Catholic Spirit, March 2019

March 2019, Vol. 37, No. 3

 The official publication of the Diocese of Austin 

En Español: Páginas 27-30

Bishop encourages all to be light on the darkness of abortion

By Enedelia J. Obregón | Senior Correspondent

The Texas Catholic Pro-Life Day began with two Masses to celebrate the Gift of Human Life before gathering with other pro-life groups from other denominations for a march and rally at the Texas Capitol organized by the Texas Alliance for Life.

Corpus Christi Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey celebrated the Mass at San José Parish in Austin and Amarillo Bishop Patrick Zurek celebrated the Mass at St. Louis Parish in Austin.

Bishop Zurek also gave the invocation and was a speaker at the rally.

In his homily, Bishop Zurek said artificial birth control was the first step toward abortion because it opened wide marital infidelity and thus allowed greater temptation toward infidelity.

“We also forgot the reverence due to a woman,” Bishop Zurek said.

While we often hear that we own our own bodies, “man was not given

absolute dominion over his body.”

Men and women are instruments of God’s creation and that relationship cannot be severed.

“We truly are his creation, his handiwork –– all of his creation,” Bishop Zurek said.

“But of all his creation, only women and men are instilled with intelligence and free will.”

We were also created out of love, he said.

Thus, we must choose love because we have been created in the image and likeness of God. Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament when he gave us the greatest commandment in Matthew’s Gospel: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Bishop Zurek reminded the faithful that love is sacrificial.

Jesus proved it by dying on the cross for all of humanity.

“His was the total gift of self for the benefit of others,” the bishop said. “He entered Bishop Patrick Zurek of Amarillo first celebrated a Mass for the Gift of Human Life at St. Louis Parish in Austin, then he spoke at the Rally for Life at the state Capitol. (Photo by Enedelia J. Obregón)

willingly into death for us.”

Marriage, Bishop Zurek said, is also sacrificial, necessitating obedience and humility in the relationship.

What Jesus did in being obedient unto death is the “quintessence of love,” Bishop Zurek said. “There was not a speck of narcissism of earthly fads.”

Abortion is the total opposite. It is evil and against creation, which is the work of God, and abortion goes against God’s will.

Just as John the Baptist was a light pointing to Jesus even when they were both in their mothers’ wombs, we must also become lights to life in the womb, he said.

Because the unborn who have died through abortion are God’s holy innocents, people should ask for their intercession as the work continues to end abortion.

The Rally for Life was attended by nearly 7,000 people, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Mayra Ramirez of Santa Cruz

People from across the state gathered for the Texas Rally for Life at the state Capitol on Jan. 26. (Photo by Enedelia J. Obregón)

Parish in Buda attended for the first time. She brought her sons Gabriel, 2, and Lucas, 6 months. She came because she was upset at the recently passed law in New York state that allows abortion after 24 weeks.

Becky Wooster of St. Louis Parish in Austin, who has three children and “one in heaven,” said she came because she is both “pro-woman and pro-life,” defending the lives of both women and the unborn.

At the rally, Bishop Zurek once again warned that artificial contraception had led to mentality that allowed for the passage of Roe v.

Wade 46 years ago that made abortion legal.

“Our country is in darkness,” Bishop Zurek said. He encouraged all “to be the light that God has given us upon baptism.”

Bishop’s Interview

Catholic Schools

In Our World

Español

The Diocese of Austin has been blessed with growth of population and of faith. PAGE 19

Annual Catholic Schools Event celebrates the heroes in our Catholic schools. PAGES 12-13

The church’s response to the global sexual abuse crisis.

Ayudando a familias a realizar el sueño de una educación Católica. PAGE 28

PAGES 15-18

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VOICES

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

THE MISSION OF THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

RUNNING ON FAITH

As the official newspaper for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin, the Catholic Spirit is dedicated to providing information, education and formation for the Catholic community of Central Texas. This mission calls for the newspaper: • to provide readers with an understanding of our Catholic faith and traditions; • to be a primary source of information on Catholic issues relevant to the community; • to be a unifying element for faith communities, both rural and urban, throughout Central Texas; • to show respect for and appreciation of all cultural groups and traditions; • to emphasize topics affirming the Catholic community and life, while acknowledging the humanity of the community and examining, with courage, topics that challenge and encourage growth in the faith.

When the Holy Spirit intercedes, the crazy recedes

HOW TO SUBMIT INFORMATION Deadline for submission of articles or information for the Catholic Spirit is the 10th of the month for publication in the following month’s edition. Deadline for the April issue is March 10.

Submit material in one of the following ways: • E-mail to catholic-spirit@austindiocese.org.

• Mail to Catholic Spirit, 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB, Austin, TX 78723 Catholic Spirit has unrestricted editing rights.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE Subscription rates are $12 for one year. To subscribe, send a check payable to Catholic Spirit to Catholic Spirit, 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB, Austin, TX 78723. Members of a parish in the Austin Diocese may receive the newspaper for a reduced rate. Contact your parish staff for more information.

ADDRESS CHANGES Send all address changes to Catholic Spirit, 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB, Austin, TX 78723. Please include your parish’s name and city. If receiving duplicate copies of the Catholic Spirit, call (512) 949-2443 or e-mail catholic-spirit@austindiocese.org.

STAFF Publisher: Bishop Joe S. Vásquez Editor: Shelley Metcalf Assistant Editor: Christian R. González Advertising: Shelley Metcalf Spanish translation: Gina Dominguez Columnists: Mary Lou Gibson Correspondents: Ricardo Gandara, Enedelia J. Obregón, Kanobia Russell-Blackmon, Carla Smith and Mary P. Walker Catholic Spirit subscribes to Catholic News Service (CNS) and is a member of the Catholic Press Association. Catholic Spirit cannot be held liable or responsible for the content of any advertisment appearing within these pages. Advertisements are solely the responsibility of each advertiser. Misleading advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints regarding advertising should be directed to the advertiser or to the Better Business Bureau.

Copyright 2019 by the Austin Diocese. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any editorial content, photograph, art or design is prohibited without written permission of the publisher Catholic Spirit (ISSN 0896-2715) is published 11 times annually (monthly except one issue in July/August) by the Austin Diocese.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez (publisher) 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB Austin, TX 78723 Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Catholic Spirit 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB Austin, Texas 78723

By Shelley Metcalf | Editor

Life has been a little more crazy than normal lately. I have felt scattered, like I am running from one thing to the next with no focus and no thought. I have felt like I am going through the motions and not living, not loving and not appreciating each moment.

This is normal, I know. I have learned when these times come to accept them and to also remind myself to breathe and to focus. Sometimes I am able to get myself back on track; other times it takes a quick kick in the pants (otherwise known as the Holy Spirit).

A few Sundays ago, I brought one of these crazy, scattered times to Mass with me. As my kids and I knelt to pray before Mass, I could feel my heart pounding and my eyes darting all around. I knew I needed to calm down and focus myself before Mass began. I read through the Scriptures of the day, and although they were rich with good material, I struggled with my brain in overdrive.

The struggle continued through the opening song, the Sign of the Cross, the Kyrie and the Gloria. Then the priest prayed the Collect (the prayer right before we sit to listen to the readings). The prayer immediately decelerated my brain and my heart. All of the sudden I found what I had been searching for, I found peace and I finally felt the crazy recede.

I realize this is probably what the Collect is meant to do at every Mass. However, the particular words of that Sunday’s Collect spoke to me so clearly and purposefully. “O God, who teach us that

you abide in hearts that are just and true, grant that we may be so fashioned by your grace as to become a dwelling pleasing to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”

I knew when I walked into Mass that day my heart was not ready for Jesus. I knew my mind was not prepared to accept his word or his sacrifice. But when I heard the words, “grant that we may be so fashioned by your grace as to become a dwelling pleasing to you,” my focus shifted from the exterior to the interior. The Holy Spirit opened my heart and quieted my mind.

The rest of the Mass was so simple and so peaceful. The priest gave a beautiful homily on prayer. I received the Body of Christ, the perfect remedy for the “craziness” of life. And after Mass, I received a lovely blessing from the priest. As I drove home and my kids fought about what they wanted for dinner, my heart was calm, and all I could think was “Thank you, Jesus!”

As we begin Lent, I intend to seek out more of this inner peace. I pray the Holy Spirit will lead me to more of these moments in which my mind is quiet and my heart is listening. May God grant me the grace to become a dwelling pleasing to him.

Shelley Metcalf and her two children are parishioners of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Cedar Park. She has served as editor of the Catholic Spirit since 2007.

Lent begins on March 6

By U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

This year Lent begins March 6 (Ash Wednesday) and runs through April 18 (Holy Thursday).

During the Lenten journey we are encouraged to pray and to read Scripture, to fast and to give alms.

Prayer — Lent is essentially an act of prayer spread out over 40 days. As we pray, we are brought closer to Christ and are changed by the encounter with him.

Fasting — The fasting from meat that we all do together on Fridays is but a sign of the daily Lenten discipline of individuals and households. Other fasting can include fasting for certain periods of time, fasting from certain foods, but also fasting from other things and activities.

Almsgiving — The giving of alms is an effort to share this world equally — not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents.

WHY ASHES? For centuries, Catholic Christians have marked

the beginning of the season of Lent by receiving ash on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday. This tradition has its roots in the Old Testament, where wearing ashes was a common sign of repentance for sins, and a sign of one’s humility before God. Since Lent is a season of penitential renewal through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, it’s appropriate that this ancient sign marks the beginning of the season.

The ashes themselves are usually made by burning the palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. This symbolically connects the beginning of Lent with its end, connecting our change of heart with Christ’s passion, death and resurrection.

As people approach the priest or other minister, he presses the ashes to their foreheads, and speaks one of two phrases: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

The Gospel for Ash Wednesday is a reminder that the real purpose of the season of Lent isn’t to make public demonstrations of piety — even the wearing of ashes—but to seek conversion of heart.

Daily reflections for Lent can be found at www. usccb.org/lent.

MARCH 2019

CENTRAL TEXAS

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Permanent deacon candidates look forward to ordination

By Mary P. Walker | Senior Correspondent

Bishop Joe Vásquez will ordain 29 permanent deacons March 30 at 10:30 a.m. at St. William Parish in Round Rock. This Mass celebrating the sacrament of holy orders is open to all.

Permanent deacons serve the church in the three-fold ministry of word, liturgy and charity, said Deacon Dan Lupo who serves as the associate director of Diaconal Formation for the Diocese of Austin. At the parish, they proclaim, preach, teach the Gospel and serve at Mass; baptize children under 7 years of age; prepare engaged couples and witness marriages; conduct wake, funeral and interment services; lead Communion and Benediction services, and assist with annulments. Beyond the parish, deacons bring the healing presence of Christ to those on the fringes of society: the homebound, incarcerated, homeless, hospitalized, dying and troubled.

Men admitted into diaconal formation must demonstrate strong faith, between the ages of 30 and 59, have their pastors’ and wives’ support, and sense a call from God to serve the needy, Deacon Lupo said. They and the church test this call through a

process of discernment that continues throughout the five years of formation.

Diaconal formation begins with a period of aspirancy, during which the men actively embrace church norms to deepen their surrender to God’s will.

“Aspirancy begins their journey to become humble servants –– bridges between Christ and his followers,” he said. Men whom the church discerns as suitable are then invited into candidacy –– a period of intense prayer, rigorous study, expanded pastoral ministry and ongoing discernment.

In formation, the men meet two Saturdays each month to grow in human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions. They study theology, Scripture, church history, magisterial teaching, pastoral ministry, homiletics and canon law. They attend retreats on prayer, healing, virtues and evangelization. Meanwhile, they serve as lectors and extraordinary ministers of Communion at their parishes, and offer pastoral ministry in one or more contexts outside their parishes.

“Wives are vital to their husbands’ formation and are encouraged to attend all classes and retreats,” Deacon Lupo said. Specific sessions for wives help them foster spiritual growth, discern their own call to service, and form themselves as a future deacon’s

wife. Each year wives are asked to give their consent in writing to Bishop Vásquez for their husbands to continue in formation.

All of the candidates expressed appreciation to their wives, families, and parishes for their encouragement, love, prayers and support during formation.

They also appreciate the guidance of Deacon Lupo and Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez, who served as formation directors, and the diaconal formation team.

Two men from this 2019 formation class were previously ordained under special circumstances. Deacon Daniel Guerra was ordained in August 2018, shortly before he passed away; and Deacon Guy Helou was ordained in the Eastern Catholic Maronite Rite Church in January by Bishop Elias Zaidan of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles.

Profiles of 11 of the 2019 candidates are published here. The remaining profiles will be in the April issue of the Catholic Spirit.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mark Bennett is a member of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Austin. He is married to Diana, and they have two adult sons. Another son, Manuel, died during the time of formation.

Bennett attended the University of

Texas and Capital City Trade & Technical School. For 30 years, he worked with air conditioning systems. For the last six years, he has been employed by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

In 2012, Father Richard Tijerina asked Bennett if he had ever considered discerning whether God was calling him to the diaconate. Bennett and Diana thought about this, and decided to attend an informational meeting.

“After attending one meeting, I knew I was being called,” Bennett said.

For him, the most challenging parts of formation were resuming rigorous studies after being out of school for so many years and adjusting the family lifestyle to accommodate formation and his future service as a deacon.

“It is crucial to have your wife on board with you during formation because I was not the only one being formed. Going through this process allowed us to grow in our faith and love for each other,” Bennett said.

He found the internships, where the candidates served the less fortunate in the community especially rewarding.

During this time, Bennett had what he describes as an “epiphany,” where God asked him to surrender himself to his will and allow the Holy Spirit to work through him.

Continued on Pages 4 and 5

Ashes to Easter Mission Grant Ashes to Easter is an annual Lenten mission project that affirms and encourages local missionary groups and other mission activities of the Diocese of Austin. This mission collection was spearheaded by Msgr. Tom Frank in the 1980s, and began as a parish project supporting works of charity and missions. Ashes to Easter became an annual diocesan project in 1991. By 1992, this mission project of placing alms into small coin boxes became a project of the Diocesan Mission Advisory Council.

The funds collected from the Ashes to Easter are used to provide grants to groups and organizations to aid in their mission efforts. Groups and organizations must complete an application to receive funds. We are still accepting applications. To apply for Ashes to Easter funds, applicants must submit a cover letter request, a narrative proposal based on the outline indicated in the application, and an endorsement letter dated for 2019 by the local bishop who provides endorsement of the mission work.

The deadline to apply for Ashes to Easter funds is July 1, 2019. Applications are available online at https://www.austindiocese.org/ application-2019.

For more information, please contact Vianey Hernandez the Missions Office at vianey-hernandez@austindiocese.org or at (512) 949-2407.

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For the last three years, Bennett has been ministering to men in the Travis County Jail in Del Valle. As a deacon, he hopes to continue this ministry, as well as serve men and women in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– Scott Dillon is married to Jovita, and they are members of St. Mary of the Visitation Parish in Lockhart. They have one adult daughter. Originally from Galveston, he holds a degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University. In addition, he is a veteran, having served as an Army officer for 12 years and in the reserves for eight. One year ago, he retired from the Travis County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections and peace officer after 24 years of service.

While in college, Dillon converted to Catholicism. He believes his discernment for the diaconate is a result of his slow and steady growth in the faith, as he learns how to better understand God’s will and direction in his life. He describes the most challenging aspect of formation as “allowing God’s will to take control so that you can fully embrace that it is his path we follow.” The most rewarding part of formation was the peace and grace he received from the Holy Spirit.

He credits his family, friends, relatives and parish community with inspiring him to pursue ordination.

While there were many people and experiences that were vital to his formation, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land stands out in his mind.

“Each time I open and read scripture, say a mystery of the rosary, or pray, the images of being in the Holy Land come to mind,” Dillon said.

While he is open to wherever the Holy Spirit leads him, Dillon believes he has a calling to lead, mentor and teach in Bible studies, classes and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mark Fair is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin. He is married to Anne Marie and has three adult children. For most of his career, he held leadership positions in technology and professional services. In 2018, he became the CEO of the St. John Paul II Life Center/Vitae Clinic.

There, he finds great joy in the center’s mission to bring quality health care to women and promote the sanctity

CENTRAL TEXAS of life, which conforms to Catholic teaching.

Fair believes God first called him to the diaconate as a young adult; however, job responsibilities and his young family caused him to discern the time was not right. Active in parish ministries, he spent six years as co-chair of the building committee that oversaw the design, financial planning and construction of the parish church.

In 2012, after Bishop Vásquez dedicated the church, Fair said, “One of the committee members jokingly asked me, ‘What are you going to do with all the extra time?’” He quickly discerned the time was finally right to pursue the call to the diaconate. The encouragement, sacrifice and support of Anne Marie and his family were vital to answering the call.

During his first years of formation, business responsibilities required global travel. Fair studied on airplanes, trains and in hotel rooms. The Street Retreat, where the candidates spent a weekend with the homeless was a special time of growth.

“It was like God had opened my heart to the challenges of the homeless,” Fair said.

Witnessing the aging challenges of his own parents, Fair feels especially called to minister to the sick. He also looks forward to preparing couples for and witnessing marriages and baptizing children.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– Deacon Guy Helou was born in Lebanon and came to the U.S. when he was 25. An engineering technician, he is married to Georgette, and they have two children, an adult daughter and 17-year old son. Active at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pflugerville for 25 years, Deacon Helou taught classes, served as an extraordinary minister of Communion, and participated in ACTS retreats.

He believes he first heard his call to the diaconate when he lived in Lebanon, and it grew stronger as he served at St. Elizabeth. Encouraged by family and friends, he decided to apply; however, he had to get all the required church records from Lebanon.

The day before the application deadline, the records arrived. They showed that he had been baptized in the Maronite Church, an Eastern Catholic Church in communion with the pope. According to canon law, he needed permission from the Maronite bishop to pursue the diaconate.

The bishop gave his permission

to enter formation with the other candidates in the Austin Diocese, but wanted him to serve at Our Lady’s Maronite Church in Austin, and be formed in a way that is traditional to the Maronite Church. There, the process leading to diaconal ordination is a bit different. For example, the Maronite Church has retained the office of subdeacon as a minor order.

On Jan. 13, Deacon Helou was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Elias Zaidan, the bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, with Bishop Vásquez in attendance.

For Deacon Helou, the academic requirements of formation were challenging, especially because English is not his native language. He expressed his appreciation to the other men in formation for helping him and for his family’s encouragement.

In the Maronite Church, only priests, deacons and subdeacons can bring communion to the sick and homebound, and Deacon Helou feels especially called to this ministry.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– Robert Lindberg is married to Linda, and they are members of St. Luke Parish in Temple. They have six children, ages 13 to 28. Currently he is a database administrator for Stratasys Direct Manufacturing.

Reflecting back, Lindberg believes God has been quietly calling him to the diaconate for 20 years. In 2013 at a prayer meeting, he experienced an intense feeling of God’s love.

“I knew that something was different and that I was going to serve God somehow,” he said.

For four weeks he continued to ask God what he should do. Finally, he believes he received the answer, “form yourself.” He took this answer literally when he learned about diaconal formation a few days later.

For Lindberg, formation involved the healing of past hurts and surrendering his will to God’s plan for his life. He points out that five years ago, his class had no idea of how much healing our church would need as a result of the abuse scandals. He sees Christ’s loving care in preparing the new deacons for this healing ministry within the church.

With younger children, the requirements of formation often caused Lindberg to miss school and sports events. His family understood this conflict, and they were gracious when he had to be away. His 15-year old son

CATHOLIC SPIRIT even told him it was more important for him to become a deacon than to attend an event.

As a deacon, Lindberg looks forward to being able to give an “official” blessing, baptize children and witness marriages. In addition, he hopes to work with young adults, who are single, married or who have young families.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– Don Moore, a member of St. Jerome Parish in Waco, just celebrated 32 years of marriage to Christine; they have two adult sons. Having served in Desert Storm and the Persian Gulf, he is retired from the Air Force. Currently he works for Blackhawk Modifications.

Through his military service and job, Moore has traveled to many countries. “I’ve evangelized in each place,” he said. Wherever he and his wife found themselves, they looked for ways to serve the local community and church. A priest in Cameroon told him he would make a good deacon and offered to write a letter of recommendation when he decided to apply.

As an airplane mechanic, Moore could not see himself as a deacon. Yet the seed was planted. He also recognized that Jesus called simple men as apostles, so he might indeed be calling him. When he settled in Waco, he started praying in earnest.

Moore has enjoyed formation, even the challenging classes and the commute to attend them, time he and Christine could spend together. Also, he found the internship experiences of formation affirmed his calling.

“The real reward is seeing the faces of those who feel Christ’s presence when I simply listen to them, those who are ill and those who are on the fringes of society,” he said.

Moore especially benefitted from learning to see God in every circumstance and experience, a lesson fundamental to the Christian life. Christine also grew in her faith and uses what she learned in her job as director of religious education in their parish.

Moore is also grateful to his employer, who adjusted his work and travel schedule so he could attend classes. Open to wherever God wants to send him, he especially looks forward to hospital ministry.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– Phúc Phan is a member of St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin. He is married to Theresa Lê. A graduate of

MARCH 2019 Continued from Page 4

the University of Texas with a degree in biology, he earned a master’s in business management from St. Edward’s University. He is employed as a paralegal in a law firm.

Although he grew up in a Buddhist family, Phan attended Catholic school in New Haven, Connecticut. He believes God was calling him at daily Mass, where he could not receive the Eucharist.

“It just took 28 years for me to open my heart to listen to him and respond, ‘I am ready to follow you, Lord. Lead me,’” Phan said.

In 2008, Phan was received into the Catholic Church and has been active in parish life ever since. He credits the Knights of Columbus with teaching him how to serve God by serving others, and the Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) retreat program for helping him to grow spiritually.

He has a deep love for our Blessed Mother.

“My favorite image is Michelangelo’s Pieta because it brings home to me the sacrifices made for our salvation,” he said.

In 2012, he had just lost his job when Deacon Jack Murphy and his wife, Marilyn, made an announcement at Mass about the formation of a new diaconate class. A parishioner asked Phan, “You are going to talk to Deacon Jack, right?” On the way home from Mass, he told Theresa he believed God was calling him to become a deacon. When he received her blessing to pursue the call, he felt a sense of peace. He entered formation in 2014.

As a deacon, he looks forward to preparing couples for and witnessing marriages, baptizing children and serving at St. Louis Food Pantry on Saturday mornings.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– Rod Reyna, a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pflugerville, is married to Cindy, and they have three adult daughters.

Semi-retired now, Reyna’s career encompassed journalism, law enforcement, health care and social services.

He also served as the Catholic Youth Ministry Director for the diocese. He is a reserve deputy for Travis County Precinct 2 Constable as a chaplain and mental health officer doing homeless outreach.

In 1996, his then pastor, Msgr.

Tom Frank, along with family and

CENTRAL TEXAS friends over time, asked him to discern whether God was calling him to the diaconate. In 2008, he applied with the intent of seriously learning more and presenting himself to God to do his will. It was discerned that he was not ready to go forward.

However, he continued the spiritual disciplines of formation, which included daily Mass, praying the rosary, monthly spiritual direction, morning and evening prayer and Scripture study. He reapplied in 2013 and found that not only was it God’s time, but also he was better prepared, had changed his priorities and had more time for prayer and study.

For him the challenges and the rewards of formation are the same learning to hear God’s promptings and developing a personal relationship with Jesus and his church. Holy hours and theological reflections on Scripture and the formation experiences that he wrote helped him along that path.

“My challenge is to model Jesus, and to fully trust and surrender myself to God in faith that he will transform me and my family,” Reyna said.

He is grateful to his wife for her prayers and support, and for making his formation possible as they move into the next phase of God’s plan for their lives. As a deacon, he looks forward to continuing his ministry to the homeless, sick, first responders and those imprisoned.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– Terry Snell is a member of St. William Parish in Round Rock. He is married to Dora, and they have three adult children, one daughter and two sons. After high school, Snell worked in food service, and then enlisted in the Navy, serving five years in the Pacific Fleet. For the last 26 years, he has worked in a cabinet shop.

His discernment to begin formation for the diaconate took a number of years. In 2007, Snell “was experiencing a deep inner desire to serve God and the church in a greater capacity, especially by serving those who are suffering.” At the time, he did not tell anyone. In 2013, when he was approached about attending an information meeting about the diaconate, he and Dora decided it was time to learn more.

His passion for serving those who are suffering was energized even more during the Street Retreat, a

formation experience where the candidates spend a weekend on the streets with the poor. Snell believes he encountered Jesus firsthand in the homeless, and said he will always have memories of this experience to draw from in his ministry.

Time management is often a challenge for candidates, and Snell too found it hard to meet the requirements of formation and his responsibilities as a husband, father and employee. He credits his family’s support for allowing him to progress. For him, the most rewarding aspect of formation was developing a deeper relationship to Jesus through surrendering his will.

As a deacon, he wants to continue helping those who are suffering; he is presently active in the bereavement ministry of his parish.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– Corby Weiss is married to Patricia.

Members of Ascension Parish in Bastrop, they have three adult children, twin daughters and a son. After graduating from Bastrop High School, Weiss immediately went to work for the Lower Colorado River Authority.

He retired after 35 years of service.

Weiss believes he first heard God’s call to the diaconate 25 years ago, but work and family responsibilities prevented him from taking any action.

After he retired, he decided to attend daily Mass in thanksgiving. At Mass, he believes God was urging him into a new state of life and service.

“The call became unbearable, like a constant tapping on the shoulder with the thought ‘you have to be a deacon,’” he said. Taking this unease as a message from God, he applied and began what he describes as an “unimaginable” spiritual journey.

Formation was challenging, especially the academic requirements. At times, Weiss felt overwhelmed by the studies, but persevered as he learned more about the faith.

“Watching Our Lord and Savior open every door for me to move forward to ordination was nothing short of amazing,” Weiss said.

He explained that during this time he and his wife faced many hurdles, but God helped them at every step.

As a result, they believe that God not only deepened their relationship with him but also with each other.

The time requirements of formation caused Weiss to step back from many activities and ministries in his parish.

As a deacon, he hopes to resume this

5 work and continue to work in prison ministry.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mark White of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Granger is married to Wendy. They have two adult daughters, and a son, Patrick, who has died. An Air Force veteran, he has been employed by the Williamson County Sheriff Office for 26 years.

He first felt God’s call to the diaconate at Mass, when Father Joseph Nisari spoke about the ministry. On the way home, he and Wendy decided to pray about whether God was calling him. Because he was not a person who could easily quote Scripture or had always set the best example, he wondered if God was truly leading him to formation.

Some of his best times of prayer were in the middle of the night, sitting by his bed or outside at their picnic table. He explained that over time, he believes God led him to simply pray, “Show me your way Lord. Let me do your will.”

Because he had been out of school so long, the formation classes were challenging, especially the writing requirements. His family supported him by accepting the time commitments, and Wendy critiqued his papers. He credits the process for helping them to grow as a couple.

For White, the weekend Street Retreat during formation was a profound personal and spiritual experience. On the retreat, the candidates coexisted with the homeless and experienced the spiritual gift of solidarity.

“It was humbling. I watched people walk around me, look the other way, or look through me. I saw the homeless help each other, share information and food. I now look at the homeless in an entirely different way,” White said.

As a deacon, White feels especially drawn to ministering to the aging, sick and dying, and continuing to share the love of God and his acceptance with others.

Are you being called to the diaconate?

Applications are being accepted now for the 2025 formation class, which begins in January 2020. For more information, e-mail diaconateformation@austindiocese.org or call (512) 949-2459.

CENTRAL TEXAS

6

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

IRA QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION AN OPPORTUNITY TO SATISFY ALL OR PART OF YOUR REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION If you are 70½ years or older you may make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA to your parish, school or other church ministry without paying federal income tax.

The funds transferred will count toward your required minimum distribution. Transferred funds do not qualify for a charitable deduction, but are not counted as taxable income.

Your disbursement must come directly from the administrator of your IRA to the diocese. You cannot receive the funds first.

EXAMPLE Assume your required minimum distribution for the year, which you are required to take by December 31 is $25,000.

In November, you make a $25,000 Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to the Diocese of Austin designating your gift to be split with $15,000 going to support your parish, $5,000 to the Catholic Services Appeal and $5,000 to Catholic Charities of Central Texas.

The QCD satisfies your $25,000 Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the year. While the $25,000 distribution is generally not tax deductible, your tax benefit comes from excluding the $25,000 from your annual gross income.

Please contact the administrator of your IRA with any tax or account-specific questions.

For more information and assistance, please contact Scott Whitaker at (512) 949-2441 or scott-whitaker@austindiocese.org

Assembly of Catholic Professionals would like to thank the 2018 luncheon sponsors:

Ronald L Riehs

Sponsored by:

Assembly of CATHOLIC PROFESSIONALS

CENTRAL TEXAS

MARCH 2019

7

Capital campaign kicks off in 29 parishes across the diocese

By Catholic Spirit Staff

As Wave 2 of the Encountering Christ Capital and Endowment Campaign began at the beginning of February, Bishop Joe Vásquez is grateful for the success the campaign has seen thus far.

“What a privilege it is to serve as your shepherd,” Bishop Vásquez said during a campaign reception on Feb. 12. “As the bishop of this local church, my desire is that the Encountering Christ campaign will help the diocese offer more ministries that will benefit our people, strengthen our Catholic identity and help us live as dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ.”

To date the 56 parishes in Wave 1 of the campaign have surpassed their goal of raising $10 million with a total of 4,337 gifts to the campaign.

As of Feb. 22, the diocese has received $40.5 million in pledges to the capital campaign.

There are 29 parishes in Wave 2 of the campaign with a goal of raising $25 million over the next six months.

Wave 3 of the campaign will be held from July to December and will in-

clude 28 parishes with a goal of raising $36 million.

Scott Whitaker, secretariat director for Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Austin, said the success of the “Encountering Christ” campaign relies on faithful stewardship.

“Each donor’s gift is for them to decide in their own way. We offer a starting point and encourage people to pray about and discern what that sacrifice may look like to them and their family,” he said.

The goal of the Encountering Christ Capital and Endowment Campaign is to raise $85 million in gifts and pledges for local parish needs while strengthening ministries, Catholic ed-

ucation and faith formation, supporting our clergy and enhancing growth and development across the diocese.

Each of the 123 parishes in the diocese has been assigned the responsibility for raising a portion of the $85 million. Initially, 70 percent of the funds raised at each parish will go to the shared ministries of the diocese, with the parish receiving 30 percent of what they collect toward their parish goal. Once a parish surpasses its goal, that dollar distribution flips, and the parish will receive 70 percent of all funds raised beyond their goal. The funds returned to the local parish may be used toward needs identified by the parish, for example, reducing debt,

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repainting the church, installing a new roof or hiring a new youth minister.

Bishop Vásquez said each person’s “encounter with Christ begins in our parishes, which are the heart of the diocese.” In the celebration of the sacraments, the preaching, most especially in the Body of Christ, as well as in the countless ministries and charitable works, people come to have a profound encounter with the living Christ. The campaign’s largest share, $22.5 million, is for strengthening parishes and will be returned directly back to them for their local needs.

“Our young people meet Christ in our religious education programs, in our Catholic schools and in young adult groups. Couples meet him as they prepare for marriage or baptize their children. As we strengthen our parishes and form disciples with the help of the capital campaign, more and more of us will encounter Christ in a variety of places and ministries,” the bishop said.

For information about the Encountering Christ Capital Campaign, visit www.encounteringchristcampaign.org or call (512) 949-2400.

8

CENTRAL TEXAS

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

De Poo focuses on life through the lens of the family

By Kanobia Russell-Blackmon | Correspondent

Pro-Life Activities in the Diocese of Austin is receiving significant recognition by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, chairman of the Bishops’ Committee on ProLife Activities, has appointed Luisa De Poo as a consultant to the bishops in light of her pastorally effective pro-life/pro-family work in the diocese especially among the Hispanic/ Latino community.

De Poo has served as associate director in the diocesan Office of Life, Charity and Justice for the last three years. She currently directs prolife efforts throughout Central Texas.

Over the next three years, she will offer her expertise to help the bishops teach respect for all human life from conception to natural death, and help advocate for the protection of life.

“For me it’s an honor to be able to share my faith and my knowledge. Expressing my approach to [pro-life/pro-family work] with the Hispanic community will be great.

It has always been my passion to give my community, my people, the tools for them to be better Christians, and make better decisions. I am very grateful to be a voice for [Hispanics] to the bishops,” De Poo said.

She is looking forward to sharing

the different initiatives that work well in Austin.

“I also want to use this opportunity to learn what is happening in other dioceses and to see their best practices,” she said.

DeKarlos Blackmon, the diocesan secretariat director of Life, Charity and Justice, said De Poo’s leadership in pastoral ministry will be asset to the USCCB. “There is no challenge facing our communities that carries greater significance than the lack of respect for the dignity of every human life. Luisa has been on the frontlines defending every human life, whether against abortion, human trafficking, racism or euthanasia,” Blackmon said. She also brings a fresh perspective of the “reality on the ground” to the bishops, he said.

A licensed clinical psychologist, De Poo is married and is the proud mother of two daughters. She began her pastoral ministry in Mexico.

While there, she volunteered with an organization that helps pregnant girls by providing them with a home, food, education and medical assistance. She mentored the girls, taught them to bake and accompanied them as they prepared for full initiation into the church.

In 2012, De Poo moved to the U.S. to pursue a graduate degree in theology. “The purpose was to help me go deeper in my faith,” she said.

Her faith led her to Sacred Heart Parish in Austin. Working with

Young adults invited to silent retreat The diocesan Vocations Office and the Youth, Young Adults and Campus Ministry Office are co-hosting a silent retreat for college students and young adults March 20-24 at Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center in Burnet. The foundation for this retreat is focused on discernment and St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises.

These five days will include teachings on prayer, and three days of silence and individual spiritual direction so that participants can leave behind the noise and chaos to hear the beat of “The Father’s Heart.” The cost is $100 for students or $175 for non-students. To register for this retreat visit https://sr.godiscalling.me.

Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary Thousands of people from throughout the Diocese of Austin will collectively make or renew their “Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary” during Mass on the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. The rosary will be prayed and Mass will be celebrated March 25 at 6 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin (in conjunction with the TCCB Advocacy Day Mass), at 6:30 p.m. at Santa Cruz Parish in Buda, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in College Station (Mass in Extraordinary Form), at 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish in Killeen, and at 5 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Student Center in Waco (Mass in Extraordinary Form). Visit www.

TexasToJesusThroughMary.org for more information.

Father Mark Hamlet, she became a facilitator for the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry program and helped with religious education and evangelization. As her responsibilities grew, De Poo pioneered “Feria Pro-Vida, Pro-Familia,” a pro-life event commonly known as the “Pro-Life Fair” at Sacred Heart. Events that invite affiliated pro-life organizations create meaningful education opportunities for the faithful, she said.

De Poo’s work as associate director for Pro-Life Activities expresses her passion for working across cultures, with parishes, pastors and external organizations to ensure the faithful have access to the correct information about pro-life issues.

“The idea is to share with parishioners the teachings of the church regarding the dignity of the human person,” she said. Her goal is to teach the dignity of life across cultures and to create resources that are helpful for all. She has also championed changing the conversation from prolife to pro-family because it resonates better in the Hispanic community.

Lily Morales, the diocesan coordinator for Hispanic Ministry, expressed profound appreciation for De Poo’s work.

“Luisa has dedicated efforts to provide information and services in Spanish. As a result of these efforts, we have seen an increase in participation and commitment of Hispanics in issues that affect life and human dignity,” Morales said. “She will be

Luisa De Poo, the associate director in the diocesan Office of Life, Charity and Justice, was recently appointed as a consultant to the U.S. bishops.

(Photo by Kanobia Russell-Blackmon)

a valuable asset to the (USCCB) committee since she will bring her experience of identifying innovative ways to build a culture of life.”

The diocesan Pro-Life Office raises awareness and educates the community through events such as Texas Catholic Pro-Life Day and Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day, and through conducting various theological, pastoral and cultural presentations across the diocese.

Major programs include Project Rachel (for those suffering from an abortion), Gabriel Project (for women in crisis pregnancies), Sidewalk Ministry (praying for those entering abortion clinics) and the diocesan Pro-Life Helpline (a toll-free number for those seeking assistance with an unplanned pregnancy).

De Poo is currently developing a comprehensive ministry certification program for parish pro-life coordinators. Her goal is to ensure these coordinators receive the proper formation to know and understand the teachings of the church regarding the varying issues concerning the dignity of human life.

For more information about the diocesan Office of Pro-Life Activities, call (512) 949-2487 or visit www.austindiocese.org.

MARCH 2019

CENTRAL TEXAS

9

TCCB teacher of the year models service, acceptance

By Ricardo Gandara | Correspondent

The way that Vivian Conway sees it, she is in a perfect place. She teaches government and history to 12- and 13-year-olds. Yes, they are at challenging ages, with the varying social and emotional needs.

“Middle school kids are so dynamic,” said Conway, who right away comes to their defense. “And here, they try hard to be nicer; they want to become good adults.”

Here is St. Louis Catholic School in Austin, where Conway has been teaching social studies for 30 years.

For her teaching is not just preaching the relevance of the U.S. Constitution and the effects of historical figures and events that have shaped a nation, but it’s about being involved in the lives of students and their parents. For that and an endless list of accolades, she was recently named Texas Teacher of the Year by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops.

She’s a gem, say those who work around her. “Vivian is very, very intelligent. She is very gentle with all the children; she counsels them and challenges them,” said Beth Foley, the across-the-hall English and language arts teacher. “She approaches students in a very advanced way. She gets them to think critically regarding social issues. She prepares them well for high school.”

Conway’s response to the award? “It’s

Vivian Conway teaches social studies and history to middle schoolers at St. Louis Catholic School in Austin. (Photo by Ricardo Gandara)

a privilege to be here because people are trusting you with their children. That’s the honor. I work with such amazing colleagues that make it such a humbling experience. Catholic schools are full of dedicated professionals who love the kids,” she said.

With her upbringing, one can see why Conway chose teaching. Her grandmother, Diamond Singletary distinguished herself by creating the first girls basketball team in East Texas.

“It was at a time when people thought rigorous exercise was immodest for young women,” Conway said.

“So I picked up the confidence early, that we can do whatever we want in life,” she said.

Conway’s mother, Wilma, was a parish religion teacher. She was “a very cosmopolitan lady who studied literature and was interested in government and politics. She believed that studying the past can help one influence what happens in your own life and the lives of others,” Conway said.

Her role models have a common thread. “They connected with students … teaching material is important but connecting is even more important,” she said.

A third person shaped her world. After her father was killed in the Vietnam War, her mother remarried T. Molbert, an attorney, in 1974.

“He harped on human rights and respect for the law. He was huge into civil and women’s rights and an advocate for the disabled. I learned a lot about social justice,” she said.

Conway’s course was set. She majored in history and minored in government at Lamar University. In the fall of 1980, she landed her first job at Port Arthur Catholic School, which has

since closed. She married Tom Conway in 1981. They moved to Austin in 1988, and she started teaching at St. Louis a year later. Her husband, too, taught history for 27 years at Westlake High School.

Life at St. Louis has been grand, Conway said.

“The school really prides itself on being diverse. Our vision is to provide a great Catholic education. Kids here talk openly about their lives, yes, even the pain that is in their stories,” she said.

Back in mid 1980s, Falba Turner, former principal at St. Louis who hired Conway, saw the ideal middle school teacher.

“She was especially at home teaching in Catholic schools. She belonged. I saw a professional educator with skills and talent. She wanted to uplift children,” she said.

And she has, and her eighth-grade students can attest.

“She’s amazing,” said Pierce Barton. “Helpful,” said Madi Gonzales.

“Smart,” said Ethan Garcia-Gonzales.

“Kind,” said Keyly Saldierna. “Caring,” said Penelope Carlin. “And, lit,” said Ethan Andrew. That means cool. “She gets us,” he said.

“At this age, they’re trying to find their voice,” Turner said. “She makes a child feel comfortable with saying more. Kids by nature at this stage don’t feel safe. She establishes an accepting atmosphere.”

During any school day, she can be found in front of a classroom, leading

Vivian Conway, a teacher at St. Louis Catholic School in Austin for 30 years, was recently named Texas Teacher of the Year by the TCCB. (Photo by Ricardo Gandara)

the students in prayer at the start of every class. When she shifts into lecture mode, she is like an orchestra leader with the whole bit of arms flailing while pacing up and down.

“The Protestant Church wanted to reject the authority of Rome and the pope. Protestants wanted freedom of religion,” she said in her commanding, authoritative voice, speaking of the Protestant Reformation.

Students listen.

“She’s very fair in historical terms, and she mentions all the peoples and groups that were instrumental in change,” said eighth grader Ethan Garcia-Gonzalez.

Typical of most teachers, her days are long. She has logged extra time establishing a positive culture at St. Louis. She has been the basketball and cheerleading coach. She created a buddy program that allows older students to mentor younger ones. She has organized retreats for students, families and faculty. Where she’s found time to serve on the school board and the Home and School Association, know one knows.

Summing it up, Conway has been an exemplary model of Christian service.

And retirement is not in her plan.

“I’m not going to go out a whiner, a grumpy old lady who’s lost the edge. I’ll go out on top,” she said.

CENTRAL TEXAS

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CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Program helps families realize dream of Catholic education

By Enedelia J. Obregón | Senior Correspondent

A lot has been written about the school-to-prison pipeline. At Sacred Heart Parish in Austin, Father Mark Hamlet has a different kind of pipeline: First generation Latino students attending Catholic schools with an opportunity to attend a Catholic university.

“We have a pipeline of 150 kids in Catholic schools, the majority of them children of immigrant families,” Father Hamlet said. “About 95 percent of the children have parents born in Mexico.” He estimates 70 percent of those parents are undocumented.

Father Hamlet was appointed pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Austin in 2012.

When he arrived, only seven children were in Catholic schools. He has made it a mission to recruit more of them.

His parish had a school that closed in 2002. It was cost-prohibitive to bring the old school buildings up to code to re-open the school, so he is doing the next best thing.

Knowing parents’ concerns about the cost of tuition, Father Hamlet told families if they brought him an acceptance letter from a Catholic school, he would help make it possible for their children to attend.

An arrangement was made with Austin’s San Juan Diego Catholic High School, and then another was made with the Cathedral School of St. Mary. Parents are responsible for paying as much as they can. The remainder is paid by scholarships derived from dividends from an endowment set up when Sacred Heart Catholic School closed 16 years ago. Father Hamlet has also helped establish a nonprofit to raise money for scholarships for the students.

Finances are a challenge for most families. Many work as day laborers or in construction.

The community around Sacred Heart has a median household income of $42,187. It is 30.4 percent white, 43.4 percent Hispanic/ Latino, and 22.3 percent Black/African American. Gangs and teen pregnancy are problems in the area, Father Hamlet said.

However, the community is already realizing the rewards of the investment in the education of the parish’s children because in many ways the students are now evangelizing their parents.

“They come home talking about the lives of the saints they learned about; they share Bible stories; they go to Mass,” Father Hamlet said. By transforming their families, they are transforming the parish and their community.

“These children are having a huge impact on their parents,” he said.

“They are bringing their families into sacramental life.”

Because the families are required to attend Mass, this often leads to the children asking why parents are not

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praying at home or why they are not receiving the Eucharist.

Many couples live together in what is known as “union libre” while others are married but not sacramentally.

Therefore every six months, Father Hamlet celebrates a community wedding so couples can convalidate their marriage according to church teaching.

For Celia and Mario Amaya, having their children, Cissy and Mario Jr., in Catholic school is a good way to instill the Catholic faith.

“There’s more of a focus on religion,” she said. “They’re stricter and require more homework.”

The family has also been affected.

“We talk more as a family,” she said. “We pray together. We are more united.”

It can be challenging at times to come up with their part of the tuition.

“But we try to find a way,” she said.

Soila Loyola has five of her six children in Catholic school - the oldest is at San Juan Diego Catholic High School and the others attend the Cathedral School of St. Mary. The youngest is not quite 1.

Loyola said she feels her children are safer in Catholic school, especially since her younger daughter was severely bullied in another school. But most importantly, she said because it has changed the family.

“My husband is more involved,” she said, “before he left all decisions to me. He also helps with homework and comes to parent meetings. We now collaborate on their education.”

Through a program called “Our Kids at Heart,” Father Mark Hamlet is helping parents like Soila Loyola send their children to Catholic schools. Her oldest children are currently attending the Cathedral School of St. Mary and San Juan Diego Catholic High School in Austin.

(Photo by Enedelia J. Obregón)

For Father Hamlet, this is just the beginning of helping his parishioners’ children with a Catholic education.

He recently reached a memorandum of understanding with the University of Dallas, his alma mater, that allows them “to dream together.”

The details of that dream are being worked out. The University of Dallas, a Catholic university, wants to diversify its student population. At Father Hamlet’s 50th class reunion last fall, he gave the homily at Mass and explained the scholarship program at his parish.

If enough alumni share his dream and contribute financially, he sees the beginning of a pipeline of a Catholic education for his parish from pre-kindergarten through university.

Father Hamlet wants more students to have opportunities like Raquel Frausto, who is one of two students from his parish attending the university. She used to play violin at Mass. She is spending the spring semester of her sophomore year in Rome.

“She had never been on a plane before,” he said. “She’ll never be the same.”

For more information on the scholarship fund, visit www.ourkidsatheart. com or call (512) 772-1179.

GOOD NEWS CENTRAL TEXAS

2 MARCH 2019

‘God’s timing is perfect’ for the Encountering Christ campaign Every day in the Diocese of Austin, Catholic Charities of Central Texas helps us answer our call as Catholics to care for those living on the margins of our communities.

“The greatest thing about Catholic Charities is that it exudes and bubbles out our Catholic social and moral teachings,” said Executive Director Sara Ramirez. “It’s for the greater good of the community. We’re reaching across all denominations. Even for people who don’t have faith, we get to show them what His love looks like.”

Since 1999, Catholic Charities has provided protection and care to children, help to families and a new beginning for refugees and immigrants, and restored dignity to the elderly. The direct service arm of the Diocese of Austin also supports parishes’ spiritual work by meeting their clients’ material and social needs to break the cycle of generational poverty.

Encountering

CHRIST Diocese of Austin

‘The legacy you leave is the legacy you lived today.’

But even though the number of families Catholic Charities serves annually has more than tripled over the last 10 years and is expected to rise to 100,000 a year by 2028, being physically present in only the Austin and Bryan/ College Station areas has limited its reach in the 25-county service region.

“Demand for our service is out there,” Ramirez said. “It’s just that we are not in those communities, and we don’t necessarily have the resources to provide services to everyone who comes to us.”

Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities of Central Texas

Catholic Charities of Central Texas serves more than 13,000 clients a year — triple the number of clients 10 years ago.

Encountering Christ will change that, with $5 million directed to Catholic Charities to renovate a diocesan building in Waco, which, according to analysis, will have the greatest immediate effect and help provide additional services to historically underserved communities.

“We’ve always been a part of Waco, but now we will have a physical presence there,” Ramirez said.

Campaign funds will also be used to reconfigure the current facilities in Bryan/College Station and the Austin offices to accommodate additional staff and volunteers so more clients can be welcomed.

When it comes to Encountering Christ, “God’s timing is perfect,” Ramirez said, adding that for donors, the campaign is an opportunity to “live out their values, to leave a legacy. I always say, ‘The legacy you leave, is the legacy that you lived today.’ What do you want to be remembered for?”

For an in depth look at the work of Catholic Charities, visit encounteringchristcampaign.org/videos and watch the “Catholic Charities of Central Texas” video.

Campaign volunteer sees need for new Catholic Charities office in Waco Photo courtesy of Cathy Smith

CATHOLIC SPIRIT11

As a member of St. Mary, Church of the Assumption Parish in Waco since baptism, Cathy Smith was excited to learn about the effect Encountering Christ would have in her parish and community along with the Diocese of Austin as a whole.

“I see the needs on the diocesan level, and I see the needs on our local level,” she said, noting that St. Mary’s circa-1940s buildings have maintenance and facility issues to address.

But especially concerning, according to Smith, are the number of people in Waco who would benefit from the physical presence of Catholic Charities of Central Texas.

Thanks to Encountering Christ, Catholic Charities will open a Waco office, which will be housed in St. Mary’s currently unused school building.

The parish does what it can to serve the poor — giving out upward of 1,100 sack lunches a month, as well as toiletries and clothing, through its homeless lunch program. A portion of St. Mary’s share of campaign funds will be directed to this outreach program, which is currently volunteer run and funded with donations.

But community members are more than hungry. “We need Catholic Charities,” said Smith, who is a parish staff member as well as a member of the campaign executive committee. “Every week we have requests for funding — they need help for rent. People need help for utilities, need a coat. Just yesterday, I had a phone call from a mother with two small children who was stuck in a motel and had no money to pay the next week’s rent.”

Knowing the building where she attended school for eight years will experience a new life benefitting the community is “a joy,” Smith said. “That’s what the church is all about.”

Campaign Update $85,000,000 $80,000,000 $60,000,000 $40,000,000 $20,000,000 $0

GOAL: $85,000,000

Total raised to date: $39,538,000 Percent of goal: 47% Number of gifts: 5,977 Cash received: $9,779,000

CENTRAL TEXAS

12

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Celebrating Catholic Schools

Honoring those committed to Catholic education The 11th annual Celebrating Catholic Schools Dinner and Awards Ceremony was held Jan. 19 in Austin.

The event brought together hundreds of people to celebrate the gift of Catholic education in the Austin Diocese. This year the “Kellerman Memorial Leadership Award” was presented to the B.W. and Sophie J. Young Family. The Youngs were committed Catholic educated and to St. Louis Catholic School and Reicher Catholic High School in Waco. Their sons Kenneth and Gary are also active in Catholic education and represented the family at the Celebrating Catholic Schools Dinner. (Photo at right) This year’s keynote speaker was Curtis Martin, the founder and CEO of Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS).

“To be a saint and a scholar are not mutually exclusive, they are meant to go together,” Martin said. “Our Catholic schools teach us the real thing, so that when counterfiets come along we can recognize them.”

Each Catholic school in the diocese nominated an outstanding community member for their support of Catholic education. Pictured below and on the next page are the honorees chosen by each school for their dedication to Catholic education.

For more information on Catholic schools, visit www.csdatx.org. (Photos by Lifetouch)

Sarah Antenora

Jarrell and Renee Boles

Kevin and Sandy Brown

Phil and Mary Ann Everett

St. Theresa Catholic School, Austin

St. Mary’s Catholic School, Taylor

St. Mary’s Catholic School, West

St. Mary’s Catholic School, Temple

Barbara Friesenhahn and Stephanie Mayes

Brother William Gluhm, CSC

LaTwayna Griffin

Drs. Mark and Michelle Hinds

Cathedral School of St. Mary, Austin

St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, Austin

Reicher Catholic High School, Waco

St. Louis Catholic School, Austin

Brian and Dr. Molly House

Bob and Dolores Kasberg

Barbara Kennedy

Rev. Matthew Kinney

St. Joseph Catholic School, Killeen

Holy Trinity Catholic High School, Temple

St. Austin Catholic School, Austin

Sacred Heart Catholic School, La Grange

CENTRAL TEXAS

MARCH 2019

13

Michelle Kologinczak

Michael and Celeste Minick

Christabel Rocabado

Tina Spanhak

Holy Family Catholic School, Austin

San Juan Diego Catholic High School, Austin

St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic School, Austin

St. Helen Catholic School, Georgetown

Robert and Kitty Tunmire

Marty Wiggins

Rev. Dean Wilhelm

Rita Wolfenstein

St. Louis Catholic School, Waco

St. Gabriel’s Catholic School, Austin

St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School, Austin

Santa Cruz Catholic School, Buda

Knights of Columbus #11759 St. Joseph Catholic School, Bryan

The Diocesan Advocacy Day Planning Team invites you to participate in this motivating experience of raising voices for our moral beliefs and an opportunity to live out the baptismal call “to participate in shaping the moral character of society that is a requirement of our faith.”

(Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, no. 9)

Foundation seeks EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Faith-based private foundation seeks Executive Assistant with prior supportive staff experience in the banking, finance, accounting or legal fields to assist Executive Director in day to day operations. Executive Assistant will coordinate financial administrative aspects of the Foundation, including communications with grantees in support of the Executive Director’s goals, financial report collection, and initiation and participation in Foundation conference calls. Candidate must be comfortable and have extensive experience in the supportive staff role; former executives and upper level managers will not be considered. We are looking for a team player with humility and a passion for service. This full-time work from home position offered at a competitive salary is an ideal second career for someone who wants to make a difference in the lives of others. Strong written and oral communication skills are required as well as an understanding of the Catholic faith and the needs of the poor. Please send resume and cover letter to info.gfoffice@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information, visit https://www.austindiocese.org

For up-to-date information from the Diocese of Austin find us On the Internet at On Facebook search www.austindiocese.org “Diocese of Austin” On Twitter, go to @AustinDiocese

14

CENTRAL TEXAS

WA L K W I T H C H R I S T Join us on the 9th Annual

Good Friday Pilgrimage Friday, April 19, 2019

12:30pm: Gather at St. Mary’s Cathedral 1:00pm: Send off blessing Depart on 9 mile pilgrimage to Shrine 7:00pm: Arrive for Good Friday liturgy For details visit us at www.schoenstatt.us or call 512-330-0602 Schoenstatt Movement of Austin 225 Addie Roy Rd. Austin, TX 78746

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

MARCH 2019

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Summit emphasizes global abuse crisis, need to put victims first

By Cindy Wooden | Catholic News Service

The clerical sexual abuse crisis has caused “serious scandal” in the Catholic Church and in society “because of the dramatic suffering of the victims, as well as the unjustifiable lack of attention to them” and attempts by church leaders to cover up the crimes of the guilty, Pope Francis said.

Speaking to the public, including dozens of abuse survivors, after his midday recitation of the Angelus Feb. 24, the pope promised measures to ensure children would be safe in the church and that the crime of abuse would stop.

The pope’s remarks came just an hour after he concluded the Vatican’s Feb. 21-24 summit on child protection and the clerical abuse scandal.

PRIORITIES In his talk concluding the summit, Pope Francis said the Catholic Church would focus on eight priorities: the protection of children; “impeccable seriousness” in dealing with clerical sexual abuse; genuine purification and acknowledgment of past failures; improved training for priests and religious; strengthening and continually reviewing the guidelines of national bishops’ conferences; assisting victims of clerical sexual abuse; working to end the abuse and exploitation of children and young people online; and working with civil authorities to end sex tourism.

The summit brought together Pope Francis and 190 church leaders — presidents of bishops’ conferences, the heads of the Eastern Catholic churches, superiors of men’s and women’s religious orders and Roman Curia officials — for four days of listening to speeches, survivors’ testimonies, discussions in small groups, a penitential liturgy and Mass.

In addition to the handful of survivors who spoke at the summit itself, dozens of survivors from around the world gathered in Rome in solidarity with one another and to speak to reporters and to individual bishops.

Twelve representatives of the survivors were invited to meet Feb. 20 with the summit’s organizing committee.

As the bishops met with the pope inside the Vatican’s synod hall, the coalition Ending Clerical Abuse, which

brought 40 survivors from 21 countries to Rome, organized vigils and a march to St. Peter’s Square.

The survivors’ groups were, in general, not satisfied with the summit and insisted the time to talk about the reality of abuse was long passed; it was time for action.

GLOBAL RESPONSE The summit, though, seemed designed more to ensure that every bishops’ conference around the world recognized the gravity of the problem, even if in their country very few cases of clerical sexual abuse had been reported.

Addressing the summit Feb. 23, Nigerian Sister Veronica Openibo, congregational leader of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, called out bishops, particularly in Asia and Africa, who dismiss the abuse crisis as a Western problem. She cited several personal experiences she confronted while counseling men and women who were abused.

Church leaders cannot think they can “keep silent until the storm has passed,” Sister Openibo told them.

“This storm will not pass by.”

Preaching at the closing Mass, Australian Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane warned his fellow bishops that they would be called to account for what they did and what they failed to do to stop the abuse and assist the victims.

For too long, he said, bishops and church leaders tried to protect the church’s reputation and not the church’s children.

“We have shown too little mercy, and therefore we will receive the same, because the measure we give will be the measure we receive in return,” he said. “We will not go unpunished.”

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, Philippines, gave the first formal talk of the gathering Feb. 21, providing a theological reflection on the meaning of Christ’s wounds and on the obligation of the world’s bishops to recognize how they have inflicted wounds on Christ’s beloved children.

Touching those wounds and begging for forgiveness is an essential part of a bishop’s mission, he said.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta, adjunct secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and longtime investigator of clerical abuse cases, outlined for participants

the necessary, mandatory steps they must take when an allegation is made.

He insisted on making the victims a priority, but also used his talk to suggest that the “stewardship of prevention” includes helping the pope choose candidates for bishop appointments.

“Many demand that the process be more open to the input of laypeople in the community,” Archbishop Scicluna said, a request later echoed by Sister Openibo.

When a priest or bishop or layperson is asked to comment on a potential candidate, the archbishop said, “it is a grave sin against the integrity of the episcopal ministry to hide or underestimate facts that may indicate deficits in the lifestyle or spiritual fatherhood” of the candidate.

PUNISHMENT Later, summit participants debated particular measures, such as a mandatory requirement that abuse allegations be turned over to police. Archbishop Scicluna insisted involving local police and other authorities was important, especially because while bishops exercise spiritual authority over their priests, they have no actual “coercive measures — and we don’t have any nostalgia for the coercive measures of the Inquisition” — to force priests to cooperate with investigations and obey when punishment has been imposed.

Throughout the summit, bishops and other speakers tried to identify attitudes and issues that have contributed to the Catholic Church’s sex abuse crisis; repeatedly they pointed to “clericalism,” and especially an attitude that allows priests and bishops to think that they were somehow special and above the law and common human decency.

To understand the full depth of the crisis, Colombian Cardinal Ruben Salazar Gomez of Bogota said Feb. 21, bishops must stop looking at outsiders as the cause of the damage within the church and recognize that “the first enemies are within us, among us bishops and priests and consecrated persons who have not lived up to our vocation.”

Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, India, told the gathering Feb. 22 that, as members of the College of Bishops, each bishop in every part of the world has a responsibility to root out abuse everywhere and that each bishop has a moral obligation

to “point out honestly to our brother bishops or priests when we notice problematic behavior in them.”

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, one of the summit organizations, told the gathering he believed the Catholic Church needed a new structure in place to deal with bishops accused of abuse or of negligence in handling abuse claims.

His “metropolitan model” of accountability would rely on the metropolitan archbishop of a church region receiving claims made against a bishop and conducting an initial investigation with the help of qualified lay experts before turning the information over to the Vatican for further action.

THE U.S. RESPONSE The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops currently is investigating the possibility of such a model.

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, USCCB president, told Catholic News Service Feb. 24 that it would be up to the full body of bishops to decide how to proceed, but he would not be surprised if they came up with a proposal that would combine a metropolitan-level system with a lay board to assist the metropolitan.

“In our proposals, the work of the laity will be to collaborate,” which is something all the speakers at the summit emphasized, Cardinal DiNardo said. “We want to make sure the laity are involved” in a way that would give them a level of independence to investigated claims against bishops while, at the same time, making it clear the board is acting on behalf of the church.

In her presentation to the summit Feb. 22, Linda Ghisoni, a canon lawyer who serves as a consultant for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and is undersecretary for laity at the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, urged the pope to consider a revision of the “pontifical secret” covering canonical procedures and trials of clerics accused of abuse.

Ghisoni’s suggestion was echoed by others, who insisted that while the accused have a right to a presumption of innocence and victims have a right to anonymity, the names of clerics found guilty of abuse, the crimes of which they were found guilty and their punishments should be made known, at least to the victims who brought the case.

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CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Measures to protect are imminent, moderator says

By Junno Arocho Esteves | Catholic News Service

While the four-day Vatican summit on the protection of minors has ended, the work to ensure that laws and concrete actions are in place is just beginning, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi.

During a press briefing Feb. 24, Father Lombardi, who served as moderator of the Feb. 21-24 summit, said Pope Francis will soon publish a new set of laws and guidelines concerning child protection for Vatican City State.

The measures, he said, will be issued “motu proprio,” on the pope’s own accord, and will be “presented and published in the near future.”

Another initiative that will be available in “a few weeks or a month or two” is a handbook or vademecum for bishops, prepared by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Father Lombardi told journalists that the handbook will list a set of guidelines and “will help bishops around the world clearly understand their duties

and tasks” when handling cases of abuse. He said the pope also wants to amend the current law concerning the crime of a cleric acquiring, possessing or distributing pornographic images of minors by extending the age from 14 years old to include young people under the age of 18.

Lastly, Pope Francis has also expressed his intention to establish task forces “made up of competent persons” that will assist dioceses and episcopal conferences “that find it difficult to confront the problems and produce initiatives for the protection of minors,” especially when they lack the needed resources and skilled personnel.

Meanwhile, a number of survivors and advocacy groups were disappointed the pope and the Vatican did not go further with more direct mandates, especially in ordering bishops to implement what laws already exist.

Peter Isely, spokesman for the Ending Clergy Abuse coalition, said he wished the pope had told bishops to remove known abusers from public ministry immediately in order “to keep them from harming children. That’s

pretty simple.”

Also, just as the pope had recently revised the catechism concerning the inadmissibility of the death penalty, Isely said the pope could have changed canon law to include zero tolerance for abusers and those who protect them.

Miguel Hurtado, a survivor from Spain, told Catholic News Service that the church still needs a clear mechanism or process for bishop accountability and making public the dismissal of a leader for negligence.

“This is what changes the hearts and minds,” he said, “is seeing a colleague lose his job.”

“Why don’t we see bishops ordaining women? Because they know it is a red line and they will be excommunicated if they cross it. Covering up child rape is not a red line” if there are no clear and serious consequences that go with it, he said.

Hurtado said if the church fails to police itself, “what will prevent another crisis are the external checks and balances” of media outlets doing accurate investigative reporting, the trend of child victims speaking out sooner, and

civil laws abolishing the statute of limitations on the abuse of minors.

Anne Barrett Doyle of BishopAccountability.org said in a press statement that the summit was only a failure in terms of needed internal reforms.

“But in a larger sense, it achieved a great deal” by increasing global awareness of clergy sex abuse and facilitating “connections between journalists and survivors from many countries,” she said.

“This was public education on a massive scale,” Doyle said.

In a statement provided to CNS, a group of U.S. women from Catholic Worker who were in Rome for the summit supported “Pope Francis placing the spotlight on the global sexual abuse. This is good and crucial.”

“As Catholic Workers, people who have seen violence in so many forms, we resonate with his understanding that abuse of power is the root cause of the problem here,” it said.

“But where are the concrete processes to guide the bishops in assuring accountability, transparency, and responsibility upon their return?”

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MARCH 2019

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McCarrick, found guilty, removed from the priesthood

By Catholic News Service

The Vatican’s removal from the priesthood of Theodore E. McCarrick “is a clear signal that abuse will not be tolerated,” said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Feb. 16.

“No bishop, no matter how influential, is above the law of the church,” said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston. “For all those McCarrick abused, I pray this judgment will be one small step, among many, toward healing.”

“For us bishops, it strengthens our resolve to hold ourselves accountable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” the cardinal said. “I am grateful to Pope Francis for the determined way he has led the church’s response.”

Cardinal DiNardo’s statement

followed the Vatican’s early morning announcement that Pope Francis has confirmed the removal from the priesthood of McCarrick, the 88-yearold former cardinal and archbishop of Washington.

The Vatican said he was found guilty of “solicitation in the sacrament of confession and sins against the Sixth Commandment with minors and with adults, with the aggravating factor of the abuse of power.”

A panel of the Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith found him guilty Jan. 11, the Vatican said. McCarrick appealed the decision, but the appeal was rejected Feb. 13 by the congregation itself. McCarrick was informed of the decision Feb. 15 and Pope Francis “recognized the definitive nature of this decision made in accord with law,” making a further appeal impossible.

By ordering McCarrick’s “dismissal

from the clerical state,” the decision means that McCarrick loses all rights and duties associated with being a priest, cannot present himself as a priest and is forbidden to celebrate the sacraments, except to grant absolution for sins to a person in imminent danger of death.

The Vatican decision comes after months of mounting accusations that he abused children and seminarians decades ago. The accusations surrounding the former cardinal have prompted many to ask USCCB leaders and the heads of the archdioceses and dioceses he has served how he could have risen up the ranks of the church to become a cardinal.

Ordained a priest of the New York Archdiocese, he was the founding bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey, then served as archbishop of Newark, New Jersey. His last assign-

ment was as archbishop of Washington. During his tenure there, he was named a cardinal.

McCarrick’s punishment is the toughest meted out to a cardinal by the Vatican in modern times.

Last July, Pope Francis accepted his resignation from the College of Cardinals, after U.S. newspapers reported detailed accounts that he exposed himself and sexually molested two boys in his early years as a priest –– accusations that spanned almost five decades and were too old to legally prosecute.

In a June 20 statement, he said he had “absolutely no recollection” of the abuse “and (I) believe in my innocence” but said he was stepping down out of obedience. In December he went to live at a friary in Kansas to await the outcome of the Vatican’s decision on his status.

Child sex abuse called ‘a serious and pervasive’ issue in US society

By Julie Asher | Catholic News Service

Child sexual abuse in the U.S. is at epidemic levels.

More than 60,000 children are reported to have been abused every year, outnumbering those killed by guns or cars. Those who survive are often left not only with physical wounds, but also with psychological wounds that may never heal. These wounds exact both a profound personal and social cost.

Much attention has been focused on the issue of child sexual abuse and the Catholic Church, and rightly so.

Allegations of abuse by clergy and church workers as well as cover-ups and bureaucratic mishandling by bishops, dioceses and religious orders have caused terrible pain for survivors of such abuse and their families. It also has resulted in disillusionment on the part of ordinary Catholics. The cost of this abuse and its aftermath totals more than $4 billion so far, according to the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection.

While the Catholic Church continues to struggle with this legacy, it has instituted a wide variety of steps to improve oversight, identify abusers and protect children.

One under-reported fact from the recent, highly publicized Pennsylvania

grand jury report is that for all of the many horrors it identified, the good news was that it appeared to document the decline in current cases.

As Jesuit Father Tom Reese told America magazine in its Dec. 24 issue, every one of the accused priests in the report was either deceased or had been removed from ministry, “and only two had been accused of abusing a child in the last 20 years.”

During these same 20 years, however, an estimated 1.2 million children in this country were abused nationwide in schools, organizations, churches and families.

Understanding the plague of sexual abuse in this country means going beyond the immediate headlines and understanding what experts are saying about this scourge. It also means looking not only at the Catholic Church but at all institutions and societal structures where abuse can take place.

So far, no grand jury, congressional committee or law enforcement organization has undertaken a broad societal investigation of what is happening to children in public schools as well as private, in sports and other youth-oriented programs and organizations, in pediatric facilities and perhaps most common, in families. (In Australia, a Royal Commission investigation of child abuse in nongovernmental organizations took five years.)

“Sexual victimization of children is

a serious and pervasive issue in society.

It is present in families, and it is not uncommon in institutions where adults form mentoring and nurturing relationships with adolescents, including schools and religious, sports and social organizations,” said the John Jay report issued in May 2011 on “The Causes and Context of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the United States, 1950-2010.”

“If you want to talk about sexual abuse of minors, you’re talking about families, foster care programs, public schools,” New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said in a recent Sirius XM interview. “You’re talking about organizations, every religion, you’re talking about public schools, it is a societal, cultural problem. There is no occupation that is freed from it.”

He made the remarks in late January after the New York Legislature passed a measure to ease the statute of limitations on civil abuse cases. The state’s Catholic bishops agreed to support the bill after it was broadened to include not just the Catholic Church but public institutions.

Over the years, highly touted organizations such as the Boy Scouts, U.S.A. Gymnastics and Penn State have had abuse scandals.

Often such organizations are accused of behavior similar to what the Catholic Church has been accused of: denials, cover-ups, relocation of predators and unwillingness to tell authorities.

In July 2018, shortly before the Penn-

sylvania grand jury report was released, a team of Chicago Tribune reporters turned out a special series on abuse in Chicago’s public-school system: “Betrayed: Chicago schools fail to protect students from sexual abuse and assault, leaving lasting damage.”

“Whether the sexual attacks were brutal rapes, frightening verbal come-ons or ‘creepy,’ groping touches, the students often felt betrayed by school officials and wounded for years,” the paper reported.

“When students summoned the courage to disclose abuse, teachers and principals failed to alert child welfare investigators or police despite the state’s mandated reporter law,” it said.

The Tribune is hardly the first media outlet to examine abuse in the nation’s public schools. In December 2016, USA Today published its own series.

“Despite decades of repeated sex abuse scandals –– from the Roman Catholic Church to the Boy Scouts to scores of news media reports identifying problem teachers –– America’s public schools continue to conceal the actions of dangerous educators in ways that allow them to stay in the classroom,” it said.

USA Today’s network of media outlets conducted a yearlong investigation and “found that education officials put children in harm’s way by covering up evidence of abuse, keeping allegations secret and making it easy for abusive teachers to find jobs elsewhere.”

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Changing abortion laws should prompt pro-life action, archbishop says

By Carol Zimmermann | Catholic News Service

Amid current discussion that the Supreme Court could possibly overturn Roe v. Wade, the decision legalizing abortion, some states are currently working to make sure their laws legalizing abortion are secure, while other states are trying to pass laws to further restrict or ban the procedure.

There are about 20 suits challenging state laws restricting abortion that could make their way to the Supreme Court.

The current mood “is calling for us to have a new energy and new zeal to win the culture,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

The archbishop told Catholic News Service that many states are now in “somewhat of a panic attack,” stressing that states which support legal abortion want to “keep it intact” if Roe v.

Wade is overturned.

In this environment, he said, it is important for pro-life activists to “ramp up our efforts on every level.”

He called on Catholics to get involved in local Right to Life chapters or with state Catholic conferences to have direct interaction with state legislators.

But the archbishop also said lobbying efforts alone are not enough.

“Legislation can be lost as quickly as it is gained,” he said, stressing that

part of the USCCB’s pro-life secretariat along with prayer, pastoral care — providing alternatives to abortion as well as post-abortion ministries — and education, which is not just informing people about the issue but working to change opinions about it.

Archbishop Naumann also spoke about the issue of excommunicating Catholic politicians who have supported or voted for legislation in support of abortion. Some bishops called for

“Legislation can be lost as quickly as it is gained,” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann said, stressing that public policy is important but that winning the “hearts and minds” of the American public is key ... public policy is important but that winning the “hearts and minds” of the American public is key, pointing out that the church is involved in the political sphere primarily to form people’s consciences.

And the most important education about the abortion issue happens one on one, with neighbors, families and co-workers, he added.

He said advocacy work is just one

excommunicating New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Catholic, who signed into law the Reproductive Health Act, or RHA, in late January. It removed abortion from New York’s criminal code and now permits abortions with very few restrictions at any week of a pregnancy.

In 2008, Archbishop Naumann asked Kathleen Sebelius, then governor of Kansas, to abide by his request

to stop receiving Communion because of her support for abortion legislation.

In a column for the archdiocesan newspaper, The Leaven, he said the governor’s support for abortion sent a “spiritually lethal message” to other Catholics.

Eleven years later, the archbishop feels the same way. He said there is “a lot of anxiety about those in public life who call themselves Catholic yet advocate for abortion” and noted that his position has been to dialogue with these politicians first, as he did with Sebelius.

Catholic politicians need to know the “spiritual harm they are in” and also how their actions scandalize Catholics, he said.

When dialogue doesn’t work, which was the case with Sebelius over a decade ago, he said he took the further step of asking the governor “not to present herself at the Eucharist.” He said the action was not to embarrass her and also was presented with the idea that she should police herself.

“As bishops, we have to take steps to protect people from being misled by political leaders,” he said.

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GOOD NEWS

MARCH 2019

19

BISHOP’S INTERVIEW

The diocese has grown in numbers and in faith since 2010 Bishop Joe S. Vásquez is the fifth bishop of the Austin Diocese, which is home to more than 530,000 Catholics.

Editor: Bishop, this March we celebrate the ninth anniversary of your installation as the bishop of Austin.

Give us the state of this diocese.

What is happening right now?

Bishop Vásquez: The Diocese of Austin is extremely blessed. The church here in Central Texas is alive and thriving. We continue to experience tremendous growth and development throughout our diocese, not just here in Austin, but also in the Temple-Waco area and in the Bryan-College Station area. Just before he died, Bishop John McCarthy and I had a conversation about the abundant growth he had witnessed since he was installed as bishop of Austin

in 1986. It was interesting to listen to him talk about the changes he witnessed during his time here.

What impresses me most of all is the great love, devotion and faith of our people in the Diocese of Austin. Our greatest gift we have is our people; who love Christ, who love the church, who are serving, who are faithful, who week after week are committed to serving God and his church. At the beginning of February, we celebrated the annual Diocesan Catholic Youth Convention in Waco.

What a blessing it was to have thousands of our teenagers celebrating their Catholic faith together. We are blessed to have outstanding priests who bring Christ to others, especially through the sacraments, preaching and pastoral care. Our clergy and religious men and women serve selflessly and work daily to lead others to Christ.

Since last year our church has been suffering. This has been a painful

Bishop Joe Vásquez was installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Austin on March 8, 2010. Since his installation, he has ordained 39 men to the priesthood, and he has celebrated numerous Masses for diocesan and parish celebrations. He has celebrated the sacrament of confirmation with tens of thousands of youth throughout the parishes in the Diocese of Austin. For a schedule of his activities over the next month, see the bishop’s Official Schedule on Page 26.

Bishop Vásquez was ordained a priest for the Diocese of San Angelo on June 30, 1984.

He served in the Diocese of San Angelo until he was appointed the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in January 2002. (Catholic Spirit file photo)

time as we face the sexual abuse crisis.

However, Christ promised to be with his church always and I continue to encounter Jesus in our midst.

Editor: How have you seen the diocese change over the last nine years?

Bishop Vásquez: Our diocese has surely grown in the last nine years.

One sign of this is the number of new or expanded churches, catechetical buildings and parish activity centers that have been built. The number of new events is also a sign of our growth. We now have a men’s conference (held in February) and a women’s conference (held in September). Our men and women want to strengthen their faith; they want to live their faith well, and pass it on to their children and the next generation.

The number of confirmations has also increased since I first arrived.

Presently, I am annually celebrating nearly 100 confirmation liturgies.

According to our diocesan statistics, in 2009 there were 4,308 youth confirmed; in 2017, 5,668 youth were confirmed. That is a substantial increase! The Diocese of Austin was blessed for a few years to have the assistance of our Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Garcia, but now with his departure, I will have to delegate some confirmations to pastors.

There are now more than 200,000 college students in our diocese, which means our campus ministry programs have also grown substantially over the last few decades. We have thriving programs now at Texas A&M University in College Station, the University of Texas in Austin, Baylor University in Waco and Texas State University in San Marcos as well as at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton, Blinn College in Brenham and Southwestern University in Georgetown.

We are also blessed with great cultural diversity in Central Texas. We have the Czechs, the Germans, the Polish, the Mexicans, the Africans, the Vietnamese and the Koreans who have been here for many generations.

They, of course, share their cultures with us; we enjoy their food, their music and their celebrations. More recently we have other cultures that are moving here and showing the

beauty of their Catholic faith. The Indian community here in Central Texas is very committed to the church and very involved. The Filipino community is also thriving as we see with the celebrations of Simbang Gabi during Advent. All of these cultures coming together helps the faith grow and be enriched.

Editor: Do you now consider Austin your home?

Bishop Vásquez: Yes, the Diocese of Austin is definitely my home. My heart is here with the people of this diocese. I am blessed to see them growing in faith, which has greatly encouraged my faith. The priests, deacons, religious and lay people have enriched my faith and strengthened me. They give me hope, and they are my friends. Together, we are disciples in the Lord Jesus, which is the most important thing. We are all following the same Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and sharing his Good News with the others.

It brings me great joy to visit our parishes and to celebrate Mass with the people. I love to see the faces of our people who obviously love God. They know that God is present; and yes, they might have struggles at home, they might be facing an illness or searching for work yet they come with their families to find strength in the celebration of the Eucharist. They come with their children because they want to pass on their faith to others.

As St. John Paul II reminded us, “The church draws her life from the Eucharist.” The Eucharistic sacrifice is the “source and summit of the Christian life.”

Editor: What are your hopes and prayers for the diocese?

Bishop Vásquez: I hope that we the church in Central Texas will rejoice in the abundant blessings God has given us and invite others to participate in this great and dynamic Catholic faith. May we continue to pass on the great treasure of faith that has been given to us so that others may benefit from God’s love. As we begin the season of Lent, I pray that we entrust ourselves to God. I also turn to Mary, our Mother, asking for her intercession, her help and her love. May the Catholic Church, and in particular the Diocese of Austin, continue to flourish in the love of Christ.

GOOD NEWS

20

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

ETHICS AND INTEGRITY IN MINISTRY

Lenten reparation: A time of listening and prayer

By Emily Hurlimann | Guest Columnist

It’s an understatement to say that the last eight months have been a painful time for those abused by clergy, for the Catholic faithful in general, and for the many who work in Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) in the diocese. The diocesan EIM Office is formally staffed by one full-time person. However, the EIM team consists of more than 250 parish and school EIM site administrators and support persons, 218 workshop facilitators, nearly 400 priests and deacons, Catholic schools’ faculty and staff, and parish staff members, including directors of religious education and youth ministers throughout the diocese doing the work of protecting our youth and promoting ethical behavior and integrity in ministry. No less important are the thousands of volunteers throughout the diocese who

have attended workshops, submitted to background checks and serve in the day-to-day ministry in all corners of the diocese.

All of us –– the entire Body of Christ –– have suffered in this crisis. I have heard from staff members, clergy, facilitators and others who have experienced abuse that the constant media stream of news about the abuse crisis is almost paralyzing. Shared outrage or living in profound sadness has become the way to cope for many. This crisis is personal to everyone because this is the faith we love and it is gut-wrenching for some because this is an experience they have lived.

Over the years I have had the honor and privilege to listen to stories of pain and sorrow and healing and faith of many who have experienced abuse or unethical behavior at the hands of persons they thought they could trust –– family, priests, teachers or friends. Over

the last several months, I have witnessed many clergy, spiritual directors, all levels of church leaders and fellow Catholics give their time and hearts as a listening and prayerful presence to those needing to talk as we continue to hear more details about past abuse, of abuse of adults by clergy, of the moral failures of hierarchy and just recently the list of our own diocese’s credibly accused clergy.

Some have said that they are tired of hearing church leaders say they are praying for them; rather they demand action and change. I understand that action and change are necessary, but prayer is essential. Healing begins in listening and prayer.

As Lent begins during this Year of Reparation in our diocese, listening and prayer are a powerful sacrifice that we make for and with our hurting sisters and brothers. May we listen with open hearts. May we listen when we have nu-

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merous other things going on around us. May we listen without judgement.

May we pray for forgiveness. May we pray for healing for those harmed by abuse. May we pray for those who caused harm by their actions or lack of action. May we pray for the vast majority of good, holy and faithful people in our church.

We are not a perfect church or a perfect people but listening as God guides us through this Lenten season, we can pray for his assistance and divine mercy.

For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Emily Hurlimann is the associate director of Ethics and Integrity in Ministry for the Austin Diocese.

She can be reached at (512) 949-2447 or emily-hurlimann@ austindiocese.org.

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GOOD NEWS

MARCH 2019

21

ON THE PERIPHERIES

Deacons share the love of Christ from the altar, beyond

By Deacon Al Ponce | Guest Columnist

The call to the permanent diaconate reaches to the very heart and soul of those ordained as deacons through formation and discernment. It is Christ himself, God’s grace who touches hearts to serve in his capacity as Christ the servant.

The deacon’s service begins at the altar and returns there. With the special grace of ordination, the deacon’s service reach is beyond the physical church building, it reaches out to the fringes where Christ performs his work.

Christ with great care has placed on my heart a special charism for the homeless. Those that daily, endure conditions we cannot imagine or understand. Whatever their situation, these men and women, our sisters and brothers yearn for Christ’s love.

During our formation process, we participated in a “Street Retreat” in Austin. We gave up our possessions, comforts and spent the weekend with the homeless from Thursday afternoon

to Sunday.

This was one of the most powerful encounters with Christ, and this experience drove my heart to this ministry and to reach out to those who are homeless and in need of comfort.

While on the retreat weekend, Christ was always present and could be felt in the people we encountered.

On Sunday the retreat culminated on I-35, under the bridge across from the Police Department in Austin. Many homeless sisters and brothers gather there on Sundays. They come there for care, comfort, support and to experience God’s love. They call this gathering place “Church Under the Bridge.”

We made our way there from down-

Are you being called to the diaconate?

Men between the ages of 30 and 59 sensing God’s call to the permanent diaconate should discuss this with their pastors and obtain his permission to attend (with their wife, if married) one of the following Inquiry Sessions (offered in Spanish and English): • March 17 at Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center in Burnet • May 5 at the Pastoral Center in Austin Each session (from 2 to 5 p.m.) will explore the diaconate, discernment methods, qualities and characteristics sought in applicants, the formation journey, the wife’s participation in formation, and the application process. For more information, call (512) 949-2459; e-mail diaconateformation@austindiocese.org; or visit www.austindiocese.org/diaconalformation.

12 Day Iberian Shrines & Lourdes sponsored by St. Jerome Parish in Waco

October 3-15, 2019 - $3,689 (based on double occupancy)

PRICE INCLUDES: Bus transfers from Waco to DFW and return to Waco. 12 Days of tours in private, air-conditioned bus with a licensed, English speaking guide. Gratuities, travel insurance, hotel accommodations, daily breakfast and five dinners, round trip airfare departing DFW

Visit: Lisbon, Church of the Eucharistic Holy Miracle, Santarem, Fatima, Braga, Santiago de Compostela, Burgos, San Ignacio de Loyola, Lourdes Shrine, Carcassonne and Barcelona, Montserrat Sanctuary. Walk a portion of the Camino de Santiago and learn about the remarkable journey taken by pilgrims from all over the world. Mass in Fatima, Santiago de Compostela and Lourdes Spiritual leader will be Deacon Greg George For additional information please call Glenda Ruiz at (254) 732-2404.

town. When we arrived, the multitude of homeless people was overwhelming and reached deep into my heart. The Holy Spirit showed me that there is a greater hope, a greater love. There before us were people from different churches and religious denominations ministering to the homeless. The Body of Christ was present as many were in need of his comfort and others were providing his comfort.

This moved me to tears. The retreat leader and I, as we experienced the Body of Christ, prayed to our Blessed Mother, the “Hail Holy Queen.”

The journey home was a special time for reflection and upon my return to our parish, I met with my pastor Father Richard O’Rourke. I shared my experience with him, and within a few days, I shared my experience with some of my dear friends (parishioners). Once again, I encountered the Body of Christ. A few parishioners asked if it was possible for us to go to Austin on a Sunday to that “Church Under the Bridge.”

This is where God’s grace works beyond us, this is where his grace cannot be measured. A small group of us went to the “Church under the Bridge.”

Parishioners returned with burning hearts wanting to share their experience with others. They have developed actions to support local homeless projects in our community. These projects continue to grow.

Christ working through our diaconal ministry goes beyond us. We now regularly go every six months with more than 70 parishioners participating in this mission.

There is also a group of parishioners, including my dear wife, who

A group of parishioners from St. Paul Chong Hasang Parish in Harker Heights ministers to the “Church Under the Bridge” in downtown Austin. (Photo courtesy Deacon Al Ponce)

make sleeping mats for the homeless from regular plastic grocery bags. They meet prior to our homeless mission and spend quality time and take special care to prepare them.

Our youth have become involved also. They provide witness talks about our experiences to other parish youth organizations. Parishes from our deanery now participate with us.

Truckloads of essential items are taken to share with the homeless, including food, water, clothing, rosaries, prayer cards and much more.

As we encounter Christ in the homeless, he ministers to us in a way that helps us to continue and share the grace we receive. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty.”

The deacon ministering on the fringes is beyond us, it is Christ the Servant reaching to all hearts, whether in a hospital, in a jail or prison, in a nursing home or on the streets.

A deacon’s service begins at the altar and returns there each Sunday. I pray we will always remember that as a deacon we never leave the altar alone, Jesus is with us when we encounter anyone. And when we return to the altar, we bring to him our sisters and brothers whom we have encountered.

Deacon Al Ponce and his wife Debbie serve at St. Paul Chong Hasang Parish in Harker Heights.

GOOD NEWS

22

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

SAINTS FOR OUR TIMES

St. Teresa Verzeri sought the glory of God, the good of souls

By Mary Lou Gibson | Columnist

Teresa Verzeri tried three times to become a Benedictine nun, but every time she entered the convent of St. Grata in Bergamo, Italy, she stayed a short while then left. Finally, on the advice of her spiritual director, Canon Giuseppe Benaglio, she left the convent altogether and began teaching young girls at home. It was always Teresa’s intention to live the religious life and to be an educator.

She was born in 1801 in Bergamo, the first of seven children in the family of Antonio Verzeri and Elena Pedrocca-Grumelli. The family was very religious and as a young woman, Teresa yearned for the spiritual life of the cloister. But she was also very aware of how things were changing in Italy and that people were looking for new ways to interpret Christianity.

It was a time marked with political changes, revolutions and persecutions that did not spare the church.

Editor Bernard Bangley writes in

“Butler’s Lives of the Saints” that Teresa wanted people to rediscover a loving and trusting relationship with God. So together with Canon Benaglio, she founded the Congregation of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1831 in Bergamo. With her first companions, she dedicated herself to diverse apostolic services

The New Catholic Encyclopedia said Teresa was noted for her ability at governing and writing, and still more for her vigorous spirituality, strong faith and balance between contemplation and action. As an educator, she showed originality, particularly in her preventive method.

Teresa described the preventive sys-

Teresa believed that the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus must burn with the same love of the Divine Heart for their neighbor ... including education of troubled girls, homes for orphans, retreats and assistance to the sick.

When Canon Benaglio died in 1836, Teresa dedicated herself totally to strengthening and expanding the work of the daughters. She was confronted by many obstacles both from civil authorities and also by ecclesiastics who put her virtue to the test.

Dom Basil Watkins, OSB, writes in “The Book of Saints” that the bishop of Bergamo was at first favorable to her, but then turned against her.

tem: “cultivate and attentively guard the mind and heart of your little girls while they are still young, to prevent as far as possible, any entrance of evil …”

Teresa believed that the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus must burn with the same love of the Divine Heart for their neighbor; purest charity that has no aim save for the glory of God and the good of souls; universal charity that excludes no one but embraces all. Her congregation was approved by Rome in 1841.

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She wanted the Daughters to receive the mandate to go to every man and woman with a dedication that loves the poor with predilection, is open for every service and is always solicitous to promote the dignity of the person. Her mother and three of her sisters joined her Congregation.

When Teresa died in Brescia in 1852, she left a vast documentation including a Constitution, the Book of Duties, and more than 3,500 letters.

Her relics are venerated in the chapel of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Bergamo. She was beatified

by Pope Pius XII in 1946 and canonized by St. John Paul II in 2001. Her feast day is March 3.

Today, the Daughters have a ministry for street children in Central Africa, a mission for the poor in India and missions in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Albania.

Mary Lou Gibson is a freelance writer and a member of St. Austin Parish in Austin.

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GOOD NEWS

MARCH 2019

23

SOCIAL JUSTICE

May we defend the sanctity of life at all stages

By DeKarlos Blackmon | Columnist

In advocacy work, we are often reminded of the words of the prophet Micah, “You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Mi 6:8). The love of Christ impels us to advocate for the least among us, the shunned, the outcast, the disabled, the disenfranchised and the underprivileged. Made in the image and likeness of God, we are called to be in right relationship with God and all our brothers and sisters –– regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, age or gender. Worth is never merely determined in isolation, but rather in the interpersonal relationships with one another and God. I propose this is what it means to be pro-life: to exercise genuine love and

respect for every human person from conception to natural death. Realizing respect for persons in the midst of humanitarian crises and social injustices is just as pro-life and just as important as any other life issue. Brothers and sisters, let us never find a situation where we can bring ourselves to advocate for some life issues and disregard others. If we truly love the Lord, we must take care of one another — we must love one another. There can be no true justice, no true harmony, no true righteousness and no true integrity without love.

A few months ago, the U.S. Catholic bishops penned “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love,” a pastoral letter against racism. The title of the pastoral letter speaks to the very heart of our Christian responsibility to make room for others in our hearts.

Very often, I hear people say, “I don’t see color.” I recognize this as a well-in-

tentioned comment, but until all people come to an authentic awareness of where they fit into systems of power and oppression historically, the comment often possesses no real meaning.

Collectively, we are called to a real conversion of hearts to meet the stranger among us and to engage in courageous encounters to raise more awareness of racism, poverty and all other forms of violence that threaten human life within our communities. As we endeavor to open wide our hearts to love, let us encounter and accompany one another to work to change the structures that work against the sanctity of life.

Later this month, we will have a special opportunity to “open wide our hearts” and advocate for the common good during the biennial Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day at the Texas State Capitol on March 26. It is not enough that we simply pray about

the issues affecting our communities, we are called to participate in opportunities for meaningful action. In our advocacy, let us promote the sanctity of every human life by learning more about the legislative priorities of our church, participating in advocacy day, and meeting with state legislators to discuss the issues that affect the common good.

For more information about Advocacy Day, contact John Gilluly at (512) 949-2460. For more information about the pastoral letter against racism, visit www.usccb.org/racism.

DeKarlos Blackmon, OblSB, is the director of the Office of Life, Charity and Justice for the Diocese of Austin. Contact him at (512) 949-2471 or dekarlos-blackmon@ austindiocese.org.

Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center Silent Lenten Retreat, March 8-10

The Silent Lenten Retreat will be held at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center March 8-10. Mass will be celebrated Saturday and Sunday. Spiritual direction will also be available. Come and take advantage of the quiet. Cost is $210. All rooms are private.

The School for Contemplative Living, March 13

The School for Contemplative Living at Cedarbrake is specifically designed for those who are eager to become more aware of God’s action in their lives. There will be three semesters. The first semester will meet: March 13, 27, April 3, 10, 17 and 24. The cost is $250 and includes lunch. Registration is for the entire semester.

A Lenten Journey Through the Eyes of Mary, March 26

The Lenten Day of Reflection will be held at Cedarbrake March 26 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Father John Guzaldo, pastor of St. Luke Parish in Temple, will present the day by meditating on the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary and the role of our Blessed Mother in those mysteries. The cost is $40 and includes lunch.

Struggling to Understand Suicide, April 6

To Register:

call (254) 780-2436 or email cedarbrake@austindiocese.org Website: www.cedarbrake.org 5602 State Hwy 317 N Temple, TX 76502

The Struggling to Understand Suicide retreat will be held at Cedarbrake April 6 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is not a full understanding of suicide, but this day will allow for an open discussion and hopefully will bring healing to those who have lost a loved one or a friend because of suicide. Dr. Louis Gamino, a clinical psychologist at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, will present this day. The staff will share some healing reflections and Mass with the Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated. The cost is $40 and includes lunch.

A Holy Thursday & Good Friday Retreat, April 18-19

Come and pray on two of the most sacred days of the year. This silent retreat will begin on Thursday at 4 p.m. with a conference, meal and then Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m. Friday will be a conference, Stations of the Cross and conclude with the Good Friday liturgy at 3 p.m. The cost for the overnight retreat is $120 for a private room, $85 per person for a shared room and $55 for commuter. Beverly Collin, Brian Egan and Fr. Albert Haase, OFM, will lead this retreat.

Retiro de Cuaresma: Reflexionando sobre el amor de nuestro Señor con Padre Henry Cuellar -- Abril 13 - 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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GOOD NEWS

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

FAITH THROUGH ART

May we allow the Gospel to be ‘leaven’ for our souls

By James B. Janknegt | Columnist

The painting to the right called “A Little Leaven,” which I painted in 2008, depicts a woman making bread. She sprinkles the yeast into a large quantity of flour, enough flour to make bread to feed about 100 people.

The finished bread becomes the Body of Christ in the sacrament of the Eucharist that a priest distributes to the faithful.

Along the border of this piece, the people go into the world and share Christ, with the sick, the poor, the prisoner, recalling Jesus’ words in Matthew 25: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Further along the border other Bible stories appear that have to do with the miraculous multiplication bread: Jesus feeding the 5,000, Elijah being fed by a raven, and Elijah sharing bread with the widow. The widow did not withhold the last of her flour and oil from Elijah, but upon Elijah’s blessing, it became an unending supply of bread.

I like to interweave Old and New Testament stories in my paintings. As the Catechism states in a quote by St. Augustine: “The New Testament lies hidden in the Old. And the Old Testament is unveiled in the New.” A couple of years ago I published a book of Lenten Meditations that contained 40 of my paintings based on Jesus’ parables. The passage at right contains a Bible verse, a short meditation and a prayer pertaining to this particular piece of artwork.

James B. Janknegt is a painter with multiple degrees in studio art. He and his wife live in Elgin and are active at Sacred Heart Parish where they help play music for Mass and lead the RCIA program. For more information about him and his artwork visit www.BCArtFarm.com.

A Lenten meditation on leaven

James B. Janknegt painted “A Little Leaven,” an oil on canvas in 2008.

(Photo courtesy James B. Janknegt)

Scripture: In Matthew 13:33, Jesus told the parable of the yeast: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast –– that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.”

Reflection: Yeast floats around in the air. If you want to make sourdough bread, mix up some flour and water in a bowl and leave the bowl in a warm place. Before too long, it will start to bubble and smell yeasty. This sourdough starter can be used to make some good bread. It is kind of like a miracle. Flour eaten by itself is not nourishing; but turn it into bread and it, by itself, can sustain life.

Life is kind of like flour. Our natural life won’t sustain us by itself. But add the yeast of the Gospel to an ordinary life and that life is sustained, not only in the present world but also in the world to come. That yeast starter will grow like crazy. It bubbles up and doubles in size.

Everyday some of it has to be removed, or it will overflow whatever container it is in. It seems a shame to throw it away.

The best practice is to give some to our friends, so they can make their own tangy, wholesome, fresh sourdough bread.

Likewise no one keeps the Good News of Jesus to themselves, but overflowing with his love, one shares it with those around us. Thus the whole world becomes leavened.

Prayer: Heavenly Father –– thank you for the leaven of the Good News mixed into our lives. May we ferment and overflow to all of those around us. Preserve us from self-containment, where failing to share we cease to bubble up and die. Constantly renew us by allowing us to give away what you have freely given us. Amen.

“Lent, which begins March 6, is a time to examine our hearts and allow God to touch us and transform us. Lent prepares us to enter into the great mystery of the life, death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In doing so, God desires to make us more like his Son, so that we can experience his grace and his life more fully as a Catholic and as a Christian. Fasting, praying and giving are the ways in which God works in our hearts to convert us they are necessary to truly experience the blessings of Lent.

“Fasting can relate to food or it can have a spiritual component. We could fast from television, or abstain from using our phones during certain hours of each day. This helps us to be more attuned to God and his voice. Praying means spending more time listening to God. Silence is an important element to prayer because it allows God to speak. Almsgiving challenges us to give to the poor and to take care of those in need. Almsgiving can take the form of visiting those who are in the hospital or those who are homebound. I pray the season of Lent will be a grace-filled time of conversion and renewal that prepares us to celebrate the Risen Christ.”

–– Bishop Joe Vásquez

MARCH 2019

BU LLETIN BOARD

Calendar of events

Mark your calendars for these events that are coming up across the Diocese of Austin. Send entries for this section to catholic-spirit@austindiocese.org.

March 4: The Knights of Columbus, Council 3444 will host their annual Clergy Appreciation Banquet at the Columbus Club Hall located at 2218 West Avenue D in Temple. Details: (254) 7214223 or bjmcatee@hot.rr.com.

March 6: Mass and Distribution of Ashes at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Schoenstatt in Austin.

March 6: A high school discernment dinner will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. William Parish in Round Rock.

This dinner is for young men in high school to learn about discernment and the fatherhood for which we were created as men. Details: www. godiscalling.me.

March 8: Fried Fish Dinners on Fridays during Lent, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Parish in Caldwell. Plates are $10 each, drive-through plates only.

March 9: Project Andrew will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin.

March 9-10: The Rite of Election will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in College Station on Saturday and at St. John Vianney Parish in Round Rock on Sunday.

March 10: Mass in Spanish will be celebrated at 1 p.m. at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady Schoenstatt in Austin.

March 12: An adult discernment dinner for men will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Borromeo House in Austin.

Details: www.godiscalling.me.

March 14: A high school discernment dinner for men will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Temple. Details: www.godiscalling.me.

March 14: Moleben, an Eastern Catholic prayer service for those affected by alcoholism and substance abuse, will be held at 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Parish in Austin.

March 15: Monthly Candlelight Rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady Schoenstatt in Austin. Details: www.schoenstatt.us.

March 17: An inquiry session for those who are discerning the call to be a permanent deacon will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center in Burnet. Details: (512) 9492459; e-mail diaconateformation@ austindiocese.org; or visit www. austindiocese.org/diaconalformation.

March 18: 2019 Publishers’ Day will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Austin. All are invited to learn more about resources available for instruction of catechetical programs (pre-k -

high school level. Register: carolynmartinez@austindiocese.org.

March 19: Adoration for young professionals from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Schoenstatt in Austin. Details: www.facebook.com/ SchoenstattAustin.

March 19: St. Martin de Porres Parish in Dripping Springs will host a St. Joseph Feast Day Mass and Celebration at 6:30 p.m. After the Mass, there will be a brief presentation from Mission 1:27 on how to support local foster families. There will also be a St. Joseph’s Altar with traditional foods, breads and treats.

March 22: Alan Ames, an internationally known evangelist, visionary, mystic will visit St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin March 22 at 7:30 p.m. and St. Mary Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Lago Vista March 23 at 4 p.m. His message draws audiences into deeper spirituality by focusing on the abiding love God has for all. Details: www. alanames.org.

March 26: Catholic faith in Action Advocacy Day will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the state Capitol in Austin.

March 27: The Assembly of Catholic Professionals will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: www.austindiocese.org/acp.

March 27: A discernment dinner for women will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin. Details: www.godiscalling. me.

March 31: St. Monica Parish in Cameron will host its annual Spring Festival from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Simon & George Hall in Cameron. Barbecue chicken and sausage dinner will be served for $10 per plate. Other activities include a silent auction, sweet shop including kolaches, cake wheel and country store.

April 4: The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (a sung Byzantine Rite penitential service), will be held from 7-9 p.m. at Holy Cross Parish in Austin.

April 16: The annual Chrism Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin.

April 19: The Schoenstatt Community of Austin will present the ninth annual Good Friday Pilgrimage beginning at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin at 12:30 p.m. Participants will proceed nine miles to the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Schoenstatt in Austin stopping along the way to pray the Stations of the Cross and to rest. Details: www.schoenstatt.us.

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Opportunities to reflect, retreat Listed below are retreats and days of reflection in the month ahead.

March 6: The Ash Wednesday Retreat will be held at Cedarbrake Retreat Center in Belton from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $40 and includes lunch. Details: www.austindiocese. org/cedarbrake or (254) 780-2436.

March 7-10: St. Mary Church of the Assumption Parish in West will host an ACTS Retreat for Women.

Details: e-mail time.encapsulated@ gmail.com or call (254) 315-0621.

March 8-10: The Silent Lenten Retreat will be held at Cedarbrake Retreat Center in Belton. Mass will be celebrated Saturday and Sunday. Spiritual direction will also be available.

Details: www.austindiocese.org/cedarbrake or (254) 780-2436.

March 9: Couples Time Out: No Grudges will be held for married couples from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady Schoenstatt in Austin. Register: cto@schoenstatt.us.

March 11-12: A petite retreat at St. William Parish in Round Rock will kick start the Lenten season will examine Christ’s Passion and love for us. Frank Gamez, international inspirational speaker, will host the retreat in English on March 11 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and in Spanish on March 12 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Details: in English contact Carol Troy at (512) 826-5910 and in Spanish contact Joe Clark at (512) 567-2219.

March 12: Living in Hope Through Grief, a day of spirituality, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center in Burnet. Walking through grief can be the most difficult part of life’s journey. Register: www.ewrc.org.

March 13: The School for Contemplative Living will begin at Cedarbrake Retreat Center in Belton. Subsequent installments will be March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17, and April 24. The cost is $250, which includes lunch.

Details: www.austindiocese.org/cedarbrake or (254) 780-2436.

March 15-17: A marriage preparation retreat will be held at Cedarbrake Retreat Center in Belton. The weekend includes talks on faith, communication, sexuality and stewardship in the context of a Catholic marriage. Details: contact Phi Le at (512) 949-2470.

March 16: The 14th annual Women’s Lenten Conference from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at San José Parish in Austin. Dominican Father Leo Almazán will lead a presentation on “Mary, Mother of Mercy, Merciful Mother.” Father Almazán currently serves at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. This retreat is sponsored by the San José Council of Catholic Women.

Cost is $25, which includes lunch.

Pre-register by March 5. Details: www.sanjosechurch.org or call (512) 441-2748.

March 20-24: A silent retreat for college students and young adults between the ages of 18-30 will be held at Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center. Details: elizabeth-lagoe@austindiocese. org.

March 28-31: St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Austin will host an ACTS retreat for men March 28-31 at Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center in Burnet. The purpose of the ACTS weekend is to provide an opportunity for men to develop a deeper relationship with the Lord and fellow parishioners. Details: contact Craig O’Brien at craig.obrien1209@ outlook.com.

March 29-30: A Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held in Round Rock.

Details: www.austinme.org/apply or (512) 677-9963 or wwmeaustin@ gmail.com.

March 30: Girls Day Camp with Mary from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Schoenstatt.

Girls ages 8 -13 are invited to spend the day at the Shrine together, to grow closer to Jesus through Mary with crafts, prayer and fun. Register: rgardner@schoenstatt.us.

March 31- April 2: St. Luke Parish in Temple will present a parish mission entitled “Signed and Sealed with the Cross” each day at 7 p.m. Franciscan Father Albert Haase will be the presenter. Details: www.slparish.org or (254) 773-1561.

April 6: A day of reflection for Diverse Abilities will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The focus of the day is how the Church continues to affirm the dignity of every human being, and to grow in knowledge and understanding of the gifts and needs of her members who live with disabilities. Details: www. austindiocese.org/disabilities-retreat.

April 6: The Struggling to Understand Suicide retreat will be held at Cedarbrake Retreat Center in Belton from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $40 and includes lunch. Details: www.austindiocese.org/cedarbrake or (254) 780-2436.

April 9: “Luv Yo Peeps,” a day of spirituality at Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center in Burnet. Matthew Weilert will present on evangelizing with passion, presence and purpose. Details: www.ewrc.org.

April 18-19: Holy Thursday and Good Friday Retreat at Cedarbrake Retreat Center in Belton. Details: www.austindiocese.org/cedarbrake or (254) 780-2436.

BU LLETIN BOARD

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CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Official schedule

The official schedule for Bishop Joe Vásquez is listed below. Dates and times are subject to change.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez

March 3: Confirmation, St. Joseph Parish, Rockdale, 9 a.m.

Confirmation, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Austin, 5 p.m.

March 4: Knights of Columbus Clergy Appreciation Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Temple, 6 p.m.

March 5: National Merit Scholars Reception, Pastoral Center, Austin, 10:30 a.m.

Encountering Christ Campaign Cabinet Meeting, Pastoral Center, 1 p.m.

March 6: Mass, St. Mary Cathedral, Austin, noon March 7: Secretariat Directors’ Meeting, Pastoral Center, 9 a.m.

March 8: Monthly Budget Meeting, Pastoral Center, 8:30 a.m.

March 9: Rite of Election, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, College Station, 1 p.m.

March 10: Rite of Election, St. John Vianney Parish, Round Rock, 2 p.m.

March 11–13: USCCB Committee Meetings, Washington

March 15: Staff Lenten Day of Prayer, Sacred Heart, Austin March 16: Confirmation, St. Thomas More Parish, Austin, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

March 17: Confirmation, St. Joseph Parish, Marlin, 3 p.m.

March 19: Presbyteral Council, Pastoral Center, 10 a.m.

March 20: Presentation to Catholic Charities of Central Texas Staff, 9 a.m.

March 21: Annual Meeting with Leadership of Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Pastoral Center, 9 a.m.

Catholic Foundation, Pastoral Center, 11 a.m.

March 22: Diocesan Healthcare Forum, Austin, 10 a.m.

Confirmation, St. Elizabeth Parish, Pflugerville, 6:30 p.m.

March 23: Confirmation, St. Anthony Parish, Bryan, 10 a.m.

March 24: Confirmation, St. Martin Parish, Tours, 10:15 a.m.

Confirmation, St. Luke Parish, Temple, 2:30 p.m.

March 25: Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Meeting, Austin Mass for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, St. Mary Cathedral, Austin, 6:30 p.m.

March 26: Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Advocacy Day, State Capitol, Austin

March 27: Assembly of Catholic Professionals Luncheon, Hyatt Regency, 11:30 a.m.

March 28: Lenten Day of Prayer for Priests, Cedarbrake, 9 a.m.

Blessing of St. Clare Prayer Room, Cedarbrake, 3 p.m.

March 30: Permanent Diaconate Ordination, St. William Parish, Round Rock, 10:30 a.m.

March 31: Confirmation, Holy Trinity Parish, Corn Hill, 10:30 a.m.

Confirmation, Santa Rosa Parish, Andice, 4 p.m.

April 2: Invocation, Texas House of Representatives April 3: Mass and School Visit, Reicher Catholic High School, Waco, 9:40 a.m.

April 4: Secretariat Directors, Pastoral Center, 9 a.m.

Longhorn Awakening, University Catholic Center, 8 p.m.

April 5: Monthly Budget Meeting, Pastoral Center, 8:30 a.m.

Confirmation, Sacred Heart Parish, Elgin, 7 p.m.

April 6: Confirmation, St. Margaret Mary Parish, Cedar Park, 10 a.m.

April 7: Confirmation, St. Peter Catholic Center, Waco, 11:30 a.m.

Confirmation, St. Eugene Parish (with Our Lady of San Juan Mission, Moody), McGregor, 3 p.m.

April 9: Deans’ Meeting, Pastoral Center, 10 a.m.

April 10: Mass and Lunch with Retired Priests, St. John Paul II Residence for Priests, Georgetown April 12: Confirmation, Sacred Heart Parish, Waco, 5 p.m.

April 13: Confirmation, St. Helen Parish, Georgetown, 10 a.m.

Spiritual support for men and women with same-sex attractions to help them live chaste lives in fellowship, truth and love.

austintexascourage@gmail.com (512) 666-1043 or www.couragerc.org EIM WORKSHOP

For more information, or to register, visit https://www.austindiocese.org/disabilities-retreat

All clergy, religious, seminarians, employees and adult volunteers serving in a ministry requiring EIM compliance must submit an EIM Application for Ministry (onetime only) and attend an EIM Workshop at least once every three years. Go to www. eappsdb.com/austin to submit a new application or login to your existing account to find the list of workshops and to signup (use the Alternate Login if you don’t recall ID/ password). Contact your parish EIM site administrator (insert name) if a paper EIM application or other assistance with EIM compliance matters is needed.

Workshop Notes: 1) attendees must pre-register at least 24 hours before workshop start time – walk-ins are no longer admitted, 2) arrive early - late arrivals are not admitted and 3) do not bring children to the EIM workshop. If you are a victim of sexual abuse and have concerns regarding your attendance at a workshop, contact Emily Hurlimann at (512) 949-2447 to discuss an alternative workshop arrangement.

Come and experience a day of spiritual renewal with prayer and

HAVE YOU, OR HAS SOMEONE YOU KNOW, EXPERIENCED ABUSE?

The Church continues to affirm the dignity of every human being, and to grow in knowledge and understanding of the gifts and needs of her members who live with disabilities.

St. Helen Parish, Georgetown Sat., Apr. 6, 2019 • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

activities in an integrated setting. This day of spiritual retreat offers a special opportunity to be attentive to God’s personal concern for those with disabilities, and their families, friends and caregivers.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez and the Diocese of Austin are committed to providing compassionate care to persons who have experienced abuse, particularly if committed by clergy or a church representative. If you have or if someone you know has experienced such abuse, contact the diocesan Coordinator of Victim Assistance and Pastoral Support at ileana-hinojosa@austindioce.org or (512) 949-2400.

REPORT ABUSE

Report abuse of a minor, elderly adult or an adult with a disability to local law enforcement or to the Texas Abuse Hotline at www.txabusehotline.org or (800) 2525400 and to the diocese at www.austindiocese.org/report-abuse or (512) 949-2447.

REPORT UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR Diocese of Austin • Secretariat of Life, Charity and Justice • Aging and Disabilities Rachel M. Sutterer, Coordinator, (512) 949-2486

Report unethical behavior by a person serving in ministry to the diocese at www. austindiocese.org/other-concerns or (512) 949-2447.

ESPAÑOL

MARCH 2019

27

ENTREVISTA AL SEÑOR OBISPO

La diócesis ha crecido en números y en fe desde 2010 El Obispo José S. Vásquez es el quinto obispo de la Diócesis de Austin, que es el hogar de más de 530,000 Católicos.

Editora: Obispo, este marzo celebramos el noveno aniversario de su instalación como obispo de Austin. Platíquenos sobre el estado de esta diócesis ¿Qué está pasando justo ahora?

Obispo Vásquez: La Diócesis de Austin es extremadamente bendecida.

La iglesia aquí en el centro de Texas está viva y triunfando. Continuamos experimentando tremendo crecimiento y desarrollo a lo largo de nuestra diócesis, no sólo aquí en Austin, sino también en el área de Temple-Waco y en el área de Bryan-College Station.

Justo antes de morir, el Obispo John McCarthy y yo tuvimos una conversación sobre el abundante crecimiento del que hemos sido testigos desde que él fue instalado como obispo en 1986.

Fue interesante escucharlo hablar so-

bre los cambios que él había atestiguado durante su tiempo aquí.

Lo que más me impresiona es el gran amor, devoción y fe de nuestra gente en la Diócesis de Austin. Nuestro mayor don es nuestra gente; que ama a Cristo, que ama a la iglesia, que sirven, que son fieles, quienes semana tras semana están comprometidos a servir a Dios y a su iglesia. A comienzos de febrero, celebramos la Diocesan Catholic Youth Convention en Waco. Qué bendición fue tener miles de nuestros adolescentes para celebrar su fe Católica juntos. Estamos bendecidos de tener sacerdotes destacados que llevan a Cristo a los demás, especialmente a través de los sacramentos, de la predicación y el cuidado pastoral. Nuestro clero y hombres y mujeres religiosos sirven generosamente y trabajan diariamente para llevar a otros hacia Cristo.

Desde el año pasado, nuestra iglesia ha estado sufriendo. Este ha sido un tiempo doloroso mientras enfrentamos la crisis del abuso sexual. Sin embargo, Cristo prometió estar con su iglesia siempre y yo continúo encontrando a Jesús a nuestro alrededor.

El Obispo José Vásquez fue instalado como el quinto obispo de la Diócesis de Austin el 8 de marzo de 2010. Desde su instalación, ha ordenado a 39 hombres al sacerdocio y ha dicho también, numerosas Misas para celebraciones diocesanas y parroquiales. Ha celebrado el sacramento de la Confirmación con decenas de miles de jóvenes a lo largo de las parroquias en la diócesis de Austin. Para ver el calendario de las actividades oficiales del obispo del próximo mes consulte la página 26 (foto de archivo del Catholic Spirit).

Editora: ¿Cómo ha usted visto a la diócesis cambiar durante los últimos nueve años?

Obispo Vásquez: Nuestra diócesis ha crecido ciertamente durante los últimos nueve años. Un signo de esto es el número de iglesias nuevas y expandidas, edificios catequéticos y centros de actividad parroquial que han sido construidos. El número de nuevos eventos –– es también un signo de nuestro crecimiento. Ahora tenemos una conferencia para hombres (llevada a cabo en febrero) y una conferencia para mujeres (realizada en septiembre). Nuestros hombres y mujeres quieren fortalecer su fe; quieren vivir su fe bien, y pasarla a sus niños y a la próxima generación.

El número de confirmaciones también se ha incrementado en comparación a cuando llegué. Actualmente, estoy celebrando anualmente cerca de 100 liturgias de confirmación. De acuerdo con nuestras estadísticas diocesanas, en 2009 había 4,308 jóvenes confirmados; en 2017, 5,668 jóvenes fueron confirmados ¡Eso es un incremento substancial! La Diócesis de Austin fue bendecida por unos años con la asistencia de nuestro Obispo Auxiliar Daniel Garcia, pero ahora, con su partida, tendré que delegar algunas confirmaciones a pastores.

Hay ahora más de 200,000 estudiantes universitarios en nuestra diócesis, lo que significa que nuestros programas de ministerio universitario también han crecido substancialmente durante las últimas décadas. Tenemos programas exitosos ahora en Texas A&M University en College Station, La University of Texas en Austin, Baylor University en Waco y Texas State University en San Marcos así como en St. Edward’s University en Austin, Mary Hardin Baylor en Belton, Blinn College en Brenham y Southwestern University en Georgetown.

También estamos bendecidos con una gran diversidad cultural en el Centro de Texas. Tenemos personas checas, alemanas, polacas, mexicanas, africanas, vietnamitas y coreanas que han estado aquí por muchas generaciones. Ellos, por supuesto, comparten su cultura con nosotros; disfrutamos su comida, su música y sus celebraciones. Más recientemente hemos tenido otras culturas que se están mudando aquí y mostrando la belleza de

su fe Católica. La comunidad hindú aquí en el Centro de Texas está muy comprometida con la iglesia y muy involucrada. La comunidad filipina también está triunfando mientras vemos las celebraciones de Simbang Gabi durante el Adviento. Todas estas culturas juntas ayudan a que la fe crezca y se enriquezca.

Editora: ¿Ahora considera a Austin su hogar?

Obispo Vásquez: Sí, la diócesis de Austin es definitivamente mi hogar.

Mi corazón está aquí con la gente de esta diócesis. Soy bendecido de verlos crecer en la fe, lo que ha animado a mi fe grandemente. Los sacerdotes, diáconos, religiosos y gente laica han enriquecido mi fe y me han fortalecido. Ellos me dan esperanza y son mis amigos. Juntos, somos discípulos en el Señor Jesús, que es lo más importante. Estamos todos siguiendo al mismo Señor y Salvador, Jesucristo, y compartiendo su Buena Nueva con los otros.

Me da gran alegría visitar nuestras parroquias y celebrar Misa con la gente. Amo ver los rostros de nuestra gente que ama a Dios de manera obvia.

Ellos saben que Dios está presente; y sí, puede que tengan dificultades en casa, puede que estén enfrentando una enfermedad o buscando trabajo y aún así vienen con sus familias a encontrar fortaleza en la celebración de la Eucaristía. Vienen con sus niños por que quieren pasar su fe a otros. Como San Juan Pablo II nos recuerda, “La iglesia recibe su vida de la Eucaristía”.

El sacrificio de la Eucaristía es la “fuente y cumbre de la vida Cristiana”.

Editora: ¿Cuáles son sus esperanzas y oraciones por la diócesis?

Obispo Vásquez: Espero que la iglesia en el Centro de Texas se regocije en las abundantes bendiciones que Dios nos ha dado e invite a otros a participar en esta grande y dinámica fe Católica. Que continuemos pasando el gran tesoro de la fe que se nos ha dado para que otros se beneficien del amor de Dios. Mientras comenzamos la temporada de Cuaresma, oro por que confiemos nuestro ser a Dios.

También volteo hacia María, nuestra Madre, y pido su intercesión, su ayuda, su amor. Que la Iglesia Católica, y en particular la Diócesis de Austin, continúen floreciendo en el amor de Cristo.

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CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Ayudando a familias a realizar el sueño de una educación Católica Por Enedelia J. Obregón | Corresponsal

Mucho se ha escrito sobre el sistema de educación pública que conduce a las prisiones. En la Sacred Heart Parish en Austin, el Padre Mark Hamlet tiene un sistema diferente: Estudiantes latinos de primera generación asistiendo a iglesias Católicas con una oportunidad para asistir a una universidad Católica.

“Tenemos 150 niños en escuelas Católicas, la mayoría de ellos hijos de familias inmigrantes,” dijo el Padre Hamlet. “Cerca del 95 por ciento de los niños tienen padres nacidos en México”. Él estima que el 70 por ciento de esos padres son indocumentados.

El Padre Hamlet fue nombrado pastor en Sacred Heart Parish en Austin en 2012. Cuando llegó, solo siete niños estaban en escuelas Católicas. Él ha hecho una misión el reclutar a más de ellos. Su parroquia una vez tuvo una escuela que cerró en 2002.

Era costoso que los edificios de la vieja escuela cumplieran con el código para volver a abrir la escuela, por lo que él está haciendo lo siguiente mejor.

Al conocer las preocupaciones de los padres sobre el costo de la matrícula, el Padre Hamlet les dijo a las familias que si le daban una carta de aceptación de una escuela Católica, ayudaría a que sus hijos pudieran asistir.

Se hizo un arreglo con San Juan Diego Catholic High School de Austin, y luego se hizo otro con la Cathedral School of St. Mary. Los padres son responsables de pagar tanto como puedan. El resto se paga con becas derivadas de los dividendos de un fondo establecido cuando Sacred Heart Catholic School cerró hace 16 años. El Padre Hamlet también ha ayudado a establecer una organización sin fines de lucro para recaudar fondos para becas para los estudiantes.

Las finanzas son un desafío para la mayoría de las familias. Muchos trabajan como jornaleros o en construcción. La comunidad alrededor de Sacred Heart tiene un ingreso familiar promedio de $42,187. Es 30.4 por ciento blanca, 43.4 por ciento hispana/latina y 22.3 por ciento negra/afroamericana. Las pandillas y el embarazo adolescente son problemas en el área, dijo el padre Hamlet. Sin embargo, la comunidad ya se está dando cuenta de los beneficios de la inversión en la educación de los niños de la parroquia porque, en muchos sentidos, los estudiantes ahora están evangelizando a sus padres. “Vienen a casa hablando de las vidas de los santos que aprendieron; comparten historias de la Biblia; van a Misa,” dijo el padre Hamlet. Al transformar a sus familias, están transformando a la parroquia y a su comunidad.

“Estos niños están teniendo un gran impacto en sus padres,” dijo.

“Están trayendo a sus familias a la vida sacramental”. Debido a que se requiere que las familias asistan a Misa, esto a menudo lleva a los niños a preguntar por qué los padres no están orando en casa o por qué no están recibiendo la Eucaristía. Muchas parejas viven juntas en lo que se conoce como “unión libre,” mientras que otras están casadas pero no sacramentalmente.

Por lo tanto, cada seis meses, el Padre Hamlet celebra una boda comunitaria para que las parejas puedan convalidar su matrimonio de acuerdo con la enseñanza de la Iglesia. Para Celia y Mario Amaya, tener a sus hijos, Cissy y Mario Jr., en la escuela Católica es una buena manera de inculcar la fe Católica.

“Hay un mayor enfoque en la religión,” dijo. “Son más estrictos y requieren más tarea”. La familia también ha sentido un efecto. “Hablamos más como familia,” dijo. “Oramos juntos. Estamos más unidos”.

A veces puede ser un reto pagar su parte de la matrícula. “Pero tratamos de encontrar una manera,” dijo. Soila Loyola tiene cinco de sus seis hijos en escuela Católica, la mayor está en San Juan Diego Catholic High School y las otras asisten a la Cathedral School of St. Mary. El más joven no tiene 1 año. Loyola dijo que siente que sus hijos están más seguros en la escuela Católica, especialmente porque su hija menor fue acosada en otra escuela.

Pero lo más importante, dijo ella, porque ha cambiado la familia.

“Mi esposo está más involucrado,” dijo, “Antes él me dejaba todas las decisiones. Él también ayuda con la tarea y viene a las reuniones de padres.

Ahora colaboramos en su educación”.

Para el Padre Hamlet, esto es solo el comienzo de ayudar a los hijos de sus feligreses con una educación Católica.

Recientemente llegó a un memorandum de entendimiento con la Universidad de Dallas, su alma mater, que les permite “soñar juntos”. Los detalles de ese sueño están siendo resueltos. La Universidad de Dallas, una universidad Católica, quiere diversificar su población estudiantil. En la reunión del 50 aniversario de la graduación del Padre Hamlet el otoño pasado, él dio la homilía en la Misa y explicó el programa de becas de su parroquia.

Si suficientes alumnos comparten su sueño y contribuyen financieramente, él ve el comienzo de un flujo de educación Católica para su parroquia desde el jardín de niños hasta la universidad. El Padre Hamlet quiere que más estudiantes tengan oportunidades como Raquel Frausto, quien es una de los dos estudiantes de su parroquia que asisten a la universidad. Ella solía tocar el violín en la Misa. Está pasando el semestre de primavera de su segundo año en Roma. “Ella nunca había estado en un avión antes,” dijo.

“Ella nunca será la misma”.

Para mayor información sobre el fondo de becas, visite www.ourkidsatheart.com o llame al (512) 772-1179.

Defendamos la santidad de la vida en todas sus etapas Por Dekarlos Blackmon | Columnista

En trabajo de intervención, con frecuencia se nos recuerdan las palabras del profeta Miqueas, “Ya se te ha dicho, hombre, lo que es bueno y lo que el Señor te exige: tan sólo que practiques la justicia, que seas amigo de la bondad y te portes humildemente con Dios”. (Mi 6:8). El amor de Cristo nos impulsa a intervenir por los más pequeños entre nosotros, los rechazados, los marginados, los discapacitados, los no privilegiados.

Hechos a imagen y semejanza de Dios, estamos llamados a estar en una buena relación con Dios y con todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas – sin importar su nacionalidad, etnicidad, edad o género. La valía no se determina en aislamiento, sino en

las relaciones intrapersonales mutuas y con Dios.

Propongo que esto es lo que significa ser pro-vida: ejercer amor genuino y respeto por cada persona humana desde la concepción hasta la muerte natural. Darse cuenta del respeto por las personas en medio de crisis humanitarias e injusticias sociales es tan pro-vida, y tan importante como cualquier otro tema de la vida. Hermanos y hermanas, no encontremos nunca una situación en la que nos podamos presentar para defender algunos problemas relacionados a la vida y hacer caso omiso de otros. Si realmente amamos al Señor, debemos cuidarnos unos a otros, debemos amarnos unos a otros. No puede haber verdadera justicia, verdadera armonía, verdadera justicia y verdadera integri-

dad sin amor.

Hace unos meses, los Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos escribieron “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love,” una carta pastoral contra el racismo. El título de la carta pastoral habla del corazón mismo de nuestra responsabilidad cristiana de hacer espacio para otros en nuestros corazones.

Muy a menudo, escucho a la gente decir: “No veo el color”. Reconozco esto como un comentario bien intencionado, pero hasta que todas las personas lleguen a una conciencia auténtica sobre dónde encajan en los sistemas de poder y opresión de manera histórica, el comentario a menudo no poseerá ningún significado real.

Colectivamente, estamos llamados a una conversión de corazón

real para encontrar al extraño entre nosotros y para involucrarnos en encuentros valerosos que hagan más consciencia sobre el racismo, la pobreza y todas las otras formas de violencia que amenazan la vida humana dentro de nuestras comunidades. Mientras nos esforzamos a abrir nuestros corazones al amor, encontrémonos y acompañémonos mutuamente para trabajar para cambiar las estructuras que trabajan contra la santidad de la vida.

A finales de este mes, tendremos una oportunidad especial para “abrir nuestros corazones” y abogar por el bien común durante la bienal Día de la Intervención de la Fe Católica en Acción en el Capitolio del Estado de Texas, el 26 de marzo. No es Continúa en la siguiente página

MARCH 2019

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De Poo se enfoca en la vida a través de la lente de la familia Por Kanobia Russell-Blackmon | Corresponsal

Las actividades pro-vida en la Diócesis de Austin están recibiendo un importante reconocimiento por parte de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos. El Arzobispo Joseph Naumann de Kansas City, presidente del Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida de los Obispos, ha nombrado a Luisa De Poo como consultora de los obispos a la luz de su trabajo pro-vida/pro-familia pastoralmente eficaz en la diócesis, especialmente entre la comunidad hispana/latina. De Poo se ha desempeñado como directora asociada en la Oficina diocesana de Vida, Caridad y Justicia por los últimos tres años. Actualmente dirige los esfuerzos pro-vida en todo el centro de Texas. Durante los próximos tres años, ofrecerá su experiencia para ayudar a los obispos a enseñar el respeto por toda vida humana desde la concepción hasta la muerte natural, y ayudará a abogar por la protección de la vida.

Continuado de la página 28

suficiente que oremos simplemente sobre los temas que afectan a nuestras comunidades, estamos llamados a participar en oportunidades para una acción significativa. En nuestra intervención, promovamos la santidad de cada vida humana aprendiendo más sobre las prioridades legislativas de nuestra iglesia, participando en el día de la intervención, y reuniéndonos con legisladores estatales a discutir los temas que afectan el bien común.

Para más información sobre el Día de la Intervención, contacte a John Gilluly en el (512) 949-2460. Para mayor información sobre la carta pastoral contra el racismo, visite www. usccb.org/racism.

DeKarlos Blackmon es el director de la Oficina de Vida, Caridad y Justicia para la Diócesis de Austin. Se puede comunicar con él llamando al (512) 949-2471 o escribiéndole a dekarlosblackmon@austindiocese.org.

“Para mí es un honor poder compartir mi fe y mi conocimiento.

Expresar mi aproximación al trabajo [pro-vida/pro-familia] con la comunidad hispana será grandioso. Siempre ha sido mi pasión dar a mi comunidad, a mi gente, las herramientas para que sean mejores cristianos y para tomar mejores decisiones. “Estoy muy agradecida de ser una voz para [los hispanos] con los obispos,” dijo De Poo. Ella está deseando compartir las diferentes iniciativas que funcionan bien en Austin. “También quiero aprovechar esta oportunidad para aprender lo que está sucediendo en otras diócesis y ver sus mejores prácticas,” dijo.

DeKarlos Blackmon, director de la Secretaría diocesana de Vida, Caridad y Justicia, dijo que el liderazgo de De Poo en el ministerio pastoral será algo valioso para la USCCB. “No hay desafío para nuestras comunidades que tenga mayor importancia que la falta de respeto por la dignidad de cada vida humana. Luisa ha estado al frente defendiendo cada vida humana, ya sea contra el aborto, la trata de personas, el racismo o la eutanasia,” dijo Blackmon. Ella también llevará una nueva perspectiva de la “realidad en el terreno” a los obispos, dijo.

De Poo, psicóloga clínica con licencia, está casada y es la orgullosa madre de dos hijas. Comenzó su ministerio pastoral en México.

Mientras estuvo allí, trabajó como voluntaria en una organización que ayuda a mujeres embarazadas proporcionándoles un hogar, alimentos, educación y asistencia médica. Ella fue su mentora, les enseñó a hornear y las acompañó mientras se preparaban para la iniciación completa en la iglesia. En 2012, De Poo se mudó a los Estados Unidos Para obtener un título de posgrado en teología. “El propósito era ayudarme a profundizar más en mi fe,” dijo.

Su fe la llevó a Sacred Heart Parish en Austin. Trabajando con el Padre Mark Hamlet, se convirtió en facilitadora del programa de Ética e Integridad en el Ministerio y ayudó con la educación religiosa y la evangelización. A medida que sus responsabilidades crecieron, De Poo fue pionera de la “Feria Pro-Vida, Pro-Familia,” un evento pro-vida comúnmente conocido como la

“Feria Pro-Vida” en Sacred Heart.

Los eventos que invitan a las organizaciones pro-vida afiliadas crean oportunidades de educación significativas para los fieles, dijo. El trabajo de De Poo como directora asociada de Actividades Pro-Vida expresa su pasión por trabajar en diferentes culturas, con parroquias, pastores y organizaciones externas para asegurar que los fieles tengan acceso a la información correcta sobre temas pro-vida.

“La idea es compartir con los parroquianos las enseñanzas de la iglesia sobre la dignidad de la persona humana,” dijo. Su objetivo es enseñar la dignidad de la vida más allá de las culturas y crear recursos que sean útiles para todos. También ha defendido el cambiar la conversación de pro-vida a pro-familia porque resuena más con la comunidad hispana. Lily Morales, la coordinadora diocesana para el ministerio hispano, expresó su profundo agradecimiento por el trabajo de De Poo. “Luisa ha dedicado esfuerzos para proporcionar información y servicios en español. Como resultado de estos esfuerzos, hemos visto un aumento en la participación y el compromiso de los hispanos en temas que afectan la vida y la dignidad humana,” dijo Morales. “Ella será un un agregado valioso para el comité (USCCB) ya que aportará su experiencia en identificar formas innovadoras para construir una cultura de la vida”. La

Luisa De Poo, , directora asociada de la Oficina de Vida, Caridad y Justicia, fue nombrada recientemente consultora para los obispos de Estados Unidos. (Foto por Kanobia Russell-Blackmon)

oficina diocesana Pro-Life sensibiliza y educa a la comunidad a través de eventos como el Día Católico Pro-Vida de Texas y el Día de La Intervención de la Fe Católica en Acción, y mediante la realización de diversas presentaciones teológicas, pastorales y culturales en toda la diócesis. Los programas principales incluyen el Rachel Project(para aquellos que han sufrido por un aborto), el Gabriel Project (para mujeres en embarazos en crisis), el Ministerio de banqueta (orar por aquellos que ingresan a las clínicas de abortos) y la línea de ayuda diocesana Pro-Life (un número gratuito para aquellos que buscan asistencia con un embarazo no planificado).

De Poo se encuentra actualmente desarrollando un programa de certificación integral para coordinadores parroquiales pro-vida. Su meta es asegurar que dichos coordinadores reciban la formación propia para conocer y entender las enseñanzas de la iglesia sobre los diversos temas concernientes a la dignidad de la vida humana.

Para mayor información sobre la Oficina de Actividades Pro-Vida, llame al (512) 949-2487 o visite www.austindiocese.org.

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ESPAÑOL

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

EN LA PERIFERIA

Los diáconos comparten el amor de Cristo más allá del altar Por el Diácono Al Ponce | Columnista Invitado

El llamado al diaconado permanente alcanza el corazón y el alma de aquellos ordenados como diáconos a través de la formación y el discernimiento. Es Cristo mismo, la gracia de Dios que toca los corazones para servir en su capacidad como Cristo el siervo.

El servicio del diácono comienza en el altar y vuelve aquí. Con la gracia especial de la ordenación, el alcance del servicio del diácono va más allá del edificio físico de la iglesia.

Llega a los márgenes en donde Cristo realiza su trabajo.

Cristo con gran cuidado ha puesto en mi corazón un carisma especial por los que no tienen hogar Aquellos que a diario, soportan condiciones que no podemos imaginar o entender. Cualquiera que sea su situación, estos hombres y mujeres, nuestros hermanos y hermanas ansían el amor de Cristo.

Durante nuestro proceso de formación, participamos en un “Retiro Callejero” en Austin. Renunciamos

a nuestras posesiones, comodidades y pasamos el fin de semana con personas sin hogar desde el jueves en la noche hasta el domingo. Este fue uno de los más poderosos encuentros con Cristo, y esta experiencia condujo a mi corazón a este ministerio y a alcanzar a aquellos que no tienen hogar y necesitan consuelo.

Durante el fin de semana del retiro, Cristo estuvo siempre presente y pudo sentirse en la gente que encontramos. El domingo, el retiro culminó en I-35, bajo un puente enfrente del Departamento de Policía en Austin. Muchos hermanos y hermanas sin hogar se reúnen ahí los domingos. Vienen ahí para recibir cuidados, consuelo, apoyo y para experimentar el amor de Dios. Llaman a este lugar de reunión la “Iglesia Bajo el Puente”.

Llegamos ahí desde el centro.

Cuando llegamos, la multitud de personas sin hogar era abrumadora y me llegó a lo profundo del corazón. El Espíritu Santo me mostró que hay mayor esperanza, un amor más grande. Ahí, frente a nosotros había gente de diferentes iglesia y denominaciones religiosas sirven en

TALLER DE EIM

Todo clero, religioso, seminarista, empleado y adultos voluntarios sirviendo en un ministerio que requiera el cumplimiento con EIM debe entregar una Aplicación para el Ministerio de EIM (sólo una vez) y asistir a un taller de EIM al menos una vez cada tres año. Vaya a www.eappsdb.com/austin para enviar una nueva aplicación o para entrar a su cuenta existente para encontrar una lista de los talleres e inscribirse (Use el Inicio de Sesión Alternativo si usted no recuerda su ID/palabra clave o password).

Contacte al administrador de sitio de EIM de su parroquia (inserte nombre) si necesita una aplicación de EIM en papel o cualquier otra asistencia.

Notas del Taller: 1) Los asistentes deben de pre-inscribirse al menos 24 horas antes de la hora de inicio del taller - ya no se admite que lleguen personas que no se hayan inscrito, 2) llegue temprano- los que lleguen tarde no son admitidos y 3) no traiga niños al taller de EIM. Si usted es una víctima de abuso sexual y tiene preocupaciones concernientes a su asistencia a un taller, contacte a Emily Hurlimann llamando al (512) 949-2477 para discutir un arreglo alternativo para el taller. ¿HA USTED, O ALGUIEN QUE USTED CONOCE, EXPERIMENTADO ABUSO? El Obispo José Vásquez y la Diócesis de Austin están comprometidos a proveer de cuidado compasivo a personas que hayan experimentado abuso, particularmente si éste fue cometido por clero o un representante de la iglesia. Si usted, o alguien que usted conocer ha experimentado dicho abuso, contacte a la Coordinadora diocesana de Asistencia a las Víctimas y Apoyo Pastoral, escribiendo a ileana-hinojosa@ austindioce.org o llame al (512) 949-2400.

REPORTE EL ABUSO Reporte el abuso de un menor, un adulto mayor o un adulto con una discapacidad a las autoridades locales del cumplimiento de la ley o a la Línea Directa del Abuso de Texas en www.txabusehotline.org o llamando al (800) 252-5400 y a la diócesis de Austin en www.austindiocese.org/report-abuse o llamando al (512) 949-2447.

REPORTE COMPORTAMIENTO NO ÉTICO Reporte comportamiento no ético por parte de una paersona sirviendo en ministerio a la diócesis en www.austindiocese.org/other-concerns o llamando al (512) 949-2447.

Hombres, atención: ¿Están siendo llamados al diaconado?

Hombres entre las edades de 30 y 59 años que se encuentren sintiendo el llamado de Dios al diaconado permanente deben discutirlo con sus pastores y obtener su permiso para asistir (con su esposa, si son casados) a una de las siguientes sesiones informativas (ofrecidas en español e inglés): •

Marzo 17 en Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center en Burnet

•

May 5 en el Centro Pastoral en Austin

Cada sesión (2-5 p.m.) explorará el diaconado, métodos de discernimiento, cualidades y características buscadas en quienes aplican, el viaje de formación, la participación de la esposa en la formación, y el proceso de aplicación. Para mayor información, llame al (512) 949-2459; o visite www.austindiocese.org/diaconalformation. ministerio a los que no tienen hogar.

El Cuerpo de Cristo estuvo presente mientras que muchos necesitaban consuelo y otros lo fueron proveyendo.

Esto me llevó a las lágrimas. El líder del retiro y yo, mientras experimentábamos el Cuerpo de Cristo, oró a Nuestra Bendita Madre, el “Salve”.

El viaje a casa fue un tiempo especial para la reflexión y cuando volví a nuestra parroquia, me encontré con mi pastor, el Padre Richard O’Rourke. Compartí mi experiencia con él, y después de pocos días, compartí mi experiencia con algunos de mis queridos amigos (parroquianos).

Una vez más, encontré el Cuerpo de Cristo. Algunos parroquianos preguntaron si era posible que fuéramos a Austin un domingo a esa “Iglesia bajo el puente”.

Aquí es donde la gracia de Dios trabaja más allá de nosotros, es donde la gracia no puede ser medida. Un pequeño grupo de nosotros fue a la “Iglesia bajo el Puente”. Los parroquianos volvieron con corazones encendidos y deseando compartir su experiencia con otros. Ellos han desarrollado acciones para apoyar proyectos para personas sin hogar locales. Estos proyectos continúan creciendo.

Cristo trabajando a través de nuestro ministerio diaconal va más allá de nosotros. Ahora vamos regularmente, cada seis meses con más de 70 parroquianos participando en esta misión.

También hay un grupo de parroquianos, incluyendo a mi querida esposa, que hacen esteras para dormir para personas sin hogar, a partir de bolsas de plástico para abarrotes.

Ellos se reúnen antes de nuestra misión para personas sin hogar, y pasan tiempo de calidad y las preparan con especial cuidado.

Nuestra juventud también se ha involucrado. Ellos proveen de pláticas de testimonio sobre nuestras experiencias a organizaciones para jóvenes de otras parroquias. Las parroquias de nuestro decanato ahora participan con nosotros. Camionetas de objetos esenciales se llevan para compartir con personas sin hogar, incluyendo comida, agua, ropa, rosarios, tarjetas de oración y mucho más.

Mientras encontremos a Cristo en los sin hogar, Él nos sirve a nosotros de una manera en que nos ayuda a continuar y compartir la gracia que recibimos.

Como dijo Sta. Teresa de Calcutta, “A veces pensamos que la pobreza es sólo tener hambre, estar desnudo o no tener hogar. La pobreza de ser indeseable, no ser amado y no recibir cuidados es la pobreza más grande”.

El diácono que sirve en ministerio en los márgenes va más allá de nosotros, es Cristo el Siervo acercándose a los corazones, ya sea en un hospital, en una cárcel o prisión, en un asilo de ancianos o en las calles.

El servicio de un diácono comienza en el altar y regresa ahí cada domingo. Oro por que siempre recordemos que como diácono nunca nos vamos del altar solos, Jesús está con nosotros cuando encontramos a cualquier persona. Y cuando volvemos al altar, traemos a Él a nuestros hermanos y hermanas que hemos encontrado.

El Diácono Al Ponce y su esposa Debbie sirven en St. Paul Chong Hasang Parish en Harker Heights.

SIGHTINGS

MARCH 2019

31

Students who attend the Mornings with Jesus Early Catholic Education Program at St. Paul Parish in Austin collected canned goods and toiletries for the St. Vincent de Paul Society during Advent. (Photo courtesy Shelley Mosser)

The International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady at Fatima visited Sacred Heart Parish in Rockne Feb. 2-3.

(Photo courtesy Christie Williams) The Knights of Columbus at St. Mary Parish in Wimberley sponsored a “Keep Christ in Christmas” Poster Contest. Winners were selected from three age categories. (Photo courtesy Cherie Glover)

Our Lady of the Angels Maternity Shelter in Temple recently hosted its annual banquet. They welcomed Bishop David Konderla of Tulsa and priests from around the diocese. (Photo courtesy Marlene Poehlmann)

High schoolers from Holy Family Parish in Copperas Cove (below) and from St. Monica Parish in Cameron (right) attended the annual Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference in Waco at the beginning of February. (Photos courtesy Linda McHugh and Sabrina Vega)

During Catholic Schools Week the St. Elizabeth Society, KJZT No. 6 in Bryan, brought Koffee & Kolaches to the St. Joseph Catholic School teachers and staff on Jan. 28. (Photo courtesy Liz Hernandez)

Five Paulist priests serving in the Diocese of Austin traveled to St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Horseshoe Bay Jan. 26 to help celebrate Paulist Father Ruben Patino’s 40th anniversary as a priest. (Photo courtesy Patricia Schoch)

Third graders at St. Mary’s Catholic School in West practiced the sacrament of reconciliation during religion class. They will make their first reconciliation later this year. (Photo courtesy Adrienne Janek)

The students at Holy Family Catholic School in Austin celebrated all religious vocations during Catholic Schools Week. To kick off the celebration, students led a procession of the Blessed Sacrament from St. Vincent de Paul Parish to each of the Holy Family buildings next door. (Photos courtesy Cristina Almanza)

During the winter break, Lauren Milliner, a senior at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, spent three weeks observing surgeries at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center in Austin. She worked with Dr. Thomas Brown, a parishioner at St. Theresa Parish in Austin. (Photo courtesy Laura Duggan) Send photos by the 10th of the month to catholic-spirit@austindiocese.org. Publication is not guaranteed.

SIGHTINGS

32

CATHOLIC SPIRIT Periodical Postage Paid at Austin, Texas

Austin Diocese 6225 Hwy. 290 East Austin, Texas 78723

Members of the Schoenstatt University and Professional Youth from Austin attended the World Youth Day celebration in Panama. The Schoenstatt University Men hosted adoration at a local parish in Panama. (Photos courtesy Marcela Pinto) The Women of the Well (WOW) ministry of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Cedar Park sponsored a ladies retreat entitled “Crazy Love.”

(Photo courtesy Margaret Ferdinand-Huntley)

Judy Knotts (middle), a local author, spoke to a full house at St. John Neumann Parish in Austin. She shared stories from her new book entitled “You Are My Brother: Lessons Learned Embracing a Homeless Community.” (Photo courtesy Susie Thompson)

St. Patrick Parish in Hutto (right) and Santa Cruz Parish in Buda (above) celebrated Scout Sunday on Feb. 3.

(Photos courtesy Denise Aponte and Kathleen Lossau)

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in College Station celebrated World Marriage Day with a disco themed dinner and dance. Certificates celebrating significant anniversaries were awarded to couples. (Photos courtesy St. Thomas Aquinas Parish) The Castro-Silva Sacred Heart Columbiettes, Auxiliary #11015 of Waco hosted a baby shower benefiting Care Net Pregnancy Center in Waco. They also helped the confirmation students at Sacred Heart Parish in Waco with the Souper Bowl of Caring, which collected $1,000 for the St. Francis Food Pantry in Waco. (Photos courtesy Sylvia Carrizales)

Medals were given to the “Adoradores del Santísimo Sacramento” at St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin. (Photo courtesy Claudia Ingram)

On Jan. 31, the students, faculty and staff of St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School spent the school day at different locations around the city of Austin for a day of service. Groups visited nursing homes, parks, building projects, retreat centers and other nonprofit organizations to assist with various tasks needed to serve the community they each serve.

(Photo courtesy Cristina Almanza) Send photos by the 10th of the month to catholic-spirit@austindiocese.org. Publication is not guaranteed.