Texas Catholic Herald - Jan. 11, 2022

JANUARY 11, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

texas catholic herald

‘CZECHING’ OUT TEXAS

Ecumenical leaders prepare for ‘Week of Prayer for Christian Unity’ ▪ SEE PAGE 8

Czech deacons make annual pilgrimage to Texas during December visit ▪ SEE PAGE 11

Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 1964

JANUARY 11, 2022

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‘WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT’

VOL. 58, NO. 15

CHURCH

‘Rally Nuns’ carry years-long support of Steps for Students 5K run

Remembering Bishop Sheltz,s legacy and ministry ▪ SEE PAGES 4 - 5

BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Sister Mary Magdalene Nguyen remembers being 12 years old in 1982, escaping with her family after surviving 10 days at sea as boat people fleeing Communist Vietnam.

Now she’s a religious member of the Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province, recently nicknamed the “Rally Nuns.”

But years before any national fame 2022 from cheering on STEPS FOR the Astros in the STUDENTS 2021 World Series and throwing out opening pitches, the sisters have participated in another important athletic event — running and walking in the Archdiocese’s Steps for Students 5K in support of See STEPS, page 7

MINISTRIES

Catholic Charities poverty summit goes virtual for Poverty Awareness Month

BY JUSTIN MASKULINSKI Special to the Herald

Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz APRIL 20, 1946 — DECEMBER 21, 2021

HOUSTON — Poverty has many faces.

It could be a single mother whose hours were cut short during the COVID-19 pandemic. It could be a family whose primary wage earner was furloughed. It could be a neighbor who has experienced a catastrophic medical problem that wiped out their savings.

Catholic Charities will host a virtual event to help show the many faces of poverty and the trauma it can cause.

The Catholic Charities kNOw Poverty Summit 2022: The Intersection of Poverty and Trauma will be held online from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 27.

“To solve a problem, we believe you See SUMMIT, page 6

THE FIRST WORD † 3

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COLUMNISTS † 13 - 15

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ESPAÑOL † 18 |

MILESTONES † 20

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 11, 2022

Though problems abound, God-given hope never fails, pope says on New Year’s Eve Christian hope grants those who suffer the assurance that God does not abandon his people in their time of need, Pope Francis said.

“Problems do not vanish, difficulties and worries are not lacking, but we are not alone; the Father ‘sent forth His Son’ to redeem us from the slavery of sin and to restore our dignity as children,” the pope said Dec. 31.

To mark the end of 2021, Pope Francis took part in an evening prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Surprisingly, however, the pope did not preside over the prayer service as scheduled; instead, the Vatican press office said, he wanted Giovanni Cardinal Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, to preside.

Last year, Cardinal Re presided over the traditional end-of-the-year prayer service after the Vatican announced Pope Francis would not attend due to a flare up of “painful sciatica.”

Arriving several minutes before the Liturgy began, the pope greeted Rome’s new mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, and shook his hand before taking a seat in a white chair set in front of several cardinals.

The service included the singing of the “Te Deum” (“We praise you, oh God”) in thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year, as well as eucharistic adoration and benediction.

Although he did not preside over the Liturgy, the pope delivered a brief homily reflecting on the recent celebration of Christmas and highlighting the “amazement, wonder and contemplation” of the shepherds

CNS PHOTO

“The hope, then, is that everyone who lives and works here, or are pilgrims or tourists, that everyone might appreciate Rome more and more for its welcoming care for the dignity of life, for our common home, for the weakest and most vulnerable,” he added.

Contemplating on Mary as mother to both Jesus and the Church, Pope Francis said she continues to call on Christians to follow Christ in their lives and to trust in Him. Jesus, the pope said, “brings time to its fullness, He gives meaning to what we do and to the days we live. Let us trust in joyful times and in sorrowful times: the hope he gives us is a hope that never disappoints.” †

Giovanni Cardinal Re leads Benediction during evening prayer attended by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 31, 2021.

The traditional service on New Year’s Eve is to give thanks for the past year.

who first received the announcement of Jesus’ birth.

Christmas, he said, is celebrated with amazement and not just a “superficial sentiment connected with the externals of the feast, or worse yet, with the frenzy of consumerism.”

“If Christmas is reduced to this, nothing changes,” the pope said.

“Tomorrow will be just like yesterday, next year will be like last year, and so on. That is like warming ourselves for a few seconds by a straw fire rather than exposing our entire beings to the power of the event, not grasping the heart of the mystery of Christ’s birth.”

SYNOD RESOURCES For more information and resources about the local Synod process in the Archdiocese, visit the website at WWW. ARCHGH.ORG/SYNOD.

We pray for all those suffering from religious discrimination and persecution; may their own rights and dignity be recognized, which originate from being brothers and sisters in the human family. Religious freedom is not limited to freedom of worship—that is to say, that people can have a worship service on the day prescribed by their sacred books. Rather, it makes us appreciate others in their differences and recognize them as true brothers and sisters.

Let us choose the path of fraternity. Because either we are brothers and sisters, or we all lose.

Let us pray that those who suffer discrimination and suffer religious persecution, may find in the societies in which they live the rights and dignity that comes from being brothers and sisters.

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THE FIRST WORD #IamChurch Campaign: Voices of brothers and sisters with disabilities HOUSTON — All people are imperfect in some way, so being differently abled does not limit someone from being a “fully-fledged member” of the Church, said Pope Francis in announcing the #IamChurch series that aired five videos throughout December.

The slogan and project launched by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life demonstrate the lives of Christians with disabilities who act as witnesses of the joy of faith.

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Assistant Director of Ministry with Persons with Disabilities Melissa Alvarez with the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis has shared the inspiring videos with parishes.

“It’s amazing to spread the word and awareness to let us know that we all are the Church, including our people with disabilities,” Alvarez said.

In his message addressed to persons with disabilities, Pope Francis reminds everyone — citing Guadete et Exsultate — that we all have a universal call to holiness, Alvarez said.

In the third video of the #IamChurch series, some sisters from the Congregation of Petites Sœurs Disciples de l’Agneau who have Down’s Syndrome tell about their religious vocation and talk about their daily lives.

Sisters Morgane, Camille and Véronique say several times: “Je suis heureuse — I am happy” and talk about sharing their joy with others, debunking the commonplace view that those who live with a disability are destined to

CNS PHOTO

Children on wheelchairs and their families look out at the sea at the first public beach for people with disabilities in Alexandria, Egypt, July 17. Pope Francis issued a message for the Dec. 3 U.N. International Day of Persons with disabilities.

a life of suffering.

In a Spanish-speaking video, a family with a deaf parent all sign and speak about how they teach catechism to children who have hearing issues.

More information and links to the videos can be found on www.vaticannews.va. †

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME COLLECT Almighty ever-living God, who govern all things, both in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the pleading of your people and bestow your peace on our times.

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. Amen.

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IN BRIEF Jan. 22 events include Mass for Life, prayer vigil, Texas Rally for Life

HOUSTON — The Office of Pro-Life Activities (PLA) is hosting a nearly four-hour prayer vigil for the National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in Houston.

Join Catholics from all over the Archdiocese for a morning of prayer and Eucharistic Adoration in praying for an end to abortion and for the protection of the unborn.

The annual Mass for Life will follow at 11 a.m., celebrated

by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo.

The event coincides with the Texas Rally for Life at the Texas State Capitol. PLA is sponsoring transportation between Houston and Austin. The trip costs $40 and includes a Buc-ee’s stop to and from Austin. Buses depart from St. Dominic Center Chancery on Jan. 22 at 8:30 a.m.

To reserve a bus seat, visit http://bit.ly/TXRallyLifeBus. For more information, visit www.archgh.org/prolife or call 713-741-8728. †

Archdiocesan Mass celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

HOUSTON — The Archdiocese will honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and remember his call to achieve peace through service to one another at its annual Mass at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., in Houston.

Catholics from all 10 counties of the Archdiocese will celebrate King’s legacy at the 35th annual Archdiocesan Mass honoring his birthday, which will be celebrated by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo as principal celebrant and Father Houston Okonma, parochial vicar at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, as homilist. †

Café Catholica Lite set for January

HOUSTON — The Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministry will host the next Café Catholica Lite at St. Joseph Church, located at 1505 Kane St. in Houston, on Jan. 20, 2022, from 7 to 8:45 p.m.

The speaker for the in-person event is Chris Donatto from Adore Ministries. His topic will be “Do You Love Your Neighbor: Living Community.”

The night will include light snacks, the talk, a Q&A and communal prayer. The talk will be available to view online as well at www.archgh.org/cafecatholica.

The Café Catholica program seeks to help young adults ages 18 to 39 encounter Christ and His Church. All young adults are invited to join us for Café Catholica Lite throughout the year.

For more information, contact the Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministry at yacm@archgh.org or 713-7418778. †

Mass for World Day for Consecrated Life set for Feb. 6

HOUSTON — The Mass for World Day for Consecrated Life, which is held yearly on Feb. 2, will be celebrated Sunday, Feb. 6, 11 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo will be the celebrant.

The public is invited to join vowed religious at this Liturgy to pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life as they publicly renew their commitment. †

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 11, 2022

‘THE SMILING POPE’ TO BE CANONIZED

Pope Francis will beatify Pope John Paul I Sept. 4 at the Vatican. ▪ SEE PAGE 16

A LEGACY IN PHOTOS At left, then-Father George Sheltz elevates the Eucharist during his first Mass as a priest in 1971.

PHOTO BY VATICAN MEDIA

Below, Bishop John Morkovsky, at left, ordained Bishop Sheltz, at right, a priest in 1971. Bishop Sheltz’s brother Anton, third from left, assisted during Bishop Sheltz’s ordination Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in downtown Houston.

Above, Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz receives a gift from Pope Francis during his ad limina visit in January 2020. Bishop Sheltz had met the last three popes.

At left, two deacons lift the Book of the Gospels over Bishop-elect Sheltz’s head during Bishop Sheltz’s Mass of Ordination as GalvestonHouston’s seventh auxiliary bishop.

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At right, Bishop Sheltz baptizes a baby at St. Anthony of Padua Church in The Woodlands, a parish where he served as pastor for nearly a decade. He founded the parish’s school some 20 years ago in 2001.

JANUARY 11, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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A life well-lived in service of the Lord: Bishop Sheltz celebrated, remembered

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MOST. REV. BISHOP GEORGE A. SHELTZ April 20, 1946 – Dec. 21, 2021

Beloved Bishop George A. Sheltz laid to rest

BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — As the late Bishop George A. Sheltz was placed into his funeral hearse, a chant of an ancient prayer suddenly filled the air.

His brother bishops and priests surrounded him while they chanted the Salve Regina, the Hail Holy Queen, a fitting sendoff for Galveston-Houston’s seventh auxiliary bishop who dedicating his life to serving God and His people, especially PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD in Texas.

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo prays over the casket of Auxiliary Bishop George Sheltz during his At his Dec. 30 visitation and Funeral Mass on Dec. 31 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. vigil, presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, loved DiNardo’s priest-secretary, Thomas High School Hall of Honor, the ones came to pay their respects BISHOP SHELTZ’S when he’d work closely with school’s highest alumni distinction. to Bishop Sheltz, who lay in Bishop Sheltz who served as Bishop Sheltz graduated from St. SEMINARY repose in front of the altar of moderator of the curia.

Thomas High School in 1963.

PORTRAIT the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred “In over 50 years of priestly “He engendered tremendous respect Heart in Houston. ministry, George Sheltz has reflected with among all who were fortunate enough his life just how great is the assistance of to work with him... because of his ‘THE LORD IS MY LIGHT’ God’s grace and goodness,” he said. “He formidable expertise... his wisdom, his The cantor’s song from the lived his life as a sacrifice to God.” collaborative spirit, and his genuine care responsorial psalm, “The Lord is my light Several Texas bishops concelebrated for people,” St. Thomas President Father and my salvation,” echoed as Bishop the Mass, including: Archbishop James Murphy, CSB said. † Sheltz’s colleagues, friends and family Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza; Bishop joined in praying Psalm 27.

Brendan Cahill of Victoria; Bishop A somber Bishop Dell’Oro reflected Emeritus Edmond Carmody of Corpus on his time with Bishop Sheltz. Though Christi; Bishop Dell’Oro; Bishop Mark it was a short transition, in the formal Seitz of El Paso; Bishop Michael Sis of sense, for the two, with Bishop Sheltz’s San Angelo; Bishop Joseph Strickland of retirement just on the heels of Bishop Tyler; Bishop James Tamayo of Laredo Dell’Oro’s ordination as auxiliary bishop and Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin. in 2021, their relationship, as with many, Bishop Vasquez, himself a former grew over many years. auxiliary bishop for Galveston-Houston, Bishop Dell’Oro said he met Bishop said Bishop Sheltz’s “loving service to the Sheltz’s brother Anton, who was also a people of the Archdiocese of Galvestonpriest, before he met Bishop Sheltz. The Houston will be forever remembered.” two brothers came from “a family rich with people given to God,” he said.

AN EXEMPLARY PRIEST At the conclusion of the Mass, WITH EYES LIKE LIGHTS Cardinal DiNardo briefly reflected on his Bishop Sheltz was “a man who, in his time with Bishop Sheltz, who served as goodness, would show the closeness of his auxiliary bishop for nearly a decade. the Lord to all those who had the fortune Bishop Sheltz “was a great friend to really encounter him,” he said. and just a great person,” he said. “There He recalled seeing him a number of is a genuine and deep loss on the part days before Bishop Sheltz’s passing. of people he served and even beyond, “He was happy,” Bishop Dell’Oro and a loss certainly from our priests, said, noting the late bishop’s trademark and certainly on the part of me as the smile, how his eyes became “tiny when ordinary here.” he smiled and sparkled like little lights.”

Cardinal DiNardo called Bishop He recalled having the privilege Sheltz “an exemplary diocesan priest” of Bishop Sheltz laying his hands on and “a Houstonian all the way,” who him during his bishop’s ordination in “carried with him stories from the city June last year in the very spot he was and from the Church in this city.” preaching from during the vigil.

“Bishop Sheltz was an every day priest... he was a priest who served the A LIFE IN SACRIFICE TO GOD Lord every day,” Cardinal DiNardo said.

Ahead of the Jan. 1 Solemnity of the Cardinal DiNardo also shared a Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, message from Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Bishop Sheltz’s Dec. 31 funeral gathered the Vatican City’s Secretary of State, many more people to honor his life, with that said Pope Francis was saddened to Daniel Cardinal DiNardo presiding over learn of the Bishop Sheltz’s death. the funeral Mass and Father Jeff Bame, “His Holiness joins you in giving Co-Cathedral rector, was the homilist. thanks for Bishop Sheltz’s many years of “Bishop Sheltz was my pastor, my devoted priestly and episcopal ministry bishop and my friend,” Father Bame said to the Church in Galveston-Houston, and in his homily. he commends his soul to the merciful Bishop Sheltz was Father Bame’s love of Christ, the good shepherd,” the pastor while growing up at Prince of message said.

Peace in northwest Houston where he’d receive most of his Sacraments from then- A SON OF ST. THOMAS Father Sheltz, long before Father Bame’s Nearly a year before his passing, ordination or appointment as Cardinal Bishop Sheltz was inducted into St.

Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and Titular Bishop of Hirina Born: April 20, 1946 Episcopal Motto: “Through Him, With Him, In Him” Education: Annunciation School in Downtown Houston, St. Thomas High School in Houston, Class of 1963; University of St. Thomas - Houston, and St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, Ordained Priest: May 15, 1971 Appointed Monsignor: April 18, 1978 Ordained Bishop: May 2, 2012 Granted Retirement: June 22, 2021

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Summit comes as poverty levels, evictions rise in Houston SUMMIT, from page 1 must understand it, then share promising practices, so we can do more to solve it,” Catholic Charities’ President and CEO Cynthia N. Colbert said. “Every January, Catholic Charities invites nonprofit agencies, faith communities and others to join us at the kNOw Poverty Summit so we can work together even more effectively to help impoverished people find a path to self-sufficiency.”

During the kNOw Poverty Summit, keynote speaker Dr. Matthew Desmond, professor of sociology at Princeton University, will discuss the trauma of eviction, a fear-inducing issue plaguing many in the Archdiocese.

Desmond is the principal investigator of The Eviction Lab, a team of researchers, students and others who believe that a stable, affordable home is central to human flourishing and economic mobility.

The topic of eviction is a relevant one locally and nationally as many people have struggled to maintain employment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to The Eviction Lab, Houston saw more than 55,000 eviction filings from the beginning of the pandemic through early December 2021. The Center for Disease Control’s moratorium on evictions ended in August 2021.

Many people in our community are just one unexpected expense away from having to choose between buying food, paying rent, or paying a bill.

IN BRIEF Catholic Charities kNOw Poverty Summit 2022

The Catholic Charities kNOw Poverty Summit 2022: The Intersection of Poverty and Trauma will be held online from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on January 27.

Open to the public and for those engaged in parish social ministries.

Register online at CatholicCharities.org/ KnowPoverty.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES

The Pan de Vida Food Pantry at Guadalupe Center is just one of Catholic Charities’ many locations that serve people in need by providing the most essential human requirements. Nine out of 10 people served

by Catholic Charities live in poverty: 70% have an annual income of less than $10,000.

The Kinder Institute’s 2021 Houston Area Survey found that 28% of respondents had difficulty paying for housing in the past year. Additionally, more than a third of residents indicated they would not be able to come up with $400 for an emergency expense.

In addition to Desmond’s keynote address, break-out sessions during the kNOw Poverty Summit will cover topics such as caring for clients in crisis with faith, self-care for providers, traumainformed care and poverty’s impact on physical and mental health.

“Catholic Charities is very mindful of

the challenges facing the people we serve,” said Senior Vice President of Programs Natalie Wood. “When our dedicated case managers interact with our clients, they remember that many of them have experienced trauma during their lives. We remain sensitive to these issues, treating them with respect and dignity.”

The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated poverty-related issues in the United States, and more people need assistance. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the national median income decreased by 2.9% from 2019 to 2020, the first significant decline in nearly a

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decade. The national poverty rate also increased by one percentage point to 11.4%. In Harris County, the poverty rate is 15%.

Catholic Charities has seen an increase in need locally, especially in the pandemic. Annual service numbers such as individuals served, and pounds of food distributed have tripled when compared to pre-pandemic numbers.

In 2018, Pope Francis made an appeal to pay attention to the poverty around us and see the many ways people might find themselves struggling in poverty.

“The cry of the people of God, the cry of the poor, is a kind of prayer; it opens our hearts and teaches us to be attentive,” Pope Francis said. “Let us be attentive, then, to all situations of injustice and to new forms of exploitation that risk making so many of our brothers and sisters miss the joy of the party.”

January is Poverty Awareness Month, noted by the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops. Interested parishioners and those engaged in parish social ministries are especially welcome to come to the summit.

For registration and more, visit www.

CatholicCharities.org/KnowPoverty. †

Catholic Charities’ food distributions continues, 2022 schedules released

HOUSTON — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston continues offer food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Food pantries are open for drivethrough food distribution at three locations: Guadalupe Center in Houston; the Mamie George Community Center in Richmond; and the Beacon of Hope Center in Galveston.

In Houston, drive-thru distributions at the Guadalupe Center, located at 326 S. Jensen St. in Houston, are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. No appointment required.

The Beacon of Hope Center, located at 4700 Broadway, Suite F-103 in Galveston, is a Galveston County super distribution site.

Drive-thru distribution is scheduled for the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, starting at 9 a.m. and no appointment is required. Call 409-762-2064 for more information. The next distribution dates are Jan. 12, Jan. 26 and Feb. 9.

In Fort Bend, The Mamie George Community Center, located at 1111 Collins Rd. in Richmond, is a Houston Food Bank super distribution site. Register by texting HFBPS to 855-788-3663, then select Catholic Charities — Richmond. In 2022, drive-thru distributions will be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 5 to 7 p.m., and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For assistance, call 281-202-6200.

For hours and addresses, visit www. catholiccharities.org/food or call the Catholic Charities COVID Assistance Line at 713-8746521. †

JANUARY 11, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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Get early-bird registration pricing before Jan. 31 STEPS, from page 1 Catholic school education.

The large group of about 30 nuns — running three or four together spread out throughout the race crowd — usually catches the eyes of spectators and participants alike with their long white habits and black veils flapping in the wind.

Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk, one of the largest annual Archdiocesan events, is set for Feb. 12 in downtown Houston by the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

And the Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province already have more than 30 of its Vietnamese religious ready to run and walk the course, said Sister Magdalene, who now serves as the local order’s director of its Mission Office.

“The sisters are still signing up for Steps, and I am also organizing our group to attend both the Austin and Dallas March for Life,” she said.

The North Texas March for Life is set for Jan. 15 in Dallas, while the Texas Rally for Life in Austin is set for Jan. 22 at the State Capitol.

All of those events are interrelated “because we believe in life from natural conception to natural death and education plays an important role in our journey throughout all our lives,” she said.

“When students see their own teachers running or rallying, it brings unity, which is always a beautiful sight to embrace. I

WANT TO GO?

STEPS FOR STUDENTS 5K RUN/WALK

WHEN: February 12 WHERE: Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston) REGISTER: www.steps4students.org • Timed 5K Price: $20 • Untimed 5K Price: $18 • Family Fun Run Price: $17 (This route is under a mile.)

All price levels increase by $10 after Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST

FILE PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province run alongside students and families during Steps for Students in 2020. The congregation is a longtime supporter of the annual race.

am so appreciative of the parents and all their support.”

Sister Magdalene previously had been director of the Mary Immaculate Preschool, which the order founded in 1995 at the convent off Chippewa Boulevard and Antoine off Highway 249.

In addition to helping to support the Houston and statewide community, the Dominican sisters also sponsor more than 1,000 poor children living in Vietnam

so they can afford to attend school.

“We tell them that we will walk with them from first grade to college to give them a chance for a good education. But they also have to work for it and want it,” she said.

Sister Maria Theresa Kim Hong, OP, provincial superior, said her sisters, whether they teach or do other duties, are very supportive of their Houston-area students as well.

“For more than a decade, many members of my religious community have participated in Steps for Students with so much enthusiasm,” Sister Maria Theresa said.

“Annually, we would rise very early to pray Lauds (morning prayers), attend the Opening Mass at 6:30 a.m. at the CoCathedral for Steps and then make our way to the starting line!”

Sister Joanna Quyen, OP, teaches middle school religion classes at St. Laurence Catholic School in Sugar Land, one of the most actively involved schools in Steps for Students.

“I participate in Steps for Students because it supports Catholic education, and I love my students at St. Laurence See STEPS, page 8

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 11, 2022

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2022 celebrates the light of Christ

BY BRIDGET RICHARDSON Special to the Herald HOUSTON — Each year, Jan. 18 to 25 is a celebration. The Week of Christian Unity “gives Christians an annual opportunity to continue their quest for the unity they already share in Christ,” as noted by the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute on their website.

In the spirit of Christian unity, also known as ecumenism, the theme for this year is “We have seen his star in the East and have come to pay homage to him” (Mt 2:2). This verse takes us to the Epiphany. The visit of the Magi to Bethlehem highlights God’s invitation to all of humanity to a new covenant in the Incarnation of Christ. The theme was selected by the Middle East Council of Churches based in Beirut, Lebanon.

“Present times in Lebanon are extremely difficult and economically disastrous,”the Graymoor Institute shares on its website. “All of this combined with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have made the situation quite stressful.

The power of prayer in solidarity with those who suffer is a demonstration of

Christian unity and a sign of communion.”

The Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston Office of Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs (OEIA) takes up the charge to collaborate and lead the efforts on the Catholic front in Houston each year. From 2014 to 2020, a small ad hoc committee organized an ecumenical prayer service during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and each year’s prayer service was hosted by a different faith community, usually attended by several hundred people.

“It is important for Catholics to know about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity because of the Church’s call for us to work toward unity under the leadership and guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ,” said OEIA Officer Father Orrin Halepeska. “It is also essential because, in the study and experience of other faiths, we learn and become deeply rooted in the core beliefs of our own faith.”

Through this lens, in 2021, OEIA decided to go virtual instead of an inperson gathering. Daily reflections were prepared and sent out via social media on the OEIA Facebook page with the help

Thousands of families in the Greater Houston area struggle every day.

IN BRIEF The Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston Office of Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs (OEIA) strives to foster the ecumenical goals of Christian unity and to deepen interreligious relations with Jews, Muslims, and followers of other religious traditions. The OEIA commits to promoting knowledge and understanding among all religious traditions through prayer, dialogue, formation and collaboration in civic undertakings, with the primary goal of forming the Catholic faithful in Church teachings on matters of ecumenical and interreligious affairs. Those interested in should contact Father Halepeska at halepeska.o@aghclergy.org. † of the University of St. Thomas’ MAX Studios. These efforts well-exceeded expectations garnering thousands of views and engaging people all over Houston, the nation and the world in shared prayer for Christian unity.

“Our Archdiocese is huge, and it is hard to meet in a central location, especially during a pandemic,” Father Halepeska said. “In this way, with the videos, we keep the hope, prayer and dialogue going on a platform that reaches many more people.”

The reach was so incredible, OEIA will again rally Houston-area Christian leaders to prepare short reflections on the theme for 2022.

OEIA was proud to help lead in sharing prayers through video, and Father Halepeska said the Catholic Church needs to lead and be a great supporter in STEPS, from page 7

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Catholic School,” Sister Joanna said.

“St. Laurence strongly encourages students to register for this event, and students who raise the most money will receive a reward,” she said.

That includes “sliming the priest” like in the popular Nickelodeon programs.

“Students are very excited!” she said.

Sister Joanna said she really enjoys seeing not only her current students at the 5K event but also her older students, who have since moved on to high school, so she can catch up with their progress.

While she has been involved for eight years, the winner in her order for the most years probably goes to Sister Bernadette Nguyen. She has run since the first Steps for Students when it started in 2005.

“So that would mean 17 years ago! I was teaching at an inner-city Catholic school during that time, and it was a much-needed fundraiser for our school,” Sister Bernadette said.

“But most importantly, it was a great event where our students, faculty and staff benefitted from the generosity of so many people in the city of Houston

this work.

“Our Archdiocese is one of the largest and most prolific dioceses in the country, which means that we have more opportunities to work together for the greater good for our own community and the world at large,” he said. “Unity brings about change in the way that we solve issues that can serve and free all people to be loved by God.” The public can join faith leaders and OEIA in prayer during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity by following the OEIA Facebook page, @ EcumenicalGalvestonHouston, to pray with a different faith leader each day.

For more information and resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to do a prayer service in your parish, visit www.geii.org. † while also having the opportunity to be together as a Catholic school family,” she said.

Now an instructional specialist at St. Cecilia Catholic School in Memorial, Sister Bernadette said, “Steps for Students is also a fun opportunity for us to show our support for all the Catholic schools within the Archdiocese, share the joy we possess as religious sisters and evangelize through our presence at the event.”

The Archdiocesan School Superintendent Debra Haney said, “The Catholic School Office thanks the Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province for their strong support over the years. We truly appreciate their participation in Steps for Students, but even more so for being such great role models for our students.”

So far, more than 2,700 individuals and 63 teams have registered. More than $120,000 have been raised with the three top schools being Our Lady of Guadalupe with $21,826; Assumption at $18,721 and St. Mary of the Purification with $14,186 so far.

To register or for more information, including deadline dates, www. steps4students.org. †

LOCAL CATHOLIC NEWS.

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JANUARY 11, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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Working to encourage all the gifts of stewardship

BY FATHER JOE CREEDON Special to the Herald

long because breaking habits is difficult.

For years parishes were organized around the belief that the priests would I embraced stewardship almost 35 do most of the work, and if they needed years ago. I was coming to the end of my help, they would ask. If they did not ask, six-year term as pastor of Christ the King the people were to remain passive.

Parish. The parish was growing, and we The first thing we did was to teach were doing alright. people about the real meaning of their We weren’t the best parish in the Baptism. Every baptized person is given diocese, nor were we the worst. a mission and a ministry from We were not living up to our God. The mission is the same potential; we were not the best for everyone — to make God parish we could be. We had more present in our world. The too many spectators and not ministry is different for everyone enough participants. That is because we are unique. when Divine Providence, as St. John Henry Newman is often the case, entered the expressed it this way: “God picture. I saw an advertisement has created me to do Him in a Catholic magazine about some definite service. He has stewardship. Remember this was committed some work to me, before the American bishops which he has not committed to FATHER JOE wrote their wonderful pastoral another.” The more the members CREEDON letter, Stewardship: a Disciple’s of a parish embraced this truth, Response. (If you have not read it, I the more they were anxious to take recommend doing so ASAP!) ownership of their parish. Stewardship When the material came in, I read it leads to more active participation in the with enthusiastic expectation. For the life of the parish. first time, I was introduced to the three Over the years of weaving stewardship “T’s” of stewardship: time, talent and into the fabric of the parish, we worked treasure. tirelessly to banish the word “volunteer.”

Unfortunately, back then stewardship We did this because, for most people, was more about treasure than it was volunteering is what they do with the about time and talent. All the literature time they have left over. said to grab their treasure, and their time In other words, once all our important and talent will follow. Even though we tasks are taken care of, if we have time were neophytes, we decided to reverse left over, we will volunteer. We wanted the process — we set out to invite people to be disciples or stewards with members of the parish to give their time their prime time, not their excess time. All by sharing their talents to make both our the activities of the parish, from religious parish and our local community better. It education teachers, lectors, Eucharistic was the correct way to go! ministers, singing, or playing a musical The process of becoming a stewardship ministry, to serving on a committee, parish is a long but rewarding one. It is parish council, finance council or

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“Every baptized person is given a mission and a ministry from God. The mission is the same for everyone — to make God more present in our world.” stewardship council, were presented as opportunities to act on our Baptismal commitment. This approach encourages parishioners to take ownership of their parish. Involvement in the life of the parish is not only encouraged, it is expected.

Every September, we would hold our Stewardship Fair. After every Mass, members of the parish were invited into the Parish Hall, where all the ministries of the parish were represented, and people were asked to join at least one ministry. I was always impressed by the creative displays the various ministries

would present to entice people to get more involved.

When we finally introduced the treasure aspect of stewardship, we asked members of the parish to give witness talks about giving their treasure, just as we had previously had witness talks inviting people to give of their time and talent. We asked people to figure out what percentage of their income they were giving to the parish. Then we asked them to increase their giving by at least a half a percentage point if possible every year. It is important to have people fill out a treasure card each year. As a visual reminder and reinforcement of their ongoing commitment.

God has blessed us in so many ways.

Giving generously of our time, talent and treasure is the best way to thank God for all He gives us! Believe me when I tell you that people will thank you for introducing them to the opportunities and blessings stewardship! † Father Joe Creedon is pastor emeritus of Christ the King parish in Kingston, Rhode Island, and a regular presenter at the annual conference of the International Catholic Stewardship Council.

10 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 11, 2022

Seafarers are part of my family

BY KAREN M. PARSONS, OFS Special to the Herald GALVESTON — “I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the Gospel from the first day until now” (Phil 1:3-5).

This is a passage I have used often throughout the years whenever writing to seafarers. St. Paul understood the importance of keeping in touch with those he ministered to on his travels. I used his model for my correspondence ministry with seafarers that I began way back in 1985 after visiting my very first ship, the M/V BALSA 6. On that ship, I met a Filipino seafarer named Ben Estevez.

He was sad that he hadn’t heard from his family in many months of being on board. That was back in the days of very expensive phone calls home from only landlines and very slow mail. Seafarers felt extremely isolated and homesick. I exchanged addresses with Ben and began to write him letters. I wrote to the address of the shipping agent, and he received my letters at different ports when the letters caught up to his ship. We wrote to each other for many years. Then, one year, he forgot to send me his new address when he joined his ship, and I lost contact with him. It made me very sad because I felt Ben had become my brother.

Over the 36 years of my active port ministry, it is estimated that I have written over 50,000 letters to seafarers and their families. I have files of letters from seafarers and their families to me that are in the tens of thousands as well.

On Dec. 31, 2020, I visited my last ship, M/V SHARK ISLAND. Even though I am no longer climbing gangways, I am still corresponding with seafarers and their families. Many I have communicated with for over 30 years! They are part of my family.

Every year I send out over 100 Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year cards to seafarers and their families from 23 countries. I send a family update to them, and then I hear back from them with their news.

This year I received two Facebook messenger messages from relatives of seafarers I had been writing to for many years. The first is the son of a Filipino seafarer, Rey, whom I met when his ship came into Galveston pretty regularly

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KAREN M. PARSONS, OFS

At left, Captain Grigorios and his crew at St. Patrick Church where a Mass was held for the two dead crew members who died on his ship when it caught fire.

At right, Rey is pictured with his young son, Renz, who has just graduated from high school.

in the 1990s. He was a young man, not married yet. He was full of life and loved to hang out at the Seafarers Center. He helped with center activities and even interacted with the Texas A&M cadets that came to the center for meetings and recreation. When he left his vessel, we had already become good friends. For years I wrote to him at his home address in the Philippines. Then suddenly I stopped hearing from him. My letters were not returned, so I wasn’t sure why I didn’t hear from him. Then I got the message from his son, Renz. Renz told me that his father died of a heart attack.

It was shocking to hear because Rey was only 50. Renz then told me that he and his sister also lost their mother to a stroke shortly after. His sister is married now with a baby of her own. Renz just graduated from high school. He is living with his mother’s best friend’s family. We keep in contact via Facebook messenger now. At Christmas this year, he asked me to tell him stories of his father when I knew him in Galveston. So, I did. He was happy.

The second Facebook message I received this year was from the nephew of a Greek Captain I had been writing to since 1993 when his ship caught fire in the Galveston Ship Channel, and two of his officers died in the fire. Captain Grigorios had to order his crew to abandon ship that day. All but two made it out to the muster stations. As the crew evacuated, Captain Gregorios did not want to leave until the others were found.

The fire became too strong, and the Coast Guard ordered him off the vessel as well.

He stayed on a firefighting vessel for two days until the fire was under control.

Then his ship was towed into port.

He and his crew were taken to the local La Quinta motel for debriefing. They were traumatized, and I was allowed to spend time with them grief counseling.

Captain Grigorios was busy with the investigation. He had to speak with all the authorities as well as the company and insurance representatives. He was exhausted. During a meeting of all these entities, I came in and insisted that they allow me to take the captain to a quiet part of the motel and let him let it out. To my surprise, I was allowed 30 minutes to spend time listening. And that is what I did. Captain Gregorios told me that the two men that died were friends. In fact, the chief engineer was his best friend and godfather to his son. They were neighbors back home in Greece. And now, the chief engineer’s family is blaming him. When my time was up, and he was needed back in the investigation, I went to my office and wrote him a letter of encouragement.

SEAFARERS’ MASS

And each day that I visited the motel to take care of the crew, I handed Captain Gregorios a letter knowing I wouldn’t get time to talk with him again. After the three-week investigation and everyone was released to go home, I made one last visit to the motel to say goodbye to everyone. Captain Gregorios handed me a paper with his home address on it and asked me to continue to write him. He said, “I will need to hear from you.” So I began writing to him and wrote to him often over the next 27 years. His nephew contacted me on Facebook to tell me that Captain Gregorios died. He thanked me for all the years of sending cards and letters to his uncle. He said it really helped. Captain Gregorios never sailed again after the fire. He fought depression.

The seafarers whom I have been writing to for over 30 years are family.

We celebrate with weddings of our children, births of our grandchildren, and other major life events. As a chaplain, developing these relationships has been key to me being able to continue my ministry even after the gangways are raised and the ships leave port. †

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Cardinal DiNardo celebrates Seafarers’ Mass HOUSTON — With members of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW) in attendance, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo celebrated a special Mass to honor the efforts of the Seafarers and those who support them on Dec. 16, 2021 at St. Mary’s Seminary.

The annual Mass gathers ACCW members, many who support the ministries at Galveston-Houston’s efforts in the ports of Galveston, Texas City, Barbour’s Cut and Houston, and fishing piers along the Gulf Coast.

In his homily, Cardinal DiNardo compared the seafarers’ ministry and those who support them to St. John the Baptist, the Biblical figure who said, “prepare the way of the Lord,” ahead of the coming of Jesus. The ministries help welcome the sailors to “receive a beautiful comfort and gifts to help them speed them on their way,” he said.

Cardinal DiNardo noted the large population of Catholic and Orthodox believers among seafarers, many who come from the Philippines, South America, the Baltic States or Russia.

The centers serve many seafarers, tens of thousands who are working in a challenging time during the pandemic as many ports encounter tremendous difficulties with shipping backups at many U.S. ports. †

JANUARY 11, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

LOCAL

texas catholic herald

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Three Czech deacons two-step through Archdiocese HOUSTON — Three transitional deacons from the Czech Republic visited Texas in December, taking in both the local culture and liturgies.

Father Paul Chovanec, the pastor of St. Justin Martyr Church in Houston, helped facilitate their visit to Galveston-Houston Dec. 9 to 12.

But this year, Josef Biernát, 32, Jan Kríž, 26, and Karel Honka, 25, toured ˇ NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston, visited the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and had an evening with the Knights of Columbus among many other events.The deacons stated they enjoyed having parish meals and fellowship, which they said they don’t have as many of back in their parishes.

“Our fellowships are not organised in interparish structures and we usually don’t have any employees in parishes.

Our parishes are smaller and less multicultural,” they said.

The deacons represented three different dioceses in the Czech Republic.

Since 1999, Texas has welcomed a group of Czech deacons, which have in the past visited other Texas dioceses, and even Louisiana. A Czech contingent in Texas worked to bring transitional deacons to the Lone Star State as a way to connect the two people who unite in the Catholic faith.

Czech people first arrived to Texas as early as 1823, with settlements in Austin, Fayette, Lavaca and Washington counties growing as Galveston became a popular point of entry. As many as 90% were thought to be Catholic, according to the Handbook of Texas. †

PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHER PAUL CHOVANEC

Father Paul Chovanec, the pastor of St. Justin Martyr Church, facilitated the visit of three transitional deacons from the Czech Republic, Josef Biernát, Karel Honka and Jan Kříž.

12 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 11, 2022

EDUCATION Christ the Redeemer School garners STEM excellence award HOUSTON — Christ the Redeemer Catholic School (CtRCS) is the most recent school in the Archdiocese and the third Catholic grade school in the United States to earn the National Certificate for STEM Excellence (NCSE)-Campus Certification from the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE).

The NCSE recognizes individual

school campuses for their commitment to and systematic support of teachers’ understanding and use of high-impact, evidence-based STEM instructional strategies.

“Through this certification process, we learned that STEM is about so much more than robotics and coding,” said CtRCS Principal Dan Courtney.

Non-Discrimination Policy for Catholic Schools

Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Government requirements fulfilling Non-Discriminatory Compliance are published annually in January in the TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD. This notice suffices for schools whose student population is at least 75% Catholic during the preceding three years.

Schools that do not meet the three year, 75% test have to advertise in media (print or broadcast) of general circulation.

The Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston admits students of any race to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the student body. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school administered programs. (POLICY: 652.1)

“Our teachers strive to inspire critical thinkers who are eager to solve realworld problems in creative ways across disciplines. We learned to value the power of collaboration, communication, and the redesign process as vital components to STEM learning.

“As a Catholic school with an amazing fine arts department and a belief that our Catholicity runs through the fabric of all we do, adding the arts and religion to our STEM program makes us a true STREAM learning environment.”

Headquartered in Houston, NISE evolved from STEM professional development and curriculum created at Rice University and was conceived by experienced educators and is based on thousands of hours of research, professional development, curriculum design and educational leadership.

Using an online platform and supported by a dedicated NISE STEM leadership coach, educators and instructional leaders work together to refine school operations and instruction to further strengthen STEM practices and the campus’ overall STEM culture.

As part of earning the NCSE - Campus Certification, eight educators also earned the National Certificate for STEM Teaching, further contributing to the school’s collective STEM expertise.

“As a lifelong learner, I’m always looking for ways to enhance and grow my skills,” said Gloria Bowring, a fourthgrade English language arts teacher at CtRCS. “I particularly wanted to learn ways to implement STEM teaching in an English language arts classroom.”

For information, visit www.nise. institute. †

THIS POLICY APPLIES TO ALL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON

— ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS — HARRIS COUNTY – Houston

St. Mary Magdalene School, Humble St. Martha School, Kingwood St. Edward School, Spring St. Anne School, Tomball

Assumption School Christ the Redeemer School Corpus Christi School Duchesne Academy Epiphany of the Lord School Holy Ghost School Our Lady of Guadalupe School The Regis School Resurrection School St. Ambrose School St. Anne School St. Augustine School St. Catherine’s Montessori School St. Cecilia School St. Christopher School St. Clare of Assisi School St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School St. Francis de Sales School St. Jerome School St. John Paul II School St. Mary of the Purification School St. Michael School St. Rose of Lima School St. Theresa School St. Thomas More School St. Vincent de Paul School

BRAZORIA COUNTY

St. Helen School, Pearland Our Lady Queen of Peace School, Richwood

FORT BEND COUNTY

Epiphany of the Lord School, Katy Holy Rosary School, Rosenberg St. Laurence School, Sugar Land St. Theresa School, Sugar Land

GALVESTON COUNTY

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Pictured are, left to right, Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Assistant Principal Randi Serey, thirdgrade teacher and STREAM Coordinator Kelly Murphy, and Principal Dan Courtney.

True Cross School, Dickinson Holy Family School, Galveston Our Lady of Lourdes School, Hitchcock St. Mary School, League City Our Lady of Fatima School, Texas City

GRIMES COUNTY

School of Environmental Education, Plantersville

HARRIS COUNTY – Outside of Houston

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Sacred Heart School, Conroe St. Anthony of Padua School,

The Woodlands

St. Joseph School, Baytown Sacred Heart School, Crosby Our Lady of Fatima School, Galena Park

832-927-8787

— SECONDARY SCHOOLS — HARRIS COUNTY

Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston Duchesne Academy Frassati Catholic High School Incarnate Word Academy St. Agnes Academy St. Catherine’s Montessori School

St. John XXIII College Preparatory St. Pius X High School St. Thomas High School Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

GALVESTON COUNTY

O’Connell College Preparatory School, Galveston

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JANUARY 11, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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YOUTH Here’s to a hope-filled New Year Isaiah 40:31: They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.

The ministry team at the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization (OACE) enters this New Year with an abundance of hope.

HOPEFUL FOR FAMILIES Over a decade ago, groundbreaking research was conducted to understand the faith lives of adolescents. The publication of this research by Dr. Christian Smith at the University of Notre Dame provided a springboard for reimagining our parishes and our faith formation. However, it has been the pandemic that has forced us all to take much more seriously the family-focused approach that the research calls for.

Note these key findings: 1. Parents are the most significant influence on the religious and spiritual outcomes of young people.

2. The primary way by which Catholic identity becomes rooted in children’s lives are the day-to-day religious practices of the family and the ways parents model their faith and share it in conversation, collaboration and exposure to outside religious opportunities.

3. The family is the primary community where Catholic faith practices are nurtured and practiced.

4. The quality of a parent’s relationship with their children or teens and the parenting style they practice makes a significant difference in faith transmission.

These findings make it abundantly

by

TIM COLBERT

clear that the parish is the secondary, not primary, place of faith formation. I am hopeful that the families of our Archdiocese will include in their New Year’s resolutions one which seeks to bring a more vibrant faith experience into the home.

HOPEFUL FOR THE RETURN OF THE YOUNG CHURCH The pandemic has had a number of deleterious effects on adolescents. Higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression are the most prominent. The isolation has been challenging. Adolescents are, by nature, social beings. This is a time that many young people are finding more freedom.

I am hopeful in this new year that as our youth return to many of their normal parish activities and diocesan events, they will find the support they need and that their zeal for the faith will be reignited.

†

HOPEFUL FOR THE GROWTH OF OUR PARISH MINISTRY LEADERS Much of the work of the OACE is to provide training, resources and consultation to parish ministry leaders.

For decades that has meant gathering in person on an assigned day to provide the knowledge and skills needed for effective ministry.

As both volunteer and professional ministry leaders’ lives get busier and busier, and Houston traffic gets less and less tolerable, it is a challenge to get the

training and formation needed to parishes across this vast Archdiocese.

We have recently launched a new formation video library (www.archgh. org/capernaum) that is available 24/7, 365 days a year. This allows the volunteer and ministry leaders to get the training they need when they need it.

No longer are they beholden to our schedule. No longer do folks need to get a babysitter. No longer will volunteers who are night shift workers need to give up precious sleeping hours to attend formation. I am excited and hopeful for the ongoing growth of our ministry leaders.

It is my hope that you, the reader, will help bring these to fruition. As parents, grandparents, and faith-filled adults, you can make a difference through prayer, intentional faith sharing with your children or grandchildren, and by supporting the ministry at your own parish.

The OACE ministry team looks forward with hope as we continue to serve the parishes and families of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. † Timothy E. Colbert is the director of the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization.

14 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 11, 2022

COLUMNISTS

When the pope addressed racism, paid tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. On Sept. 24, 2015, Pope Francis addressed the congress of the United States. During his speech, the Pontiff acknowledged and paid a special tribute to the contributions of four great Americans — two Catholics, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton, and two non-Catholics, Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his remarks to Congress, Pope Francis noted that Dr. King’s message of equality is rooted in the Gospel passage of the Golden Rule from the Gospel of Matthew “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Pope Francis stated, “This rule points us in a clear direction. Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated. Let us seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves. In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities. The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time

will use for us. The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development.”

In February 2021, the Pew Research Center by published the most comprehensive survey to FATHER REGINALD date of Black faith in SAMUELS America.

One of the most striking finds that came out of this Pew research report is: “More than three-fourths of Black Catholics say that a commitment to racial justice is an essential or important dimension of their faith.” Moreover, this is why the Church commemorates and celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Church uses this time of commemoration to rededicate itself to the fight for racial justice.

Catholics all over the nation and world have been fighting for racial justice and calling for an end to racism.

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ANNUAL MLK JR. MASS

PAGE 3 • ANNUAL MASS SET FOR JAN. 16, WILL HONOR MLK JR.’S LIFE AND LEGACY Furthermore, the cry for racial justice is being declared by the Catholic leaders of the Church as well.

Pope Francis said of the events in the United States over the last few years: “We cannot close our eyes to any form of racism or exclusion while pretending to defend the sacredness of every human life.”

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, in June of 2020, issued a statement regarding racism in our Church, community and country: “Plainly stated, for it is plain to see, we in America have a plank in our eye with regard to racism. This is a tough but necessary reality to confront because we cannot address a problem until we acknowledge it. This includes us as members of the Catholic Church.”

In 2018 the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a pastoral letter called: ‘Open Wide Our Hearts,’ which

condemns racism and vows to use the Church to combat it.

In the pastoral letter, the bishops wrote: There have been many times when the Church has failed to live as Christ taught — to love our brothers and sisters. Acts of racism have been committed by leaders and members of the Catholic Church — by bishops, clergy, religious, and laity — and her institutions. Consequently, we all need to take responsibility for correcting the injustices of racism and healing the harms it has caused.

As we go about to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this month, The Catholic Church acknowledges its role in fighting for racial justice. We all can look to the life of this American leader and follow the dream in which this American religious leader taught us all to do. † Father Reginald Samuels is the vicar of Catholics of African Descent and pastor of St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Deer Park.

SUNDAY MASS READINGS JANUARY 16 First Reading: Is 62:1-5 Resp. Psalm: Ps 96:1-3, 7-10 Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:4-11 Gospel: Jn 2:1-11

JANUARY 23 First Reading: Neh 8:2-4, 5-6, 8-10 Resp. Psalm: Ps 19:8-10, 15 Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:12-30 or 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27 Gospel: Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21

“One of the greatest gifts of our time is the rediscovery of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church and the faithful.” - Pope Francis

JANUARY 11, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/DIGITALEDITIONS

COLUMNISTS

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It’s time to reconsider the law that holds 17-year-olds criminally liable as an adult Special Youth Services (SYS) models the embrace of Christ through pastoral care, advocacy and faith sharing in local juvenile justice facilities, including restorative services to at-risk youth, ages 10 to 17, and their families. SYS’s advocacy component prompts us to shed light on laws adversely affecting youth.

In Texas, 17-year-olds are held criminally liable the same as an adult.

According to the Texas Center for Justice and Equity, “Texas is one of only three states left to treat these teens as adults for criminal justice purposes — removing their parents from the court process and exposing kids to confinement in adult jails.

Of the 16,000 17-year-olds arrested in Texas in 2019, approximately 95% were arrested for nonviolent and misdemeanor offenses.”

The other two states are Wisconsin and Georgia. An interesting note, Georgia legislation is working to amend

the legal age to 18, taking effect in 2023.

Currently, a juvenile law gaining traction in Texas is focused on raising the age minimum to 18 for those having contact with the criminal justice system. In the United by FRANCHELLE States, at age 18, a person can vote, join the LEE military, gain employment, acquire housing and make financial decisions based on their needs, but a 17-year-old cannot.

In other words, if a person were to steal a can of soda at 16 years old, they would be placed in the juvenile system.

There the teen has access to an abundance of services which include but are not limited to education, mental health, family issue counseling,

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traumatic impact and physical health needs. From the assessment, prior behavior is also considered, along with maturity and emotional intelligence.

If this same child were to commit the aforementioned crime at 12:01 a.m. on their 17th birthday, the child is then integrated into the adult system with no access to any of the benefits and services specializing in adolescent behavior.

Nor does the 17-year-old have the right to have their parent present for questioning. We must ask ourselves, is this just or fair? I am not so sure.

“Advocates say 17-year-olds should go before juvenile courts, where judges can decide cases while promoting growth without giving them a permanent criminal record,” noted Jeff Amy of the Associated Press. Of course, if a youth has committed an egregious crime, the juvenile court system can utilize a judicial waiver transferring the child to the adult system.

Adolescence is a fragile time full of new experiences and transitions. Youth engage in adolescent mischief, which does not always end at 17.

At this age, they have one foot in adult responsibility but are children immensely needing guidance navigating that responsibility. If you are unaware of this law and have teenagers, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the laws pertaining to their ages then educate them on proper interactions as well as their rights at school and in public.

I often pray for youth to make educated and responsible decisions while also praying for parents and lawmakers to make decisions allowing youth to benefit from their entire juvenescence. May God always bless His adolescent ones. † Franchelle Lee is the director of Special Youth Services.

Experiencing synodality through campus ministry “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

A college student approached me in a small quavering voice. I was elbowsdeep in preparing for a campus ministry event that was taking place in under an hour, but I knew quickly from her downcast expression that I should drop everything.

I responded, “Of course! What’s up?”

She pulled me aside while tears streamed from her eyes as she began to share about the rough and emotional night she experienced trying to console a friend with severe depression.

“I don’t know what else to do,” she said with her voice breaking. I wanted to help. With mindfulness and sensitivity, I asked her what mental health and spiritual resources she and her friend had access to and shared the various counseling and therapy resources that could be quickly available to them along with other great resources for long-term spiritual and mental health care.

However, in sharing all of the information about resources, I realized from her response that the reason she came to me was not simply just for advice and resources.

What she truly wanted was someone to listen to her experience and to be present with her in her distress. And so, I listened and remained present. I affirmed her care and love for her friend and invited her to pray with me.

“Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to come into this situation too,” I said.

We sat and prayed together in mixed moments of extemporaneous prayer, silence and intercessory by prayer and ended our MIMI time together praying the TRAN Hail Mary. We arranged to meet again soon for a follow-up and check-in.

As she left our impromptu meeting, the expression on her face was more hopeful and peaceful.

Despite that I was scrambling quickly to begin the campus event, I had left our encounter with a sense of gratitude and edification from our time together.

Pope Francis is inviting the Church to participate in a Synod on Synodality.

Synodality means “journeying together,” and this synodality is the heart and mission of campus ministry.

Campus ministers invest themselves in getting to know their students, swapping personal stories and jokes, sharing in their joys and challenges, their victories and struggles, building intentional relationships, forming them in the faith, and praying with and for them. As we walk with them in their journeys through the guide of the Holy Spirit, listening to them and meeting

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PASTORAL SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE In a continuing effort to provide pastoral care to victims of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo would like to remind the faithful of the Archdiocese of the availability of the Victims Assistance Coordinator. Anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel is encouraged to call Diane Vines at 713-654-5799. Please keep in daily prayers the healing of victims of abuse and all who suffer in any way.

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them wherever they are on their faith journey, the students also learn to do the same with their peers and other people in their lives. I have seen that as students grow in witness of God’s presence and love for them in their lives through the accompaniment of the Church, they also recognize and take up their call to mission and evangelize with their lives so that others might also encounter the Lord.

Of course, synodality is not unique to campus ministry. It is the mission of the entire Church. During the current synod, as our Church reflects on the theme of synodality, let us pray to the Holy Spirit as we ask ourselves: How can we all

work to be more synodal in our identity?

How might I manifest synodality in my own life? How am I being called to “journey together” with others? What can I do to develop an environment of listening?

Let us also heed the Holy Father’s encouragement by allowing ourselves to become “experts in the art of encounter” and “to let ourselves be enriched by the variety of charisms, vocations and ministries” of our brothers and sisters in Christ. † Mimi Tran is the Catholic campus minister at Rice University.

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WORLD

Pope asks pontifical council to begin planning Holy Year 2025

CNS PHOTO

In this 2015 file photo, Pope Francis opens the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica to inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy at the Vatican. Preparations for the Holy Year 2025 have already begun.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Preparations for the Holy Year 2025 have already begun, and Pope Francis has asked the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization to take charge of the efforts.

In a brief note Dec. 26, the Vatican press office said Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the pontifical council, already has had meetings with officials of the Vatican Secretariat of State and with the offices that will be involved in funding Holy Year activities: the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See and the Secretariat for the Economy.

A holy year or jubilee is a time of pilgrimage, prayer, repentance and acts of mercy, based on the Old Testament tradition of a jubilee year of rest, forgiveness and renewal.

Holy years also are a time when Catholics visit designated churches and shrines, recite special prayers, go to confession and receive Communion to receive a plenary indulgence, which is a remission of the temporal punishment due for one’s sins.

Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first Holy Year in 1300 and decreed that they would be celebrated every 100 years.

But just 50 years later, a more biblical cadence, Pope Clement VI proclaimed another holy year. Pope Urban VI thought holy years should be celebrated every 33 years as a reminder of the time Jesus lived.

Finally, in 1470, Pope Paul II established the celebrations every 25 years, which has been the practice ever since. However, special anniversaries have called for special holy years, for instance, in 1933 to mark the 1,900th anniversary of Jesus’ death and resurrection and in 1983 to mark the 1,950th anniversary.

Pope Francis, seeing a need to emphasize God’s mercy and to encourage Catholics to return to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, declared an extraordinary Year of Mercy, which ran in 2015-16.

For the Year of Mercy, and traditionally for holy years, the celebrations begin with the pope opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve and end with the sealing of the door one year later. †

Beatification of John Paul I set for September 2022 VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will beatify Pope John Paul I Sept. 4 at the Vatican, according to Stefania Falasca, a journalist and vice postulator of the late pope’s sainthood cause.

In October, Pope Francis had signed a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Pope John Paul I, clearing the way for his beatification. At the time, a date for the ceremony was not announced.

Writing Dec. 23 in Avvenire, the daily newspaper owned by the Italian bishops’ conference, Falasca said the date had been set.

Pope John Paul I, an Italian who was born Albino Luciani, served only 33 days as pontiff; he died in the papal apartments Sept. 28, 1978, three weeks shy of his 66th birthday, shocking the world and a Church that had just mourned the death of St. Paul VI. The miracle approved in his cause involved a young girl in Buenos Aires, Argentina, who developed a severe case of acute encephalitis, experienced uncontrollable and life-threatening brain seizures and eventually entered septic shock.

After doctors told family members her death was “imminent,” the local priest encouraged the family, nurses and others to pray to the late pope for his intercession, according to the website of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes.

A panel of experts studying the cause determined there was no scientific explanation for her complete recovery in 2011 and that it could be attributed to the late pope’s intercession.

Although his was one of the shortest papacies in history, Pope John Paul I left

CNS PHOTO

Pope John Paul I, who served as pope for 33 days in 1978, is seen in this photo released by the Vatican Dec. 7, 2010. Pope Francis will beatify Pope John Paul I Sept. 4, 2022, at the Vatican, according to Stefania Falasca, a journalist and vice postulator of the late pope’s sainthood cause.

a lasting impression on the Church that fondly remembers him as “the smiling pope.”

Born in the small Italian mountain town of Canale D’Agordo on Oct. 17, 1912, the future pope and his two brothers and one sister lived in poverty and sometimes went to bed hungry.

He was ordained a priest in 1935 and was appointed bishop of Vittorio Veneto in December 1958 by St. John XXIII. More than 10 years later, he was named patriarch of Venice by St. Paul VI and was created a cardinal in 1973.

After St. Paul VI’s death, his surprise election did not sway him from continuing his humble manner of living, such as rejecting the use of the traditional papal tiara and calling his first Mass as pope the “inauguration” of his papal ministry rather than a coronation. †

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STATE & NATION

‘Ruff ’ work: Dogs provide needed support in Baltimore Archdiocese TIMONIUM, Md. (CNS) — Staff members at a Catholic Charities’ residential treatment program for children with behavioral and emotional needs were not having luck calming a boy during a recent screaming and yelling outburst. They couldn’t even get close enough to begin soothing the troubled youth.

That’s when Carmen intervened.

The 6-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, a trained rehabilitation facility dog for St. Vincent’s Villa and Villa Maria School in Timonium, was allowed into the boy’s space at his invitation.

“Carmen started licking away the tears, and the incident was defused in a matter of minutes,” said Aggie Callahan, director of education at St. Vincent’s Villa and Villa Maria School in Timonium.

Callahan, the dog’s secondary handler, noted that the student was able to return to class after spending some quality time with the dog.

Throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore, four-legged friends such as Carmen are on duty helping their human companions with emotional and physical assistance.

Service dogs are trained to help with specific disabilities and are not considered pets. Yet they and other animals provide friendship as they help navigate life’s challenges.

Carmen arrived at Catholic Charities three years ago as part of a pilot program through the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation that places trained dogs in sponsored facilities. She is a familiar presence, greeting students as they arrive and providing emotional support throughout the day.

St. Vincent’s Villa and Villa Maria School serve children with traumatic emotional and behavioral health challenges.

Ezra Buchdahl, school administrator and the dog’s primary handler, said Carmen participates in routine therapy sessions. Buchdahl recalled a time when a 12-year-old girl abandoned by her parents came to the Villa depressed and angry, saying she would never trust anyone again. And “she meant it,” Buchdahl told the Catholic Review, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Developing trust and unconditional love for Carmen was part of the healing the student needed to be placed with a foster family. Buchdahl didn’t think that would have been possible without the

CNS PHOTO

Aspen Shelton, a sophomore at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, receives a friendly greeting from Eddie, her service dog, on Nov. 5, 2021.

canine confidant.

What can Carmen do that emergency medicine and interventions cannot?

“Love!” Buchdahl said.

Thirty miles from Timonium, a small chalkboard sign sits on the floor outside Marcie Gibbons’ office at Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn.

“Doc is In,” it reads, referencing the black Labrador that helps Gibbons in her role as a clinical social worker and school counselor at Archbishop Spalding.

While not a trained therapy dog, Doc has taken on the role of a companion at Spalding. He first arrived at the school as a 6-month-old puppy after school administrators had given Gibbons special permission to bring the pet to school while he was training.

On Doc’s first day at the school, a visibly upset student came into Gibbons’ office. Without prompting, Doc put his head on the student’s lap until the tears stopped flowing. Gibbons knew then Doc was special.

Nine years later, the “unofficial mayor of Spalding” has enjoyed part-time hours visiting with students and staff, making rounds to classrooms.

“Doc has been known to interrupt a Latin exam or two,” Gibbons said with a laugh. Gibbons called the lab a “conduit” and a “safety net.”“He’s like bubble wrap” at Spalding said Gibbons, a social worker for approximately three decades and a counselor at Spalding for 15 years.

Stress in young people was already inching upward pre-pandemic, according to Gibbons.

“COVID-19 hit and broke that glass

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ceiling,” she said, noting that Doc brings a gentle, calming presence.

In Baltimore, no one would know by Aspen Shelton’s radiant smile and outgoing personality that she has been visually impaired since birth. A brain tumor took away the little vision she had left a year ago.

A sophomore from Texas majoring in communications, advertising and journalism at Loyola University Maryland, Shelton relies on Edwina, her 4-year old black Labrador to help her navigate the campus.

Edwina, nicknamed “Eddie,” also sits poolside while Shelton trains at predawn swim workouts as a member of both the Greyhound swim team and the USA Paralympic Swim Team.

“We’re attached at the hip, practically,” said Shelton. If I leave the room and she doesn’t realize it, she’ll come looking for me,” Shelton said. “She loves to work. She loves her job. She’s absolutely amazing to my independence and everyday life.

She’s a lifesaver.”

Shelton explained how her seeingeye dog has what she called intelligent decision-making skills. Eddie knows how to prevent her from walking into traffic when Shelton might think it’s safe to cross a street — an important skill, considering Loyola’s location along a busy street.

Competitively swimming since the age of 8, Shelton, who could not compete in the Tokyo Paralympics because of her brain tumor, looks forward to competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic games.

Shelton said her favorite thing about Eddie is her bubbly personality.

“She’s all-around amazing,” Shelton said, “always bouncing along, tail wagging. I love her a lot.” †

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 11, 2022

MUNDO CATÓLICO Características de un catequista de adultos

El nuevo Directorio para la Catequesis vuelve hacer mención de la importancia de la formación de adultos apoyándose del previo Directorio General para la Catequesis. Esto nos indica que la formación de adultos en la fe dentro de la Iglesia es prioridad y que debe de prestársele atención a ella. De hecho, el Directorio menciona lo siguiente: “En la catequesis con los adultos es decisiva la figura del catequista, que es como un acompañante y, al mismo tiempo, un educador capaz de apoyarlos también en los procesos de crecimiento personal.” (n.263) La figura del catequista de adultos es decisiva, significa que es determinante, que soluciona, que resuelve. Por lo tanto, debe de ser cuidadosamente elegido y capacitado para ejercer este ministerio ya que tiene ciertas responsabilidades y tareas particulares para la catequesis con los adultos. Usted se preguntará, ¿Quién es una catequista de adultos? Es toda persona bautizada que ha recibido

el llamado de transmitir la fe a los demás adultos en distintos contextos (Grupos de Biblia, retiros, catequesis formales, RICA, predicas, grupos de oración y evangelización, grupos matrimoniales, por etc.). El no tener un ADRIAN proceso de asesoramiento y discernimiento puede HERRERA lastimar la finalidad en la formación de adultos.

Aquí las menciono: 1. Despertar la fe — fomentar un nuevo comienzo de la experiencia creyente con finalidad de motivar la atracción, el gusto y la voluntad del adulto.

2. Purificar la fe — ayudar a las personas a reconocer sus limitaciones de posibles representaciones religiosas parciales, engañosas, o erróneas. Y ayudarlos a encaminar a la plenitud de la vida en el Evangelio.

3. Alimentar la fe — promover la

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formación de conciencias cristianas maduras, que sean capaces de dar razón de su esperanza y que estén dispuestas a entrar a un dialogo sereno e inteligente con la cultura o sociedad.

4. Ayudar a compartir — establecer espacios para compartir realizando servicios en la Iglesia y en el mundo como signo de la presencia del Reino de Dios.

Como vemos, la labor que tiene la figura del catequista de adultos es una tarea fundamental en la evangelización y aunado a esto, debe de tener las habilidades y aptitudes de saber trabajar con lideres y agentes de pastoral, en especial con el clero. Debe de respetar y reconocer la autoridad del párroco, de sus vicarios, del Obispo y sus colaboradores ya que la fe que se comparte no solo es su fe personal, sino la fe de la Iglesia.

La figura del catequista de adultos debe ser una persona con ciertas habilidades humanas, espirituales, intelectuales y pastorales. Es decir, una

persona prudente, madura en su fe, empática, sabe comunicar, trabaja en equipo y para el equipo, resuelve conflictos, tiene tacto personal, sabe evaluar y tomar decisiones, coordinar, organizar tareas, delegar entre otras habilidades.

La figura del catequista de adultos debe ser dócil, humilde, persona de carácter que sabe dominar su temperamento y doblegar la soberbia, pero, sobre todo debe ser una persona enamorada de Cristo y sabe dar buen testimonio de Cristo en su vida.

Es, por consiguiente, la forma principal de la catequesis porque está dirigida a las personas que tienen las mayores responsabilidades y la capacidad de vivir el mensaje cristiano bajo su forma plenamente desarrollada. † Adrian Alberto Herrera es director asociado para la Oficina de Evangelización y Catequesis en la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston.

Vaticano rinde homenaje a 22 agentes de pastoral asesinados en 2021 CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — En situaciones de extrema pobreza, guerra o tensiones civiles, 22 agentes de pastoral de la iglesia católica fueron asesinados en 2021, según Fides, la agencia de noticias de la Congregación para la Evangelización de los Pueblos.

Al presentar, el 30 de diciembre, su informe anual de misioneros asesinados durante el año, la agencia de noticias explicó: “Usamos el término ‘misionero’ para todos los bautizados, conscientes de que ‘en virtud de su bautismo, todos los miembros del Pueblo de Dios se han convertido en discípulos misioneros’”.

Ninguno de los 13 sacerdotes, un hermano religioso, dos religiosas y seis laicos “realizaron hazañas o acciones llamativas”, dijo Fides, pero dieron testimonio de su fe “en contextos sociales empobrecidos y degradados, donde la violencia es la regla de vida, donde falta la autoridad del Estado ante la corrupción y los compromisos, y hay total falta de respeto a la vida y a todos los derechos humanos”.

“Desde África a América, de Asia a Europa, compartieron la vida cotidiana con sus hermanos y hermanas, con sus riesgos y miedos, su violencia y sus privaciones, trayendo en los pequeños gestos cotidianos el testimonio cristiano como semilla de esperanza”, dijo Fides.

Entre los 22 está el padre nigeriano

FOTO DE CNS

Las personas en el estado de Kayah de Myanmar asisten a la misa católica en la aldea de Htaykho en esta foto de archivo de 2015.

John Gbakaan Yaji de la diócesis de Minna, quien fue asesinado el 15 de enero por hombres armados que atacaron su automóvil; su cuerpo fue encontrado cerca de la carretera, atado a un árbol, dijo Fides.

APOYO PASTORAL A VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSO SEXUAL DEL CLERO

En un continuo esfuerzo por facilitar atención pastoral a las victimas de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, el Cardenal DiNardo gustaría recordar a los fieles de la Arquidiócesis la disponibilidad del Coordinador de Ayuda a Víctimas. Si alguien ha sido victim de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, se les anima llamar a la Diane Vines al 713-654-5799. Por favor rece por la sanación de las víctimas del abuso y por todos los que sufren de alguna manera.

También incluye el padre francés Olivier Maire, superior provincial de los Misioneros de Montfort, asesinado el 9 de agosto en la casa provincial de Saint Laurent sur Sèvre, en Francia, por un migrante ruanés al que había ofrecido alojamiento.

Las mujeres en la lista de la Agencia

Fides incluyen a las Hermanas del Sagrado Corazón Mary Daniel Abud y Regina Roba, que fueron asesinadas en agosto, junto con varias otras personas, cuando su autobús alquilado fue atacado en la carretera entre Juba y Nimule, en Sudán del Sur. Al publicar la lista, la Agencia Fides dijo que no solo señalaba a los agentes de la iglesia asesinados en territorios de misión tradicionales y no proclamaba a ninguno de ellos como “mártires” en el sentido técnico de haber sido asesinados por odio a su fe.

Aunque no se incluye en el recuento, el informe de la Agencia Fides también rindió homenaje a los 35“civiles inocentes, todos ellos católicos”, que murieron el 24 de diciembre, según los informes, a manos del ejército de Myanmar en la aldea de Mo So en el estado de Kayah mientras estaban huyendo de los combates en la zona. Se les disparó a las víctimas, incluso a mujeres ancianas y niños, y luego sus cuerpos fueron quemados.

“El hecho de que los cuerpos de los muertos, quemados y mutilados fueran encontrados el día de Navidad hace que esta terrible tragedia sea aún más conmovedora y repugnante”, dijo el cardenal Charles Maung Bo de Yangon.

“Mientras el resto del mundo celebraba el nacimiento de Cristo con alegría, la gente de la aldea de Mo So sufría muerte, conmoción y destrucción”. †

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Hispanic Radio Programs

KYST Radio Station 920 AM Sunday broadcasts: 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. & 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

JANUARY 11, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/DIGITALEDITIONS

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WITHIN THE ARTS

Two books aim to guide married couples on journey to holiness WASHINGTON (CNS) — Two new books aim to refocus Catholic couples on the journey to holiness and sanctity within their marriages, families and communities. “30 Days with Married Saints: A Catholic Couples’ Devotional”

by Kent Lasnoski and Caitlin Lasnoski offers an easily attainable daily reading, reflection and practice for spouses.

“Holy Together: Reflections on Married Spirituality” by Kathleen Finley connects the spiritual journey of marriage and its relationship to its practical application in daily life.

Finley, who has written eight books on spirituality, is a spiritual director and private practice therapist. She has been married for more than 40 years, and for more than three decades, she has helped couples prepare for marriage. Her vast experience is reflected in her writing, making “Holy Together” appropriate for engaged couples, newlyweds and seasoned spouses.

Finley’s focus is on the realistic implementation of spirituality in the daily lives of married couples. She defines spirituality as “the way I live in light of what I believe.” Her simply stated, tangible definition is segmented and deepened by seven aspects of spiritual tradition.

Using a somewhat scaffolded technique of explanation for the reader, Finley first introduces these concepts with examples from saints and other Catholic role models who lived out these ideas.

She then provides various anecdotal, reasonable and specific examples of married couples in all stages of their vocation who apply the concept. You can almost hear her cheering on the reader in the background: “You got this. Just try.

It’s a journey you can take together.”

For example, Finley uses Sts. Therese of Lisieux and Damien of Molokai to exemplify asceticism, the spiritual concept of self-giving and sacrifice for the greater good and a larger purpose.

St. Damien, as his widely known history goes, gave his life for people exiled and suffering from Hansen’s disease. St. Therese, on the other hand, gave of herself and her own needs for the needs of her religious community. She bit her tongue and resisted complaining

CNS PHOTO

These are book covers of “30 Days with Married Saints: A Catholic Couples’ Devotional” by Kent and Caitlin Lasnoski; and “Holy Together: Reflections on Married Spirituality” by Kathleen Finley. The books are reviewed by Regina Lordan.

when she felt unappreciated or annoyed by her women religious companions.

How can the examples of someone who died among the sick and a contemplative nun apply to married couples with careers, families and modern-day pressures that can lead to isolation, individualism and insular selfishness? Well, the St. Therese example might be obvious, but Finley responds that spouses can practice this tradition continually.

Christians are called to love others first, she writes, and can do this through little acts of self-giving, by balancing one’s own needs with those of the couple and the family, and by taking risks with trust and communicating fully with each other.

At the conclusion of each chapter, Finley includes a relevant Scripture verse, active-engagement reflection and resources for further exploration. At the conclusion of the book, she reiterates that practical spirituality and the vocation of marriage is a journey that can be taken together as a couple.

Further emphasizing how couples can live this out, she gives examples from her own marriage, even including a letter she wrote to her husband for their 40th anniversary in the appendix. She packs a lot of information into these 112 pages.

Authors Kent and Caitlin Lasnoski also pack a lot of information into their monthlong devotional, “30 Days with Married Saints,” for couples to participate in together.

The Lasnoskis have been mentors to engaged couples and have helped design and lead pre-Cana programs. Kent Lasnoski teaches theology at Wyoming Catholic College and Caitlin homeschools their eight children. Their experiences personally and professionally make the

•

“30 Days with Married Saints: A Catholic Couples’ Devotional” Kent and Caitlin Lasnoski Pauline Books and Media (Boston, 2021).

256 pages, $18.95.

•

“Holy Together: Reflections on Married Spirituality” Kathleen Finley Resource Publications (Eugene, Oregon, 2020) 122 pages, $17.

book relevant to engaged couples as well as those married for decades.

Each day of the book opens with a prayer and discussion material and concludes with a spiritual practice to enrich reflection on the topic. The authors, using the examples of married saints or men and women on the path to canonization, emphasize that holiness is a team effort.

Some of the saints in the book are married to each other, such as Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin, while others are simply saints who are married, such as St. Gianna Molla. The Holy Family opens the first three days of the book with their exemplified selflessness and devotion to God even amid the stresses of normal family life.

The authors write that although couples have different levels of devotion from time to time, holiness in marriage can be attainable within modern-day society.

Like Finley in “Holy Together,” Kent and Caitlin Lasnoski make the journey to holiness not only real but enjoyable.

Echoing Finley’s point, they write that “a holy marriage is not characterized by immediate perfection but by simply striving for holiness.”

Paired together or read separately, both books would help enrich the faith life of married or engaged couples. †

LOCAL CATHOLIC NEWS.

WHERE YOU WANT IT. WHEN YOU WANT IT.

MOVIE RATINGS By Catholic News Service A-I – GENERAL PATRONAGE • Ron’s Gone Wrong (PG)

A-II – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS • American Underdog (PG) • Clifford the Big Red Dog (PG) • Encanto (PG) • Sing 2 (PG)

A-III – ADULTS • Being the Ricardos (R) • Belfast (PG-13) • Ghostbusters: Afterlife (PG-13) • King Richard (PG-13) • National Champions (R) • Spider-Man: No Way Home (PG-13) • The King’s Man (R) • The Matrix Resurrections (R) • West Side Story (PG-13)

L – LIMITED ADULT AUDIENCE • House of Gucci (R) • Nightmare Alley (R)

O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE • Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (R)

WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/DIGITALEDITIONS

20 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

MILESTONES

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 11, 2022

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Sisters of Charity make their perpetual professions Sisters Kim Xuan Thi Nguyen and Symphonie Giao-Huong Ngoc Ngo made their perpetual profession of vows as permanent members of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in Houston on Saturday, Jan. 1.

Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, presided at the Eucharist held at the Immaculate Conception Chapel at Villa de Matel. Father Dat Hoang was the homilist.

In his homily, Father Hoang likened Sisters Nguyen’s and Ngo’s fiat to that of Mary’s fiat in consenting to become the mother of Jesus. He said, “…only a woman who is madly in love with the Incarnate Word would profess for life the

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD Sisters Kim Xuan Thi Nguyen (at left) and Symphonie Giao-Huong Ngoc Ngo (at right) made their perpetual profession of vows as permanent members of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in Houston on Saturday, Jan. 1.

vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.”

He affirmed that both sisters were touched by love, which allowed them to submit to the will of God just as Mary did.

He reminded them that by Mary’s fiat, Jesus entered the world, receiving His life, blood and heartbeat through her. †

AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE Editor’s Note: Contact event organizers for the latest updates and information. For deadline/submission details and other listings, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA.

FEB. 6

JAN. 19

BABY SHOWER, 8:30 a.m., Mary Queen (606 Cedarwood Dr, Friendswood). The Bay Area Deanery Council of Catholic Women invite all women for a baby shower to support the Pregnancy and Parenting Support Center of Galveston County. 8:30 a.m. Mass, 9:30 a.m. refreshments and raffle, 10 a.m. short business meeting followed by viewing of Roe v. Wade movie. Suggested donations: Similac Advance Infant Formula Powder in the blue can, diapers sizes 4 or 5, and baby wipes. More info: Terry Kelley, 281-827-4232.

JAN. 21-23

CATHOLIC MEN’S RETREAT, Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center (430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston).

Men’s weekend retreat offers quiet time, prayer and sharing with other men. Register: 713-4640211 ext. 10; holynameretreatcenter.com.

JAN. 29

YOUTH CONFERENCE, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Catholic Charismatic Center (1949 Cullen Blvd., Houston). Evolution 2022 Youth Conference for ages 13 to 18 with speakers Paul J. Kim, Michael Gormley and Father David Michael Moses. Hosted by Disciples In Growth Youth Group. $25/person. Register: https://cccgh. com/evolution-youth-conference. More info: 713-385-5755; fsv210@hotmail.com.

MASS OF CONCECRATED LIFE, 11 a.m, CoCathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 San Jacinto, Houston). Daniel Cardinal DiNardo is celebrant. Consecrated men and women assemble to express its gratitude for the gift of Consecrated Life. The Mass will be livestreamed at sacredhearthouston.org.

SPAGHETTI DINNER, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Guardian Angel (5610 Demel St., Wallis).

Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Queen of Angels #1538 hosts its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser, $10 plate of spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, green beans and garlic bread from Ben’s Chuck Wagon. $15 cheese rolls also be available to order. Raffle drawing at 1 p.m. Presale tickets available.

More info: 832-259-1917.

FEB. 12

HEART OF WORSHIP, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., St. Laurence Catholic Church (3100 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land). Full day of spiritual renewal and restoration featuring Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers with talks, music, Mass, Adoration and dinner. $30 per person, open to everyone sixth grade and older. Register: www. stlaurence.org/HOW

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FEBRUARY 12, 2022 AT THE CO-CATHEDRAL OF THE SACRED HEART

FEB. 19

A NIGHT OF REFLECTION, 6:30 p.m., St. Cecilia Catholic Church (11720 Joan of Arc Dr., Houston). John Michael Talbot presents “Come Home, Little Children.” More info: faithformation@saintcecilia.org, 713-465-3414.

RENEWAL CONFERENCE, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church (11011 Hall Rd., Houston). Emmaus Missionaries of Love invites all married couples to the renewal conference, “Holding Hands, Holding Hearts” hosted by Father Kingsley Nwoko, STL. $50 per couple, includes breakfast and lunch. Childcare is available. Pre-registration is required.

Register: www.stlukescatholic.com.

To find additional listings online, visit the website at WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA.

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