Reflections Spring 2012

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

Spring 2012

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

Words of Praise, Lives of Praise WE URGE YOU TO PRAISE GOD. THAT IS WHAT WE ARE TELLING EACH OTHER WHEN WE SAY ‘ALLELUIA.’ SEE THAT YOUR PRAISE COMES FROM YOUR WHOLE BEING . . . NOT WITH YOUR LIPS AND VOICES ALONE, BUT WITH YOUR MINDS, YOUR LIVES, AND ALL YOUR ACTIONS. –ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO We, the Diocese of Austin, the Catholic Church of Central Texas 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 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

Bob Vallilee Associate Director of Stewardship and Development

Jean Bondy Associate Director of Catholic School Development

Emily Powers Ender Executive Assistant

The Catholic Diocese of Austin

The music of the Easter Season is filled with the joyful proclamation, “Alleluia,” which means, “Praise the Lord.” As St. Augustine reminds us, this most joyful liturgical season invites us to praise God in every aspect of our lives. This is the spirituality of stewardship — and it finds profound expression in the Easter season.

Mystagogy AS EACH HAS RECEIVED A GIFT, EMPLOY IT FOR ONE ANOTHER, AS GOOD STEWARDS OF GOD’S VARIED GRACE . . . SO THAT IN EVERYTHING GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. –1 PT 4:10-11 Anyone who has been involved in the RCIA process has probably heard the word “mystagogy” in reference to the period of formation offered after Easter to the newly initiated members of the Church. It is a time of extended, grateful reflection on what Christ has done for them in the Sacraments of Initiation.

This is also a time for all of us to help these new Catholics become more fully involved in the various ministries of the parish community. We encourage them to share their personal gifts in carrying out the mission of the Church.

Giftedness MUCH IS REQUIRED FROM THE PERSON TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN. –LK 12:48 Easter is also a time for each of us to choose to live as faithful members of the Body of Christ.

The spirituality of stewardship teaches us that all that we have and all that we are comes from God. We thank God for the gifts and personal talents He has given us and seek to multiply, develop, and return these blessings with increase to the Lord. {continued on page 2}

{continued from page 1} In this Easter season, we celebrate the fact that much has indeed been given to every one of us through the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As good stewards, we seek to respond to that gift with gratitude and generous service.

Vocation THOSE WHO ACCEPTED [PETER’S] MESSAGE WERE BAPTIZED . . . THEY DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES AND TO THE COMMUNAL LIFE, TO THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND TO THE PRAYERS. –ACTS 2:41-42 The Easter season is a time for all members of the Church to dedicate ourselves to being good stewards of our own baptismal vocation. With thanksgiving, we make a conscious choice to live out our vocation joyfully and generously, and to nurture it carefully throughout our lives.

During Easter, the first reading in Mass is taken from the Acts of the Apostles, which traces the growth of the early Church as it became organized and expanded to new lands. Our Catholic Church of today is the same Church that was established by Jesus Christ on the foundation of His Apostles, and which has been passed on to us through 2,000 years of unbroken historical continuity.

This same Church is in need of our personal energies and talents today. The Holy Spirit continues to build up the Church through the initiation of new members and through engagement of the talents of all of us. As with each generation, we are called to take responsibility for the Church and help it to grow.

Through our words and actions, our lives and all that we do, may God be praised!

Christ is risen, alleluia, alleluia!

Msgr. Michael J. Sis is the Vicar General for the Diocese of Austin.

UPCOMING DIOCESAN EVENTS April 13

Catholic Charities Luncheon www.ccctx.org

April 14

Diocesan Pro-Life Gala www.austindiocese.org

May

Assembly of Catholic Professionals Luncheon www.austindiocese.org/acp

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The patron saint of Poland, St. Stanislaus was born near Krakow and educated in Paris. Returning to his homeland, he gained a reputation as a preacher and was in great demand as a spiritual director. In 1072, he became the Bishop of Krakow.

Meanwhile, King Boleslaus II of Poland had won a famous victory over the Russians and gained great power, but he was morally corrupt. St. Stanislaus publicly rebuked the king’s immoral behavior and, when he refused to change, excommunicated him.

The king then ordered the assassination of St. Stanislaus. When his soldiers failed to carry out his order, King Boleslaus himself killed St. Stanislaus while the saint was saying Mass.

Moral courage and an uncompromising devotion to the truth brought martyrdom to St. Stanislaus. May we, too, be courageous stewards of the gift of faith!

is online!

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

Visit www.austindiocese.org/donate for more information on stewardship and the Diocese of Austin.

diocese of austin

(1030–1079) BISHOP AND MARTYR FEAST DAY – APRIL 11

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SPRING 2012

The Empty Tomb

Confronting Easter Let-Down

The angels said to Mary Magdalene, “Why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.”

- Jn 20:13

Why are you weeping?

It may seem strange, even wrong, to connect grief and Easter, but giving yourself permission to grieve could be the best consolation. Don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t feel like celebrating. Instead of focusing on what you’re not feeling, give thanks for what you do feel. By treating letdown as a gift, you may find rich spiritual rewards that you never expected.

Easter is the greatest of our liturgical seasons, a joyous, fifty-day feast in which Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, even as the earth seems to rejoice in the new life of spring. Yet, for some, after the intensity of Lent, Easter can bring a strange sense of loss. Why is Easter such a let-down?

Pastors of all Christian denominations are familiar with the phenomenon of post-Christmas let-down. After the cheerful, bustling “holiday season,” returning to our daily routines can be, understandably, disappointing. But, to experience the same sense of loss as we move from a penitential, somber season into a time of celebration seems downright backward.

In fact, Easter let-down is a different kind of loss. During Lent, rather than crowding our days with a surfeit of merrymaking and “busyness,” we strive to simplify our lives, removing those distractions, temptations, and even reasonable pleasures that may be crowding out God. In emptying ourselves, we allow room for God to fill us with that which matters most.

Easter let-down is the sense of loss we feel when this period of intense communion with the Lord comes to an end.

Yet, there is a reason that Lent only lasts for forty days and that, together, all of the holy seasons make up less than half the liturgical year.

Let-down after any deep spiritual experience is our “coming down from the mountain,” as Peter, James, and John had to do after the Transfiguration. Like these three disciples, most of us are not meant to remain “on the mountain.” Rather, our “coming down” is a fruitful and necessary step to living life fully in God’s good created world.

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Whom are you looking for?

As with many of us, Mary Magdalene’s first experience of Easter was not one of joy, but one of loss. Mary wept at the empty tomb because she did not know where Jesus was.

In her search for Him, she was unable to be consoled until Jesus called her by name. Remember that, however earnest our search for God, He has called to us first. Stop trying to recapture Lent’s fervor, and let God set the tone for your Easter. Listen for the gentle ways in which Jesus calls you by name.

Peace be with you God’s love isn’t just between you and Him; love of neighbor is an essential part of our faith. Many experts agree that when you feel down, devoting your energy to helping others is an excellent path to inner peace. Find a service project that sounds fun and interesting, and give it a try for at least three weeks. You may find caring for your neighbor to be the best way you can care for yourself.

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SPRING 2012

S T E WA R D S H I P and Your Budget As Christians, we understand that our lives are not our own. Our decisions over that for which we are responsible must be in line with Christ’s teachings and our call to service.

Stewardship is this application of our faith throughout our lives and our world. It is not an isolated moment of kindness or generosity but rather a perpetual responsibility toward everything entrusted to us.

This responsibility extends to our personal finances. How and what we spend our money on should be a clear picture of our priorities and consequently a reflection of our stewardship. A challenging question to ask yourself is whether or not your budget reflects your faith accurately. If you don’t have a budget, then it’s time to create one.

When creating or reviewing a budget, it’s important to understand that a budget is a journey, not a destination. Your budget will and should change over time — not necessarily with every whim but with the changing circumstances of your life.

Every expense should have a purpose that is in line with your faith. Some expenses, such as tithing, will have a clear purpose that reflects your commitment to stewardship. Other expenses, such as paying down debt, could be part of a larger goal to free up money better served in other endeavors.

Remember, your budget isn’t a financial diet. It is simply to provide a faithful purpose to your spending as a good steward. Prioritize your budget based on your faith and your goals.

There are two other key elements of financial stewardship, not quite as tactile as a budget, but nevertheless just as important — time and thanksgiving.

Some key events that merit a tweak to your budget are: A change of income. Maybe you received a raise or your job has reduced your hours. Modifying your budget is definitely in order.

Unexpected expenses. Sometimes a trip to the urgent care in your neighborhood can set you back a few hundred dollars. You’ll need to budget the repayment of your medical costs.

The accomplishment of a financial goal — such as paying a debt in full, contributing to a building fund, or saving up for a trip. Once you achieve these goals, your budget should accommodate the change.

Being consistently over or under budget. Clearly, if you are over your budget a change is necessary.

However, being under budget can cause some problems if you have not planned nned what to do with the surplus.

Time is invaluable. It’s true that you’re not paid for every minute of the day.

However, how you spend your time can have a tremendous impact on your health, your relationships, and the world around you. In many cases this impact will manifest itself as expense or income, turmoil or peace. Make sure you invest your time wisely.

Thanksgiving is possibly the most effective spiritual and financial skill to possess, but it may take a lifetime to master. Thanking the Lord for the life He’s provided you and the gifts with which He’s entrusted you can be your best guard against compulsive decisions and purchases. Sometimes all a budget needs is a little bit of gratitude.

Joseph F. Barrero is the CEO of Cornerstone Financial Education in Austin. diocese of austin

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T H A N K YO U . . . for your ongoing support and generosity to the Our Faith ~ Our Legacy campaign.

To date, more than $16.5 million has been returned to parishes.

SPRING 2012

Lord, When Did We See You in Prison?

Criminal justice ministry in the Diocese of Austin is like any other ministry to vulnerable persons. Grounded in the Church’s teaching on human dignity and the biblical imperative to love one’s neighbor, criminal justice ministry seeks to help incarcerated and recently released persons, as well as their families, realize their own human dignity, show respect for others’ dignity, and develop healthy, stable lives.

support they need to stay sober and get on their feet is critical to reducing re-entry into the prison system.

Parishes also provide material support to the families of the currently and formerly incarcerated. This is where direct assistance meets prevention. Families of the incarcerated, especially children, are uniquely vulnerable to entering the prison system themselves. Providing food, clothing, and shelter helps families achieve stability, while outreach, education, and after-school programs help children stay in school — and out of trouble.

Criminal justice ministry comprises several distinct, but interconnected, areas of emphasis, including direct assistance, prevention, and advocacy.

One of the challenges facing such families, says Dufour, is that people who feel unwelcome don’t ask for help. Parishioners can address this issue by creating a welcoming environment for those who do seek assistance. Removing the stigma associated with having a family member in prison breaks down this critical barrier while also acknowledging the human dignity of all involved.

One of the main components of direct assistance is spiritual support to the incarcerated. Priests and parish-based prison ministry groups provide sacramental life, prayer, and catechesis to the men, women, and youths in the 39 detention centers within the Diocese of Austin. According to Deacon Doots Dufour, the Diocese of Austin’s Director of Criminal Justice Ministry, one of the biggest challenges is making sure the sacraments are regularly available at every detention center. Central Texas Catholics can join a prison ministry group, but they can also help by encouraging their pastors to assist in covering the detention center(s) in their area.

A third area of emphasis within criminal justice ministry is advocacy. Throughout Texas’ 15 dioceses, Catholic Correctional Ministers like Deacon Dufour act as liaisons and advisors to government and other agencies seeking to reduce trauma, re-entry, and the sheer numbers of those in the prison system. In 2013, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice will undergo a “sunset review” by legislators and public members, including Deacon Dufour, which aims to determine areas of improvement within the criminal justice system.

In addition to parish-based efforts, there is also a diocesan prison ministry team that conducts one-day retreats similar to the renewal movement, Cursillo. Retreat teams focus on helping inmates address five spiritual goals: Finding out who God is to them; moving toward right relationships with God and with others; discovering self-giving as a path to a rich, full life; forgiveness; and building community.

According to Dufour, these areas of improvement are many, but there is reason to hope. Texas is among a handful of national leaders in reducing the number of people in prison through treatment programs and incarceration alternatives.

Direct assistance is not confined to the spiritual. Some former offenders who approach the Church for assistance need food, clothing, and shelter during the vital transition from incarceration to a stable life within society. Others need help finding a job or staying sober. With nearly 74% of returning offenders experiencing problems with drugs or alcohol, giving the recently released the

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Quite simply, says Dufour, “criminal justice ministry in Texas is working.”

Criminal Justice Ministry is supported in part by the Catholic Services Appeal.

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SPRING 2012

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

L EAVING A LEGACY R E M E M B E R I N G BILL AND MARLENE GLADE are graduates of the University of Texas, where Marlene received a BS in sociology and education and Bill received a doctorate in economics. Prior to their marriage, Bill and Marlene attended St. Austin Parish, where Bill was baptized into the Catholic faith. In July 1954, the Glades were married at St. Mary Cathedral.

The Glades’ academic careers have taken them to such diverse places as Maryland, where Bill taught at the University of Maryland and later worked at the Smithsonian and the United States Information Agency; and Madison, Wisconsin, where Bill taught business, economics, and Ibero-American Studies and Marlene attended graduate school.

Bill and Marlene ultimately returned to Austin and have been active supporters of the Church in Central Texas. Bill served as diocesan coordinator

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for the Bicentennial Celebration under Bishop Harris and has also served on the Diocesan Fine Arts Council. In 2010, he was named President of the Volunteers of the Seton Medical Center of Austin.

Marlene worked with two groups to establish first St. Michael’s Catholic Academy and later St. Gabriel’s Catholic School. She has also been active in supporting Cathedral School of St. Mary and San Juan Diego Catholic High School and currently serves on the diocesan Celebrating Catholic Schools committee.

Members of St. John Neumann Parish, the Glades serve as Eucharistic Ministers, received the Lumen Gentium award in 2010, and belong to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. They have four children and eight grandchildren.

Bill and Marlene have included the Catholic Church in their will.