April 2019 - Vol. 54 No. 4

SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

South Texas

Catholic walking in the Light of Christ

W W W. S O U T H T E X A S C A T H O L I C . C O M • A P R I L 2 019

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ON THE

VOL. 54 NO. 4 Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD Director of Communications Margie Rivera mrivera@diocesecc.org

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Catholics participate in the Easter Vigil Mass in Corpus Christi Cathedral. In Our Faith section – Father Peter Marsalek, SOLT compares sharing the light of the paschal candle to walking and sharing in the light of Christ.

COVER

Archived photo

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

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Bishop Mulvey addresses middle school youth at the Middle School Youth Spectacular. See more photos at SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/2019MSYS. Adel Sauceda, South Texas Catholic

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FROM THE BISHOP 4 MESSAGE Rediscover the beauty of Christ’s love VOCATIONS 7 Service to others is at the heart of formation NEWS BRIEFS 9 Official Assignments EDUCATION 10 St.CATHOLIC Patrick program prepares sixth-graders for middle school and beyond

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE 17 New permanent exhibit offers hidden treasures NATIONAL NEWS 25 Why one Alabama man is suing on behalf of an aborted fetus

VATICAN NEWS 28 Pope Francis calls for ‘gestures of peace’ in wake of mosque attacks

April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 3

MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP

Rediscover the beauty of Christ’s love

A

t the beginning of the Lenten season, I invited myself and all of us in the Diocese of Corpus Christi to embark on a journey that has the potential to transform us and bring us closer to God. I spoke of bringing to prayer the people who hurt us, those who might not be our friends and pray for them by name. I have experienced in my life that true conversation has its roots in prayer.

Our Lenten journey hopefully helps us to remove ourselves from ourselves and be transformed by prayer, almsgiving, and fasting.

One my favorites Bible passages is this one from the letter of St. Paul: “...for our sake, He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” It is dear to me because it expresses God’s immense love. This passage is very appropriate during this season of transformation. It helps us to identify the gift that God has given to each one of us. To accept into our lives the Son of God, who for our sake though he was God humbled himself and became one of us. He did so even to the point of not committing sin but experiencing the effects of sin for our sake. Jesus knows what our struggles are. He knows what our temptations are. He knows. What an incredible love – a God who didn’t abandon us, but rather remains with us to the end of times. Jesus Christ, the Son of God who we celebrate in the Eucharist every Sunday through in that profound act of the Incarnation became one of us.

We spent this time of Lent preparing for this great mystery of salvation, of redemption, of eternal life. As we prepare for Easter, let’s remember that it is a mystery that includes three days. Put it in your calendars. It will be wonderful to have every parish full during the Paschal Triduum. Let us be there to walk with Jesus through his path and to re-discover the beauty of his love.

On Holy Thursday, we will remember when the Lord instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper for the first time. On Holy Friday, let’s come to thank Jesus for His love for us. On Holy Saturday the service is long, but let’s come with a renewed commitment to living this liturgy with grateful hearts, hearts that have been prepared by the Lenten journey, hearts that understand the impact of God’s love.

God who invites us today as always into a relationship with Him. God who gives us eternal life.

Again, Holy Week celebrates the great mystery of the One who made himself to be in the likeness of sin, even though not knowing sin, suffered for us, gave us His body and blood, died on the Cross to transform us, to give us eternal life. This is the mystery of who we are, God’s special children. Let us recognize His love and not let it be wasted. Let us allow ourselves to return to God. To be love for one another.

4 South Texas Catholic | April 2019

MENSAJE DEL OBISPO

Redescubre la belleza del amor de Cristo

A

l empezar la Cuaresma quiero invitar a todos los fieles de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi, y me incluyo en la invitación, a embarcarnos en un viaje que puede transformarnos y acercarnos más a Dios. Me refiero a orar por la gente que nos ha lastimado, por aquellos que han dejado de ser nuestros amigos, a rezar por cada uno de ellos, nombrándolos. A través de mi vida, he experimentado que una verdadera conversación tiene sus raíces en la oración.

Espero que nuestro viaje cuaresmal nos ayude a cambiar, desde dentro de nosotros mismos y nos transforme por medio de la oración, entrega y ayuno.

Uno de mis pasajes bíblicos favoritos es el de una carta de San Pablo que dice: “…fue por nuestro bien, que Dios hizo a Jesús, quien nunca supo de pecado alguno, paraqué por medio de Él, nosotros nos convirtiéramos a Dios en Él. (Jesús)” Este pensamiento es tan querido para mi, porque expresa el inmenso amor de Dios. Por otra parte, el pasaje viene a ser muy apropiado para este tiempo de transformación. Nos ayuda a identificar los dones que Dios le ha dado a cada uno de nosotros.

También a aceptar al Hijo de Dios en nuestras vidas, quien, por amor, a pesar de ser Dios, se humilló, para convertirse en uno de nosotros. Que lo hizo incluso, hasta el punto en que, sin cometer pecado, experimentó sus efectos; todo por amor y el bien de nosotros. Jesús conoce nuestras luchas, Él sabe cuáles son nuestras tentaciones. Que amor tan increíble. Un Dios que nunca nos abandona, por el contrario que permanece entre nosotros hasta el fin de los tiempos. Cristo Jesús el Hijo de Dios, a quien celebramos en la Eucaristía cada domingo a través del profundo acto de la Encarnación, El que vino a ser Uno con nosotros.

Pasamos este tiempo de Cuaresma preparándonos para el gran misterio de salvación, de redención, de vida eterna. Mientras nos preparamos para la Pascua, recordemos que es un misterio que incluye tres días. Pongámoslo en el calendario. Será maravilloso encontrar cada parroquia llena durante el Triduo Pascual. Asistamos a celebrar y a caminar con Jesús por su sendero y redescubrir la belleza de su amor.

En el Jueves Santo, recordaremos el momento en que el Señor instituyó la Eucaristía, durante La Ultima Cena, por primera vez. En el Viernes Santo, vayamos a darle gracias a Jesús por su sacrificio de amor hacia nosotros. En el Sábado Santo, el servicio es largo, pero vayamos comprometidos y renovados para vivir la liturgia, con corazones agradecidos, corazones preparados en el viaje cuaresmal, corazones que entienden el impacto del amor de Dios. Es Dios quien nos invita hoy como siempre a una relación con Él. Dios quien nos da vida eterna.

De nuevo, la Semana Santa celebra el gran misterio de Aquel que se hizo semejante al pecado, quien a pesar de no conocer el pecado sufrió por nosotros, nos dio su cuerpo y su sangre, murió en la Cruz para transformarnos y para darnos vida eterna. Este es el misterio por el cual somos los hijos especiales de Dios. Reconozcamos Su amor, no lo desperdiciemos. Permitámonos regresar a Dios. Ser amor del uno para el otro.

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

April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 5

2 0 19 B i s h o p’s Stewa rd s h i p A p p e a l My brothers and sisters in Christ, Each of us is called by name and sent as a missionary disciple to bear witness to Jesus.

This is our mission, the very nature of what it means to be Catholic. According to Pope Francis, “We are all missionary disciples with the power of the Spirit.”

The Diocese of Corpus Christi is a family of faithful disciples and a community that is defined by our very name, the Body of Christ. This name expresses who we are and the responsibility it gives us. Being partners in ministry to change the lives of individuals and enrich our community is our mission. Our stewardship to time, talent, and treasure does remarkable things when it is transformed into ministry and mission. I am especially grateful for all that we have accomplished through the student centers built throughout the Diocese, most recently our new chapel and renovated student center located at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, which gives our young adults a dedicated place to grow in their faith, to worship, and gather together.

Our diocesan Appeal goal this year is $2.1 million dollars. Every dollar a parish raises over their goal will be returned 100% back to the parish. This will provide an excellent opportunity for parishes to partner with the Appeal and raise funds for special parish projects or needs.

As the Body of Christ, please share in the Bishop’s Stewardship Appeal so that together we can continue to advance God’s love through charity. The individuals, agencies and initiatives supported through the Appeal provide the means to respond to the spiritual, educational, and physical needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let’s take up the mission together as missionary disciples and continue to move the Church forward. Your leadership in generosity contributes to the long-standing success of our community of faith. Because of your commitment to the Diocese of Corpus Christi we are an ever-increasing effective witness to Jesus Christ. I am grateful to you, and for your example in what it means to be a faithful steward.

Sincerely in Christ,

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

†† VOCATIONS

Deacon Mark Arnold is Director of Stewardship and Development and the Diocesan Disaster Relief Coordinator.

He is also the parochial deacon at St. Joseph Parish in Port Aransas.

By Deacon Mark Arnold

M Contributor

y journey to the permanent diaconate began many years before formation classes started in the early 1990s. It actually began with meeting and eventually marrying my

wife, Barbara.

During my early childhood, I was raised as a Southern Baptist, was a regular at Sunday School and a churchgoer for as long as I can remember. I always had a love for the scriptures and received much comfort from reading and sharing God’s Word with my friends and family.

My introduction to the Catholic faith began when I started attending Sunday Mass with Barbara before we were married. She was my first introduction to the Church. I had never been inside of a Catholic church and as a child I had even been discouraged from going, but I had always wondered.

The church we attended was located in a gymnasium. It was in a fast-growing community in South Carolina and a large number of northerners were moving in due to the relocation of businesses to the area. Most of them were Catholic, and this small southern town had a tiny Catholic church which had to serve a rapidly growing community.

After a few months, Barbara and I became engaged, and I was able to explore the Catholic faith more deeply. We had a wonderful priest who prepared us for the sacrament of marriage. Our discussions on the Eucharist, baptism, and confirmation opened my eyes to not only marriage but to the wonder and beauty of the Church.

After we were married, I began the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) classes with a good sponsor who had a passionate understanding of the Catholic faith and mentored me in my journey. When I was received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, he and his wife became my godparents and years later also became our son Joseph’s godparents.

Our families became great friends, and through them, we were introduced to different lay formation groups such as Regnum Christi, a family-based lay movement through the Legionaries of Christ. We were blessed to be part of the same group who developed perpetual adoration for the community and after 34 years continues today.

We were very active in our Catholic community participating in the pastoral and finance councils and various ministries. Through these ministries, we were blessed to be part of the fundraising efforts and development of a new church and school, which is now a preK3 through high school. Our pastoral council opened a transitional house for mothers and children who needed a safe place to live.

Eventually, a men’s shelter was opened, and at the time of our departure from the area, the community was in the process of building a 20-bed hospice center.

It was a community that started out with 150 families and now has 15,000 families and four new Catholic churches with their own active communities.

Looking back over all of the years of service in our parish and community life, I could say that it was God’s way of beginning my formation toward becoming a permanent deacon. It was present in the love which drove me to help bring the basic necessities of life such as food, clothing, and housing to our brothers and sisters, and in the deeper love which drove me to a genuine concern about what happens to them after those needs were met. We weren’t just bringing Christ’s love to them; we were also encountering Christ in our service to them.

The heart of the permanent diaconate is service to others not only at the parish level but also at the community level, walking with our brothers and sisters on this journey of life, sharing with one another the graces that pour forth from our Church. This is where my call to the permanent diaconate began and continues today.

April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 7

†† VOCATIONS

Service to others is at the heart of formation

†† NEWS BRIEFS

The Feast of Corpus Christi

Honoring Youth for Outstanding Service:

The Fannie Bluntzer Nason Renewal Center, the Spirit Center, will recognize and The Office of Multicultural Minis- honor outstanding youth in the South Texas try is coordinating this year’s Solemnity area at the annual Spirit Center’s Celebrity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Dinner on ThursChrist for 2019. To receive updates and day, April 11 at the information on the different events that 7th Annual Spirit are being planned, please text the word, Center Celebrity “CorpusChristi” to the number “84576” Dinner, “Noche on your cell phone and you will be added Cubana Tropical” to this database. on the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay. Parishes or youth organizations have selected outstanding youth between the ages of 16-20, who are active members of their group, who exhibit positive

leadership, good character, joyful witness, and generous participation in community service.

The goal of this Signature Fundraiser is to continue the scholarship fund to provide opportunities for youth in the area who otherwise cannot afford to pay their way or have never experienced the joy and benefits of an overnight life-changing retreat. In addition, funds will support the expansion project to beautify enhancements of the outdoor area of the Spirit Center.

To purchase sponsorships, tickets or additional event information, please visit bluntzerspiritcenter.org/2019-celeb-dinner, or email sbasaldu@bluntzerspiritcenter.org.

Charter Members of Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court of Angels #2181, from left, Odilia Solis, Dalia Sanchez, Carlene Read, Muggs Poling and Joyce Cessac are members that have served the CDA since the original installation 40 years ago in 1978. See more photos at SouthTexasCatholic.com/CDA40th.

Ervey Martinez for South Texas Catholic

Catholic Daughters celebrate 40 years in Portland

By Ervey Martinez, Contributor Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Daughters of the Americas in Portland celebrated 40 years of unity and charity at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on March 3.

The celebration included Mass with pastor, Father Piotr Koziel, STL as the main celebrant, followed by a reception in the parish hall.

8 South Texas Catholic | April 2019

In 1978, 21 women formed the CDA Court of Angels, Chapter #2181. Since that time five of the original members continue to dedicate their time and talents to the organization today. They are Odilia Solis, Dalia Sanchez, Carlene Read, Muggs Poling and Joyce Cessac.

Collectively these women represent over 200 years of service to God, the parish

and their community.

“The Church feels truly blessed to have such devoted and supportive sisters in Christ and we hope to enjoy many more years of fellowship and affection,” Father Koziel said. “Happy 40th-anniversary CDA Court of Angels, #2181 and a big thank you to all who helped make this celebration a successful one.”

†† NEWS BRIEFS

The Most Rev. Wm. Michael Mulvey, Bishop of Corpus Christi, makes the following announcements: Rev. Francis Chinna Rao Medanki, HGN, is appointed as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Alice, and St. Peter Mission, Ben Bolt, and will assist in the pastoral care of St. Frances of Rome Parish, Agua Dulce, effective Jan. 26.

Rev. Biju Joseph Thoompunkal, HGN, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Corpus Christi, effective Jan. 26.

Rev. Jacob J. Valayath is appointed as pastor of St. James Parish, Beeville, effective Jan. 31.

Very Rev. Hanh Van Pham, Rector of Corpus Christi Cathedral, is appointed as Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Corpus Christi Central Deanery, effective Feb. 21.

Very Rev. Gerard J. Sheehan, SOLT, Parochial Administrator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Robstown, is appointed Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Corpus Christi Five-Points Deanery, effective Feb. 21.

Rev. John McKenzie is released as Pastor of St. James the Apostle Parish, Refugio, and is appointed Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Taft, and Holy Family Parish, Taft, effective March 1.

Very Rev. William Marquis, in

addition to his current assignments, is also appointed as Pastor of St. James the Apostle Parish, Refugio.

Rev. Peter Stanley, is released as Parochial Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish, Taft, and Holy Family Parish, Taft, and is appointed Chaplain to the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (the “Pink Sisters”), Corpus Christi, and Chaplain to the Jail Ministry of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, effective March 1.

Rev. Ryszard Koziol, is appointed as Parochial Administrator of St. Theresa of the Little Flower Parish, Corpus Christi, effective March 1.

Corpus Christi Hope House needs your help Corpus Christi Hope House and the Gabriel Project provide housing, shelter, education, counseling, food, clothing, lifeskills training, baby items, assistance and compassion to the homeless women and their dependent children of the South Texas Coastal Bend area who are seeking an escape and relief from addiction, domestic violence, homelessness, poverty and a crisis pregnancy situation. Last year they served 4,240 women, children and

newborn babies.

The ministry has an urgent requirement for women who would like to be trained as a certified Texas Pregnancy Care Network volunteer counselors for residents and clients. House-mothers are needed to stay

at our Faith Home Shelter over-night to provide supervision and companionship to the residents. Volunteers are also needed for house cleaning, sorting donations, diaper drives, babysitting, mail-outs and men are needed for heavy lifting, maintenance, delivery and pick-up of various items. For more information call Hope House at (361) 852-2273 or email hopehousecc@mygrande.net. Visit cchope.org.

In Memoriam

Father Terencio “Tito” Mathew Ayo, solt Sept. 21, 1952 ~ March 4, 2019

Father Terencio (Tito) Mathew Ayo, a priest of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) died March 4.

In the Diocese of Corpus Christi Father Tito, as he was affectionately called, was assigned as pastor of St. Michael Parish in Banquete, a position he held for five years. In 2016, Father Tito was transferred to St. Joseph as associate pastor, where he remained until his passing from this life.

Father Tito earned several degrees from various colleges, including a degree in Theology from Divine Word Seminary (1980), a

Master’s Degree in Business Management from Aquinas University (1994) and a Doctorate in Philosophy from Araullo University (2006).

For a number of years, Father Tito struggled with cancer. His patience and trust in God were an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and fellow community members.

To see full obituary go to: SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/FrTito.

April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 9

Ayudenos a Prevenir el Abuso Financiero La Diócesis de Corpus Christi por medio de la recomendación del Concilio Diocesano de Finanzas y el Concilio Presbiteral han llevado su dedicación mas allá para la buena administración y responsabilidad nanciera en nombre de donantes generosos al instituir un “hotline” para reportar el abuso nanciero.

La Diócesis de Corpus Christi ha seleccionado un tercer partido independiente, La Red, para proporcionarle a usted con una manera para reportar anónima y condencialmente el abuso nanciero e fraude. Los empleados, los parroquianos, los voluntarios, los vendedores, y otros partidos interesados estan impulsados para reportar las preocupaciones que tengan respeto a la conducta de påca ética nanciera dentro de la Diócese de Corpus Christi.

Todas las investigaciones serán tradas inmediatamente y discretamente.

Personas que llamen tienen el derecho de mantenerse anónimas.

Llamada 1-877-571-9748

HOST YOUR GROUP WITH US Conference Rooms Kitchen & Dining Areas Day or Overnight Stays CALL 361 289 9095 ext 301

OUR LADY OF CORPUS CHRISTI.ORG 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, Directora de la Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia: (361) 882-6191 para asistencia inmediata.

All Services FREE: • Pregnancy Test • Limited Ultrasound • Baby Supplies • Parenting Classes • Adoption Information • Abortion Recovery Classes

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

Corpus Christi

Pregnancy

Resource Center

4730 Everhart Rd

361.991.2008 www.ccpregnancy.org

10 South Texas Catholic | April 2019

St. Patrick pro graders for midd Mary Cottingham

C

South Texas Catholic

an anyone ever prepare you for adolescence?

St. Patrick School Counselor, Cathy Rehmet thinks so. Five years ago, she began coordinating events, entitled “Fabulous Females” and “Marvelous Males.” The program is designed to offer sixth-grade students spiritual and practical tools to navigate through middle school and adolescence.

At the Feb. 17 Fabulous Females, the girls had lunch with their mothers/guardians. They chose to wear their Sunday best and the school’s library was decorated with flower arrangements and the tables were wrapped in pink tablecloths and

†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Principal Evelyn Burton leads a discussion about social media at the “Fabulous Females” luncheon.

Contributed photo

gram prepares sixthdle school and beyond ribbons. Talks were given on inner beauty, being a child of God, communicating with your parent and pointers on how to be successful in middle school. The talks were led by faculty member Yvonne Brown and her daughter, Jullian; a mother of a second grader, Jackie Orchard; and alumna Tori Pena.

Icebreakers included songs and games. “The mothers and daughters played a match game activity to determine how well they know each other,” Rehmet said. “They laughed and learned. It was very sweet.”

Rehmet, along with Principal Evelyn Burton and sixth-grade teacher Susan Buquet led prayers, activities and a discussion

regarding social media.

At the Feb. 19 Marvelous Males, the boys enjoyed a retreat with their fathers/guardians. They chose casual attire and held their mini-retreat in the evening hours. David Mason, Dean of St. Patrick School along with St. John Paul II High School theology teachers John McFarland and Benjamin Nye facilitated the retreat and St. John Paul II High School alumnus Christian de la Rosa provided prayerful music.

The evening began with icebreakers as everyone introduced themselves and revealed their favorite superheroes, followed by a quick game of “Bear, Ninja, Hunter,” a knock off of “Rock, April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 11

†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Speakers at the “Marvelous Males” retreat standing, from left, are Benjamin Nye and John McFarland theology teachers from St. John Paul II High School and at right David Mason, Dean of St. Patrick School who helped coordinate the event.

Both Nye and McFarland have children attending St. Patrick School.

Adel Saucedo, South Texas Catholic

Paper, Scissors.”

According to Mason, parents and teachers have seen some apprehension and a little bit of fear from the students as they transition to middle school. “The retreat gives them time to reflect and try to get them more prepared in a spiritual sense as they go on,” he explained.

Both McFarland and Nye have a child or children who attend St. Patrick. McFarland shared his own personal experiences with the death of his father and his time in boot camp, encouraging the boys to become men of character, faith, and integrity. “Your foundation is in Jesus: He is the source of your happiness; He is the source of joy – no matter where you go – high school or college,” he told them.

12 South Texas Catholic | April 2019

Nye talked about the story of David and Goliath. He reminded them that Saul tried to get David to put on Saul’s armor to become more like Saul, but David wasn’t Saul. Nye encouraged them to know who they are, be who they are, because the world will tell you one way to live and the truth tells you another away.

Both teachers used quotes from St. John Paul II. The events aren’t mandatory, Rehmet said. “This special year serves as a strong leadership and transition year. These events along, with many others, throughout the sixth-grade year are in place to ensure a strong spiritual, social, emotional and academic experience giving the students a strong background enabling them to achieve any goal they set out to accomplish.”

†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Never ending Faith and Love

By Rebecca Esparza

O Correspondent

n Thanksgiving Day in 2001, I heard the words no 30-year-old female thinks she would ever hear: “You have ovarian cancer.”

Not only did I have cancer, but my surgeon performed a radical hysterectomy to save my life. My chance to have kids was gone forever. But thanks to the selfless love of my sister and her husband, their two sons (AJ, 15 and Tony, 8) would take on such significant roles in my life.

Many people, even my doctors, have declared it was a modern miracle that I survived stage IV ovarian cancer and a second cancer of the thyroid five years later. But for me, the most wondrous miracle God has bestowed upon my 47 years of life is the gift of loving two remarkable young souls who will one day make their notable mark on an imperfect world.

You could say I’m not your typical aunt.

I believe in jumping enthusiastically and passionately into not only helping with the daily tasks of schoolwork, field trips and birthday parties, but I also take their spiritual formation quite seriously. My ultimate goal is their heavenly salvation.

My youngest nephew, Tony, is currently enrolled in religious education classes and will make his first Communion in May. When my sister first mentioned this last summer, I kicked around the idea of becoming an assistant in his classroom but was hesitant at first.

As a cradle Catholic, I am embarrassed to admit how much I have yet to learn and understand concerning my own faith. My only hesitation about teaching religious education: I felt inadequately equipped to help mold the spiritual formation of young, impressionable minds. Thankfully, I have two experienced teachers in my nephew’s class from whom I am learning a great deal in the classroom.

Granted, my role is quite limited as it is my first time assisting, but perhaps one day I may be leading my own class. My main focus currently is leading the young mind in my personal charge, my nephew Tony, as much as possible outside the classroom.

It has been an eye-opening experience to see the Catholic Church through the eyes of a child once again. I wholeheartedly recommend parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to take a pro-active role in the spiritual lives of the young children in your lives. Observe a CCD class at least once, pray with your child several times a day and above everything else, set the example you want them to learn from.

(Actions speak volumes: when you think they are not watching, they really are.)

Things we, as adults, may take for granted can sometimes be a bit frightening to a young child. I’ve learned their first confession must be discussed in great detail, multiple times.

I arranged for a “field trip” to my parish church outside the classroom one Saturday afternoon, where my nephew could meet

the priest with me inside the confessional, as well. We took a short “tour” of the small room and while most adults might choose to use the screen for additional confidentiality, my nephew was excited at the face-to-face option, which I found endearing.

Trying to communicate to a room full of 7 and 8-year-olds the divinity of the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist has been challenging. There are lots of confused faces when we also refer to bread and wine, but the more we talk about the sacrifices Jesus made for us and the unconditional love he continues to have for us all, I can see faith in their eyes, the love in their hearts.

The transformation of the hearts and souls of these young children from last September to seven months later is truly extraordinary.

From the prayers they have learned, to reciting the Ten Commandments, to learning how to say a proper confession, it has been an honor to serve as an assistant for my nephew’s First Holy Communion class.

Perhaps more acutely than the average person, I am keenly aware of my own mortality. To be frank, every morning I wake up is a gift from God. No moment is taken for granted.

I’ve come to understand that ultimately, it’s not what I take from life that matters most, but what kind of legacy I leave behind.

My prayer for the two most important children in my life is that they understand what amazing, precious, God-given blessings they have been to me. It is my ardent hope my presence in their lives is an everlasting reminder of God’s never-ending love and grace.

Rebecca Esparza takes her role as aunt and godmother so seriously she became an assistant in her youngest nephew’s religious education class for Holy Communion.

Tony Cantu (left) and Rebecca Esparza.

Contributed photo April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 13

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Seismic worship and fun at the Middle School Youth Spectacular

By Mary Cottingham

New Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Zach Everett introduces himself to middle school youth at the Middle School Youth Spectacular. See more photos at SouthTexasCatholic.com/ news/2019MSYS. Adel Rivera, South Texas Catholic

T

South Texas Catholic

hree-hundred and eightyfive people including youth from the Diocese of Corpus Christi participated in the Middle School Youth Spectacular 2019, “ASH–Always Seek Him,” at Richard Borchard Fairgrounds on March 3. The day was dedicated to fun, faith, games and talks.

Throughout the day, music, praise and worship was provided by United Through

14 South Texas Catholic | April 2019

Faith band from Sacred Heart Church in Mathis. Laughter was the result of the ice breaker games introduced by the new director of Youth Ministry for the diocese, Zach Everett. There were talks and break times with huge bounce houses and seismic fun.

Bishop Michael Mulvey and Father James Stembler, Vicar General led the day’s prayers, adoration and concelebrated the youth Mass.

The afternoon keynote address was given

by Father Peter Martinez, who encouraged

the new Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. He comes to us from St. Philip the Apostle Parish, where he worked in Youth Ministry for four years, and before that worked in Youth Ministry in Pittsburgh.

Everett is a Texas native and convert to the Catholic faith through the persistent invitation of a high school friend and an experience of Zachary Everett the Eucharist at a retreat at FrancisDirector of can University in Steubenville. He is Youth and a graduate of Franciscan University Young Adult and is currently studying there for Ministry a master’s degree in Catechesis and Evangelization. He has a heart for ministry which was bolstered by his time ministering in Honduras with the Missioners of Christ, where he asked his wife to marry him.

Everett is ready to jump into this ministry with both feet.

He wants to make sure that the parishes feel supported in their youth ministry programs and to help with whatever he can. Ministry is his passion - he sometimes can’t sleep at night thinking of all the ways to do it better! It is exciting to him that he is coming into a program where the youth and the local leaders are already energized and excited for the work. He is ready to serve.

students to stay connected to Christ and through Him reach their fullest potential.

Bishop Mulvey gave a talk on being loved by God and loving God. “You’re awesome,” he told the crowd of youth. He said that if Pope Francis were to ask him about the middle schoolaged youth in the Diocese of Corpus Christi he would tell him, “they love God, because every day He tells them who they are.

They find the beauty of themselves in God’s love.”

According to Everett, a number of teens and adult volunteers said how much they enjoyed the day. “The one thing that stands out to me the most is the need for us as a Diocese to invest

more in Middle School Youth Ministry.

“Many of these teens are dealing with problems that we did not have to face as Middle School teens. There is a hunger for more of the faith and we need to work to better provide opportunities in our parishes for these young people to grow in their relationship with God before they get to high school.

“There were a number of teens who told me they where struggling with family issues, but they are trying to rely on God for support. There is an openness to God and the faith that does not always remain in their lives after they enter high school.”

April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 15

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

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New permanent exhibit offers

HIDDEN TREASURES

By Jennifer Branson

W

Correspondent

alking through that door to the Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Spanish Colonial Gallery is akin to walking through the doors of a church, or perhaps Narnia. The contrast is striking. The room is off to the side, quiet and unassuming. It used to be offices, in fact, so it was meant to be hidden.

The first hint that there may be something special is a wrought-iron door, a piece of art in itself, to be sure, but just slightly conspicuous in the light and airy Art Museum of South Texas.

The room isn’t dark, but the walls are a rich royal blue, deep and comforting. They hold beautiful depictions of Jesus, Mary, the saints, and the life of the Church in Spanish Colonial times, individually illuminated as to give the impression of “jewels in a beautiful box,” as Jim Maloney, Treasurer of the Board of Trustees for the museum, likes to say.

The first item that draws the eye is a crucifix, unique in its stylized cross painted red and adorned with flowers and angels. This in itself is so remarkable that two little girls coming into the exhibit exclaim, “Oh look, Jesus!” and run

to genuflect in front of the crucifix. Of course, it should come as no surprise that this piece is so prominently displayed. The body of Christ is, after all, the “source and summit” of the Catholic life, and the feast day after which the city of Corpus Christi is named.

On the opposite wall hangs a painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe, an important piece as a depiction of the Patroness of the Americas, but also because of its origin in this time and place. The Spanish Colonial period spans from the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World (Central and South America, Southwest United States) in 1492 until the early 1800s. The appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe to Juan Diego resulting in the miraculous image took place on December 12, 1531, near the beginning of this time period.

Word of the miracles of Guadalupe spread, and reproductions of the miraculous image of the Virgin became popular by the 1600s. This painting not only represents the spread of the story of Guadalupe but a distinct merging of the native and Spanish cultures. As was popular at that time, the painting depicts the narrative of Juan Diego surrounding the image of the Virgin.

A glance to the right gives a glimpse into the

Paintings of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a painted crucifix face the entrance to the Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Spanish Colonial Gallery.

The Gallery contains religious art from the Spanish Colonial period as well as Pre-Columbian pieces and modern art of both Spanish Colonial and Pre-Columbian influence.

Jennifer Branson, South Texas Catholic

April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 17

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Spanish Colonial Gallery About a year ago the Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Spanish Colonial Gallery opened in the Art Museum of South Texas (AMST). The opening was the culmination of years of effort to find and purchase works of Spanish Colonial art for the Museum. The Canales family donated funds to convert the former Museum offices into a state-of-the-art gallery containing significant devotional paintings and silver from Mexico, Central, and South America.

Nelwyn Anderson donated a collection of religious silver she and her late husband, John, had acquired. Several paintings were purchased with funds from local foundations and the Collectors Club. These works were created centuries ago to provide inspiration and education of the Catholic religion to indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Over 25,000 students tour the Art Museum each year. Many of these students have never been to a church or exposed to the role faith played in the settlement of “New Spain” in the Americas. This Gallery gives all an opportunity to learn about the Roman Catholic Church and art in “New Spain” and its rich history.

— Friends of the Dr. Cleo Gallery

world of two saints whose intercession was sought in the ordinary modes of life. On one side, Saint Eustace, a second-century Roman soldier who converted to the Christian faith while hunting in the woods. He came upon a stag with a crucifix in its antlers and made the decision at that moment to have his entire family baptized. On the other side Saint Isidoro, a Spanish saint canonized in 1622, is depicted in a field. He was a devout farm laborer who spent many hours of the day in prayer. When his master came to the field to investigate the complaints of his fellow laborers, he found Isidoro in prayer while angels did his work for him. These saints and stories were carefully chosen for the collection because of their particular relatability, even Jennifer Branson, today. “That is what makes the art significant,” South Texas Catholic museum director Joe Schenk said. “Art shouldn’t be created in a vacuum. Each generation is influenced by the last.”

The Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Spanish Colonial Gallery is the result of a call to honor the local ancestry and tradition of Corpus Christi and the generosity of local donors. When he was approached about adding some Spanish Colonial religious art to the Art Museum of South Texas, Bishop Michael Mulvey wholeheartedly agreed and even donated a piece to the collection. He helped to make connections for a grant to start the work. This led soon after to the

Silk and satin liturgical vestments hang in a special display in the Spanish Colonial exhibit.

On top, a dalmatic used by the deacon in assisting the priest at Mass. On the bottom, a chasuble used by the priest at Mass, in a cut popular at this time because of its allowance for free movement of the priest’s arms. Both are dated circa 1725-1825.

18 South Texas Catholic | April 2019

Canales family, and they were inspired to donate to the project in the memory of their mother/grandmother. Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia, affectionately called “Dr. Cleo” by her contemporaries, was a physician and surgeon who was also dedicated to the Catholic Church and preserving Hispanic genealogy in the Corpus Christi area. Her family feels that this exhibit is a fitting tribute to a woman who, apart from a stunning medical career, was a lifelong student of history and genealogy.

The exhibit doesn’t stop at just Spanish Colonial artwork. It also includes some Pre-Columbian and modern pieces to give the viewer a walk-through life before the influence of the European Masters and a glimpse of life today through the lens of this tradition. New works are being added often, so there are many reasons for visiting this collection over and over. “It’s a new hidden treasure that should not be hidden,” Bishop Mulvey said. “I encourage everyone to visit. We’re privileged to have it as part of our community.”

If you would like to join “Friends of the Dr. Cleo Gallery” visit artmuseumofsouthtexas.org/exhibitions/dr-clotilde-p-garcia-spanish-colonial-gallery and become a member today.

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Descubriendo

TESOROS ESCONDIDOS Por Jennifer Branson

C Corresponsal

aminar tras las puertas de la Galería Colonial Española de la Dra. Clotilde P. García, es como cruzar el umbral de una iglesia o quizás de una fantasía de Narnia.

El contraste es sorprendente. La habitación se encuentra a un lado, un poco aparte, tranquila y nada presuntuosa, de hecho estaba destinada a permanecer escondida ya que solían ser oficinas. El primer indicio de que hubiese algo especial allí es una puerta de hierro forjado, una pieza de arte en sí misma, sin duda alguna, pero apenas visible en el amplio y luminoso Museo de Arte del Sur de Texas.

La habitación no esta oscura pero las paredes son de un color azul rey profundo reconfortante.

Cuelgan de ellas preciosas representaciones de Jesús, María, Santos y de la vida de la Iglesia en tiempos de la Colonia Española. Están iluminados individualmente para dar la impresión de que estas frente a “ joyas en una caja preciosa”, como diría Jim Maloney, tesorero de la junta directiva del Museo.

Lo primero que capta la atención de las miradas es un crucifijo, único en su cruz estilizada pintada de rojo y adornada con flores y ángeles. Esta pieza es tan impresionante en sí misma, que dos niñas que

llegaron a la exhibición, exclamaron: “¡Oh, mira, Jesús!” y corrieron a arrodillarse frente al crucifijo.

Por supuesto, no debería sorprender que una pieza como esta ocupara un lugar tan prominente.

Después de todo, el cuerpo de Cristo es “fuente cumbre” de inspiración y centro de la vida católica, además de representar la fiesta del día por la cual fue nombrada la ciudad de Corpus Christi.

En la pared opuesta, está colgada una pintura de la Virgen de Guadalupe, una pieza importante de la Emperatriz de las Américas, que también forma parte de la historia, por su origen, tiempo y lugar.

El período colonial español, se extiende desde la llegada de Cristóbal Colón al Nuevo Mundo (Centro y Sudamérica, Suroeste de los Estados Unidos) en 1492 hasta principios del siglo XIX. La aparición de la Virgen de Guadalupe a Juan Diego que dio por resultado su imagen milagrosa tuvo lugar el 12 de diciembre de 1531, cerca del principio de este período de tiempo. A medida que se corría la voz de los milagros Guadalupanos, las reproducciones de la imagen de la Virgen se hacían cada vez más populares en el siglo XVII. La pintura no solo representa la historia de las apariciones de Guadalupe sino también una fusión cultural distinta de los nativos del área y los españoles. Como era popular

Una de las pinturas que cuelgan en la Galería Colonial Española de la Dra. Clotilde P. García, es la que representa la conversión de San Eustaquio, un santo del segundo siglo. San Eustaquio, era un soldado romano que se convirtió al Cristianismo, después de encontrarse con un siervo cuyas astas formaban una cruz. Esto sucedió mientras andaba de cacería en el bosque.

Jennifer Branson, South Texas Catholic

April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 19

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

A un lado del crucifijo se encuentra La Dolorosa, con sus manos unidas en oración. La devoción a la Virgen de los Dolores creció en la época de la Colonia Española.

En el calendario litúrgico su fiesta se celebra el viernes que antecede al Domingo de Ramos. Fue añadida al calendario para toda la Iglesia Latina, por el Papa Benedicto XIII, en Abril de1727.

Jennifer Branson, South Texas Catholic

en esos tiempos, la pintura representa la narrativa de Juan Diego, rodeando la imagen de la Virgen.

Una mirada hacia la derecha permite vislumbrar el mundo de dos Santos, cuya intercesión era buscada de manera ordinaria en sus vidas. Por un lado, San Eustaquio, un soldado romano del siglo segundo que se convirtió al cristianismo mientras andaba de cacería en el bosque. Se encontró con un ciervo que traía un crucifijo en sus astas y en ese momento tomó la decisión de bautizar a toda su familia. En el otro lado esta San Isidoro, un Santo español, canonizado en 1622, está representado en un campo abierto. El era un labrador devoto que pasaba muchas horas del día en oración. Cuando su maestro fue al campo para investigar las quejas de sus compañeros de labor, encontró a Isidoro en oración mientras los ángeles hacían su trabajo por él.

Estos Santos y sus historias fueron cuidadosamente seleccionados para la colección por su particular relato histórico, incluso hoy en día. “Eso es lo que hace al arte significativo” dijo el director del museo Joe Schenk, “El arte no debe ser creado en un vacío, cada generación está influenciada por la ultima.”

La Galería Colonial Española de la Dra. Clotilde P. García es el resultado de un llamado para honrar la ascendencia y tradición del área de Corpus Christi, así como a la generosidad de los donadores locales.

Cuando se acercaron al Obispo con la sugerencia de añadir arte religiosa al Museo de Arte del Sur de Texas, el Obispo Michael Mulvey aceptó incondicionalmente e inclusive donó una pieza a la colección.

También ayudó para que se lograran algunas conexiones y para obtener un subsidio con el que se empezara a trabajar el proyecto. Ello condujo rápidamente a la familia Canales quienes se inspiraron para donar al proyecto en memoria de su madre y abuela, la Doctora Clotilde P. García, conocida cariñosamente

20 South Texas Catholic | April 2019

Dra. Clotilde P. Garcia Galería Colonial Española Hace aproximadamente un año, se inauguró la Galería Colonial Española de la Dra. Clotilde P. García en el Museo de Arte del Sur de Texas (AMST). La inauguración fue la culminación de años de esfuerzo para encontrar y comprar obras de arte colonial español para el Museo. La familia Canales donó fondos para convertir las antiguas oficinas del Museo en una galería de vanguardia que contiene importantes pinturas devocionales y plata de México, América Central y América del Sur. Nelwyn Anderson donó una colección de plata religiosa que ella y su difunto esposo, John, habían adquirido. Se compraron varias pinturas con fondos de fundaciones locales y el Club de Coleccionistas. Estas obras fueron creadas hace siglos para proporcionar inspiración y educación de la religión católica a los pueblos indígenas de las Américas.

Más de 25,000 estudiantes recorren el Museo de Arte cada año. Muchos de estos estudiantes nunca han estado en una iglesia o expuestos al papel que jugó la fe en el asentamiento de la “Nueva España” en las Américas. Esta galería ofrece a todos la oportunidad de aprender sobre la Iglesia católica romana y el arte en “Nueva España” y su rica historia.

- Amigos de la Galería Dr. Cleo.

como “Doctor Cleo” por sus contemporáneos. Ella era médico – cirujano y también se dedicó a la Iglesia Católica y a preservar la genealogía hispana en el área de Corpus Christi. Su familia siente que esta exhibición encaja adecuadamente, como un tributo a la mujer que además de tener una carrera brillante como médico, era una estudiante permanente de la historia y la genealogía.

La exposición no se limita solamente al arte colonial español, sino que también incluye algunas piezas de arte precolombino y moderno para dar al espectador una vista panorámica, previa a la llegada de la influencia de los Maestros europeos y una visión de la vida actual a través de la lente de estas tradiciones. Con frecuencia, se han ido añadiendo otras obras, por lo cual hay muchas razones para visitar esta colección, una y otra vez. “Es un nuevo tesoro escondido que no debería estar escondido,” dijo el Obispo Michael Mulvey animando a todos a visitarlo.

“Somos privilegiados al tenerlo y que forme parte de nuestra comunidad.”

Si desea contribuir o formar parte de “Friends of the Dr. Cleo Gallery” visite su página; artmuseumofsouthtexas.org/dr-clotilde-p-garcia-spanish-colonial-gallery y hágase miembro hoy.

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Service trip leads to love of neighbor

By María Beatriz Romo-Sánchez

S Contributor

tudents and volunteer coordinators from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Newman Center spent a Saturday sharing their physical and spiritual energy with their neighbors in Rockport. They cleaned up debris from one of the sites affected by Hurricane Harvey.

According to one of the students, Matthew Kyle, being able to help those in need in Rockport was a way to express God’s love. “It was an opportunity to show that God brings hope to those who are weary and to those who feel forgotten through the work of his people,” he said. What an honor it was for us to be used by God to make the world a little less dark.”

Early in the morning hours on March 2 the group gathered at the Newman Center to ready

themselves as a group and rooted their service in the Gospel and Church teaching. Once in Rockport, volunteer coordinator John Cockerham helped find work for them and shared on the reconstruction process and the progress made since the hurricane hit in 2017.

“We were very inspired by all the stories he shared about generosity, providence and love of neighbor,” said Birgit Oberhofer, Spiritual Formation Coordinator at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Newman Center.

Their work involved cleaning up a private lot which still had many dead trees and debris on it.

“John was amazed at our energy level and speed and we finished the work sooner than expected.

In a way, we were looking forward to using our muscles, but on the other hand we realized that it

Newman Center students Cristian Soliz, from left, volunteer coordinator Bea Romo, James Trotter, Avery Rodriguez, Francesca Carranza, Aaron Salinas, Jessie Baza, Tino Quiocho, and Matthew Kyle enjoying a Saturday of service, fun and laughter in Rockport.

See more photos at SouthTexasCatholic.com/ news/ncservice Birgit Oberhofer for South Texas Catholic

April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 21

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Newman Center students from Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi, Tino Quiocho, from left, James Trotter and Cristian Soliz help load branches and debris from a work site in Rockport. The students had a fun-filled service day on March 2.

Birgit Oberhofer for South Texas Catholic

was not about us but about the community of Rockport,” Oberhofer said. “We did what they needed us to do for that day.”

“One of my favorite things that God told us is to love our neighbors. As Catholics, we strive to follow Jesus’s footsteps as he has invited us to do,” Kyle said.

“Today, I realized that there is more to life than staying in my apartment...I experienced the benefits of being with all of you, working for others and being out in nature,” said

Cristian Soliz, another student from the Newman Center. “I want to get out more often.”

Student Avery Rodriguez said the trip to Rockport was filled with service, fun, and laughter; it was beneficial in many ways, “After hearing of the stories Mr. John spoke about, it provided me with that sense of wanting to help more in my community,” she said.

“Overall the day gave me a sense of peace and gratitude for the life I am fortunate to live.”

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

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

Call 1-877-571-9748

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Conference delivers insights on early Church

By Corinna Longoria and Jennifer Branson

T Correspondents

he 2019 Fullness of Truth con- the Broadway musicals “Jesus Christ Superstar” ference, entitled “Discover Your and “Godspell” were popular,” she said. “We had Roots: Early Church Wisdom for the cast albums in my home, and this was my first Modern Day Catholics,” was held exposure to the Jesus story. There were some great at the American Bank Center on songs from “Godspell” that used scripture and stuck March 9-10. The two-day con- with me. I was able to connect my faith to my ference was chock-full of worship, reflection and childhood through these beautiful songs.

“But they didn’t help me underspeakers, who brought insight into the scripstand the fullness of Christ. They tures and how to apply them to daily life depict the scene, ‘My God, my God One speaker, Dawn Eden Goldstein, why have you forsaken me?’ They spoke twice during the conference, bringing have the crucifixion, but not the resher perspective as a theologian and a convert urrection. With no resurrection that from Judaism. On Saturday she discussed seems like the end of the story,” she the topic, “Was Christ Really Forsaken?: continued. “Even though the early The Fathers of the Church on Jesus’ Cry Christians had the end of the story, from the Cross.”

Dawn Eden from the testimony of those who were “As a child growing up in Galveston, Goldstein

Some speakers from the 2019 Fullness of Truth conference in Corpus Christi are from left, Dr. Michael Barber, Mike Aquilina, Jim Papandrea, Abby Johnson and Bishop Michael Mulvey who spoke on the wisdom of the early Church Fathers.

Contributed photo

April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 23

there, they reflected on His death. It is the only saying of Jesus from the cross that appears in two gospels, both Matthew and Mark.

Goldstein said one particular reason why that saying would have stood out to those who were present is that those who were present were all Jewish. They were all familiar with the Psalms that were prayed daily. They knew that Jesus was quoting Psalm 22.

“We are talking about a mystery in which Jesus expresses abandonment. This is a question that brings us into deep waters theologically,” Goldstein said. “Jesus says he and the father are one. He says that ‘they may be one as we are one.’ The Church has taught from its earliest days that Jesus always had the beatific vision. God was always present to Jesus throughout his earthly life.”

Bishop Michael Mulvey addressed the Fullness of Truth Conference in a talk that furthered the theme of the conference. He asked the audience to think about the early Church as one would remember a wedding day. That memory is a beautiful moment in time that serves as a reminder of our great love when tougher moments come along. Now that the Church is in the midst of one of these difficult moments, it is important to go back to the beginning, urged Bishop Mulvey.

He presented the image of the early Church, that they were of “one heart and one mind,” that they shared everything they had and there was “no needy person among them.” Of course, this exact picture isn’t possible to live today, but he posited that it is possible to live the spirit of this unity in the Church of today.

Doing so would require us to become mystics of a sort. He quoted Karl Rahner, “In the days ahead, you will either be a mystic or nothing at all.” To do this is to know God and to experience him as real, explained Bishop Mulvey. The faithful must let God’s grace flow through them. This starts with reading the Scriptures. Without knowledge of the Scriptures, he emphasized, the doctrine doesn’t make sense. Reading the Scriptures makes the doctrine of the Church come alive.

On Sunday, Catholic theologian and historian Jim Papandrea spoke about, “The Memoirs of the Apostles: How the Church Got Its Bible and How the Church Fathers Read It.” Papandrea explained how the New Testament documents are the most reliable of the Bible.

“For example, if Paul writes a letter to your church, you immediately send your scribe to copy it,” he said. “Then, they invented a new Jim Papandrea containment system. Instead of sewing rolled up scrolls together, they stacked them and sewed them on one side. They invented the book, and by the 2nd Century, they were widely circulated. At this same time, the documents of the Gospel were read in Mass.

Papandrea discussed the tradition of the Church and scripture saying, “Tradition does not come after scripture, it is the thing that helps us interpret it.”

Other speakers included Mike Aquilina and Dr. Michael Barber.

On Saturday evening Planned Parenthood clinic director turned pro-life advocate, Abby Johnson, spoke about her movie, “Unplanned,” with musicians Dave and Lauren Moore at “The Gathering – Concert of Praise and Stories.”

Anyone unable to attend the conference but would like to hear the presentations can order the audio files from www.FullnessofTruth.org.

GOOD FRIDAY A Pontifical Collection

SUPPORT CHRISTIANS IN THE HOLY LAND Like Simon of Cyrene, you can help us carry the cross in the Holy Land.

Through the Good Friday Collection, join with Catholics around the world to stand in solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land.

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

April 18-19

Please give generously.

24 South Texas Catholic | April 2019

†† NATIONAL NEWS

Why one Alabama man is suing on behalf of an aborted fetus

By Jonah McKeown

I

Catholic News Agency

n what is believed to be the first case of its kind in the United States, an attorney will represent the estate of an aborted child, after the father filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the six-week old fetus.

Court documents allege that a then-16-year-old Alabama woman obtained a medication abortion in February 2017, despite the protestations of her boyfriend, who says he is the father of the child.

The man subsequently sued the Alabama Women’s Center for Reproductive Alternatives in Huntsville last month, saying that he had wanted to keep the child.

Brent Helms, the attorney representing the father in the lawsuit, told CNA in an interview that the goals of the lawsuit are to ensure that no father has to endure what the defendant has so far endured, and also to protect unborn children in cases of abortion by establishing a right to legal “personhood” for them.

“The issue that we ran into, in the case of ‘personhood,’ there was some incongruency there in that the definition of ‘person’ from conception excluded an aborted child,” Helms said.

“And so one of the goals of this case was to ensure that we were able to establish personhood for the unborn baby.”

Alabama voters approved changes to the state constitution – Amendment 2 – in November 2018 to establish a right to life of unborn children, known as a “personhood clause.” The measure passed with 60 percent support from the public.

In addition to the new constitutional amendment, Alabama has statutes created by the legislature, Helms said, to define “personhood” as beginning at conception. The state also has seven opinions from the Alabama Supreme Court defining personhood as beginning at conception, he said.

None of these, however, have immediate legal effect, due to Roe v. Wade establishing a constitutional “right to abortion” nationally.

The attorney sees this lawsuit as another effort to enshrine personhood in the state.

Helms said he’s already had one indication that the lawsuit could succeed; he successfully set up an estate for the aborted child – identified in court documents as “Baby Roe” – and Probate Judge Frank Barger has allowed the lawsuit to go forward.

“That was the first estate, to my knowledge, ever created in the United States for an aborted child,” he said.

“So we’ve already had one victory, and we’re moving on now to the wrongful death case...Obviously, it’s the first case of its kind, ever, and we hope to establish legal precedent.”

In terms of broader implications if the father wins his lawsuit, Helms explained that in the state of Alabama, abortion is a profitmaking industry, and in a wrongful death lawsuit the

Amniotic sac of a 10 week fetus.

(CC BY-SA 2.0)

wrongdoer is punished in some way. In this case, the lawsuit names as wrongdoers the manufacturer of the pill that terminated the unborn baby’s life, as well as the abortion clinic, the doctor, the nurses, all those that participated in the abortion.

If those entities are found liable for the wrongful death of Baby Roe, Helms said, then what was once a profit-making industry will now be subject to liability.

“And the question for them will be, ‘are we more subject to liability than we are to profitability?’ If a drug manufacturer determines that they’re going to be held liable for an abortion in the state of Alabama, I doubt they’re going to send any kind of pills to Alabama for an abortion,” Helms speculated.

“So I would think [their] conclusion would likely be that liability outweighs profitability, and therefore abortion is eliminated in the state of Alabama. It’s just a simple business decision.”

Prominent pro-abortion groups such as NARAL Pro-Choice America have spoken out against the lawsuit and the implications for legal personhood for aborted fetuses.

Eric Johnston, a fellow attorney and president of the Alabama Pro-Life Coalition, told CNA that while he doesn’t “disagree in principle” with what Helms is doing, he is worried that the lawsuit will not succeed unless the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the 1973 decision that found a constitutional right April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 25

†† NATIONAL NEWS

to abortion.

While the lawsuit is currently in a state court, he said, if the abortion clinic or the drug company can successfully move it to federal court, it will be “rejected in pretty short order.” If it stays in the state system, he said, even the Alabama Supreme Court is unlikely to rule in favor of the father.

“That case is not going to be upheld until Roe v. Wade is reversed,” Johnston told CNA. “I really don’t think that that approach is an approach that will get to the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Johnston said putting together the right lawsuit to challenge a longstanding precedent like Roe v. Wade is extremely difficult.

He said he thinks laws passed by states, that directly challenge Roe v. Wade and are designed to be reviewed in the Supreme Court, are more likely to succeed.

“The Court has ruled in the past that the father of the child does not have a right over the unborn child, that it’s the woman’s right, and that’s based on the idea that abortion is legal,” Johnston explained.

“So I don’t think that the claiming of wrongful death damages by a father is the right set of circumstances that would cause the Supreme Court [to hear the case] to review Roe v. Wade.

I just don’t think that’s the right approach for it. I just don’t think it’s going to fly.”

Johnston said as long as Roe v. Wade gives the woman the right of privacy to have an abortion, then there is not a wrongful death cause of action, regardless of Alabama law.

“The Alabama Constitution does not supersede or overrule the U.S. Constitution,” Johnston said.

“And under Roe, they have held that the U.S. Constitution permits abortion. So it’s irrelevant what the Alabama Constitution says and it’s irrelevant what the Alabama Supreme Court has said in several cases.”

Helms is more hopeful. “We’re in uncharted territory, and we’re trying to do the best we can to navigate through it. But that also means the other side is in the same uncharted territory,” he said.

“We’re obviously excited about the opportunities that this may present for future fathers who are in the same position as [this father].”

Helms said protecting life is a particularly important issue for his family – he’s the father of seven children.

“When my mom was pregnant with my brother, the doctor told her that your health is such that either you or the baby is going to die, and my mom said ‘Well, if the Lord wants one of us or both of us he’ll take us,’” Helms reflected.

“And so she refused to have an abortion, and had my brother.

He’s the smartest and best-looking of the bunch, an so we’re grateful to have him. So yes, [the pro-life issue] does hit home, and my wife and I have been blessed and we’re grateful to have such a large family.”

The Huntsville abortion clinic has until April 1 to respond to the lawsuit.

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†† NATIONAL NEWS

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peters Square in 2018.

Daniel Ibanez, Catholic News Agency

Pope Francis calls for ‘gestures of peace’ in wake of mosque attacks

P

Catholic News Agency ope Francis called for gestures of peace to oppose hatred and violence Sunday in the wake of attacks on two mosques in New Zealand.

“To the grief for the wars and the conflicts that continue to afflict humanity, we have added that for the victims of the horrible attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand,” Pope Francis said March 17.

The pope asked all gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus prayer to join him in a moment of silent prayer for “our Muslim brothers” who were killed in New Zealand, and said that he will continue to pray for the dead, the wounded, and their families. A total of 50 people were killed in Friday’s shooting, and 34 of the injured remain in Christchurch Hospital.

Reflecting on the necessity and meaning of suffering, the pope said, “Each of 28 South Texas Catholic | April 2019

us has his own cross. The Lord shows us at the end of our journey, which is the Resurrection – the beauty of carrying our own cross.”

“The Transfiguration of Christ shows us the Christian perspective of suffering,” Pope Francis said. “It is a necessary, but transitory passage.”

“By showing His glory, Jesus assures us that the cross, the trials, the difficulties in which we struggle have their solution and will be overcome in Easter,” he said.

The pope explained that in Christ’s Transfiguration, Jesus granted his disciples Peter, James, and John a foretaste of the Resurrection shortly before His crucifixion.

“Jesus knew that they would not accept this reality - the reality of the cross, the reality of Jesus’ death,” Francis said. “And so He wants to prepare them to bear the scandal of the passion and death of the

cross, so that they will know that this is the way through which the Heavenly Father will bring His Son to glory, raising Him from the dead.”

“And this will also be the path of the disciples: no one comes to eternal life except by following Jesus, bringing His own cross into earthly life,” he added.

Pope Francis recommended taking more time for prayer and moments of recollection during the Lenten season to allow Christ’s “light to pervade and radiate in our lives.”

Through “prayer in Christ and in the Holy Spirit” a person can be transformed from within and “can illumine others and the surrounding world,” he said.

“The Virgin Mary teaches us to stay with Jesus even when we do not understand Him and do not understand His ways.

Because only by remaining with Him will we see His glory,” Pope Francis said.

By Courtney Grogan

P

Catholic News Agency

ope Francis called Monday for a new approach to politics in Latin America that incorporates the principles of Catholic social teaching.

“A new presence of Catholics in politics is necessary in Latin America,” Pope Francis told the Pontifical Commission for Latin America’s seminar participants March 4.

This not only implies “new faces in electoral campaigns, but new methods … flexible alternatives with a clear Christian social identity,” the pope continued.

“Engaging in politics inspired by the Gospel from the people in movement becomes a powerful way to clean up our fragile democracies,” he said.

Pope Francis clarified that there is no “single form of political commitment for Catholics,” no “Catholic party,” and stated that “the same Christian faith can lead to different commitments.”

The pope spoke with 26 young Catholic participants in a nine-day seminar on Church social doctrine and Latin American politics organized by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

He exhorted the delegation to defend themselves from “ideological colonization.”

The pope pointed to the example of recently canonized Saint Oscar Romero.

He said the saint saw “many lay people who wanted to change things, but who

often went astray with false ideological answers.” Romero helped them to “rediscover the reasons why it is worth doing politics, but from the Gospel, overcoming ideologies.”

Pope Francis quoted Romero, stating, “To be a good politician you do not need to be a Christian, but the Christian involved in political activity has an obligation to confess his faith. And if a conflict between loyalty to their faith and loyalty to the organization arises in this field, the true Christian should prefer his faith and demonstrate that his struggle for justice is for the justice of the Kingdom of God, and not another justice.”

He further quoted the saint, noting, “Not every Christian has a political vocation, nor is the political channel the only one that leads to a task of justice. There are also other ways of translating faith into a work of justice and the common good.”

The pope commented that 2031 will St. Oscar Romero mark 500-year anniversary of the appaBy puigreixach C BY-SA 3.0) rition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which spread the faith throughout Mexico and would give origin to the pluriform face of across Latin America. Two years later, in the great Latin American nation,” Pope 2033, the Church will celebrate the 2000- Francis said. year anniversary of humanity’s redemption He continued, “We entrust ourselves through Jesus’ crucifixion. to his intercession so that when the forces “San Juan Diego, poor and excluded are lacking in the struggle for our people, indigenous, was precisely the small and let us remember that it is precisely in the humble instrument that Our Lady of weakness that the strength of God can do Guadalupe chose for a great mission that his best work.”

Volunteers Needed!

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We are always seeking volunteers to help at the center. There are many areas to choose from for a volunteer! We would love for you to pray about possibly being a volunteer at Refuge of Hope!

Some areas to serve are: provide organizational/ cleaning skills for mommy closet/diapers/food/ formula; help with administrative duties (i.e. data entry/or receptionist); be a volunteer working with clients in need of services and/or earn while you learn program; serve in a fundraising or donor/sponsor Role; and grant writing.

(361) 241-5300 April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 29

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Pope Francis: Latin America needs a new Catholic presence in politics

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ASU 2.19

Father Peter Marsalek is General Priest Servant with the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity.

By Father Peter Marsalek, SOLT

D Contributor

uring my time in seminary with the SOLT community in Rome, we would alternate where we would celebrate the Easter Vigil.

One year we would attend the Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica with Pope Saint John Paul II presiding. The next year, in order to have some firsthand experience of organizing, preparing and serving the Easter Vigil, we would celebrate in our humble basement chapel which was within a huge complex belonging to the Christian Brothers of St. John the Baptist de La Salle, from whom we used to rent out a block of rooms. While of course, the papal celebrations were unforgettable in their grandeur, solemnity and beauty, sometimes, the subtle symbolic significance of very profound liturgical gestures would become more apparent while celebrating the Easter Vigil in our basement chapel. There are two such moments that I would like to share with you here.

At the beginning of the Easter Vigil, which takes place after nightfall, the liturgy starts outside with the lighting of the paschal candle which represents the light of Christ. Once the paschal candle is lit, the congregation follows the light into the church. In the case of our Easter Vigil celebration, the journey from the fire pit to the chapel meant navigating through a series of turns down narrow corridors in the pitch dark.

In fact, it was so dark that the moment the paschal candle turned the corner ahead of you, you were very quickly uncomfortable, groping for the walls and trying to make the turn as fast as possible to return to the presence of the light.

Once you made the turn, you quickly surged forward to try and stay as close to the light as possible.

It was in those moments that I was greatly struck by the significance and beauty of the image of Christ the light. Only in the light of Christ is it possible for us to see where we are going in life; only in the light of Christ can we circumvent the dangers and challenges of life; and only in the light of Christ is it possible for

us to understand the meaning and purpose of our life. Conversely, without His light, we are left fumbling in the dark, grasping for walls, and lost in a sea of uncertainty and doubt.

Of course, the greatest darkness that each of us faces in life is the inevitable encounter with death. It is a veil that will only be lifted at the moment it occurs – the ultimate blind corner whose mystery will be fully revealed only when each of us individually makes that turn. And yet, the celebration of Easter reminds us, that just as the paschal candle precedes us into the dark church, Jesus Christ Himself had already gone before us and traversed the perils and finality of death. He has gone before us in His resurrection, and in the certainty of faith. We have the hope and assurance that awaits beyond the corner of the darkness of death, Jesus in the fullness of His glory.

The second memorable moment of that Easter Vigil pertained to the sharing of the light of Christ and was once again highlighted by the nature of our pitch-dark chapel. In the liturgy, as the deacon enters the church with the paschal candle, three times he sings out, “Christ our light.” After the second proclamation somewhere in the center of the church, he turns, and from the one paschal candle, the light is shared with those around him, and they, in turn, share the same light with others until the whole church is beautifully lit. In our little chapel, the transformation from darkness to light was impressive and impactful.

The striking feature of the light is that when it is shared from one candle to the other, the original flame is not diminished in any way. If I have a full cup of water and share half of it with you, I am only left with a half cup for myself.

This is not the case with fire, in fact, as the light is shared, collectively it grows and gets stronger and begins to light up the entire space! When we walk in the light of Christ, we also become lights to others radiating Christ to them. As the light grows and is shared, the presence of Christ in this world becomes more and more apparent.

April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 31

†† OUR FAITH

Lumen Christi (The Light of Christ)

†† OUR FAITH

➤ Only in the light of Christ is it possible for us to see where we are going in life; only in the light of Christ can we circumvent the dangers and challenges of life; and only in the light of Christ is it possible for us to understand the meaning and purpose of our life.

Conversely, without His light, we are left fumbling in the dark, grasping for walls, and lost in a sea of uncertainty and doubt.

Each of us in this world encounters a variety of challenges as we traverse through life, and while we have various coping mechanisms we employ to try and overcome these obstacles, we are all ultimately confronted with the reality that death is the one insurmountable obstacle that none of us can conquer on our own. Every Easter, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, we are reminded that He is the only answer to the deepest desire of our heart – that we and the ones we love would enjoy eternal happiness. Jesus is the only one

who conquered death, He is the only one who can show us the path from death to life. For this reason, He is the Resurrection, the Way, the Truth, the Life, and the Light.

As we proceed forward in the blessed season of Easter, let us ask for the grace that we would always walk in the light of Christ; that we would be keen and earnest in sharing the light of Christ with others; that our hearts would be filled with gratitude; and that on account of the light of Christ, we are able to understand the meaning of our lives and can see the path that leads to life everlasting!

April Liturgical Calendar 1 | Mon | Lenten Weekday | violet | Is 65:17-21/Jn 4:43-54 (244) 2 | Tue | Lenten Weekday | violet [Saint Francis of Paola, Hermit] Ez 47:1-9, 12/Jn 5:1-16 (245) 3 | Wed | Lenten Weekday | violet | Is 49:8-15/Jn 5:17-30 (246) 4 | Thu | Lenten Weekday | violet [Saint Isidore, Bishop and Doctor of the Church] Ex 32:7-14/Jn 5:31-47 (247) 5 | Fri | Lenten Weekday | violet [Saint Vincent Ferrer, Priest] Wis 2:1a, 12-22/Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 (248) 6 | Sat | Lenten Weekday | violet | Jer 11:18-20/Jn 7:40-53 (249) 7 | SUN | FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT | violet Is 43:16-21/Phil 3:8-14/Jn 8:1-11 (36) or, from Year A, Ez 37:12-14/Rom 8:8-11/Jn 11:1-45 or 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b45 (34) Pss I 8 | Mon | Lenten Weekday | violet | Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62/Jn 8:12-20 (second choice) (251) 9 | Tue | Lenten Weekday | violet

| Nm 21:4-9/Jn 8:21-30 (252) 10 | Wed | Lenten Weekday | violet | Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95/Jn 8:31-42 (253) 11 | Thu | Lenten Weekday | violet [Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr] Gn 17:3-9/Jn 8:51-59 (254) 12 | Fri | Lenten Weekday | violet | Jer 20:10-13/Jn 10:31-42 (255) 13 | Sat | Lenten Weekday | violet [Saint Martin I, Pope and Martyr] Ez 37:21-28/Jn 11:45-56 (256) 14 | SUN | PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD | red Lk 19:28-40 (37)/Is 50:4-7/ Phil 2:6-11/Lk 22:14—23:56 or 23:1-49 (38) Pss II 15 | Mon | Monday of Holy Week | violet | Is 42:1-7/Jn 12:1-11 (257) 16 | Tue | Tuesday of Holy Week | violet | Is 49:1-6/Jn 13:21-33, 36-38 (258)

Chrism Mass: Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9/Rv 1:5-8/Lk 4:16-21 (260) | Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14/1 Cor 11:23-26/Jn 13:1-15 (39) Pss Prop

2:36-41/Jn 20:11-18 (262) Pss Prop

19 | Fri | Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday) | red Is 52:13—53:12/Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9/ Jn 18:1—19:42 (40) Pss Prop

25 | Thu | Thursday within the Octave of Easter | white Acts 3:11-26/Lk 24:35-48 (264) Pss Prop

20 | Sat | Holy Saturday | white | Vigil: Gn 1:1—2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a/ Gn 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18/ Ex 14:15—15:1/Is 54:5-14/ Is 55:1-11/Bar 3:9-15, 32—4:4/Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28/ Rom 6:3-11/Lk 24:1-12 (41) Pss Prop 21 | SUN | EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD | white| Solemnity | Acts 10:34a, 37-43/Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8/Jn 20:1-9 (42) or Lk 24:1-12 (41) or, at an afternoon or evening Mass, Lk 24:13-35 (46) Pss Prop

17 | Wed | Wednesday of Holy Week | violet | Is 50:4-9a/Mt 26:14-25 (259)

22 | Mon | Monday within the Octave of Easter | white Acts 2:14, 22-33/Mt 28:8-15 (261) Pss Prop

18 | Thu | Thursday of Holy Week (Holy Thursday) | white

23 | Tue | Tuesday within the Octave of Easter | white Acts

32 South Texas Catholic | April 2019

24 | Wed | Wednesday within the Octave of Easter | white Acts 3:110/Lk 24:13-35 (263) Pss Prop

26 | Fri | Friday within the Octave of Easter | white Acts 4:112/Jn 21:1-14 (265) Pss Prop 27 | Sat | Saturday within the Octave of Easter | white Acts 4:13-21/Mk 16:9-15 (266) Pss Prop 28 | SUN | SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER | white (OR SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY) Acts 5:12-16/Rv 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19/Jn 20:19-31 (45) Pss Prop 29 | Mon | Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Acts 4:23-31/Jn 3:1-8 (267) Pss II 30 | Tue | Easter Weekday | white/white [Saint Pius V, Pope] Acts 4:32-37/Jn 3:7b-15 (268)

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

Mary: Face of Woman

April 6 from 8 a.m.-Noon at St. Theresa Catholic Church and Parish Hall (1302 Lantana St) in Corpus Christi. A conference open to all women and girls ages 16 and older sponsored by CDA court #2433. Presenters will be Father Frank Martinez, Sarah Morrison and Deacon Stephen Nolte. Breakfast and break food will be served. A donation of $10 is requested. RSVP for seating or for more information call or text Irma Rodriguez (361) 774-6660 or Norma San Miguel, Chairperson for Conference (361) 960-2235.

Blue Mass at MPB

April 7 at 10:30 a.m. Mass at Most Precious Blood Church (3502 Saratoga Blvd.) All police officers, fire fighters, EMS, correctional officers, 911 dispatchers and all those employed in the “Public Safety Field” and their families are invited to attend. Public officials are requested to meet at the family center directly behind the church by 9:45 a.m. All Invitees and their family will be treated to a free appreciation meal after the Mass at the hall.

Encounter with God Retreat for Lectors

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

7th Annual Spirit Center Celebrity Dinner

April 11 begins at 6 p.m. at USS Lexington Museum on the Bay. Benefiting the Fannie Bluntzer Nason Renewal Center–The Spirit Center, a ministry of the Sisters of the Incarnate

Word and Blessed Sacrament. There will be mojitos, cigars, Domino Alley, silent auction, musica Cubano from Latin Talk and Cuban inspired comidas.

For more information call Sylvia Basaldu at (361) 888-7537 or email sbasaldu@ bluntzerspiritcenter.org.

Men’s English Cursillo

April 11-14 at Cursillo Center on 1200 Lantana. Christ is counting on you. Make a friend, be a friend and bring your friend to Christ. For more information call Emma Botello, PreCursillo Chairperson at (361) 853-2754 or any Cursillo leader for information or applications.

Women’s Retreat

April 11-14 begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

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

16th Annual Golf Classic

April 12 begins at 12 p.m. with registration, followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m. at Corpus Christi Country Club. If you would like to enter a team in the tournament call the school at (361) 992-1343 or bkrnavek@stpiusxschoolcc.org.

Sponsorships and donations are also being accepted. Come out and enjoy a fun day and help raise money for St. Pius X Catholic School.

Diocesan Marriage Prep

April 13 from 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Church (3350 S. Alameda St.) Couples preparing for marriage from around the diocese are invited to attend this workshop that covers topics such as the meaning of Christian marriage, communication, finances, The Language of the Body and more. To register go to diocesecc.org/onedayworkshop.

Cursillo de hombres

Se está formando un Cursillo para hombres españoles del 25 al 28 de abril, comenzando el jueves por la noche y terminando el domingo por la noche. Es un curso corto del cristianismo evangelizar su entorno y acercarlo a Cristo. Para más información llame a Frank Mata (361) 437-2292.

Divine Mercy Retreat at OLCC April 26-28 begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday, 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana). Gain a deeper understanding of the mercy of God, learn to trust

in Jesus and live our lives reflecting His Mercy to others. Register at ourladyofcorpuschristi.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Jamaica

April 26-27 at 6 p.m. at Jim Wells County Fairgrounds. The festival begins with a Queen Contest at 6 p.m. Live music will be provided by Jerry and the Ruf Nex, there will be a Ranch Rodeo, food booths and activities. On April 27, there will be a silent auction, games and rides, bingo, a cook-off and much more. Entertainment will be provided

by Art Tigerina and the Art Tigerina Band and Marcos Orozco.

Catholic Schools Middle Level Art Show 2019

April 27 from 1-6 p.m. at Incarnate Word Academy Elementary Gym.

4th Annual Dare to Own the Dream

April 27 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Catholic Charities (615 Oliver Ct.).

Free homeownership and housing Fair presented by Catholic Charities HUD-approved Housing Counseling Department. Includes door prizes throughout the day. For more information contact Amanda Lazo at alazo@diocesecc.org or call the office at (361) 884-0651.

Divine Mercy Sunday

April 28 from 2-5 p.m. at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church (3210 SPID) in Corpus Christi. Divine Mercy Sunday will be celebrated with the three o’clock prayer of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. For more information, call Mira Smithwick at (361) 510-5754.

Women’s English Cursillo

May 2-5 at the Cursillo Center on 1200 Lantana. For more information call Emma Botello, Pre-Cursillo Chairperson at (361) 853-2754 or any Cursillo leader for information or applications.

Academic Contest at IWA

May 4 at Incarnate Word Academy.

Incarnate Word Academy is hosting an Academic Contest that will offer private school students an opportunity to compete in 13 different comprehensive academic events. These contests will encompass many elements of required Elementary and Middle-Level academic curriculum. For more information go to southtexascatholic.com/events/ academic

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

†† APRIL CALENDAR

One-day Diabetes class

†† APRIL CALENDAR

Lenten Calendar Events 40 Cans For Lent

As part of the Knights of Columbus Food for Families program, the Cathedral Knights Council #11107 is asking parish members and community to make a donation of one-can-per-day during Lent into a clean food container placed at each door at the Cathedral Church. 40 Cans for Lent will end April 14. For many families in our community, ongoing economic hardships have resulted in daily struggles to put food on their tables.

Some people simply don’t have enough food to eat and go to bed hungry. The one-canper-day donation is inspired by Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the desert.

Holy Family Lenten Mission

April 1-3 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church (2509 Nogales) in Corpus Christi with Father Sam Medley, SOLT. Please Contact Michael Hernandez at (361) 460-3050 for more information.

OLPH Fish Fry

April 5 &12 from 3-7 p.m. at Our Lady of

Perpetual Help (5830 Williams Drive). An $8 plate includes 2 fish fillets, french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw and tea. Call in orders at (361) 991-7891. Dine-in, carryout or drive-thru available.

St. Anthony Robstown Fish Fry April 5 & 12 from 4-7:30 p.m. (dinner) at St. Anthony Parish Hall (204 Dunne Ave, Robstown). Dine-in and carry out.

Ss. Cyril & Methodius Fish Fry

April 5 & 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Ss. Cyril & Methodius in the Msgr. Kasper Hall (behind the school on SPID and Kostoryz). The plate includes fish filets, french fries, cole slaw, dinner roll and condiments for an $8 donation. Dine-in or carryout.

St. Joseph Fish Fry

April 5 & 12 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-7:30 p.m. in the gym (710 19th St.) We deliver hot & fresh for FREE on orders of 5 or more plates! $1 drinks and desserts (a variety of cakes, pies, and cookies) or $2 Capirotada (Mexican bread pudding). Carry out or

Dine-In the gym. Call (361) 882-7912 or Fax (361) 882-6853.

Sacred Heart-Corpus Christi Fish Fry

April 5, 12 & 19 from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m at Central Catholic Elementary (1218 Comanche St, across from Sacred Heart Church) in Corpus Christi. Fish fry plates with trimmings, fries, coleslaw, corn and hush puppies for an $8 donation per plate. Drinks and deserts will also be available for purchase seperately.

For more information, call the parish office at (361)883-6082.

Christ the King Fish Fry

April 5,12 & 19 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch) and 4:30-7:30 p.m. (dinner) at Christ the King Parish Hall (1625 Arlington Dr.). The plate includes 2 large fish fillets, 3 crispy butterfly shrimps, 2 hushpuppies, french fries, coleslaw and a drink. All proceeds benefit the youth group. For more information call the parish office at (361) 883-2821 or email churchoffice@ctk-cc.org.

Ongoing Calendar Events Christ the King Prayer Group | April 1 and every Monday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Christ the King (3423 Rojo). Come join our prayer group for a more in-depth understanding of what God wants us to do after he heals our hearts and souls.

Spanish and English.

Tea Time and Book Study: Father Joseph Kentenich’s Life | April 1 and Mondays from 12:30-2 p.m. at Schoenstatt Movement Center in Corpus Christi.

OLPH Bereavement & Grief Support Ministry | April 2 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). For more information call Chaplain Ray Claveria at (361) 215-4395.

El Grupo De Oracion/ Prayer Group | Abril 3 y todos los miércoles de 6:308:30 p.m. en la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón en Corpus Christi. El Grupo de Oracion se juntan cada Miercoles en el salon de la parroquia at 1322 Comanche St. En frente de la escuela George Evans.

Todos estan invitados.

Catholic Charities is offering Immigration Services | April 4, 11, 18, 25 and every Thursdays starting at 7:30 a.m. at Catholic Charities (615 Oliver Court) to discuss client eligibility according to USCIS qualifications.

34 South Texas Catholic | April 2019

The first 15 people who sign in will be seen in order of arrival; there is a $25 consultation fee.

Holy Hour & Healing Mass April 4 and every first Thursday of the month at 5-6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Jesus Nazareno Chapel at Sacred Heart Church in Corpus Christi.

Secular Franciscans in Corpus Christi Monthly Gathering | April 6 and every first Saturday of each month from 9:30 p.m.-12 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral Room 4. For more information contact Liz Conces at (936) 344-1353.

Blue Army Mass | April 6 and every first Saturday of the month in the Jesus Nazareno Chapel at Sacred Heart in Corpus Christi.

St. Peregrine Healing Mass | April 7 and every first Sunday of each month from 5-6 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi (1200 Lantana St.).

Healing Mass and Prayer Service | April 12 and every second Friday of the month at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church (1123 Main Drive) in Corpus Christi.

Family Rosary | April 13 and every second Saturday of the month in the Emmanuel Chapel (505 N Upper Broadway) after 12:05 Mass.

Grounded in Truth at OLCC | April 20 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 Cafe Veritas from 8-9:30 p.m.

The Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Pro-Life Mass | April 20 and every third Saturday from 8-10 a.m. the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Pro-Life Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church (710 19th Street) in Corpus Christ.

Meeting of Lay Apostolates of St. Dominic | April 20 and every third Saturday of each month at 3:45 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary School (next to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church), located on 2233 Waldron Road in Flour Bluff. The group is under the spiritual guidance of Sister Claudia Ongpin, O.P., of the Religious Missionary Sisters of St. Dominic.

Parent Café Support Group | April 25 and every fourth Thursday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi (615 Oliver Court).

For more information call (361) 8840651, ext. 287. Please RSVP. Open to all parents, grandparents and caregivers raising children.

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

2019 Cursillo Dates/Fechas Men’s

English

April 11-14 Sept. 26-29

Contact

Women’s May 2-5 Oct. 17-20

Emma Botello (361) 853-2754

Español

Hombres April 25-28 Oct. 10-13

Contacto

Frank Mata

(361) 437-2292

Mujeres

Marzo 21-24 Sept. 19-21

Mary Mendoza (361) 701-0034

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

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

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

Hable con Dios antes de hablar con su amigo de Dios

We Invite You to Come Live and Enjoy a Cursillo.

Los Invitamos a Vivir y Gozar De Un Cursillo.

What is a Cursillo? Cursillo is a short course (Cursillo) in Christianity. To many, it is the beginning of a walk with Christ. The only purpose of Cursillo is evangelization of our environment and to bring others closer to Christ.

It starts on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday evening. All attendees attend Mass daily.

It is a joyful time where all share and pray together and listen to talks (rollos) that are given by clergy and laypersons. It is a personal encounter with Christ and with oneself. Cursillo started in Spain in the early 1940’s. It has rapidly spread and is now all over the world.

¿Qué es un Cursillo? Cursillo es un corto curso en Cristiandad. Muchos empiezan andar con Cristo. El propósito de cursillo es evangelizar nuestros ambientes, y traer a otros a Cristo.

Comienza el Jueves en la tarde, y termina el Domingo en la tarde. Durante estos días, los asistentes viven y trabajan juntos. Escuchan unas charlas (rollos) sencillas presentados por sacerdotes y seglares. Asisten Misa diaria. Es un tiempo gozoso donde compartimos, y oramos.

Es un encuentro personal con Cristo y uno mismo. Cursillo empiezo en principio de 1940’s en España. Se desparramo por todo el mundo.

April 2019 | South Texas Catholic 35

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

CORPUS CHRISTI CATHEDRAL 505 N. Upper Broadway Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Palm Sunday - April 14 Seder Meal at 1:30 p.m. in St. Joseph Hall. FMI call Orfie Hernandez at (361) 883-4213, Ext. 21.

Chrism Mass - April 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Blessing of the Holy Oils for use during the coming year Holy Thursday - April 18 5 p.m. Confessions 7 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s supper, transfer of Blessed Sacrament & stripping of Altar 10:30 p.m. Confessions 11:45 p.m. Night Prayer in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel

Good Friday - April 19 11 a.m. Confessions 12 p.m. Friday of the Passion of the Lord & Confessions 5 p.m. Confessions 6 p.m. Solemn Stations of the Cross and Confessions during the Services Easter Services Saturday, April 20 8 p.m. Easter Vigil & reception of Candidates and Catechumens Easter Sunday - April 21 Easter Sunday Masses 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.

(En español) & 12:30 p.m

JAN. 26-27