Texas Catholic Herald - Sept. 28, 2021

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

HOPE AND HEALING

Ministry brings mental health advocacy to Vietnamese communities.

▪ SEE PAGE 8

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

A SHEPHERD’S MESSAGE

texas catholic herald

GROWING DIACONATE

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Galveston-Houston sees huge growths in permanent diaconate ▪ SEE PAGE 9

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

VOL. 58, NO. 8

SERVING GOD AND SERVING OTHERS

BY DANIEL CARDINAL DINARDO Archbishop of Galveston-Houston This past May, our Holy Father announced the establishment of a “new” ministry, that of a catechist.

Actually, the word and term “catechist” is quite old, but it was always envisaged and even regarded as a minor work or apostolate of religious education personnel. We find the catechist in the earliest ages of the Church.

By making it a formal ministry, Pope Francis has heard the repeated requests from many parts of the world to honor this especially outstanding work in the life of the Church with a dignity analogous to lector or acolyte.

Already in the New Testament, St. Paul, in his First Letter to the Corinthians, See SHEPHERD, page 2

FOR BRAVERY AND COURAGE

HERALD FILE PHOTOS

Altar servers process through the sanctuary at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Houston. A Nov. 13 Mass will honor both retired Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz and the hundreds of altar servers at parishes across the Archdiocese.

Firefighters Mass honors first responders lost in line of duty

BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Firefighters now go beyond the duty of handling blazes, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic as they protect the lives of residents and their property.

On Sunday, Oct. 17, the Archdiocese will thank and pray for all firefighters from departments and volunteers at the annual Archdiocesan Firefighters Mass.

The 11 a.m. Mass, presided by Father Jeff Bame of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and sponsored by the Saint Florian Society of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, will be held at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, See FIREFIGHTERS, page 5

Serra Club honors Bishop Sheltz, altar servers with Mass 73% of new priests were first altar servers

BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — At 75, retired Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz still recalls winning the Altar Server of the Year award as a boy.

“Being an altar server gives you participation in the Liturgy, and you are actively involved, not just a spectator,” Bishop Sheltz said.

When altar servers perform their duties well during Mass while processing in with the crucifix, bringing up the book to the celebrating priest or ringing the altar bell during consecration, parishioners rarely notice them except for their proud parents. But if they yawn

THE FIRST WORD † 3

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COLUMNISTS † 12 - 13

or scratch in the middle of a prayer, it appears everyone sees that.

Bishop Sheltz, who gave his mandatory resignation to Pope Francis this past June, said he remembers receiving the Altar Boy of the Year award in his childhood when he served at Annunciation Catholic Church in downtown Houston.

His vocation may have been a case of being pre-ordained in more ways than one coming from a family who followed their vocations. His uncle Monsignor Anton Frank was the first native Houstonian ordained for the diocese in 1933 and became pastor at Annunciation. Bishop’s father, George Sheltz Sr., was ordained a permanent deacon and his brother Anton also became a priest.

Seminarians have often said their discernment efforts were impacted by their choice to serve the See ALTAR SERVERS, page 7 Church as an altar server at their parish.

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ESPAÑOL † 16 - 17 |

MILESTONES † 20

2 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

A Shepherd’s Message

By Daniel Cardinal DiNardo

SHEPHERD, from page 1 mentions such teachers right after he mentions apostles and prophets. There are certain baptized members of the Church who are charged to transmit in a more systematic, organic and stable form the riches and life of the Church. The word “Catechist” means to echo back something original and momentous.

Catechists are to be marked by their holiness of life, formation in solid faith, and joyful witnessing power. They make palpable the joy of the Gospel.

I will be writing much more on this in a future issue. Right now, it is enough to announce this newness, to thank our catechists, and to invite and urge catechists new and old to come to the ministry now as COVID-19 has

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reached a point where we are able, as a Church, to come together again and hear God’s word in renewed catechetical formation — as children, adolescents, adults, catechumens and seekers. I hope we will lay aside any hesitations to return to regular sessions in steady joyful study of the Gospel! _____

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Please remember the people in Louisiana who have suffered from recent storms.

I am especially concerned with those in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

The devastation is enormous. I have spoken with the bishop there: almost all their parishes have received severe damage.

The infrastructure of the diocese has truly been struck. Be generous in sending offerings not only to the people but also to the local church itself. Thank you! †

El Cardenal Daniel DiNardo comparte su columna en línea en español. Visite www.archgh.org para leer su artículo en línea.

Faith must identify with those who suffer, pope says at Mass in Slovakia ŠAŠTIN, Slovakia (CNS) — The world needs Christians who are “signs of contradiction,” who show the beauty of the Gospel rather than hostility toward others, Pope Francis said.

Celebrating Mass on the final day of his apostolic trip to Slovakia Sept. 15, the pope said the country needed such prophets who are “models of fraternal life, where society is experiencing tension and hostility,”especially toward those who often feel unwelcome.

Slovakia needs Christians who are “bringers of the sweet fragrance of hospitality and solidarity, where personal and collective selfishness too often prevails, protectors and guardians of life where the culture of death reigns,” he said.

The Marian basilica in Šaštin, which draws thousands of pilgrims each year, features a 16th-century statue of Our Lady of Sorrows venerated by Slovak Catholics. The pope’s visit to the shrine coincided with the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.

CNS PHOTO

Pope Francis accepts flowers from a girl during a meeting with the Roma community in the Luník IX neighborhood in Košice, Slovakia, Sept. 14, 2021.

Following in the footsteps of St. John Paul II, who visited the shrine in 1995, Pope Francis visited the basilica

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privately to pray before the statue of Mary with Slovakia’s bishops, the Vatican said.

Reciting a prayer on behalf of himself and the bishops present, the pope sought Mary’s intercession for them “in the joys and struggles of our ministry.”

“Queen of the Apostles, refuge of sinners, you know our human limitations, our spiritual failings, our sorrow in the face of loneliness and abandonment: with your gentle touch, heal our wounds,” he prayed.

Thousands of Slovaks lined the streets leading to the basilica, pressing against the barricades and waving as Pope Francis drove by in his popemobile.

Arriving at the site of the outdoor Mass near the basilica where an estimated 60,000 faithful welcomed him, the pope waved back and often stopped to greet children presented to him, gently patting them on their head or caressing their faces. †

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Daniel Cardinal DiNardo Archbishop, President & Publisher Jonah Dycus Communications Director & Executive Editor Rebecca Torrellas Managing Editor James Ramos Designer & Reporter Catherine Viola Graphic Designer & Advertising Manager Holly Beretto, Kerry McGuire and Jo Ann Zuñiga Contributors The Texas Catholic Herald, an awardwinning member of The Catholic Media Association, is published semi-monthly on Tuesdays, with one issue in June, July and August by The Texas Catholic Herald Publishing Co., Inc., 1700 San Jacinto St., Houston, TX 77002.

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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THE FIRST WORD PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS

Archdiocesan Jubilee celebration honors priests, consecrated women, men HOUSTON — In this year of St Joseph, more than 70 Jubilarians in the Archdiocese will celebrate their respective anniversaries, giving thanks to God for his faithfulness to them.

Priests and consecrated men and women celebrating their diamond, golden and silver jubilees will be honored on Oct. 10 at St. Anne Catholic Church, located at 2140 Westheimer

Rd. in Houston, at 3:30 p.m.

The Mass will be presided over by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro. A special invitation is extended to all those lives who have been blessed by the ministry of the Jubilarians, especially youth and young adults. For more information about the Jubilee Mass, visit www.archgh.org.†

JUBILARIANS 2020

75 YEARS

Sister Mary Alice Carbajal, O.P.

Sister Gertrude Pena, O.P.

DIAMOND – 60 YEARS

DIAMOND – 60 YEARS

Sister Barbara Ann Cernosek, O.P. Brother Roger F. Clement, M.S. Sister Margaret Christina Collins, CCVI Sister Jacqueline Driscoll, CCVI Father Albert Gaelens, C.S.B. Sister Josephine Marie Godinich, O.P. Sister Mignonne Konecny, O.P. Sister Mary Jean Olsovsky, O.P. Sister Mary Laura Rembold, O.P. Father Christopher Schmitt

Sister Eleanor Dickmann, O.S.B Sister Rosalie Karstedt, C.D.P. Sister Francesca Kearns, CCVI Sister Miriam Therese Miller, CCVI Father Roy J. Oggero, C.S.B. Father Les Francis Schaefer, C.S.B. Father Peter H. Voelker, C.Ss.R.

GOLDEN – 50 YEARS

Sister Mary Patricia Driscoll, CCVI Father Kenneth Heberlein Father John H. Kappe Sister Mary McHale, CCVI Sister Theresa Thuy-Dung Nguyen, O.P. Father Stephen J. Payne Father Chacko Puthumayil Father Alberto Rodriguez, O.P. Sister Carmen Sanchez, MCDP Retired Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz Sister Sheila Sullivan, CCVI

GOLDEN – 50 YEARS

Father Philip A. Acquaro, C.S.B. Sister Ann Mary Brangan, CCVI Father Franco Cecchini, C.R.S. Monsignor Rolando V. Diokno Father Martin J. Iott, O.P. Father Andrew Meiners, C.Ss.R. Father Paul F. O’Connor, C.S.B. Sister Miriam Oliveros, O.P. Father Jose J. Tharayil Sister Betsy Ulahannan, MSMI Monsignor William L. Young

SILVER – 25 YEARS

Father Ramon J. Arechua Father Jhon J. Florez Sister Cecilianna Ha Le, O.P. Sister Ann Bosco Minh-Hue Nguyen, O.P. Sister Maria Theresa Kim-Hong Nguyen, O.P. Sister Marie Thérèse Nga Nguyen, O.P. Sister Maureen Jubilet Nwajiobi, DMMM Sister Maria Vinflora Onije, DMMM Father Thomas V. Ponzini Father Gary A. Rickles Father Charles J. Samperi Father John Kare Taosan

SILVER – 25 YEARS

Sister Patience Asu, HHCJ Sister Mary Brenda, O.P. Father Rafael Becerra Sister Francesca Binh Bui, O.P. Sister Morenikeji Francisca Faseemo, SSMA Father Santy Kurian Father Waldemar Matusiak, S.Chr. Sister Bernadette Hoai Huong Nguyen, O.P. Sister Temitope Veronica Ogunlade, SSMA Sister M. Gloria Okpara, DMMM Sister Francesca Okwara, D.D.L. Father Tin Cosmas Kim Pham Joelma Regis, Focolare Movement Sister Magdalen Thuy Tran, O.P. Sister Anne Catherine Minh Tam Vu, O.P.

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Free with any contribution to the Diocesan Services Fund

Effective September 10 Father Emmanuel Akpaidem, MSP Administrator to Pastor, Sacred Heart, Crosby Father Jeffrey Bame Administrator to Pastor, Co-Cathedral of

the Sacred Heart Father Jonathan Moré Administrator to Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Sealy Effective September 15 Father Alfonso Tran Parochial Vicar St. Jerome, Houston

JUBILARIANS 2021

75 YEARS

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Effective August 5 Father Linh Nguyen Pastor, St. Rose of Lima Father Michael Applegate Administrator, St. John of the Cross, New Caney

or

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IN BRIEF Annual Red Mass for legal professions set for Oct. 19

HOUSTON — The 2021 Red Mass for members of the legal professions is set for Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 6:15 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in Houston.

The Mass will be livestreamed at www.archgh.org/live for those unable to attend in person. An optional dinner program will be held following the Mass. For more information about the 2021 Red Mass, visit www.archgh. org/redmass. †

White Mass for healthcare professionals set for Oct. 23

HOUSTON — The Annual Archdiocesan White Mass for Healthcare Professionals will be held on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m., at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in Houston.

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo will be the celebrant. A reception and talk follow with Father Tad Pacholczyk, PhD, director of education and staff ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center.

To register, visit www.cvent.com/d/hmqz8t. †

Food assistance distributions continue

HOUSTON — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston continues to offer food assistance with drive-through distribution at three locations: the Guadalupe Center in Houston, appointments required; Mamie George Community Center (MGCC) in Richmond, appointments required; and Beacon of Hope in Galveston, a Galveston County super distribution site.

In Galveston, distribution is on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The next distributions are on Oct. 13 and 27, starting at 9 a.m. No appointments required. Call 409-762-2064 for more information.

In Fort Bend, the MGCC is a Houston Food Bank super distribution site, and appointments are required.

Distributions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The next monthly food fair is scheduled for Oct. 30. For assistance, call 281-202-6289.

At the Guadalupe Center in Houston, distributions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only. For addresses, times and to make an appointment, visit www. catholiccharities.org/food or call 713-874-6521. †

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

‘TWO STREAMS’ PREMIERES AT ANNUNCIATION

The concert-length work explores St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy Message . ▪ SEE PAGE 18

Catholics continue leading hurricane relief efforts Special to the Herald HOUSTON (CNS) — Parishes around the Archdiocese continued to gather relief supplies to help those in Louisiana hit hardest by Hurricane Ida almost a month ago.

At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in northwest Houston, a weekend supply drive collected bottled water, sports drinks, fruit cups and snacks, and other supplies for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in La Place, Louisiana.

The relief aid was destined for La Place, one of many smaller communities that were slammed by Hurricane Ida. There, La Place parishioners rallied together in faith and in recovery to bring relief to southern Louisiana from the devastation left in the path of Hurricane Ida. A Covington, Louisiana, resident Betty-Ann Hickey recently learned that one person doing one small thing can have an impact. Hickey, with her son James, her friend Tammy Morris and Morris’s sons Kenneth and Matthew, traveled from St. Tammany Parish to help her friend Father David Ducote, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church in La Place.

“I have never done anything like this before,” said Hickey, director of music at Most Holy Trinity Church in Covington and associate director of the Office of Worship for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. “A true friend means you will be there to help people when they need it.”

Once the storm had passed, Hickey was posting on Facebook that she was OK to friends and family since phones and emails weren’t going through. While many were responding, it was a plea from

HOW TO HELP

Many agencies are leading the way in providing Hurricane Ida relief. Several have Amazon wishlists and are accepting financial donations.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINE BORDELON, CLARION HERALD

Father David Ducote, pastor at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Parish in LaPlace, La., celebrates an outdoor Mass Sept. 9, 2021, at the home of Adam and Michelle Williams for approximately 35 storm-weary Catholics who needed a respite from cleaning up their homes from Hurricane Ida damage.

Father Ducote about the need in his area for manpower to do clean up, remove trees, gut houses that impelled her to act.

“I didn’t have any damage to my home, so once we got power back, I didn’t want to sit around feeling sorry for myself,” Hickey told the Clarion Herald, archdiocesan newspaper of New Orleans.

“We who weren’t badly affected have the responsibility to help,” Hickey said.

“Today, it’s not us, but the next time, it might be. I would want someone to come help cut a tree off my house.”

On Sept. 9, she took a crew carrying a truckload of supplies from her parish to Lafitte to help.

Jeannie Callaway, administrative assistant to Father Jared Rodrigue, pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Slidell, is helping Hickey coordinate volunteers and get donations of supplies and money to the parishes and people

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who need it most.

Father Rodrigue traveled first Sept. 3 to Destrehan with several parishioners and $3,000 in donations and helped with the relief effort of food coordinated by the local Knights of Columbus.

Then about 50 St. Luke parishioners helped Sept. 7 with manpower and donations in La Place, where they gutted houses and cut down trees (with the help of fraternity brothers with three chain saws) from a list compiled by St. Joan of Arc Church, the same parish supported

by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Houston.

St. Luke is working directly with Father Luke Nguyen, pastor of St. Anthony Church in Lafitte, where several Lafitte residents are being housed, to discover immediate needs.

“It is unfortunate that it takes a tragedy to see Catholic Church teaching in its essence — to see faith in action,” Father Rodrigue said.

“There’s great hope in knowing we are capable of giving time and resources, and yet it poses a challenge in learning how

• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux www.catholiccharitiesht.org • Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans www.ccano.org • Catholic Charities of Acadiana www.catholiccharitiesacadiana.org • Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston www.catholiccharities.org to do this better and more often in the future, not just when a tragedy strikes,” the priest added.

When Hickey first went to Lafitte on Sept. 8, she wasn’t prepared for what she saw. People were living in cars or out in the open because their homes and cars were destroyed by floodwaters.

“There are so many houses still with water; some houses are not even accessible. There is so much water and mud in the yards,” said Hickey.

Hickey said she is inspired by her Catholic faith to help others.

“In all of this, I see the best of the Church. When you read the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles were of one accord — everyone cared for everyone. One who has more should care for one who has less. The Church that Jesus founded is that you share what you have. ... If we believe in the mission of the Church, we have a responsibility to be the hands and hearts of the Lord.” † – Catholic News Service contributed to this story.

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Interested applicants are invited to visit the website of St. Michael the Archangel for the full job description and details on how to apply. https://stmichaelchurch.net/

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A time to pray for those who serve and rescue FIREFIGHTERS, from page 1 located at 1111 St. Joseph Parkway, in downtown Houston.

“Many citizens do not realize that it is the Houston Fire Department that provides Emergency Medical Services within the City of Houston. When someone needs an ambulance, it’s our EMTs and paramedics who provide those services,” said District Chief Christopher Chavez, Mass organizer and Houston firefighter.

He added, “Even when taking all the precautions that we can, we are sometimes exposed and contract these types of deadly disease.”

“This is a dangerous, high-risk profession. Support and prayers from family, friends and the community let our firefighters know they are appreciated,” Chavez said.

A special tribute will be given to firefighters who have passed in the previous year during the Mass. The tribute will include a reading of the names of deceased firefighters, which will be accompanied by the ringing of bells.

This tribute includes Houston Fire Department arson investigator Lemuel “DJ” Bruce, fatally shot Oct. 16, 2020, by an arsonist who then killed himself.

But the most lost last year were three firefighters taken by COVID-19 in the line of duty: Leroy Lucio on July 20, 2020, Gerado Pacheco on Aug. 3, 2020, and Tommy Searcy on Sept. 8, 2020. Plus, the disease has taken a fourth firefighter most recently on Sept. 3, 2021, with HFD Engineer Operator Tanner G. Reed, 39, passing away after being hospitalized with COVID-19.

In addition, Houston firefighter Kevin Leago, who passed from stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer on Dec. 12, 2019, will be remembered. Leago successfully fought the City of Houston over a workers compensation claim connecting the cancer to his work.

FIREFIGHTERS MASS

Annual Mass honors GalvestonHouston’s first responder communities Oct. 17 at 11 a.m.

Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston Celebrant: Father Jeffrey Bame FILE PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Fires regularly expose first responders to carcinogenic chemicals, including formaldehyde, benzene, arsenic and petroleum byproducts, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

At the time of Leago’s death, Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena was quoted, “Occupational cancer has proven to be the new epidemic we face. Far too many members of the fire service have been lost to this relentless illness.”

Fire trucks will line the street in front of the Co-Cathedral with crossed ladders hoisting a large U.S. flag.

The Archdiocesan Annual Firefighter Mass is open to active and retired firefighters, their families and the general public. †

Members of Galveston-Houston’s firefighter community stand under a U.S. flag suspended in front of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. The annual Firefighters Mass honors Galveston-Houston’s first responders and is set for Oct. 17 at 11 a.m.

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

New dorms at St. Mary’s Seminary blessed on Sept. 12 HOUSTON — Generous supporters of the IGNITE: “Our Faith, Our Mission” Capital Campaign gathered for a dorm blessing held at St. Mary’s Seminary, Sept. 12.

The blessing was held after a Mass celebrating the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders for those preparing for ordination to the diaconate.

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo was the principal celebrant of the Mass and blessing. Among those concelebrating the Mass were Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro and retired Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz; Father Eurel Manzano, St. Mary’s Seminary rector; retired Monsignor Chester Borski and Father Trung Nguyen, pastor at Sacred Heart in Manvel, both former rectors at St. Mary’s Seminary; and other priests of the Archdiocese and seminary faculty.

A key element of the IGNITE: “Our Faith, Our Mission” Capital Campaign supports St. Mary’s Seminary, including the construction of the new dorm for seminarians in formation for the priesthood. Last year, a ceremonial beam signing for the new dorm was held to celebrate the milestone event.

“Today is truly a historic occasion, not only for our men currently in formation, but for the men who will follow in the years to come,” Cardinal DiNardo said before the Sept. 12 dorm blessing. “The need for expansion and updating our seminary facilities, in effect, became

PHOTO BY JONAH DYCUS/HERALD

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo blesses the new dormitory at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston on Sept. 12. The new building was made possible by the generous supporters of the IGNITE: “Our Faith, Our Mission” Capital Campaign.

the ember that sparked the IGNITE campaign and, in doing so, has set us on a path of progress for the future.”

Cardinal DiNardo said the new residence will provide seminarians “a sense of community, a space conducive to prayer, scholarly pursuits, and the

resources needed to prepare for ministry in the 21st century. It is our hope also that this growth will position St. Mary’s at the forefront of growth in terms of Vocations within our Archdiocese and beyond.”

The dormitory has 54 seminarian suites and three formation staff suites over three floors, with each floor having a common area.

“I offer my sincere thanks to Studio Red, Axis, the Mossy family, the Scanlan Foundation, the Bridgwaters, the Grants, the Tharps, engineers and all the craftsmen whose dedicated efforts have brought us here today,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “I also thank Father Trung Nguyen in his leadership in starting this project a few years ago when he was the rector of St. Mary’s; and I thank Father Eurel Manzano for seeing the construction project through to its completion.”

For more than 100 years, St. Mary’s Seminary has helped thousands of men answer their call to the priesthood, ultimately enabling these young men to follow in the steps of the first disciples.

St. Mary’s Seminary also serves as home to the Diaconate Formation Program and hosts the University of St. Thomas School of Theology, which serves the seminarians and the greater community at large.

“This has truly been a journey of faith and vision that began long before ground was broken on this spot, with the very founding of St. Mary’s Seminary,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “The vision that our Archdiocese would be a place of solid priestly formation that would one day prepare men to serve in faith communities across nine dioceses and reach countless faithful through the ministry of priests who have been formed and trained here at St. Mary’s Seminary.”

Cardinal DiNardo went on to thank those present for their time and prayers, “and for many of you, your very, very gracious support — you have been instrumental in bringing this dream of creating a spiritual and a physical home for our seminarians to fruition, and on behalf of a grateful Archdiocese — I want to say thank you all.”

IGNITE was launched in 2015 to address the needs of the seminary, as well as the Catholic schools, individual parish needs and faith formation. The campaign also added a future disaster recovery fund and a fund to address rebuilding parishes and schools in light of Hurricane Harvey.

As part of the campaign, 33% of the funds collected from a parish are returned to that parish on a quarterly basis to be used toward specific church needs, including technology upgrades, beautification and repairs.

To learn more about the IGNITE: “Our Faith, Our Mission” Capital Campaign, visit the website online at www.archgh. org/IGNITE. †

IN BRIEF DSF annual appeal to support Archdiocesan ministries continues

Bishop Sheltz greets an Altar Server at the 2020 Mass

HOUSTON — This year, the theme of the annual Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) appeal is “Walk in the Light of Christ.” The annual campaign to support more than 60 Archdiocese-wide ministries is under way and the local Church is asking parishioners to continue their generous giving to DSF. The fund supports a variety of ministries, such as those forming youth in Catholic faith; providing support and preparation for clergy; teaching, evangelizing, worshipping, and outreach to the incarcerated, aging, poor and sick; and programming to strengthen Christian families, among many others. A full list of the ministries supported can be found at www.archgh.org/dsf.

The Archdiocese counts on DSF funds to help meet the needs of people struggling throughout our region.

To pledge online, visit www.archgh.org/dsf. For more information about DSF and the ministries it supports, call 713-652-4417. †

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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Vocations flourish thanks to altar serving beginnings ALTAR SERVING, from page 1 By fifth grade, Bishop Sheltz said he recalled dressing as a server to help his deacon father with benedictions and novenas at Annunciation. Then through eighth grade, he continued to assist his uncle with Masses as well.

“I remember when I won the Altar Boy of the Year award, the Serra Club brought the written tests to prove that I legitimately won and there was no favoritism,” he said and chuckled.

Now the Serra Club has named its annual Mass for altar servers as the Bishop George Sheltz Archdiocesan Altar Server Appreciation Mass, which is scheduled this year for Nov. 13 at the CoCathedral of the Sacred Heart.

“I’m very humbled they did that. The Serra Club continues to encourage young men and women to go into vocations.

Hopefully, by becoming altar servers, they consider going to the seminary and into religious life,” Bishop Sheltz said.

Committee co-chairs organizing the Mass, Serra US Executive board member Candice Tyrrell and Larry Massey, president of the Scanlan Foundation, said their main goal is to encourage young people to consider vocations.

“Serra’s mission is to foster and promote vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life. Catholic priests in the U.S. have seen a drastic decline in numbers since 1965 from nearly 60,000 to about 37,000 currently,”Tyrrell explained.

“That’s why these altar server appreciations are very important because the majority of priests were altar servers in their youth, and we desperately need more priests,” she said.

Massey agreed, saying Scanlan Foundation’s strategic mission is “building a culture of vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and holy families. That is why we are so excited to help Serra with this Mass.”

They both work closely with Father Richard McNeillie, Archdiocesan director of Vocations, who travels from the Houston chancery to area college campuses and seminaries across the state to encourage and guide students.

Meanwhile, the number of Catholics in the U.S. has increased from 48 million in 1965 to more than 70 million, not counting the 30 million or so lapsed Catholics. An annual ordination report from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) reflects those who responded among the 600 men being ordained in the U.S. The survey shows they are from a variety of backgrounds who responded to God’s call to serve His people — 67% Caucasian; 16% Hispanic; 10% Asian; 6% African/African American.

Across the country, the average age of ordination this year is 34, although the respondents were an average of 16 years old when they first considered a call to the priesthood. About 40% of all respondents attended a Catholic school for at least some of their education. Overall, 73% served as altar servers before entering the seminary. Half served as readers and 40% as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.

Father Tom Ponzini, pastor at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, said, “As a youngster, it was a thrill for me to serve at Mass right next to the priest. In some way, I felt closer to God. Without realizing it at the time, serving as an altar server was one of the many experiences that helped me to eventually respond to God’s calling to the priesthood.”

“The closer you get to the altar, the closer the Sacred shapes you. When I’m kneeling at the consecration with the thurible in hand and incense rising, it’s almost surreal as heaven and earth meet.”

“Our altar servers at Prince of Peace Catholic Community have just recently returned to serving at Mass after about a year and a half absence due to the pandemic,” he said. “It is so great to have them back!”

Father Ponzini added, “I believe that altar servers greatly enhance the celebration of Holy Mass. Through their reverence, their attentiveness and their presence, altar servers help lead the assembly in more fully praising and worshipping our Lord.”

Interviews with older altar servers from across the area included a young man seriously considering a vocation and visiting seminaries; another engaged to be married but wanting to continue serving God; and a young lady finishing up high school and starting college classes.

Ben Mueller has served at St. Thomas More, his family parish, for 10 years. Now 19 years old, he is working as an intern at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land with the youth ministry so Mueller also is an altar server there. Both his older brothers served and were role models for him to become an altar server, he said.

“One brother went to the seminary. He ended up leaving and getting married.

But he is now a director of evangelization in Florida,” Mueller said.

His great-uncle was also a role model as a priest in San Antonio as well as his parents, who are very devout with praying Rosaries and holy hours in Adoration, he said.

“The closer you get to the altar, the closer the Sacred shapes you,” Mueller said. “When I’m kneeling at the consecration with the thurible in hand and incense rising, it’s almost surreal as heaven and earth meet.”

But he is also realistic in seeing how many young people slip from the Church after receiving their Sacrament of Confirmation.

“I work with youth and see the rebellious spirit. You can’t change their hearts. Only God can change their hearts,” Mueller said.

“Parents can offer their pain to the Virgin Mary, who watched her own child die for us,” he said.

His serious discernment has taken him to St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston for retreats as well as visiting the Marian Friars Minor Franciscans for a week in their Kentucky monastery.

“They welcomed me to stay as long as I wanted,” Mueller said.

Carlos Morales took the more traditional route of altar servers, becoming one when he was eight years old after making his First Communion and serving until he was 12 years old.

“I took a break. But when I was 19 years old, I attended a Spanish retreat [where] I had a deep encounter with

God,” he said. “It’s not just about going to Mass. It’s to serve and give our lives to God.” As a University of Houston-Downtown student at the time, he began regularly serving during the weekday 12:10 p.m.

Masses at the Co-Cathedral downtown.

He also met his now-fiancée at the retreat, and they plan to marry in 2022.

He continues to be an altar server, and as a lector when needed, at the CoCathedral.

“The encounter encourages you to ask God to speak to you clearly in a way you understand. I had a vision of serving, preaching and saving souls. It was so clear and beautiful that I have no other choice but to serve God,” Morales said.

Callie Patterson, a 17-year-old high school senior also attending college courses at the College of the Mainland, has been an altar server since she was eight years old at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock.

“I wanted to take my faith further and be up close during the transubstantiation of turning bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus Christ,” Patterson said.

Although younger than most students directly involved, she was still pierced by the grief of the small town in 2018

when a lone shooter killed 10 people and wounded 13 at Santa Fe High School.

“Some of the wounded were my friends, and I know it crushed dreams,” she said. “But it didn’t make me question my faith. God was who we leaned on, praying together and reading Bible verses together.”

While considering a religious life, Patterson said she wants to experience motherhood. She said some in the conservative town also may not have fully accepted girls as altar servers. Pope John Paul II, now a saint, authorized female altar servers in 1994.

“I asked a friend of mine if she wanted to become an altar server, and she said that her family believes only boys should be altar servers,” Patterson said. “I just want to serve God however I can.”

All three altar servers interviewed said they plan to attend the Nov. 13 Mass at the Co-Cathedral, where organizers are asking pastors to invite those who have served for five years or more. Tyrrell and Massey and their committee are hoping for several hundred to attend and will award certificates and gifts.

Those interested in attending should contact their pastors about joining the event before the Oct. 13 deadline. †

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Open Position Director of Liturgy St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church exists to spread the good news that God loved us first, so we seek to do His will. We believe that ultimately His will is the salvation of our souls, to live in perfect beatitude. We are sent, therefore, to make intentional sacramental disciples.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION The Director of Liturgy for St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church serves the role of directing all liturgical activities of the parish. This involves coordinating ministers and volunteers and continuing to advance the dignity, beauty, and integrity of the liturgy.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION: Supervises, collaborates with, and supports Liturgy Task Force at regular meetings for liturgies throughout the year. Recruits, trains, and supports the liturgical volunteers and ministers in their respective roles. Acts as a resource to the staff on matters relating to the liturgy. Updates staff on developments in the liturgy and how these affect their areas of responsibility. Determines the liturgical needs of the parish in cooperation with the pastor. Prepares and submits a liturgy budget annually.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT: Assists parish staff in liturgical and sacramental preparation. Assists clergy and Director of Music in funeral planning and in preparing worship aids for funerals. Schedules and implements training for all liturgical volunteers and ministers. Maintains current knowledge of liturgical norms and documents.

FACILITATION AND COORDINATION: Coordinates rites and liturgical services in conjunction with RCIA team, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, and other parish organizations as deemed necessary by the pastor. Serves as liaison between parish and funeral homes and/or families to schedule times for relevant liturgies. Meets with family members and/or friends of deceased to assist with preparations for relevant liturgies.

Coordinates with wedding coordinator for nuptial liturgies. Meets with wedding couples to assist with preparation for liturgical celebrations. Facilitates the worship life of the parish and prepares Mass scripts for Masses and other liturgies, particularly the Triduum.

Coordinates the scheduling and preparation of special activities when needed.

ADMINISTRATION: Ensures an adequate supply of liturgical items (altar bread, wine, incense, etc.). Ensures timely ordering of liturgical books. Ensures there is an adequate supply of clean liturgical linen. Orders and purchases all necessary liturgical materials within planned budget. Requests maintenance/repair of parish sound and video systems.

OPPORTUNITY FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Supports and empowers the spiritual growth of volunteers and ministers.

MINOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Attends and contributes at regular staff meetings. Participates in staff events, such as workshops, retreats, lunches, and planning. Participates in calendar planning. Follows policies and procedures of the parish and archdiocese. Under supervision of and in collaboration with the pastor, performs other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the pastor or his delegate. Engages proactively in professional development and spiritual growth to strive towards excellence and service.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB EDUCATION: Must hold at least a bachelor's degree in Catholic theology and/or a degree related to Catholic theology and/or liturgy. Must be knowledgeable of Catholic liturgy, including liturgical documents and music resources.

EXPERIENCE: Must have 5+ years of experience leading liturgical ministry in a Catholic parish.

OTHER: Must be knowledgeable of Roman Missal, Lectionary, General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Sacrosanctum Concilium, and Musicam Sacram. Must be enthusiastically motivated to promote a liturgy that truly follows the teachings and liturgical norms of the Catholic Church as written by the fathers of Vatican II, following the "hermeneutic of continuity" as taught and promoted by Pope Benedict XVI. Must demonstrate the ability of serving collaboratively with other members of parish staff.

Must have exemplary communication skills, working well with adults and children, coordinating with the whole community, including Spanish-speaking Hispanics. Fluency in Spanish is recommended though not required.

KEY COMPETENCIES Effective communication with ministers.

Ability to recruit & train ministers.

Ability to relate to people of various cultures and points of view.

CONTACT: For further information please contact or submit resume & cover letter to Fr. Christopher Plant at: cplant@st-bart.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN BUCKLE

The truck in this photo was donated to Gratia Plena in early September 2017 just after Hurricane Harvey.

It was immediately used during the Harvey flooding to make a home visit to assess someone with suicidal ideation. It was also used to get to hurricane shelters to minister to people there and to transfer supplies between shelters.

Opening hearts, minds How Gratia Plena is reaching a community in need of help

BY HOLLY BERETTO Herald Correspondent HOUSTON — When it comes to everyday struggles — the deadlines at work, keeping up with the kids’ schedules, figuring out how to fit everything into a 24-hour period — many people gripe about the stress of it all and go on as best they can. They might pray. They might vent to friends. But they push on, perhaps never realizing that the very act of just getting on with it is indicative of a potentially larger problem, such as stress, anxiety or depression.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 19% of U.S. adults suffered from some kind of anxiety disorder over the last year, including conditions like panic disorders, obsessivecompulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorders and social anxiety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in 2020, nearly 11% of visits to physicians’ offices included a notation of depression on a patient’s chart.

However, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health in our country.

That stigma is even more pronounced in minority communities, especially among Vietnamese and Vietnamese-Americans.

Gratia Plena, a Houston-based nonprofit that offers mental health and spiritual counseling, as well as helping people overcome barriers to treatments, aims to change that. The organization recently began doing outreach to the Vietnamese community, something the organization’s executive director, psychologist Ken Buckle, says is badly needed.

“We certainly try to do outreach to many different communities,” he said.

“But the Vietnamese community has been traditionally underserved in the services we provide.”

Some of that is cultural. There is a deep bias against seeking mental health care among Vietnamese, who may see needing that kind of care as shameful. But there’s also a language barrier.

Thanks to the work of Sister Agnes Kimchi Nguyen, O.P., and Sister Anna

Pauline Pham, O.P., two Dominican Sisters, the organization has been able to begin the work of overcoming both those challenges and bringing much-needed care to an underserved population.

Sister Nguyen has a master’s degree in counseling from the University of St. Thomas and offers counseling services to individuals, couples and families in Vietnamese. Sister Pham offers spiritual direction, something that is a crucial component of Gratia Plena’s care model.

“Most of my clients are concerned about depression,” Sister Nguyen said. “A few may have issues with addiction. And many, because they feel shame, don’t want to come to us until it becomes very serious.”

Originally from Vietnam, Sister Nguyen offers not only her professional counseling but also an understanding of Vietnamese culture. That helps put clients at ease.

“Even after a few sessions, they say they begin to feel better,” she said. “That healing is because of the grace of God.” If helping clients combat mental illness is important, so too is providing a spiritual foundation. Gratia Plena offers spiritual direction alongside its traditional counseling, and a spiritual component is at the core of its care.

“We integrate our services with faith life,” Buckle said. “And we’ve been very busy since COVID-19. People’s mental health has really suffered over the pandemic.”

“I accompany my clients on their faith journey, helping them to deepen their relationship with God and understand the ways that receive God,” said Sister Pham, who is Vietnamese-American. “It’s about helping people to be attentive to God’s guidance. I teach people how to be attentive and how to be open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.”

Both sisters recognize that the services they are offering are necessary, and they realize the impact they can have on a client’s life.

“Right now, a lot of people feel stress and tension, and they may not even know they have it,” said Sister Nguyen. “We are able to spread the word and let them know that we understand and that they can come to us for help.”

Gratia Plena already offers services in English, Spanish and Igbo, spoken See MENTAL HEALTH, see next page

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Ministry of Jesus Christ sees growth in Archdiocesan permanent diaconate program

BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent HOUSTON — The many roles and responsibilities of men currently working in the ministry of Jesus Christ through the Church’s Permanent Diaconate program require integration of the parts of their life, including at home, their parish, their community and the Archdiocese. This important ministry to the worldwide Church continues to experience unprecedented growth in the Archdiocese and across the U.S. Deacon Phillip Jackson, director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, said he oversees one of the largest formation programs in the country. Currently, the Archdiocese has 423 permanent deacons and 138 additional men that are considered “inquirers” as they discern the call to this vocation.

Approximately 50% of the permanent deacons have reached retirement age, but many continue to serve well into their 80s.

“We do not place a cap on the number of men that we accept into formation, despite some of the challenges this kind of growth brings to our program, namely adequate space to meet,” said Deacon Jackson. “When we gather for our monthly Saturday sessions in the areas of human, pastoral, and spiritual formation, we will have over 450 people on the campus of St. Mary’s Seminary.

These include the men and their wives if married, as well as deacon mentor couples, and members of the formation team.”

Deacon Jackson said the mission of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate is to continually form these men to be the best deacons God has called them to be through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Responsibilities include proclaiming the Gospel, providing Baptisms, leading the faithful in prayer, witnessing marriages and conducting wake and funeral services.

They also are committed to identifying the needs of those in their parish and assigned Archdiocesan ministries, finding Church resources to meet whatever needs they may discover.

Deacon Gustavo Camacho, one of two active permanent deacons assigned to St. Vincent DePaul Church, has taught formation classes in the seminary since 2014.

He currently serves as an Archdiocesan Hispanic Liaison, Southwest Deanery representative, and a member of the committee that oversees the Deacon Crisis Fund. In the past, he was active in the Archdiocesan Prison Ministry and served as a mentor on the formation team with his wife from 2013 to 2021.

MENTAL HEALTH, from previous page primarily in Nigeria and Cameroon.

Adding the services in Vietnamese allows the organization to increase its reach to Houston’s diverse communities.

“It’s exciting for us to be able to offer services to the Vietnamese community in this way,” Buckle said.

FILE PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Deacons walk past the Blessed Sacrament at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart at a recent Mass.

The Catholic Church around the world, and especially in Galveston-Houston, has seen an uprecedented growth in the Permanent Diaconate. The Archdiocese is estimated to have the third most permanent deacons in the U.S., according to a 2021 survey by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University.

“Our program is recognized in the world as one of the best, not only in the formation but continued education and continued support of those already ordained as permanent deacons,” said Deacon Camacho. “The Office of the Permanent Diaconate is by far the engine that continues to move the diaconate into the future, and I am ever grateful to the men that have been called to administer it. I also have witnessed how our deacons are loved and supported by the faithful in their assigned parishes and other ministry responsibilities.”

Deacon Camacho said, above all, he has witnessed how the Office of the Permanent Diaconate’s work impacts the ordained men and the entire family structure by providing ongoing support, such as cost-free counseling when needed.

“Being a deacon is not easy, with the responsibilities of the home, a parish, and community, but the Office of the Permanent Diaconate provides the assistance needed so that the yoke is light,” said Deacon Camacho.

“My experience with the program has provided me with a greater knowledge of the inner workings of the diaconate, including self-growth in my continued education and the ability to expand to other diaconate programs, such as in Austin and Arkansas. This ministry has been instrumental in providing my wife and me with opportunities for spiritual growth and theological knowledge I don’t think we would have received without it.”

One of 60 ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), Deacon Jackson said the Office of the Permanent Diaconate benefits greatly through the

Sister Pham and Sister Nguyen agree, both noting that helping to ease pain and suffering is part of what drew them to their work.

“I love my job very much,” says Sister Nguyen. “It’s so important for us to build up the society and bring out happiness, joy and peace.”

Learn more about Gratia Plena’s services at gratiaplenacounseling.org. †

generous contributions of the faithful.

About one-half of the formation expenses for the 138 men currently in

The 2021 Diocesan Services Fund theme draws from a hope: “Walk in the Light of Christ.” DSF operates in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston each year to help the Church carry out the ministries of teaching and sanctifying.

DSF brings the needed financial resources to carry out 60-plus ministries.

formation are paid through DSF support.

If the man is married and his wife chooses to take the academic credit courses, her See DIACONATE, see page 10

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IN MEMORIA Pray for the following priests whose anniversaries of death are during the month of October.

Oct. 1, 1853 Mr. Jean Pierre Bajard Oct. 1, 1853 Rev. Jean-Marie Baudrand, OMI Oct. 1, 1981 Bishop Wendelin J. Nold, STD Oct. 2, 2014 Rev. Edward W. Abell Oct. 3, 2012 Rev. Christopher A. Billac, SJ Oct. 5, 1866 Rev. Jean Bigat Oct. 5, 1962 Rev. Max E. Budnik Oct. 5, 1970 Rev. John J. Brady, MS Oct. 9, 1993 Bishop Bernard J. Ganter, DD Oct. 10, 1972 Msgr. Joseph C. Kunc Oct. 10, 1993 Rev. Cornelius Ryan, OMI Oct. 12, 1847 Rev. Bartholomew Rollando,CM Oct. 12, 1993 Msgr. John C. Perusina Oct. 14, 1928 Rev. A. DeSimone Oct. 14, 1996 Rev. Ernest Perhach Oct. 15, 1884 Rev. Claude Martinierre Oct. 15, 2001 Rev. George S. Silvester, CSB Oct. 15, 2009 Rev. Jose Maria Fernandez Oct. 16, 1967 Rev. Leslie J. Vasek, CSB Oct. 16, 1983 Rev. Eugene Lynch, MS Oct. 16, 2002 Rev. A.J. Chandonnet, CSSR Oct. 16, 2007 Rev. Alcuin E. Greenburg

DIACONATE, from page 9 tuition expenses also are supported by DSF. Deacon Camacho said, without DSF funding, there would be no diaconate program, no services to the community, and no way to guarantee a good education, both theological and spiritual, for those in formation. He said DSF also provides for ministry outreach to the marginalized in the community, such as prisons and hospitals that would not be possible due to a shortage of priests.

Oct. 17, 1953 Rev. Michael Leahy Oct. 17, 2014 Rev. Peter Thien Hoang, OP Oct. 19, 1903 Rev. Odilo Schorer Oct. 19, 1966 Rev. George Black Oct. 19, 1969 Rev. John F. Collins, CSB Oct. 19, 1969 Rev. Dennis Kennedy Oct. 20, 2003 Msgr. Frank A. Lagana Oct. 20, 2004 Rev. Joseph T, O’Malley Oct. 21, 1929 Rev. Emile L.J. Fluery Oct. 21, 2004 Msgr. Sylvester J. Fuchs Oct. 24, 1867 Rev. Alex Renoux Oct. 24, 1896 Rev. Joseph N. Jacquet Oct. 25, 2005 Msgr. George V. Rhein Oct. 25, 2009 Rev. John Chinh Chan Tran Oct. 26, 1970 Rev. Wilfrid J. Murphy, CSB Oct. 27, 1853 Rev. Edward Hug Oct. 27, 1953 Rev. J.P. Dillon, CSB Oct. 30, 1888 Rev. Francis Derue Oct. 30, 1946 Rev. Alfred G. Grattan Oct. 30, 1977 Rev. Anselm Townsend, OP Oct. 30, 1988 Rev. Joseph R. Plummer Oct. 30, 1990 Rev. Ludon Angelle

“An example of this would be after the flooding of Hurricane Harvey or the mass shooting in a local school, when our permanent deacons were mobilized to provide much-needed spiritual support to those communities,” said Deacon Camacho. “We help bridge the gap between the clergy and laypeople in the community, and this is where the impact of the program is most felt, as well as Baptisms, marriages and funerals. Without DSF funding, the Permanent Diaconate program simply would not exist.” †

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

OBITUARIES Austin William Bond

HOUSTON — Austin William Bond, husband of Katelyn Bond of the Catholic Chaplain Corp for the Archdiocese, died Sept. 9 after a 3½-year battle with cancer. He was 27 years old.

Bond worked at St. Augustine Catholic School as an educator teaching junior high history, math, science and religious studies.

A Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated Sept. 16 at Holy Rosary Church. †

Sister Joyce Mendoza, C.V.I.

HOUSTON — Sister Joyce Ann Mendoza, C.V.I. (aka Sister Timothy), died on Aug.15. She was 90 years old.

Sister Mendoza entered the Congregation of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in September of 1949 and made her final Profession of Vows on Aug. 15, 1955.

In her ministry with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, she taught in St. Vincent de Paul, Incarnate Word Academy and Marian High School. Her ministry included also director of religious education, visitation of the homebound, Eucharistic minister, Formation of Catechists and RCIA. A private funeral Mass was celebrated at the Incarnate Word Convent Aug. 17. †

IN BRIEF Young adult workshop focuses on interpersonal skills in ministry

HOUSTON — All young adult leaders are invited to join for an online workshop: “Interpersonal Skills: Handling Difficult Situations in Young Adult Ministry.”

The virtual workshop will explore some practical tips on how to handle challenging personality situations that come up within the ministry. The session will be led by Jennifer Darce, a behavior analysis graduate student from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and young adult leader from St. Luke Catholic Church.

The session will be held online on Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. To register, go to https://bit.ly/ YAworkshop2021. For more information, contact the Office of Young Adult & Campus Ministry at 713-741-8778, yacm@archgh.org, or www.archgh.org/yacm. †

Bayou Awakening to be held in November HOUSTON — Any young adults ages 18 to 25 are invited to the Bayou Awakening #30 Retreat.

Awakening seeks to bring young adults to a personal encounter with Christ, provide an opportunity for spiritual renewal and connect young adults to the Catholic Church.

The retreat will be held Nov. 12 to 14 at Cameron Retreat Center, located at 2403 Holcombe Blvd. in Houston. The cost is $80 per person, and there are scholarships available. To request a scholarship, contact the Young Adult and Campus Ministry office at yacm@archgh.org or 713-741-8778.

Deadline to register is Oct. 29. For more information and to register go to www.archgh.org/ bayouawakening. †

Expand and deepen our hearts . . .

Please pray for all victims of violence everywhere and their families.

Pray for those being executed in Texas and their families:

October 12: Stephen Barbee

+ CATHOLIC CEMETERIES + Mount Olivet Cemetery 281-337-1641 Dickinson

Calvary Cemetery 409-948-1455 Galveston

• In ground burial sites • Mausoleum Crypts • Cremation niches • Cremation Garden • Monuments

• Markers

(Available for families to purchase for use in the Catholic Cemeteries)

Catholic Cemeteries

The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Serving Families Since 1845

for more information, visit

archgh.org/cemeteries

Become a CRC Golf Tournament Sponsor Golf Tournament: November 15 at South Shore Harbour The CRC is the largest capacity Catholic retreat center in the Archdiocese. The CRC is owned by the Archdiocese and 100% financed by the laity. The Golf Tournament is our only event-based fundraiser.

Sponsorships range $175 - $10,000 Details online at retreatcentercrc.org/2021-sponsor The CRC mission is to draw people into a relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church through retreat ministry.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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EDUCATION Schools celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

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HOUSTON — From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the country is celebrating National Hispanic American Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic-American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.

The month is a time to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched the nation and society.

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic School’s prekindergarten class celebrated Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on Sept. 16; a day commemorating when priest and leader Father Miguel Hidalgo called for Mexico’s liberation from Spain in September 1810 after centuries of Spanish rule. The students learned about Mexico’s history, culture, music and food.

First graders at St. Vincent de Paul also celebrated Mexico’s Independence Day. The class had a mini fiesta with chips and lemonade.

During National Hispanic American Heritage Month, St. Pius X High School’s (SPX) Hispanic Heritage Club is partnering with school communications to create social media highlights of students, staff and alumni.

SPX senior Rafael Portillo founded the Hispanic Heritage Club on campus in late 2020, overcoming the challenge of the transition from hybrid learning back to in-person meetings. He was inspired to found this club to create a dedicated place to feel comfortable and express Hispanic Heritage with fellow students. The club is comprised of SPX students from diverse backgrounds and grade levels. They are enthusiastic and are looking forward to growing their numbers and planning more activities throughout the year. †

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. CLARE OF ASSISI CATHOLIC SCHOOL, ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CATHK OLIC SCHOOL AND ST. PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL

Above, students at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic School, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and St. Pius X High School celebrate National Hispanic American Heritage Month, held Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The celebration includes the commemoration of Mexico’s Independence Day on Sept. 16.

INNER CITY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TRANSFORM THEIR COMMUNITIES

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Members of The lives of students in the Inner City Catholic Schools through an annual contribution of $5,000 or more.

Thank you for your support!

Call 713.652.4417 or join online choosecatholicschools.org/cc

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12 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

YOUTH The challenges of accompaniment I can vividly remember the internal dilemma I faced when, at the age of 18, I received my Eagle Scout Award at a special Scouting Court of Honor.

One of the parts of the Eagle award ceremony is a moment when you, as the recipient, are asked to bestow upon a mentor an honorary pin, thanking them for all the ways they assisted you on your journey. I had been accompanied by so many wonderful adults that the choice was quite difficult to make.

At the time, still being young and naive, I couldn’t comprehend how blessed I was to have so many mentors, nor did I understand the challenges that come when you accompany another person.

Over the years since that day, I have mentored many others myself, accompanying them on their journey, sometimes in a formal capacity, sometimes in an informal way.

At its core, our Christian faith is intensely relational. Jesus Christ entered human history to be in relationship with us and accompany us home to God the Father. The model of his life provides an excellent blueprint for how to mentor others and overcome some of the challenges involved in the

accompaniment process.

The greatest challenge in accompaniment relationships is that of commitment.

Both the mentor and the one accompanied must make an intentional by choice to journey together and BRIAN HENRITZE communicate with one another. Hand-in-hand with this commitment is a mindset of coresponsibility. Each person in this relationship must know what they expect from the other and what is expected of them.

Like in the Gospel account of the rich young man (Mark 10), it may be that one of the people in the accompaniment process is unable to commit fully to the relationship. As a mentor, we can imitate Jesus by continuing to love that person.

A second challenge when you serve as a mentor accompanying another person is allowing the one accompanied to truly be the protagonist of their faith journey.

It is natural that as your relationship

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with the person deepens, so too will your love and concern from them. A dangerous trap that must be avoided is the often-well-intentioned idea that you know what is best for them and that as a more mature Christian, you should tell them or advise them what to do.

When a young person is empowered to be the protagonist of their faith journey, it means that they are the primary force that moves the story along; it is the young person themselves. In the famous bread of life discourse (Jn 6), Jesus could have easily told His disciples that they had to stay with Him, that He knew what was best.

However, Jesus left the ball in their court when the crowds were abandoning Him, and He asked the 12 apostles: “Do you also want to leave?”

(Jn 6:67).

Jesus recognized the importance of free will in the process of discipleship.

Although He was God, He refused to take that gift away from His followers.

Any adult present in the life of a young person can mentor and accompany them. This includes parents, faith leaders, and loved ones. As mentors, it is imperative that we allow those we accompany to truly and

“Jesus recognized the importance of free will in the process of discipleship. Although He was God, He refused to take that gift away from His followers.” authentically be the protagonist of their faith.

Yes, this is challenging. Yes, this will possibly lead to heartache. Yes, this will require that you, as a mentor, take a back seat. But this is part of the art of accompaniment which will sustain the Church and nurture lifelong disciples. † Brian Henritze is an associate director with the office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization.

SUNDAY MASS READINGS OCTOBER 3 First Reading: Gen 2:18-24 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128:1-6 Second Reading: Heb 2:9-11 Gospel: Mk 10:2-16 or Mk 10:2-12

OCTOBER 10 First Reading: Wis 7:7-11 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 90: 12-17 Second Reading: Heb 4:12-13 Gospel: Mk 10:17-30 or Mk 10:17-27

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October 28, 2021 St. Dominic Village Auditorium 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Join us to celebrate Food, Family, and Faith.

Individual Ticket • $50 | Table of 10 • $500 To purchase your tickets visit stdominicvillage.org/fall-luncheon or call 713-391-2685

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

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COLUMNIST A seminarian’s reflections on celibacy A friend of mine told me once, “You I say “radical” because will never know the loneliness a married the world looks at the man feels living with his own wife.” celibate and demands I presume he said this after a day explanation. “Why? Why when the two were just not clicking. This celibacy?” At best, the particular memory came up one night world is “perplexed,” as when I felt a loneliness that I had really Herod was upon John the never noticed before — interior loneliness Baptist’s heralding of the by that ached so deeply that not even the Good News (Mark company of a spouse could fill it.

6:19-20).

MICHAEL So, I made a simple act of faith: At worst, the world is JAMES “Jesus, I know You are here with me now contemptuous, accusing ARIENZA even if I don’t feel the warmth of Your the celibate of committing presence,” and from that came two violence against his graces I was able to name. human nature, claiming First was recognizing that I could not him to be suffocating his demand from a wife, or any creature, own sexual passions and energies, what only God could give. The second which according to the ways of the was a realization of what true poverty world, are only to be expressed and and purity of heart meant: God alone. realized.

God only. God exclusively.

And perhaps the world would be right In the past, I only knew this to say so… intellectually, but since then, I’ve grown If there was no Eternal. If Jesus did convicted of this because the celibate not rise from the dead. heart is nothing other than this: the But He did, and HE IS. radical, passionate, loving embrace of Therefore, we can dismiss such 2021 DSF 9.75x7 Evangelization& catechesis_A.pdf 1 and 1/11/21 11:27 AM the Eternal. accusations derisions because we

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OFFICE OF ADOLESCENT CATECHESIS AND EVANGELIZATION

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have faith in Christ and His words, and because of faith, we have certainty; the certainty that there is Eternal life; the certainty that life on this earth is passing; the certainty that we were created for more.

Therefore, marriage is not the solution to that inner ache we all share, because, in the face of the Eternal, marriage is simply a Sacrament, a sign, pointing towards the highest mystery that is the Trinity — which is none other than an eternal, mutual, communality of love. And the heart of the celibate clings to this mystery tightly. I like to think that love is so good a thing that it almost demands to be shared; it just can’t be kept to oneself. I still know very well that God respects my freedom and that I could get married if I wanted to and still be happy, and God wouldn’t love me any less.

Thus, I realize, then, that the call to the priesthood is not a duty but an invitation, an invitation from a God who knows and only wants what’s best for me. He would not be a compassionate,

0ur office serves

adolescents through a three pronged approach: training and mentoring youth ministers, providing leadership opportunities at the diocesan level for young people and keeping clergy and church leaders informed as to what is required to keep youth engaged in our Church.

“God would not be compassionate, generous, or loving, if He were calling me to a life devoid of any joy or happiness. “ generous, loving God if He were calling me to a life devoid of any joy or happiness.

Truly, celibacy — a life given totally, exclusively to God — is such a beautiful, marvelous reality, so much so that I am honored to be called to such a relationship. † Michael James Arienza is a senior at Holy Trinity Seminary/The University of Dallas.

Engaging youth at the beginning of their lives is incredibly important in living a full life rooted in the Catholic faith.

My role on the Archdiocesan Youth Council is to bring back what I learned to my community, my school and my church.

PATRICK PHAM Senior, St. Thomas High School Member, Archdiocesan Youth Council

TIM COLBERT Director, Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization

Diocesan Services Fund Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Please consider a gift to the DSF.

archgh.org/dsf

14 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

WORLD

CRS program works with Ugandan men as they take on new family roles

CNS PHOTO

Akol Grace and her husband Raymond Okello wash dishes at their home in rural Karamoja, Uganda, April 20. Catholic Relief Services is helping men become change agents in traditional northeastern Uganda communities as they share family roles with their wives.

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 6:15 p.m.

Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston, Texas Principal Celebrant His Eminence, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston Following Holy Mass, there is an optional Red Mass Dinner Cathedral Centre, 1701 San Jacinto, Houston, Texas Dinner program: “Open Wide Our Hearts - The U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter Against Racism,” a panel discussion featuring:

Most Rev. Brendan J. Cahill, Bishop of Victoria

Most. Rev. Curtis J. Guillory, Bishop Emeritus of Beaumont

Rev. Reginald Samuels, Vicar for Catholics of African Descent, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Dinner seating will be more limited than usual to accommodate appropriate distancing; individual and table seating options are available.

Deadline to register for best pricing is October 5.

For more information or to register, visit www.archgh.org/redmass

NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) — It is not unusual these days to find Raymond Okello, who lives in the Karamoja area of northeastern Uganda, washing dishes, tending the kitchen garden, or caring for the baby when home.

Those are new roles for sure.

Okello is among men from the Karamojong, a nomadic pastoralist community living a traditional agrarian life, who are defying long-held norms to take up roles that for generations had been assigned to women and girls.

In the rural villages, the changing roles are being noticed by women, who have expressed both disbelief and excitement.

For their part, the men have gradually embraced the new roles and willingly showcase their new abilities.

“I feel I have changed for the better.

I was not hardworking before. It was difficult for me to share these roles with my wife, but now I help and even share decisions with her every day,” Okello, a 24-year-old farmer, told Catholic News Service (CNS) in a telephone interview. “I am happy to help in the kitchen garden, wash utensils, and do other chores.”

In the same area, farmer Jimmy Orebo, 43, recently joined his wife in the garden to produce food for the family.

“We no longer buy tomatoes or vegetables from the market. I count this as a positive change occurring among us due to the project’s training. There are fewer fights over money in the house since we are sharing decisions,” Orebo said.

He called for the project to be expanded, saying, “It’s very helpful.”

The men are part of a project called Nuyok coordinated by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the humanitarian relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic bishops. Leaders say it is designed to turn men into “change agents.”

Nuyok in the local Karamoja dialect means “it is ours.” Its main goal is to improve food security and nutrition.

Since 2019, more than 1,500 men have been trained.

Northeast Uganda is the homeland of the Karamojong, a nomadic herder community whose life revolves around livestock. The tribe observes a strict

culture and long-standing traditions related to gender.

However, an understanding is emerging that cultural practices have placed women in inferior positions while overburdening them with workloads.

According to custom, women are responsible for erecting and renovating houses, cultivating land to grow food, processing dairy products, collecting water, cooking for the family and child care, plus other chores.

At the start, program officials observed a wide gender imbalance, with women undertaking most roles at home while holding little decision-making power.

Program leaders feared such realities would hinder reaching goals related to nutrition and food security.

After two years, they see a wind of change blowing through villages as the project yields results. Here, men are constructing family latrines, planting kitchen gardens, helping care for babies and building drying racks for pots, pans and utensils. Women also are being brought into family decision-making.

“The idea is to shift some of the traditional norms that put women in inferior positions and burden them with a time-consuming workload,” explained Lillian Ojanduru, the project’s technical advisor on gender.

“Sharing responsibilities and decisions will reduce the workload burden of women and also help to reduce gender-based violence. With buy-in from the traditional leaders, training and key messages being passed, attitudes are slowly shifting positively to sharing roles and responsibilities.”

Initially, the men who took on the new roles were resisted, ridiculed and seen as “lesser” after they were seen helping with household work, accompanying their wives to health care appointments, and sharing decision-making and planning with their wives.

“However, after seeing the positive changes in the households of male change agents, the resistance reduced,” Ojanduru said.

At first, many women reacted with shock, she added, because they did not expect men to undertake new responsibilities. †

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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SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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NATION & STATE

Justice Thomas in Notre Dame lecture discusses faith, modern views NOTRE DAME, Indiana — In an address at the University of Notre Dame Sept. 16, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas spoke about being personally grounded by his Catholic faith — which he said he “ran away from” when he was young and “crawled back” to 25 years later.

He also spoke more broadly about how the country in previous decades had been more rooted in the values of the Declaration of Independence and demonstrated a sense of patriotism and overall unity that is less prevalent today.

“We have failed the Declaration of Independence, but it has not failed us.

It endures because it articulates truth,” he told a crowd of about 800 people attending the 2021 Tocqueville Lecture for Notre Dame’s new Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.

Thomas, who was nominated to the Supreme Court in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush, stressed this document — signed by the Founding Fathers with its emphasis that all are created equally — has “weathered every storm” and still has something to say today.

He also said he has seen signs the values inspired in this text still hold true, something he observed firsthand this summer when he and his wife, Ginni, spent three weeks traveling across the country in their RV. “There is something true, something transcendent, something solid, something that pulls us together rather than divides us,” Thomas said, referring to campground conversations he had with people before they recognized him, and the proud America flag displays he and his wife noticed.

At the start of his one-hour talk, Thomas, who is known for being quiet on the bench, joked that he should quit while he was ahead after receiving a long round of applause just after a student introduced him.

He acknowledged that he hasn’t been one for public speeches, noting his former colleague Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in 2016, encouraged him on this path, but he admitted Scalia was “more of

an extrovert than I am.”

Thomas spoke about growing up in Georgia in the ‘50s and ‘60s as being in a different world where there was a “deep abiding love for the country.”

Throughout his remarks, he referred to this loss of patriotism, which he said has been replaced by a more cynical view. He also bemoaned that the current climate puts more of an emphasis on differences and divisions. He said he learned from his grandparents and the sisters who taught him at St. Benedict the Moor School in Savannah, Georgia, how to “navigate through and survive the negativity of the segregated world without negating the good that there was.”

To this day, “I revere, admire and love my nuns. They were devout, courageous and principled women,” he said of the Franciscan sisters who ran the school from its start in the early 1900s until it closed in 1970.

He said that even though he was in the segregated South, the sisters emphasized that all were equal in God’s eyes. As a young man, he said, he was less focused on rights than on what was required of him and had “no room for self-pity.”

This assurance left him when he was 19, following the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He left the seminary where he was studying, saying: “I lost faith in the teachings of my youth” and “thought my country and my God had abandoned me.”

At that point, he said he was“consumed by negativity, cynicism, animus and any other negative emotion that you could conjure up. Sadly, the destructive disposition that I exhibited then appears to be celebrated today.”

He said his Catholic faith does not conflict with judicial opinions and that his favorite prayer, is the Litany of Humility.

“Having been humbled, I have every reason to be humble,” he said, adding advice: “I think you start with that, and being true, being honest with yourself about what you know (and) what you don’t know. Also, do not lose sight of the good in people.” †

IN BRIEF Catholic foster parents open door, hearts to more than 100 babies in 43 years ST. CLOUD, Minn. (CNS) — Ron and Jane Brown of St. Cloud retired in June after being foster parents since 1978 and welcoming more than 100 babies into their home.

Reflecting on a myriad of stories of love and loss, joy and hope, Ron and Jane, now age 78 and 75, respectively, said they are at peace with their decision.

“We’d love to keep doing it, but we thought it wasn’t fair to the babies if something should happen with our health,” Jane explained.

Their door will still be open to all — the families and birth parents who have remained in contact over the years, as well as the numerous international exchange students they’ve hosted and also their Cathedral High School family, where Ron has been assistant hockey coach for 41 years.

The Browns modestly realize their lifetime of service has made an impact on countless people over the years, but what they really hope is that everyone who has come through their door knows that each one has had an impact on them, too.

“It’s humbling, really,” Ron said. “To recognize the fact that you’ve been an important part of someone’s life, even for a short time.” Added Jane, “Never would we look at anything we did as a sacrifice. We would do it all over again.” †

CNS PHOTO

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas delivers the 2021 Tocqueville Lecture Sept. 16 at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.

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MUNDO CATÓLICO USCCB lanza iniciativa para abordar la polarización en EE. UU. CLEVELAND (CNS) — La polarización en la sociedad ha llevado a la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB por sus siglas en inglés) a lanzar una iniciativa que busca unir a las personas para servir al bien común.

Llamada “Civilízalo: Un mejor tipo de política”, la iniciativa está diseñada para “hacer avanzar el tipo de conversaciones que necesitamos tener para superar nuestras divisiones”, expresó Jill Rauh, directora de educación y alcance del Departamento de Justicia, Paz y Desarrollo Humano, que coordina el esfuerzo.

La USCCB presentó la iniciativa el 7 de septiembre.

El esfuerzo se basa, en gran medida, en las enseñanzas del papa Francisco, y, en particular, su llamado en la tercera encíclica de su papado: “Fratelli Tutti, sobre la fraternidad y la amistad social”.

“Estamos en una situación en la que tanto en la sociedad como en la iglesia estamos experimentando mucha división y polarización”, manifestó Rauh a Catholic News Service. “En ‘Fratelli Tutti’, el papa Francisco específicamente está llamando a los católicos y a todas las personas de buena voluntad a construir una política mejor, una que este al servicio del bien común”.

Sin embargo, la iniciativa no solo está destinada a líderes políticos, sino a todas las personas, añadió Rauh.

Una página web especial para la iniciativa, CivilizeIt. org, tiene enlaces a un conjunto de herramientas con recursos para ayudar a las parroquias, grupos pequeños e individuos a abordar la polarización de cualquier tipo.

“El papa Francisco es muy claro en ‘Fratelli Tutti’, y los obispos han sido claros en ‘Formando la conciencia para ser ciudadanos fieles’ en que estamos llamados a involucrarnos en la esfera pública y a hacerlo durante todo el año, a trabajar juntos y a intentar identificar

formas de trabajar por el bien común”, señaló Rauh.

“Formando la conciencia” es el documento cuatrienal de los obispos sobre la participación electoral.

Otras oficinas de la USCCB también están promoviendo la iniciativa, dijo Rauh. Además, los líderes de al menos 45 diócesis están planeando incorporar la iniciativa en los programas diocesanos y se espera que participen aun más.

Los recursos del kit de herramientas incluyen una oración por la civilidad, que se basa en la oración por la paz de San Francisco de Asís, y una reflexión titulada “Amar a nuestro prójimo a través del diálogo”. Otros materiales incluyen una guía de estudio y folletos parroquiales.

Se invita a los visitantes del sitio web a firmar un compromiso diciendo que dependerán de “la caridad, la claridad y la creatividad” para promover la comprensión y el diálogo en vez de la división.

Los firmantes se comprometen a afirmar la dignidad de cada persona, incluso cuando no estén de acuerdo con alguien, y a escuchar respetuosamente a los demás “para comprender experiencias diferentes a las mías”.

El compromiso también invita a los firmantes a participar en un “examen crítico para asegurar que mis perspectivas estén arraigadas en la verdad, que mis fuentes de información sean imparciales y que no me exponga a la manipulación de intereses partidistas”.

Otras acciones enumeradas con el compromiso incluyen convertirse en un “constructor de puentes que participa en un diálogo constructivo basado en valores compartidos” y ver las diferencias en las perspectivas como “oportunidades de tensión creativa que pueden producir soluciones para el bien común”.

La iniciativa se basa en un programa con un nombre similar presentado por el Departamento de Justicia, Paz y Desarrollo Humano para el ciclo electoral del 2020.

FOTO DE CNS

Un trabajador electoral en San Diego, California, coloca las papeletas por correo en una casilla de votación en un lugar donde se deja el auto en el Registrador de Electores del Condado de San Diego el 19 de octubre de 2020. La polarización en la política, en la iglesia y en toda la sociedad ha llevado a la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos a lanzar una iniciativa que busca reunir a la gente para servir al bien común a través de la “caridad, claridad y creatividad”.

Ese esfuerzo buscó recordarle a la gente que la cortesía en las discusiones políticas, no el rencor, es una virtud.

La idea de “Civilízalo: Un mejor tipo de política” se originó en la Oficina de Acción Social de la Arquidiócesis de Cincinnati en 2016. Su éxito en Ohio llamó la atención de la USCCB, que decidió que el modelo, con algunos ajustes, podría introducirse en todo el país en 2019. †

Papa: Busquemos estilos de vida sencillos, respetuosos del medio ambiente CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — Las personas deben cambiar la forma en que comen, viajan y usan los recursos naturales, la energía y los productos para minimizar el daño a la tierra, dijo el papa Francisco.

“Recemos para que todos tomemos las decisiones valientes, las decisiones necesarias para una vida más sobria y ecosostenible, inspirándonos por los jóvenes ya que están comprometidos con este cambio”, dijo el papa.

En un mensaje de video publicado por la Red Mundial de Oración del papa el 1 de septiembre, el papa ofreció su intención de oración para el mes, que dedicó a “un estilo de vida ambientalmente sostenible”.

El 1 de septiembre también marcó la Jornada Mundial de Oración por el Cuidado de la Creación, que también da inicio a la celebración del Tiempo de la Creación, que se extiende hasta el 4 de octubre, fiesta de San Francisco de Asís, patrono de la ecología.

El tema de este año es “¿Un hogar para todos?

Renovando el Oikos de Dios”, dijo el papa Francisco durante su audiencia general en el Vaticano.

El papa le dijo a los reunidos que él, el patriarca ecuménico Bartolomé de Constantinopla, uno de los primeros líderes del movimiento ecológico cristiano, y el arzobispo anglicano Justin Welby de Canterbury “han preparado un mensaje que se emitirá en los próximos días”.

“Junto con nuestros hermanos y hermanas de diferentes denominaciones cristianas, oremos y trabajemos por nuestra casa común en estos tiempos de grave crisis para el planeta”, dijo en la audiencia general.

El papa también confirmó que “en principio” estaba programado para asistir a la conferencia de la ONU sobre el cambio climático en Glasgow, Escocia, en noviembre,

FOTO DE CNS

Alok Sharma, presidente de la Conferencia de Cambio Climático para la ONU, hace una presentación junto a Emma Khadeh y su pieza ganadora del concurso de arte, durante un evento en Whitelee Windfarm, marcando seis meses que faltan para la conferencia sobre el cambio climático en las afueras de Glasgow, Escocia, el 14 de mayo de 2021. En una entrevista de radio a fines de agosto, el papa Francisco confirmó que tiene planes de asistir a la conferencia en noviembre de este año.

durante una entrevista transmitida en septiembre con COPE, la cadena de radio de la conferencia episcopal española.

“En principio, el programa es que voy. Todo depende de cómo me sienta en ese momento”, dijo.

“Pero, de hecho, mi discurso ya se está preparando y el plan es estar ahí”, dijo, y agregó que espera que la cumbre aumente los compromisos de los gobiernos “y nos alinee más” con las acciones que se necesitan para alcanzar los objetivos del Acuerdo de París sobre el cambio climático.

Los adultos del mundo deben inspirarse y seguir el ejemplo de los jóvenes de hoy, que están a la vanguardia del cuidado del medio ambiente, dijo el papa en el resto de su mensaje en video para la Red Mundial de Oración del Papa.

Al hablar de su intención mensual para septiembre, el papa dijo: “Me alegra mucho ver que los jóvenes tienen el valor de emprender proyectos de mejora ambiental y social, ya que los dos van de la mano”.

“Los adultos podemos aprender mucho de ellos, porque en todo lo relacionado con el cuidado del planeta, están a la vanguardia. Aprovechemos su ejemplo y reflexionemos sobre nuestro estilo de vida, especialmente en estos momentos de crisis sanitaria, social y ambiental,” él dijo.

“Reflexionemos sobre cómo la forma en que comemos, consumimos, viajamos o la forma en que usamos el agua, la energía, los plásticos y muchos otros bienes materiales, a menudo es dañina para la tierra”, dijo.

Dijo: “Elijamos el cambio. Avancemos con los jóvenes hacia estilos de vida más sencillos y respetuosos con el medio ambiente”.

Los jóvenes “no son tontos porque están comprometidos con su propio futuro. Por eso quieren cambiar lo que heredarán en un momento en que ya no estaremos aquí”, dijo el papa. †

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

MUNDO CATOLICO

texas catholic herald

The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Full job descriptions for each position are available online: www.archgh.org/employment Downtown Chancery | 1700 San Jacinto | Houston, TX 77002

FOTO DE CNS

El papa Francisco habla con un líder religioso durante una reunión interreligiosa en la llanura de Ur cerca de Nasiriyah, Irak, el 6 de marzo del 2021.

Papa: Denuncien la violencia y la predicación incendiaria CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — Los líderes religiosos deben cooperar con valentía para apoyarse mutuamente, para oponerse al odio y promover la paz, dijo el papa Francisco.

“Como líderes religiosos, creo que, en primer lugar, debemos servir a la verdad y declarar lo que es malo cuando es malo, sin miedo ni pretensión, incluso y especialmente cuando lo cometen quienes profesan seguir el mismo credo que nosotros”, dijo en un mensaje escrito a quienes participaron en el Foro Interreligioso del G20 en Bolonia, Italia, del 12 al 14 de septiembre.

“También debemos ayudarnos los unos a otros, todos juntos, para combatir el analfabetismo religioso que impregna todas las culturas: es una ignorancia generalizada que reduce la experiencia de la fe a dimensiones rudimentarias de lo humano y seduce a las almas vulnerables para que se adhieran a los lemas fundamentalistas”, dijo.

“Realmente ya no es hora de alianzas de unos contra otros, sino de una búsqueda común de soluciones a los problemas que todos enfrentamos. Los jóvenes y la historia nos juzgarán por esto”, dijo el papa en su mensaje.

El Foro Interreligioso del G20 es un evento anual que invita a líderes e instituciones religiosas a discutir temas globales con el objetivo de presentar ideas y recomendaciones basadas en la fe a los líderes globales y ayudar a dar forma a la política y la agenda global para cada cumbre del G20 para la cooperación económica internacional. El foro interreligioso tiene lugar cada año en el mismo país anfitrión que la cumbre anual de los jefes de estado y de gobierno del G20, que se celebrará en Roma del 30 al 31 de octubre.

En su mensaje escrito, que el Vaticano publicó el 11 de septiembre, el papa Francisco elogió el propósito del foro de reunir a líderes religiosos, políticos y culturales para dialogar y compartir ideas “para promover el acceso a los derechos fundamentales, sobre todo la libertad religiosa, y para cultivar la levadura de unidad y reconciliación donde la guerra y el odio han sembrado muerte y mentira”.

Los líderes religiosos son esenciales para promover y preservar la fraternidad y la caridad en la tierra y ayudarse mutuamente a liberar el espacio sagrado de la creación “de las nubes oscuras de la violencia y el fundamentalismo”, dijo.

El aumento de la temperatura del odio y la violencia por motivos religiosos representa un nuevo tipo de “cambio climático” que amenaza el entorno religioso, dijo.

“Basta pensar en el estallido de violencia que explota lo sagrado: en los últimos 40 años se han producido casi 3,000 atentados y alrededor de 5,000 asesinatos en varios lugares de culto, en esos espacios, es decir, que deben ser protegidos como oasis de santidad y fraternidad”, dijo el papa.

“Es demasiado fácil para aquellos que blasfeman el santo nombre de Dios persiguiendo a sus hermanos y hermanas para obtener financiación. Una vez más, la predicación incendiaria de aquellos que, en nombre de un dios falso, incitan al odio, a menudo se propaga sin control”, agregó.

En respuesta, dijo, todos los líderes religiosos “deben servir a la verdad”, denunciar el mal, combatir el “analfabetismo religioso” y promover “un desarrollo equitativo, solidario e integral que aumente las oportunidades de escolarización y educación, porque donde reinan la pobreza y la ignorancia la violencia fundamentalista desenfrenada se afianza más fácilmente”.

Las personas de fe no pueden combatir el odio con la violencia de las armas, lo que sólo conduce a “una espiral interminable de represalias y venganzas”, dijo.

Los líderes no deben matar, dijo. En cambio, deben ayudarse y perdonarse mutuamente, lo que requiere valor, verdad y ayuda sin condiciones.

El camino de la paz no se encuentra en las armas, sino en la justicia, dijo, “y los líderes religiosos debemos ser los primeros en apoyar estos procesos, dando testimonio de que la capacidad de combatir el mal no está en las proclamaciones, sino en la oración; no en venganza, pero en concordia; no en atajos dictados por el uso de la fuerza, sino en la paciente y constructiva fuerza de la solidaridad”.

El papa apoyó una propuesta para establecer un monumento común a las personas asesinadas en lugares de oración. “¡Conservemos juntos la memoria común de nuestros hermanos y hermanas que han sufrido la violencia, ayudémonos unos a otros con palabras y gestos concretos para oponernos al odio que busca dividir a la familia humana!” †

Development Associate Director of Development Development Coordinator Office of Vocations Program Coordinator Parish Accounting Services Staff Accountant Metropolitan Tribunal Secretary/Notary St. Dominic Chancery | 2403 Holcombe Blvd. | Houston, TX 77021

Clergy Pastoral Outreach Secretary Construction and Preventive Maintenance Associate Director - Construction Project Manager Office of Evangelization and Catechesis Associate Director of Catechetical Formation for Persons with Disabilities Office of Worship Associate Director for Liturgical Formation University of Houston

Administrative Assistant University of Houston, Catholic Newman Center Dickinson

Director of Catholic Cemeteries Mt. Olivet Cemetery Galveston and Texas City

Catholic Port Chaplain Apostleship of the Sea Plantersville

Instructor/Summer Programming Team Member Camp Kappe School of Environmental Education (S.E.E.) Interested candidates may send a cover letter, with salary requirement, and resume to resume@archgh.org with the job title on the subject line. *Submissions that do not include the salary requirement will not be moved forward for consideration.

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.

17

18 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

WITHIN THE ARTS Devotion to St. Joseph inspires singer to pen song for Jesus’ foster father SAN DIEGO (CNS) — Catholic singersongwriter Donna Lee is singing the praises of St. Joseph.

The San Diego-based musician, who last year marked 30 years in music ministry, has written and recorded “Song of St. Joseph.”

With lyrics drawn primarily from the Litany of St. Joseph and other prayers, the song will debut at the upcoming St. Joseph Summit, a free virtual conference that will be presented by Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3.

“He’s so special,” Lee said of the subject of her song. “All our saints are special. But I think, with St. Joseph being the foster father of Jesus, he’s all the more special to bring us closer to Jesus.”

Though Lee’s strong devotion to Mary dates to the 1980s, her devotion to St. Joseph is of recent vintage. Despite having made the occasional prayer to him over the years, she said, he had “never been on my radar.”

That changed this year when she read Father Donald Calloway’s book, “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father.” She consecrated herself to St. Joseph on Aug. 21.

The Catholic Church is observing the Year of St. Joseph as declared by Pope Francis last Dec. 8.

Lee was inspired to write her new song March 19, the solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

But her creative juices stopped flowing after producing only about a paragraph’s worth of lyrics, and she set the project aside for more than a month.

CNS PHOTO

Singer-songwriter Donna Lee is pictured in an undated photo at Studio West and Recording Arts Center in Rancho Bernardo, Calif. The San Diego-based musician, who last year marked 30 years in music ministry, recently wrote and recorded “Song of St. Joseph.”

Resuming her work, she completed the song on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, which is observed on May 1.

“It really just came together, with the help of the Holy Spirit and St. Joseph,” Lee told The Southern Cross, newspaper of the Diocese of San Diego.

Lee shared her song May 2 at a fundraiser for the St. Joseph Summit, where it was well-received and adopted as the summit’s theme song. At the suggestion of a fellow attendee, she incorporated into her song one of the seven new invocations that, with papal

‘TWO STREAMS’ WORLD PREMIERES AT ANNUNCIATION

approval, had been added to the Litany of St. Joseph the previous day.

In addition to recording her vocals, Lee has filmed a music video. The song also is being scored for music ministers and choir directors.

“I would love to see people use the song for special feasts and celebrations in the future,” Lee said.

After its debut at the St. Joseph Summit, the song will be available for download wherever digital music is sold.

Lee’s prayer for the song is simple: “Lord, whatever Your will is for this song,

MOVIE RATINGS By Catholic News Service A-I – GENERAL PATRONAGE • PAW Patrol: The Movie (G)

A-II – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS

• • • • •

• Resurrection (PG-13)

A-III – ADULTS • • • •

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL SKAGGS

Annunciation Catholic Church in Houston hosted the world premiere of composer Daniel Knaggs’s “Two Streams,” a concert-length work about Divine Mercy as revealed to St. Faustina Kowalska.

The event, held Sept. 9, included the Grammy-winning Houston Chamber Choir led by Robert Smith, along with the string ensemble, Kinetic.

let it be used for Your glory, to inspire people to learn more about St. Joseph and his role in our Catholic faith.”

The singer learned to play guitar at age 7 and was active in the music ministry at Holy Family Parish in San Diego for 11 years. She wrote her first song at age 15 for a Catholic youth retreat.

Between 1982 and 1988, Lee abandoned her Catholic faith. At first, she attended nondenominational Christian churches, but then she stopped going to church altogether.

“I didn’t think I needed God in my life, and I just fell into a life of sin,” recalled Lee, who had an abortion in 1986 and credits Mary for leading her back to the Catholic Church.

In 1990, she launched her Donna Lee Music Ministry with a concert at Holy Family Parish. That same year she released her first album, “Immaculate Heart, O Sacred Heart,” inspired by her reversion to the Catholic faith.

Lee’s music ministry has taken her to 13 countries, including Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Holland, Australia and New Zealand. Her 2003 album “The Grace of God” earned three Unity Awards from the United Catholic Music & Video Association.

But she remains humble about her success.

“I’m not as famous as other Catholic artists. ... There are plenty of people that are better than me,” she said, “but I’m grateful for the opportunities that Christ has given to me.” †

Cinderella (PG) CODA (PG-13) Dark Waters (PG-13) Dear Evan Hansen

• • • •

(PG-13) Free Guy (PG-13) Jungle Cruise (PG-13) Reminiscence (PG-13) Respect (PG-13) Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (PG-13) Stillwater (R) The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (R) The Green Knight (R) The Night House (R)

L – LIMITED ADULT AUDIENCE • Copshop (R) • Queenpins (R)

O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE • • • •

Candyman (R) Malignant (R) The Protegé (R) The Suicide Squad (R)

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AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE Editor’s Note: Contact event organizers for the latest updates and information. For deadline/submission details and other listing, visit www.archgh.org/ata.

OCTOBER 1

MINISTRY GALA, 6 p.m. to midnight, Prince of Peace Discipleship Center (19222 Tomball Pkwy., Houston). Live band, dancing, dinner, fellowship and auction. Benefits parish’s Mercy Ministry. Tickets online: www.pophouston.org/ golfandgala.

PARISH FESTIVAL, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., St. Faustina Church Festival (28102 FM 1093, Fulshear). Silent and live auction, games, inflatables, photo booth, face painting, raffle, live entertainment and more. More info: saintfaustinachurch.org/parish-festival.

OCTOBER 1-3

POLISH FESTIVAL, Our Lady of Częstochowa (1731 Blalock Rd., Houston). Annual “Dozynki” Harvest Festival features food, drinks, dances and lively folk music. Info: contact@polishharvestfestival. org; houstonpolishfestival.com.

OCTOBER 2

DAY OF REFLECTION, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. John the Baptist (10 E. South St., Alvin). CDA Court #2073 sponsors “Loved Poured Out: Day of Reflection” with international speaker/songwriter Trish Short, who shares her message of mercy, hope and healing. $20 tickets include breakfast and lunch. More info: stjohnaff@gmail.com; 281331-3751.

OCTOBER 3

CZECH FESTIVAL, 11:30 a.m., Crosby Fairgrounds (700 Church St.). Barbecue chicken and sausage dinners, tamale dinners, kolaches and other homemade pastries. Entertainment includes Czech music and dance performance by local talent. Auction features handmade quilts and much more beginning at 1 p.m.

Bingo, booths and games for all. Both admission and parking are free. Handicap parking is also available. More info: 281-3284871; www.sacredheartcrosby.org.

OCTOBER 8

GOLF TOURNAMENT, 7:30 a.m. registration and breakfast, 9 a.m. shotgun start, High Meadow Ranch Club (37300 Golf Club Trail, Magnolia). Prince of Peace Mercy Ministry Golf Classic benefits parish’s Mercy Ministry and includes lunch, range balls and gift. $150 per golfer or $600 per team. Tickets online: www.pophouston.org/golfandgala. More info: sgaworecki@comcast.net.

OCTOBER 8-9

GARAGE SALE, Friday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at St. Francis de Sales Family Life Center (8200 Roos Rd., Houston). Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court SFDS #2647 hosts a parish-wide garage sale.

OCTOBER 9

GALA, Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center (430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston) hosts third annual gala. More info: 713-464-0211; musyc2003@ yahoo.com; holynameretreatcenter.com.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA, 9 a.m. Rosary, Divine Mercy and Holy Face, 10 a.m. Mass, at Notre Dame Catholic Church (7720 Boone Rd., Houston). Monsignor Rolando Diokno is celebrant.

OCTOBER 10

JUBILEE MASS AND RECEPTION, 3:30 p.m., St. Anne (2140 Westheimer Rd., Houston). Archdiocesan celebration recognizes Silver, Golden and

Diamond Jubilees in 2020 and 2021.

OCTOBER 12

BAY AREA DEANERY OF CATHOLIC WOMEN GATHERING, 9:30 a.m., St. Bernadette Church (15500 El Camino Real, Houston). Meet and join other women making a difference in Christ’s Church by making gift boxes for seafarers who will be away from home this Christmas. More info: sbalfour2009@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 17

FIREFIGHTERS MASS, 11 a.m., Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston).

Annual Mass honors firefighters.

OKTOBERFEST, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., St. Thomas More Church, (10330 Hillcroft St., Houston).

International foods, games, Bingo, music and entertainment. More info: kprado@ stmorenews.com.

TURKEY DINNER AND BAZAAR, 11 a.m., Columbus Club Hall (20632 N Hwy 36, Brazoria). Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sweeny and St. John the Apostle, West Columbia host event. $12 meal includes turkey, dressing, buttered potatoes, green beans, dessert and tea. Drive-thru takeout available. Features a homemade pastry booth, live music, Mexican food booth, a country store, raffle, live and silent auctions, dunking booth and children’s activities. More info: 979-548-2020; olphsjaoffice@gmail.com.

FALL FESTIVAL AND BAZAAR, 10:30 a.m., Guardian Angel Church (5610 Demel St., Wallis).

Barbecue, homemade dressing and all the trimmings. Thanksgiving Masses at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Grand auction begins at 1 p.m. under the pavilion. Music all day.

Drawing, rides, games and booths. More info: 979-478-6532; gacwallis@gmail.com; guardianangelwallis.org.

BAZAAR, Noon to 8 p.m., St. Monica (8421 West Montgomery Rd., Houston). Foods and sweets, DJ music, games, raffle drawing and vendor booths available. Free admission and parking.

More info: www.stmonicahouston.com; 713419-7239; 281-447-5837.

OCTOBER 19

RED MASS, 6:15 p.m. Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston). Annual Mass celebrated by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo honors lawyers and members of Houston’s legal community. An optional dinner program, “Open Wide Our Hearts - The U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter Against Racism,” with Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria, Bishop Emeritus Curtis J. Guillory, S.V.D., of Beaumont, and Father Reginald Samuels, Archdiocesan Vicar for Catholics of African Descent. More info and to register: www.archgh.org/redmass.

OCTOBER 21

LUNCHEON, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Westin Houston Medical Center (1709 Dryden Rd., Houston). San José Clinic’s 11th Annual Fall Speaker Series Luncheon with Dr. Stephen Hahn, former commissioner of Food & Drugs, FDA. Rice University President David Leebron will moderate. Sponsorship opportunities available. More info: www.sanjoseclinic. org/2021fallspeakerseries.

OCTOBER 23

WHITE MASS AND RECEPTION, 5 p.m., Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston). Mass honors health care professionals.

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo is the celebrant.

Reception and talk follow with Father Tad Pacholczyk, PhD, National Catholic Bioethics Center. Register: www.cvent.com/d/hmqz8t.

SEWING RETREAT, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Cathedral Centre (1701 San Jacinto St., Houston). The Stitching Angels of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart host a sewing retreat. The project of the day will be the “Tall Trim the Tree” quilted wall hanging or “A Little Bit Shorter Tall Tree.” Bring your own machine or rent one for a nominal fee. Supply list available upon registration. Class fee: $50. Foundation piecing pattern provided. Limited space. Register: anita. bertrand@comcast.net.

OCTOBER 24

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY MASS, 11 a.m., St. Martha (4301 Woodridge Pkwy., Porter). Annual Mass prays for the global missions of the Church.

Father Tom Rafferty will be the celebrant.

food, auction, games and more. $10 Barbecue chicken plates available for purchase. More info: 281-837-8180; stjohnbaytown.org.

OCTOBER 26

GOLF TOURNAMENT, at Sugar Creek Country Club (420 Sugar Creek Blvd., Sugar Land). 26th annual Tuition Assistance Golf Tournament benefits St. Laurence Catholic School. 9 a.m.

Shotgun start. Player fees $200+, various sponsorships available. Food and drinks also available. More info: https://one.bidpal.net/ slcsgolf2020/welcome; kgoff@stlaurence.org.

OCTOBER 31

ASIAN MASS, 2:30 p.m., Christ the Incarnate Word Church (8503 S Kirkwood Rd., Houston). Annual Mass celebrates diverse Asian cultures.

FALL FESTIVAL, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. John (800 W. Baker Rd., Baytown). Parish fall festival features

How to submit events for Around the Archdiocese E-mail the event details (see below) to tch@archgh.org for possible inclusion in Around the Archdiocese. There is no charge for listings but space is limited.

Around the Archdiocese

• Include the name of your event along with date, time, location (with full address) and a brief description of your event • If applicable, include your organization name • If the event is for charity, include the benefiting group or organization; Include the cost for tickets or note that it’s free • Name, phone and/or e-mail address of the contact person that you want readers to call/e-mail with questions (note: don’t publish your personal e-mail address or phone number or any other information you don’t wish to make public) • Website address for your organization (if you have one) • Name, phone and e-mail address of the media contact person for verification • Please write “Around the Archdiocese” in the subject line of the email to tch@archgh.org • It is best to submit your events at least six to eight weeks in advance Please note that due to space and other factors, we cannot guarantee placement or frequency in Around the Archdiocese, but we will do our best to get your event into the section.

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

MILESTONES

Mission of Love gala supports Fort Bend-area outreach efforts led by Catholic Charities RICHMOND — Gratitude was the theme as friends and donors gathered for the annual Mission of Love Gala, benefiting the Mamie George Community Center (MGCC), the Fort Bend location for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

The event celebrated MGCC’s 10th anniversary of service to Fort Bend County residents.

“We are grateful to the donors, volunteers and others in the community who provided outstanding support during the 10 years that Mamie George has been in operation,” said Gladys BrumfieldJames, MGCC executive director. “The extent of that support was illuminated during the pandemic to show people’s desire to take care of one another, and of course, the value of Catholic Charities’ work in Fort Bend.”

Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S., provided the invocation. The event was led by chair Lisa Emiliani, a member of MGCC’s advisory board, along with cochair Eleanor Loosbrock.

The Mission of Love Gala honored Dr. Thomas E. Randle, who retired this year after a distinguished 20-year career at Lamar Consolidated ISD. Randle is

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTONHOUSTON

(From Left) Father John Cahoon, pastor of St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, Missouri City; Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, and Father Honest Munushi, vocations director for The Congregation of the Holy Spirit, U.S. Province, attend the 10th annual Mission of Love event.

a beloved figure in the district, known for striving for equitable education and putting children first while giving extraordinary support to those who serve as educators and staff throughout the district.

“We thank Dr. Randle for allowing us to honor him while we experienced a record-breaking year in proceeds for the Mission of Love event,” said BrumfieldJames. “We are grateful for the impact he has had on the Fort Bend Community over the last 20 years.”

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When Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston was exploring construction of the service center in Fort Bend County, the agency sought input from the community to determine its best use. The highest priority: a place where seniors could gather and receive help to maintain independent lifestyles.

Over the last decade, the Mamie George Community Center has lived up to that request by providing meals, gatherings and classes to keep seniors engaged and active. In addition, the center provides vital services for people of all ages: a food pantry, financial assistance, help for women veterans, and

parenting education for young families.

“We are here to make sure that seniors who are isolated and lonely have a place to go and share a hot meal,” said Emiliani.

“That women veterans trying to figure out what comes next have a place to find support. And that those struggling with the decision to pay rent or feed their children have a place to get nutritious food.”

Earlier this summer, the center opened its doors to let the community back in while maintaining safety practices. During the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, MGCC converted to home deliveries of meals and food to seniors, virtual interaction with other clients and drive-through food distribution. Nearly four million pounds of food has been distributed, with help from a devoted corps of volunteers, since the pandemic began.

Guests of the event were entertained and inspired by a performance of traditional dancing by the St. Faustina Catholic Church Matachines Dance Team and musical entertainment by Los Tres Amigos.

Those who were unable to attend Mission of Love but still wish to support Catholic Charities’ Mamie George Community Center and the services provided in Fort Bend County may donate at www.catholiccharities.org/ missionoflove/make-a-gift. †

CCSF contributes $100,000 to St. Mary’s Seminary HOUSTON — More than 90 years ago, a few very determined ladies had a plan to feed “starving” seminarians at St. Mary’s Seminary. Since then, their efforts have provided more than $6.4 million in support.

On June 19, more than 160 supporters gathered for the annual St. Mary’s Catholic Clerical Student Fund Luncheon at St. Mary’s Seminary to present a $100,000 check to Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and to celebrate the fund’s nearly 90 years of care.

The Catholic Clerical Student Fund (CCSF) was established in 1933 to feed the seminarians during The Great Depression and the beginnings of what would lead to World War II. Cardinal DiNardo said, “In those early days in the 1930s, this fund literally fed seminarians who, not to sound overly dramatic, were starving. We should never forget the origins were out of necessity.”

The fund is supported by Mass enrollments through gifts of $3 or more. Those who are enrolled are the beneficiaries of the prayers of the seminarians and of Masses regularly celebrated at the seminary for the intentions of the members.

The money received by the fund from memberships are invested, and the income from the investments is given to help support the seminary. Enrollments are taxdeductible. These enrollments are included in a working burse until the burse totals $15,000.

At the luncheon, six burses were presented totaling $90,000 in honor of Julius

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CATHOLIC CLERICAL STUDENT FUND

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo receives a $100,000 check from Catholic Clerical Student Fund Board Members Beverly Brumbaugh, president, and Sarah Snell, treasurer and bookkeeper.

and Frances Gubbles, Richard May, Adele (Pat) Salvato, and Clare Wahl (recipients for 2019), and Father John Kappe and Father John Weyer (recipients for 2020). The $90,000 will be added to the current investments.

Three future burses have been approved, honoring Carole Updyke, Father Roy Ogerro and Father Ryan Stawaisz.

At the end of 2020, 161 burses were completed, valued at more than $2.9 million.

For more information or to nominate someone for a burse, contact Beverly Brumbaugh at catholicclericalstudentfund@ gmail.com or visit smseminary.org/catholicclerical-student-fund. †