† VOCATIONS
preparation for their meeting. I appreciate the significance of the visit. The visit with the pope was no different than when the apostles were called to be in communion with Peter. All bishops are different. They have different personalities, opinions and ideas. However, they also have something in common; they are successors of the apostles that Jesus Christ himself had chosen from among the people.
Before studying in Rome, I did not know the importance of these visits. I only knew that bishops sometimes had to meet with the Holy Father in Rome to discuss things. Now I know differently. The primary reason for these visits is not just to have a meeting with the Holy Father; the primary reason is charity. It’s important to remember that Christ left us his Church as a sign of his great love for us. He gave us his apostles; he gave us
Peter and Paul, who were also instruments of God’s love for us. It is in the Church we receive the Eucharist, which strengthens our life in Christ and makes us holy. Rome can remind us of this reality. Raymond Pendleton is a seminarian from the Diocese of Corpus Christi. He is currently studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy.
† NEWS BRIEFS
MASH BASH 2020
The mission of Mercy’s signature fundraising event, MASH BASH 2020, is scheduled for March 6, at the American Bank Center featuring country artist Tracy Byrd. Dress as your favorite Mash Character. Sponsorships start at $1,500
or $250 per couple. There will be dinner, dancing, silent auction, games, costume contest, raffle and more. For more information, contact Sherry Bowers, Executive Director at (361) 883-5500, ext. 104 or at sbowers@amissionofmercy.org.
Congratulations Dr. Therese Recinella On Jan. 29 Dr. Therese Recinella was elected chairperson for the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops Evangelization and Catechesis Executive Committee. She began her four-year commitment at the conclusion of the winter meeting gathering in San Angelo. Her duties as a chairperson-elect for the TCCB EC for two years she will: function in all capacities in the absence of the Chairperson; monitor the progress of all committees; perform any function assigned by the chairperson or the executive
Congratulations Monica Maldonado On Feb. 3 the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) based in Austin presented Maldonado with $500 and a plaque for being year’s Technology Administrator of the Year award. Maldonado is the director of technology for schools in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. These awards are given to educators who work to advance teaching and learning through innovative technology. TCEA Executive Director Lori Gracey in Austin congratulated all finalists, saying: “We couldn’t be more proud of these incredible 8 South Texas Catholic | March 2020
educators. Each one of them has displayed a remarkable commitment to teaching and learning and the wise use of technology to reach those learning goals. This year’s finalists reflect the spirit of TCEA, and the very best of their profession.” “We are very proud of her and her many accomplishments in advancing technology as a teaching and learning tool in our Catholic schools,” said Dr. Rosemary Henry, superintendent of schools for the diocese. “I’m super excited and blessed,” Maldonado said.
committee. In the next two years she will perform the duties of the chairperson: call and chair meetings of the TCCB-EC and of the executive committee of the TCCB-EC; facilitate communication between members and the Bishops of Texas, their appointed liaison to TCCB-EC and all other appropriate groups; represent TCCB-EC in all official relationships with other groups; and appoint the members of the nominating committee (at the September/October meeting) and any ad hoc committees as deemed necessary.