Czech Culture

Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas

Česká Část

ROČNÍK 110 ČISLO 23 28.prosinec.2022 Podpora ★ Lidskost ★ Bratrstvi´

BENEVOLENCE HUMANITY BROTHERHOOD

Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897

Book signing set for December 17 at Czech Heritage Museum in Temple

A book signing will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Czech Heritage Museum in Temple for Karl Kuykendall’s new book, Faith & Perseverance: The History of the Catholic Church in Central Texas.

by David Stone | Our Town Temple

A former commercial banker and president of Bank of America in Temple has released a new book examining the story of the Catholic Church locally and the creation of the Austin Diocese. The book — Faith & Perseverance: The History of the Catholic Church in Central Texas — can be purchased on Amazon and at Catholic Arts & Gifts in Austin. On Saturday, December 17, however, the book will be available from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Temple’s Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, located at 119 West French Avenue. The book’s author, Karl Kuykendall, will be at the museum signing and selling the book.

“This is my first book,” Kuykendall said. “I’ve always enjoyed writing, and I have written articles for the diocese’s newspaper and the Catholic Southwest Culture & History Journal.”

“I started working on Faith & Perseverance about three years ago,” he said. “I finished it in October.”

“Although the Diocese of Austin has only been in existence for about 75 years, this book goes back to 1745 to the Missions between Cameron and Rockdale.”

The missions — Candelaria, San Ildefonso, and San Xavier — were in existence for 10 years and were sizable, similar to the famous missions in San Antonio. Unfortunately, not much remains of the structures.

“When the Diocese of Austin started, it spread over 30 counties,” Kuykendall said. “Now it covers 25 counties and runs from Brenham on the east to Mason on the west, and from San Marcos to the city of West. It includes Temple, Killeen, Waco, and Austin.”

“There are 123 Catholic churches in the Diocese, but the book doesn’t detail individual churches,” he said. “It’s more

New Czech Ambassador Visits Texas

SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek welcomed Czech Ambassador Miloslav Stasek to Texas last week. The Ambassador was in Houston December 1 and 2 for the European Union – Texas Economic Leadership Forum hosted by the Embassy of the Czech Republic and the European American Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Greater Houston Partnership and with the support of American Friends of the Czech Republic. Through December 31, the Czech Republic holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union where the focus has been managing the refugee crisis resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, strengthening defense capabilities, cyberspace security and exploring routes to energy independence.

Czech Cultural Calendar

Hours of Operation Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center (CHMGC), 119 West French Avenue, Temple. Hours: Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for those 60 or older, and $2 for kids, 12 and under. Every First and Third Tuesday Evenings: Tarok Parties—All ages and anyone interested are welcome. No admission or fee. Award-winning tournament champions Jimmie and Carolyn Coufal not only teach beginners, but also help experienced players increase their skill. For Museum information: tours, happenings, and activities, call: CHMGC 254-899-2935 (can leave a message); email czechheritagemuseum@gmail.com; find them on Facebook; or visit the website https://czechheritagemuseum.org.

Monday through Saturday Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto Street in Houston, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibits. Experience the culture, art, music, and stories of many Czechs, Slovaks, and people of all cultures who left their country to seek liberty and democracy in America. Beginner Czech Lessons: Monday evenings, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Conversational Czech hour Saturdays, 1 to 2 p.m. Bring a friend or neighbor and come practice your Czech! Not a member? Join today for early access to concerts, movie nights, lectures, and events at CCMH as well as free Czech language lessons and monthly membership socials. For information, call 713-528-2060; or visit czechcenter.org.

Fridays - thru December Free online Czech Christmas carol lessons—at 8 p.m. Learn words and tunes for three to four Czech Christmas carols each Friday from the comfort of your home. Lessons offered by CESAT. To receive an invitation to the online lessons, please email your request to schulenburgpubliclibrary@yahoo.com. Submitted by Thadious Polasek, Lodge 67, Schulenburg.

February 4, 2023 CESAT (Czech Ex-Students Association of Texas) Membership Meeting—at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of Schulenburg Public Library in Schulenburg. Please email Thadious Polasek at polasek29@gmail.com to let us know that you are coming. We need a headcount for kolaches and coffee. Submitted by, Thadious Polasek, CESAT President / SPJST Lodge 67, Schulenburg member.

about the Diocese as a whole.”

“I have directed production on a second book, Treasures of the Diocese of Austin, that is a coffee-book tribute to the Diocese. That book has information about various Catholic churches, convents, schools, and hospitals.”

When asked if he would continue his passion for writing, Kuykendall paused, then said: “That hasn’t been determined. I’m supposed to be retired.”

Kuykendall was a banker for 42 years, including 35 at Bank of America. After serving as president at the Temple branch, he later oversaw commercial operations for the bank in Central, South and West Texas.

“Right now, I’m focused on the marketing and promotion of Faith & Perseverance.” Editor’s Note: Thanks to David Stone of Our Town Temple for this article. Czech Heritage Museum Curator Kenny Lange invites all to attend the book signing. “A portion of each book sold at the event will benefit the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center,” says Kenny.

—SPJST—

TCGS offers legend, symbol, and traditional ornaments - final set!

This is the final week of introducing the 2022 ornament collection from Texas Czech Genealogical Society. We offer four additional selections which have references to a legend, a symbol, or a tradition. This entire collection may be purchased in our gift shop which is open through Friday, December 16, 2022. The gift shop is located in the downstairs gallery at the SPJST Home Office building, 520 North Main Street, Temple, Texas 76501. We will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. We would love to welcome you on any of those days.

We are happy to ship orders placed by email or telephone. Please contact Nancy Machu at nbmachu@gmail.com or at 512-971-4284. Deadline for placing orders for shipment is December 14 at 5 p.m.

TCGS wishes you a most blessed Christmas and a New Year full of God’s greatest blessings. The Guardian Angel No. OR-203 - $22 In ancient times, Saint Nicholas, the forbearer of Santa Claus, was known as a kind benevolent man and was known for performing miracles. He was always ready to help anyone in need and he became the patron saint of children. He rode into town on December 6, Saint Nicholas’ Day, and the holiday season of celebration began. His legend lives on today, as Americans, who have emigrated from European countries, blend their beliefs and customs surrounding the Christmas holidays as they celebrate Santa Claus. The American Santa Claus embodies the innocence and delight of childhood as he delivers gifts and treats for children everywhere. Legend says that he and his elves work all year, building toys and games. On Christmas Eve, he leaves the North Pole and flies all around the world in a sleigh, delivering gifts. There are many Christmas traditions in the world today. One thing is for sure: This American patron saint of children certainly brings joy and delight to all during the holiday season. The Guardian Angel No. OR-203 - $22 Angels symbolize purity, peace, and love and are a comforting presence for all of us. Angels announced the news of the birth of Jesus, who was God’s gift for all the people of the world. Our guardian angels help to keep each of us on the right path in life, guiding us through life’s many experiences and uncertainties.

The Tradition of the Czech Flag No. TFG22 - $7 The Czech Flag ornament is one that is cherished by Czechs all over the world. The colors, red, white, and blue are both symbolic and historic. White is the traditional color of Bohemia and represents the sky. Moravia is symbolized by the color red which also represents the blood shed for the freedom of the state. Blue is the traditional color of Slovakia. This beautiful glass ornament is displayed all year long by Czech families in the United States and in the Czech lands. The Three Wise Men No. C19 - Set of 3 - $39 Traditional nativity scenes usually include the three wise men who visited Jesus after his birth, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The wise men were sent to find Jesus, at the request of King Herod. They followed the star until it stopped over the place where the Child lay. They were overwhelmed with joy. They knelt down, paying Him homage, and gave Him their gifts. They then returned to their homes in the east by a different route. These three wise men, handcrafted in glass in the Czech Republic, are adorned with regal robes of intense, deep royal colors, accented by gold. —SPJST—

= = = = = = = = = = Entire Christmas ornament collection offered by TCGS for 2022 = = = = = = = =