March 2019 - Vol. 54 No. 3 by South Texas Catholic

SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

South Texas

Catholic

W W W. S O U T H T E X A S C A T H O L I C . C O M â&#x20AC;¢ M A R C H 2 019

2019 Cursillo Dates/Fechas Men’s

English

Feb. 21-24 Sept. 26-29

Contact

Women’s May 2-5 Oct. 17-20

Emma Botello (361) 853-2754

Español

Hombres April 25-28 Oct. 10-13

Contacto

Frank Mata

(361) 437-2292

Mujeres

Marzo 21-24 Sept. 19-21

Mary Mendoza (361) 701-0034

Make a friend, Be a friend, Bring your friend to Christ

Hacer un amigo, Ser un amigo, Traer su amigo a Cristo

Talk to God about your friend before talking to your friend about God

Hable con Dios antes de hablar con su amigo de Dios

We Invite You to Come Live and Enjoy a Cursillo.

Los Invitamos a Vivir y Gozar De Un Cursillo.

What is a Cursillo? Cursillo is a short course (Cursillo) in Christianity. To many, it is the beginning of a walk with Christ. The only purpose of Cursillo is evangelization of our environment and to bring others closer to Christ. It starts on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday evening. All attendees attend Mass daily. It is a joyful time where all share and pray together and listen to talks (rollos) that are given by clergy and laypersons. It is a personal encounter with Christ and with oneself. Cursillo started in Spain in the early 1940’s. It has rapidly spread and is now all over the world.

2 South Texas Catholic | March 2019

¿Qué es un Cursillo? Cursillo es un corto curso en Cristiandad. Muchos empiezan andar con Cristo. El propósito de cursillo es evangelizar nuestros ambientes, y traer a otros a Cristo. Comienza el Jueves en la tarde, y termina el Domingo en la tarde. Durante estos días, los asistentes viven y trabajan juntos. Escuchan unas charlas (rollos) sencillas presentados por sacerdotes y seglares. Asisten Misa diaria. Es un tiempo gozoso donde compartimos, y oramos. Es un encuentro personal con Cristo y uno mismo. Cursillo empiezo en principio de 1940’s en España. Se desparramo por todo el mundo.

ON THE

VOL. 54 NO. 3 Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD

COVER

Director of Communications Margie Rivera mrivera@diocesecc.org

Principal Marilyn Springs, IWBS, from Holy Family School and Girl Scouts troop #4076 show off their girl power at Holy Family playground.

Adel Rivera, South Texas Catholic

Communications Board Father Jose A. Salazar, Sister Rosa Maria Ortiz, IWBS, David Campa, Madelyn Galindo, Zach Everett Shannette Hoelscher, Elizabeth Nguyen and Benjamin Nye Managing Editor Mary Cottingham MCottingham@diocesecc.org Theological Consultant Ben Nguyen, JD/JCL. BNguyen@diocesecc.org Office Manager Adel Rivera Sauceda ARivera@diocesecc.org Correspondents Jennifer Branson, Luisa Buttler, Rebecca Esparza, Dayna Mazzei Worchel and Corinna Longoria Translator Gloria Romero Photographers Ervey Martinez and David Mendez

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El obispo Michael Mulvey bendice a la Virgen de San Juan de los Lagos en la ceremonia en su honor. David Mendez for South Texas Catholic

FROM THE BISHOP 4 MESSAGE St. Joseph, humble protector VOCATIONS 7 Working in God’s vineyard PARISH LIFE 8 Mission church in Riviera: a story of Hope and Transformation NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE 15 Discerning a Pastoral Plan continues SCHOOLS 25 Ss.CATHOLIC Cyril & Methodius gets new temporary classrooms NATIONAL NEWS 28 Catholic Charities ordered to vacate migrant respite center VATICAN NEWS 29 Pope Francis approves canonization of John Henry Newman OUR FAITH 31 Join us on the journey through Lent

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March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 3

MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP

St. Joseph, humble protector

arch 19 is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of Mary. It is an annual celebration as inconspicuous as the saint himself is. Recently, however, the name of “Joseph,” husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been included in all of the Eucharistic Prayers of the Mass as a recognition of his place in the life of the Incarnate Word and Mary. We live in a society afflicted by the lack of unity resulting in increasing tensions and ruptures in relations on all levels. This leads to broken and distorted relationships where they should be the strongest – the family. Our world is becoming more and more “fragile.” Abuse has entered so many expressions of society: families, schools, work environments, and yes even our Church. In this time of crisis, it is important to search for models who exemplify the values and morals we need. It is appropriate for us to turn to St. Joseph, who is the patron of the Universal Church. During his inaugural homily as pope, Francis spoke of St. Joseph in a very touching way. His words can guide us and all people of good will to find a way to live as St. Joseph did. “In the Gospel of Matthew, we hear that ‘Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary as his wife’ (Mt 1:24). These words already point to the mission which God entrusts to Joseph: he is to be the custos, the protector. The protector of whom? Of Mary and Jesus; but this protection is then extended to the Church… How does Joseph exercise his role as protector? Discreetly, humbly and silently, but with an unfailing presence and utter fidelity, even when he finds it hard to understand. From the time of his betrothal to Mary until the finding of the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem, he is there at every moment with loving care. As the spouse

of Mary, he is at her side in good times and bad, on the journey to Bethlehem for the census and in the anxious and joyful hours when she gave birth; amid the drama of the flight into Egypt and during the frantic search for their child in the Temple; and later in the day-today life of the home of Nazareth, in the workshop where he taught his trade to Jesus. “How does Joseph respond to his calling to be the protector of Mary, Jesus and the Church? By being constantly attentive to God, open to the signs of God’s presence and receptive to God’s plans, and not simply to his own... Joseph is a ‘protector’ because he is able to hear God’s voice and be guided by his will; and for this reason, he is all the more sensitive to the persons entrusted to his safekeeping. He can look at things realistically, he is in touch with his surroundings, he can make truly wise decisions. In him, dear friends, we learn how to respond to God’s call, readily and willingly, but we also see the core of the Christian vocation, which is Christ! Let us protect Christ in our lives, so that we can protect others, so that we can protect creation!” (Pope Francis Inaugural homily March 19, 2013).

St. Joseph, protector of Jesus, Mary and the Church, assist us in this hour of need. Assist us to seek God’s will in all things and to cooperate in living the Christian life with fidelity and love. St. Joseph, pray for us.

4 South Texas Catholic | March 2019

MENSAJE DEL OBISPO

San José, el humilde protector

l 19 de marzo es la Solemnidad de San José, esposo de María. Es una celebración anual tan discreta como el propio santo. Recientemente, sin embargo, el nombre de “José”, esposo de la Santísima Virgen María, ha sido incluido en todas las oraciones Eucarísticas de la misa como un reconocimiento de su lugar en la vida del Verbo Encarnado y de María. Vivimos en una sociedad afligida por la falta de unidad, dando por resultado un incremento de tensiones y rupturas en las relaciones humanas, a todos niveles. Esto provoca comunicaciones distorsionadas o rotas, en donde se supone, las relaciones deberían ser las más solidas como la familia. Nuestro mundo se está volviendo cada vez más “frágil”. El abuso, ha afectado muchas áreas de nuestra sociedad; a nivel familiar, escolar, laboral, y sí, incluso a nivel eclesial. En este momento de crisis, es importante buscar modelos que ejemplifiquen los valores y la moral que necesitamos. Por eso es apropiado que acudamos a San José, que es el patrón de la Iglesia Universal. Durante su homilía inaugural como cabeza de la Iglesia Católica, el Papa Francisco, habló de San José de una manera muy conmovedora. Sus palabras pueden ser guía para nosotros y para todas las personas de buena voluntad para encontrar la manera de vivir, como lo hizo San José. “En el Evangelio de San Mateo, escuchamos que ‘José hizo lo que el ángel del Señor le mandó y tomó a María como su esposa’ (Mt. 1:24). Estas palabras señalan la misión que Dios le encomendó a José: el de ser el protector y guardián. ¿El protector de quien? de María y de Jesús; Pero esta misión protectora de San José se extiende a toda la Iglesia. ¿Cómo ejerce José su papel de protector? Lo ejerce

de manera discreta, humilde y calladamente, pero con una presencia inquebrantable y una fidelidad absoluta, incluso cuando le resulta difícil de entender. Desde el momento de su compromiso con María hasta el hallazgo de Jesús de doce años en el Templo de Jerusalén, él está allí, presente en todo momento, con amoroso cuidado. Como esposo de María, se encuentra siempre a su lado, en los buenos y en los malos momentos; durante el difícil viaje a Belén para cumplir con el censo, hasta las horas de ansiedad y alegría que precedieron al nacimiento del niño Jesús. Más tarde, el drama de la huida a Egipto y posteriormente, durante la frenética búsqueda de su hijo, hallado en el Templo. Después en la vida cotidiana de su hogar en Nazareth, trabajando en el taller donde le enseñó su oficio a Jesús. “¿Cómo responde José al llamado de ser el protector de María, de Jesús y de la Iglesia? Al estar constantemente atento a Dios, dispuesto a percibir las señales de la presencia de Dios, receptivo a los planes de Dios, y no simplemente a los suyos... José es un ‘protector’ porque él puede escuchar la voz de Dios y ser guiado por Su voluntad; por esta razón, él es totalmente sensible para custodiar a las personas que están a su cargo. San José puede ver las cosas de manera realista, porque está en contacto con todo lo que le rodea, es por eso, que puede tomar decisiones verdaderamente sabias. En él, queridos amigos, aprendemos a cómo responder a la llamada de Dios, de manera fácil y voluntaria, pero también, en su ejemplo vemos el núcleo de la vocación cristiana, ¡que es Cristo! ¡Permítanos proteger a Cristo en nuestras vidas para que podamos proteger a otros y en suma, para que podamos proteger a la creación!” (La oración del Papa Francisco, en la Homilía inaugural del 19 de marzo de 2013).

San. José, protector de Jesús, de María y de la Iglesia, ayúdanos en esta hora de necesidad. Ayúdanos a buscar la voluntad de Dios en todas las cosas y a cooperar para vivir la vida cristiana con fidelidad y amor. San José, ruega por nosotros.

+Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 5

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†† VOCATIONS

By Deacon Edwin N. Rowley, Ph.D.

M Contributor

Deacon Edwin N. Rowley, Ph.D. is a deacon at St. Gertrude in Kingsville.

atthew’s Gospel speaks tellingly of the qualities and requirements for those seeking to serve God. In chapter 9 we are happy and challenged by the promise of an abundant harvest. The sobering counterpoint rests with the limited number of laborers able to bring that sweet harvest home. In chapter 20 the simile between the kingdom of God and a vineyard enlightens our understanding and suggests how we should proceed, “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” That is serious and necessary advice for anybody seeking to work “in the vineyard.” Deacon aspirants are successful men in their professional and personal life who seek to find greater fulfillment in serving the Lord through the Church. Our marriages must be strong and our wives, supportive. We must also show our pastor we have the potential for the higher level of ministry which comes with ordination, and with ordination comes the possible presence of God’s providence, i.e., a God who gives us what we need – a God who provides. Once I was ordained a deacon, I marched off to the vineyard, supported by the prayers and good wishes of my patient wife, kind parishioners, enlightened formators, Deacons Rick Costley and John Joiner, who supervised my diaconal training with great care, and a supportive (and forgiving) first pastor, Father Piotr Koziel. As a retired university professor I have garnered a variety of awards. I served as a department chairperson, Chair of the Council of Chairs and President of the Faculty Senate, but those experiences did not prepare me for my first visit to the sick and the homebound. My trips to the local nursing homes tested my resolve to the Lord and pledge of obedience to my bishop. As unworthy as I was, I was the bridge between the Church and the sick and often the only reliable outside person they would see that week. Most important was the need to bring Communion to those who were close to death and see in them the face of Christ. The beaming happiness surrounding a baptism offsets many of these tests of my faith. I teach our parish baptismal class, so I often perform baptisms. During a baptism, I am bolstered by the faith inherent in a child. Our children are our future, and in them, we have an opportunity to make our lives better.

Another delight of baptism is the opportunity to help family members, particularly parents, return to the full practice of their faith and bridge the gap in their relationship with Christ. Parents want the best for their children, and the best includes a fully practicing Catholic parent. Although a cleric, a deacon is often seen as “a breed apart” and can approach a separated Catholic with hope, sympathy and acceptance. Deacons are not alone in being able to do this; they are, however, seen as “in the world” and have the potential to close the gap in an informal and caring way. Preparing engaged couples for marriage is yet another way of bringing people closer to Christ in a sacrament. I participated in diocesan Marriage Preparation, and have been trained in Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study (FOCCUS). FOCCUS is a short answer review that asks the couple, separately, about important aspects of marriage such as communication, children, sex, finance and faith. It then compares answers and provides the facilitator with guidance materials to assist the couple in their preparation for married life. While all clergy have valuable contributions to make in marriage preparation, deacons (many of whom are married) have that special perspective to offer a young couple. It is difficult to explain the joy I feel as I witness two becoming one in union with the Lord in the sacrament of marriage. In addition to preparing a couple for marriage, a deacon may validly receive the couple’s vows in the sacrament of marriage outside the Mass. Another liturgical responsibility of a deacon is to perform benediction and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament usually done, for example, during Holy Hour. Being able to bless the assembly with Christ contained in the monstrance, to sense our prayers and songs ascend in the incense, is a spiritual exercise that strengthens my faith beyond description. On Sunday I assist the priest during Mass, and I perform the Gospel proclamation as well as dispense the Eucharist. These last two actions are the essence of service for me, a deep and profound manifestation of what one source called “the deacon’s concrete ability to be the animator of the service of the Word...in the community to which he belongs.” The permanent diaconate is a service ministry, and we must be obedient, efficient and humble as we toil in the vineyard. March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 7

†† VOCATIONS

Working in God’s vineyard

Father Varghese Ethappiri and Gloria Martinez stand in front of the newly renovated mission church in Riviera. To see more photos visit SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/OLGriviera. Jerry Martinez for South Texas Catholic

Mission church in Riviera: a story of hope and transformation By Rebecca Esparza

Correspondent

ather Varghese Ethappiri, pastor at Our Lady of Consolation in Vattmann, was working to renovate Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Riviera, when the cost of construction and materials in south Texas suddenly doubled in price. He asked parishioners to put their heads together to come up with a solution. Enter a modern day hero to the rescue: Deacon Michael Valenzuela, who not only has a family owned contracting business, Gulf Coast Installations, but he agreed to complete renovations at the mission for a reasonable price. 8 South Texas Catholic | March 2019

“The church was on a tight budget and the bids we received were just outrageous. We only had funds for a quarter of the prices quoted, but we got it done for less than a third of the cost,” recalled Deacon Valenzuela. “Our company completed the renovations using what funds we had.” Born in Corpus Christi, but raised in Riviera, Deacon Valenzuela said it was heartwarming to help restore the mission

where he received his sacraments as a child. Deacon Valenzuela is also currently assigned to Our Lady of Consolation in Vattmann. “Basically, we built a brand new church with new walls, plumbing, air conditioning, ceiling, everything,” Deacon Valenzuela added. “Before our renovations, the church looked the same as when I went there as a child. It was great to see it transformed into something better than its original state.” A grant from the Kenedy Foundation covered much of the repairs. Parishioners

Deacon Michael Valenzuela is assigned to Our Lady of Consolation in Vattmann.

†† PARISH LIFE

also contributed money to a second collection to ensure the renovations were completed. “It was important to keep this mission operating because there are families who have not known any other church their entire lives. They grew up here, their families were baptized here, they were married here, but the structure was not safe and we needed to rebuild it almost from the ground up,” Father Ethappiri said. Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission was originally built back in 1915. A severe drought and a major hurricane the next year almost immediately destroyed the church, but even over 100 years ago, parishioners were determined to keep the church operating. By 1916, the two natural

disasters adversely affected the livelihood of neighboring parishioners and many families moved away. Over the next several decades, it was decided the church could not sustain itself financially and it became a mission under the direction of Our Lady of Consolation in Vattmann, along with another mission, Sacred Heart in Ricardo. “The communities surrounding these missions have a special love for their churches. There is a special bond among the parishioners here. Whatever is needed for the church, the community makes sure it gets done, whether it’s new hymnals or a few tables; everyone takes ownership of their mission,” Father Ethappiri noted. Renovations to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Mission were expansive: the ceiling was replaced, along with the pews, new walls were erected, a public restroom was added, along with a small storage area and a sacristy where the priest prepares for Mass and stores vestments. “The pews look brand new but were actually from St. Gertrude Church in Kingsville and were refinished. The communion railings are original from the first church. And when we pulled up the old carpet during the renovations, we were surprised to see beautiful oak hardwood floors from the original building in 1915,” added Father Ethappiri. “We sanded and varnished them and they are stunning.” Julia Strubhart was born and raised in Riviera. Her great-grandfather was the

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Riviera has received a complete renovation, thanks to a grant from the Kenedy Foundation, parishioner donations from second collections and the dedicated work of Deacon Michael Valenzuela and his family owned small business, Gulf Coast Installations. The inside of the church before the renovations are pictured above and the photo below pictures the inside of the church after renovations. Jerry Martinez and Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 9

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architect for Our Lady of Consolation in Vattmann, which was dedicated in 1920. “All parishioners made bricks from the Baffin Bay sand to help build the inside of the current church in Vattmann. The original church was blown away in 1916 leaving only the bell. It is now located in the bell tower of the current church,” she said. Strubhart said when they took Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission’s bell to be sandblasted and refurbished, they were surprised to see it was engraved with “1915” on it. Today, the bell is operational again in specially built bell tower next to the church. It is used every Sunday before Mass. “I live three miles from Our Lady of Guadalupe, and I can clearly hear the bell ring every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.,” marveled Deacon Valenzuela. “So when they ring that bell, everyone in the little town of Riviera can hear it.” Renovating the mission has rejuvenated attendance at the church, and Strubhart sees this as the first step in building up a community of Catholics for generations to come in this area. “It’s a real journey of faith for a lot of people who are coming back. Some had gone away to non-denominational churches, and now they are starting to come back, slowly, added Strubhart. “I think it’s about people finding God in their lives again, in a special way.”

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Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission church’s original bell dates back to 1915 and was restored to its former glory by Jerry Martinez. It is now used every Wednesday night and Sunday morning 30 minutes before each Mass and can be heard throughout the town of Riviera. Jerry Martinez for South Texas Catholic

†† PARISH LIFE

El obispo Michael Mulvey y el padre José Salazar encabezan la procesión de Nuestra Señora de San Juan el 2 de febrero. Ver más fotos de este evento en SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/SanJuan. David Mendez for South Texas Catholic

Nuestra Señora de San Juan de Los Lagos y su Cambio de Vestido Por Gloria Romero

E Corresponsal

ncallada en el barrio de los Encinos de Corpus Christi se encuentra la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia, en donde cada año se lleva a cabo una ceremonia para cambiarle el vestido a la Virgen bajo la advocación de San Juan de los Lagos. Es una tradición muy antigua proveniente de la devoción muy arraigada, principalmente en la gente del estado de Jalisco, México y que a través de los años se ha llevado a cabo en preparación de la Cuaresma para buscar una renovación interior, mezcla de lo humano y lo Divino para aprender a caminar con Jesús muy de cerca y con mayor intimidad. En La Diócesis de Corpus Christi la devoción y los rituales a Nuestra Señora de San Juan de Los Lagos se iniciaron hace pocos años, con la formación de un santuario en honor a la Santísima Virgen, que mas tarde bajo el Obispo Michael Mulvey se trasladó a la que hasta entonces era la Misión

de María Madre de la Iglesia, elevándola a Parroquia en el 2010. “Dentro de las tradiciones del cambio del vestido de la Virgen he ido aprendiendo el significado, a través del dialogo con la gente,” dijo el Padre José Salazar Párroco de Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos. También nos explicó, que cuando llegó a la Parroquia los feligreses le dijeron que el cambio de vestido era una referencia al cambio al que estamos llamados todos los cristianos a seguir; “a una conversión, y más que nada a entender que no es algo que se hace solo una vez en la vida, especialmente para nosotros como Católicos, sino cada vez que celebramos los Sacramentos, en un encuentro con el Señor, que nos sigue impulsando y llamando a entendernos mas y mas entre nosotros, para integrarnos en la vida de El. Por eso entendí el cambio del vestido. Lo seguimos haciendo, como la tradición lo enseñaba por dos años mas y comprábamos el vestido, hasta que un día llegó, uno de los feligreses y me preguntó que cuando íbamos a poner un área de exhibición de los vestidos

de la Virgen y yo dije; aquí no es museo para eso, y es que así se hace en otros lugares, pero pensé, si fuéramos una parroquia grande de miles de personas que sin duda pudieran comprar cada año un vestido de $5,000 o $6,000 dolares, quizás para ellos, no fuera nada, pero en este barrio esas cantidades de dinero cambian el mundo; y por eso empecé a escribir sobre eso.” “ Al tercer año de mi llegada aquí, empezamos a reunirnos para finalmente acordar que podíamos rotar los vestidos ya que la Virgen tiene ocho vestidos y la donación no tenía que ser de una sola familia sino de varias y que podíamos contribuir todos a reunir esos fondos del vestido para la cuenta de nuestros servicios sociales, porque hay muchas necesidades que satisfacer: muchas personas necesitan no solo comida sino asistencia en situaciones emergentes y no solo en lo material sino también en lo espiritual.” “Me parte el alma cuando hay parejas y jóvenes que no pueden ir a un retiro o a un Encuentro en un fin de semana porque no March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 11

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tienen dinero, y usamos ese dinero también para cosas que llaman a la persona a crecer, a encontrar al Señor.” En lo personal añadió el Padre José, “me daba vergüenza que con las necesidades que hay aquí, el pensar que levantaste esos fondos para cosas pasajeras no era justo, en cambio, ayudar a los pobres a encontrar al Señor, es parte de la misión de la Iglesia, de manera que podemos ser un lugar generoso por la generosidad de otros.” Los vestidos de la Virgen suelen ser confeccionados a mano, con los materiales más finos, muchas veces con hilos de oro y plata, así como decorados con piedras preciosas, por eso son tan caros. Parte de la tradición es que una de las familias done y cambie el vestido de la Virgen. Este año la familia de Miguel y Patricia Fernández hicieron el cambio del vestido, ellos vienen de un pueblo de Jalisco llamado Jesús María que pertenece a la Diócesis de Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos. Patricia nos comentó: “La donación que hicimos fue una decisión en un acuerdo familiar para apadrinar una ceremonia de amor a la Virgen,” porque en las palabras de Patricia, “ser parte de esta comunidad de inmigrantes hispanos nos acerca a nuestra propia identidad. Aquí me siento más cerca de Dios y me llega más al alma. Mi Fe era de costumbre, de habito, pero cuando me casé mi esposo me inició en la participación de la Misa, así aprendí, que es como cuando te invitan a una cena, quieres participar. Poco a poco empecé a conocer personas que me invitaban a los grupos de oración, como el que dirigía Gabi Pinedo en la Parroquia de San Felipe, donde llevé a cabo mi consagración a la Virgen de acuerdo con las enseñanzas de San Louis de Montfort. Me di cuenta que, al entender el papel de la Virgen, en el Evangelio, me encontraba en

un camino directo y seguro a Dios Nuestro Señor.” “Tenemos cinco hijas y creo que nuestro ejemplo de cristianos comprometidos, la Misa, el Rosario en casa, el servir, ser parte de la comunidad y la devoción de mi esposo y mía a la Virgen y a Dios son fundamentales para su educación,” dijo Patricia Fernández. Para Romelia Torres, la ceremonia del cambio del vestido de la Virgen, siempre le traía mucha Esperanza, porque muchas personas participaban en la ceremonia, “El cambio del vestido de la Virgen, para mí es un cambio en lo profundo de mi ser, en donde es un nuevo comienzo. Cuando yo vine de Monterrey, México, con mi esposo y tres hijos, no sabía mucho de Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos, si era y soy Católica, pero me sentía extranjera. Supe del Santuario y empecé a ir a Misa y a involucrarme en la comunidad porque sentí el cambio de espíritu. Se levanto mi ánimo. Uno añora la convivencia con la gente que dejó y al encontrarse con otros en igual circunstancia, la ausencia de las personas que dejaste se hace menor. Hay momentos diferentes de compartir y convivir en comunidad y por ejemplo cuando yo saludo a las personas de mayor edad, me llena ese vacío del hogar que dejé y me lleva a convivir con ellos el mandato de Jesús, que nos amemos los unos a los otros. Mientras no haya un Cristo vivo en ti no puedes comprometerte y ayudar,” dijo Torres. En la ceremonia del cambio de vestido de la Virgen, la presencia del Obispo Michael Mulvey marcó una diferencia este año: “Significo mucho,” dijo el Padre José, -“Él representa al padre al discípulo, a la autoridad de la Iglesia y para nuestra comunidad. Él vino a darnos ese apoyo, esa dignidad y fuerza a la tradición y estos actos son señales de la presencia de Dios, en nuestras vidas, es como

Ayudenos a Prevenir el Abuso Financiero

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) 882-6191 para asistencia inmediata.

12 South Texas Catholic | March 2019

recordar la bendición de nuestros abuelos, y en la Iglesia nos viene a recordar esa autoridad de que: –‘Lo que atares en la tierra será atado en el cielo, y lo que desatares en la tierra será desatado en el cielo,’ La Iglesia tiene ese poder, pero existe porque tenemos la humildad de creer en otro mundo,” dijo el Padre José. A la ceremonia religiosa le siguió la fiesta en donde toda la comunidad participó ofreciéndose entre sí, platillos de comidas y postres de diferentes regiones y países. –“Todo fue organizado como en islas de manera que tuvimos oportunidad de platicar con nuestro obispo, todos aportamos algo y convivimos en unidad,” dijo Torres. “Cuando entendí a la gente de esta parroquia, aprecié y aprendí a cerca de la mentalidad del inmigrante. Me di cuenta de que el Señor nos prepara el camino para el cambio. La Virgen nos sigue llamando a una vida integrada a Cristo. Meditando en ella, todas sus respuestas fueron afirmativas, incondicionales de aceptación a los cambios por amor a Dios,” dijo el Padre José añadiendo: “Para mí la vida espiritual es el encuentro con todas esas paredes, errores en donde creemos que hasta este punto llegamos, pero no, uno tiene que ir derrumbando paredes continuamente, paredes de egoísmo, de soberbia en el ego, de orgullo, de prejuicios raciales, y tratar de entender el llamado a una comunión con Cristo.” “La profundidad del cambio interior se refleja en este cambio del Vestido de la Virgen, a través del cual la comunidad parroquial de Nuestra Señora de San Juan se prepara a vivir la Cuaresma. No es que la Virgen no merezca un vestido, sino que el vestido no debe convertirse, tan solo en un cambio social sino mas bien, en el cambio espiritual de servicio y amor que esta comunidad desea compartir.”

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.

Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia

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.

Llamada 1-877-571-9748

Parishioners carry the Virgin with her change of dress during the procession at Nuestra Señora de San Juan de Los Lagos Church on Feb. 2. See more photos of this event at SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/SanJuan. David Mendez for South Texas Catholic

Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos and her dress change By Gloria Romero

L Correspondent

ocated in the Encinos neighborhood of Corpus Christi, Nuestra Señora de San Juan de Los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia Parish continues the tradition of changing of the dress of the miniature image of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos. Part of the tradition is to allow a padrino (sponsor) or family to change the Virgin’s new dress. The tradition is a deeply rooted devotion, originating with the people of Jalisco, Mexico. It has, over the years, been carried out symbolically in preparation for Lent – to seek an interior renewal, a mixture of human and the divine and thus, learning to walk with Jesus very closely and with greater intimacy. In the Diocese of Corpus Christi the devotion and rites observed for Our Lady of San Juan de Los Lagos began a few years ago with the formation of a shrine in honor of the Blessed Virgin. The shrine was later moved to Mary Mother of the Church Mission under Bishop Michael Mulvey, was

elevated to a parish and renamed in 2010. The pastor of Nuestra Señora de San Juan de Los Lagos, Father Jose Salazar, said that after arriving at his new parish and talking with parishioners, they explained to him that the tradition of changing the dress is referring to the change all Christians are called to follow. It is a “conversion, and more importantly, it is something that is not done only once in a lifetime, but every time we celebrate the sacraments in an encounter with the Lord, who continues to lead us and call us to understand each other more and to integrate ourselves in His life,” Father Salazar said. “That’s when he began to understand the reason behind the tradition. After two years of allowing one family to buy an expensive dress ($5,000-$6,000 ) for the Virgin image and parishioners asking him when he was going to display all the dresses, he felt he had to put an end to the excess and began writing about it. “In this neighborhood, that amount of money could change someone’s life,” he said

Since the Virgin already has eight dresses his parishioners agreed that the money could be used for the parish social service account and the money could come from several people. The money could be used to care for people who need not only food but also emergency assistance – materially and spiritually. “It breaks my heart when there are couples and young people who cannot go to a retreat or a weekend meeting because they don’t have the money. This money can be used to help a person grow spiritually, to find the Lord,” he said. “Personally, I was ashamed, because of all the needs that are here,” he said. “It seemed wrong to raise money for temporary things, on the other hand, helping the poor to find the Lord is part of the mission of the Church. We can be a generous place from the generosity of others.” This year the family of Miguel and Patricia Fernandez changed the dress. They come from a town of Jalisco called Jesús María in the Diocese of Nuestra Señora de San March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 13

†† PARISH LIFE

Juan de los Lagos. The Fernandez family agreed to sponsor a ceremony of love for the Virgin, because Patricia Fernandez said, “being part of this community of Hispanic immigrants brings us closer to our own identity. Here I feel closer to God and it touches my soul. My faith was customary, a habit, but when I married my husband and I started to participate in the Mass, I learned what it’s like to be invited to a dinner and participate. Little by little I began to meet people who invited me to prayer groups, such as the one led by Gabi Pinedo from St. Philip, the Apostle Parish, which is how I carried out my consecration to the Virgin in accordance with the teachings of Louis de Montfort,” she said. “I realized that, by understanding the role of the Virgin, she took us on a direct and safe path to God our Lord. “We have five daughters and I believe that our example as committed Christians, going to Mass, praying the rosary at home, serving, being part of the community and the devotion of my husband and myself to the Virgin Mary and to God are fundamental for their education.” Romelia Torres said that the ceremony of changing the dress of the Virgin always brought her hope, because so many people participated in the ceremony. “The change of the dress of the Virgin, for me is a change in the depths of my being, an internal change and a new beginning.” When Torres came from Monterrey, Mexico with her husband and three children, she didn’t know much about Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos. “I am Catholic, but it felt foreign to me. I learned about the shrine, started going to Mass and got involved in the community. I began to feel a change in my spirit and I started to

cheer up. I missed my people and then I started meeting others who felt the same as I did. I began to feel the void of missing my family lessen and began to follow the mandate of Jesus, that we love each other,” Torres said. At the ceremony of the dress change of the Virgin, the presence of Bishop Michael Mulvey made a difference this year: “It meant a lot,” Father Salazar said, “He is the father – the disciple, the authority of the Church for our community. He came to give us that support, dignity and strength of our tradition. His support is a sign of the presence of God – it is like remembering the blessing of our grandparents. In the Church we come to remember that authority, ‘what you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and what you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven’ (Matthew 18:18). The Church has that power, but it exists because we have the humility to believe in another world. “When I began to understand the people of this parish, I began to learn and appreciate the mentality of the immigrant. I realized that the Lord is preparing the way for change. The Virgin continues to call us to a life in Christ, meditating on her ‘yes’ and unconditional responses to acceptance of change for the love of God,” Father Salazar said. “For me the spiritual life is an encounter with all walls. One has to continue to knock down walls, walls of selfishness, ego, pride, racial prejudice, and try to understand the call to a communion with Christ. The depth of the inner change is reflected in this change of the Dress of the Virgin, through which the parish community of Our Lady of San Juan is preparing to live Lent. It is not that the Virgin does not deserve a dress, but that the dress becomes a social change and the spiritual change of service and the love this community wishes to share.”

Semillas de Esperanza March 6

Support the Collection for the Church in

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

RESTORE THE CHURCH

BUILD THE FUTURE www.usccb.org/ccee

14 South Texas Catholic | March 2019

Programa de Radio en Español en KLUX 89.5 HD-1 y “Listen Live” en KLUX.org Domingos a las 7 a.m. con los Padres Juan Fernando Gámez y José Naúl Ordóñez

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Dominic Perri facilitates the Jan. 12 summit for the Pastoral Plan. Participants representing parish staff/laity, priests, vowed religious and deacons were invited to discuss focus areas and action plans which would help foster further development of the Pastoral Plan. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

Discerning a Pastoral Plan continues

South Texas Catholic

uring the “January 12th Summit” in preparation for the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, Bishop Mulvey addressed more than 100 summit participants on the topic of the Church as the Body of Christ. His remarks were rooted in St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. The Body of Christ, he said “functions if all the parts harmonize with a single vision and mission. In this vision and mission, all parts of the Church are essential and responsible no matter how insignificant they may seem to be.” To illustrate, the bishop used the relationship of the hand to the face as an example of the responsibility of one part of the body in relations to the well-being of the other parts. If a rock is thrown at a person’s face, he said, the person’s hand would act instinctively to block the rock and thus avoid injury to the face. It would be absurd to think that the hand would allow the rock to do harm to the face as if to say, “you’re on your own.” No, the hand, because it is part of the body will immediately try to stop the rock.

The metaphor of the body for the Church is one that we effortlessly apply to the diocese and the parish. The example of the hand and the face make that metaphor more realistic and beyond theory, however the bishop’s vision is to take this metaphor and example and apply its practice for our diocese and the local parishes. In other words, how can we collaborate, what can we share in terms of resources, programs and personnel. Discernment is needed. Discernment is a way of discovering the Will of God of listening together to the Holy Spirit. During the meeting each person was asked to listen within themselves and to listen to the other participants to find the inspirations from the Holy Spirit to accomplish the mission of Evangelization within the parish and diocese. Gathered in small groups the participants tried to listen to the Holy Spirit together and in one another and respond to several ideas and proposals that have already emerged throughout the Pastoral Planning process. “We are not a corporation that is here to devise some kind of futuristic plan for the company,” he said. “We are here as people of faith, we’re here as people of charity, March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 15

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

we’re here as people of hope to move our Church forward in responding to the needs of people today.” As the discernment process began, the bishop said that unity is a gift of God that is the fruit of love for one another. In the Acts of the Apostles, the early Church witnessed to who they were through their love for one another. As we move forward, he reminded participants that our evangelization efforts must be supported by a communion, the life among us. “It is always love that converts, not only words. Working together with joy and commitment is the true way of evangelization, because as Jesus promised, when we are united in his name, he is among us and he is our joy. Jesus touches peoples’ hearts, not us,” Bishop Mulvey said. St. Paul VI and others have defined the Church as charity and unity. We must discern what can be applied to our parish and diocese to better express who we are and what can help us witness through our mission. “So, it’s not we who build unity. Our part is to love one another. It is the work of the Spirit to create that unity. To live in such a way that you feel interiorly, the spiritual presence of Jesus. To be ready to die for one another – in our thoughts, in our opinions and in our judgments. If we are ready to die for each other in that

way, we will experience and feel the presence of Jesus – His Spirit.” Participants representing parish staff/laity, priests, vowed religious and deacons were invited to discuss focus areas and action plans which would help foster further development of the Pastoral Plan. They used electronic voting technology to indicate their level of support for the initiatives that should be further developed in the Pastoral Plan. Some of them are summarized here: 1. Expand and develop Catholic Schools 2. Promote more shared activities, collaboration and interaction between parishes. 3. Provide Catholic formation to youth in the diocese who do not attend Catholic schools. 4. Develop methods to more effectively engage non-practicing Catholics. 5. Encourage parishes to support lifelong discipleship, not only Sunday attendance. At the end the majority of participants in the second summit agreed to be on a task force to move to action.

Participants gathered in small groups and tried to listen to the Holy Spirit together and in one another and respond to several ideas and proposals that have already emerged throughout the Pastoral Planning process. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

16 South Texas Catholic | March 2019

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Discerniendo un plan pastoral

D South Texas Catholic

urante la reunión cumbre del 12 de enero, en preparación para el Plan Pastoral Diocesano, el Obispo Michael Mulvey se dirigió a más de 100 participantes, para hablar sobre el tema de la Iglesia como Cuerpo de Cristo. Sus comentarios estaban fundamentados en la primera carta de San Pablo a los Corintios. El Cuerpo de Cristo, dijo, “funciona bien, si todas las partes armonizan con una sola visión y una sola misión. En esta visión y misión, todas las partes de la Iglesia son esenciales y responsables, sin importar cuán insignificantes parezcan ser.” Para ilustrar la idea, el Obispo Mulvey utilizó la relación que existe entre la mano y la cara, del cuerpo, y puso como ejemplo, la responsabilidad que tiene una parte del cuerpo, en relación con el bienestar de las demás partes. Si le arrojaran una piedra a la cara de una persona, dijo, la mano de la persona actuaría instintivamente para bloquear la roca y así eviEl Obispo Michael tar que lastimaran la cara. Sería Mulvey absurdo pensar que la mano permitiría que la roca dañara la cara como si dijera “tu estás por tu cuenta.” Pero no, porque la mano es parte del cuerpo, ésta intentará detener la roca de inmediato. La metáfora del cuerpo en relación con la Iglesia se aplica sin esfuerzo a la diócesis y la parroquia. El ejemplo de la mano y la cara hacen que la metáfora sea más realista, y vaya más allá de la teoría, sin embargo, la visión del obispo es tomar esta metáfora y este ejemplo para aplicarlo en la práctica en nuestra diócesis y en nuestras parroquias. En otras palabras, viendo cómo podemos colaborar y cómo podemos compartir nuestros recursos, programas y personal. Se necesita discernimiento. El discernimiento es una forma de descubrir la Voluntad de Dios y de escuchar juntos al Espíritu Santo. Durante la reunión, se le pidió a cada persona que se escuchara dentro de sí misma, internamente, y también que escuchara a los demás participantes para encontrar las inspiraciones del Espíritu Santo y así cumplir la misión de evangelización dentro de la parroquia y la diócesis. Reunidos en pequeños grupos, los participantes trataron de escuchar juntos al Espíritu Santo y responder a varias ideas y propuestas que ya habían surgido a lo largo del proceso de la Planificación Pastoral. “No somos una corporación que está aquí para diseñar algún tipo de plan futurista para la compañía,” el dijo. “Estamos aquí como personas de fe; estamos aquí como personas de caridad; estamos aquí como personas de esperanza, para ayudar

a avanzar a nuestra Iglesia y a dar respuesta a las necesidades de las personas de hoy.” En tanto el proceso de discernimiento continuaba, el Obispo dijo que la unidad es un don de Dios; fruto del amor de los unos para con los otros. En los Hechos de los Apóstoles, la Iglesia primitiva fue testigo de quiénes eran a través de su amor mutuo. A medida que avanzábamos, recordó a los participantes que los esfuerzos de nuestra evangelización deben estar apoyados por una comunión de vida, entre nosotros. “Siempre es el amor lo que nos convierte, no solo las palabras. Trabajar juntos, comprometidos y alegres encontramos el verdadero camino de la evangelización, porque como Jesús nos prometió, cuando estamos reunidos en su nombre, allí está Él, entre nosotros y Él es nuestro gozo. Es Jesús quien toca el corazón de la gente, no nosotros,” dijo el Obispo Mulvey. El Papa San Pablo VI y otros, han definido a la Iglesia como caridad y unidad. Debemos discernir qué es lo que se puede aplicar a nuestra parroquia y diócesis, para poder expresar mejor quiénes somos y qué es lo que nos puede ayudar a dar testimonio, a través de nuestra misión. “De manera que no somos nosotros los que construimos la unidad. A nosotros nos toca poner de nuestra parte, amarnos los unos a los otros. Lo demás es obra del espíritu, crear esa unidad. Vivir de tal manera que sientas interiormente, la presencia espiritual de Jesús. Estar listos para morir los unos por los otros, en nuestros pensamientos, en nuestras opiniones y en nuestros juicios. Si estamos listos para morir el uno por el otro, experimentaremos y sentiremos la presencia de Jesús, su espíritu.” Se invitó a los participantes; tanto a representantes de parroquias, personal y laicado, como a sacerdotes, religiosos profesados y diáconos a discutir áreas de enfoque y planes de acción que ayudarían a fomentar un mayor desarrollo del Plan Pastoral. Utilizaron la tecnología de votación electrónica para indicar su nivel de apoyo a las iniciativas que deberían desarrollarse aún más en el Plan Pastoral. Algunos de ellos se resumen aquí: 1. Expandir y desarrollar Escuelas Católicas. 2. Promover más actividades compartidas, colaboración y interacción entre parroquias. 3. Proporcionar formación Católica a jóvenes en la diócesis que no asisten a escuelas Católicas. 4. Desarrollar métodos para involucrar más efectivamente a los Católicos no practicantes. 5. Alentar a las parroquias a apoyar el discipulado de por vida, y no solo la asistencia los domingos. Al final, la mayoría de los participantes en la segunda reunión cumbre, acordaron formar parte de un grupo de trabajo para pasar a la acción. March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 17

2 0 19 B i s h o p’s Stewa rd s h i p A p p e a l My brothers and sisters in Christ, Each of us is called by name and sent as a missionary disciple to bear witness to Jesus. This is our mission, the very nature of what it means to be Catholic. According to Pope Francis, “We are all missionary disciples with the power of the Spirit.” The Diocese of Corpus Christi is a family of faithful disciples and a community that is defined by our very name, the Body of Christ. This name expresses who we are and the responsibility it gives us. Being partners in ministry to change the lives of individuals and enrich our community is our mission. Our stewardship to time, talent, and treasure does remarkable things when it is transformed into ministry and mission. I am especially grateful for all that we have accomplished through the student centers built throughout the Diocese, most recently our new chapel and renovated student center located at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, which gives our young adults a dedicated place to grow in their faith, to worship, and gather together. Our diocesan Appeal goal this year is $2.1 million dollars. Every dollar a parish raises over their goal will be returned 100% back to the parish. This is will provide an excellent opportunity for parishes to partner with the Appeal and raise funds for special parish projects or needs. As the Body of Christ, please share in the Bishop’s Stewardship Appeal so that together we can continue to advance God’s love through charity. The individuals, agencies and initiatives supported through the Appeal provide the means to respond to the spiritual, educational, and physical needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s take up the mission together as missionary disciples and continue to move the Church forward. Your leadership in generosity contributes to the long-standing success of our community of faith. Because of your commitment to the Diocese of Corpus Christi we are an ever-increasing effective witness to Jesus Christ. I am grateful to you, and for your example in what it means to be a faithful steward.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. Wm. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi

How We Honor Our Circle Donors You are invited to a special Diocese of Corpus Christi Circle of Giving Mass celebrated by Bishop Mulvey You will receive periodical pastoral communication letters from Bishop Mulvey You will be recognized in a special section of the South Texas Catholic

Members beginning at the Our Lady of the Guadalupe Circle and higher will be invited to a special gathering in your local area hosted by Bishop Mulvey. Members beginning at the St. Catherine Drexel Circle and higher will receive a special gift from Bishop Mulvey.

The Members of the Diocese of Corpus Christi Circle Your commitment as a member of the Diocese of Corpus Christi Circle will be a witness to your support and commitment to our Catholic Church. Circle members pledge their financial gifts with their prayers and sacrifices. Those who make a gift participate in the mission of the

Church to bring the light of Christ into darkness confront hatred with love and offer hope in a place of doubt. By supporting Diocesan ministries and services, Circle members touch the lives of those who might otherwise never experience the Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium)

Diocese Circle Appreciation Events and Opportunities The Diocese of Corpus Christi Circle Appreciation events are opportunities for Bishop Mulvey to express gratitude for those who provide gifts to the Bishop’s Stewardship Appeal.

The prayer intentions of all benefactors are offered during First Friday Masses by Bishop Mulvey. Other opportunities for prayer and fellowship are available to Circle members throughout the year.

Join us as we come together to strengthen our faith and our renewed dedication to Christ and His Church.

Goal $2,100,000.00 Education and formation for Seminarians, Priests and Deacons $735,000 Evangelization and Parish Services; Youth and Adult Ministries $483,000 • Catechesis • Campus Ministry Catholic Schools and Tuition Assistance: $525,000 Social Services and Outreach $357,000 • Justice and Human Dignity • Child and Youth Protection • Laity and Family Life • Persons with Disabilities • Prison Ministry • Catholic Charities and Mother Teresa Shelter

Diocese of Corpus Christi Circle Levels $100 - $200

Patron Circle

$250 - $499

St. Teresa of Calcutta Circle

$500 - $999

St. John Paul II Circle

$1,000 - $2,499

Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle

$2,500 - $4,999

St. Catherine Drexel Circle

$5,000 - $9,999

St. Pope Paul VI Circle

$10,000 & Above

Evangelii Gaudium Circle

Donate Online Today!

Your Gift All of us are co-essential to bring Christ’s mission to our brothers and sisters today. Please consider joining one of the Diocese of Corpus Christi Circles to support the 2019 Bishop’s Stewardship Appeal. The Appeal reaches people of all ages, all faiths, all ethic and economic backgrounds. Your gift will reach into every community in the twelve counties that comprise the Diocese of Corpus Christi. To actively share in the mission and further the church in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, please complete and return your pledge card with your pledge or gift. You may also spread the payments over 10 months, and we will send you monthly reminders. Pledges may also be made online at www.diocesecc.org/giving. Contact the Office of Stewardship and Development at (361) 882-6191 or email us at emartinez@diocesecc.org.

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Catholics unite in Austin for the 2017 Catholic Advocacy Day. This year Advocacy Day is on March 26. Archived photo

Taking a stand on issues of conscience By Jennifer Branson

Correspondent

hy does Catholic advocacy matter? “It matters because truth has consequences. If we don’t fight and engage in our culture, it’s going to have consequences. Our culture is broken and in pain. It’s the fruit of the choices of action and inaction,” said Benjamin Nye, a theology teacher at St. John Paul II High School. Nye is leading a group of students to the Texas Catholic Advocacy Day this month. He fights every day to teach his students that morality matters – especially, in an ever-more-relative world. Advocacy Day is a biennial event which takes place this year on Mar. 26. Bishops from every diocese around Texas converge on the state’s Capitol in Austin to lead Catholics in prayer for our civic leaders, advocate for Catholic social teaching, and meet with lawmakers to learn more about issues affecting their area. “It’s a beautiful thing to see our bishops as shepherds leading the charge and doing their work, leading and advocating on behalf of their flock. That image alone is something that lasts with the students,” Nye 20 South Texas Catholic | March 2019

said. Students attending also have had the opportunity to see the bishops meet with lawmakers firsthand and even to participate in a mock hearing. The day, however, isn’t just for students. Faithful Catholics from every Texas diocese also attend to advocate for Catholic social teaching in their districts. Co-coordinator of this year’s participation in Advocacy Day for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Dr. Therese Recinella, feels that it’s important not only to vote but to get to know elected officials, as well as to hold them accountable. The Catholic faith should inspire Catholics to be involved in political life. “We are called to bring the Gospel to every part of our lives, and the public square is part of our lives. If we really believe in the dignity of the human person and that people are created in the image and likeness of God, we should want to imbue that into the public sphere, the lawmaking sphere. We want the good for every person and we advocate for that,” Recinella said. She is hoping this year for a good response from the diocese and strong participation in learning more about faithful citizenship. The issues tackled on Advocacy Day vary

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

significantly from year to year based on what bills are being introduced. Nye recalled that one year it was a bill on predatory lending, not a topic covered directly by a specific Church document, but one that is easily discerned by concern for the poor and vulnerable. This year Governor Greg Abbot’s key issues include school funding, school safety, and property tax reform, according to his State of the State address on Feb. 5. Dr. Rosemary Henry, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, would like to see changes in the school system, as well. “Important to me are the ongoing school-choice issues that impact our Catholic schools,” she said. “School choice not only gives parents of all income levels the opportunity to choose the best education possible for their children, but it also produces powerful incentives for all schools to strive for high levels of academic achievement and student success.” The diversity of issues gives the opportunity for Catholics to exercise critical thinking in the development of their

conscience and moral reasoning. Of course, Advocacy Day isn’t the only opportunity to get involved with promoting the Catholic faith and Catholic social teaching. At the diocesan level, there is the Office of Laity, Family and Life which offers multiple opportunities to promote marriage and family life, as well as protection of human life from the moment of conception. Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi also has opportunities for involvement. Volunteers are always needed at Catholic Charities and Mother Teresa Shelter. Dr. Henry also encourages all Catholics to join the Texas Catholic Network. This network will enable all to learn about current and relevant issues in our Church. Moreover, this will offer participants an opportunity to share a united voice with our bishop.” More information on the Texas Catholic Network is available at txcatholic.org. Nye encourages Catholics to “find passion within the faith” and then to follow it. And there are many ways to follow that passion. For the issue of life alone, Beth

Nguyen, Director of the Office of Laity, Family and Life, lists the ways Catholics are active in the diocese: “We have multiple organizations that support women in crisis pregnancies. We have some lovely ladies who make baby blankets in Portland. There are people who come together to pray for life every third Saturday of the month at St. Joseph parish in Corpus Christi. Our Catholic Charities has a program to educate parents of young children so that they have the skills to confidently raise their children. We also have groups that work for pro-life legislation on the state and local levels,” she said. Catholic life is all-encompassing and requires sacrifice. But the results are sorely needed. Nguyen sums up, “A Catholic who understands Catholic social teaching is a great asset to the political system because they stand in opposition to the human tendency in any government to forget about the needs of the marginalized and the weak who often cannot speak for themselves.” For more information visit diocesecc.org/advocacyday.

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 condently 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

Grounded In Truth

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Resource Center

4730 Everhart Rd

361.991.2008 www.ccpregnancy.org

March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 21

†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Sister Marilyn Springs, IWBS, stands in front of one of her favorite paintings hanging on the walls of her office at Holy Family School. Sister Springs said this painting is of her beloved grandmother, Carrie Ellen Ward, from Port Au Prince, Haiti. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

Sister Marilyn brightens the halls with her striking art and irresistible smile By Rebecca Esparza

Correspondent

ister Marilyn Springs, IWBS, was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, but feels right at home in south Texas. Currently the principal at Holy Family School, she cherishes the responsibility of guiding the Catholic education of more than 100 school children on Corpus Christi’s Westside. “I love it here. The children, parents and grandparents are wonderful. We have 22 South Texas Catholic | March 2019

a warm, family atmosphere at Holy Family School,” she said. When she arrived at the school almost two years ago, enrollment was down to 85 students. But over the past year, it has increased, and Sister Springs added she hopes to see the enrollment climb each year. “I’d love to see our enrollment climb to 150 someday. That would be a good number as our long-term goal,” she said. The first African-American sister of the

Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, Sister Springs did not feel the calling until her late 20s. “My older brother received a scholarship to Trinity University in San Antonio. When it was time for me to graduate high school, I decided to follow him to Texas and simply fell in love with Our Lady of the Lake University, where I received my degree in art education,” Sister Marilyn said. She was teaching in public schools in

of selling her belongings and entering the discernment phase of joining the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. It was 1992 and she was 26 years old. “I taught for several years at various Catholic schools in Corpus Christi until I was transferred to the Diocese of Brownsville to teach at Incarnate Word Academy. I stayed there for 14 years, eventually becoming the principal before coming back to Corpus Christi two years ago, which is how I landed at Holy Family and I couldn’t be happier. I found a beautiful home here,” she said. One of her great joys is painting, and the walls of her office are filled with various expressions of her art. “I like to portray children and women through cultural art. One of my favorite paintings is one I created of my grandmother, who was Haitian,” she said. “I love to paint different cultures, but I also paint landscapes and other subjects, too.” Sam Armadillo, father of a second-grade student at Holy Family School, said Sister Springs is an incredible asset to the school. “We are all really fond of Sister Springs. She’s always available to talk with us and

continually asks for parent input. I grew up with a Catholic education, so it’s important for me to provide the same values and beliefs for my son,” he said. Sister Springs said one of the biggest challenges for Holy Family School is tuition costs for families, especially considering all the new charter schools popping up around town. “More than ever, it takes a village to raise a child. Thank God for grandparents, who play a pivotal role in their grandchildren’s lives nowadays,” she added. “We have some challenges to overcome as the future of Catholic school education evolves, but I’m proud we’ve actually been able to increase enrollment over the last year and look forward to the day where our school is at full capacity.” Sister Marilyn Springs, IWBS will be directing the first Diocese of Corpus Christi Catholic Schools Elementary and Middle-Level Art Show on April 27 from 1-6 p.m. at Incarnate Word Academy Elementary Gym. The event is open to grades first through eighth. For other general information go to southtexascatholic. com/events/cs2019artshow.

Sister Springs helps three-year-old Angel Sala with his afternoon snack at Holy Family School. Although she is the principal at the school, she still loves to visit the children and assist with classroom activities. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 23

†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION

San Antonio for five years when burnout set in, and Sister Springs felt an urgent need for change. “I decided to start work for a large insurance company, but while waiting for an interview, I put in an application at the Diocese of San Antonio for a teaching position. I received a call immediately about teaching first grade at a Catholic school,” Sister Springs recalled. An Incarnate Word Sister called her the next day, giving her a tour of the school and asked if Sister Springs had ever considered joining as a religious. She was taken aback but politely declined the offer. But the Incarnate Word Sister was not about to back down easily, chuckled Sister Springs. “She invited me to join her and the rest of the Incarnate Word Sisters at a retreat at the motherhouse in Corpus Christi. I agreed to go, so I met the other sisters and during the weekend retreat, something just clicked. I knew this was where I was supposed to be,” she said. Five months and more retreats later, Sister Springs said she started the process

In the left two photos are Lilly Morrison, Jackson Ramus and Carson Pape painting plastic for their art class, which is part of their STREAM assignment, “The Plastic Unit 4th.” In the far-right photo Anika Smith, from left, Morgan Kemp, and Addison Walters discuss the “Sans Plastique” exhibit on display at the Msgr. Richard Shirley Youth Center on Jan. 31. To see more photos of this event go to SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/SansPlastique. Sherry Perkins for South Texas Catholic

Students shed light on plastic problem By Terri Speigner

S Contributor

t. Pius X fourth through sixth grade students created artwork based on their studies, incorporating Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering and Math (STREAM) curriculum and teamwork. The exhibit, entitled, “Sans Plastique,” was displayed at the Msgr. Richard Shirley Youth Center on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. “Students showed complex and exemplary work that incorporated multiple skills and techniques,” art teacher Sheree Perkins said. While studying ocean topics, beginning in November 2018, St. Pius X Enriched Reading students became aware of the

24 South Texas Catholic | March 2019

serious problem that plastics pose to the oceans and communities. They requested “The Plastic Unit 4th” in STREAM to study the plastic problem and incorporate possible solutions. After students gathered data, studied the problem and listened to speakers from the Corpus Christi community they created PowerPoint presentations, an iMovie, wrote brochures, completed interviews and invented a game to increase awareness in the school community. In their presentations, they shared many ideas that could be put into practice to become part of the solution for this epic problem. The exhibit includes photos, a display of

six boxes and two, 5.5 foot hanging chandeliers, created from 503 water bottles. The art installation was presented in the youth center to coincide with the talent show. Enhanced Reading students involved in “The Plastic Unit 4th” were fourth graders Jack Castillo, Joaquin Galloway, Reid Halespeska, Madison Payne, Caroline Speed and Madelyn Taylor; fifth graders Abby Bippert, Nick Capetillo, Jonah Dulin, Lillian Morrison, Parker Pruett, Garrett Ramos, Jackson Ramus, Damian Salazar, Katelyn Shull, Jessa Smith, Isabella Taylor, Ava Villegas and Thomas Waggnor; and sixth graders Edward Arnolds, Kaitlyn Claire Heath, Morgan Kemp, Audrina Leon, Carson Pape, Anika Smith and Addison Walters.

†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Ss. Cyril & Methodius gets new temporary classrooms By Mary Cottingham

South Texas Catholic

s. Cyril & Methodius School ended National Catholic Schools Week with Mass and a Blessing of the school’s new temporary classrooms, computer room and library on Feb. 1. “God, today it is by your gracious favor that we inaugurate this work dedicated to education. Grant that those who will come here as teachers and as students may always pursue the truth and learn to know you, the source of all truth,” Bishop Michael Mulvey prayed.

Ss. Cyril & Methodius elementary school students delighted the bishop with words of gratitude and school spirit. Also present and just as delighted was their Pastor Msgr. Lawrence White, Parochial Vicar Father Sanish Mathew, HGN, Superintendent Dr. Rosemary Henry, Ss. Cyril and Methodius Plant Manager Deacon Fernando Perez, Contractor Michael Dodson with Marshall Co., Architect Raymond Gignac and Rudy Gonzalez with Gignac and Assoc., and Orlando Zepeda with the diocesan construction office who oversees

the entire operation. According to Zepeda the students, parents, faculty and staff have been very patient. “The concrete walkways still need to be done, the intercom and fire alarm system needs to be installed,” he added. “And an asphalt surface needs to be set on the grounds surrounding the temporary facility. We will be putting a security fence around the old building and demolition will begin on that. Work on the new permanent building will begin soon.” Gignac & Associates are currently

Principal Lilly Samaniego, right, thank’s Bishop Mulvey and Msgr. Lawrence White at the Blessing and Dedication of the new temporary classrooms. Behind them are from left, Michael Dodson, Orlando Zepeda, Raymond Gignac and others in attendance who helped to make the new temporary classrooms a reality. To see more photos of this event go to SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/sscmblessing. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 25

†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Bishop Mulvey prays before blessing the temporary classrooms at Ss. Cyril & Methodius School. Assisting him are from left, Father Sanish Mathew, HGN, Deacon Fernando Perez and Msgr. Lawrence White. To see more photos of this event go to SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/blesssscm. David Mendez for South Texas Catholic

working on the design of the new permanent building on the campus. Zepeda is hoping the work will begin congruently with the finishing touches on the temporary classrooms. “It’ll be better than before,” Zepeda said. “We have very qualified and dependable contractors and our design and construction teams are vetted out.” According to the school principal, Lily Samaniego, they have had to “make do” with the space they had before Hurricane Harvey. Where they once had two pre-K4 and two pre-K3 classrooms, they now only have one pre-K4 class. Samaniego said the school’s Accelerated Reading Program also took a big hit since all the books were damaged by the rains. They also lost their library and computer lab. They had to use one of the church’s 26 South Texas Catholic | March 2019

portable buildings as a temporary library, so students could still have books to check out. The school received boxes of books and gift cards from friends of Father Mathew, Patricia Peet and family. Still – more books will be needed. “We are not even close to being at the capacity of what our books were before the hurricane. We need all books from pre-K3 through fifth grade. Some of our fifth graders are reading at a higher level. We need chapter books, fiction books, nonfiction books and series books. Our students read all the time – they love to read, so we need to make sure we have enough books. “Msgr. White reminds us that all of this takes time – it is in God’s time not in our time, so we have to be patient,” she said.

“Other people in the diocese were affected worse than we were.” At the blessing and dedication, Samaniego thanked Dr. Rosemary Henry for her amazing support. “Dr. Henry was the go-between for us whenever we felt things were not going as quickly as it could. She would let us know what was going on and be the voice for our school. “Our school is what it is today, because we have a wonderful faculty and staff that works really well and has been very supportive of all the changes we’ve had to make in order to help our school run,” Samaniego said. If you would like to make a book donation to Ss. Cyril & Methodius School call Lily Samaniego or Carol Sanchez at (361) 853-9392.

By Christine Rousselle

Catholic News Agency

resident Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on the southern border has again raised the possibility of a barrier being constructed through La Lomita Historical Park, blocking access to an historic chapel on the site. A recent congressional funding compromise allocated more than a billion dollars for border barrier construction, but expressly forbid the use of appropriated funds to construct a barrier through La Lomita and a handful of other locations. But the president’s subsequent moves to access other sources of funding for the project have raised questions about the effectiveness of the site’s congressional protection. La Lomita Historical Park is a small park located in Mission, Texas, which contains the La Lomita Chapel, built in 1865. The chapel is owned by the Diocese of Brownsville and administered by the nearby Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. If the border wall were to be constructed as planned, the chapel would be located on the southern side of the wall and would be much harder to access by the wider community. On Feb. 15, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act into law, which included the stipulation that “none of the funds made available by this Act or prior Acts are available for the construction

Border Wall

of pedestrian fencing” or any other barrier in La Lomita Historical Park. That bill allocated $1.3 billion in funding for the border wall, far short of the $5.7 billion Trump had requested. The same day Trump signed the bill into law, he declared a national emergency along the southern border and invoked the National Emergencies Act. The declaration is expected to grant Trump access to the remainder of the funds he had requested to build a border wall, plus further additional funding. With the national emergency declaration, it is now uncertain if the exclusion of the La Lomita site and the other locations specifically mentioned in the bill remains intact, as the emergency funding may not be subject to the same spending restrictions as the money allocated by Congress. Recently, the Wall Street Journal cited a senior administration official who claimed that the White House considers the restrictions in the appropriations bill only to apply to the $1.3 billion it allocated by Congress, and not to the additional money accessed by the emergency declaration. A source familiar with the case told CNA that there is no clear precedent to determine whether or not the emergency funds can be used to build in La Lomita Historical Park. The source told CNA that an argument could be made that, by including the exemption in the appropriations bill,

Catholic News Agency

Congress had prohibited the use of any funds for border wall construction in those specific places, and that any attempt by the administration to build in the exempted areas would be highly contentious. Shortly after the emergency declaration was announced, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced he would be filing suit against the Trump Administration to dispute whether the current situation on the U.S.-Mexico border constitutes an emergency. The Diocese of Brownsville has been contesting the possible construction of a border wall near La Lomita Chapel for months. Earlier in February, a federal judge ruled against the diocese, who had argued that allowing the government to survey the land around the chapel to determine its suitability for a wall was a violation of religious freedom. The judge ruled that the act of surveying land did not require or impede access to the chapel or the exercise of religious liberty. Lawyers representing the Diocese of Brownsville told CNA that they were not surprised by this decision, but felt as though they would have a stronger case if the construction of the wall were to move forward and cut off worshippers’ access to La Lomita Chapel. In response to the passage of the appropriations act and the declaration of emergency by the president, Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville released a statement to CNA calling the congressional exemptions “commendable” given the “the significance of the La Lomita chapel to the Catholic community” and to the history of the region. Flores then said that he would be praying that those charged with planning any construction would use prudence in making their decisions. “I pray that in the days to come a spirit of good will and good judgment will animate all of our national leaders as they make decisions that affect daily life in our local communities along the Border,” Flores said. March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 27

†† NATIONAL NEWS

Emergency declaration raises new questions about Texas border chapel

†† NATIONAL NEWS

Texas bishops stand with Sister Norma Pimentel, director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Catholic News Agency

Catholic Charities ordered to vacate migrant respite center

Catholic News Agency

ity commissioners in McAllen, Texas have ordered Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV) to vacate their migrant respite center within 90 days, after complaints from neighbors. “I am disappointed with today’s decision but thankful for the continued support of the City of McAllen, the wonderful community, and Mayor Jim Darling,” said Sister Norma Pimentel, CCRGV director, in a Feb. 13 statement. “We greatly appreciate the opportunity provided by the City to have time to move forward and find a new location. We will continue to work in partnership with the City of McAllen in efforts to treat immigrant families in a just and humane way and ensure they are in compliance with existing immigration laws.” The 16,000-square-foot center, currently housed in a former nursing home, has been accommodating hundreds of migrants a day coming from across the U.S.-Mexico border since December 2018, when CCRGV relocated to the space from a 28 South Texas Catholic | March 2019

smaller downtown building. The respite center, which is staffed by volunteers and mainly offers food, showers, and basic necessities, has changed locations several times since 2014. The mayor and two city commissioners voted Feb. 11 to remove Catholic Charities from the current site; two commissioners voted against the proposal, and two commissioners were not present at the meeting, according to The Monitor. Despite voting to move the center, Mayor Jim Darling the next day publicly committed to helping CCRGV find a new location for migrant respite operations in McAllen. A spokeswoman for the Diocese of Brownsville told CNA that CCRGV does not yet have concrete plans for a new location. The Respite Center in McAllen in its various locations has helped close to 150,000 migrants since 2014, sometimes up to 300 a day, Pimentel has said. Most of the people the center helps are women and children who have been released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement with a court date to consider their request for asylum.

City commissioners had reportedly received complaints from several residents living near the respite center, who described “their peaceful neighborhood being upended by constant traffic and strangers wandering the streets, likely coming from the respite center,” according to The Monitor. The residents reportedly claimed to support the center’s mission to help migrants, but not in a residential area. Sister Pimentel was invited to a roundtable discussion with President Donald Trump Jan. 10, during the president’s visit to the U.S.-Mexico border in McAllen. At the time, Trump was visiting Texas in an effort to drum up support for $5.7 billion in funding for a wall along the border with Mexico, amid a government shutdown that began over funding for the wall. Pimentel later said she was disappointed that she didn’t get to speak to the president during the discussion. A delegation of bishops, including Bishop Robert Brennan, auxiliary bishop of Rockville Centre, visited the border in July 2018 and toured the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen.

Catholic News Agency

ope Francis approved the canonization of Bl. John Henry Newman, a Roman Catholic cardinal, scholar, and founder of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in England on Feb. 13. Following a Feb. 12 meeting with Cardinal Angelo Becciu, the head of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the pope signed off on a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Newman, who was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in Birmingham, England on Sept. 19, 2010. The first miracle attributed to Newman’s intercession involved the complete and inexplicable healing of a deacon from a disabling spinal condition. His second miracle concerned the healing of a pregnant American woman. The woman prayed for the intercession of Cardinal Newman at the time of a life-threatening diagnosis, and her doctors have been unable to explain how or why she was able to suddenly recover. The date of his canonization has not yet been announced. Bl. John Henry Newman was a 19th century theologian, poet,

HELP

esus

IN DISGUISE SUPPORT THE CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES COLLECTION MARCH 31 www.usccb.org/catholic-relief Copyright © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: © Philip Laubner/CRS.

Catholic priest and cardinal. Originally an Anglican priest, he converted to Catholicism in 1845 and his writings are considered among some of the most important Church-writings in recent centuries. Ordained a Catholic priest in 1847, he was made a cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in 1879, although he was not a bishop. Newman was also particularly dedicated to education and founded two schools for boys. Sr. Kathleen Dietz, FSO, a Newman scholar, and vice-chancellor of the Diocese of Erie told CNA last November she suspects that Newman could be named the patron of scholars and students. Pope Francis also green-lighted Feb. 13 the canonization of Bl. Maria Teresa Chiramel Mankidiyan of India, the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family, who died in 1926 in Kuzhikkattussery. He also approved the canonization of martyred Jesuit Fr. Salvatore Vittorio Emilio Moscoso Cardenas, who was killed in hatred of the faith in Ecuador in 1897.

The Black and Indian Mission Collection (BIMC) exists to help diocesan communities to build the Church and preach the Gospel of Jesus among the African American, Native American and Alaska Native people of God.

www.blackandindianmission.org/nationalcollection

March 10 March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 29

†† VATICAN

Pope Francis approves canonization of John Henry Newman

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Sister Constance Veit is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.

By Sister Constance Veit, LSP

L Contributor

ent reminds us that we are pilgrims on the path of discipleship, living out the paschal mystery in our lives, each according to our own vocation. I think it is helpful to have a resolution or personal intention to help focus our spiritual efforts during this period of prayer and penance. This year I’ve chosen to travel through Lent in the company of Mary, the mother of Jesus and his first and most faithful disciple. I invite you to do the same, and to join me, as well, in offering prayers and sacrifices for young people during this holy season. Last year’s Synod of Bishops on Young People, together with January’s celebration of World Youth Day in Panama, has drawn our attention to the situation of young adults in society and the church. These events challenged us to accompany young adults in their faith journey and vocational discernment. “Being present, supporting and accompanying the journey towards authentic choices is one way for the church to exercise her maternal function,” the Synod Fathers wrote. “Service of this kind is simply the continuation of the way in which the God of Jesus Christ acts towards his people: through constant and heartfelt presence, dedicated and loving closeness and tenderness without limits.” Our Lady embodies these qualities, for she knew how to ponder events in her heart and she proved herself attentive to others’ needs. Generations have called her Our Lady of Tenderness, Mother of Mercy and Virgin Most Faithful. A number of traditional Catholic devotions such as the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross lead us to ponder Mary’s experiences and her role in her Son’s saving mission. The Seven Sorrows Rosary is a very old but little known devotion focused on seven particularly challenging events in Mary’s life. These events include Simeon’s prophecy in the Temple, the

flight into Egypt, the loss of Jesus in the Temple, the encounter with Jesus on the way of the Cross, Mary standing at the foot of the Cross, the reception of her Son’s body after his death and his placement in the tomb. Trusting in the power of her intercession, this Lent I’ve decided to offer the Seven Sorrows Rosary for the needs and intentions of young people. It’s not that I want to give young people the impression that following Jesus is nothing but a long road of suffering. However, prayerfully reflecting on Mary’s sorrows helps us to understand what it means to persevere through life’s inevitable difficulties. In Panama Pope Francis encouraged young people to look to Mary as a model of great strength and faithfulness. During the celebration of the Stations of the Cross, the pope said, “From her let us learn how to stand beneath the cross with her same determination and courage, without evasions or illusions. She accompanied the suffering of her Son … yet was not overwhelmed by it. She was the woman of strength who uttered her ‘yes,’ who supports and accompanies, protects and embraces. She is the great guardian of hope.” The next evening, during the Prayer Vigil, Pope Francis proposed Mary’s “yes” to God in the Annunciation as a model worth following. “She knew what was at stake and said ‘yes’ … It was the ‘yes’ of someone prepared to be committed, someone willing to take a risk, ready to stake everything she had, with no more security than the certainty of knowing that she was the bearer of a promise ... The ‘yes’ and the desire to serve were stronger than any doubts and difficulties.” During this Lenten season, I’d like to invite all, especially young people, to join me in pondering Mary as our Lord’s first and most courageous, most faithful disciple. Please join us on the journey! Visit www.LittleSistersofthePoor.org. March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 31

†† OUR FAITH

Join us on the journey through Lent

9 | Sat | Saturday after Ash Wednesday | violet [Saint Frances of Rome, Religious] Is 58:9b-14/Lk 5:27-32 (222)

18 | Mon | Lenten Weekday | violet [Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church] Dn 9:4b-10/Lk 6:36-38 (230)

10 | SUN | FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT | violet Dt 26:4-10/Rom 10:8-13/Lk 4:1-13 (24) Pss I

7 | Thu | Thursday after Ash Wednesday | violet [Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs] Dt 30:15-20/Lk 9:22-25 (220)

15 | Fri | Lenten Weekday | violet | Ez 18:21-28/Mt 5:20-26 (228)

8 | Fri | Friday after Ash Wednesday | violet [Saint John of God, Religious] Is 58:1-9a/Mt 9:14-15 (221)

17 | SUN | SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT | violet Gn 15:5-12, 17-18/Phil 3:17—4:1 or 3:20—4:1/Lk 9:28b-36 (27) Pss II

16 | Sat | Lenten Weekday | violet | Dt 26:16-19/Mt 5:43-48 (229)

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9 & 10

Middle School Youth Spectacular

March 3 doors open at 8 a.m. begins at 8:45 a.m. at Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds. For students in sixth through eighth grade. Cost is $20.

Fullness of Truth Conference

March 9-10 at the American Bank Center (1901 N Shoreline Blvd) Corpus Christi. The theme of this conference is “Discover Your Roots: Early Church Wisdom for Modern Day Catholics.” Speakers include Bishop Michael Mulvey, Mike Aquilina, Dr. Michael Barber, Jim Papandrea and Dawn Eden. For registration, schedule, and more information call (877) 218-7884 or visit fullnessoftruth.org.

9 Diocesan Marriage Prep & 10 with God Retreat 13 Encounter for Eucharistic Ministers

March 9-10 from 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Pax Christi Retreat Center (4601 Calallen Dr.) Program is designed to inform couples of the spiritual and practical aspects of Catholic marriage and facilitate couple dialogue. Registrations are due one week prior to the seminar. Pre-registration required. To register go to

21 Cursillo de Mujeres Español 24 26 Texas Catholic Advocacy Day

21 al 24 de marzo, comenzando el jueves por la noche y terminando el domingo por la noche. Es un curso corto del cristianismo evangelizar su entorno y acercarlo a Cristo. Para más información llame a Mary Mendoza (361) 701-0034. March 26 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. Join the Texas bishops and thousands of Catholics visiting legislators and promoting faithful citizenship. This bi-annual rally is hosted by the Texas bishops to promote the Church’s values of Life, Justice, Charity and Religious Freedom to members of the Texas Legislature.

diocesecc.org/weekend-retreat

March 13 from 7-9 p.m. at Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center, located at 4601 Calallen Dr. in Corpus Christi. Led by the Pax Christi Sisters, the retreat of renewal and reflection are for those who currently assist in the Liturgical life of the Church. Retreat Cost: $10 per person. For more information or to register call (361) 241-5479.

5th Annual St. Patrick 16 The School Shamrock Shuffle

March 16 from 9-11 a.m. at Cassidy’s, located on 601 Water Street. The Shamrock Shuffle will be the official kick-off for the annual St. Paddy’s Day Festival. There will be music, refreshments, awards, a costume contest and prizes. Join over 1000 people from the Corpus Christi Community to WALK, RUN, or even SHUFFLE.

Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Pro-Life Mass

March 16 from 8-10:30 a.m. at Saint Joseph Church (710 19th Street). Following the Mass and Rosary meet at the San Luis Restaurant at Agnes and 19th Street for breakfast and fellowship. For more information call (361) 960-6050.

17 St. Patrick Mission BBQ

March 17 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Patrick Mission (FM 666) in San Patricio. St. Patrick Day Celebration at St. Patrick Mission, San Patricio. Brisket BBQ plate with potato salad, beans, dessert. $10 per plate. Live Auction & Country Store. 11-2. Celebrating 190 years as a parish.

Patrick’s Day at Our 17 St. Lady of the Assumption

March 17 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Our Lady of Assumption in Ingleside. Lunch is $12, includes an Irish meal. There will be music and a performance by members of the Gildea School of Irish Dancing. Proceeds will benefit youth attending the Steubenville Summer Conference in Dallas. For tickets or more information call the parish secretary at (361) 776 2446.

Encounter with God Retreat for Hospitality Ministers

March 27 from 7-9 p.m. at Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center, located at 4601 Calallen Dr. in Corpus Christi. Join the Pax Christi Sisters for a retreat of renewal and reflection are for those who currently assist in the Liturgical life of the Church. Retreat Cost: $10 per person. For more information or to register call (361) 241-5479.

29 Schoenstatt Spring Rummage Sale & 30 Christi Cathedral 29 Corpus - Rummage Sale 31 On Friday and Saturday, March 29-30 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Schoenstatt Movement Center (4343 Gaines St) in Corpus Christi. Donations will be accepted from March 18-26; for pickup of appliances in working condition and furniture items call (361) 992-9841 or email schcc@mygrande.net.

March 29-31 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and will close on Sunday at 2 p.m. The rummage sale will be held in the Cathedral Parish Hall (505 N. Upper Broadway) located in the basement of the Cathedral. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the cathedral building fund. For more information call (361) 883-4213 ,ext. 103.

Vocation 29 Diocesan - Awareness Retreat 31

Begins with registration on Friday, March 29 at 5 p.m. and ends Sunday, March 31 at 2 p.m. at Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center (4601 Calallen Drive) in Corpus Christi. Come and join other single men and women of faith, ages 18-35, who are searching and discerning God’s call in their lives. Cost is $25. For more information call Office of Vocations or Office of Consecrated Life at (361) 882-6191.

One-day Diabetes class at St. Patrick

To support your family’s journey toward healthy living, Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Corpus Christi has teamed up with Texas A&M Coastal Bend Health Education Center to provide a FREE program, so you can prevent diabetes and other chronic diseases. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2M2d5cU. • March 30 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at St. Patrick School and Parish (3340 S. Alameda Street) in Lady of Knock Hall. • April 3 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at St. Pius X School (737 St. Pius Drive) in Msgr. Shirley Youth Center.

To see more calendar events go to: SouthTexasCatholic.com/events March 2019 | South Texas Catholic 33

†† MARCH CALENDAR

Lenten Calendar Events

40 Cans for Lent

Begins Ash Wednesday, March 6 and ends Palm Sunday, April 14. As part of the Knights of Columbus Food for Families program, the Cathedral Knights Council #11107 is asking parish members and community to make a donation of onecan-per-day during Lent into a clean food container placed at each door at the Cathedral Church.

St. Anthony Fish Fry

March 6 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch) and 4-7:30 p.m. (dinner) and every Friday, March 8-April 12 during Lent (dinner only). from 4-7:30 at St. Anthony Parish Hall (204 Dunne Ave.). Dine-in and carry out.

OLPH Fish Fry

Mar. 6 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Fridays, March 8-April 12 from 3-7 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (5830 Williams Drive). An $8 donation. Call in orders at (361) 991-7891. Dine-in, carryout or drive-thru available. Delivery for Ash Wednesday only (minimum of 5 orders).

Christ the King Fish Fry

March 6 and March 8 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch) and 4:30-7:30 p.m. (dinner) at Christ the King Parish Hall (1625 Arlington Dr.). All

proceeds benefit the youth group. For more information call the parish office at (361) 8832821 or email churchoffice@ctk-cc.org.

St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center & Chapel Lenten Schedule

Begins Ash Wednesday, March 6 from 1-8 p.m.; Stations of the Cross on Mondays until April 15 at 6 p.m.; Tuesdays Class: “Forty Days in the Desert,” taught by Deacon John Joiner from March 19-April 16 from 7-8 p.m.

Sacred Heart Church Fish Fry

Begins Ash Wednesday, March 6 and every Friday, March 8-April 12 during Lent from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish Cafeteria (1218 Comanch St. and Lipan. An $8 donation includes all the trimmings. Soda/water and desserts sold separately. For more information call (361) 883-6082.

St. John of the Cross Lenten Fish Fry

March 8 from 4-7:30 p.m. at St. John of the Cross Church (200 South Metz) in Orange Grove. A $9 donation. Dine in or carryout.

Lenten Retreat for Persons with Disabilities and their families

March 10 begins at 8:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Chapel (3016 Saratoga Blvd. For more information or to register call (361) 8840651 or email cmendez@diocesecc.org.

Schoenstatt Lenten Mission

March 15 from 5-6 p.m. at Schoenstatt Movement Center (4343 Gaines) in Corpus Christi. Lenten Mission begins at 5 p.m.; confessions at 6 p.m.; talk at 6:30 p.m.; Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.; followed by Mass and pot luck (no meat) and fellowship. For more information call Olivia Botello at (361) 992-9841 or email schcc@mygrande.net.

Encounter with Nuestro Señor Jesucristo

A bilingual retreat during Lent on Saturday, March 30 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at St. Anthony Parish Hall (204 Dunne Ave, Robstown). Free admission with breakfast and lunch provided. Hosted by the St. Anthony Prayer Group. For more information call Ted Hernandez at (361) 800-3803.

Ongoing Calendar Events Blue Army Mass | March 2 and every first Saturday in the Jesus Nazareno Chapel at Sacred Heart.

St. Peregrine Healing Mass | March 3 and every first Sunday from 5-6 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi. Tea Time and Book Study: Father Joseph Kentenich’s Life | March 4 and every Monday from 12:30-2 p.m. at Schoenstatt Movement Center in Corpus Christi. Christ the King Prayer Group | March 4 and every Monday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Christ the King. Alzheimer’s & General Support Group • March 5 and every first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Elan Assisted Living & Memory Care. • March 6 and every first Wednesday at 10 a.m. at SCC River Ridge Nursing Rehab Center. • March 7 and every first Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Gulf Point Plaza in Rockport. • March 12 and every second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Woodridge Nursing & Rehab Center. • March 13 and every second

34 South Texas Catholic | March 2019

Wednesday at 12 p.m. at Lindale Center/Caregiver SOS. • March 14 and every second Thursday 3 p.m. at Mirador Plaza (back side of facility). • March 19 and every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at Brookdale. • March 20 and every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Woodridge Nursing & Rehab Center. • March 28 and every fourth Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at Kleberg County Nursing & Rehab.

OLPH Grief Support Ministry | March 5 and every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the St. John Paul II Conference Room at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Rectory. El Grupo De Oracion/ Prayer Group | 6 de Marzo y todos los miércoles de 6:30-8:30 p.m. en la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón en Corpus Christi. Catholic Charities is offering Immigration Services | March 7 and every Thursday starting at 7:30 a.m. at Catholic Charities. Holy Hour and Healing Mass | March 7 and every first Thursday at 5 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Corpus Christi.

Healing Mass and Prayer Service | March 8 and every second Friday at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Family Rosary | March 9 and every second Saturday in the Emmanuel Chapel (505 N Upper Broadway) after 12:05 Mass. Grounded in Truth at OLCC | March 16 and every third Saturday at 7 p.m. at OLCC Perpetual Adoration Chapel. Tuesday Tea with the Saints | March 19 and every third Tuesday at 3 p.m. at St. Joseph Hall at Pax Christi Institute. Face to Face: Alzheimer’s Education and Support Program | March 27 and every fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Conference Center located behind the Doctor’s Regional Hospital Emergency Room. Parent Café Support Group | March 28 and every fourth Thursday from 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. at Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi. Grandparents and other Relatives Raising Children Support Group | March 28 and every last Thursday of each month from 6-7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.

Lenten Theme 2019:

Starting Ash Wednesday, March 6th 11am - 7pm â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, Mar ch 8 th 11am -7pm

E ver y Friday until April

12th - 3pm - 7pm

March 2019 Issue SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi, TX 78401-0824 (361) 882-6191

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