Aug/Sept 2018 - Vol.53 No.8

South Texas

Catholic

SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

Lord make me an instrument of your peace...

W W W. S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C .CO M • AU G U S T/S E P T E M B E R 2018

Bishop’s

2018

STEWARDSHIP APPEAL ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

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Christ-centered learning and academic excellence The Diocese of Corpus Christi serves the spiritual and physical needs of our parishes and community through more than 30 ministries. We appreciate your generosity in sharing your blessings, so we are committed to you to be a good steward of the gifts you entrust to us.

By participating in the Bishop’s Stewardship Appeal you are saying – to forming the next generation of Catholics in our diocese.

Diocese of Corpus Christi

Office of Parish Stewardship & Development P.O. Box 2620, Corpus Christi, TX 78403 • (361) 882-6191 www.diocesecc.org or email emartinez@diocesecc.org

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ON THE

VOL. 53 NO. 8 PUBLISHER Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD MANAGING EDITOR Mary Cottingham MCottingham@diocesecc.org THEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT Ben Nguyen, JD/JCL. BNguyen@diocesecc.org

A youth group from Holy Family Parish in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin traveled 22 hours to help with Hurricane Harvey cleanup in Port Aransas.

There have been many groups, locally and from all over the United States who have volunteered their time and talents to help residents throughout the area. This group consisted of 35 youth and chaperones. The young ladies worked with the volunteer center in Port Aransas from June 9-15. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Lindsey Nicholson and Peggy Koresh. In the second row, from left, are Kylee Weber and Kaitlyn Waller. In the third row, from left, are McKenna Keeney and Gracie Colson. In the fourth row, from left is Cate from Port Aransas Rebuild Committee, Lauren Kennedy, Caitlin Nolan, Alexis Nolan, homeowner Deborah and Renae Irvin.

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Mary Stoeffler from Holy Family Parish in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin for South Texas Catholic

OFFICE MANAGER Adel Rivera ARivera@diocesecc.org CORRESPONDENTS Omar Becerra, Luisa Buttler, Rebecca Esparza, Corinna Longoria and Liz Riggle TRANSLATOR Gloria Romero

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The diocese welcomes four new seminarians, from left, are Aaron Lugo, Luis Lozano, Matthew Perales and Michael Winterroth. Thanks to the Burse Club, seminarians for the Diocese of Corpus Christi receive financial support for their education. Bishop Michael Mulvey dedicated the July 8 Mass to the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women for their efforts on behalf of seminarians.

Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

INSIDE 4 Be beacons of light

CATÓLICA 23 UnVIDA mensaje desde la zona cero

5 Official Assignments

NATIONAL 29 Gathering of Catholic bishops and

7 Vocation is a gift

VATICAN 31Holy See hopes UN migration agree-

MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP

NEWS BRIEFS

VOCATIONS

delegates at V National Encuentro

ment will defend human dignity

OUR FAITH NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE 33 16 Hurricane Harvey Recovery Chastity, a virtue of love – Where we are today

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 3

MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP

Be beacons of light

T

he destructive path of Hurricane Harvey impacted countless lives throughout the Texas Gulf Coast region, including hundreds of families and communities within our diocese. In the days, weeks, which followed I visited the most devastated and displaced parish communities and spoke to many victims affected by this tragedy. Their stories were heartbreaking. The catastrophe had the power to break our spirit.

The return to normalcy for many in our diocese remains a challenge.

Many homes and parishes still have not seen many repairs or the help they properly need. There are still some who lack the necessities like food and running water. Let us not lose courage. You are not alone. We are a body when one member is hurt the whole body feels it. So, let us continue to be that example of holiness in these trying times. The worst thing we can do is leave only passing glances to those who need our help.

As Christians, we must extend a hand and lift the lowly.

Even still a year after the storm, I continue to witness great resilience, creativity in attempting solutions, tremendous generosity from those near and far.

Last month, we had the joy of recognizing many individuals and organizations for their contributions in the recovery efforts. Each one of them was a sign of God’s love for the persons they touched with their generosity. People who mirrored God’s loving care for his children.

Over the summer approximately 300 young volunteers have come and concretely responded with the relief efforts.

In his March 2018 apostolic exhortation “Rejoice and be Glad,” Pope Francis reminds us of our call to holiness in today’s world. He points out five signs of holiness: • Grounded. Being solidly grounded in God gives us the inner strength to be a steady “witness of holiness through patience and constancy in doing good;” • Joyful. “The necessary result of the love of charity is joy;” • Bold. We are called to proclaim that Christ is Lord with boldness, enthusiasm and apostolic fervor; • Communal. “Growth in holiness is a journey in community, side by side with others;” • Prayerful. Prayer involves listening as well as speaking. Silence is essential as we discern where the Lord is calling us. We should not be reluctant to ask God for his help in prayers of supplication, praying for our needs and the needs of others.

While Pope Francis gives us the knowledge to be holy, we have the opportunity and the choice to be that example, that beacon of light to those in need.

I have witnessed these signs of holiness in our parishioners and the unity they built within the Body of Christ. I have seen the joy in the many volunteers that come to visit. I have seen the community come together wonderfully in their efforts to help the victims. When we respond to God’s call to holiness, we not only look at these signs, but we see how it impacts the community as a whole. +Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi 4 South Texas Catholic | August/September August/September2018 2018

†† NEWS BRIEFS †† NEWS BRIEFS

Father Donald Downey

Father Prince Kuruvila

Father Patrick Donohoe

For the good of the people of God in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Bishop Michael Mulvey has made the following assignments: Father Donald Downey is released as pastor of St. Theresa of the Little Flower Parish in Corpus Christi and is appointed chaplain to the Pax Christi Institute and the Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center in Calallen, effective June 27.

Father Prince Kuruvila is released as pastor of St. John of the Cross in Orange Grove and St. Francis of Assisi Mission in Lagarto and is granted a sabbatical and medical leave of absence, effective July 12.

Father Patrick Donohoe is released as pastor of Holy Family in Corpus Christi and is appointed as pastor of St. John of the Cross in Orange Grove and St. Francis of Assisi Mission in Lagarto, effective July 12.

Father Darryl D’Souza is released as parochial vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Corpus Christi and with the permission of the Most Reverend Giuseppe Giudice, Bishop of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno, appointed as parochial administrator of Holy Family Parish in Corpus Christi, effective July 12.

In Memoriam: Sister Mary Stella Barrientes, IWBS

Father Darryl D’Souza

Father Ignatius Nwankwocha

Father Ignatius Nwankwocha is released as parochial administrator of Sacred Heart in Sinton and with the permission of the Most Rev. Valerian M. Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha, appointed as parochial administrator of St. Theresa of the Little Flower Parish in Corpus Christi, effective June 27.

EDITORS’ NOTE: In the July issue of the South Texas Catholic a

photo of Father Thomas Kizito Nwachukwu, PhD was incorrectly placed for Father Ignatius Nwankwocha. Father Nwankwoch’s official assignment was also incorrect. The corrected assignment is above.

Pendleton accepted into Rite of Candidacy

Seminarian Raymond Pendleton was accepted into the Rite of Candidacy at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Mulvey, Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish on June 20.

Bishop Mulvey was joined by concelebrants Father James Stembler, V.G., Vocations Director of the Diocese of Corpus Christi Father Romeo Salinas, Msgr. Leonard Pivonka, JCD and several priests of the diocese.

Pendleton is assigned to the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

Sister Mary Stella Barrientes, IWBS, after observing her 70th year of professed vows as a Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, died peacefully at the age of 104, at Incarnate Word Convent, surrounded by her Sisters in community. Her funeral services were held at the convent with a rosary and wake service on Thursday, June 28 and the Mass of Resurrection on Friday, June 29, with a great number of her relatives, friends, other sisters and associates.

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 5

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Celebration of Charity Angels Among Us

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter 2018 Benefit Fundraiser

Honoring Linda McKamie For event, ticket and sponsorship details, or to make a donation in Linda’s name, call (361) 884-0651, Ext. 246 or email shoelscher@diocesecc.org

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6 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

Sr. Maria Laudem Gloriae Dolan, SOLT

O Contributor

Sister Maria Laudem Gloriae is with the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity.

n July 14, during the seventh General Chapter of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, I professed my perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ. In preparation for this long-awaited day, I have been blessed to look back and see how God’s guiding hand has placed this desire to belong totally to Him so carefully in my heart. It has truly been a gift from our heavenly Father that has grown and deepened over time.

Baptized Kathryn Dolan, I was born Aug. 4, 1984, to parents, Larry and Linda Dolan. I grew up in Sartell, Minnesota, a small town in the central part of the state. I was raised in a small Catholic family which included my parents and my older brother Sean in a home where the Catholic faith was honored and valued.

My parents diligently taught us, through their word and example, the importance of striving for virtue and treating people with dignity and respect.

Often people will ask if I always wanted to be a sister, but to be honest, that thought had not really occurred to me. Growing up, I was not exposed to very many religious sisters, so I had not considered it an option. Even though I was unaware, I think the Lord was still preparing me, because, from a young age, I always had a deep desire to pursue what was right and good.

In 2007, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth where I studied Speech-Language Pathology. My heart has always been moved with compassion for those who struggle to communicate. It was the Newman Center on campus where the Catholic faith came alive in my life, and I started seeking the Lord with greater zeal and fervor. During my

junior year, I began to consider a vocation to consecrated life.

After I graduated from college and being uncertain of what God was calling me to, I decided to give a year of service to the Lord, in hopes that he would reveal himself and what he desired for my life. I spent two years serving in the SOLT mission in Belize, Central America as a lay volunteer. It was through this mission experience that the Lord broke open a seed of desire in my heart, that was planted long ago, a desire to give myself totally to Him. The seed has continued to open ever since.

When it came time to discern a community of sisters God was calling me to, my heart kept returning to SOLT. Through my immersion into the charism of SOLT while volunteering in Belize, the experience of family, and the gentle presence of our Blessed Mother poured through the SOLT members is where I found peace and felt most at home.

I entered the initial stage of formation in March 2010 in Holman, New Mexico. I professed my first vows in July 2013 at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Adoration Chapel in Corpus Christi.

Since my first profession, I have been blessed to spend the past five years serving at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. It has been a great privilege to coordinate retreats, offering many people in the diocese and beyond, a place to deepen their relationship with the Lord and encounter Jesus in new and profound ways.

The Lord has abundantly blessed my journey thus far. So, my heart eagerly sings His praise and I give thanks to the Father for the gift of my vocation! It is truly a gift from above, and with his guiding hand, I look forward to watching it unfold.

“Father in heaven, our desire to serve you is itself your gift, and our perseverance needs your guiding hand. How right it is that we should sing your praise.”

—from the SOLT Sisters’ Rite of Final Profession.

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 7

†† VOCATIONS

Vocation is a gift

†† VOCATIONS

Sisters Corner

Strive to be proclaimers of the truth Sister Ma. Purificacion Palis is with the Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic Spanish Province.

Sister Ma. Purificacion Palis, OP

T Contributor

he beginning of our institute marvelously highlights God’s infinite wisdom and love shown through His Divine Providence. To reflect on this divine call, it is imperative that we ponder the rich legacy, passed on to us by our predecessors, for their heroic lives laid the foundation of what we are today.

The Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic was founded by a group of Dominican priests belonging to the Province of the Holy Rosary of Spain in 1887. It was the time when they were rebuilding the mission in the Orient after the Opium War of 1843. Indeed, “the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few” (Matt. 9:37).

Prompted by their missionary zeal, they realized that the prayers and works of their Dominican Sisters were exigent to their work of evangelization. The situation in their mission cried for the sacrifices of consecrated women, who, driven by the love of Christ, would accept the life of hardships and uncertainties in a foreign country.

Inspired by the exemplary life of the missionaries, a group of 17 young women responded to the call.

After a period of training, they embarked for China with Mother Josefa Alzua as their first prioress. Nourished by a life of sacrifice and dedication, their apostolate flourished and, more and more young women joined them.

However, a tragic episode loomed over the country. The Communist takeover of China threatened their very existence. The life of the missionaries and their evangelization became extremely difficult. The priests and sisters were jailed and whatever properties they had were confiscated. Finally, they were expelled from their beloved mission in 1950.

The tragic event in China did not deter our institute from seeking new frontiers in our Lord’s vineyard. Fr. Juan Zabala, a Dominican priest, invited our sisters to take the administration of

8 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

St. Joseph School in Alice, Texas. Our superiors, with the blessings of Bishop Mariano Garriga, accepted the invitation in 1951.

God blessed our educational apostolate.

Eventually, the sisters took charge of the parish catechetical work, youth and adult ministries, spiritual retreats and other pastoral ministries needed in the parish. The institute’s service for the Church spread throughout Corpus Christi, Beeville, Laredo, Robstown, Houston, and as far as Santa Paula and Oxnard in California.

Our consecrated life is sustained by our three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and its four pillars of prayer, community, study and preaching. The celebrations of the Hours that start with Lauds as the Morning Prayer and Vespers as the Evening Prayer foster the contemplation of the Word of God. Compline is the final prayer of our apostolic activity with “Salve” sung in procession in honor of Our Blessed Mother and the “O Lumen” to express our filial love for our founder St. Dominic. Like him, we are devoted to the Rosary and fervently spread its devotion.

Since we strive to be proclaimers of the truth, we engage in the study of the Word of God and the teachings of the Church assiduously. We draw strength and support for our apostolate by our life lived in community. We wear a habit to express our identity as consecrated religious belonging to a distinctive institute. Sustained by the daily Eucharist, we try to be faithful to our motto, “Contemplare Et Contemplata Aliis Tradere” (Contemplate and share to others the fruits of contemplation).

Our Lord continues to bless our apostolic presence in the service of the Church in Spain, Portugal, Philippines, Italy, United States, Japan, Guam, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, South Korea, Chile and Taiwan. Therefore, for the glory of our Lord, we endeavor to pursue the Dominican vocation to praise, to bless, to preach.

†† VOCATIONS

She thanks God for music, ‘language of the soul’ Mary Cottingham

I

South Texas Catholic

t was the Dominican sister’s joyful disposition of spreading the Word of God through good examples that inspired Sister Flaviana Macasling, OP to discern a vocation with the Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic. This year she celebrates her 45th anniversary of religious profession.

Flaviana was the oldest of four children born to Francisco Macasling and Primitiva Baylon in Camiling, Tarlac in the Philippines on March 22, 1953. Though it may have been a financial burden for them, her parents enrolled all of their children in Camiling Catholic Secondary School managed by the Dominican sisters.

With her parent’s blessing, she entered the convent at the age of 16.

“It is in the community that I draw strength as I do my ministry entrusted to me by the community. In the community we celebrate the liturgy together, eat meals together, and share whatever experiences I have in my apostolate,” Sister Flaviana said. “The success of my ministry is the success of every member of our community.”

Sister Flaviana earned a Bachelors’ Degree in Music Education at the University of St. Thomas in Manila, Philippines (the oldest Pontifical University under the Dominican Fathers) and after graduating taught music in different Catholic schools in the Philippines.

In 1990, she was assigned to the United States by her Prioress General in Rome. “I had to follow God’s will,” she recalled. It was hard leaving her native country and family.

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Her first assignment was to teach in the Diocese of Corpus Christi at St. Joseph in Alice, Our Lady of Victory and St. Joseph School in Beeville.

In 1997, she was assigned to St. Jerome in Houston, teaching music and in charge of the Liturgy for 10 years. She was then assigned to St. Anthony in Robstown to again be a music teacher and liturgist.

“I enjoy my ministry and I thank the Lord for the gift of music,” she said. “I am very blessed to help students develop their God-given talents–for music is the Sister Flaviana language of the soul.”

Macasling, OP She teaches music regularly and gives piano lessons after school. She practices the songs and readings for all student Masses: K3 to second grade on Mondays; third to fifth grade every Wednesday; sixth to eighth grade on Fridays as well as an all-school Mass every first Friday of the month and every second Sunday of the month.

“I always consider Jesus as my best friend. Sharing with Him all my joys, sorrows, challenges in life. I have always been very grateful for my vocation, family and community. I am trying to be faithful with my prayer life however busy I am with my apostolate. Faith sharing like “Lectio Divina” helps me in my relationship with God,” she said.

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August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 9

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

SEPT. 8-9

Preparing the next generation of leaders for our Church and nation. Visit collection.cua.edu

Burse Club helps Omar Becerra

R Correspondent

Help those Affected by Natural Disasters Sept. 15-16

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aymond Pendleton believed he could fulfill his Catholic obligation by only attending Sunday Mass and working at the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center and Chapel as a student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Then something unexpected happened that changed his life: He fell in love with the Church.

“I started going to Mass daily,” Pendleton said. “I started to fall in love with service to those around me. I just love that aspect of the priesthood.”

After speaking with Father Joseph Lopez of St. Gertrude Parish in Kingsville, Pendleton decided to apply to the Diocese of Corpus Christi to become a seminarian. He is currently in his fourth year of seminarian studies and receives financial support from the Burse Fund, which pays for seminarians’ livelihood and education until they become ordained priests, a path that takes up to nine years to complete.

The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women established the burse in 1949, and it will support 13 seminarians next year. The DCCW later formed the Burse Club in 1985 under the direction of Bishop Rene Gracida. The Burse Club’s mission is to raise awareness of the fund and ensure its continuance through annual membership fees and fundraisers.

Without a burse and a system to support it, the cost of training seminarians for the priesthood would have to come directly from

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Bishop Mulvey (right) introduces seminarians, from left, Charles Silvas, Matthew Perales, Carlos De La Rosa, Raymond Pendleton, Michael Winterroth, Luis Lozano, Michael Golla, Daniel Flores, Thomas Swierc and Aaron Lugo at the Burse Mass on July 8.

Marc Joseph Zamora for South Texas Catholic

seminarians on path to priesthood the diocesan budget or from another source. Father Romeo Salinas, Vocation Director for the diocese, said that money should not be a roadblock for potential priests.

“We need priests to take care of the people,” Father Salinas said.

“We have to get them educated. We need help with that cost.”

The burse is set up as an endowment. Only the dividends and interest earned on the principal amount can be used. The balance of the dividends and interest pays for seminary tuition, room and board, travel, retreats, and basic needs such as clothing and toiletries. Seminarians also receive medical insurance and a monthly stipend. This past year, dividends and interest of the Burse Fund covered approximately 30% of the Vocation Office’s budget which included tuition, fees, room and board for 10 seminarians.

According to Father Salinas, who oversees disbursements from the fund, the cost of tuition and room and board for a single seminarian can vary from $40,000 to $65,000 annually depending on the seminary attended. Some of the schools where seminarians from Corpus Christi enroll include St. Joseph Seminary in Louisiana, Holy Trinity Vocation Director Seminary in Dallas, Assumption Seminary in Father Romeo San Antonio, Theological College in WashSalinas ington, D.C. and Pontifical North American

College in Rome.

In addition to contributions from Burse Club members, the DCCW receives monthly collections raised from parishes and holds an annual fund drive. Martha Orem, former president of the DCCW, said that her organization would present Bishop Michael Mulvey with funds collected from 2017 and 2018 at their convention in November.

On July 8 Bishop Mulvey introduced seminarians at the Burse Mass at Corpus Christi Cathedral and recognized the Burse Club for their contributions to help educate seminarians from the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

Father Salinas said that the Burse Club and the DCCW are very important to the community because of their efforts in raising the money necessary to support the diocesan seminarians.

Pendleton expressed gratitude for that support.

“I just want to say thank you to all the Burse Club members,” Pendleton said. “There are so many people who are companions to me and my spiritual journey and my journey to the priesthood, and the Burse Club members are definitely a part of that journey.”

For more information on how to contribute to the Diocese of Corpus Christi Seminarian Burse Fund contact Edith Balderas, Administrative Assistant to the Vocations office at (361) 882-6191 or ebalderas@diocesecc.org.

Vocations Director Father Romeo Salinas and Chief Fiscal Officer Gregor Seagrave contributed to this article.

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 11

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Father Gerold Langsch, ISP blesses a memorial marker on the campus of Our Lady of Corpus Christi. The marker says, “On his visit to the United States in June 1948, Father Joseph Kentenich, Founder of the International Schoenstatt Movement, stayed here in this building to visit with the Benedictine Fathers. His canonization process has been opened since Feb. 10, 1975.”

Liz Riggle for South Texas Catholic

Mass and marker honors Schoenstatt Founder Liz Riggle

B Correspondent

ishop Michael Mulvey and Father Gerold Langsch, of the Schoenstatt Movement, concelebrated Mass commemorating the 70th anniversary of Father Joseph Kentenich’s first visit to the Diocese of Corpus Christi on July 7 at Corpus Christi Cathedral.

Father Kentenich founded the Schoenstatt Movement in 1914 in Schoenstatt, Germany. The Schoenstatt Movement is devoted to Mary and its guiding principle is to form the Christian personality with strength of character and deep spiritual life.

It also focuses on creating a strong Christian community as a support model for society.

In 1948, Father Kentenich, a survivor the Dachau Concentration Camp, was invited to the Diocese of Corpus Christi by Bishop Emmanuel Ledvina to plant seeds of growth

for the Schoenstatt Movement. In the 70 years since his first visit, the Schoenstatt Movement has grown to include the Confidentia Shrine in Lamar and Schoenstatt Center in Corpus Christi.

In his homily, Bishop Mulvey said the Schoenstatt Movement brings charity and Jesus into our daily lives. This movement helped to bring the “Church into the modern age,” he said. “Father Kentenich’s mission encourages us to go where we are needed.

“We need to touch the people who are hurting. We need to reach out to the periphery of society. We are not to judge or condemn, but to love. They need our love.”

Bishop Mulvey closed his homily to the faithful with these thoughts, “We must not grow angry. We must reach out in love to others. We need to be the antidote of the poisons of society.”

12 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

Following the conclusion of the Mass, the laity, the Schoenstatt Sisters and Father Langsch proceeded to the former Benedictine Abbey, located on the grounds of Our Lady of Corpus Christi, to unveil a memorial marker honoring Father Kentenich’s visit.

Father Gerold Langsch was blessed to have studied with Father Kentenich the last three years of his life before his death in 1968. Ordained in 1972 in Germany, Father Langsch has lived in the United States since 1973. He is currently serving at St. Paul Parish in Austin.

Father Langsch described the Schoenstatt Movement as building faith within the spiritual community. “The family reflects the Holy Family. The family is the building blocks to God,” he said. “The family is the foundation and the crown” of the Schoenstatt Movement.”

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

She was on fire to serve God fully in community Sister M. Erlinda Pimo, ISSM

F Contributor

ifty years! It is hard to believe that my journey as a Schoenstatt Sister of Mary began so long ago and had taken me halfway around the world! I was born in the Philippines.

My parents were religious and set the foundation for my spiritual openness. I grew up in a Catholic environment and went to Catholic school.

Initially, I had other plans for my life, but God had something better for me. He showed me the way through a priest. This priest told me in a simple and matter of fact way about the needs of the time and the needs of God’s people. He said there was a new modern German community that wanted to work for the renewal of the world as an instrument in Mary’s hand.

Mary, the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen, and Victress of Schoenstatt is the model for this renewal and the mother of the Institute. Mary draws hearts to her Schoenstatt Shrine and offers graces of transformation to those who dedicate themselves to her.

She unites the members in the shrine and strengthens them for the apostolates of the Schoenstatt Movement. The institute is a family-like community where all strive to live in, with, and for one another. Their many and varied apostolic fields demand a dynamic lifestyle.

I was on fire with the idea of serving God fully in and among the people and decided to join this “modern” community founded in 1914. In February 1965, I said goodbye to my family and friends and with another young woman flew to Germany to enter the Secular Institute of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary.

When we arrived, we had to take a rush course learning the German language for about three months. Then we were enrolled

Father Joseph Kentenich, Father and Founder of the Schoenstatt Movement meets with Sister Erlinda Pimo, ISSM in Germany on Aug. 16, 1968.

Contributed photo

in the Schoenstatt Academy for what was known at the time as parish helpers. However, since it was challenging for us to follow the classes in German, we were invited first to begin our postulancy – the initial training to become a sister, and then to continue our studies later.

During postulancy, we were introduced to Father Joseph Kentenich, the Father and Founder of the Schoenstatt Movement.

Of all the qualities of our father and founder, his priestly fatherhood was the

most captivating. He truly reflected the features of God the Father as Jesus taught us in the Bible: a caring fatherliness that gave life, strength, joy and a fatherliness that brought God to us.

In novitiate, among other things we studied theology and philosophy. I reached a point where I started to doubt. Is there really a God, a God who loves us personally?

If there is a God, what does he look like?

Whenever Father Kentenich gave a talk he always seemed to say something new

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 13

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

and beautiful about the Blessed Mother, but what did she really look like, was all of this real?

With a troubled mind, I asked to meet Father Kentenich and hoped to get some answers. As soon as I stepped into his office, he immediately showed his concern. He asked: “How are you? Are you happy here?

Do you have everything you need?” The moment I saw him – up close and not just in a big crowd – I was amazed–mesmerized.

I can say that I felt as if I saw in his face the features of what God could look like. There was a kind of warmth and kindness in his eyes. He listened with all his heart and took my questions seriously.

My question about the Blessed Mother also was answered. After that visit, I can say that all my doubts disappeared. In 1968, a month before he died, together with my classmates, I was officially incorporated into the Sisters’ community in a ceremony presided by Father Kentenich. He also presented me with my mission cross and even blessed it twice.

Father Kentenich proclaimed by the

Church as Servant of God, died on September 15, 1968. “He loved the Church” were the words engraved on his sarcophagus.

This inscription is a testimony of his love for the Church. The process of beatification is pending.

In the spring of 1971, I was sent to the United States province since the Schoenstatt Sisters were not yet established in the Philippines. After having adjusted to American culture, I was transferred to Staten Island, New York and went to college for my degree in Education.

In 1979, I began teaching third grade in a Catholic grade school. I also coordinated the first Communion classes in the parish, both the public school students and my own class. The comments that touched me most when my students graduated was that I had brought them to Jesus and helped them believe. While teaching, I also conducted days of prayer, recollection and pilgrimages.

In 1988, while still working I received my Masters in Education. After ten years of teaching, I became Director of Religious Education for several parishes. As a DRE, I

was involved in ongoing leadership training that enriched my work in the pastoral field.

In 1995, I had the joy of going to the World Youth Day in Manila and came very close to then Pope John Paul II, now a saint.

I also brought the youth of my parish to the World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain.

From there, my group traveled overnight to Portugal and visited the place where the Blessed Mother appeared in Fatima.

Since 2016, I have been happily retired.

I live and work at our Schoenstatt center in Lamar. I help around the house and am the sacristan for the Schoenstatt Shrine and the chapels. I have many opportunities to greet people that visit our shrine and have even organized yearly pilgrimages for the Filipinos who live in the area. In addition to our community prayer times, I am able to have adoration in the shrine where I pray for the needs of the Church and the world and also for the needs of our Diocese of Corpus Christi.

For more information on the Schoenstatt Movement and Shrine visit schoenstatt-texas.org.

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✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

At left, Stanton Vignes from the Sulzer Group and Orlando Zepeda, the diocesan construction manager work together evaluating contractors for the temporary shelters.

Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

Hurricane Harvey Recovery – Where we are today

W

South Texas Catholic

hen Hurricane Harvey made landfall as a Category 4 Hurricane on Aug. 25, 2017, it wreaked costly havoc along the Gulf Coast, including the Diocese of Corpus Christi. By preliminary numbers, Hurricane Harvey is considered to be the most expensive FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) declared event in the United States.

Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Deacon Mark Arnold said, “just in the diocese alone, there is an estimated $35 million in damages to 300 diocesan buildings. We’re talking schools, churches, parish halls, convents, rectories and offices and more that need to be repaired or rebuilt,” he said.

Initially, the diocese was going to manage its recovery efforts by best utilizing the insurance dollars provided by Catholic Mutual (its insurance carrier), but Deacon Arnold and the Diocese Chief Fiscal Officer, Greg Seagrave, performed some research on the FEMA Public Assistance

(PA) program and quickly learned that there could be significant benefits to filing and pursuing a claim for disaster recovery grants.

The PA grants program is a very detailed process that takes specific knowledge and expertise to navigate. To assist with this process, the diocese has engaged a project management firm, the Sulzer Group, to work directly with FEMA and the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) to develop the disaster recovery grants. Team members Randy Allard and Stanton Vignes have been working side by side with Deacon Arnold on a daily basis.

“The diocese doesn’t have the manpower, resources or the expertise to handle a claim of this size,” Vignes said. “I don’t think there’s a Catholic diocese in the U.S. that does.”

In short, the diocese must follow strict guidelines and provide considerable amounts of documentation to be deemed eligible for the repair or replacement of the 300 buildings affected. Once eligible, FEMA transfers the funds earmarked for the diocese to the State of Texas, who then

16 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

manages the grants proceeds and issues reimbursements when costs are incurred.

According to Vignes, this is a reimbursement program.

“FEMA doesn’t just write a check and say here you go, now you can go spend it,” Vignes said. “You have to incur costs, then request reimbursement from the State of Texas, who ultimately issues the check.”

Each FEMA disaster has what is called the Applicant Cost Share, which is expressed as a percentage of the grant amount that is the financial responsibility of the grant recipient. For Hurricane Harvey, the Cost Share is 10%, so FEMA will be providing 90% of the costs incurred for recovery.

On January 23, 2018, the diocese’s Request for Public Assistance was approved

by FEMA and TDEM. In previous FEMA disasters, “houses of worship” were not considered eligible for FEMA funding. However, for the first time in a presidentially declared disaster the Trump Administration and Congress passed legislation making “houses of worship” eligible for reimbursement. “This is great news and opens up a whole new avenue for disaster relief for our

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

parishes,” said Deacon Arnold. “While this may generate a larger more complex claim for the diocese, it will also create a greater opportunity for our recovery efforts.”

Deacon Arnold heads the team, consisting of himself, the Sulzer Group and Orlando Zepeda, the Diocesan Construction/Property Manager. Their initial focus has been on the assessment of damaged facilities, which is done by reviewing insurance claim reports and performing sight visits to determine the damages eligible for FEMA funding. The insurance claim is important because FEMA only funds the difference between the cost of repairs/ replacement and what insurance proceeds are received. “We are waiting on damage reports and our final dispensations from Catholic Mutual. Whatever insurance doesn’t cover that’s when FEMA kicks in,” Deacon Arnold said.

Deacon Arnold explains the process in four stages. “We are in the process of finishing up with STAGE 1, which involves providing temporary facility requests for six diocesan campuses.” Sacred Heart School had portable classrooms placed, but they don’t have raised walkways, an entry canopy or a security system; St. Joseph in Port Aransas needs parish hall offices; Ss. Cyril & Methodius needs temporary classrooms and offices built on the courtyard; St. Mary Star of the Sea Church needs a worship space and food pantry; and St. Peter in Fulton needs a rectory, parish hall, temporary

worship space and offices.

Gignac Architects have completed the design and layout of the temporary facilities for these parishes. “Those drawings and documents will go out for bid by general contractors this week. Once bids are received, we will submit that information to FEMA and start construction immediately after receiving their approval,” Vignes said.

During STAGE 2, the project management team must gather essential elements of information for each property and submit it to FEMA. From this information, FEMA will create grant documents called Project Worksheets for each of the eligible facilities. “Once the diocese and FEMA agree upon the scope of work in the project worksheets, the grant funds are sent to the TDEM and the work can begin to repair or replace the facilities,” Vignes said. “We’ve already conducted site visits with FEMA to evaluate the damages at several of the most significantly damaged parishes and we will continue these assessments until all parishes have been visited and all buildings have been assessed.”

Upon completion and funding of the project worksheets, STAGE 3 begins, which entails design and construction.

“There is a very tight procurement process you have to follow in order to gather bids and award contracts,” Deacon Arnold said.

According to Vignes the “proper procurement process” requires strict adherence

to the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 2 CFR 200. Deviations from these regulations could result in loss of funding or, even worse, repayment of funds reimbursed to the diocese. In either case, it’s a situation that can be avoided by following the correct process. “You can’t just go out and hire someone you know and get them to fix or replace what you want. You have to advertise for it publicly, send out solicitation documents, provide adequate time to review the solicitation, accept proposals, evaluate the proposals, and award contracts that contain specific terms and conditions that meet the Code of Federal Regulations,” Vignes said. “It’s a pretty demanding process.”

During Stage 4, requests for reimbursement are made to the State of Texas for eligible costs incurred on the projects funded by the grants. After all work is completed and costs have been reimbursed, a reconciliation is performed with FEMA and TDEM and the grant is closed.

“We realize the level of devastation suffered by our parishes and understand their desire to perform the necessary repairs or replacements. Thus far, our efforts have been both methodical and strategic. We ask for everyone’s patience and persistence to allow us to navigate this process, the outcome of which can significantly benefit our diocese,” Deacon Arnold. Our team hopes you will continue to pray for us to attain the results we are striving for.

At left, Deacon Mark Arnold and Randy Allard, from the Sulzer Group, evaluating contractors for temporary shelters. Deacon Arnold heads the project management team.

Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 17

†† PARISH LIFE

Parochial Administrator, Father Patrick Higgins, points to where water leaks when it rains at Our Lady of Assumption Church. He said the roof was damaged from Hurricane Harvey and can’t be tarped due to the roofs flat structure. The roof will be replaced.

Corinna Longoria for South Texas Catholic

Despite adversity, parishes remain hopeful Corinna Longoria

D Correspondent

evastation. Destruction. People are struggling on their own to rebuild their lives. It has become the standard for victims of Hurricane Harvey, even as we approach its one-year anniversary.

“A lot of parishioners are struggling on their own to build and rebuild and they have no place to stay,” Gloria Scott said.

“People think that we’re okay but if you look deep into the community, we aren’t.

It’s just become normal.”

As the secretary and director of religious

education at Sacred Heart Church in Rockport, Scott encounters many sad stories from people who are still seeking help.

“Everyday people come to the church office seeking assistance with food, shelter, utility bills and just everything you can think of,” Scott added. “Almost a year out and so many people are still doing without. I have friends who had their homes completely leveled and still haven’t been able to rebuild.”

The parishioners of Sacred Heart were fortunate in that their church building was relatively undamaged. However, the rectory, school, office, parish hall, adult faith

18 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

formation and youth activity buildings were all damaged. Blue tarps abound the church complex, covering roofs that were ripped away during the storm. Despite the damage, Sacred Heart only missed two Sundays after the storm.

Further down the road, at St. Peter’s in Fulton, the parishioners still have not been able to return to their church. To this date they are celebrating Mass at the Dysarz gymnastics facility nearby. The church is now fenced off to prohibit trespassers, its metal roof resembling a can that has been peeled back by a can opener. Nearly a dozen churches in the Coastal Bend were

†† PARISH LIFE

Blue tarps abound Sacred Heart Parish, covering roofs that were ripped away during the storm.

Corinna Longoria for South Texas Catholic

damaged by Hurricane Harvey. A year Heart does what it can to help people. later it is still a waiting game to get their “A woman came in the other day, and facilities restored or repaired. she is expecting a baby. She lives in a Nearby in Ingleside at Our Lady of the camper tent with her two small children.

Assumption, Rev. Patrick Higgins said he She has no electricity and no running dreads rainy weather, because of the exist- water,” she said, sadly shaking her head. ing damage to his church.

“We are not back to normal here. Tivoli, “Shingles were blown off the roof in Refugio, there’s been so much damage.” large sections and the skyline was blown Rev. James Vasquez, pastor at St. Mary away during the hurricane. Every time it Star of the Sea in Aransas Pass said that rains we have a waterfall in the church,” while many of the buildings at his parish Father Higgins said. “Water keeps damag- complex are inoperable, the church is still ing the carpet and creates a moldy smell serving the community however it can. in the church.”

“We still can’t use the parish hall or The Ingleside parish also sustained dam- the food bank building, but today (July age to the rest of the complex, including 9) we were able to have a one-time food the education building, office, rectory, distribution with the help of the Corpus and parish hall. However, they are still Christi Food Bank,” he said. “We haven’t operable, albeit with tarps and patches been able to do that on a monthly basis. to keep the rain out and limit further We anticipate helping 80-100 people with deterioration. this distribution.”

“We were fortunate in that we didn’t Rev. Vasquez said sustain enough damage to close down. I many people in Aransas know that my parishioners are frustrated Pass are still displaced and feel upset that it hasn’t been repaired and have incurred extra yet, but I remind them it is a slow process expenses looking for and we are blessed to be able to still have housing elsewhere which our church. restricts the repairs they “We are also blessed to have the help can make to their homes. of Littleton Group [Insurance] and the “They are trying to get diocese to get us back to where we were their homes fixed, or find before,” he added. a home to go to,” he said.

Even though the churches may not be St. Peter Church in Fulton will have to be 100 percent operable, rebuilt. Much of the debris has been removed they still remain ready and the area has been fenced off. to serve their commuContributed photo nities. Scott said Sacred

“Catholic Charities was out here recently helping people with building materials.

We try to help people the best we can or connect them with organizations that are helping.”

While the Diocese of Corpus Christi works with FEMA to restore the churches, Coastal Bend parishioners bide their time as they look for their way of life to go back to the pre-Harvey days. Despite the adversity and damage they have seen, church officials count on evidence of their faith to remain hopeful. At St. Peter’s the statue of the Blessed Mother and Jesus stands unblemished with her eyes towards the church. Likewise, in Rockport the statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Mother sustained no damage from Harvey.

“This too shall pass and all things are possible with God,” said Scott. “We are banking on that still.”

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 19

†† OUR FAITH

Thank You, Volunteers!

Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic School School from Tyler, Texas Boston Archdiocese Youth Group and Parishioners from Boston, Massachusetts Catholic Daughter Courts Diaconate Current Class of Diocese of Corpus Christi First Christian Church from Edmond, Oklahoma Heart Work Missions from Windsor, Colorado Holy Family Parish from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin Hope College Upward Bound Students and Faculty from Holland, Michigan Humble Cafe, Cindy and Bob Dillard Incarnate Word Academy High School from Corpus Christi, Texas Knights of Columbus Councils Lacrosse Diocese from Lacrosse, Wisconsin Newman Center Students from Texas A&M Corpus Christi Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parishioners from Corpus Christi, Texas Our Lady of Greenwood Parishioners from Greenwood, Indiana Our Lady of Guadalupe Parishioners from Alice Our Lady of Guadalupe Parishioners from Corpus Christi Sacred Heart Parishioners from Mathis; Side By Side Ministries from Minneapolis, Minnesota St. Anne Parish from Kaufman, Texas St. Dominic Savio High School from Austin, Texas St Jerome Parishioners from San Antonio, Texas St Joseph Parishioners from Alice, Texas St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners from West Point Iowa St. Mary’s Parishioners from Holliston, Massachusetts St Matthew Parishishioners from Central Massachusetts St. Matthew from Southborough, Massachusetts St Patrick High School from Providence, Rhode Island St. Pius X Parishioners from Corpus Christi, Texas and many more!

Provided Accommodations for Volunteers Austwell Community Center Austwell and SOLT House Cursillo Center First Baptist Church in Rockport First Christian Church, Corpus Christi First Presbyterian Church in Refugio Pax Christi Institute St John Nepomucene Parish in Robstown St. John Paul II High School

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

A message from ground zero Deacon Richard Longoria Deacon Richard Longoria is Disaster Relief Volunteer Coordinator for the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

I

Contributor

t was a Friday night of terror. Those who stayed were in shock. Windows were shattering. Tree limbs were missiles, crashing into homes and businesses. The wind was alive, a monster, shrieking, howling, destroying. It was August 25 last year and Hurricane Harvey, the strongest storm in more than a decade to hit the United States, was rampaging through Port Aransas, Rockport-Fulton, Aransas Pass, Gregory, Bayside, Lamar, Ingleside, Woodsboro, Refugio, Tivoli, Austwell, and many other Coastal Bend communities.

Harvey left only chaos and destruction throughout the region without regard to rich or poor, powerful or weak. Saturday morning gave way to silence. No birds. No traffic. No sound of a breeze. Trees left standing were stripped bare.

Within hours the people and leaders of the region realized this was a major catastrophe.

Quickly with the leadership of Bishop Michael Mulvey, the Diocese of Corpus Christi organized teams to survey the damage to homes and churches. The task was gargantuan, but not hopeless. Local parishes, Knights, students, Catholic Charities, other Catholic organizations and individuals have responded.

Now we are in midsummer, almost one year after landfall. Where do we stand? What is the status after the diocese has organized local efforts, after organizing efforts from volunteers around the state, and from individuals, parishes and church youth groups from Rhode Island, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Oklahoma and New York.

The answer comes from officials who direct volunteer efforts. Seventy percent of homes in

Port Aransas affected by Harvey remain damaged or unlivable. Of the 16,000 homes in the Rockport-Fulton region affected by Harvey 12,000 are unlivable or in need of extensive repairs. Harvey’s wrath in Refugio-Woodsboro-Tivoli-Austwell region has left 90% of homes impacted by the hurricane destroyed or in need of wide-ranging repairs.

The numbers are sobering. But all this anguish will not separate Harvey victims from the love of Christ, as demonstrated by the outpouring of His love from the volunteers who are responding to the needs of Harvey victims.

Local youth groups from around the country are humbled to know they are the hands and feet of Christ, and yet they say they see the face of Christ in those victims who profusely and tearfully thank them for removing ruined sheet rock and mold, for removing muck and debris, tree limbs and downed trees.

As one parish priest, Father Jim, from Holy Family Parish in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, who accompanied his youth group, reminded his kids they were preachers in the mold of St. Francis. So much still needs to be done. I appeal to all God’s people in our diocese to step forward now, to be the hands and feet of Christ, to offer your charity, your muscle, your smile, your embrace to the victims of Harvey who suffer still, almost one year later.

Like Saint Francis, be preachers of love and service for our suffering neighbors and find joy and peace for them and you.

For more information on how you can help call (361) 446-2291 or email rlongoria@diocesecc.org.

“Without prayer no faith; Without faith no love; Without love no service; Without service no joy, no peace.”

—Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 21

†† VIDA CATÓLICA

22 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

Rebecca Hannan de St. Mary’s en West Point, Iowa para South Texas Catholic

Un mensaje desde la zona cero Diácono Richard Longoria, Contribuyente Gloria Romero, Traductora

E

ra un Viernes, ¡que noche de terror! Aquellos, quienes se quedaron estaban conmocionados. Las ventanas se estrellaban, las ramas de los arboles se convertían en misiles disparados, aplastando casas y negocios. El viento se avivaba, un monstruo aullaba destruyendo y encogiendo los corazones de quienes lo vivían. Era el 25 de Agosto del año pasado y se llamaba Huracán Harvey, la tormenta mas poderosa en mas de una década que ha pegado en Estados Unidos, a su paso devastó Port Aranasas, Rockport, Fulton, Aransas Pass, Gregory, Bayside, Lamar, Ingleside, Woodsboro, Refugio, Tivoli, Austwell y muchas otras comunidades de la banda costera.

Harvey dejó solo caos y destrucción a su paso por la región, sin importar si eras rico o pobre, poderoso o débil. El Sábado por la mañana dió paso al silencio. Sin pájaros, sin trafico, sin el sonido de la brisa ni el rumor de las hojas de los árboles que se quedaron desnudos y rotos.

En cuestión de horas, la gente y los líderes de la región se dieron cuenta de que había sucedido una gran catástrofe.

Rápidamente con el liderazgo del Obispo Michael Mulvey, La Diócesis de Corpus Christi, organizó equipos para estudiar el daño a los hogares y a las iglesias. La tarea era colosal mas no sin esperanza. Las Parroquias locales, los Caballeros, los estudiantes, así como Caridades Católicas y otras organizaciones Católicas e individuales han respondido.

Ahora estamos en pleno verano, a casi un año de la catástrofe y las preguntas surgen, ¿hasta dónde hemos avanzado? ¿Cuál es el estado en que nos encontramos? Después de que la Diócesis de Corpus Christi organizó los equipos de voluntarios alrededor del estado y los esfuerzos locales de parroquias, grupos de jóvenes e individuos provenientes de Rhode Island, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Oklahoma y Nueva York.

La respuesta proviene de los funcionarios que dirigen los

esfuerzos de los voluntarios. El 70% de las casas en Port Aransas afectadas por Harvey permanecen dañadas o inhabitables. De las 16,000 casas en la región de Rockport – Fulton afectadas por Harvey 12,000 son inhabitables o necesitan extensas reparaciones. La furia de Harvey en la región de Refugio – Woodsboro –Tivoli – Austwell, ha dejado el 90% de las viviendas impactadas por el huracán, destruidas o necesitadas de reparaciones de gran envergadura.

Las cifras son aleccionantes. Pero toda esta angustia no separa a las victimas de Harvey del amor de Cristo, como lo han demostrado derramando amor, los voluntarios que han respondido a las necesidades de las victimas de Harvey. Grupos juveniles, locales y de todo el país, se sienten honrados al pensar que son las manos y los pies de Cristo y además dicen que ven el rostro de Cristo en esas victimas que llorando agradecen al mismo tiempo que ayudan quitando las chapas, las paredes enlodadas y escombros, así como ramas y arboles caídos.

Como uno de los Sacerdotes, el Padre Jim, Párroco de la Sagrada Familia en Prairie du Chein, WI, quien acompañó a su grupo de jóvenes y les recordó que ellos también eran predicadores e imitadores de San Francisco.

Todavía es mucho lo que queda por hacer. Hago un llamado a todo el pueblo de Dios en nuestra diócesis, para que se apunten y se conviertan en las manos y pies de Cristo, para ofrecer su caridad, su fuerza muscular, su sonrisa, su abrazo a las victimas de Harvey, que a casi un año del desastre aún sufren sus perdidas.

Como San Francisco, sean predicadores de amor y servicio para nuestros vecinos que sufren y en haciendo, encuentren paz y alegría para ellos y para ustedes.

Para obtener más información sobre cómo ayudar, llame al (361) 446-2291 o envíe un correo electrónico a rlongoria@diocesecc.org.

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 23

†† VIDA CATÓLICA

Las publicaciones de la junta de necesidades se muestran en el Centro de Voluntarios del Condado de Refugio. Cada publicación representa a un residente o empresa que necesita ayuda debido a la destrucción causada por el huracán Harvey en agosto del año pasado.

La necesidad de voluntarios sigue siendo crucial.

†† VIDA CATÓLICA

Carlos De La Rosa

Daniel Flores

Aaron Lugo

Ruben Riojas

Michael Golla

Raymond Pendleton

Charles Silvas

Deacon Richard Gutierrez

Matthew Perales

Thomas Swierc

Luis Lozano

Deacon Ramiro Regalado, Jr.

Michael Winterroth

El Apoyo económico ayuda a los seminaristas en su camino al sacerdocio Omar Becerra, Corresponsal Gloria Romero, Traductora

R

aymond Pendleton, creía que cumplía con sus obligaciones como católico asistiendo solo a Misa los domingos, al mismo tiempo que trabajaba en la capilla y centro Newman: Santo Tomas de Aquino, como estudiante de la Universidad Texas A&M en Kingsville. Pero entonces, algo pasó que cambió su vida y cayó enamorado de la Iglesia.

“Empecé a ir a misa diariamente,” dijo Pendleton. “Empecé a enamorarme del

servicio hacia aquellos que me rodeaban.

Me encanta ese aspecto del sacerdocio.”

Después de hablar con el Padre Joseph López de la Parroquia de Santa Gertrudis en Kingsville, Pendleton decidió solicitar a la Diócesis de Corpus Christi su entrada al Seminario. Actualmente, está en su cuarto año de estudios. El recibe apoyo financiero del “Burse Club,” fondo que sostiene un grupo de damas dedicado a los seminaristas. Con ello les ayudan a pagar sus gastos y su educación hasta que son ordenados sacerdotes, un camino que les lleva 9 años

24 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

Director vocacional Padre Romeo Salinas

para ser completada su preparación.

El Concilio Diocesano de Mujeres Católicas estableció desde 1949 un fondo financiero, el cual apoya a 13 seminaristas el próximo año.

Mas tarde, este concilio Diocesano de damas católicas formó un club en 1985, al que se conoce como “Burse Club” bajo la dirección del Obispo Rene H. Gracida.

La Misión del “Burse Club” o club de fondos financieros, es elevar la consciencia de la necesidad de este fondo para asegurar su continuidad a través de tarifas de

†† VIDA CATÓLICA

membresía y colectas publicas.

Sin un fondo económico y un sistema de apoyo, el costo del entrenamiento para los seminaristas en vías al sacerdocio tendría que venir directamente del presupuesto diocesano o de alguna otra Fuente. Dijo el Padre Romeo Salinas, Director de Vocaciones de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi, añadiendo que el dinero no debería ser una piedra en el camino para los posibles sacerdotes.

“Necesitamos sacerdotes para ayudar a la gente,” dijo el Padre Salinas. “Necesitamos educarlos y necesitamos la ayuda para costear su educación.”

El fondo es administrado como una dote. Solo los intereses percibidos por la suma principal pueden ser usados. El balance de los dividendos e intereses pagan la inscripción del Seminarista, así como su hospedaje, viajes, retiros y necesidades básicas como ropa y artículos de uso diario.

Los seminaristas también reciben seguro médico y una mensualidad para sus gastos.

El año pasado, los dividendos e intereses del “Burse Fund” o fondo financiero, cubrieron aproximadamente el 30% del presupuesto de la Oficina de Vocaciones,

lo cual incluye la inscripción y el hospedaje de diez seminaristas.

De acuerdo al Padre Salinas quien supervisa los gastos y el uso de esos fondos, el costo de la inscripción y hospedaje de un seminarista varia de $40,000 a $65,0000 dependiendo del Colegio al que asistan y su locación.

Algunas de estas escuelas donde los seminaristas de Corpus Christi se registran incluyen el Seminario San José en Louisiana, el Seminario de la Santísima Trinidad en Dallas, el Seminario Asunción en San Antonio, el Colegio Teológico en Washington D. C. y el Colegio Pontifício Norteamericano en Roma.

Además de las contribuciones de los miembros del “Burse Club,” el Concilio Diocesano de mujeres Católicas (DCCW) recibe las colectas mensuales que se levantan en las parroquias y sostienen el fondo anual.

Martha Orem, miembro y Expresidenta del Concilio (DCCW) dijo que su organización le presentará al obispo Mulvey los fondos obtenidos en 2017 y 2018 en su convención de Noviembre.

El pasado 8 de Julio, el Obispo Michael

Mulvey, introdujo a los seminaristas durante la misa del “Burse Club”, en la Catedral de Corpus Christi al mismo tiempo, reconoció las contribuciones y ayuda que proveen para la educación de los seminaristas de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi.

El Padre Salinas dijo que el “Burse Club” y el Concilio Diocesano de mujeres católicas (DCCW) son muy importantes para la comunidad porque de su esfuerzo se obtiene el dinero necesario para apoyar a los seminaristas diocesanos.

Por su parte Pendleton, expresó gratitud por este apoyo “Solo quiero decir Gracias a los miembros del “Burse Club”. Dijo Pendleton, “Hay mucha gente que me acompaña en este viaje spiritual y en mi camino al Sacerdocio, los miembros del Burse Club son parte definitiva de este viaje.

El Padre Romeo Salinas y el director Fisal Gegor Seagrave contribuyeron a este articulo. Para mas información de como contribuir al fondo de seminaristas de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi contacte a Edith Balderas, en la Oficina de Vocaciones al (361) 882-6191 o ebalderas@diocesecc.org.

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 25

†† VIDA CATÓLICA

Los delegados diocesanos del V Encuentro se reunieron con su nuevo director; Jaime Reina el 14 de Julio en el Instituto Pax Christi para discutir ideas y prepararse para la Conferencia Nacional que tendrá lugar en Grapevine, Texas del 20 al 23 de septiembre, 2018. En la foto, desde la izquierda, Stephanie Gallegos, Lindy Nawrocki, la hermana Teresa Díaz, PCI, Carolina Garza y Fred Garza.

Gloria Romero para South Texas Catholic

Reunión Nacional del V Encuentro Judy Keane, Catholic News Agency Gloria Romero, Traducción

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a Conferencia Nacional de Obispos Católicos (USCCB) ha convocado una reunión para mas de 3000 delegados provenientes de todas partes de Estados Unidos con el fin de reunirse en Grapevine, Texas. del 20 al 23 de septiembre con motivo del V Encuentro Nacional para el Ministerio Pastoral Hispano/Latino.

Con el tema: “Discípulos Misioneros, Testigos del Amor de Dios” esperan alcanzar algunas conclusiones cruciales para la Iglesia Católica en América, como respuesta al creciente número de población hispano/ Latina, en Estados Unidos.

El evento de 4 días se enfocará en el discernimiento y maneras mediante las cual la Iglesia en Estados Unidos puede responder en su mejor capacidad a la presencia hispano/ latina, al mismo tiempo que fortalecer

en los hispanos/latinos su respuesta al llamado a ser Discípulos Misioneros.

La Reunión será encabezada por los obispos y delegados en los papeles de liderazgo diocesano, pero también, participarán los líderes de Movimientos Eclesiásticos Católicos y las Organizaciones e Instituciones Católicas, de todo el país.

La actividad prioritaria de la Conferencia Nacional de Obispos (USCCB), es elaborar un plan estratégico para los años del 2017 al 2020.

El propósito del evento en Grapevine, es la culminación de un proceso de dos años de Evangelización, Misión y Consulta, a través de una serie de eventos regionales y diocesanos llevados a cabo en 9 regiones y 143 Diócesis de Estados Unidos.

Hasta ahora tanto los Encuentros Regionales como los Diocesanos han tenido una asistencia de más de 51,000 lideres

26 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

participantes, y más de 26,000 personas han sido entrenadas para ser Discípulos Misioneros.

Actualmente el 40% de los 74 millones de personas que se identifican como católicos en Estados Unidos, son latinos, esto es en base a los resultados de las encuestas realizadas por: el Instituto de Investigaciones Religiosas públicas y el Centro de Investigación de presencias físicas, que se ajusta a un modelo, propio del V Encuentro y al equipo de investigación que asume la afiliación de niños que no fueron incluidos en las encuestas.

El Obispo Michael F. Olson de la Diócesis de Fort Worth será el anfitrión del evento nacional que se llevará a cabo en Grapevine, Texas, del 20 al 23 de septiembre.

Para obtener mas detalles a cerca del V Encuentro Nacional, por favor visite la pagina; vencuentro.org.

†† VIDA CATÓLICA

MENSAJE DEL OBISPO

Sé faro de luz

E

l paso destructivo del huracán Harvey impactó a innumerables vidas en toda la región de la Costa del Golfo de Texas, incluyendo a cientos de familias y comunidades dentro de nuestra diócesis. En los días, semanas siguientes, visité las comunidades parroquiales más devastadas y desplazadas y hablé con muchas víctimas afectadas por esta tragedia. Sus historias fueron desgarradoras. La catástrofe tuvo el poder de romper nuestro espíritu.

El regreso a la normalidad para muchos en nuestra diócesis sigue siendo un desafío. Muchos hogares y parroquias todavía no han visto muchas reparaciones ni la ayuda que necesitan de manera adecuada. Todavía hay algunos que carecen de las necesidades basicas, como comida y agua corriente. No perdamos fortaleza porque ustedes no estan solos. Somos un cuerpo, cuando un miembro se lastima, todo el cuerpo lo siente. Entonces, continuémos siendo ese ejemplo de santidad en estos tiempos difíciles. Lo peor que podemos hacer es dejar pasar solo miradas fugaces sin hacer caso de aquellos que necesitan nuestra ayuda. Como cristianos, es nuestro deber extender una mano y levantar a los humildes.

Incluso aún a un año después de la tormenta, continúo siendo testigo de una gran capacidad de recuperación, creatividad en el intento de soluciones, y gran generosidad de los que están cerca y lejos.

El mes pasado, tuvimos la alegría de reconocer a muchas personas y organizaciones por sus contribuciones en los esfuerzos de recuperación. Cada uno de ellos era un signo del amor de Dios a las personas que tocaban con su generosidad. Gente que refleja el amoroso cuidado de Dios por sus hijos.

Durante el verano, aproximadamente 300 jóvenes voluntarios han venido y han respondido concretamente a los esfuerzos de ayuda.

En marzo de 2018 en su exhortación apostólica ¡Regocíjate y alégrate! El Llamado a la Santidad, el Papa Francisco nos recuerda nuestro llamado a la Santidad. El señala cinco signos de santidad.

• Fundamentado. Estar sólidamente arraigados en Dios nos da la fuerza interior para ser un “testigo de la santidad” a través de la paciencia y la constancia haciendo el bien.

• Alegre. El resultado necesario del amor de la caridad es la alegría; • Franco. Estamos llamados a proclamar que Cristo es el Señor con valentía, entusiasmo y fervor apostólico; • Comunal. El crecimiento en santidad es un viaje en comunidad, al lado de otros; • Devoto. La oración implica escuchar y hablar. El silencio es importante cuando discernimos a dónde el Señor nos está llamando. Sin embargo, no debemos ser reacios a pedirle a Dios su ayuda en oraciones de súplica, orando por nuestras necesidades y las de los demás.

Mientras que el Papa Francisco nos da el conocimiento para ser santos, tenemos la oportunidad y la opción de ser ese ejemplo, ese faro de luz para los necesitados.

He sido testigo de estas señales de santidad en nuestros feligreses y en la unidad que construyeron dentro del Cuerpo de Cristo. He visto la alegría de los muchos voluntarios que vienen de visita. He visto a la comunidad unirse maravillosamente en su esfuerzo por ayudar a las víctimas. Cuando respondemos al llamado de Dios a la santidad, no solo vemos estos signos, sino que vemos cómo impactan a la comunidad en general. +Reverendísimo Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Obispo de Corpus Christi August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 27

Ayudenos a Prevenir el Abuso Financiero

Help Us Prevent Financial Abuse

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.

The Diocese of Corpus Christi at the recommendation of the Diocesan Finance Council and Presbyteral Council has furthered their commitment to good stewardship and financial accountability on behalf of generous donors by instituting a financial abuse hotline.

The Diocese of Corpus Christi has selected an independent third party, The Network, to provide you with a new way to anonymously and confidentially report financial abuse and fraud. Employees, parishioners, volunteers, vendors and other interested parties are encouraged to report concerns they have regarding financial misconduct within the Diocese of Corpus Christi. All inquiries will be treated promptly and discreetly. Callers will have the right to remain anonymous.

Call 1-877-571-9748

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

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.

Ss. Cyril & Methodius

AGAPE Religious Gift Shop at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church

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

“Con Permiso”

Programa de Radio en Español en KLUX 89.5 HD-1 y “Listen Live” en KLUX.org Domingos a las 7:30 a.m. con el P. Julian Cabrera y Gloria Romero

28 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

All New Merchandise • A.C.T.S. • Silver Jewelry NEW HOURS: Sunday: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 3-7 p.m.

Monday and Wednesday: 8-11 a.m. & 3-8 p.m.

Tuesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday: 8-11 a.m. & 3-7 p.m.

3210 S.P.I.D.

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(361) 854-1853

†† NATIONAL NEWS

Dioscesan V Encuentro delegates from left, Isabel Jones, Stephanie Gallegos, Lindy Nawrocki, Sister Teresa Diaz, PCI, Carolina Garza and Fred Garza discuss the needs of the Hispanic community in the Diocese of Corpus Christi on July 14 at Pax Christi Institute. The group will be going to the upcoming national conference on Sept. 20-23 in Grapevine, Texas.

Gloria Romero for South Texas Catholic

Gathering of Catholic bishops and delegates at V National Encuentro Judy Keane

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United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

his September, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will be convening a gathering of more than 3,000 delegates from across the U.S. for the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry with the theme, “Missionary Disciples: Witnesses of God’s Love.”

The event will be a crucial turning-point for the Catholic Church in America and its response to the growing numbers of Latino Catholics in the United States. The four-day event will focus on discerning ways in which the Church in the U.S. can better respond to the Hispanic/Latino presence and strengthen the ways in which Hispanics/Latinos respond to the call to missionary discipleship. It will be led by U.S. bishops and delegates in diocesan leadership roles from across the country as well as leaders of Catholic ecclesial movements and Catholic organizations and institutions.

As a priority activity of the USCCB’s Strategic Plan for

2017-2020, the event is the culmination of a two-year process of evangelization, mission and consultation through a series of Regional and Diocesan Encuentro’s held thus far in 9 regions and 143 U.S. dioceses. So far, the Regional and Diocesan Encuentro’s have had more than 51,000 leaders participate, and more than 26,000 people have been trained as missionary disciples.

Currently, Latinos make up 40 percent of the 74 million self-identifying Catholics in the United States, based on a weighted average of recent surveys from the Public Religion Research Institute and the Pew Research Center, adjusted by a proprietary model of the V Encuentro Research Team to include the imputed affiliation of children who were not included in the surveys.

Bishop Michael F. Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth will be hosting the national event that will be held in Grapevine, Texas, from Sept. 20-23.

For more details about the V National Encuentro, please visit vencuentro.org.

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 29

30  South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

†† VATICAN

Syrian refugees on the Syria Turkey border.

Thomas Koch, Shutterstock, Catholic News Agency

Holy See hopes UN migration agreement will defend human dignity

T

Catholic News Agency

he Vatican’s representative at the United Nations expressed hope that a new UN agreement on best practices for international migration will guarantee respect for the human dignity of all migrants.

Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the UN, spoke July 13 at the concluding session of intergovernmental negotiations on migration, the culmination of a nearly two-year process.

“This first-ever comprehensive framework on migration will serve as the international reference point for best practices and international cooperation in the global management of migration, not only for Governments, but also for non-governmental entities among which are the faith-based organizations, who are truly the hands and feet on the ground to assist migrants in difficulty,” said Auza.

The agreement -- the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration -- details 23 international objectives, including the eradication of human trafficking and “use of migration detention only as a measure of last resort.”

Since 2000, more than 60,000 people have died in their attempt to migrate, according to the International Organization of Migration’s research on migrant deaths and disappearances.

The Vatican representative told the UN that “Pope Francis encapsulates these shared responsibilities and solidarity in four verbs: to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate.”

“This Global Compact will make it more difficult for anyone — States, civil society or anyone of us — to be unaware of the challenges that people on the move face and to fail to meet our shared responsibilities towards them, in particular toward those most in need of our solidarity,” continued Auza.

Auza quoted Pope Francis’ Mass for Migrants homily on July 6.

“Before the challenges of contemporary movements of migration, the only reasonable response is one of solidarity and mercy . . .

A just policy is one at the service of the person, of every person involved; a policy that provides for solutions that can ensure security, respect for the rights and dignity of all; a policy concerned for the good of one’s own country, while taking into account that of others in an ever more interconnected world.”

The archbishop added that the Catholic Church “will continue to commit itself fully to the benefit of migrants, always respecting their rights and human dignity.”

The global compact on migration will be formally adopted at a UN meeting in Marrakech, Morocco on Dec. 10-11. Following a decision by the Trump administration, the United States withdrew from the negotiations in December 2017.

“The Holy See nurtures the hope that the Global Compact will not only be a matter of good migration management, but truly be, as is its ultimate purpose, a significant step forward in the service of the person, not only of every migrant, but for all of humanity,” concluded the archbishop.

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 31

LIVING LOVE †† OUR FAITH

BISHOP MULVEY INVITES YOU TO A DIOCESAN DAY OF REFLECTION ABOUT CHASTITY AND THE DIGNITY THE HUMAN PERSON

FEATURING:

TALK TOPICS: HUMAN DIGNTY ROOTED IN CHRIST IDENTITY IN CHRIST: RISING ABOVE LABELS SAFEGAURDING OUR MARRIAGES CHASTE LIVING IN THE SINGLE LIFE

OCTOBER 20, 2018 8AM-4PM AT RICHARD BORCHARD ARENA 1213 TERRY SHAMSIE BOULEVARD, ROBSTOWN, TX 78380 REGISTER ONLINE AT DIOCESECC.ORG/LIVINGLOVETRUTH

FMI on this event contact: (361) 882-6191 or visit diocesecc.org/livinglovetruth Follow us on Facebook /lfldiocesecc 32 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

Elizabeth Nguyen

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Contributor

Elizabeth Nguyen is the Diocesan Director of the Office of Laity, Family and Life.

n all my years of working with young people, first as a teacher and now as a diocesan director of family life, I have noticed that chastity is a misunderstood virtue. Today, it seems like everywhere we turn there are messages about “following your heart” and “being true to yourself.”

While these phrases sound good, they’re not helpful when it comes to protecting ourselves from harm. These cultural phrases we commonly find in popular entertainment lead us into being deceived by our feelings which are fleeting and unpredictable.

On the other hand, our culture warns us about other dangerous behaviors. The phrase, “think before you drink” might be one that we’ve heard before. It urges us to use our minds and think about the consequences of the action we are considering at the time.

The problem is that while we have many phrases that warn us about dangerous behaviors, we don’t often consider that there are behaviors that our culture no longer believes to be dangerous, and most of these have to do with our sexual morality.

Since the dawn of the sexual revolution in the 1960’s, we’ve been told these rules and restrictions were made up to prevent us from being happy and fulfilled. Many times, we’re even told that not expressing our sexual feelings is dangerous and leads to psychological harm.

So, when the Church urges us to practice the virtue of chastity, we take that to mean that we have to say “no” to participating in activities that promise great freedom and fulfillment in our modern age.

If that’s all we understand about the virtue of chastity, it’s no wonder why we are struggling to live it.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, chastity is “the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being.” This definition means that chastity can be achieved and maintained when a person acts in a way that tells the truth about one’s body in union with one’s state in life.

Chastity is not just saying “no” to sex. It is so

much more. Living a chaste life allows us the freedom to love fully. It provides us with the opportunity to develop friendships built on mutual respect. It respects who we are as creations made in the image and likeness of God, and it fulfills our desires at a much deeper level than what a moment of empty self-gratification could ever provide.

How do we know what chaste-living looks like?

First, we look to our loving Creator who gives us some perfect directions. At a natural level, we can observe our bodies and what they were designed to do. Men and women have a beautiful complementarity that is demonstrated through their physical bodies. Men’s bodies communicate gift and women’s bodies communicates receptivity. Men’s bodies are strong and protective.

Women’s bodies are soft and nurturing.

Through revelation in scripture, we see that men and women are both made in the image and likeness of God and made for one another. “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of ‘her man’ this one has been taken” (Gen 3:25).

We also learn that marriage is required in order for sexual union and any children that might come should be protected in a bond. “When a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall pay her marriage price and marry her,” Exodus 22:15.

Finally, we learn that marriage (according to the new law in Christ that fulfills and perfects the old law) is indissoluble. “But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.

For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother [and be joined to his wife], and the two shall become one flesh. So, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human must separate” (Mark 10: 5-9).

Both naturally and spiritually, we have indications that men and women were made for one another. We also have guidance that any sexual activity is to be protected by the bond of marriage and that this bond is made sacred and indissoluble by God. Chastity is this practice of understanding and living according to God’s plan for our sexuality.

Married couples face many threats to chaste August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 33

†† OUR FAITH

Chastity, a virtue of love

†† OUR FAITH

living in our modern age. Contraceptive use and sterilization practices are widely used and considered a socially acceptable way to control family size.

While being seriously sinful, these practices also become obstacles to practicing chastity within marriage.

Couples often begin to suffer from lack of communication or feelings of being mere objects for their spouse’s pleasure. This is because the total gift of self that is communicated in the sexual act is being compromised by another message of denial. While pretending to give completely, spouses that cut off their gifts of fertility to one another withhold parts of themselves.

It is no accident that the rate of divorce has increased since the widespread use of contraceptives and sterilization practices. Couples who have a need to delay having children or space births or who might have a serious condition that prevents them from being able to carry or care for more children can benefit from natural methods of family planning that make use of scientific methods of fertility tracking to avoid physical intimacy on those days in a woman’s cycle when she is fertile.

Natural family planning is a great way to help build the virtue of chastity in a marriage because each time the couple comes together, they are giving themselves entirely to one other while discerning God’s plan for their family.

Another obstacle to living out chastity is the use of pornography. Pornography works like a drug in the brain, always requiring more stimulation with each exposure to get to that next high. With repeated use, pornography

desensitizes a person’s natural desires and replaces them with unnatural, disordered desires. With the saturation of pornography on the internet, many children are exposed to their first images at a very young age and can continue to develop the habit into adulthood, where it often becomes a struggle in their married relationship.

Far from being a tool to “spice up” a couple’s intimate life, pornography actually works against excitement between the couple. Breaking the bonds of pornography addiction requires constant vigilance and a deep commitment to fostering the virtue of chastity.

In recent decades, our culture has begun to promote homosexual behavior as misunderstood and even virtuous. Proponents of so-called “gay” marriage and lifestyles are quick to condemn anyone who would question this behavior that runs contrary to our human nature, as men and women created in the image and likeness of God. Nature has revealed to us the goodness of God’s creation. The study of biology tells us that the only sexual encounters that have a possibility of being fruitful are those between a man and a woman. Biblically, fruitfulness has always been a sign of health and blessing, whereas sterility has always caused mourning and concern.

Couples who struggle with infertility know of this cross that has not been chosen by them. Like Abram and Sarai, Jacob and Rachel, Elkanah and Hannah, and Zachariah and Elizabeth, they yearn for God to bless them with children.

For these couples, infertility cannot be

34 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

predicted because their biology communicates that their bodies should be capable of producing children.

However, same-sex couples know from the beginning of their relationship that any encounters that would give them pleasure are always going to end in sterility. In engaging in this behavior, they know that any attempts to have children can only happen from some intervention from the outside. A samesex sexual relationship is always going to be empty because it is a relationship without possibility. It is a relationship without hope.

What does provide hope to people who struggle with sins against chastity, whether they are single, married, addicted to pornography, or same-sex attracted is that Christ gives us all the necessary grace to keep striving to live properly-ordered and virtuous lives.

Bishop Mulvey would like to invite everyone in our diocese to continue this conversation about chastity. He has requested that we have a Diocesan Day of Reflection to listen to skilled speakers talk about chastity in a way that is full of joy and hope.

Hudson Byblow, featured in the YOU program from Ascension Press that leads young people through Theology of the Body, is going to be the keynote presenter for the day. He will also be available to speak in other areas in our diocese for the five days he’s visiting us.

Please consider joining us in the conversation on October 20 at the Richard Borchard Center Area in Robstown. Information is available on the diocesan website at diocesecc.org/livinglovetruth.

1 | Wed | Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Jer 15:10, 16-21/ Mt 13:44-46 (403) 2 | Thu | Weekday | green/white/ white [Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop; Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Priest] Jer 18:1-6/Mt 13:47-53 (404) 3 | Fri | Weekday | green | Jer 26:1-9/ Mt 13:54-58 (405) 4 | Sat | Saint John Vianney, Priest | white | Memorial | Jer 26:11-16, 24/ Mt 14:1-12 (406) 5 | SUN | EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Ex 16:2-4, 12-15/Eph 4:17, 20-24/Jn 6:24-35 (113) Pss II 6 | Mon | The Transfiguration of the Lord | white | Feast | Dn 7:9-10, 13-14/2 Pt 1:16-19/Mk 9:2-10 (614) Pss Prop 7 | Tue | Weekday | green/red/ white [Saint Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, Martyrs; Saint Cajetan, Priest] Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22/Mt 14:22-36 or 15:1-2, 10-14 (408) 8 | Wed | Saint Dominic, Priest

1 28

| white | Memorial | Jer 31:1-7/Mt 15:21-28 (409) 9 | Thu | Weekday | green/red [Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr] Jer 31:31-34/Mt 16:13-23 (410) 10 | Fri | Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr | red | Feast | 2 Cor 9:610/Jn 12:24-26 (618) Pss Prop 11 | Sat | Saint Clare, Virgin | white | Memorial | Hb 1:12—2:4/Mt 17:14-20 (412) 12 | SUN | NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green 1 Kgs 19:4-8/Eph 4:30—5:2/Jn 6:41-51 (116) Pss III 13 | Mon | Weekday | green/ red [Saints Pontian, Pope, and Hippolytus, Priest, Martyrs] Ez 1:2-5, 24-28c/Mt 17:22-27 (413) 14 | Tue | Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr | red | Memorial | Ez 2:8—3:4/Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 (414) 15 | Wed | THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY | white | Solemnity | [Holyday of Obligation] Vigil: 1 Chr 15:3-4, 15-16;

Alzheimer’s & General Support Group • Aug. 1 and every first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at SCC River Ridge Nursing Rehab Center located at 3922 West River Dr. (off FM 624) in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 767-2000.

• Aug. 7 and every first Tuesday of the month at St. Paul United Church of Christ (5525 Lipes) in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 883-3935.

• Aug. 8 and every second Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m. at Lindale Center/Caregiver SOS located on 3133 Swantner St. in Corpus Christi. For more in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 826-2343.

• Aug. 9 and every second Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. at Mirador Plaza (back side of facility) located at 5857 Timbergate Drive in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 883-3935.

• Aug. 14 and every second Tuesday

16:1-2/1 Cor 15:54b-57/Lk 11:27-28 (621) Day: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/1 Cor 15:20-27/Lk 1:39-56 (622) Pss Prop 16 | Thu | Weekday | green/white [Saint Stephen of Hungary] Ez 12:112/Mt 18:21—19:1 (416) 17 | Fri | Weekday | green | Ez 16:1-15, 60, 63 or 16:59-63/Mt 19:3-12 (417) 18 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] Ez 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32/Mt 19:13-15 (418) 19 | SUN | TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Prv 9:1-6/ Eph 5:15-20/Jn 6:51-58 (119) Pss IV 20 | Mon | Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Ez 24:15-24/Mt 19:16-22 (419) 21 | Tue | Saint Pius X, Pope | white | Memorial | Ez 28:1-10/Mt 19:23-30 (420) 22 | Wed | The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary | white | Memorial | Ez 34:1-11/Mt 20:1-16 (421) 23 | Thu | Weekday | green/white [Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin] Ez 36:23-

at 6 p.m. at Woodridge Nursing & Rehab Center located at 600 So. Hillside Dr. in Beeville. For more information call (361) 358-8880.

• Aug. 16 and every third Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Ed & Hazel Richmond Public Library Central Library, located on 110 N. Lamont Street in Aransas Pass.

For more information call (361) 883-3935.

• Aug. 21 and every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at Brookdale (formerly Homewood Residence) located at 6410 Meadow Vista in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 980-0208.

Facilitator is Anita Valle.

• Aug. 23 and every fourth Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at Kleberg County Nursing & Rehab located on 316 General Cavazos Blvd. in Kingsville. For more information call (361) 883-3935.

• Aug. 28 and every fourth Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. at Alice Public Library (401 E. Third Street) in Alice. For more information call (361) 883-3935.

28/Mt 22:1-14 (422) 24 | Fri | Saint Bartholomew, Apostle | red | Feast | Rv 21:9b-14/ Jn 1:45-51 (629) Pss Prop 25 | Sat | Weekday | green/white/ white/white [Saint Louis; Saint Joseph Calasanz, Priest; BVM] Ez 43:1-7ab/Mt 23:1-12 (424) 26 | SUN | TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Jos 24:12a, 15-17, 18b/Eph 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32/Jn 6:60-69 (122) Pss I 27 | Mon | Saint Monica | white | Memorial | 2 Thes 1:1-5, 11-12/Mt 23:13-22 (425) 28 | Tue | Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | 2 Thes 2:1-3a, 14-17/Mt 23:23-26 (426) 29 | Wed | The Passion of Saint John the Baptist | red | Memorial | 2 Thes 3:6-10, 16-18 (427)/Mk 6:17-29 (634) Pss Prop 30 | Thu | Weekday | green | 1 Cor 1:1-9/Mt 24:42-51 (428) 31 | Fri | Weekday | green | 1 Cor 1:17-25/Mt 25:1-13 (429)

1 Bereavement Support Group Aug. 1 and every Wednesday (except Aug. 15) from 6-7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish (304 S. Caldwell St.) in Falfurrias will begin a 9-week program for those who have lost loved ones: children, spouses, relatives. This program is our way of trying to help those in the process of grieving. For more information call the parish office at (361) 325-3455 or email schcfal@outlook.com.

2

Holy Hour followed by a healing Mass Aug. 2 and every first Thursday of the month from 5-6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel Jesus Nazareno in Corpus Christi.

2

Women’s Retreat at OLCC Aug. 2-5 from Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Take a quiet vacation with Jesus and let your spirit be renewed, Register at deepprayer.org or call (361) 2899095, ext. 321.

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August Liturgical Calendar

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2 28

4

Catholic Charities Immigration Services Aug. 2-28 and every Thursday starting at 7:30 a.m. at Catholic Charities (615 Oliver Court) to discuss client eligibility according to USCIS qualifications. The first 15 people who sign in will be seen in order of arrival; there is a $25 consultation fee.

Information on government and legal fees as well as needed documents are given to persons who qualify for an immigration process.

Secular Franciscan Gathering Aug. 4 and every first Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral Room 4.

Come and see if you are being called to a vocation as a Secular Franciscan.

If you are already professed, are you looking for a local fraternity? For more information contact Liz at (936) 3441353 or email ofscctx@gmail.com.

4 6 14

7

Blue Army Mass Aug. 4 and every first Saturday of the month from 10-11 a.m. in the Jesus Nazareno Chapel at Sacred Heart in Corpus Christi.

For more information call the church at (361) 883-6082 or email sacredheartchurch001@stx.rr.com.

St. Patrick Assumption Novena Aug. 6-14 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Church (3350 S. Alameda). An annual Novena in preparation for the Blessed Mother’s Assumption into Heaven.

Each day we will hear a homily about one of the Blessed Mother’s Virtues.

After Mass, we will pray the rosary and Novena Prayer. On the weekend, the special meditation, rosary and novena prayer will be after the 5:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass and the 6 p.m. Sunday Mass. For more information call the parish at (361) 855-7391.

Aug. 7 and every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the St. John Paul II Conference Room at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Rectory (5830 Williams Drive).

This new 7-week session is from July 31-Sept. 18. It has a clear beginning and end with the same group of individuals meeting together during those sessions. These sessions are intended for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one.

For more information call Chaplain Ray Claveria at (361) 215-4395.

7 29

Bible Study at St. Patrick Church

10

Healing Mass and Prayer Service

Aug. 7-29 and every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at St. Patrick Church, Our Lady of Knock Hall (the corner of S. Alameda and Rossiter Street.) For more information call the parish office at (361) 855-7391.

Aug. 10 and every second Friday of the month at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church (1123 Main Drive) in Corpus Christi. Call the parish office with questions (361) 241-2004.

17

Cafe Veritas (attached to Our Lady of Corpus Christi’s Bookstore) from 8-9:30 p.m. All music led by talented local musicians. For more information call (361) 289-0807.

OLPH Bereavement & Grief Support Ministry

Refuge of Hope 11th Annual Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction

18

Natural Family Planning (NFP)

23

Men’s Retreat

28

Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children Support Group

&

30

Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. at Richard Borchard Fairgrounds. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and $350 per table. Deadline to register is Aug. 6. RSVP today at refugeofhopecc.org/support.

17

6 Tea Time and Book Study 27 18 Aug. 6-27 and every Monday from 12:30-2 p.m. at Schoenstatt Movement Center in Corpus Christi.

“Brushstrokes of a Father” Reading: Volume 2 Reading about Father Joseph Kentenich, Founder of the Schoenstatt Movement. We read about his life as a child, seminarian, teacher and priest.

36 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

Healing Retreat Aug. 17-19 begins Friday at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana). The weekend consists of a series of talks on healing, periods of quiet reflection asking God to reveal where we need healing, and concludes with a Healing Service.

Register deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

Grounded in Truth Aug. 18 and every third Saturday of the month. An hour of Adoration with Praise and Worship in the OLCC Perpetual Adoration Chapel 7-8 p.m., followed by music and fellowship in

1

Aug. 18 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at 1426 Baldwin Blvd in Corpus Christi. NFP allows couples to plan pregnancies while following the teachings of the Church and respecting the gift of their married love. For more information visit Diocesecc.org/nfp.

Aug. 23-26 begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana).

A weekend to go deeper in our relationship with Our Lord through the power of prayer and silence.

Register deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321

• Aug. 28 on the last Tuesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. at Greenwood Senior Center (4040 Greenwood Drive). For more information call (361) 826-1368.

• Aug. 30 and on the last Thursday of each month from 6-7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (900 South Shoreline Blvd.) in Corpus Christi (2nd floor–Rm #216 / parking and entrance behind church). Facilitated and presented by MCH Family Outreach. Please call if you bring your grandchild(ren). Classes for all ages. For more information call (361) 334-2255.

Secular Franciscan Gathering Sept. 1 and every first Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral Room 4. Come and see if you are being called to a vocation as a Secular Franciscan. If you are already professed, are you looking for a local fraternity? For more information

†† AUG/SEPT CALENDAR

contact Liz at (936) 344-1353 or email ofscctx@gmail.com.

1 3

4 27

Blue Army Mass Sept. 1 and every first Saturday of the month from 10-11 a.m. in the Jesus Nazareno Chapel at Sacred Heart in Corpus Christi.

For more information call the church at (361) 883-6082 or email sacredheartchurch001@stx.rr.com.

Tea Time and Book Study Sept. 3 and every Monday from 12:30-2 p.m. at Schoenstatt Movement Center in Corpus Christi.

“Brushstrokes of a Father” Reading: Volume 2 Reading about Father Joseph Kentenich, Founder of the Schoenstatt Movement. We read about his life as a child, seminarian, teacher and priest.

Alzheimer’s & General Support Group • Sept. 4 and every first Tuesday of the month at St. Paul United Church of Christ (5525 Lipes) in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 883-3935.

• Sept. 5 and very first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at SCC River Ridge Nursing Rehab Center located at 3922 West River Dr. (off FM 624) in Corpus Christi.

For more information call (361) 767-2000.

• Sept. 11 and every second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Woodridge Nursing & Rehab Center located at 600 So. Hillside Dr. in Beeville. For more information call (361) 358-8880.

• Sept. 12 and every second Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m. at Lindale Center/Caregiver SOS located on 3133 Swantner St. in Corpus Christi. For more in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 826-2343.

• Sept. 13 and every second Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. at Mirador Plaza (back side of facility) located at 5857 Timbergate Drive in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 883-3935.

• Sept. 18 and every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at Brookdale (formerly Homewood Residence) located at 6410 Meadow Vista in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 9800208. Facilitator is Anita Valle.

• Sept. 20 and every third Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Ed & Hazel Richmond Public Library Central Library, located on 110 N. Lamont Street in Aransas Pass.

For more information call (361) 883-3935.

• Sept. 25 and every fourth Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. at Alice Public Library (401 E. Third Street) in Alice. For more information call (361) 883-3935.

• Sept. 27 and every fourth Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at Kleberg County Nursing & Rehab located on 316 General Cavazos Blvd. in Kingsville. For more information call (361) 883-3935.

Bereavement & 4 OLPH Grief Support Ministry Sept. 4 and every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the St. John Paul II Conference Room at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Rectory (5830 Williams Drive).

This new 7-week session is through Sept. 18. It has a clear beginning and end with the same group of individuals meeting together during those sessions. These sessions are intended for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one.

For more information call Chaplain Ray Claveria at (361) 215-4395.

Study at St. 4 Bible Patrick Church

immigration process.

Hour followed 6 Holy by a healing Mass Sept. 6 and every first Thursday of the month from 5-6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel Jesus Nazareno in Corpus Christi.

6 Women’s Retreat

Sept. 6-9 begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

A weekend to go deeper in our relationship with Jesus through the power of prayer and quiet time with the Lord. Take a quiet vacation with Jesus and let your spirit be renewed.

Register at deepprayer.org or call (36) 289-9095, ext. 321.

Annual Celebration for 6 29th Life Fundraising Banquet Sept. 6 begins with a VIP reception and social at 6:15 p.m. at Mansion Royal, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Please join us for an evening of fine dining, music, prayer, inspirational speakers and Christian fellowship. For more information call (361) 852-2273 or email hopehousecc@mygrande.net or visit the website at cchope.org.

13 The Ark Gala

Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. at Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds (1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd.) in Robstown. There will be silent auction, live auction, dinner and dessert, liquor basket raffle, keynote speaker, background music and hors d’oeuvres. Table sponsorships between $1000-$15,000. Single seat is $60. Your help can make a difference in the life of an abused or neglected child. For more information call (361) 241-6566 or email dtrejo@ark4kids.com.

Sept. 4 and every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at St. Patrick Church, Our Lady of Knock Hall (the corner of S. Alameda and Rossiter Street.) For more information call the parish office at (361) 855-7391.

Charities 6 Catholic Immigration Services

Sept. 6 and every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Catholic Charities (615 Oliver Court) to discuss client eligibility according to USCIS qualifications.

The first 15 people who sign in will be seen in order of arrival; there is a $25 consultation fee. Information on government and legal fees as well as needed documents are given to persons who qualify for an immigration process. The first 15 people who sign in will be seen in order of arrival; there is a $25 consultation fee. Information on government and legal fees as well as needed documents are given to persons who qualify for an

14 Healing Retreat 16

Sept. 14-16 begins Friday at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday 2 p.m. The weekend consists of a series of talks on healing, periods of quiet reflection asking God to reveal where we need healing, and concludes with a Healing Service.

Register at deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095 ext. 321.

14

Healing Mass and Prayer Service Sept. 14 and every second Friday of

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 37

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the month at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church (1123 Main Drive) in Corpus Christi. For more information call the parish office at (361) 241-2004.

15

Natural Family Planning (NFP) Sept. 15 from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Natural Family Planning at 1426 Baldwin Blvd in Corpus Christi. Learn to recognize the natural cycles of fertility and infertility that occur naturally in every woman. NFP allows couples to plan pregnancies while following the teachings of the Church and respecting the gift of their married love. For more information visit Diocesecc.org/nfp.

15

with Praise and Worship in the OLCC Perpetual Adoration Chapel 7-8 p.m., followed by music and fellowship in Cafe Veritas (attached to Our Lady of Corpus Christi’s Bookstore) from 8-9:30 p.m. All music led by talented local musicians. For more information call (361) 289-0807.

and 25 Grandparents Other Relatives Raising & Children Support Group 27

Grounded in Truth at OLCC Sept. 15 and every third Saturday of the month. An hour of Adoration

• Sept. 25 and on the last Tuesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. at Greenwood Senior Center (4040 Greenwood Drive). For more information call (361) 826-1368.

• Sept. 27 and on the last Thursday of each month from 6-7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (900 South Shoreline Blvd.) in

Corpus Christi (2nd floor–Rm #216 / parking and entrance behind church). Facilitated and presented

by MCH Family Outreach.

Please call if you bring your grandchild(ren). Classes for all ages.

For more information call (361) 334-2255.

▼

To see more calendar events go to: SouthTexasCatholic.com/events To submit calendar events go to: SouthTexasCatholic.com/ send-calendar-items

September Liturgical Calendar 1 | Wed | Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Jer 15:10, 16-21/Mt 13:44-46 (403) 2 | Thu | Weekday | green/white/ white [Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop; Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Priest] Jer 18:1-6/Mt 13:47-53 (404) 3 | Fri | Weekday | green | Jer 26:1-9/ Mt 13:54-58 (405) 4 | Sat | Saint John Vianney, Priest | white | Memorial | Jer 26:11-16, 24/ Mt 14:1-12 (406) 5 | SUN | EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Ex 16:2-4, 12-15/Eph 4:17, 20-24/Jn 6:24-35 (113) Pss II 6 | Mon | The Transfiguration of the Lord | white | Feast | Dn 7:9-10, 13-14/2 Pt 1:16-19/Mk 9:2-10 (614) Pss Prop 7 | Tue | Weekday | green/red/ white [Saint Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, Martyrs; Saint Cajetan, Priest] Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22/Mt 14:22-36 or 15:1-2, 10-14 (408) 8 | Wed | Saint Dominic, Priest |

white | Memorial | Jer 31:1-7/Mt 15:2128 (409) 9 | Thu | Weekday | green/red [Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr] Jer 31:31-34/Mt 16:13-23 (410) 10 | Fri | Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr | red | Feast | 2 Cor 9:6-10/ Jn 12:24-26 (618) Pss Prop 11 | Sat | Saint Clare, Virgin | white | Memorial | Hb 1:12—2:4/Mt 17:14-20 (412) 12 | SUN | NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green 1 Kgs 19:4-8/Eph 4:30—5:2/Jn 6:41-51 (116) Pss III 13 | Mon | Weekday | green/ red [Saints Pontian, Pope, and Hippolytus, Priest, Martyrs] Ez 1:2-5, 24-28c/Mt 17:22-27 (413) 14 | Tue | Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr | red | Memorial | Ez 2:8—3:4/Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 (414) 15 | Wed | THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY | white | Solemnity | [Holyday of Obligation] Vigil: 1 Chr 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2/1 Cor

38 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2018

15:54b-57/Lk 11:27-28 (621) Day: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/1 Cor 15:20-27/ Lk 1:39-56 (622) Pss Prop 16 | Thu | Weekday | green/white [Saint Stephen of Hungary] Ez 12:112/Mt 18:21—19:1 (416) 17 | Fri | Weekday | green | Ez 16:1-15, 60, 63 or 16:59-63/Mt 19:3-12 (417) 18 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] Ez 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32/Mt 19:1315 (418) 19 | SUN | TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Prv 9:1-6/ Eph 5:15-20/Jn 6:51-58 (119) Pss IV 20 | Mon | Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Ez 24:15-24/Mt 19:16-22 (419) 21 | Tue | Saint Pius X, Pope | white | Memorial | Ez 28:1-10/Mt 19:23-30 (420) 22 | Wed | The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary | white | Memorial | Ez 34:1-11/Mt 20:1-16 (421) 23 | Thu | Weekday | green/white [Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin] Ez 36:2328/Mt 22:1-14 (422)

24 | Fri | Saint Bartholomew, Apostle | red | Feast | Rv 21:9b-14/Jn 1:45-51 (629) Pss Prop 25 | Sat | Weekday | green/white/ white/white [Saint Louis; Saint Joseph Calasanz, Priest; BVM] Ez 43:1-7ab/Mt 23:1-12 (424) 26 | SUN | TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Jos 24:12a, 15-17, 18b/Eph 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32/Jn 6:60-69 (122) Pss I 27 | Mon | Saint Monica | white | Memorial | 2 Thes 1:1-5, 11-12/Mt 23:13-22 (425) 28 | Tue | Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | 2 Thes 2:1-3a, 14-17/Mt 23:23-26 (426) 29 | Wed | The Passion of Saint John the Baptist | red | Memorial | 2 Thes 3:6-10, 16-18 (427)/Mk 6:17-29 (634) Pss Prop 30 | Thu | Weekday | green | 1 Cor 1:1-9/Mt 24:42-51 (428) 31 | Fri | Weekday | green | 1 Cor 1:1725/Mt 25:1-13 (429)

August/September 2018 | South Texas Catholic 39

August/September 2018 Issue SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi, TX 78401-0824 (361) 882-6191