March 2018 - Vol.53 No.3 by South Texas Catholic

SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

South Texas

Catholic Special Hearts W W W. S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C .CO M â&#x20AC;¢ M A R C H 2018

ON THE

VOL. 53 NO. 3 PUBLISHER Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD EDITOR Alfredo E. Cárdenas ACardenas@diocesecc.org

COVER

exposure to theatre, art, music, dance and film.

Blake Castillo, Sherri Davis, Grace Aguilera and Melissa Aguilera review a script during a recent Special Hearts in the Arts session at St. John Paul II High School recently. The newly formed non-profit helps children and adults with special needs gain Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

THEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT Ben Nguyen, JD/JCL. BNguyen@diocesecc.org EDITORIAL STAFF Mary E. Cottingham MCottingham@diocesecc.org Adel Rivera ARivera@diocesecc.org CORRESPONDENTS Luisa Buttler, Rebecca Esparza, Jessica Morrison, Emily Priolo, Luisa Scolari, Beth Wilson, Dayna Mazzei Worchel

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fieles de la iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción en Taft veneran a San José 21 LosSanchez del Río después de la misa que celebro el 90 aniversario del martirio. Luisa Scolari para el South Texas Catholic

INSIDE

NATIONAL NEWS FROM THE BISHOP 25 4 MESSAGE Lord’s Prayer led North Korean Let us pray for each other during Lent

VOCATIONS 6 Meditating on the Passion of Jesus

defector to freedom

VATICAN 27 THE Pope tells priests to keep homilies brief

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OUR FAITH 11 ‘Presence 31 of God’ makes Soar high and live adoration chapel beautiful

NEWS BRIEFS 16 Father Ralph O. Jones, SOLT passes into eternal life

as children of God

ACTIVITIES 32 LENTEN Fish Fry’s, Lenten Missions,

Communal Penance Services

March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 3

MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP

Let us pray for each other during Lent

he words used in the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday, express to us two essential truths of our lives. We have sinned; we are sinners. This we hear in the words “Repent and believe in the Good News.” Secondly, we are reminded that we are mortals and we have no lasting home here on earth; “Remember, man, you are dust and unto dust you will return.” God has called all of us into a covenant relationship with him through Jesus Christ. Through him, the love of God has been poured into our hearts and his words have the power to enflame our hearts and lives. Sin is our turning away and isolating ourselves from the treasure which is ours. To turn back to God and be reconciled is the meaning of conversion. And, so throughout Lent we do not fret over the fact that we have sinned–we take this time to seek forgiveness and begin a new life of grace through conversion. With our heart set on “the things to come (Col 2:17)” we do not lament that life is short and seek to hold on to things, but we rejoice that Love is calling us to eternal love and joy forever in his presence. Lent is a time of conversion. The season summons us and enables us to come back to the Lord with a renewed spirit to live for the Lord in every aspect of our life. In his Lenten message this year, Pope Francis spoke of a “cold heart.” The pope cited the passage from the Gospel of Matthew in which Jesus said that amidst the many evils of the world that “the love of many will grow cold (Mt 24:12).” The pope also shared Dante Alighieri’s description of hell in which Dante pictures the devil seated on a throne of ice in frozen and loveless isolation (Inferno XXXIV, 28-29). Our classical understanding of hell has been the place where devils, fire and heat will torment us forever. Instead, Dante already in the 14th century perceived the torture of life when one’s heart turns to “ice” (is cold) in relationship to God and others and how life can become “loveless isolation.” This is a good meditation for us during Lent asking ourselves if we have fallen victim to a cold lack of charity. What are the signs that may indicate that our love is beginning to go cold? Particularly, given our present social context, the Holy Father reminds us that: “what destroys charity is greed for money, ‘the root of all evils (1 Tim 6:10)’. The rejection of God and his peace soon follows; we prefer our own desolation rather than the comfort found in his word and the sacraments. All this leads to violence against anyone we think is a threat to our own “certainties”: the unborn child, the elderly and infirm, the migrant, the alien among us or our neighbor who does not live up to our expectations.” Continuing, the Holy Father expresses concern for our communities, families and our relationships where love can also grow cold. The most evident signs of this communal lack of love are selfishness and spiritual laziness, pessimism and a lack of hope, the temptation to self-absorption, constant bickering and fighting among ourselves, and the worldly mentality that makes us concerned only for appearances, which thus lessens our missionary zeal. 4 South Texas Catholic | March 2018

What are we to do if we find ourselves growing cold in our lives as children of God and disciples of Christ. First, we should remember that we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor 5:20) and we share a responsibility to bring others to know and acknowledge God’s love for them. As we begin Lent, Jesus gives us three admonitions regarding prayer, fasting and almsgiving (Mt 6:1-6; 16-18). During these six weeks of Lent then, let us pray for the grace of conversion in our own hearts and in the hearts of others, especially those far from God. Let us deny ourselves whatever can cause our heart to grow cold, not just food or candy, but judgments, criticisms and like attitudes. And let us give to those who ask or who are in need, remembering that which we measure out to others will be measured back to us. Let us pray for one another this Lent, brothers and sisters, for the graces each one of us needs. May Easter find us renewed in the warmth of the Lord’s resurrection to new life. +Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi

Get latest news from Diocese of Corpus Christi • USCCB president offers condolences on the death of the Rev. Billy Graham • IWA students advance to State Academics competition • KLUX slates five-day on-air fundraiser • IWA to host S.T.E.M Festival • In Memoriam, Father Ralph O. Jones • Angels slashed own swim times across the board • Religion and Art students spread love and joy • Students use robotics in world geography class • Sixth-grader Wilson Vanexan wins third place in the National Amazing Shake Competition • Soccer teams head to first round of TAPPS playoff games • Senior gets athletic scholarship

✝ Bookmark our Web site to keep up to date on all the happenings in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 5

Meditating on the Passion of Father Romeo Salinas

S Contributor

Father Romeo Salinas is Vocations Director for the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

t. Faustina writes that she pleased Jesus best “...by meditating on his sorrowful Passion…by such meditation much light falls upon my soul,” she said. “He who wants to learn true humility should reflect on the Passion of Jesus…I want to resemble you, o Jesus—you crucified, tortured and humiliated. Jesus, imprint upon my heart and soul your own humility. I love you, Jesus (Diary of St. Faustina, Sec. 267).” Later, while she prayed during a holy hour, Faustina said she “...saw Jesus being scourged at the pillar. In the midst of this frightful torture, Jesus was praying. After a while, he said to me, ‘there are few souls who contemplate my Passion with true feeling; I give great graces to souls who meditate devoutly on my Passion’ (Diary of St. Faustina, Sec. 737)”. Let these pure and loving sentiments serve to enlighten us in meditating upon the Passion of our Lord as we walk with him on this agonizing and sorrowful journey to Golgotha where Jesus will be crucified for our salvation. Jesus, open our eyes and our hearts; let us feel your distress, your sorrow, your desperation and the deep pain of your wounds. Let us pray with you in the Garden of Gethsemani and help you by adding our suffering to yours. We have failed you, Lord, by our words and actions against you and against our brothers and sisters. We have been selfish, arrogant, untruthful and hurtful to others. Accept us, Jesus, so that we too can suffer your pain and wounds for our own salvation. Let us carry our cross, and then help you carry yours. Let us carry all the crosses of the world together with our own and yours, so we can be a part of

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redeeming the world together with you.

JESUS CONDEMNED TO DEATH, TAKES HIS CROSS, FALLS THE FIRST TIME AND MEETS HIS MOTHER Oh, my sweet Jesus, people are hateful. You have been condemned and beaten. You direct your sad and wounded look toward the uncaring. Your heart and your mother’s heart are melded with love and pain, as are ours now. Rid us, Lord, of the tendency to anger, to condemn, to judge others. Help us find the strength to aid those persecuted unjustly. Let us walk with you and your mother toward love and forgiveness. Mary, intercede for us always. Help us remember that “one must see God in everyone (St. Catherine Laboure).” O holy cross, be our salvation at the hour of our death. Through your exhaustion and first fall, Lord, help us be constant in following your holy ways. Have mercy on us and cleanse our souls of sin; let us never offend you; help us rise from our falls through prayer and the sacraments. Give grace to our priests, Lord, for they help us reach heaven through the sacraments. You and they are our bridge to heaven.

SIMON HELPS JESUS, VERONICA HELPS JESUS, JESUS FALLS AGAIN AND JESUS CONSOLES THE WOMEN Lord, give us the patience to embrace our crosses without complaint. Let us be Simon to all, so we can help them carry their crosses in hardships, in

†† VOCATIONS

Jesus illness, in poverty and in times of need. Imprint your bleeding and battered face on our hearts as you did on Veronica’s veil. Let us emulate her in helping others carry their crosses toward salvation. St. John Vianney said, “If you carry your cross courageously, it will carry you to heaven.” How much easier it will be if together we carry those crosses courageously. How grateful our blessed mother must have been to Veronica for her loving kindness to Jesus. Jesus, when we fall many times over, falling victim to sin, and hit the hard stones and choking dust, as you did in your second fall, lift us up. Your cross is made heavy by our sins and by the hatred, evil and lack of faith and charity that exist in this world. Forgive our sins, our ingratitude for your graces and all we have failed to do through neglect and lack of compassion. Help us to persevere, as did our blessed mother, in doing good, and help us be the instruments that unleash the power of the Holy Spirit and inspire us to do your work in helping those who weep, who suffer, who despair and who lack the courage to seek your love and unfathomable mercy.

THE THIRD FALL, JESUS IS STRIPPED, IS CRUCIFIED, DIES, IS TAKEN DOWN AND IS BURIED. Through this most painful fall, Jesus, free us from sin and hell. We plead for forgiveness and for your mercy. Help us get to heaven. Jesus, you are stripped of the tattered and bloody rags that barely cover your bruised and tortured body. Let us be stripped as well of everything that keeps us from you, except our will to do your holy will. Help us find our humanity again. Strip us of attachment to things of this world—to prestige, position, power and wealth. Lord,

may we be poor in spirit so that we can be rich in you. Most innocent Jesus nailed to the cross for our sins, come to us in our suffering at our hour of death. Make sweet and efficacious our sufferings through the merits of your and your mother’s sufferings. Through your death on the cross Lord, redeem our hearts at the hour of our death. Help us accept our pain, suffering and agony through the love of you and through our hope of joining you for all eternity. Help us, now, to never offend the cross; to meditate on your wounds daily and to know you gave all to save us. Help us pray the sorrowful mystery of the rosary because we know it gives you great comfort. Take from us all that remains obstinate and cruel. May your pain melt man’s inhumanity to man and fill with joy all hearts. Let your most precious blood heal all suffering and protect all humanity from harm and evil. It is over Lord. Your tormented body will suffer no longer. A soldier pierces your side with his sword and blood and water pour out, an act repeated in every Holy Mass. O sweet Mary, how your heart must be breaking as you hold your son’s lifeless body in your arms. Comfort us; hold us in your arms; make us all your children. Jesus, through your suffering and death, bless us in your divine mercy; be our assurance, and let the river of reconciliation run through our hearts and souls. You are buried Lord, but there will be a resurrection, and one for us, as well. Help us to love you more and more. Help us take Mary’s counsel to pray at the beginning and end of each day. Help us to cherish her as our heavenly mother, for she leads us to you and gives us the gifts of courage, hope and wisdom to discern your will. Through the grace of your holy Passion Lord, we pray for the conversion of sinners; for the deliverance of the holy souls in purgatory; for vocations to the priesthood and religious life; and for the protection of our families, our Church and our world.

March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 7

†† VOCATIONS

Sisters’ Corner

Sister Guadalupe Maria Cervantes, PCI is a member of the Pax Christi Institute.

Dedicating their lives to God Sister Guadalupe Maria Cervantes, PCI

M Contributor

other Teresa Santoyo founded the Pax Christi Sisters on July 19, 1969, in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. The Pax Christi Sisters are a contemplative-apostolic religious institute that serves as an instrument of peace, which leads each member in the pursuit of the attainment of perfect love and oneness with God. The Pax Christi Sisters dedicate their lives to God by a special consecration. They profess the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience for the sake of the kingdom of God and as visible signs of their unconditional response to the invitation of Christ to “Come, follow me (Mk 10:21).” As consecrated religious women, community and prayer life are an essential part in the life of each one of the Pax Christi Sisters. The sisters live a shared common harmonious life, the one that is fostered by their daily common works, well-balanced schedule, common prayer, meals and recreation. The Pax Christi Sisters are of one mind and one heart, all dwelling in each through Christ. As a community they draw strength and encouragement from their life in common and by reason of their spirituality of oneness in the Lord—the effecting love mission of our Lord, “That they may all be one (Jn 17:21).” In addition, the sisters are called to live their lives in a continuous act of prayer. They start their day with morning prayer followed by the office of reading in community, the recitation of the rosary and the celebration of Mass. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist is the heart of the lives of the sisters because it is the rock upon which they build their life and their total commitment to God and the Church. It is in the Eucharist where they encounter God, and Christ comes to them day by day, week by week, year by year with his word, blood and divinity. The Pax Christi Sisters are grateful to God for this opportunity because they know that the

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Liturgy does not belong to them individually, but rather belongs to the Church, as a whole, and it is a gift from God for the building of their lives, a rock upon which they can stand. Also, each sister spends one hour during the day adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In the evening they gather to pray evening prayers and their day is concluded with the reading and meditation of holy Scripture and night prayer. Additionally, the Sisters gather for days of recollection and annual retreat in order to continue nurturing their spiritual life. The ministry of the Pax Christi Sisters is to take the Good News of Jesus Christ, our peace, to all mankind, through a dual ministry. Through the spiritual: to lead the people of God to a more profound understanding of the holy sacrifice of the Mass, and to share the Pax Christi spirituality, thus enabling the effecting the salvific love mission of Jesus Christ, our peace, “That they may be one…(Jn 17:11).” Through the apostolic: minister to Jesus Christ in his humanity through the practice of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Presently, the Pax Christi Sisters are involved in corporate apostolates, such as parish ministry, religious education, retreats, evangelization, food pantry and religious stores in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Brenham, Texas, New York and Mexico. The foundress, Mother Teresa Santoyo, envisioned her convents to be religious homes and not institutions. She accented the practice of the “little virtues” as means of forming the hearts of the sisters. “A Pax Christi member is a prayerful, mature, stable yet flexible virtuous woman. From her, overflows redeeming peace, which is other-centered, gentle, compassionate and forgiving. She is a humble woman of vision who has a listening heart always responsive to the Father’s will; her vision of spreading the good news of peace to all mankind is constantly before her as she—through her life of prayer and service—is a living witness of Jesus Christ our peace.”

SECOND COLLECTION REPORTING Amounts recieved through December 31, 2017

CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS

TOTAL ALICE DEANERY:

140.00 109.00 0.00 427.33 100.00 0.00 592.00 0.00 0.00 525.36 0.00 1,893.69

56.00 347.00 0.00 1,442.38 218.00 0.00 673.50 0.00 628.37 430.36 0.00 3,795.61

BEEVILLE DEANERY 322 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH (SKIDMORE) 314 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MISSION (EDROY) 233 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MISSION (PAWNEE) 302 OUR LADY OF VICTORY PARISH (BEEVILLE) 220 SACRED HEART PARISH (MATHIS) 313 SACRED HEART OF JESUS PARISH (ODEM) 232 SACRED HEART PARISH (THREE RIVERS) 305 SACRED HEART MISSION (PETTUS) 237 ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI MISSION (LAGARTO) 323 ST. FRANCIS XAVIER MISSION (TYNAN) 212 ST. GEORGE PARISH (GEORGE WEST) 303 ST. JAMES PARISH (BEEVILLE) 222 ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS PARISH (ORANGE GROVE) 304 ST. JOSEPH PARISH (BEEVILLE) 221 ST. PATRICK MISSION (SAN PATRICIO) 223 ST. PIUS X MISSION (SANDIA) TOTAL BEEVILLE DEANERY:

0.00 31.00 23.00 0.00 278.53 438.00 184.57 0.00 0.00 0.00 461.35 151.15 555.00 0.00 21.00 78.00 2,221.60

105.00 127.00 45.00 0.00 334.61 540.00 377.45 0.00 85.00 0.00 0.00 196.18 3,181.97 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,992.21

CORPUS CHRISTI 5 POINTS 423 OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL MISSION (CLARKWOOD) 422 OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY PARISH (CC) 432 SANTA MARIA MISSION (ROBSTOWN) 449 ST. ANSELM OF CANTERBURY ANGLICAN COMMUNITY 431 ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA PARISH (ROBSTOWN) 433 ST. ANTHONY PARISH (VIOLET) 430 ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE PARISH (ROBSTOWN) 419 ST. MARY MISSION (CALALLEN) 418 ST. PETER, PRINCE OF THE APOSTLES PARISH (CC) 421 ST. THERESA PARISH (CC) 437 ST. THOMAS APOSTLE PARISH (ROBSTOWN) 434 ST. VIVIAN MISSION (PETRONILA) TOTAL CORPUS CHRISTI 5 POINTS:

14.55 60.00 125.00 0.00 620.50 136.60 139.00 0.00 1,748.00 10.00 1,203.24 17.00 4,073.89

22.00 60.00 104.00 0.00 706.00 535.00 977.35 0.00 7,565.93 627.75 2,706.19 33.00 13,337.22

CORPUS CHRISTI CENTRAL 401 CORPUS CHRISTI CATHEDRAL (CC) 404 HOLY CROSS PARISH (CC) 428 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH (GREGORY) 429 OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PARISH (PORTLAND) 402 OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA PARISH (CC) 413 SACRED HEART PARISH (CC) 416 ST. PATRICK PARISH (CC) 440 ST. THOMAS MORE PARISH (CC) TOTAL CORPUS CHRISTI CENTRAL:

750.00 0.00 174.00 1,729.56 267.00 157.00 1,791.73 0.00 4,869.29

1,000.00 0.00 495.00 9,015.90 475.00 225.50 7,064.46 1,520.00 19,795.86

ALICE DEANERY 204 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH (ALICE) 206 SANTA ROSA DE LIMA PARISH (BENAVIDES) 200 SANTO NIÑO DE ATOCHA MISSION (ALICE) 201 ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY PARISH (ALICE) 424 ST. FRANCES OF ROME PARISH ( AGUA DULCE) 228 ST. FRANCIS DE PAULA PARISH (SAN DIEGO) 202 ST. JOSEPH PARISH (ALICE) 230 ST JOSEPH MISSION (PALITO BLANCO) 211 ST. MARY PARISH (FREER) 425 ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PARISH (BANQUETE) 205 ST. PETER MISSION (BEN BOLT)

March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 9

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE SECOND COLLECTION REPORTING Amounts recieved through December 31, 2017

CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS

CORPUS CHRISTI SOUTHSIDE 407 MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD PARISH (CC) 411 OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP PARISH (CC) 435 ST. ANDREW BY THE SEA PARISH (CC) 443 ST. HELENA OF THE TRUE CROSS OF JESUS PARISH (CC) 442 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH (CC) 312 ST JOSEPH PARISH (PORT ARANSAS) 417 ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE PARISH (CC) 438 ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE PARISH (CC) 420 ST. PIUS X PARISH (CC) TOTAL CORPUS CHRISTI SOUTHSIDE:

1,000.00 620.85 929.32 0.00 0.00 0.00 225.00 0.00 989.00 3,764.17

1,000.00 693.83 836.54 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,630.86 0.00 7,638.75 11,799.98

CORPUS CHRISTI WESTSIDE 403 CHRIST THE KING PARISH (CC) 405 HOLY FAMILY PARISH (CC) 406 NUESTRA SENORA DE SAN JUAN DE LOS LAGOS, MADRE DE LA IGLESIA 410 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH (CC) 412 OUR LADY OF PILAR PARISH (CC) 414 SS. CYRIL & METHODIUS PARISH (CC) 415 ST. JOSEPH PARISH (CORPUS CHRISTI) TOTAL CORPUS CHRISTI WESTSIDE:

305.00 355.00 409.29 0.00 432.50 946.34 436.97 2,885.10

613.00 2,107.22 1,071.47 2.00 512.50 1,802.22 0.00 6,108.41

KINGSVILLE - DEANERY 225 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MISSION (CONCEPTION) 234 OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION PARISH (VATTMAN) 219 OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL PARISH (KINGSVILLE) 231 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH (SARITA) 227 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MISSION (RAMIREZ) 208 SACRED HEART PARISH (FALFURRIAS) 209 ST. ANNE MISSION (ENCINO) 226 ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI MISSION (RIOS) 214 ST. GERTRUDE PARISH (KINGSVILLE) 427 ST. JAMES MISSION (DRISCOLL) 426 ST. JAMES PARISH (BISHOP) 218 ST JOSEPH PARISH (KINGSVILLE) 217 ST. MARTIN PARISH (KINGSVILLE) 224 ST. THERESA OF THE INFANT JESUS PARISH (PREMONT) 236 ST. TOMAS AQUINAS-UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CENTER TOTAL KINGSVILLE DEANERY:

0.00 419.00 342.23 210.00 0.00 1,140.75 626.55 0.00 50.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 446.00 83.00 0.00 3,317.53

180.00 2,359.00 301.23 329.00 0.00 770.00 0.00 0.00 4,090.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 850.00 83.00 0.00 8,962.36

REFUGIO DEANERY 325 HOLY FAMILY PARISH (TAFT) 324 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH (TAFT) 311 OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION PARISH (INGLESIDE) 319 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH (SINTON) 326 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH (TIVOLI) 315 OUR LADY OF REFUGE PARISH (REFUGIO) 318 SACRED HEART PARISH (ROCKPORT) 321 SACRED HEART PARISH (SINTON) 328 ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA MISSION (AUSTWELL) 316 ST. CATHERINE MISSION (BLANCONIA) 327 ST. DENNIS MISSION (O'CONNOR RANCH) 317 ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE PARISH (REFUGIO) 330 ST. MARY MISSION (BAYSIDE) 301 ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA PARISH (ARANSAS PASS) 320 ST. PAUL MISSION (ST. PAUL) 331 ST. PETER PARISH (FULTON) 329 ST. THERESE, THE LITTLE FLOWER PARISH (WOODSBORO) 310 STELLA MARIS CHAPEL (LAMAR) TOTAL REFUGIO DEANERY:

0.00 699.10 433.55 368.60 0.00 270.00 750.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 243.35 0.00 1,274.13 0.00 0.00 154.00 301.00 4,493.73

1,779.52 1,097.08 1,073.45 420.06 230.00 584.00 1,499.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 185.09 0.00 1,050.40 0.00 0.00 145.00 234.00 8,297.60

0.00 0.00

27,519.00

77,089.25

OTHERS MISCELLANEOUS TOTAL FOR DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

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TOTAL OTHERS:

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

‘Presence of God’ makes adoration chapel beautiful Emily Priolo

Correspondent

midst a landscape dominated by sprawling ranchland and vast Gulf waters, the cross perched upon the iconic blue dome of Our Lady of Corpus

Christi draws an upward gaze of many a passerby. Not only does the chapel’s 75-foot high dome raise earthly eyes towards heaven, but upon entering the Spanish colonial-style church, the souls of the faithful are no doubt lifted before the presence of the perpetually

adored Lord. The splendor and silence of the chapel’s high altar, which enthrones the monstrance, inspires all those who enter with the reverence due to a kingdom, not of this world. This year, the Society of Our Lady of the March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 11

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Father James Stembler, Vicar General of the Diocese of Corpus Christi celebrated Mass to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Our Lady of Corpus Christi. Pictured, from left, are Father Juan Villagomez, SOLT, Deacon Wayne Liekting, SOLT, Father Stembler, Father James Kelleher, SOLT and Father Sam Medley, SOLT. Emily Priolo for South Texas Catholic

Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) and the Diocese of Corpus Christi celebrated the 15th anniversary of the consecration of the Our Lady of Corpus Christi Perpetual Adoration Chapel with a commemorative Mass on Thursday, Feb. 1. Father James Stembler, the vicar general of the diocese, celebrated the Mass with six SOLT priests— Fathers Sam Medley, James Kelleher, Jerry Drolshagen, Juan Villagomez, Brady Williams and Michael Mary White—concelebrating with him. On the Vigil of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Father Stembler echoed the message of the Gospel, saying, “This chapel has been a reminder that we are called to present ourselves to the Lord.” He further encouraged the faithful to present themselves before the Lord in adoration, no matter what was on their hearts, for “we can come to the Lord and bring him our troubles and cares, and know that someone is truly there with us, to comfort and guide us.” The vision for the chapel came to Father Kelleher, at the time a young priest, in 1998. Inspired by the SOLT mission to “Make disciples of Jesus through Mary,” Father Kelleher envisioned a chapel dedicated to, and named after, the blessed mother, and would invite the faithful of southern Texas into its walls to perpetually adore Jesus. He prayed for the construction of such a world-class adoration chapel in Corpus Christi. In the fall of 1998, Father Kelleher met a man in St. Louis, Missouri to whom he gave a Miraculous Medal and explained the work of SOLT in Corpus Christi.

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The following January, inspired by Pope John Paul II’s trip to Mexico, the man called Father Kelleher to ask more about the work that was being done in Corpus Christi. After Father Kelleher explained that he hoped to build a perpetual adoration chapel, the man asked him to accompany him to visit Mother Angelica’s Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Alabama. That very weekend, Father Kelleher found himself in Alabama moving through the monastery with the man. While there, the man turned to Father Kelleher and told him that the Lord had given him the means to pay for the architectural construction of the adoration chapel, and he wished to donate the money anonymously to help fund the project. Thus the planning for the construction of the chapel of Our Lady of Corpus Christi began. The organizing and designing of the chapel were formulated over the next several months, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the monumental chapel was held on Nov. 27, 2001, on the Feast of the Miraculous Medal. Today, the Our Lady of Corpus Christi Perpetual Adoration Chapel is home to the spiritual lives of many Catholics in the Corpus Christi area, with at least 300 people per week coming to the chapel for holy hours. “The adoration chapel is integral to my faith and daily life. It is a great place of prayer and contemplation,” said Mona Lisa Biberstein, an attendee at the anniversary Mass and the Retreat Facility Coordinator for the SOLTs. Biberstein, who is a full lay member of SOLT,

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emphasizes that not only is the chapel a great place for an individual’s prayer life, but Our Lady of Corpus Christi is also the center of the many ministries provided by SOLT to the south Texas Catholics. The chapel, and SOLT campus surrounding it, host retreats for groups such as ACTS, Journey to Emmaus and Marriage Encounter, among many others. In addition to hosting retreats for other groups, the community of SOLT holds many of their own retreats at Our Lady of Corpus Christi. Throughout the year, SOLT leads men and women weekend-long retreats focusing on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. At various times during the year, they also conduct specialty retreats focused on healing, Marian devotion and the divine mercy. Chelsea Nye, a parishioner at St. Helena’s of the True Cross of Jesus in Corpus Christi, recently attended one of SOLT’s women’s spiritual exercise retreats. “It was a remarkable experience,” she said. “There was such incredible healing and peace from the retreat, and that grace then flowed into my daily life and my

interactions with my family.” Nye smiles as she looked around the dining hall and said that while it is hard to make it to the chapel frequently with little children, “I will find any excuse to come out.” Whether there is a prayerful weekend retreat being hosted on the campus or an anniversary Mass at the chapel, the mission of the adoration chapel at Our Lady of Corpus Christi, to make disciples of Jesus through Mary, has been brought to fruition. As the faithful sat under that Marian-blue dome celebrating the anniversary of the chapel’s consecration, Father Stembler reminded those present of the foundational truth at the core of Our Lady of Corpus Christi: “No one can deny this chapel is beautiful,” he said, “but what truly makes it beautiful is the presence of God.” Following the anniversary Mass, the members of SOLT provided a dinner at the dining hall in their Kolbe Building, for all in attendance. The hall was filled with nearly 150 people, young and old, religious and lay, all together to celebrate and give thanks for the chapel.

The adoration chapel of Our Lady of Corpus Christi attracted a full house of worshipers to celebrate its 15th anniversary. SOLT priests joined Father James Stembler, Vicar General of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, in celebrating the Mass. Emily Priolo for South Texas Catholic

March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 13

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Jubilarians honored at special Mass

South Texas Catholic

eligious brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Corpus Christi were recognized at a special Mass on World Day for Consecrated Life observed at the Corpus Christi Cathedral on Jan. 28. Those present also renewed their commitment to serve the Lord and his people. “You have responded to God’s word... to follow him exclusively,” Bishop Michael Mulvey said to the sisters and brothers in his homily. “To base your life not on the ways of our world, not on the ideology of our society, not on the passion trends that come and go...but you have found that the rock of your life...is Jesus Christ.” Thirteen sisters were recognized for the 14 South Texas Catholic | March 2018

time of their service. Among them were seven from the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. Sister Mary Stella Barrientes, IWBS, Sister Mary Lucy Garcia, IWBS and Sister Christina Bradley, IWBS celebrated 70 years in consecrated life. Sister Brenda Thompson, IWBS and Sister Denise Cassidy, IWBS, both celebrated 60 years of service; Sister Barbara Marie Netek, IWBS, 50 years; and Sister Rosa Maria Ortiz, IWBS, 25 years. Sister Flaviana B. Macasling, OP has served 45 years, while Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Sister Rose Paul Madassery, SABS and Sister Jassamol Vimala Pallikizhakethil, SABS each celebrated 25 years in consecrated life. Sister Mary Piedad, SSpSAP (the Pink Sisters)

is observing 50 years of service as is Sister Mary Erlinda Pimo, ISSM (Schoenstatt Sisters). Sister Mary Anne Boonsawang, SOLT is celebrating 25 years of service. “You are a witness that the things of God are greater than the things of this world,” Bishop Mulvey said, in thanking them for their “commitment and continued witness” and their “exclusive love of God.” The Mass climaxed a weekend of celebration. The day before the Mass those in consecrated life got together at St. Pius X for a spirituality day presented by Father Albert Haase, OFM. Born in New Orleans, Father Haase said he has been called by the French pronunciation of his first name, “Al-bear” and laughs when he introduces

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Sisters celebrating years of service from the top row, left, are Sister Mary Stella Barrientes, IWBS, Sister Christina Bradley, IWBS and Sister Mary Lucy Garcia, IWBS with 70 years of service. Sisters with 60 years of service are Sister Denise Cassidy, IWBS and Sister Brenda Thompson, IWBS. With 50 years of service is Sister Mary Piedad, SSpSAP. In second row are Sister Flaviana B. Macasling, OP, with 45 years of service and Sister Barbara Marie Netek, IWBS with 50 years of service. Sisters celebrating 25 years of service are Sister Mary Anne Boonsawang, SOLT, Sister Rose Paul Madassery, SABS, Sister Rosa Maria Ortiz, IWBS and Sister Jassamol Vimala Pallikizhakethil, SABS. Not pictured is Sister Mary Erlinda Pimo, ISSM who is celebrating 50 years of service.

himself and someone invariably thinks his last name is “Bear.” He calls himself an “itinerant preacher” of parish missions, retreats and spirituality workshops. For five years, from 2010-2015, he was co-host—with his sister, Sister Bridget Haase, OSU—of “Spirit and Life”, a show that aired every weekend on the Relevant Radio. March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 15

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Father Ralph O. Jones, SOLT passes into eternal life

Father Ralph O. Jones, SOLT

Father Ralph O. Jones died Feb. 13, after a seven-year fight against cancer. Father Jones served as priest-In-charge of Stella Maris Chapel in Lamar. Born in Portland, Oregon on Aug. 8, 1934 to Ralph and Julia Jones, he attended Seattle University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in education. He later received master’s degrees from the University of Detroit, in education, and the University of Washington, in clinical social work. For the 30 years, he served as a teacher and social worker at the Kent School District, as well as a clinical

social worker for the U.S. Army, where he served as a reservist. He retired as a full Colonel. After retirement, Jones joined the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) and was ordained a priest on June 14, 2003. As a SOLT priest he ministered to Native Americans in North Dakota before being assigned to Our Lady of Corpus Christi College. He is survived by a sister Joann Morrison; a brother Nova Jones and wife Judith; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Students use robotics in geography class

St. John Paul II High School teacher Julia Anne Valenti-Tontini challenged her ninth-grade honor students in her world geography class to use STREAM, coupled with robotics, to complete a wonder workshop project. The project was implemented and completed during National Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 28-Feb. 3. The lesson ran for more than two days. Valenti-Tontini said Team Harvard won, “because they demonstrated superior determination but also they were able to fully complete the tasks in the time established.” The members of Team Harvard were Mary Arnolds, Joshua Moreno, Corey Landa, Luke Castaneda and John Ramirez.

Help Us Prevent Financial Abuse The Diocese of Corpus Christi at the recommendation of the Diocesan Finance Council and Presbyteral Council has furthered their commitment to good stewardship and financial accountability on behalf of generous donors by instituting a financial 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 confidentially report financial abuse and fraud. Employees, parishioners, volunteers, vendors and other interested parties are encouraged to report concerns they have regarding financial 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 16 South Texas Catholic | March 2018

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Fifteen young men attended the annual St. Andrew’s Dinner at St Pius X Parish on Jan. 26. The dinner is an invitation to young men who might have an interest in the priesthood. Bishop Michael Mulvey and Diocesan Vocation Director Father Romeo Salinas addressed interested discerners.

Religion and Art students spread love and joy

Sixth-grade students from Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School designed and made 70 Valentine cards and 60 pillows. They cut, sewed and delivered them to retired priests and residents at Villa Maria on Valentines Day, Feb. 14. “The students have been learning about the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in Religion class and wanted to share their love with others,” Religion/Art teacher, Divina Le Grange said. “Giving these items to the residents filled the students’ hearts with great joy.”

Focolare community coming to minister in Diocese of Corpus Christi ✞ Serving The Coastal Bend Since 1908 ✞ Dignified Personal Service ✞ Complete Pre-Need Funeral Service Plans Ron & Margo Alonzo

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On Saturday, March 10, Bishop Michael Mulvey will celebrate a Mass at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church to welcome members of the Focolare Movement, who are relocating to the Diocese of Corpus Christi. The public is invited to attend the Mass and help welcome six members of the community. They will be working to assist the spiritual and ministerial needs of the diocese. The men and women who are coming will work in parish and campus ministry. March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 17

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Discerners meet for dinner at St. Pius X

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Daniel Hatridge, a participant in the Special Hearts in the Arts program dances with volunteer Ella Burnett, an 11th grader at Flour Bluff High School. Special Hearts in the Arts is currently looking for a donor willing to offer a building to the organization, since they are currently holding classes at the cafeteria at St. John Paul II High School. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

Special Hearts in the Arts fills community void Rebecca Esparza

Correspondent

herri Davis does not believe in the term “special needs” to describe those with disabilities. “I say special hearts instead of special needs because I feel like God gave us these special hearts on earth to see love. I truly believe when you work with a special heart, it’s pure love coming back from them,” Davis said. Her love and respect for children and adults who are hearing or seeing impaired, confined to a wheelchair or need other special accommodations is readily apparent through her formation of a non-profit dedicated to serving this special population. The idea came to her in a dream.

18 South Texas Catholic | March 2018

“I have this project for my students where they create their own non-profit to make a positive impact on the world,” Davis, who is the theatre arts instructor at St. John Paul II High School, said. “One day it occurred to me: I talk about how they can make an impact, but why do I keep saying it and not do it myself?” Later that night, she dreamt about two children on a stage. “A little girl was in a butterfly outfit flying around and a little boy was in a wheelchair. He was a frog and the sides of his wheelchair had frog legs on it. He chased after the butterfly, hopping all around,” she recalled. Davis said she remembers waking up from the dream

Classes are currently held in the cafeteria at St. John Paul II, with the support of Bishop Michael Mulvey and Father Peter Martinez, President of St. John Paul II High School. “We are so grateful for the support of the diocese and our school, but we still need our own location. We are praying about it and hoping there is someone out there who would like to donate space or possibly an entire building for our programs,” Davis said. The support from other organizations in the community, like Mary Grett School, Flour Bluff Independent School District and Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi has been integral to the program’s success. Students in Davis’ theatre classes at St. John Paul II play a pivotal role in the classes, as well. “I like to give more than I gain, so volunteering my time to Special Hearts in the Arts means a lot to me and makes me feel good,” said Gabriella Ayarzagoitia, a 17-year-old student at St. John Paul II High School. “Seeing the children smile is a great feeling. I work with the little ones, helping with art projects and dancing.” Davis has also recruited former students to serve on the board of directors and current staff at the school also volunteer. Christine Stanley, librarian at St. John Paul II, has volunteered with the organization since its beginning.

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with a great sense of peace and an even greater sense of purpose. “I decided to do it. I started talking about opening a theatre for those with special hearts. Everybody I talked to about it said they wanted to help and in just three months, we had our non-profit status,” she said. By December 2016, she had an official organization dedicated to individuals with special needs who wanted to explore theatre, dance, art, music and film. Through “Special Hearts in the Arts,” those with special needs can take classes led by trained professionals, culminating in live performances for friends, family and the entire community. Classes are available for children from five-years-old all the way up to adults past 60. Diana Aguilera’s adopted twin daughters Melissa and Grace participate in the program. She said she is thankful for these classes, which have helped them improve their social skills, among other important benefits. “So many of these children are defined by their disabilities. These classes have increased their eagerness to try new things. When given opportunities like this, they shine,” Aguilera said. “I am so impressed with Davis’ work. My girls were born premature to parents who showed no interest in them, so I could not be more proud of how far they have progressed.”

Blake Castillo works on a Valentine’s Day greeting card during his art session at Special Hearts in the Arts, an organization that introduces the arts to children and adults with special needs. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 19

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Sherri Davis, executive director of Special Hearts in the Arts, shows Malachi Riley the proper techniques of holding and using a microphone. Eventually, Davis would like to see the students host a “Mike Night” event where their families and friends can attend. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

“I was a special needs teacher for 19 years and I’ve always had a special place in my heart for children who don’t always get a fair shake in life. I had been wanting to get back into it, so this was the perfect opportunity,” she said. Stanley said volunteering for Special Hearts in the Arts gives her a good feeling in her heart. “The kids are so happy to be there,” she said. “They are smiling and they make you feel like you are getting as much out of it as they are. It’s a marvelous experience.” Davis said ultimately, the entire program has been “God-led from the very beginning. God has opened doors at every turn.” With 43 years as an educator (12 at St. John Paul and 31 years

20 South Texas Catholic | March 2018

in public schools), Davis realized there was not any place for those with special hearts to share their talents. Her dream does not stop with offering classes for special hearts. She wants to see these individuals run an entire program someday. “When we have our own place, the special hearts can call it theirs. My dream is that they run it. I want to see them handing out programs, running the lights and on stage performing. I see it as a place they can come to and call home,” she said. (For more information on donating or volunteering for Special Hearts in the Arts, contact Sherri Davis at (361) 774-0033 or visit their website at www.SpecialHeartsintheArts.com.)

Luisa Scolari

E Corresponsal

l 10 de Febrero se cumplieron 90 años del nacimiento a la vida eterna del joven mártir San José Sanchez del Rio. La Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción en el poblado de Taft, Texas ofreció una misa para conmemorar este evento y honrar las reliquias de ese santo, que ahí se exhiben.

Al evento se sumó la visita de una imagen del santo que fue fabricada por excelentes artesanos en Filipinas y que es propiedad del señor Frederick Manuel, quien reside en la ciudad de Houston. “De pequeño yo fui bautizado en la fe Catolica, pero al venir a Estados Unidos me volvi Protestante,” Manuel dijo. “Pero con el paso del tiempo, empecé a sentir que algo me faltaba y ganas

Frederick Manuel, oriundo de Filipinas, recuperó su fe católica después de descubrir a San José Sánchez del Río. Él comisionó que este pequeño estatuto del santo fuera hecho por artesanos filipinos. Luisa Scolari para el South Texas Catholic

March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 21

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La parroquia de Taft celebra al joven mártir mexicano

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El padre Peter Stanley, pastor de la iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción en Taft, muestra la reliquia de San José Sánchez del Río a los fieles que asistieron a la Misa celebrando la muerte del mártir, o más bien dicho su nacimiento a la vida eterna. El Padre Roberto Antonio Shaldone, siguiendo al Padre Stanley, concelebrado la Misa. Luisa Scolari para el South Texas Catholic

de regresar a mi fe Catolica.” Este sentido se fue intensificando con el nacimiento de sus hijos, pues sentía él la necesidad de bautizarlos Católicos. Oraba mucho, pidiendo a Dios que le mostrara el camino de regreso. “Un dia, asisti a una venta de garage y encontre una medalla que llamo mi atencion y la compre por $5. Al llegar a casa observé que tenía inscrito un nombre y decide investigarlo en la internet y me doy cuenta que es una reliquia del entonces Beato José Sanchez del Rio y ahi es cuando empeze a investigar su vida,” Manuel dijo. “Pensando que la reliquia había sido robada de alguna Iglesia, hice una busqueda en la internet para ver en donde hay una parroquia cercana en donde tengan algo dedicado a este beato y encuentre que es en la Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción en Taft, Texas y decidi hacer un viaje con mi familia a regresar la reliquia a donde yo creía que pertenecía.” Al llegar a la Iglesia fue atendido por el sacerdote que le dijo, “efectivamente es una reliquia, pero no es la nuestra,” mostrándole una moneda exactamente igual a la que él había comprado y con la misma inscripción. Se regreso a Houston sorprendido por

22 South Texas Catholic | March 2018

el hallazgo y confirmación de la autenticidad de la reliquia y se empezó a inquietar la idea su destino. Con esta preocupación en mente, un dia tuvo un sueño en cual veía muchos jóvenes reunidos. Tenían ellos fisonomía filipina. Lucian igual que el, muy similares de cara y todos felices cuando uno le dice “ahí viene la madre.” En el sueno, Manuel volteo y veo a la Virgen de Guadalupe que le toma de la mano. Al sentir la suavidad de su mano se la beso y ella se desapareció dejando en su mente la imagen de esos jóvenes y es cuando tomando este sueno como una señal se decidió regresar al catolicismo. El año era el 2012. Posteriormente viajó a Filipinas con el propósito de llevar la reliquia a todos esos jóvenes en su sueño. Aprovechando el talento de los artesanos Filipinos para hacer estatuas talladas en madera, mando hacer dos estatuas, una de cinco pies de altura y la otra de 27 pulgadas para poder viajar de regreso con ella en el avion. Visito la Iglesia de San Juan Evangelista en Dagupan, Pangasinan Filipinas, en donde fue bautizado, llevando con él la estatua de cinco pies, la reliquia y varias cajas con tarjetas de oración y una película sobre la vida del entonces Beato Jose

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Sanchez del Rio. El sacerdote que lo recibió quedó encantado. “El dia de hoy no celebramos la muerte sino el nacimiento a la vida eterna del niño martir San José Sanchez del Rio, quien con su corta vida nos dejo su ejemplo de gran fe,” dijo el sacerdote Pete Stanley. “Estudiar la vida de los santos puede ser una lección de vida para nosotros. Revisar si estamos dirigiendonos hacia Dios es es muy fácil, cada decisión que tomamos y cada acto que hacemos, por mas pequeño que sea, nos acerca o nos aleja de Dios. Es nuestra decisión, pero siempre podemos rectificar el camino y estar conscientes que nuestras decisiones siempre tendrán un impacto sobre alguien más, como San José Sanchez del Rio, que tenia muy claro el camino a donde quería dirigirse, a reunirse con Dios. No importando nuestra edad, debemos ser testigos de la Fe dirigiendonos hacia Dios con la ayuda de su gracia”. El Padre Roberto Antonio Shaldone, SOLT fue invitado a concelebrar la misa y se dirigió a los fieles pidiéndoles que hagan una reflexión para que descubran cual es el plan que Dios tiene para cada uno de ellos. “A partir de la llegada de la reliquia de San José Sanchez del Rio a nuestra Iglesia, hemos podido observar con gusto, como ha crecido el numero de jovenes que estan muy activos e involucrados en todas las actividades de la Iglesia,” dijo Mary Ann González, quien está encargada de programas para la juventud en Inmaculad Concepción. El joven Tomás Espinoza-Martínez, quien es el encargado de los monaguillos, comento que son mas de 30 jóvenes los que actualmente están sirviendo.

Al término de la misa se realizó un convivio en donde los grupos de jóvenes eran los organizadores y encargados de atender a los asistentes, repartiendo alimentos y bebidas mientras se proyectaba un video que enviaron desde Sahuayo Michoacan, con el saludo y testimonio de la niña Ximena Guadalupe Magallon, en quien se dio el milagro utilizado para la causa de canonización de San José Sanchez del Rio. También desde desde la ciudad de Chicago, en donde vive Rafael Sánchez, sobrino directo de San José Sanchez del Rio, envió un mensaje grabado para esta ocasión en donde se complace en invitar a todos los niños, jóvenes y parroquianos a seguir el ejemplo de su tio. Para las personas que desean visitar la reliquia, está expuesta todos los dias de lunes a sabado de 7 a.m. a 5 p.m. y el domingo de 8 a.m. a mediodía en la iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción localizada en el 120 E. Escobedo en Taft.

Para vermore másphotos fotos of dethis esteevent evento To see go to:

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SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/ mártir

Ayudenos a Prevenir el Abuso Financiero La Diócesis de Corpus Christi por medio de la recomendación del Concilio Diocesano de Finanzas y el Concilio Presbiteral han llevado su dedicación mas allá para la buena administración y responsabilidad nanciera en nombre de donantes generosos al instituir un “hotline” para reportar el abuso nanciero. La Diócesis de Corpus Christi ha seleccionado un tercer partido independiente, La Red, para proporcionarle a usted con una manera para reportar anónima y condencialmente el abuso nanciero e fraude. Los empleados, los parroquianos, los voluntarios, los vendedores, y otros partidos interesados estan impulsados para reportar las preocupaciones que tengan respeto a la conducta de påca ética nanciera dentro de la Diócese de Corpus Christi. Todas las investigaciones serán tradas inmediatamente y discretamente. Personas que llamen tienen el derecho de mantenerse anónimas.

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con el P. Juan Fernando Gámez P. José Naúl Ordóñez

Obispo Michael Mulvey y el personal de la Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia 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 un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia: (361) 693-6686 (oficina) ó (361) 658-8652 (celular) para asistencia inmediata.

Programa de Radio en Español en KLUX 89.5 HD-1 y “Listen Live” en KLUX.org Domingos a las 7:00 a.m.

Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 23

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†† NATIONAL NEWS

Ji Seong Ho holds his crutches at the 2018 State of the Union address Public Domain, Catholic News Agency

Lord’s Prayer led North Korean defector to freedom Courtney Grogan

Catholic News Agency

efore his escape, when Seong-Ho was being tortured by North Korean officials, “there was one thing that kept him from losing hope: over and over again he recited the Lord’s Prayer,” President Donald Trump said in his speech at the 2018 National

Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Seong-Ho’s courage and faith were also highlighted by Trump during his State of the Union address in January. Many North Korean defectors like Ji Seong-ho encounter Christianity through the missionaries who organize the underground railroad that makes it possible for them to escape to China, where they still

face the constant risk of being repatriated back to North Korea. The journey with the Christian missionaries often leads to conversion for defectors. Eighty to ninety percent of North Koreans who pass through the underground railroad identify as Christian after reaching South Korea, according to a 2015 study by Dr. Jin-Heon Jung entitled “Underground March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 25

†† NATIONAL NEWS

Railroads of Christian Conversion.” One Catholic Church in Seoul baptized 60 North Korean defectors in one day in June 2016, after Father Raymond Lee Jong-nam catechized and assisted them with the transition to life in South Korea. “I thank Father Lee for showing us deep love like our father and I will live this new life to the full in this Church,” one newly baptized North Korean said. Ji Seong-ho, whose story gained national attention when he triumphantly raised up his crutches during the president’s State of the Union address last week, said that prayer sustained him during his escape. “I offered so many prayers to my God...I started to pray save me, rescue me,” he said. Ji escaped North Korea in 2006 by crossing the Tumen River into China and then journeying 6,214 miles across China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand to reach South Korea on crutches, due to an earlier tragedy that left him an amputee. Now that he has reached freedom, Ji Seong-ho said he feels called by God to rescue other North Korean refugees. “God’s love needs to be conveyed to the people of North Korea and North Korean souls need God’s salvation. Under that conviction, I am doing what I am doing,” he said. According to the Korean Ministry of Unification, more than 31,000 North Korean defectors have entered South Korea since 1998. However, the annual number of North Koreans arriving in the South has declined since Chinese President Xi Jinping assumed power and cracked down on Christian missionaries. Last year had the lowest figure for North Korean defections to South Korea since 2001, according to the Unification Ministry’s data. For the more than 25 million people who remain within North Korea, human rights violations abound, according to the U.S. State Department. “The DPRK regime detains more than 100,000 people, including children, in political prison camps, where summary executions, torture, sexual violence, starvation and other egregious abuses are committed under Kim Jong Un’s direction,” State Department Spokesperson, Heather Nauert said. North Korea has consistently been ranked the worst country for the persecution of Christians by Open Doors. “The Catholic diocese of Pyongyang is vacant and the last bishop was appointed in March 1944. There are no native Catholic clerics in North Korea, but visiting priests occasionally say Mass. In 2008, Father Paul Kim Kwon-soon, a South Korean Franciscan, became the first priest to be granted a residency permit,” according to an Aid to the Church in Need UK report. One French priest, Father Philippe Blot, has visited North Korea several times. He spoke to Parisians at Notre Dame Cathedral in April 2017 about his perspective on the country that singles out Christians for torture and execution. “As a missionary and as a Catholic priest, I am speaking here on behalf of all those Koreans who for more than 60 years have been living the longest Way of the Cross in human history,” he said. Father Philippe asked Catholics to pray “ardently every day for this crucified people.” 26 South Texas Catholic | March 2018

GOOD FRIDAY A Pontifical Collection

SUPPORT CHRISTIANS IN THE HOLY LAND Like Simon of Cyrene, you can help us carry the cross in the Holy Land. Through the Good Friday Collection, join with Catholics around the world to stand in solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land.

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land

1400 Quincy Street NE, Washington, DC 20017 MyFranciscan.org | 202-526-6800 For more information about the Good Friday Collection or the work of the Holy Land Franciscans, visit: MyFranciscan.org/good-friday.

March 30

Please give generously.

†† VATICAN

Pope Francis in St. Peters Square. Stephan Driscoll, Catholic News Agency

Pope tells priests to keep homilies brief Elise Harris

Catholic News Agency

n his Wednesday General Audience on Feb. 7, Pope Francis touched on a topic close to home for both parish priests and people in the pews, offering his recipe for what makes a good homily, saying they should be short and well-prepared. However, he also pointed to the amount of complaining that happens

when people are unenthusiastic about homilies and told faithful that even when bored, they also have to make an effort by actively listening, and being patient with the limits of their pastor. “Those listening have to do their part too,” the pope said, adding that Mass-goers must give “the appropriate attention, thus assuming the proper interior dispositions, without subjective demands,

knowing that every preacher has both his merits and his limits.” “If sometimes there’s reason to get annoyed about an overly long homily, one that lacks focus or that’s incomprehensible other times it’s actually the prejudice [of the listener] which creates obstacles,” he said. However, he also urged those giving the homily, whether it’s a priest, deacon March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 27

†† VATICAN

or bishop, to remember that they are “offering a real service to all those who participate in Mass.” The homily has been a source of pastoral concern and interest for the pope since the beginning. He devoted a large portion of his 2013 apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium – often seen as a blueprint for his papacy – to the homily. Quoting the document, Pope Francis said the homily “is not a casual discourse, nor a conference or a lesson,” but is rather a way of resuming “that dialogue which has already been opened between the Lord and his people, so that it finds fulfillment in life.” “Whoever gives the homily must be conscious that they are not doing their own thing, they are preaching, giving voice to Jesus, preaching the word of Jesus,” he said. Because of this, homilies “should be well prepared, and they must be brief.” To drive the point home, Pope Francis recounted how a priest had once told him that when visiting another town where the

priest’s parents lived, the father had said: “I’m happy because me and my friends found a church where they do the Mass without a homily.” “How many times have we seen people sleeping during a homily, or chatting among themselves or outside smoking a cigarette?” the pope asked. When people laughed at the notion, Pope Francis responded, saying “it’s true, you all know it...it’s true!” “Please,” he said, “be brief...no more than 10 minutes, please!” Pope Francis spoke during his weekly general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, continuing his catechesis on the liturgy. After reflecting on the Liturgy of the Word last week, today he focused on the Gospel and the homily. Just as with the liturgical celebration, in scripture “Christ is the center and the fullness,” Pope Francis said. “Jesus Christ is always there at the center, always.” On the readings, he noted that while all the readings are significant, the Gospel is especially important, which is seen

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by the fact that the priest kisses the text and incenses it before reading the daily passage, and the congregation stands to listen to the reading on their feet. “From these signs, the assembly recognizes the presence of Christ who brings them the good news which converts and transforms,” he said, explaining that we do not stand to hear the Gospel itself, but Christ, who speaks to us through the reading. “It’s for this reason that we are attentive because it’s a direct conversation,” he said. Because of this, the Gospel is not read during Mass simply to “know how things went,” but to increase our awareness that these are the things Jesus himself said and did. “The Word of Jesus which is in the Gospel is living and arrives to my heart,” he said. And because Jesus still communicates with us through the Gospel readings, every Mass we must give him a response, Pope Francis said, adding that “we listen to the Gospel and we must give a response in our lives.”

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March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 29

March Liturgical Calendar 1 | Thu | Lenten Weekday | violet | Jer 17:5-10/Lk 16:19-31 (233)

Frances of Rome, Religious] Hos 14:210/Mk 12:28-34 (241)

2 | Fri | Lenten Weekday | violet | Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a/Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 (234)

10 | Sat | Lenten Weekday | violet | Hos 6:1-6/Lk 18:9-14 (242)

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Father Tito Ayo, SOLT

Contributor

believe all of us have somehow experienced having privileges in relationships, in work, in the office or at least in the family. One of the meanings that the dictionary gives us for the word privilege is that it is “a special treat or honor.” Usually, we are proud of being treated with some privilege because it is “an advantage, a right or benefit that is not available to everyone.” On the other hand, I also believe that at some time we have felt some sense of obligation to return a favor that comes from a sense of indebtedness to a person, family or institution. In other words, it is “the state of being under a debt, as of gratitude, for a favor, service, or benefit.” St. Paul had a unique experience of being called by the Lord. On his way to persecute the Christians of Damascus, Paul was met by the Lord Jesus and was called to become a preacher of the Gospel and be the Apostle to the Gentiles. For this, he was gratefully indebted to the Lord. He saw his ministry of preaching the Gospel as an obligation and a privilege; an obligation, because the Gospel is life for the children of God and he was saved from damnation; a privilege, because he was particularly called to be an apostle and to preach the Gospel to the whole world, especially to the Gentiles. Moreover, Paul saw his ministry of preaching the Gospel not only as an obligation and privilege but also as a stewardship. Stewardship begins and ends with the understanding of God’s ownership of all. The Psalm proclaims, “The earth is the Lord’s and all it holds, the world and those who dwell in it (Ps 24:1).” While stewardship can refer to our care and development of the world we live in and our obligation to be responsible for the development and support of the Church for her apostolate and ministries, it also refers to the use and development of our God-given talents, virtues and responsibilities for the good of our families and communities. St. Paul tells us, “If I do so

willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the Gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the Gospel (1 Cor 9:17-18)” and “...woe to me if I do not preach it (1 Cor 9: 16)!” There was a boy who put an eagle egg with the eggs of a chicken until all eggs hatched. The eaglet grew with the chickens but did not know he was an eagle. One day the eagle felt some power within himself and felt that he did not really belong to the group of chickens. Then he saw an eagle flying above. He felt he could fly and with an effort he was able to fly to the mountains successfully. We all have a power within ourselves, the power of soaring high in this world, the power to become children of God. Do we recognize that power given to us at baptism? Do we develop that power within us so that the Giver of Life will not be disappointed? Do we dedicate that power to him who can strengthen us more? St. Paul encourages us to recognize the power of the Word of God in ourselves. The Word of God helps us to recognize and develop all the potential that we have to be real apostles of the Gospel: with our words, so that we can lead others to the Lord; with our actions and in our relationships, so that we can proclaim that God is present in our lives; and with our hope, so that we can make this world a happy and lively place to live in and anticipate the second life without fear. In the Gospel, Jesus gives us a clear example that prayer leads us to recognize and develop that power within ourselves so that our relationships and ministry will be full of life. The Eucharist is the food that gives us the power to live in faith, hope and love for the Lord. As we do not belong to this world but are citizens of Heaven, let us joyfully soar high and live as worthy children of God and heirs of His Kingdom. March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 31

†† OUR FAITH

Father Terencio “Tito” Matthew Agbay Ayo, SOLT is the Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Corpus Christi.

Soar high and live as children of God

Lenten Activities Fish Fry’s

All parish fish fries include a variety of side dishes. To get more information on each fish fry go to: southtexascatholic.com/events CORPUS CHRISTI

• CHRIST THE KING PARISH HALL - every Friday during Lent for lunch “To Go Plates” from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and for dinner 4:30-7:30 p.m. every Friday of Lent at 1625 Arlington Drive. • OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP every Friday during Lent from 3-7 p.m. at 5830 Williams Drive. Call in orders at (361) 991-7891. • SS. CYRIL & METHODIUS - every Friday of Lent from 5-7 p.m. at 3210 South Padre Island Drive. • ST. ANDREW BY THE SEA - every Friday of Lent from 5-7 p.m. at 14238 Encantada Avenue. • ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH - every Friday during Lent from 5-7 p.m. at 7522 Everhart Road. • ST. JOSEPH CHURCH - every Friday during Lent including Good Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and from 4-7:30 p.m. and open all day on Good Friday at 710 S. 19th St. • ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE - every Friday during Lent from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at 2233 Waldron Road. • ST. THERESA PARISH HALL - March 23 from 5-7 p.m. at 1302 Lantana St. Dine in or take-out. BANQUETE

• ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL - every Friday during Lent from 5-8 p.m. (or until sold out) at 4317 4th Street. GREGORY

• IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH HALL - every Friday during Lent from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at 107 Church Street. Carry out or Dine. 32 South Texas Catholic | March 2018

▼

†† MARCH CALENDAR

To see more Lenten Activities go to:

diocesecc.org/holyweekeasterschedule

ROBSTOWN

• ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA - every Friday during Lent from 4-7:30 p.m. at 204 Dunne Street. Dine-in only. • ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE CHURCH/ ST. PATRICK’S MISSION - Friday, March 2 and March 9 at 5:30 p.m. at 16602 Fm 624.

Lenten Missions BEEVILLE

• ST. JAMES - March 7 from 6:45-7:30 p.m. at 605 Alta Vista Street. Speaker will be Father Pedro T. Elizardo, Jr. CORPUS CHRISTI

• CHRIST THE KING - every Tuesday until April 3 at 6:45 p.m. in the parish hall at 1625 Arlington Drive. There will be fellowship–building friendships, praise and worship of the word of the Lord, Bible study and discussion time to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (different topic each night). There will be an all day retreat on March 24 from 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; breakfast and lunch provided. • HOLY FAMILY - Feb. 28-March 2 from 7-9:30 p.m. at 3157 MacArthur Street. The Mission Speaker will be Deacon J.C. Ayala. The theme of the Parish Mission is “From Grieving to Healing: Finding Peace Through the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ”. Each evening will begin at 7 p.m. with Praise and Worship. Wednesday, Feb. 28 in English, March 1 in Spanish, and March 2 is a Penance Service. Refreshments and fellowship to follow in the Father Fernandez Center. All are invited. For questions or advertising materials contact Michael Hernandez: michael@holyfamilycc.net or (361) 882-3245, ext. 18. • ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH - March 14-16 at 8 a.m.- 8

p.m. at 7522 Everhart Road. There will be a 40 hour devotion. • ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE - March 20-22 at 2233 Waldron Road. Reflection on the last seven words of Jesus. Speakers: Dough Bracken, Gary Robinson, Kevin Maraist, Lawanda Skrobarczyk, Eileen Vara, Cherye Flores and Sara Busti. KINGSVILLE

• ST. MARTIN OF TOURS - March 3 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. in the parish hall (504 E. Ella in Kingsville). Lenten retreat presented by Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody.

Communal Penance Services BANQUETE

• ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL - March 22 at 7 p.m. at 4317 4th Street. BEEVILLE

• ST. JAMES - March 7 at 7:30 p.m. at 605 Alta Vista Street. CORPUS CHRISTI

• HOLY FAMILY - March 2 at 7 p.m. at 3157 MacArthur Street. • ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE - March 23 at 6:30 p.m. at 2233 Waldron Road. • ST. THOMAS MORE - March 20 at 7 p.m. at 2045 18th Street. GREGORY

• IMMACULATE CONCEPTION FAMILY - March 20 at 7 p.m. at 107 Church Street. ROBSTOWN

• ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA - March 28 at 7 p.m. at 204 Dunne Street.

March 1 and every first Thursday of the month from 5-6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel Jesus Nazareno in Corpus Christi.

buy tickets and view webpage go to www.iwacc.org/gala.

Secular Franciscan Gathering

Blue Army Mass

Mash Bash 2 2018 March 2 beginning at 6 p.m.

onboard the USS Lexington. This fun casual themed medical military event will include dinner, dancing, silent auction, bid board, photo op, raffle, table decoration contest, costume contest, special games, awards, cash bar, fun decorations, and much more. Special games include: Syringe Darts, Mini Mine Field Golf, Grenade Toss, and a Giant Version of OPERATION. Entertainment to be provided by Cruise Control and the Sweet Adelines. All proceeds benefit Mission of Mercy. For more information call (361) 883-5500.

Schoenstatt Lenten Mission

March 2 from 5-8:30 p.m. at the Schoenstatt Movement Center (4343 Gaines) in Corpus Christi. Confessions are at 5 p.m., talk by Father Gerold at 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross with Mary at 6:30 p.m. and Mass at 7 p.m., followed by fellowship and Lenten Pot Luck (no meat please). For more information call (361) 992-9841 or email schcc@mygrande.net.

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March 3 and every first Saturday of the month in the Jesus Nazareno Chapel at Sacred Heart (422 North Alameda Street) in Corpus Christi. For more information call the church at (361) 883-6082.

Clase de Biblia de San Marcos

Todos los lunes y viernes durante la Cuaresma hasta el 16 de marzo de 6:30-8 p.m. en Central Catholic Cafeteria (1218 Comanche) en Corpus Christi.

Stress Buster Program for Family Caregivers

6 27

Alzheimer’s & General Support Group

Word Academy 3 Incarnate Paradise Island Gala

March 3, 2018 from 6-10 p.m. at L&F Distributors (8761 State Hwy 44) in Corpus Christi. There will be a silent auction, Spirit Bid Board Auction, Children’s Art Bid Board Auction, Coolest Coolers Bid Board Auction, live auction, car raffle, and dinner to benefit Incarnate Word Academy. For more information call Amy Canterbury at (361) 883-0857, ext. 104 or email canterburya@iwacc.org or to

March 3 and every first Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral Room 4. Come and see if you are being called to a vocation as a Secular Franciscan. If you are already professed, are you looking for a local fraternity? For more information contact Liz at (936) 344-1353 or email ofscctx@gmail.com.

March 5 from 3-4:30 p.m. at Lindale Senior Center (3135 Swantner) in Corpus Christi. For family caregivers caring for a loved one with dementia. This 9 week program will teach family caregivers basic skills that can reduce daily stress. Call (361) 232-5156 to reserve your space. For additional information call Felipa Lopez Wilmot at (361) 883-3935, ext. 5153, 1-800-252-9240 or email felipa@cbcogaaa.org.

• March 6 and every first Tuesday of the month at Y.W.C.A (4601 Corona Drive) in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 883-3935.

• March 7 and every first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at SCC River Ridge Nursing Rehab Center located at 3922 West River Dr. (off FM 624) in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 767-2000. • March 8 and every second Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. at Mirador Plaza (back side of facility) located at 5857 Timbergate Drive in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 883-3935. • March 13 and every second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Woodridge Nursing & Rehab Center located at 600 So. Hillside Dr. in Beeville. For more information call (361) 358-8880. • March 14 and every second Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m. at Lindale Center/ Caregiver SOS located on 3133 Swantner St. in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 826-2343. • March 20 and every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at Brookdale (formerly Homewood Residence) located at 6410 Meadow Vista in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 9800208. Facilitator is Anita Valle. • March 22 and every fourth Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. Kleberg County Nursing & Rehab located on 316 General Cavazos Blvd. in Kingsville. For more information call (361) 883-3935. • March 27 and every fourth Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. at Alice Public Library (401 E. Third Street) in Alice. For more information call (361) 883-3935.

Study at St. 6 Bible Church - Patrick March 6-27 and every Tuesday 7-9 p.m. at St. Patrick 27 from Church, Our Lady of Knock

March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 33

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Holy Hour followed by a healing Mass

†† MARCH CALENDAR

Hall (the corner of S. Alameda and Rossiter Street.) For more information call the parish office at (361) 855-7391.

Free Virtual Dementia Tour

March 7 from 1-4 p.m. at The Plaza at Mirador (5857 Timbergate Drive) in Corpus Christi. Call to reserve your time for this innovative hands-on dementia experience. Space is limited. To register call (361) 651-1103. For additional information call Felipa Lopez Wilmot at (361) 883-3935, ext. 5153, 1-800-252-9240 or email felipa@cbcogaaa.org.

Women’s Retreat at OLCC

Begins Thursday, March 8 at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday, March 11 at 1:30 p.m at OLCC Retreat Center (1200 Lantana). Register deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

9 11

Cathedral Rummage Sale

Talk at Schoenstatt Movement Center

Friday and Sunday, March 9 and 10 at 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, March 11 from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral in St. Joseph’s Hall (505 N. Upper Broadway). For more information call (361) 883-4213.

March 13 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Schoenstatt Movement Center (4343 Gaines) in Corpus Christi. Maru Garcia, Rosary Campaign State Director will give a talk on “Joao Pozzobon, a student of Founder, Father Joseph Kentenich Rosary in the chapel and presentation from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. This talk is open to everyone. For more information call Diana Garcia at (361) 558-2853.

Williams Bakyil, SOLT, Father E. Julian Cabrera, Father Fernando Gamez, Father Naul Ordonez and Father Pete Elizardo. For more information call the parish office at (361) 664-0437 or email olveraelda@yahoo.com.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Lenten Healing Mass

March 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Alice. Celebrant will be Father

34 South Texas Catholic | March 2018

Patrick’s Festival 18 St. in San Patricio

March 18 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Patrick Mission in San Patricio (4 miles north of Bluntzer on FM 666). Brisket Barbecue Plate includes potato salad, beans, dessert and trimmings for a donation of $9 per plate. There will be a live auction and a country store.

Healing Retreat at OLCC

Begins Friday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday, March 18 at 2 p.m. at OLCC Retreat Center (1200 Lantana). Weekend consists of a series of talks on healing, periods of quiet reflection asking God to reveal where we need healing, and concludes with a Healing Service. Register deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

16 17

Schoenstatt Rummage Sale

Natural Family Planning (NFP)

for more information.

Friday and Saturday March 16-17 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Schoenstatt Movement Center (4343 Gaines) in Corpus Christi. Accepting donations starting March 5-15. For more information call (361) 992-9841 or email schcc@mygrande.net.

March 17 from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Natural Family Planning at 1426 Baldwin Blvd in Corpus Christi. NFP allows couples to plan pregnancies while following the teachings of the Church and respecting the gift of their married love. For more information visit Diocesecc.org/nfp.

Grounded in Truth

March 17 and every third Saturday of the month. An hour of Adoration with Praise and Worship in the OLCC Perpetual Adoration Chapel (1200 Lantana) from 7-8 p.m., followed by music and fellowship in Cafe Veritas (attached to Our Lady of Corpus Christi’s Bookstore) from 8-9:30 p.m. Call (361) 289-0807

and 27 Grandparents other Relatives Raising

Children Support Group

27 and the last Tuesday 29 • March of each month from 10-11 a.m. at Greenwood Senior Center (4040 Greenwood Drive). For more information call (361) 826-1368. • March 29 and the last Thursday of each month from 6-7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (900 South Shoreline Blvd.) in Corpus Christi (2nd floor–Rm #216 / parking and entrance behind church). Facilitated and presented by MCH Family Outreach. Please call if you bring your grandchild(ren). Classes for all ages. For more information call (361) 334-2255.

to Face 28 Face Alzheimer’s Education and Support Program

March 28 and every fourth Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Conference Center located behind the Doctor’s Regional Hospital Emergency Room, 3315 S. Alameda. For more information call (361) 238-7777 email TexasFacetoFace.com or go to Facebook.com/TexasFacetoFace or TexasFacetoFace@gmail.com.

▼ To see more calendar events go to: SouthTexasCatholic.com/events

Diocese of Corpus Christi Office of Youth Ministry sponsors

Week of July 15-20

For Ages 7-17 years Experience Christ Centered Fun! Deer Creek Camp is located in the Texas Hill Country, along the banks of the Medina River with 110 acres of playing fields. Space is limited. Register Now! For more information call Heath Garcia at (361) 882-6191, ext. 687. To register go to:

D I O C E S EC C . O R G / D E E R C R E E KC A M P March 2018 | South Texas Catholic 35

March 2018 Issue SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC 555 N CARANCAHUA ST, STE 750 CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78401-0824 (361) 882-6191

Join us for Holy Week

Palm Sunday - March 25 1:30 p.m. Seder Meal at in St. Joseph Hall. For more information call Orfie Hernandez at (361) 883-4213, Ext. 202. Chrism Mass - March 27 6:30-9 p.m. Blessing of the Holy Oils for use during the coming year

Holy Thursday - March 29 5 p.m. Confessions 7 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper, transfer of Blessed Sacrament and stripping of the Altar 9-11:45 p.m. Confessions 11:45 p.m. Night Prayer in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel

Good Friday - March 30 11 a.m. Confessions 12 p.m. Communion Service, Veneration of the Cross and Confessions during the Services 6 p.m. Solemn Stations of the Cross

Easter Services Saturday, March 31 8 p.m. Easter Vigil and reception of Candidates and Catechumens Easter Sunday - April 1 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. 11 a.m. (En español)

505 N. Upper Broadway Corpus Christi, TX 78401