Reflections Fall 2014

...recognizing our gifts of time, talent and treasure

Fall 2014

CSA Commitment Weekend November 8-9, 2014 Fin de Semana del Compromiso del Llamado Para Los Servicios Católicos (CSA), Noviembre 8-9 de 2014

reflections... a newsletter from the Stewardship and Development Office

We, the Diocese of Austin, through the Word and Eucharist, prayer, formation and education, social ministries and advocacy, embrace diverse cultures throughout the diocese so that together, as the Catholic Church, we may continue the mission of Christ in the world today.

Stewardship and Development Office

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Joy Which is Shared Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.

–Mk 16:15

Diocese of Austin

6225 Highway 290 E. Austin, TX 78723 (512) 949-2400

Most Rev. Joe S. Vásquez Bishop of Austin

Scott Whitaker Director of Stewardship and Development

Danielle Madrid Associate Director of Stewardship and Annual Appeal

Jean Bondy Associate Director of Catholic School Development

The Catholic Diocese of Austin

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Gozo compartido Vayan por todo el mundo y prediquen el Evangelio a toda creatura. –Mc 16,15

Each November, parishes across the Diocese of Austin participate in the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA).

Through the CSA, Catholics throughout our Diocese are able to join together to support many critical diocesan ministries. Each gift to the CSA enables us to provide quality formation for 47 seminarians and 220 priests; educate thousands of students in our 22 Catholic schools; form our deacons, catechists and lay ministers; care for our retired priests; and provide direct assistance to countless families in need through Catholic {continued on page 2}

{continued from page 1} Charities of Central Texas. Now in its 37th year, the CSA has provided more than $80 million of support to these ministries.

In addition, the CSA also allows us to share the gift of our Catholic faith with our communities. This year’s theme, “A Joy Which is Shared,” reminds us that we have been challenged by our Holy Father, Pope Francis, to “go forth to offer everyone the life of Jesus Christ” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Guadium, 49). By sharing our blessings with those in need, we are also sharing the light of our faith with one another and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Below, seminarian Miguel Torres reflects on his first year of seminary. His education and formation, and that of the 46 other seminarians in the Diocese of Austin, is made possible through your generous contributions to the CSA: For the past 50 years, the seminarians of St. Joseph Seminary have come together to build a 60-foot-tall bonfire two weekends before Thanksgiving. During the chilly days of November, groups are sent into the piney Miguel Torres woods of the seminary to gather wood and twigs to be thrown into the bonfire for fuel. This is a 2-day process full of scrapes, giant cranes, chainsaws, and a whole lot of teamwork. Finally, the weekend before Thanksgiving, the seminary comes together again at night, and processes into the field where the giant wood tower waits to be lit. The senior class leads the group with torches that light the way in the dark, and as we gather around the tower, a priest leads us in prayer for the lighting ceremony: he blesses the wood, and we give thanks to God for bringing us together as brothers, and we offer to Him for His greater glory the fire that’s about to consume the structure. Finally, the time comes to light the tower, and the seniors place their torches inside it.

Slowly, the tower catches on fire starting from the bottom to the top. It takes about four minutes for the fire to travel to the very top, but as it makes its way up, I just can’t help but feel proud for having been a part of the community that built this bonfire. Once the tower is fully lit, it now becomes a giant sentinel of fire that stands in the middle of the dark . . . a testament to the work we are trying to accomplish as seminarians and one day (God-willing) as priests—to be beacons in the world for lost travelers looking for the true “light” in a world of darkness and chaos. Thanks to the generous contribution of countless people through the CSA, I am able to focus on what matters most in my seminary formation without worrying about tuition. I pray that God will continue to touch hearts and continue to bless the Diocese of Austin with people that want to see the Catholic Church of central Texas grow into a healthy and holy sheepfold.

“Goodness always tends to spread. Every authentic experience of truth and goodness seeks by its very nature to grow within us, and any person who has experienced a profound liberation becomes more sensitive to the needs of others. As it expands, goodness takes root and develops. If we wish to lead a dignified and fulfilling life, we have to reach out to others and seek their good . . .” - Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium 9 diocese of austin

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of Our Lady } Sorrows It is becoming more and more common to talk of “stewardship” rather than of “sacrificial giving.” But sacrificial giving is what today’s feast is all about.

Sometimes we can give joyfully, rejoicing in the sharing. Sometimes what must be given breaks our hearts, even as we understand the necessity of the sacrifice. Ever since Simeon’s prophecy that a sword would pierce her heart, Mary had known that the day of sorrow would come. Standing at the foot of the cross, Mary gave her Son the gift of her loving presence. Hearing Jesus hand her over to John, the beloved disciple, she gave him up for the salvation of the world. St. Bernard says of Mary, “we rightly call you more than martyr, since the effect of compassion in you has gone beyond the endurance of physical suffering.” “God loves a cheerful giver,” Scripture says. But he treasures, too, a gift wrapped in tears and given at great cost when the sacrifice is made for him or for the good of others.

Adapted from Sharon Hueckel, Steward Saints for Every Day, Copyright © 1999, the National Catholic Stewardship Council, Inc., Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.

FALL 2014

Time For Stewardship

By Danielle Madrid

I’ve tried to sit down and write this column several times. But, I’ll admit, I’ve been too distracted to do it. Distracted by what? By work, by friends, by life . . . a million things have pulled me in a million directions, and I’ve felt stretched so thin — “like butter scraped over too much bread” as Bilbo Baggins says in The Fellowship of the Ring. I imagine this sounds familiar to you. Increasingly, we are pulled in so many directions, have so many obligations, and free time seems to be a thing of the past.

We have all heard the trio of “time, talent, and treasure.” It is often mentioned in church during talks on Stewardship. As Catholics, we know that we are supposed to give freely of our time, talent, and treasure. But what does it really mean to make a gift of our time?

Aren’t we already giving of our time when we give of our talent?

Maybe. Maybe not. If I participate in the choir at church, but don’t attend practice beforehand, I may be sharing my talents, but am I really giving my time to that ministry? Sure, I can probably wing it, and the congregation probably won’t notice. After all, we all know most of the songs already. But what message does my lack of focus send to others, or even, to myself?

Recently, during vespers for the Feast of the Transfiguration, I found myself thinking about time, and what a gift it can be. I had had a hectic day in the office, and I found it hard, but ultimately deeply refreshing, to stand quietly with the Lord. Setting aside my earthly cares allowed me to refocus, to calm my distracted mind, and for a little while at least, be truly present in the moment.

I wish I could say I’ve been completely focused and distraction free since, but I doubt that is even possible. But, I have been making an effort to keep myself centered, to focus on one task after another, and not allow the world to pull me a thousand different ways. For me, this has begun by making an effort to spend some time each day in prayer. Whether it is taking time for evening prayer, or even spending time in prayer as I am stuck in traffic on the way home, I am reserving some time each day to refocus and spend time with the Lord. As summer ends and we begin to form new routines, I hope that you, too, can find some time to set aside your earthly cares and stand quietly with the Lord.

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Grant us, O God, an invincible faith, an unshakable hope, and love unfeigned. Bless our comings and goings, our deeds and works, our words and desires. Grant that we may come to the dawn of this day praising, singing, and blessing the lavishness of your bounty which is beyond description, for blessed is your holy Na me and glorified is your kingdom, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.

FALL 2014

Six Ways to Protect Your Identity Recent data breaches at several national retailers illustrate the importance of keeping your identity safe and secure. Not only are identity thieves getting more brazen — hacking into retail computer systems and pilfering data and dollars from millions of debit cards — they continue to find new ways to abuse the electronic systems created to make our lives easier.

It may seem tedious to keep a close eye on your identity and the financials attached to it, but it’s worth the effort. After all, it’s doubly aggravating and time consuming to undo the damage caused by identity theft. Do what you can to avoid the headache and hard work of being a victim of identity theft with these simple tips.

Change your PINs and passwords.

If you regularly access financial accounts and complete credit card transactions online, it’s particularly important to have several layers of security in place. Require a password log-in whenever you turn on your phone or start your computer, and make your passwords inscrutable to outsiders. While nonsensical strings of letters, symbols and numbers can be hard to remember, they will be tougher passwords for criminals to crack.

Monitor your accounts regularly.

Even if you prefer printed versus online bank statements, you shouldn’t wait until the end of the month to check that your accounts are reconciled (and nothing’s amiss).

Take advantage of online access to your financial accounts and watch for fraudulent transactions. If you notice an odd transaction — someone has used your credit card to purchase train tickets in a foreign country — contact your bank immediately.

Keep tabs on your electronic devices.

Identity thieves will look for your private information on any electronic device with a wired or wireless connection to the Internet. Never leave your desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone out and unattended in public places. Before selling or giving away an electronic device, clear stored data by restoring factory settings and removing SIM cards (phones) or wiping your hard disk (computers).

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When in doubt, pay with cash.

Another way to limit your exposure to identity theft is by reducing your credit card transactions.

For instance, you might try using cash for all transactions under $100. For larger transactions, it’s often better to use plastic. Not only do credit cards remain more convenient, carrying around large sums of cash makes you more vulnerable to old-fashioned theft targeting your wallet or purse.

Stay informed and alert.

Because of the annual cost of identity theft, the federal government is interested in helping consumers stop identity theft before it happens. Stay informed about consumer identity theft with alerts, tips and other resources provided by the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.ftc.gov.

Clear your history often.

Get in the habit of clearing the cache or history in your Internet browser before you log out or step away from your computer. Doing so may not stop the most persistent thieves with forensic skills, but it will slow down the process of retrieving data you’d rather keep private.

Rey Garza, is a Financial Adviser with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Austin, Texas, specializing in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies. He may be reached at (512) 691-5912.

See what’s new with our

UPCOMING DIOCESAN EVENTS

October 3 Red Mass for legal professionals St. Mary Cathedral, Austin

Pastoral Plan and join us in our journey to Christ.

November 8-9 Catholic Services Appeal Commitment Weekend December 17 Assembly of Catholic Professionals Luncheon Hyatt Regency, Town Lake

Visit us at:

www.austin.org/aboutus/pastoral-plan diocese of austin

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For event information, visit www.austindiocese.org

FALL 2014

for making a difference.

Did you know that at Catholic Charities of Central Texas . . .

whether you have paid this forward . . . Have you left that same impact on someone else’s life? If not . . . Why? In a recent book I read, A Hole in Our Gospel, the author shared that being a Christian requires a lot more than just having a personal or transforming relationship with God. It entails a public and transforming relationship with the world. In essence, if our personal faith in Christ has no positive outward expression, then your faith—and mine—has a hole in it.

As we move into our next 15 years and beyond, Catholic Charities cannot do this work alone. We need you to stand with us to help the most vulnerable in our community by lending us your spiritual gifts to: Provide a safe, loving care for a child who has only known hurt and pain; Give a family who is on the verge of homelessness hope for a brighter tomorrow; and Advocate for families who are experiencing freedom for the first time in their lives.

The need is great and the time to act is now! You can join us in being His hands and feet here on earth by participating in the Catholic Services Appeal.

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pride ourselves in being people of faith serving all people in need regardless of faith traditions. Last year alone we served more than 9,700 individuals in need; • All of our programs are rooted in the gospel . . . to be Christ-like on earth by caring for children, strengthening families, and welcoming the stranger; and • We provide service right here in your community and we are continuously seeking resources to expand those services.

This is an exciting time for us at Catholic Charities as we celebrate 15 years of service throughout the Diocese. Although community needs and services have changed, we remain rooted in our calling to provide help and create hope. Our work today is a legacy of those who came before us and I am honored to serve as an advocate of Catholic Charities and I ask you to join me in being part of something bigger than ourselves.

But before I do that, I would like to take just a minute and ask you to reflect back on someone who has made a difference in your life . . . Be it a teacher, spiritual advisor, friend or maybe a family member. I challenge you to go home and write a letter thanking them for taking the time to mentor and guide you and let them know how they have made a difference in your life. I then ask you to reflect on diocese of austin

–Sara Ramirez is the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Central Texas (CCCTX).

Catholic Charities of Central Texas is supported in part by the Catholic Services Appeal.

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FALL 2014

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID AUSTIN, TEXAS PERMIT NO. 1504

Stewardship and Development Office Diocese of Austin 6225 Highway 290 E. Austin, TX 78723

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Leaving a Legacy R e m e m b e r i n g J E S S E A N D PAT S Y E C K E L K A M P have been parishioners at St. Theresa Parish in Austin since 1984 and are actively involved in the parish.

Patsy is a member of the Ladies Club and is the chairman of the Funeral Receptions Ministry, the most demanding of her ministries.

She is also a member of the Knights of Columbus wives group. Jesse is an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He serves as treasurer, leads the pecan sales fundraiser, organizes blood drives, and is active in other Knights of Columbus activities. He has also served as a lector. Jesse and Pasty both serve as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. Jesse also serves as a “Minister of Care,” taking Communion to the home bound.

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They are always ready to lend a helping hand at the Church when opportunities arise.

Jesse grew up in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and is a retired electrical engineer. Patsy grew up in the Houston area. They met through a mutual friend who moved from the Valley to the Houston area while Jesse was attending the University of Texas.

Jesse and Patsy have been happily married for 58 years. They have raised five children and now have 10 grand children and two great grandchildren.

Jesse and Patsy were honored to receive the Lumen Gentium award in 2013. They contribute generously with their time, talent, and treasure to their parish and the Catholic Services Appeal.