos idiomas. La clave es el párroco, ya que nos brinda el apoyo y soporte necesarios para conseguir nuestro objetivo como parroquia, que es el de servir de igual manera a toda nuestra comunidad.
Es por eso que la gente lo ha llegado a querer mucho en los tres años que lleva aquí,” dijo Anes, coordinadora de formación espiritual y catequesis. De esta manera es como se han impartido varias series de pláticas y estudios como “Tres Caminos de la Santidad,” “Catolicismo,” “Viacrucis,” y en Septiembre inician “Fe, Esperanza y Amor,” “Tres Virtudes Teologales,” “Mujeres de Gracia” y “Hombres de Gracia.” Durante el verano se suspenden los cursos, ya que muchas familias de la comunidad aprovechan las vacaciones para viajar y presentaban poca asistencia. Se decidió utilizar mejor el verano para capacitar a las mujeres que serán las facilitadoras de los cursos que se impartirán. La idea de ofrecer el curso de “Mujeres de Gracia” surgió cuando varias mujeres de la comunidad solicitaron un estudio para mujeres, que las ayudase en su vida, ya sea de casadas o solteras. Es entonces cuando el Padre Donohoe, oyendo las necesidades de sus feligreses y en atención a esta petición, comenzó–junto con su grupo de apoyo–a la búsqueda de el curso que mejor convenga para este fin, y que tenga el material en los dos idiomas.
Los graduados del retiro para jóvenes “Amazing Love” . Luisa Scolari para el South Texas Catholic
MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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Padre Patrick Donohoe
Señora Irene Anes
Diácono Tomás Gallegos
Diácono Fred Castillo
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El Diácono Gallegos esta de acuerdo que el Pastor Donohoe es “la clave” del éxito que las actividades han tenido. “Es el interés y el apoyo que el párroco ofrece a la comunidad bilingüe, ya que como buen pastor que es, está atento a las necesidades de su rebaño y las atiende,” el Diácono Gallegos dijo. La Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia también ofrece retiros para niños y para jóvenes y cursos para Primera Comunión y Confirmación. Igualmente, los cursos que se ofrecen para la formación de laicos, se imparten en los dos idiomas. El Domingo de Ramos fue el cierre del retiro “Amazing Love” (Amor Increíble) de tres días para jóvenes, al que asistieron 51 jóvenes de middle school (escuela primaria). El retiro se enfoca en los días santos y la práctica del sacrificio y la humildad. Para poder lograr este gran número de participantes, el Padre Donohoe fue tocando de casa en casa para informar a las familias de que se trataba el retiro para que dieran el permiso y por ultimo terminaron dentro de la iglesia. a los jóvenes de asistir, aparte de varias sesiones Cualquier persona que esté interesada en partiformativas e informativas para los padres. cipar en cursos o alguna otra actividad organizada Los encargados de la realización de este retiro por la Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia, puede fueron, Alfonso Ramírez, Denise Dalton, Tony dirigirse a el numero de teléfono (361) 882 3245. López III y Lisa Treviño con el apoyo de los estudiantes de la escuela secundaria, Arianna Villegas, Dionisio Valadez, Isabel Anes, Renee Muñiz, Michael Aguas, Daelyn Ríos, Chloe Si desea leer nuestros artículos escritos Spencer, Mac Salinas y A. J. Soto. en Inglés en español, visite nuestro sitio Para los jóvenes de la escuela secundaria (high web southtexascatholic.com y utilice el school), ofrecen el retiro “Unstoppable” (Impatraductor de idiomas Google. rable), basado en las escrituras de San Pablo y su conversión y como dejar a Jesús vivir en si mismo. Los organizadores responsables de este retiro son, Marco Anes, Melissa López, Alberta García, Ayudenos a Prevenir el Abuso Financiero Rosa María Cuellar y Michelle La Diócesis de Corpus Christi por medio de la recomendación del Concilio Aguas. Diocesano de Finanzas y el Concilio Presbiteral han llevado su dedicación mas allá para la buena administración y responsabilidad nanciera en nombre de En el Viacrucis del Viernes Santo donantes generosos al instituir un “hotline” para reportar el abuso nanciero. participaron en la representación La Diócesis de Corpus Christi ha seleccionado un tercer partido independiente, 10 estudiantes de IWA, dirigidos La Red, para proporcionarle a usted con una manera para reportar anónima y condencialmente el abuso nanciero e fraude. Los empleados, los por Sor Rosa María Ortiz, IWBS. parroquianos, los voluntarios, los vendedores, y otros partidos interesados Los estudiantes hicieron todas las estan impulsados para reportar las preocupaciones que tengan respeto a la conducta de påca ética nanciera dentro de la Diócese de Corpus Christi. estaciones de la Cruz, parándose en Todas las investigaciones serán tradas inmediatamente y discretamente. diferentes casas del barrio, después Personas que llamen tienen el derecho de mantenerse anónimas. la crucifixión en el estacionamiento Llamada 1-877-571-9748
SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC | MAY 2014
Fieles en la Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia hicieron la representación del Viacrusis el viernes santo. Padre José Gutiérrez, Diáconos Tomás Gallegos y Alfredo Castillo y monaguillos Gianna Leema, Isabel Anes, Dominique Peña, Joseph Ayala y Zacarías Castillo dirigieron el evento. Luisa Scolari para el South Texas Catholic
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Obispo Michael Mulvey y el personal de la Oficina de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes se comprometen a ayudar en el proceso de curación de las víctimas y sobrevivientes de abuso. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce está en necesidad de estos servicios, llame a Stephanie Bonilla, Director de la Oficina de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes, (361) 6936686 (oficina) ó (361) 658-8652 (celular) para asistencia inmediata.
4/14/14 4:08 PM
The Office for Child and Youth Protection
MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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NEWS BRIEFS
Bishop will bless new Pax Christi retreat center May 3 For the good of the people of God in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Bishop Michael Mulvey appointed Father Frank X. Martinez, STL Administrator Pro Tempore of St. James Parish in Bishop and St. James Mission in Driscoll effective April 10. Bishop Mulvey also appointed Father Patrick K. Donohoe as Father Frank X. Diocesan Martinez, STL Chancellor effective May 1. Father Donohoe will continue as pastor of Holy Family Parish in Corpus Christi. The bishop also named Father Donohoe to the Presbyteral Council and a member of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Corpus Christi for a term of five-years. Father Patrick K. Donohoe Bishop Mulvey also named Deacon Marc A. Wahsburne as Parochaial Deacon at St. Andrew by the Sea.
On Saturday, May 3, Bishop Michael Mulvey will celebrate the Consecration Mass of the Jesus Christ our Peace Chapel and bless the Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center. The Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center is a non-profit retreat and renewal center owned and operated by the Pax Christi Sisters in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. It began as a vision of Mother Teresa Santoyo and became a reality under the leadership and direction of Mother Maria Elva Reyes and the Pax Christi Sisters. The Jesus Christ Our Peace Chapel will be the sacred sanctuary of the Liturgical Center located on the front property at 4601 Calallen Drive. The Regina Pacis Dormitory will be available for up to 158 retreat participants to rest each night of their stay. The St. Joseph Reception Hall can service up to 290 guests for their nutritional, educational and spiritual growth needs. The Mass begins at 5 p.m. A reception will follow.
KJT presents check to Bishop Mulvey
Red Mass
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, will be the featured speaker at this year’s Red Mass on Oct. 2. The Red Mass is a special service calling upon God as the supreme lawgiver for his guidance and blessings on the administration of justice and those whose duty it is to teach, judge and resolve legal matters. At the Thomas More Law Center, Thompson directs a professional and Richard Thompson aggressive team of lawyers dedicated to the defense and promotion of the religious liberty of Christians, time-honored family values, the sanctity of human life, a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America.
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SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC | MAY 2014
Ellen Zdansky, at left, state director and representative of Catholic Union of Texas (KJT) and Rosalie Bohuslav, President of CC Society #72 in Corpus Christi presented Bishop Michael Mulvey with two checks for the Priest and Religious Retirement and the Seminarian Education funds. KJT is a non-profit fraternal benefit society organized and founded in 1889 with 88 societies across the state and almost 18,000 members.
VOCATIONS
Two popes who became saints inspire discernment By Father Joseph Lopez, JCL
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Contributor
Father Joseph Lopez, JCL, is Vocations Director for the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
wo Popes were canonized on Divine Mercy Sunday, the first Sunday following Easter. Popes John XXIII and John Paul II received the title “saint” as a testament to the holiness of their lives.
For those who are discerning in a miserable hunger for heav- his bright and penetrating glance, their vocations, both popes have enly food more than for earthly which opens the paths of your life given inspiration, encouragement nourishment. Who will bring the to the horizons of the Church’s and wisdom. Be sure to pray and heavenly banquet of life and truth mission. ask for their intercession, for all to them? “It is a taxing mission, today the young men and women con“We have complete confidence more than ever, to teach men the sidering what God may be calling that the youth of our time will truth about themselves, about their them to do in the midst end, their desof the Church to help tiny and to show faithful souls build his kingdom. In his 1959 encycthe unspeakable riches of the love lical on St. John of Christ. Do Vianney, Sacerdotii Nostri Primordia, Pope not be afraid of John XXIII said, “We the radicalness cannot help turning of his demands, our paternal spirit in because Jesus, a special way to young who loved us first, people; we embrace is prepared to give St. John XXIII St. John Paul II them with a warm love himself to you, as and remind them that, well as asking of in them, the Church rests great be as quick as those of times past you. If he asks much of you, it is hopes for the years to come. to give a generous answer to the because he knows you can give “The harvest indeed is great, but invitation of the Divine Master to much.” the laborers are few. How many provide for this vital need.” areas there are where the heralds In his book “The Meaning of the Gospel truth are worn out of Vocation” Pope John Paul by their labors and waiting eagerly II said, “Ask yourselves, young and longingly for those to come people, about the love of Christ. who will take their place. There Acknowledge his voice resounding are peoples who are languishing in the temple of your heart. Return MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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Father Hanh Van Pham blesses Sister Camelia Herlihy on her birthday after a week day Mass that was celebrated for children from Central Catholic Elementary School. Sister Camelia is the principal at Central Catholic. SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC | MAY 2014
Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
Sister Camelia
54 years of consecrated life as a dedicated educator By Sister Juliane Kuntscher, IWBS
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Contributor
native of New York, Sister Mary Camelia Herlihy is celebrating 60 years in Mary Camelia Herlihy, consecrated life having professed her first Sister IWBS vows July 31, 1954. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in Corpus Christi on Sept. 2, 1952, began the novitiate phase on June 3, 1953 and made perpetual profession of vows Aug. 14, 1959. Sister Camelia is the daughter of the late Cornelius and Mary Herlihy and was born and baptized Eileen Patricia Herlihy in New York City. Several of her relatives were Incarnate Word Sisters, including her aunt, Mother Antoinette Begley and her cousins, Sister Noreen Begley and Sisters Margaret Patrice, Christina and Marian Bradley. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Edward’s University in Austin, and a Master’s in education from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. She holds certifications in secondary teaching, administration and counseling from the Texas Education Agency. Sister Camelia taught at Catholic schools in Corpus Christi, Kingsville and Brownsville and served as principal at St. Gertrude School, Kingsville, at Villa Maria High School in Brownsville and Incarnate Word Academy Elementary in Corpus Christi. In September 2013, she was asked to assume the
❝ I thank God for the gift of being called to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament and for being called to serve the people of south Texas.” – Sister Camelia Herlihy administration of Central Catholic Elementary School, which she readily did. While in Brownsville, Sister Camelia also worked at the Newman Center at Texas Southmost College. As diocesan supervisor of Catholic
Schools in the Diocese of Corpus Christi from 1971 to 1973, Sister Camelia established an intensive program to insure that the 28 diocesan schools, with an enrollment of more than 6,000 students, exceeded accreditation standards. The bishops of Texas had begun to seek accreditation for all Catholic schools in the state of Texas in 1967, and Corpus Christi became the second diocese in the state to gain full accreditation status by the Texas Education Agency on Sept. 8, 1973. Bishop Thomas J. Drury appointed Sister Camelia as Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the diocese in August of that year. “It was a great privilege to serve with such dedicated principals and pastors during that time,” Sister Camelia said. “Bishop Drury was dedicated to Catholic education, and through his influence and support the schools were all brought up to accreditation status.” Sister Camelia continued as MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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superintendent for 14 years until 1985. Her work in education extended to other areas. She served as chairperson of the Superintendents of Catholic Schools in Texas, as Director of Education, Director of Vocations and Formation and as the Chairperson of the Education Commission for the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. She represented the diocese at the Texas Catholic Conference, and has always been active in functions of the National Catholic Education Association. In May 2013, Sister Camelia retired as principal of Incarnate
Word Academy Elementary after having served in that capacity for 20 years. She spent 54 years of consecrated life as a dedicated educator, administrator and superintendent of Catholic education. Sister Camelia now looks forward to her next retirement and her jubilee celebration in observance of 60 years as an Incarnate Word Sister. “I thank God for the gift of being called to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament and for being called to serve the people of south Texas,” she said.
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SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC | MAY 2014
Bishop Michael Mulvey congratulates Sister Martha Ann Snapka, IWBS for 60 years of service to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
Sister Martha Ann
‘Deeply grateful for God’s many blessings’ By Sister Juliane Kuntscher, IWBS
S
Contributor
ister Martha Ann Snapka is celebrating 60 years of dedicated service to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, to the Church and to her community. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament on Aug. 15, 1952, made her first profession of vows on July 31, 1954 and on Aug. 17, 1957 she professed perpetual vows. MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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She was born Martha Ann to Roman and Sophie Bezdek Snapka in Abbott, Texas. Her parents and family moved to Corpus Christi when Martha Ann was in the first grade. She graduated from Incarnate Word Academy, earned her Bachelor of Arts in social studies from St. Edward’s University in Austin and her Master’s, with certification in counseling and administration, from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. Sister Martha Ann taught and served as principal in Vattmann, Corpus Christi Cathedral and Incarnate Word Academy in Corpus Christi. She has served in the congregation as a General Council member, worked on various commissions and committees and was elected Superior General in 1976 and reelected in 1980, serving two four-year terms. She currently serves at Incarnate Word Academy in Corpus Christi as Director of Planned Giving. During her time in office as principal and Superior General she implemented a number of new programs. As principal of Incarnate Word Academy, Sister Martha Ann was part of the planning and implementation of the transition from an all girls high school to a co-educational venture in 1975. As Superior General she participated in the first International Reunions of Incarnate Word congregations from the United States and Mexico to provide opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of spiritual and educational programs and experiences. In 1983, Sister Martha Ann initiated the Incarnate Word Justice and Peace Committee, providing means of education and action on social justice issues, policies and systems. With a team of sisters, she organized the Incarnate Word Associates program in Corpus Christi in 1985 and served as its director. The program was designed for adults who were invited to participate in the incarnational charism,
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SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC | MAY 2014
spirituality and prayer life of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. This pilot group celebrated their 25th anniversary as Associate members in 2010. Sister Martha Ann participated in the creation of the Office of President on the Incarnate Word Academy campus and was appointed the first president in 1988. That same year she received the Diocesan Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Catholic Education. As a member of a governance study group for the congregational schools she
❝ Sister Martha Ann is an inspiration in so many ways. She has had the ability to focus her energies on our mission and engender in others a real love of the Incarnate Word. For me, she has been a great support and sound advisor. May the Lord give her many more years in his service. – Charles Imbergamo, President and CEO of Incarnate Word Academy
was instrumental in the establishment of the Incarnate Word Academy School Board in 1994 to ensure that the Incarnate Word charism and traditions continue as the guiding impetus of the school. “Sister Martha Ann is an inspiration in so many ways. She has had the ability to focus her energies on our mission and engender in others a real love of the Incarnate Word. For me, she has been a great support and sound advisor. May the Lord give her many more years in his service,” Charles Imbergamo, President and CEO of Incarnate Word Academy, said. The Pax Christi USA Multicultural Conflict Resolution Project selected Sister Martha Ann–part of a nine-member team–to train members of local communities to resolve conflicts of a racial or multicultural nature. As a mediator for the Nueces County Dispute Resolution Center, she served on the board and gave training classes in Dispute Resolution. Sister Martha Ann was honored as an educator and one of 10 “Shining Stars in Texas Skies” by the YWCA 2001 Y Women in Careers, and was welcomed into their Hall of Fame. “I am deeply grateful for God’s many blessings. For my parents who mentored the values of devotion to God and family, honesty and responsibility; for my family members, who have always supported and encouraged me in my vocation; for the Sisters of the Incarnate Word, who believed in me and gave me opportunities for education, training and development in leadership and in personal growth; and for the many co-workers, who worked as a team and dedicated themselves to our mission and ministry.” Sister Martha Ann said. “As we move forward together into the future, I am inspired and energized by the invitation to be the face of Jesus as witnesses to his warm, loving, compassionate presence to all whom we serve and meet,” she said.
Help Us Prevent Financial Abuse The Diocese of Corpus Christi at the recommendation of the Diocesan Financial Council and Presbyteral Council have furthered their commitment to good stewardship and nancial accountability on behalf of generous donors by instituting a nancial abuse hotline. The Diocese of Corpus Christi has selected an independent third party, The Network, to provide you with a new way to anonymously and condently report nancial abuse and fraud. Employees, parishioners, volunteers, vendors and other interested parties will be encouraged to report concerns they have regarding nancial misconduct within the Diocese of Corpus Christi. All inquiries will be treated promptly and discreetly. Callers will have the right to remain anonymous. Call 1-877-571-9748
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Kinder 4 students at Central Catholic Elementary School are hard at work in computer class. Pictured, from left, are Angelica Martinez, Richard Levi Valdez, Naomi Romanczyk, computer teacher Angela Mincey, Carlos Ruiz and Leon Saenz. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
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SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC | MAY 2014
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Kinder 5 Teacher, JoAna Valderrama instructs Nicole Sanchez on her handwriting. Sanchez was the winner of the nationwide Handwriting Contest. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
Accelerated math, new computer lab and Montessori program give Central Catholic its identity By Rebecca Esparza
F
Correspondent
aith-filled leaders of tomorrow are molded everyday at Central Catholic Elementary. And now, thanks to new additions to the curriculum, the school is poised for many more decades of growth and success. Founded in 1911 as St. Mary’s School, its name was changed to Sacred Heart in 1984, merging with
Corpus Christi Cathedral School and eventually becoming Central Catholic Elementary in 1990. The MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament have staffed the school since 1915. Recent additions to the school include an expanded accelerated math program, a brand new computer lab and a thriving Montessori program for three and four-year-old children. The school’s rich history, along with the sense of community in a neighborhood steeped in tradition, sets Central Catholic apart from other schools in town. Sister Camelia Herlihy, IWBS, the school’s principal, is quick to point out all Catholic schools are each unique in their own way. “But the really wonderful part of Central Catholic is our close proximity to downtown Corpus Christi. People working in the downtown area have the opportunity to be close to our school for conveniently dropping off their children on the way to work and picking up their children at the end of the day,” Sister Camelia said. “We’re also right across the street from City Hall and the Nueces County Courthouse, two major employers in our city.” Sister Camelia, who came out of retirement to accept a one-year assignment as principal of Central Catholic Elementary, has been in Catholic education for 55 years, including 20 years as principal at Incarnate Word Elementary and 15 years as Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Corpus Christi. “I’ll be retiring for the second time at the end of this school year,” she chuckled. When asked to come out of retirement, Sister Camelia, 76, did not hesitate to answer the call. “Children are wonderful and what we are all about. They remind us daily that God is in charge of us all,” she said. “Our parents and community are extremely supportive of our school. We are blessed.” Adding a computer lab for the students was important for Sister Camelia because she wanted the children to stay on top of the latest technological advances. “Each classroom has four computers and our computer lab has 20 computers. We’re living in a rapidly changing age of technology, so we want our children to stay competitive. The earlier you start, the more
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SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC | MAY 2014
adept they become with technology. Even our threeyear-olds spend time once a week in our computer lab,” she said. Angela Mincey began teaching computer classes at the school in January. She said having an established place at the school for computer classes is important for the children. “The upper grades learn typing skills, while the younger children enhance their math and reading skills using clever games to make learning fun,” Mincey said. “The computer lab is a significant addition to the school.” Three and four-year-old children at the school benefit from the Montessori program, an individual approach to education. “The teacher gives the lesson to the child individually. Many children do extremely well in Montessori learning. Our teachers are trained to ascertain how a child learns best, whether they are a visual learner versus oratory,” Sister Camelia said. Fifth-grade math teacher Eddie Ortiz said students are given an assessment test at the beginning of the year, which helps him decide at which academic learning level they will be placed. “In addition, we use accelerated math programs to reinforce math skills and concepts that spiral at their appropriate level. I’ve also researched and will be incorporating Khan Academy lessons to help present math concepts to the class using the projector and laptop in the class,” he said.
Santiago SolizGuerrero works with cylinder blocks in Montessori K3. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
Ortiz said his fifth grade students are tackling complex math problems such as probability and statistics, graphs, ratios, percent mean and range. “Out of 10 students, I have five working on grade level and five working above grade level, ranging from 6th grade Math to Pre-Algebra,” Ortiz said. Math is often a dreaded subject in school, but Ortiz is determined to make learning fun for the students by covering certain skills, small groups and using the game “Jeopardy” to help solve math problems. “They get to work as a team, with cooperative learning. In addition, there are math games on the computers they are allowed to use,” he said. “Computers are a vital role in helping our students become successful and productive citizens.” Ortiz added the school’s new computer lab has been an amazing addition and has helped the children flourish with their studies. “Here at Central Catholic, we are very grateful for all those people who have given of their time and talent to have set up a computer lab. This allows teachers to take their whole class at one time to work on various projects and introduce lessons to our students,” he said. Maria Ramos is a teacher’s aide at Central Catholic who had enrolled her two children in public school for a brief time last
year. The difference in the caliber of their education was stark and she enrolled them at Central Catholic after just five months in public school. “My girls actually requested to come back and now they are doing great. They are flourishing. I’m so glad we’re back at Central Catholic. It took them awhile to catch up, but they did it,” she said. Ramos said she understands why some parents might hesitate choosing a Catholic school education, such as expenses. “Visit the school, speak with the teachers and get an understanding of what goes on firsthand. Any Catholic school will let prospective visitors talk to instructors, observe classes take a tour of the school,” Ramos said. Sister Camelia emphasized the importance of parent involvement. “Parents are a child’s primary educators and can best help their children by helping educators. Read to your child. Even in the womb, reading will help their educational process. Select a school that will be a partner with you in the educational process of your child. The first step is choosing a Catholic school that will help your child grow their Catholic faith,” Sister Camelia said. Central Catholic Elementary is currently accepting applications for enrollment. For more information call (361) 883-3873 or visit www.CentralCatholic.us.
Three students from Central Catholic Elementary School win awards in history, writing and science
Ten-year old fifth grader Ashley Allison won the 2013-14 American History Essay Contest presented by the Corpus Christi Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Kindergarten student Nicole Sanchez won a medal for first place out of 300,000 contestants in a statewide handwriting contest. Julissa Rokohl, South Texas Catholic
Fourth grader Stephen Sauceda placed fourth in the diocesan science fair for his project entitled “Go Car Go.” Julissa Rokohl, South Texas Catholic
Contributed photo MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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2014 Holy Week in the Diocese o
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➋
➍
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SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC | MAY 2014
➏
of Corpus Christi ➊ Bishop Michael Mulvey breathes into the oil of sacred chrism during the Chrism Mass held at Corpus Christi Cathedral on April 15. See more photos at www. SouthTexasCatholic.com/Chrism
➋ Holy Family Parish held a live Stations of the Cross in neighborhood surrounding the parish on April 19. See more photos at www.SouthTexasCatholic.com/ Stations
➌ Parishioners from Holy Family reenact live Stations of the Cross as they carry the body of Jesus to His tomb. See more photos at www.SouthTexasCatholic.
➌
com/Stations
➍ Bishop Michael Mulvey presents seminarians and postulants to the congregation at the Chrism Mass celebrated in Corpus Christi Cathedral on April 15. www.SouthTexasCatholic.com/Chrism
➎ Father Patrick Higgins washes the feet of Yolanda Rodriguez as her sister Janie, left, watches. Holy Week services were held at the Immaculate Conception Chapel on Saint John Paul II Campus. Father Higgins ministers to disabled members of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. www.SouthTexasCatholic.com/ ICChapel
➏ St. Mary’s parishioners in Freer celebrate Palm Sunday on April 13. www.SouthTexasCatholic.com/ PalmSunday
➐ Children from Most Precious Blood Parish process to religious education classes at the beginning of Easter Sunday Mass on April 20. www.SouthTexasCatholic. com/MPBEaster Photos by South Texas Catholic staff
➐ MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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Lt. Robert J. Chapa, chaplain aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island, Lance Cpl. Crystal Rubio from El Paso and Pfc. Diego A. Munoz Holguin from Orlando, Fla., perform readings as part of a Palm Sunday Mass aboard dock landing ship USS Comstock. The ships are in the training phase in preparation for an upcoming deployment. Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Robin W. Peak, U.S. Navy
Robstown native provides chaplain services in the high seas By Seaman Robin W. Peak, USS Makin Island Public Affairs
A
MV-22 Osprey, with engines roaring, waits on the flight deck for its next mission. Fueled-up and pilots on station, only one more passenger needs to board: Lt. Robert J. Chapa, Roman Catholic chaplain aboard USS Makin Island.
Transported by “Holy Helo,” a term used for helicopters transporting chaplains, Father Chapa—a native of Robstown and a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity—landed on the deck of USS Comstock on Palm Sunday. Roman Catholic sailors and marines aboard got the opportunity to attend Sunday Mass.
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SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC | MAY 2014
This was Father Chapa’s first trip visiting another ship in the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. Comstock does not have a Roman Catholic priest permanently assigned to its chaplain department. “One of our jobs as chaplains is to facilitate so that everybody has the opportunity to worship,” said Cmdr. Timothy Moore, from Easley, S.C., command
NATIONAL NEWS chaplain aboard Makin Island. There are two chaplains on Comstock, two on USS San Diego and Makin Island has four. Father Chapa is the only Roman Catholic priest in the entire Amphibious Ready Group. “There are only 48 Roman Catholic priests currently serving as active duty chaplains in the Navy, so we’re spread out thin,” Father Chapa said. “That’s why it’s important that I go out to other ships to provide that service.” Upon arrival on Comstock, Father Chapa and his assistant, Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Paul M. Ludlam,from Dearborn, Mich., wasted no time preparing the chapel on board for Mass. Moore also said that moving forward into deployment, he would like to get Father Chapa out to each of the ships in the Amphibious Ready Group at least once a month to minister and celebrate Mass. “He’s an excellent priest,” Moore said. “I am very pleased with Father Chapa’s willingness to be able to do exactly what our mission is as chaplains. He’s called to serve and is willing to serve. It’s important for everybody to have an opportunity to worship.” The Mass lasted roughly 45 minutes and
approximately 20 sailors and marines participated in the Liturgy. Sailors aboard Comstock expressed their gratitude for Father Chapa’s visit. “Father Chapa’s Mass was very refreshing,” said Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Albert Raymond Bruan, from West Orange, N.J. “It is important to strengthen faith especially in trying times like training cycles and deployment.” Lt. Byron T. Johnson, Chaplain aboard Comstock expressed his appreciation for the Mass. “Our ship really appreciated Chaplain Chapa’s visit,” Johnson said. “We have many Catholics onboard and it is a blessing to have a priest willing to fly in to provide the religious needs of our service men and women.” The following day, Father Chapa once again boarded a “Holy Helo” and left Comstock to return to Makin Island. “I enjoyed going out to the ships. The sailors were very welcoming,” Father Chapa said. “It was all good.” Father Chapa was ordained at the Corpus Christi Cathedral on July 16, 2007. Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island is home base for Father Robert A. Chapa, SOLT one of only 48 chaplains in the U.S. Navy. Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Robin W. Peak, U.S. Navy
MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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Short pontificate, long impact: St. John XXIII launched reforms
A
By Catholic News Service
St. John XXIII, canonized April 27, is remembered by many for his warmth, simplicity, social conscience and sense of humor. Pope Francis canonized “the Good Pope” and recalled his predecessor as being holy, patient and a man of courage, especially by calling the Second Vatican Council. Catholic Press Photo
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lthough he served as pope for less than five years, St. John XXIII left one of the most lasting legacies in the Catholic Church’s history by convening the Second Vatican Council.
A plump, elderly, smiling Italian of peasant origins, the future pope had an illustrious career as a papal diplomat in Bulgaria, Turkey and postwar France. He became pope amid the dismantling of colonialism, the rise of the Cold War and on the cusp of a technological transformation unlike anything the world had seen since the Industrial Revolution. Citing the Holy Spirit as his source of inspiration, he called the Second Vatican Council to help the Church confront the rapid changes and mounting challenges unfolding in the world—and, by inviting non-Catholics to the council, to work toward Christian unity. As pope from 1958 to 1963, St. John launched an extensive renewal of the Church when he convoked the council, which set in motion major reforms with regard to the Church and its structure, the liturgy, ecumenism, social communication and Eastern churches. After the initial session’s close in 1962, he set up
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a committee to direct council activities during the nine-month recess. Subsequent sessions—the final one ended in December 1965—produced documents on the role of bishops, priestly formation, religious life, Christian education, the laity and interreligious dialogue. He produced a number of historic encyclicals, including “Mater et Magistra” on Christian social doctrine and “Pacem in Terris,” issued in 1963 at the height of the Cold War, on the need for global peace and justice. He established the Pontifical Commission for the Revision of the Code of Canon Law, which oversaw the updating of the general law of the Church after the Second Vatican Council, culminating in publication of the new code in 1983. Before he was elected pope, he served as a Vatican diplomat. His work in Bulgaria and Turkey put the future pope in close contact with many Christians
➤ His contact with the people and his open display of personal warmth, sensitivity and fatherly kindness earned him the nickname, “the Good Pope.”
who were not in full communion with the Catholic Church and inspired him to dedicate so much effort as pope to try to recover the unity lost over the centuries. It was St. John who, as pope in 1960, created the Vatican’s office for promoting Christian unity. With his humility, gentleness and active courage, he reached out like the Good Shepherd to the marginalized and the world, visiting the imprisoned and the sick, and welcoming people from every nation and faith. He visited many parishes in Rome, especially in the city’s growing suburbs. His contact with the people and his open display of personal warmth, sensitivity and fatherly kindness earned him the nickname, “the Good Pope.” St. John brought a humble yet charismatic, personal style to the papacy. He placed great importance on his modest upbringing in a village about 25 miles northeast of Milan, saying: “I come from the country, from poverty” that he said was “happy and blessed poverty—not cursed, not endured.” Born in Sotto il Monte, Italy, in 1881, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was one of 13 children in a family of sharecroppers. He entered the minor seminary at the age of 11 and was sent to Rome to study at the age of 19. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1904 and, after several years as secretary to the bishop of Bergamo, he was called to the Vatican. In 1925 he began serving as a Vatican diplomat, first posted to Bulgaria, then to Greece and Turkey and, finally, to France. He was named a cardinal and patriarch of Venice in 1953. After more than five years as patriarch of Venice, then-Cardinal Roncalli was elected pope Oct. 28, 1958. He died of cancer June 3, 1963. St. John was beatified in 2000, by Pope John Paul II, with whom he was canonized April 27.
VATICAN
St. John Paul brought moral force, intellect, flair to world stage
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By Catholic News Service
t. John Paul II, canonized April 27, was one of the most forceful moral leaders of the modern age.
He brought a philosopher’s intellect, a pilgrim’s spiritual intensity and an actor’s flair for the dramatic to his role as head of the universal Church for more than 26 years. The Polish pope was a tireless evangelizer and forceful communicator, speaking to millions in their own languages. But toward the end of his life, his powers of speech faltered with his worsening illness, which left him often unable to even murmur a blessing. The first non-Italian pope in 455 years, St. John Paul became a spiritual protagonist in two global transitions: the fall of European communism, which began in his native Poland in 1989, and the passage to the third millennium of Christianity. As pastor of the universal Church, he jetted around the world, taking his message to 129 countries in 104 trips outside Italy—including seven to the United States. Within the Church, the pope was just as vigorous and no less controversial. He disciplined dissenting theologians, excommunicated selfstyled “traditionalists” and upheld
often unpopular Church positions like its opposition to artificial birth control. At the same time, he pushed Catholic social teaching into relatively new areas such as bioethics, international economics, racism and ecology. In his later years, the pope moved with difficulty, tired easily and was less expressive, all symptoms of the nervous system disorder of Parkinson’s disease. Yet he pushed himself to the limits of his physical capabilities, convinced that such suffering was itself a form of spiritual leadership. He led the Church through a heavy program of soul-searching events during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, fulfilling a dream of his pontificate. His long-awaited pilgrimage to the Holy Land that year took him to the roots of the faith and dramatically illustrated the Church’s improved relations with Jews. He also presided over an unprecedented public apology for the sins of Christians during darker chapters of Church history, such as the Inquisition and the Crusades. His social justice encyclicals, including his landmark document, the MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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St. John Paul II is pictured as he greets the world from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica Oct. 16, 1978, the day he was named pope. Catholic Press Photo
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apostolic letter “Novo Millennio Ineunte” (“At the Beginning of the New Millennium”), made a huge impact, addressing the moral dimensions of human labor, the widening gap between rich and poor and the shortcomings of the free-market system. He called for a “new sense of mission’’ to bring Gospel values into every area of social and economic life. At the pope’s request, the Vatican published an exhaustive compendium of social teachings in 2004. As a manager, he set directions but often left policy details to top aides. His reaction to the mushrooming clerical sex abuse scandal in the United States underscored his governing style: he suffered deeply, prayed at length and made brief but forceful statements emphasizing the
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gravity of such sins by priests. He convened a Vatican-U.S. summit to address the problem, but let his Vatican advisers and U.S. church leaders work out the answers. In the end, he approved changes that made it easier to laicize abusive priests. The pope approved a universal Catechism as one remedy for doctrinal ambiguity. He also pushed Church positions further into the public forum. In the 1990s he urged the world’s bishops to step up their fight against abortion and euthanasia, saying the practices amounted to a modern-day “slaughter of the innocents.” His sharpened critique of these and other “anti-family” policies helped make him Time magazine’s choice for Man of the Year in 1994. The pope was a cautious ecumenist, insisting that real differences between religions and churches not be covered up. Yet he made several dramatic gestures, including: launching a Catholic-Orthodox theological dialogue in 1979; visiting a Rome synagogue in 1986; hosting world religious leaders at a “prayer summit” for peace in 1986; and traveling to Damascus, Syria, in 2001, where he became the first pontiff to visit a mosque. To his own flock, he brought continual reminders that prayer and the sacraments were crucial to being a good Christian. He held up Mary as a model of holiness for the whole Church, updated the rosary with five new “Mysteries of Light” and named more than 450 new saints—more than all his predecessors combined. The pope lived a deep spiritual life—something that was not easily translated by the media. Yet in earlier years, this pope seemed made for modern media, and his pontificate has been captured in some lasting images, like huddling in a prison-cell conversation with his would-be
➤ In the 1990s he urged the world’s bishops to step up their fight against abortion and euthanasia, saying the practices amounted to a modern-day “slaughter of the innocents.”
assassin, Mehmet Ali Agca, who shot the pope in St. Peter’s Square May 13, 1981. Karol Jozef Wojtyla was born May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, a small town near Krakow, in southern Poland. He lost his mother at age nine, his only brother at age 12 and his father at age 20. An accomplished actor in Krakow’s underground theater during the war, he changed paths and joined the clandestine seminary after being turned away from a Carmelite monastery with the advice: “You are destined for greater things.” Following theological and philosophical studies in Rome, he returned to Poland for parish work in 1948, spending weekends on camping trips with young people. When named auxiliary bishop of Krakow in 1958 he was Poland’s youngest bishop, and he became archbishop of Krakow in 1964. He also came to the attention of the universal Church through his work on important documents of the Second Vatican Council. Though increasingly respected in Rome, Cardinal Wojtyla was a virtual unknown when elected pope Oct. 16, 1978. In St. Peter’s Square that night, he set his papal style in a heartfelt talk— delivered in fluent Italian, interrupted by loud cheers from the crowd. After more than 26 years as pope, St. John Paul died at the age of 84 at the Vatican April 2, 2005, the vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday. Divine Mercy Sunday had special significance for St. John Paul, who made it a church-wide feast day to be celebrated a week after Easter. He was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1, 2011, and was canonized by Pope Francis on the same feast day, April 27, 2014, together with St. John XXIII, the pope St. John Paul beatified in 2000.
Pope to pro-life activists: Defend the unborn, support pregnant women By Francis X. Rocca
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Catholic News Service
ope Francis said Christians must defend life at all stages, especially before birth, and he praised efforts to assist pregnant women in difficulty and prevent the destruction of human embryos. “It is necessary to reassert the strongest opposition to every direct attack on life, especially innocent and defenseless life, and the unborn child in the womb is the definition of innocence,” the pope said April 11. “Every Christian is responsible for this evangelical witness: to protect life in all its stages with courage and love.” Pope Francis made his remarks in a meeting with almost 500 Italian prolife activists, whom he thanked “for the witness you offer by promoting and defending human life from the time of conception.” “Human life is sacred and inviolable,” the pope said. “Every civil right rests on the recognition of the first and fundamental right, the right to life, which is not subordinate to any condition, neither qualitative nor economic, much less ideological.” Speaking two days after Italy’s constitutional court overturned a law banning the use of donated sperm or eggs in artificial fertility treatments, the pope said: “One of the gravest risks to which we are exposed in our
time is the divorce between economics and morality, between the possibilities offered by a market supplied with every technological novelty and the elementary ethical norms of human nature, which is increasingly neglected.” Pope Francis praised the pan-European “One of Us” project, which calls for an end to European Union financing of research and other activities that involve the destruction of human embryos. Italy’s constitutional court is expected to rule later this year on a law against screening embryos for genetic disorders before they are implanted in the womb. The pope also praised an Italian initiative, “Progetto Gemma” (“Project Bud”), which assists pregnant women in difficulty and facilitates adoption of their children as an alternative to abortion. He said life should be defended “always with a style of neighborliness, of closeness, so that every woman may feel treated like a person, listened to, welcomed, accompanied.”
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Father Sebastian Thomas celebrates Mass in St. Mary Church in Freer on Palm Sunday. Alfredo E. Cardenas, South Texas Catholic
Freer parish is outpost of diocese, but at the center of the faith By Alfredo E. Cardenas
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South Texas Catholic
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e’re at the end of the world out here,” a fellow in Freer was heard saying to a local resident. “Not at the end, but you can see it from here,” responded the local. It may not be the end of the world, but St. Mary Parish in Freer is at the end of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. There is not another Catholic Church until you reach Laredo on the Texas-Mexico border 60 miles down the desert-like terrain. While it may be in a remote, somewhat isolated part of the diocese, the faith at St. Mary is very much alive and thriving. This was clearly demonstrated by
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Holy Week activities, beginning with a procession of palms and ending with an ecumenical Easter Sunday service at the local community center. On Palm Sunday parishioners gathered at the Parish Hall where the young people were handed palm branches and placed in the front of a line getting ready to process to the church. Deacon Eleuterio Bitoni read the Gospel of Matthew and
PARISH LIFE Father Sebastian V. Thomas, Administrator of St. Mary, blessed the palm branches that were then distributed to the faithful. Led by altar servers, the congregation walked around to the front of the church and as they entered the young people with the palms stood as sentinels in front of each pew entry. The congregation sang a hymn written by choir member Raymond Gracia. In his homily, Father Thomas said the Holy Week was the most important week of the year. Easter week continued with the Mass celebrating the institution of the Eucharist and washing of the feet on Holy Thursday, a Stations of the Cross from the old St. Mary’s some 12 blocks away to the new sanctuary, to an ecumenical Easter Sunday service at the Freer Civic Center. Ecumenism has been an important part of the fiber of St. Mary since its inception. The parish joins other Christian denominations in town for joint events five or six times a year. Once a year they meet at one of the local churches–they met
at St. Mary’s year before last–and on other special holidays such as Thanksgiving. The commitment to ecumenism is not limited to these occasions. In fact, the choir director at St. Mary’s is Kent Whitaker, a member of the Methodist congregation. During the Easter Mass they accepted a Baptist into the Church. If was, after all, a Baptist that provided St. Mary’s its first church home. Before St. Mary became the western outpost of the diocese, priests from San Diego would only go as far as St. John in La Rosita and St. Catherine in Los Reyes. While ranches existed in the area surrounding Freer, rumblings of a town did not occur until the early twentieth century. Early Catholics would meet at a plumbing shop and later at a feed store. In 1938, a local Baptist named Mary C. Hubberd, after having her prayers answered for a sick child, donated the first church to the Catholic community . The Dominican priests from San Diego began coming around to celebrate Mass. Father Juan
Young parishioners at St. Mary’s in Freer pick up palm branches to use in procession to the church. Alfredo E. Cardenas, South Texas Catholic
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The old St. Mary’s church continues to serve the community as a food bank, thrift store and center for other acts of mercy carried out by the Caridad Ministry. Alfredo E. Cardenas, South Texas Catholic
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Zabala organized a Sociedad Mutualista, a mutual aide society. The Mutualistas are still active at St. Mary. Today that spirit of mutual aid is alive and well in the form of the St. Mary Caridad Ministry, which performs various acts of mercy in the community. Using the old church as its headquarters, the Caridad Ministry operates a Food Bank and Thrift Store, which are open Tuesdays and Thursday from 1-3 p.m. Deacon Pete Trevino and parishioner Arturo Martinez are in charge of the ministry, which is designed to help the town’s “working class,” Martinez said. “We started it because it was a necessity. Now it’s become a meeting place for a lot of people, especially the older generation,” Martinez said.
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“They just come in; they may need somebody to talk to or just to go out.” Caridad also provides food and clothing to transients, people displaced by fire or other calamity and immigrants. Located, in the heart of the brush country, immigrants often knock on Father Thomas’ door seeking help. They are given food, clothing and sanctuary, as their needs require. People who cannot afford to pay for the clothes at the thrift shop are provided what they need at no cost. Some items are sent to a children’s home in Beeville, to area nursing homes and to the poor in Mexico. The old church is also used as a shelter for immigrants, stranded individuals and in cases of domestic violence, Martinez said. Deacon Trevino is planning on converting the
old sanctuary into an art gallery and museum and is gathering photos and other memorabilia in the community to display. “All of us hold that church very dearly to our hearts. A lot of us were married and baptized there,” Martinez said. Members of St. Mary’s Boy Scout troop–including Greg Moreno who is working to earn his Eagle Scout rank–help with the maintenance of the old church. Youth is yet another focus of St. Mary. In
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addition to a Boys Scouts Troop, the parish also sponsors a Cub Scouts group and a post for youth interested in Law Enforcement and EMS. The parish has 30 altar servers and 220 young people enrolled in its religious education classes. Every Wednesday, the parish has Eucharistic Adoration and anointment of the sick. “More and more people are coming,” Father Thomas said. As part of a program initiated by the Alice Deanery, the parish has adopted the Feast of the Immaculate Conception as its patron saint day and will celebrate it in on Dec. 8 by inviting all the priests in the deanery to come concelebrate Mass and parishioners from neighboring parishes to attend. “People really have a great faith. They are very loving,” Father Thomas said. “They are doing all the things needed in the parish, helping, making donations or whatever. We don’t have to ask them, they are always ready to help.”
Father Sebastian Thomas blesses palms at parish hall ceremony before processing to the church to celebrate Mass. Alfredo E. Cardenas, South Texas Catholic
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A path of renewal for the Catholic sterilized couple Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D.
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Contributor
Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Mass., and serves as the Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.
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mong married men and women who undergo surgical sterilization through a vasectomy or a tubal ligation, it has been estimated that anywhere from 10 to 20 percent will come to regret the choice.
Sometimes there may be an immediate awareness of wrongdoing following the surgery, while in other cases, as Patrick Coffin, radio host and author of “Sex au Naturel” notes, sterilized couples may “… drift for years before acknowledging that something between them is no longer in sync. After the initial pregnancy fear subsides, and the vision of 1001 erotic nights turns out be something of a scam, spouse may (subtly) turn against spouse while doing their best to ignore the silent, disturbing ‘presence’ of the choice they made.” Their decision to seek out a permanent form of contraception can also affect their marriage in other important ways. As Dr. John Billings has noted, there is “an effect that is even more tragic than the clinical, and it is that in many cases the use of contraceptive methods in marriage has been followed by an act of infidelity of one of the members. It would seem that contraception diminishes the mutual respect of husband and wife... Additionally, the abandoning of self-control diminishes the capacity to exercise this self-dominion
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outside the marriage.” The “abandonment of self-control” that can follow permanent sterilization raises ongoing spiritual and moral challenges for couples that later repent and confess the sin of having undergone a vasectomy or a tubal ligation. A unique and vexing problem arises because sterilized individuals may find themselves, as Coffin observes, “sorely tempted to delight in the very sex-without-babies mentality that led to the sterilization in the first place.” Repentant couples, out of an abundance of spiritual caution, may thus wonder what they should do, and whether they are obliged to get a surgical reversal of the procedure. The Church has never declared this to be a required step, in part because of the risks and burdens associated with surgical interventions, in part because of the high uncertainty of a successful outcome and in part because of the potentially significant expenses involved. Even though a reversal may not be feasible or obligatory, the repentant couple may nonetheless become aware of the need to order their sexual activity and appetites
in the face of their original sterilization decision and its extended consequences. They may recognize a pressing interior need to grow in the virtue of marital chastity and to engage in a lifestyle that authentically embodies their new, albeit delayed, rejection of the contraceptive mentality. In these situations, clergy and spiritual advisors will often encourage couples to pattern their sex life on the same cycle of periodic abstinence that fertile couples follow when using Natural Family Planning (NFP). During times of abstinence, the couples actively exercise self-control, thereby reordering the sensual and sexual appetites. This strengthens spouses in their resolve not to reduce each other to objects for pursuing sexual self-gratification. This is important because various forms of contraception, including permanent sterilization, often involve the phenomenon of the woman feeling as if she is being “used” by her husband. Abstinence, therefore, assists couples in learning to express their mutual love in other ways. St. John Paul II explains this perspective in
VIEWPOINTS his famous work “Love and Responsibility”. “Inherent in the essential character of continence as a virtue is the conviction that the love of man and woman loses nothing as a result of temporary abstention from erotic experiences, but on the contrary gains, the personal union takes deeper root, grounded as it is above all in the affirmation of the value of the person and not just in sexual attachment,” St. John Paul said. In one of his weekly general audiences as pope, he further notes that “…continence itself is a definite and permanent moral attitude; it is a virtue, and therefore, the whole line of conduct guided by it acquires a virtuous character.” Fertile couples who incorporate NFP into their marriages to avoid a conception often end up acquiring a different attitude towards life as they chart and practice periodic abstinence: they can have a change of heart and discern a call to have one or several additional children. A similar spiritual conversion to a culture of life might reasonably be expected to occur among some sterilized couples that resolve to live out an NFP lifestyle, perhaps becoming more open to adopting a child, or more open to other forms of spiritual parenthood in their communities such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs. By abstaining during fertile times, then, the sterilized couple reintegrates the same positive behaviors that they might have practiced had they not chosen to be sterilized. In this way, the science of NFP offers the repentant sterilized couple a school of opportunity to acquire virtue within their marriage and their conjugal relations.
Pope lays out roadmap for media reporting Alfredo E. Cárdenas is Editor of the South Texas Catholic
By Alfredo E. Cardenas
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South Texas Catholic
any Catholics often express concern for the way the “mainstream media” covers news concerning Catholics and their faith, as well as Christians in general. The talk that Pope Francis delivered to members of the Corallo Association, an Italian radio and television network, on March 22 is worthy of consideration by members of the media at all levels. The Holy Father first delivered a formal address to the group in which he likened them to a “net”. Like the first disciples who were fishermen and worked with nets, which Jesus called to be “fishers of men” (Mt 4:19), members of the media too can be “fishers of men,” the pope said. The media can also ask themselves the question posed by God to Elijah on Mount Horeb, ‘Why are you here?’ (1 Kings 19:9-13), “so that it can speak to the men and women who are looking for a word of hope and reassurance for their lives.” Referencing remarks by St. John Paul II in his 1994 message on World Communications Day,
the pope called their attention “to issues that are important for the lives of individuals, families and society; and treating these issues not in a sensationalistic manner, but rather responsibly, with sincere passion for the common good and for the truth.” These issues, the pope said, are often addressed, “without due respect for individuals and the values in question, in a spectacular way.” People’s stories should be respected and never made self-serving instruments of the media. In extemporaneous remarks, Pope Francis spoke frankly of his concerns with media reporting. He called upon the media to seek the truth, but not only truth; “truth, goodness and beauty, the three together.” “Your work ought to unfold along these three paths: the path of truth, the path of goodness and the path of beauty. But that truth,
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goodness and beauty, which are consistent, that come from within, that are human,” Pope Francis said. “And along the path of truth, along these three paths we can encounter errors…take care not to become an intellectual without intelligence…take care not to become an ethicist without goodness…take care not to do what is often done…masking beauty, looking for cosmetics to create an artificial beauty that does not exist. Truth, goodness and beauty as they come from God and are present in man. And this is the work of the media…” The pope said there are many virtues of the media, but there are also sins of the media. “Allow me to speak a little about this,” Pope Francis said. “In my view, the sins of the media, the gravest, are those that go along the road of lies and falsehood, and there are three: misinformation, calumny and defamation. The last two are very grave, but not as dangerous as the first. “Calumny is a mortal sin, but one may clarify and come to know that it is calumny,” the Holy Father explained. “Defamation is a mortal sin, but one can arrive at saying ‘this is an injustice, because this person did that a long time ago, but he repented, he changed his life.’ But misinformation is telling only half of the story, the half that is more convenient for me, and not telling the other half. And so the person who is watching TV or listening to the radio cannot judge correctly, because he doesn’t have all of the facts and they are not given to him. Please flee from these three sins: misinformation, calumny and defamation.” The pope urged members of the media to “help to form what Pope Benedict called a media ‘eco-system’, that is, an appropriate environment that maintains a just equilibrium between silence, words, images and sounds. Today there is much pollution, and even the media environment has its forms of pollution, its poisons. People know it, they perceive it, but then unfortunately they become accustomed to breathing in contaminated air from the radio and television, which is not healthy. Clean air needs to be circulated so that people might breathe freely and receive oxygen for mind and soul.” All of this requires professionalism, Pope Francis said. Amen.
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No one is exempt f By Bishop Michael Mulvey
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South Texas Catholic
Most Reverend Michael Mulvey is Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
n his Apostolic Exhortation The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis reminds us that we are not just disciples of Jesus Christ, but we are “missionary” –disciples. To understand and claim ourselves to simply be disciples can mistakenly imply that our journey of faith involves only adhering to a few spiritual principles, such as attending formation classes in our parishes, etc. In all this we can develop a sense that we are good and faithful disciples, but is that what we need today? The Church today needs disciples who have an understanding and enthusiasm for being missionaries. When many of us were young the thought may have crossed our minds that we may want to be a missionary. Our youthful zeal and desire to give everything could have led us to that conclusion. Today, in the spirit of the New Evangelization, we are now more than ever called to witness and proclaim the Good News of the Lord to others (Mt 4:18). We are called to assist in opening the doors of grace to people who for one reason or another are alienated from the Church and from God. The Holy Father and indeed the entire Church is calling all of us to re-enkindle a missionary enthusiasm in the Church for the sake of calling others and ourselves to a new faith in the Gospel. The Church has been engaged in the work of evangelization throughout the millennia. So what is new about Evangelization today? The newness is the summons for us to first live and experience the Gospel message and to share not by repeating the words of the Gospel, but the fruit of encountering the Risen Christ in those words and the effect He has had in our lives. Many people today have fallen into the clutches of secular deities and thus estrange themselves from
OUR FAITH
from call to be missionary disciple God and his Church. The New Evangelization is our effort to proclaim Jesus Christ, from whom everything flows, in a new way with a joyful enthusiasm. Jesus is the one sent to bring us salvation by reconciling us to the Father. His life, death and resurrection manifest God’s love and mercy available to all of us, including those on the periphery of the Church, those who do not know him. As missionary disciples, the greatest message we have to share and give is that “God loves you.” God loves you immensely. God is merciful toward our weaknesses and can forgive our sins. Many people do not know what mercy means; perhaps because they have not experienced mercy from others, or do not know how to ask for mercy. This is the work of evangelization; this is the message for every missionary-disciple to share with others. But Pope Francis exhorts us to share this reality of love and mercy with enthusiasm and joy beginning in our own homes, among our family members, in our neighborhoods, in our cities and towns, throughout the diocese, everywhere. Imagine how
beautiful our diocese would be, the Church at large would be if there was this burst of enthusiasm and joy. I am not referring to an unrealistic enthusiasm or pious joy, but an enthusiasm and joy that lead us to mission, to be missionaries. Through the missionary encounters with other people, the Holy Father reminds us that we become healthy. When we go beyond ourselves (deny ourselves) we leave behind a life of isolation, which is the main detriment to health and happiness. As Christ’s missionary disciples, we discover what it means to be healthy, enthusiastic and joyful because we carry within ourselves the Word of God in a way similar to Mary, Mother of the Word. Today we need to examine everything we say and do in terms of witnessing and proclaiming Christ in a new and fresh way. Pope Francis has repeatedly said throughout his first year as our pope that we are all involved in the mission of evangelizing. We are all responsible to bring Christ to others. No one is exempted from this call.
Bishop Michael Mulvey met with Pope Francis during his trip to Rome on Feb. 24-27. Bishop Mulvey was among 65 bishops from throughout the world who traveled to Castel Gandolfo to take part in a meeting of bishops and friends of the Focolare Movement. Pope Francis granted the group an audience on Feb. 27. Vatican Photo Service MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
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We believe in the Holy Spirit…
who has spoken through the prophets By Father J. Patrick Serna Father J. Patrick Serna is pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Sinton
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Contributor
s Catholics, we listen to and believe in the public revelation of God’s voice as found in Sacred Scripture. We formally believe, as is stated in the Nicene Creed, that God the Holy Spirit has spoken to us through the prophets, and that these breathings of the Holy Spirit are for the sake of helping us on our journey to heaven, while still in our earthly tents here on earth. We know from the Vatican II document Dei Verbum that the Holy Spirit communicated to the prophets and other writers of the Old Testament. “Through the patriarchs, and after them through Moses and the prophets, He taught this people to acknowledge himself the one living and true God...and in this manner prepared the way for the Gospel down through the centuries” (Dei Verbum, 1.3). St. Paul tells us in the New Testament that “... we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away” (1 Cor 13:9-10). The Holy Spirit communicates to us in bits and pieces while we are pilgrims in this life, and when the perfect comes in the next life, we will not be looking at partial pieces in a mirror anymore, rather, we will be looking and understanding faceto-face (cf. 1 Cor 13:12).
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The Catholic Church, being a Bible-based church, presents the entire Bible in three years’ of Sunday Masses, or in two years’ of daily masses. During the Lenten liturgies, we are reminded in a preeminent way that the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets. The culmination of these prophecies finding fulfillment during the Easter Triduum. On Passion (Palm) Sunday, Catholics around the world hear the Gospel of Matthew 21 proclaimed, just before worshippers process into Mass with their palm branches. During this Passion Sunday “pre ceremony,” we are reminded of the historical fact that Jesus came into the Jerusalem on a donkey, in fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy: “Behold: your king is coming to you, a just savior is he, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zec 9:9).
Zechariah wrote around 520 B.C. How could Zechariah have known 520 years before it happened that Jesus would enter the world on a donkey, in Bethlehem, and that he would leave the world on a donkey, in Jerusalem? Zechariah could not have known, but God the Holy Spirit knew. In the first reading of Passion Sunday, Mother Church gives us another reminder of prophecy fulfilled, with the following words of Isaiah the prophet, who wrote in 587 B.C.: “I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who tore out my beard; my face I did not hide from insults and spitting” (Is 50:6). There are many senses and interpretations found in Scripture and the prophecies in Scripture. One could say, in simple terms, that prophecies spoke to the current situation in which they were written, however, they also spoke
➤ The Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets, partially as in a mirror, so that we could later put the pieces together, and realize with full clarity that Jesus is truly God.
to future realities still yet to be realized. While Isaiah could have been speaking about himself or another holy man of God, there is no doubt that the Holy Spirit was letting us to see partially and indistinctly, as in a mirror, what would happen to Jesus 530 years after this prophecy, when he was scourged at the pillar, and while people pulled his beard, spitting on him, as he carried the cross. We know from the Gospels in the New Testament that Jesus cried out, from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (cf. Mk 15:34; Mt 27:46) On Passion Sunday,
Catholics around the world hear the Responsorial Psalm, which happens to be Psalm 22, which was referred to for hundreds of years by its first line only, which is: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” From the cross, Jesus was telling us in his excruciating (“excruciating” means “from the cross”) cry, “Read Psalm 22, the prophecy is now being fulfilled!” Psalm 22 begins with the words that Jesus cried from the cross, and then the psalm continues: “As dry as a potsherd is my throat; my tongue cleaves to my palate” (Ps 22:16). Those prophetic words
Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father; through Him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the Prophets. I believe in one holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
were written long before Jesus’ birth, and we know that Jesus was desperate for water while he agonized on the cross, when he told us: “I thirst” ( Jn 19:28). In verse 17 of Psalm 22, the Holy Spirit foretold before it ever happened: “They have pierced my hands and my feet.” Could a man have known, without God’s help, that nails would pierce the hands and feet of Jesus, long before it ever happened? Without the Holy Spirit, a man could have never written these prophetic words. The Psalmist could not have written, without the help of God the Holy Spirit, these words long before they ever happened: “They divide my garments among them; for my clothing they cast lots” (Ps 22:19). The Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets, partially as in a mirror, so that we could later put the pieces together, and realize with full clarity that Jesus is truly God. We learn from Dei Verbum, that prophets shared breathings and expressions of the Holy Spirit, which would later prepare us for the coming of Jesus (Dei Verbum 4.15) The Holy Spirit’s expressions, as found in the words of the prophets, are announcements to us that God the Father is Lord of history; the past, present and future are in his providential power. If we try to make sense of these partial meanings, which the Holy Spirit left to us through the prophets, we will then be able to experience fully God’s love, face-to-face, in heaven (cf., 1 Cor 13:12).
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Mary’s example: to be a follower of Jesus we must remain in the state of grace By Father Rodolfo Vasquez
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Contributor
Father Rodolfo Vasquez is pastor at St. John the Baptist Parish in Corpus Christi.
n the beloved account of the Annunciation handed down to us in the Gospel of St. Luke, the evangelist recounts the response of Mary who having been informed by the angel of the Lord’s conception finds herself capable of saying “fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum” (let it be done to me according to thy word) (Lk 1:38). Consider the remarkable courage it took for this young teenaged girl from Nazareth to respond to God in this way. Her “fiat” is indicative of her lifelong fidelity to God. It characterizes the attitude of total faithfulness of the Blessed Mother to God’s will, for she submits herself, “let it be done to me,” to the command of God. This is the first instance of her important witness and example; fidelity. Fidelity is taken from the Latin root “fides” which means faith, and faith according to St. Thomas Aquinas, is an “act of the intellect assenting to [the Divine]” (Summa Theologica). Therefore in order to be faithful to God, one must assent or “submit” as did Mary to God’s plan. Complete submission to God’s will necessarily demands complete humility, which means an absence of pride and therefore one must conclude that in order to truly be faithful one must be freed from the devastating effects of sin. This begs the question, how then is it that Mary was capable of responding to God with such an act of her will and intellect?
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St. Thomas Aquinas provides us a clue into understanding the nature of this young woman. In his definition of faith, he said that the movement of assenting to God’s will is brought about only through grace. Grace is the key to understanding just how Mary could say yes. Recalling the words of the angel to her, he greets her as “Hail Mary, full of grace” (Lk 1:28). This is not an empty or passed over statement. It is significant, because the angel recognizes the unique privilege of Mary. For he calls her “full of grace,” she is the one whom grace is operating in such a way that she is immersed completely in grace. While sin has devastating effects on the human person, so grace has an amazing resplendent effect on us as well. In Mary’s case this grace, which we partake of in the sacraments, has encompassed her being and she has not allowed herself to depart from the state of grace that God has bestowed upon her. Unlike the rest of us, which by our weakness move in and out of the state of grace, Mary remained in that state perpetually, therefore the angel can say that she is “full of
grace.” Grace, which is the divine life in us, has perfected her nature, as it does in us. For Mary, grace has so perfected her nature that by the time the angel announces God’s plan to her, she with integrity and sincerity and with the full submission of her will and her intellect can say “let it be done unto me according to thy word.” Her example to us is now on full display: to be a follower of Jesus Christ, to be a true believer and one who is capable of answering to God’s plan for us, to be faithful, one must remain in the state of grace, one must remain free from sin and therefore conquer our sinful inclinations. In the Blessed Mother we see the work of grace that makes her the True Woman of Faith, a faith that allowed God’s life to dwell in her so fully that it became the Incarnate Word Himself. As we celebrate May, the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we must learn from her how to find the courage to say to God with all being, in sincerity and completely, “Fiat!” “Yes Lord, I am your servant!”
Parents provide great example By Msgr. Morgan Rowsome Contributor
Msgr. Morgan Rowsome is a retired priest of the Diocese of Corpus Christi living in San Antonio.
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dmund Burke, the Irish born author, orator, philosopher and member of the English Parliament once said: “Example is the school of mankind and they will learn at no other.” My parents, like most young people at that time, never attended high school, but they had more wisdom than many who had degrees and diplomas. They were great readers, listened attentively to people, priests and radio and television and had “computer” memories. I was blessed in having them as teachers in our home when I was growing up. They knew the Word of God very well and were able to apply the lessons, parables, etc. to everyday life. They never hesitated to tell their children and others about the fact that by keeping God’s 10 Commandments we can live, happy, holy and healthy lives. Looking back now they found “words of wisdom” in the Bible for everyone but especially for their children. We heard about “not using the Lord’s name in vain” and about keeping the Lord’s Day Holy, but the ones that cropped up most frequently were “don’t fight, don’t tell lies, no stealing and always obey your parents.” To the last one they added, “As you do to your parents, your children will do to you.” Maybe that is why I became a priest and therefore would never have children; I really was not that
bad! I was a very small boy, when mom told me the following story and it made a big impression on me–I have a feeling it was about herself. She said that a wealthy family in England wanted to hire a housekeeper and on the day of the interviews, they placed a sweeping broom across the footpath going up to the front door. The first lady arrived and walked over the broom but told the family that she would keep everything neat and tidy. The second applicant did and said the same and they were told that they would let them know if they got the job. The third person that wanted the job, picked up the broom, brought it into the house and she got the job with a good salary. Action speaks louder than words. This was mom’s version of the parable of the Good Samaritan in terms that we could understand. Dad taught us valuable lessons, mostly by his actions and not his words. He was the hardest working, most honest, holy and most thrifty man I have ever known. He was a “fixer upper” and could repair anything from our bicycles, leaky roofs, the soles on our shoes, lawn mowers, plumbing and thousands of other things. His favorite
saying was: “I would rather wear out than rust out” and he lived to be 94 years of age. When I helped him do some building, he often said, “Measure twice and saw once” and I knew he was telling me to always be careful before doing something. Mom would often tell us, “A stitch in time saves nine” which implied that we should not be lazy but take appropriate action promptly. To get us to bed at night my parents would often say, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” And to get us up in the mornings, they would tell us, “The early bird catches the worm.” They told us to put our shoes under our beds and when doing this, we would be on our knees and at night and in the morning we should say our prayers. They believed that the family that prays together stays together and the daily reciting of the Holy Rosary kept us a very united family all our lives. One of my parents’ favorite daily prayers was “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you.
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Msgr. Morgan Rowsome with his parents Pierce and Ita Rowsome. Contributed photo
Amen.” Both of them died happy and holy deaths. My mother died on March 19, which is the feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of a happy death. Before she went to her eternal reward, she advised us to take care of each other and ourselves and added, “If you didn’t have faith now, what would you have?” Dad thanked us in his final days and said he was very proud of us. He added, “Thank God, I have been able to play a full game and a little overtime; I’m tired now and I need to go home to heaven.” Mom and Dad always said
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that good health was the greatest blessing, but when we got sick or hurt in different ways, they would point out that “God works in mysterious ways” and that “our crosses in life can gain us crowns in the next life.” When beginning to do some work, they would say, “Let us begin in the name of God” and all journeys began with a prayer for protection from accidents and injuries. Now that I am retired and living with my sister Catherine, we often reminisce about the wonderful example our parents gave us and often quote their
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favorite sayings to other people. When we fixed something for mom or dad they would be very grateful and say, “May God bless your two hands.” My parents did bless my hands and I am sure they prayed that God would bless them in the Sacrament of Ordination to the priesthood, and that I would be able to bless many people in different ways in my life as a priest. But I will always remember that one of mom’s favorite sayings was “An ounce of mother is worth a pound of priest” and she was telling the truth.
Corpus Christi
Pregnancy
Resource Center
Prayer during the Easter season…and always By Sister Kathleen McDonagh, IWBS
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Contributor
Sister Kathleen McDonagh, IWBS is a member of the order of the Incarnate Word of the Blessed Sacrament.
pring…Easter…New Life…on Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from death to new life and since then, the call to share in his new life is made to each one of us.
But in the Gospels, especially Luke’s Gospel, we read about the apostles’ experiences of Jesus’ suffering and death during what we know as Holy Week. Bewildered, they wondered if this was the end of their whole amazing experience of being his followers and co-workers. We have similar experiences when we experience tragedy among our family and friends, in our home, work or life situation. In these situations we often ask God if he has abandoned us, and this is a genuine prayer coming from our heart. The answer to that questioning of prayer is, of course, “no.” God does not abandon us, but it might seem to be the case when we experience life’s difficulties. However, the Gospels tell us that on Easter Sunday and thereafter angels from heaven appeared to Jesus’ followers bringing them messages that Jesus was alive. This happened, first of all, to the women who had cared for Jesus’ apostles (Lk 24:1-9). It is also true of Peter at the tomb (Lk 24:12) and of the apostles (Lk 24:13-32) who
were convinced that no, this was not the end. Their statement in relation to the experiences was, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?”(Lk 24:32). The Risen Christ continued to appear to the apostles until his ascension into heaven (Lk 24:50-51). After the ascension, we are told, they “returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.”(Lk 24:52-53). Luke assures us that their experience of the Risen, Ascended Lord was totally positive. John picks up the account in his Gospel in Chapter 24, the last chapter of this work. He tells us of Jesus’ enabling the apostles to have an extraordinary catch of fish, and this caused John to say to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When they came ashore with their wonderful catch, Jesus gave them breakfast. Then Jesus made Peter’s vocation known; “feed my lambs,” “feed my sheep” ( Jn 21:16-17). We too live in the era of the
resurrected Christ. He lived, suffered, died and rose again for us. Many people, however, do not relate to this most important truth. For them, prayer is basically the prayer of petition. When we need–or just want– something, we pray, asking God to give it to us. When we receive it, we may or may not thank God for His gift. Then prayer is no longer a part of our lives until our next need occurs– which happens often, of course. And yet we are 21st century followers of Christ. We are called to adore him as God, to relate to him in love in the quiet of our hearts, just to be with him at all times, to be persons of gratitude for the many graces and blessings he has given us. In all the possible forms of prayer, do we have to relate to him? Yes. Relate to him through words? No. He reads our hearts and is in touch with our deepest desires. Let us enter into and pray as we find prayer in the Gospels in all its forms. Gospel prayer can be a profound prayer for Christ’s followers.
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May LiturgicaL caLendar 1 | Thu | Easter Weekday | white/white [Saint Joseph the Worker] Acts 5:27-33/ Jn 3:31-36 (270) or, for the Memorial, Gn 1:26—2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24/ Mt 13:54-58* (559)
9 | Fri | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 9:1-20/Jn 6:52-59 (277)
17 | Sat | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 13:44-52/Jn 14:7-14 (284)
10 | Sat | Easter Weekday | white/ white [Saint Damien de Veuster, Priest] Acts 9:31-42/Jn 6:60-69 (278)
2 | Fri | Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Acts 5:34-42/Jn 6:1-15 (271)
18 | SUN | FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER | white | Acts 6:1-7/1 Pt 2:4-9/Jn 14:1-12 (52) Pss I
11 | SUN | FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER | white | Acts 2:14a, 36-41/1 Pt 2:20b-25/Jn 10:1-10 (49) Pss IV
19 | Mon | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 14:5-18/Jn 14:21-26 (285)
3 | Sat | Saints Philip and James, Apostles | red | Feast | 1 Cor 15:1-8/Jn 14:6-14 (561) Pss Prop
12 | Mon | Easter Weekday | white/ red/red [Saints Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs; Saint Pancras, Martyr] Acts 11:118/Jn 10:11-18 (second choice) (279)
4 | SUN | THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER | white | Acts 2:14, 22-33/1 Pt 1:17-21/Lk 24:13-35 (46) Pss III 5 | Mon | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 6:8-15/Jn 6:22-29 (273) 6 | Tue | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 7:51—8:1a/Jn 6:30-35 (274)
20 | Tue | Easter Weekday | white/ white [Saint Bernardine of Siena, Priest] | Acts 14:19-28/Jn 14:27-31a (286)
13 | Tue | Easter Weekday | white/ white [Our Lady of Fatima] | Acts 11:1926/Jn 10:22-30 (280)
21 | Wed | Easter Weekday | white/red [Saint Christopher Magallanes, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs] Acts 15:1-6/Jn 15:1-8 (287)
14 | Wed | Saint Matthias, Apostle | red | Feast | Acts 1:15-17, 20-26/Jn 15:917 (564) Pss Prop
22 | Thu | Easter Weekday | white/ white [Saint Rita of Cascia, Religious] Acts 15:7-21/Jn 15:9-11 (288)
7 | Wed | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 8:1b-8/Jn 6:35-40 (275)
15 | Thu | Easter Weekday | white/ white [Saint Isidore] Acts 13:13-25/Jn 13:16-20 (282)
8 | Thu | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 8:26-40/Jn 6:44-51 (276)
16 | Fri | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 13:26-33/Jn 14:1-6 (283)
23 | Fri | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 15:22-31/Jn 15:12-17 (289) 24 | Sat | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 16:1-10/Jn 15:18-21 (290)
25 | SUN | SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER| white | Acts 8:5-8, 14-17/1 Pt 3:15-18/Jn 14:15-21 (55) Pss II 26 | Mon | Saint Philip Neri, Priest | white | Memorial | Acts 16:11-15/Jn 15:26—16:4a (291) 27 | Tue | Easter Weekday | white/ white [Saint Augustine of Canterbury] Acts 16:22-34/Jn 16:5-11 (292) 28 | Wed | Easter Weekday | white | Acts 17:15, 22—18:1/Jn 16:12-15 (293) 29 | Thu | The Ascension of the Lord| white | Solemnity [Holyday of Obligation] |Acts 1:1-11/Eph 1:17-23/Mt 28:16-20 (58) Pss Prop 30 | Fri | Easter Weekday | whiteActs 18:9-18/Jn 16:20-23 (295) 31 | Sat | The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary | white | Feast | Zep 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16/Lk 1:39-56 (572) Pss Prop
Calendar of Events: May 10: Day of Reflection and Prayer at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Sinton (725 Sodville) from 8 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Come learn the power of prayer and silence. The day is led by members of OLCC Retreat Center.
May 13: Global Living Rosary Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Join us with your whole family May 15-18: Women’s Ignatian Spiritual Exercises Retreat May 15-18: Hechos de Los Apostoles 2:42 Retreat at OLCC for Spanish for Catholic and non-Catholic men over the age of 18 throughout the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Email gdealcala@ grandecom.net for more information. May 26-June 1: Annual SOLT Assembly. May 31: Ordinations at 10 a.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral.
Ordained to the Priesthood of Christ
Deacons Tristan Donnelly Abbott, SOLT, David Javier Bayardo Michael Slovak, SOLT and Luis Alfredo Villarreal
Corpus Christi Cathedral Saturday, May 31 at 10 a.m.
Our Lady of Corpus Christi 1200 Lantana • Corpus Christi
(361) 289-9095 Bookstore: Ext. 309 Retreats: Ext. 321
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Store Hours Mon-Sat 11-6pm Closed SUN
For more information about the Spiritual Exercises Retreats, please visit www.deepprayer.org or Email: olccretreatcenter@gmail.com “Come and See” Jesus in our beautiful Perpetual Adoration Chapel! Ongoing Events: Every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m.: Miraculous Medal Novena Holy Hour Every Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Church History with Deacon B. Vessa Every 1st Friday of the month at 7 p.m.: Charismatic Renewal Mass
Every 1st Sunday of the month at 4 p.m.: St. Peregrine Healing Mass
www.ourladyofcc.org AND “Like” us on facebook @ “Our Lady of Corpus Christi and Cafe Veritas”
MAY CALENDAR
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Women’s Cursillo (English)
On May 1–4 at the Corpus Christi Cursillo Center located at 1200 Lantana in Corpus Christi. For more information, call Pre– Cursillo Chairperson Gloria Franco at (361) 249–2450.
The Joy of Evangelization: Using our Feminine Genius
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Join us for a mini conference given by Father Dominique Faure on May 2 from 9-11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Hall, Corpus Christi Cathedral. RSVP to Debbie Shea at (361) 851-8764 or sheadeb@sbdglobal.net. Father Faure has been a priest for more than 25 years and has founded monasteries in the U.S., Philippines and India. He also started an AIDS hospice and home for HIV positive children in India. Based in Saltillo, Mexico, he travels all over the world to give retreats to the Missionaries of Charity and other religious orders.
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Cinco de Mayo dinner and live auction
On May 3 from 6:30–9:30 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Parish Hall (2233 Waldron Rd.) in Corpus Christi. Dinner ticket is $8 pre-sale and $10 at the door.
Open registration for new students
On May 3 from 8:30 a.m.– 1:30 p.m. at St. John Paul II High School (3036 Saratoga Boulevard) in Corpus Christi. Faculty and staff will be available to answer questions. Admission interviews and class schedules will be given. Required
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documents can be found at jpiihighschool.org under Admissions-Documents.
assistant) at (512) 554–2969 for more information.
Scouts Prayer Service & Awards Ceremony
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Natural Family Planning Class
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Day of Prayer and Reflection
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Adoption Information Meetings
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Global Living Rosary
On May 4 from 3–4:30 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral.
IWBS Sisters celebrate jubilees May 10
On May 10 at 10:30 a.m. Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament will honor nine jubilarians in a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Patrick Church, 3350 South Alameda, Corpus Christi. A reception will follow the Mass at the James R. Dougherty Center, 450 Chamberlain, on the Incarnate Word campus. Incarnate Word sisters celebrating jubilees of religious profession this year are Sister Mary Anselm Till, 75 years professed; celebrating 60 years of profession are Sisters Mary Lelia Aguilar, Colette Brehony, Camelia Herlihy, Evelyn Morales, Teresita Rodriguez, Martha Ann Snapka and Mary Vianney Uyeno; and celebrating 50 years of profession is Sister Elizabeth Close.
2nd Annual Spring Fiesta/Trail Ride
On May 10 from 12 p.m.–12 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Concepción. There will be dancing, live music, a trail ride, hayrides and great food. Bring your lawn chairs to “La Fiesta.” No coolers please. Call Julio Ramirez (trail ride boss) at (361) 231–0621 or Julio Galvan (trail ride boss
On May 10 from 10 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. at 1426 Baldwin Blvd, Corpus Christi. Registration is $125, which includes a six-hour introductory class, materials, and unlimited follow–up as needed. Register and pay online or download Registration Brochure at www.diocesecc.org/NFP
Day of Reflection and Prayer on May 10 from 8 a.m.2:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (725 Sodville) in Sinton. Come learn the power of prayer and silence. Light breakfast and lunch provided. The day will be led by members of Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center. Register at www.deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.
On May 12 at 6 p.m. at the Owen R. Hopkins Public Library (Northwest Library, 3202 McKinzie Road in Corpus Christi). The adoption information meeting is presented by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
On Tuesday May 13 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Perpetual Adoration Chapel (1200 Lantana). All are welcome. Join 60 children who will be forming the beads of a Living
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Rosary. Bring the entire family.
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Women’s Ignatian Spiritual Exercises
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OLCC Men’s Retreat in Spanish
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Parish in St. Williams Parish Hall. PreCana is a one-day marriage preparation seminar for the engaged. It is a day designed to inform couples of the spiritual and practical aspects of Catholic marriage. Registration is $60 due 14 days prior to the seminar date. For registrations after the due date add $10. No refunds will be issued. Reservations are not confirmed until payment is received in full. Register online or print and mail the Printable Registration Form at:www.diocesecc.org/ precana
Retreat begins on May 15 at 5 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana) and ends Sunday, May 18, at 1 p.m. Register at www.deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext 321.
Begins on Thursday, May 15, at 5 p.m. and ends on Sunday, May 18, at 1 p.m. Retreat will be held at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center. The spiritual director for the Retreat will be Father Dan Estes, SOLT, and the lay director will be Eduardo Cabrera. ACTs retreat participants can be men (Catholic or non–Catholic) over the age of 18. The retreat will be in Spanish. Application forms are available by email request from gdealcala@grandecom.net. Applications may be submitted either manually or electronically.
Cursillo de hombres (Español)
Cursillo de hombres se celebrará del 15 a 18 mayo en el Corpus Christi Cursillo Center localizado en el 1200 Lantana en Corpus Christi. Para obtener más información, llameº a Gloria G. Morales al (361) 364–4808 o glomore54@yahoo.com. Hacer un amigo, ser un amigo, y traer a un amigo a Cristo!
PreCana Marriage Preparation Seminar
On May 17 from 8:45 a.m.–5 p.m. at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles
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Register for the Diocesan Awareness Retreat by May 23. The retreat will be held on June 20-22 at the Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center. For more information go to: www.CCPriest.com/Retreat
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SOLT regional confab starts May 26
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A Look at Discipleship: Missionary
The Melchizedek Project Meeting
On May 17 from 10–11:30 a.m. The Melchizedek Project is a discernment group for high school seniors and above who love Jesus Christ and his Church. For more information and location contact Rachel Dimas at (361) 882–6191 or rdimas@diocesecc.org
May Fiesta
On May 18 from 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Beeville. Begins with the crowning of the queen at the 11:30 a.m. Mass. Brisket and all the trimmings will be sold from 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. for a donation of $7 per plate. Inside the Bingo Hall there will be live music including Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico. There will be a silent auction from 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. and a raffle drawing at 7 p.m. First prize is a $1,500 gift card. Outside music from 1–7 p.m. free of charge, featuring Luz Garza Y Su Conjunto, Indomable & David Marez from 5–7 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs. For more information call (361) 358–0088.
Diocesan Vocation Awareness Retreat Deadline May 23
A SOLT Regional Assembly will be held at Our Lady of Corpus Christi from Monday, May 26, through Saturday, June 1. The theme this year is taken from Pope Francis’ new apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, the “Joy of the Gospel.” Among the events planned include selection of new regional servants (superiors) of priests, sisters and lay communities and the 90th birthday celebration of Father James Flanagan, founder of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, on May 29.
On May 27 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Hester’s Café at Six Points. Join Young Adult and Campus Ministry for A Look at Discipleship with presenter Father Rodolfo Vasquez, Pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. See all talk titles and dates at www.diocesecc.org/ Missionary. Meetings from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Mixers begin at 5:30 p.m. and presentation begins at 6 p.m.
To see more calendar events go to:
SouthTexasCatholic.com
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2014 Summer Institute Coping with Grandiosity in Our Lives: the Deity and the Dragon Inside Us
Keynotes:
Robert Moore, Ph.D.
From PREGNANCY
THROUGH CHILDHOOD, we have you covered.
&
Ron Rolheiser, OMI June 16-18, 2014 Whitley Theological Center Included are numerous break-out sessions in the afternoon.
Meals and on-campus lodging are available for an additional fee. Oblate School of Theology 285 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, TX 78216 www.ost.edu Brenda: 210-341-1366 x 212 Father Tony & The Catholic Pilgrim Office invites you to come celebrate:
The 100th Anniversary of
St. Anthony of Paduain RoPbarish stown, TX ays
9D
CHRISTUS Health Plan offers you great benefits like: 4 Hospitals to choose from in every community 4 Clinic locations close to home for mother and child checkups & well care 4 Care at the children’s hospital closest to you 4 Faith-based care The CHRISTUS Health family has faithfully cared for the lives of South Texans for more than 100 years. CHRISTUS Health Plan offers a wide range of health care services for pregnant women and children without insurance who qualify for Medicaid STAR and CHIP.
Hosted by Father Tony Blount
Get started today! Call 1-877-428-3057 or visit www.christushealthplan.org
Visit the sites of St. Anthony, St. Benedict, St. Francis, St. Clare, St. Peter’s and more! Depar2ng
November 13, 2014
$3,798
from Corpus Chris,, TX
All(except Inclusive! lunches)
$300 deposit holds your spot!
Your Pilgrimage Features: • Roundtrip airfare from Corpus Chris2, TX • First & tourist class hotels • Land transporta2on via deluxe, private motor coach • Taxes ($689) and 2ps ($85) included • Breakfast and dinner daily • Entrance fees to all sites on i2nerary • Daily Masses • Professional, English-‐speaking guide
For more information, contact:
Ross Rodriguez, Group Coordinator 361.816.5965
Myrna Rodriguez, Group Coordindator 361.816.5955
rmeriduez51@gmail.com
C PO
THE CATHOLIC PILGRIM OFFICE P.O.Box 53419 Atlanta, GA 30355 (404) 467-8041 fax (404) 467-8042 coordinator@catholicpilgrimoffice.com
TXC-088/089
Learn more about CHRISTUS Health Plan:
www.christushealthplan.org 1-877-428-3057 MAY 2014 | SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC
51
May 2014 Issue
SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC P.O. Box 2620 Corpus Christi, TX 78403 (361) 882-6191
Share in the Care
Please give to those who have given a lifetime. Donate generously to your local parish collection
May 17 & 18, 2014
Retired Diocesan Priests Fund