Texas Catholic Herald - April 14, 2020

april 14, 2020

april 14, 2020

innovating education

call to stewardship

Catholic schools across the Archdiocese continue to lead the way in distance learning

Remembering what we have, we give to our parishes, the heart of our local Church

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

VOL. 56, NO. 20

be salvation, honor, blessing, might and endless majesty

cns photo

Pope Francis holds the monstrance as he delivers his extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) during a prayer service in the portico of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican March 27. The service was livestreamed in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

A living Church of ‘paschal’ joy Rising up to serve the Church and the world, Catholics embrace the Easter season

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aster has arrived. Though the coronavirus pandemic has upended the world’s schedule, the life of the Catholic Church continues into this new liturgical season. Catholics, as one family of Easter people, across the Archdiocese are living out their faith in the Gospel message in powerful ways.

Priests celebrate the Holy Mass every day, actively offering the Sacraments like reconciliation when safely possible. Clergy and men and women religious, with the laity, continue to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, or the Divine Office, around the clock.

Catholics are on the front lines of the pandemic as healthcare workers in healing ministries caring for the sick and vulnerable; as

SHEPHERD’S MESSAGE † 2

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first responders, grocery store clerks, workers providing essential city services, and so many more roles of service and support.

Families remain at home, icons of the “domestic Church,” caring for each other, children, elderly and neighbors. Though not physically together, parishioners are united in prayer watching Masses and Liturgies during Holy Week.

The Church might look different right now, but through the lens of faith, it is still united in Christ. Throughout this issue of the Texas Catholic Herald, stories explore the deep impacts of this historic pandemic, but also sharing the truth, beauty and grace of a Church that remains in motion. †

EDUCATION † 13

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español † 20 - 21

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PRAYERS † 23

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april 14, 2020

A Shepherd’s Message

By Daniel Cardinal DiNardo THE Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

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oly Week and Easter this year occur in a time of great anxiety, peril, even fear. An insidious and silent pandemic has infiltrated the world — our world — and has turned everything upside down.

We are quarantined for weeks at home, our cycle of everydayness has been upended, schools closed, our jobs suspended. We seem to be living in a bad horror movie. But the sickness and death of the coronavirus marching through our country are all too real.

Faith is very present in this environment but cannot be exercised in its accustomed ways through our Church buildings, our celebrations of Lenten services, even our normal fasting and prayer.

There is a palpable sense of unease and of obscurity attached to our faith as we live it in anxiety. Further, for those who are ill or families who have lost a loved one to the pandemic, there is sorrow upon sorrow.

We give all our loves, our lives, our very selves to God. In Christ Jesus His Son, He gives us in return His great gift. Holy Week and Easter are the true reminders of what Jesus Christ has done and has won for us. The current pandemic is the best time to share in Holy Week; to experience Christ’s suffering and death as the very way God would enter and accompany our sufferings and anxiety.

Looking to Christ’s sufferings on the cross saves us from being paralyzed and immobilized in our own sufferings. We discover that Christ already knows what we are enduring, for He was like us in all things but sin. He is constantly interceding and pleading for us with the Father, and His voice is effective, real and comforting. Christ crucified is our hope.

Hope does not disappoint, for the cross already leads to Easter. To the first disciples and apostles, to the women at the tomb, and the apostles in the upper room, the resurrection is a shock.

It is a surprise of joy, greeted with disbelief. The first sign of Easter is an empty tomb, met with a mood of bewilderment.

The Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions

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Daniel Cardinal DiNardo incenses the holy oils during Chrism Mass at the CoCathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston on April 7.

El Cardenal Daniel DiNardo comparte su columna en línea en español.

Visite www.archgh.org para leer su artículo en línea.

The appearances of the risen Jesus are astonishment and joy. The Risen Christ always greets the ones who see Him with “Peace be with you” and “Do not be afraid.”The same apostles and disciples who were shaken with grief are now shaken with joy, “paschal” joy. Jesus simply “IS.” He is never again in the past tense but is always present.

That is true now in our own “present,” filled as it is with anxiety and worry. Jesus Christ is risen. He is alive.

He lives to intercede for us, to accompany us in every situation, to be our Brother and to be our Lord.

A Blessed Easter! †

James Ramos Designer & Reporter Catherine Viola Graphic Designer & Advertising Manager Kerry McGuire and Jo Ann Zuñiga Contributors The Texas Catholic Herald, an awardwinning member of The Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada, is published semi-monthly on Tuesdays, except for one issue in June, July and August by The Texas Catholic Herald Publishing Co., Inc., 1700 San Jacinto St., Houston, Texas 77002.

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For the month of April

Issue date: April 28 Deadline: Noon on April 14

FREEDOM FROM ADDICTION: We pray that those suffering from addiction may be helped and accompanied.

Issue date: May 12 Deadline: Noon on April 28

On the cover

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Pope Francis receives a gift from children during a Sept. 24, 2019, visit to Cittadella Cielo (“Heaven’s Citadel”), the headquarters of the New Horizons Community in Frosinone, Italy. The community is a lay movement that engages in evangelization and service to the disadvantaged, including young people dealing with addiction.

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Make checks payable to St. Maryʼs Seminary Trust Fund.

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THE FIRST WORD In hope and solidarity

pastoral appointments Effective April 13 Rev. Daniel Baguio – Pastor, St. Jude Thaddeus Church, Highlands Effective July 1 Rev. John Kha Tran – Pastor, Vietnamese Martyrs Church, Houston

in brief DSF annual appeal to support Archdiocesan ministries continues

photo by GRANT WHITTY

Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza, Pastor William A. Lawson and Rabbi Sam Karff, who have been regularly honored for their interfaith ministries, wrote an editorial that was published April 3 in the Houston Chronicle.

By Archbishop EMERITUS Joseph A. Fiorenza, Pastor William A. Lawson and Rabbi Sam Karff In this era of coronavirus, we offer words of hope and solidarity for consideration in these unsettling times.

We are facing a new challenge and an uncertain future which requires citizens to withdraw from public life during this time of pandemic. The Jewish and Christian traditions which we profess are in solid agreement that trust in God is the ultimate antidote for any fear or anxiety caused by this human tragedy.

The difficulty and disruption of our daily lives with quarantine at home and observing social distancing when we must buy food or engage in other essential activities, as well as frequent hand washings, is necessary for the common good, and are a witness to human solidarity which will prevail over COVID-19.

Even worship should be done safely at home using video, teleconferencing or livestreaming in accord with your religious tradition.

We sometimes feel that God is absent from us but in faith and experience, we know that God is concerned about our daily lives with their challenges and trials. We believe that God sometimes seems so distant from us, but we also know moments when God seems closer to us than our own breath.

God is with us even when we are wandering in the desert, and leads us through the Red Sea to freedom, from slavery to a new era.

Indeed, we believe that the overarching belief of our different traditions is that God loves us, and we best show our love for our Creator in loving all people, beginning with the most vulnerable and needy among us.

We remember in prayer those

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“United in prayer and faithfully observing the guidelines of healthcare professionals and the local and state civil authorities, we will emerge from this pandemic a stronger community with great concern for the health and welfare of all in the human family. ”

who have died from this disease and extend our loving concern and support to their families and friends.

We appeal to all people of faith and good will to live this new era of coronavirus with serenity of mind and heart, and with the conviction that nothing is impossible with God. United in prayer and faithfully observing the guidelines of healthcare professionals and the local and state civil authorities, we will emerge from this pandemic a stronger community with great concern for the health and welfare of all in the human family.

With deep gratitude we honor the courageous doctors, nurses, medical personnel, volunteers and all first responders whose efforts keep the community safe from this pernicious disease and mitigate its spread. We are mindful that all are potentially vulnerable to this new virus.

May gracious God bless them in their dangerous work and give them the joy and consolation of knowing they are truly doing the work of the Holy One in eliminating this modern worldwide plague. Those who extend a helpful hand today may be in need of such assistance in coming days. †

HOUSTON — This year the theme of the annual Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) appeal is “Bring Your Greatest Gifts to The Lord.”

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. †

Bishop Rizzotto Golf Classic reset for May 12 HOUSTON — The 17th annual Bishop Rizzotto Golf Classic, which supports the retired priests, religious and elders of St. Dominic Village, has been rescheduled.

The new date is May 12. Registration will still be at 11 a.m. with shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. The tournament will still be at the Wildcat Golf Club, 12000 Almeda Rd., in Houston. Proceeds directly benefit the residents of St. Dominic Village. Price per player is $250.

To register to play, visit www.stdominicvillage.org/golfer-registration.

For sponsorship opportunities, call Amy Shields at 713-741-8787 or email ashields@stdominicvillage.org. †

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, pray for us!

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Exercising the ‘virtutes humanae’ muscles Sheltering in place provides plenty of opportunities to practice the human virtues.

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‘We are witnesses of all that He did’ Easter Greetings from the Texas Catholic Herald

The Resurrection of Christ (1571-1575, Sistine Chapel) By Hendrick Van Den Broeck

Christians, to the Paschal Victim offer your thankful praises!

A Lamb the sheep redeems; Christ, who only is sinless, reconciles sinners to the Father.

Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: the Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.

Speak, Mary, declaring what you saw, wayfaring.

“The tomb of Christ, who is living, the glory of Jesus’ resurrection; bright angels attesting, the shroud and napkin resting.

Yes, Christ my hope is arisen; to Galilee he goes before you.”

Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.

Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!

Amen. Alleluia!

— Sequence Victimae Paschali Laudes

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april 14, 2020

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‘Graces are flowing no matter what’

Carrying on the life and faith of the Church

By James Ramos Texas Catholic Herald

he can and still hears confession as much as possible.

“We priests have to find our strength HOUSTON — Holding a palm with in our unity with Christ,” he said. Father an outstretched arm, Father Victor Perez Perez created an online group to reach greeted a parishioner. out to his brother priests and support “Happy Palm Sunday!” he said.“Have a them as well. In this, he finds strength in blessed Holy Week. I miss you, too!” his unity with them.

Like all of the priests around the “We know the Lord is witness of this, Archdiocese, Father Perez has been even the empty pews,” he said. celebrating Masses in churches closed While celebrating Mass, the empty to the public. Due to the COVID-19 pews are striking to him. pandemic, the Archdiocese suspended all “You realize that something has hit the public celebrations of the Mass. world. Something’s hit us. Damage has Many parishes kept their church doors happened,”he said.“It’s different knowing open for private prayer, while taking that, on Palm Sunday, I’d be staring at health precautions like sanitation and a camera from an empty church. It hits social distancing, as home.” long as they could.

Even with Though much these differences, has changed, Father Father Perez still Perez, who is pastor encouraged his of St. Joseph and St. parishioners, Stephen parishes in especially when Houston, said some they drove up to things have not. receive a palm.

“I’m still “Christ goes celebrating daily to Jerusalem for Masses and (everyone),” he Sunday Masses,” said. “Graces are he said, noting he flowing, no matter livestreams them all what. This is a to his parishioners time for everyone and anyone looking to really take to pray with him ownership of their online. faith and more than “The important ever, to meditate, thing is that the to pray, meditate Mass is offered to on Jesus. You can’t God the Father and receive His body so it has an infinite now, but that you value whether have received His people are there body (before); you photo by st. joseph catholic church in houston or not,” he said. are His body.”

All those watching Blessed palms wait inside St. Joseph Catholic Father Perez said can “place their Church in Houston before being distributed by his priesthood is an attention now on priests, including St. Joseph’s pastor, Father honor, especially in the altar with the Victor Perez. times of need. bread and wine and “It’s an honor to unite themselves be able to shepherd with the sacrifice” of the Mass. them and bring some peace and the He said he felt like Moses, who by comfort of Christ’s cross because Christ himself went to the mountain top to pray suffered to bring us comfort, and our for the people he was leading. sufferings are not alone.”

Being physically separated from his parishioners, Father Perez said, is Agencies lead efforts to a reminder that his priesthood “comes provide social services from Jesus” and that he has to “stay close In addition to the many social services to Jesus.” provided at parishes, Archdiocesan Ahead of Holy Week, Father Perez agencies continue to provide needed drew a parallel between priests like him assistance to thousands throughout who may be physically separated from Galveston-Houston. his parishioners to Jesus Christ on His Led by Ann Schorno, executive journey to the cross. director, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul “In His Holy week, (Jesus) was is “doing everything (they) can possibly separated … from His flock, from His do to help,” Jenni Granero, director of people,” he said. “We’re sharing in that development, said. kind of separation in terms of the flock.

Like many other groups, the society is But it’s so that we can hopefully become operating remotely, continuing to answer better priests and generous when we’re its helpline, which has seen twice as allowed to minister to the people again.” many calls for assistance than before, Father Perez said he continues to Granero said. minister to his parishioners as much as Schorno said, “We continue to respond

to calls, placing the greatest emphasis on individuals who need food or shelter or whose utilities are about to be disconnected.”

During a disaster in the community, the demand for our services always increases, according to a statement released by the society. “Not only do we provide basic needs for the poor, but we also become a beacon of hope to the families who are being impacted by recent layoffs and furloughs,” it said.

While two thrift stores and the Vincentian Service Center (VSC) remained closed, 15 of their 21 pantries remain active, offering drive-through service, and home visits now take place on the phone or using technology. The VSC was scheduled to re-open on April

1 to increase food distribution in a safe manner.

Officials said appointments may be required, which can be made by calling 713-741-8234.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has served more than 9,000 people with food assistance since the pandemic began.

“All of our programs have been up and running without interruption since the Coronavirus was first identified as a threat to our community,” said Catholic Charities President Cynthia N. Colbert, MSW. “What has changed is how we’re providing help. Our primary concern is protecting the safety of our clients, See FAITH, page 6

During this unprecedented time we pray that you and your family are safe and well. COVID-19 has impacted all of our lives, and has been challenging for everyone.

Providing high quality senior care at a time like this is crucial to our community. Our staff are taking every precaution to help maintain the health, safety, and well-being of our highly vulnerable residents.

St. Dominic Village is the only Catholic, nonprofit senior care community in the Houston area, and a ministry of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Our funding comes from grants, fundraising events, and individual donations. We are currently seeing escalating expenses, all while having to postpone some of our largest fundraisers.

We are mindful of the hardship that many are facing, but if you are able to financially support our mission of “Caring for Our Elders with the Compassion of Christ” it would be an immeasurable blessing.

OUR RESIDENTS NEED YOUR HELP NOW, MORE THAN EVER. You can give online at stdominicvillage.org/donate or mail your check to c/o Development 2401 Holcombe Blvd. | Houston, TX 7021

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‘Unfathomable plenitude of grace’ still available FAITH, from previous page volunteers and staff while we serve.”

In just two weeks, Catholic Charities took more than 2,400 COVID-related calls and provided 79,000 pounds of food using drive-through distribution. That’s in addition to continuing service to thousands of clients already enrolled in the agency’s network of programs.

Using online resources, its immigration program is still instructing immigrants on their legal rights, while parenting education classes continue virtually.

Material assistance continues as well, with meals and groceries dropped off safely for seniors, women veterans and refugees. Baby supplies are left on doorsteps for young parents.

“Through the grace of God, not even a pandemic can keep Catholic Charities from providing our life-changing services,” said Colbert. “We are people of faith relying on God’s protection as we help people during this time of great need.”

Love in the time of coronavirus On March 24, the eve of the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Annie and Roberto Vasquez joined their hands in marriage at St. John Fisher Catholic Church in

• LIVESTREAM MASSES www.archgh.org/onlinemass Find a schedule and links to online livestreamed Masses on this website.

photo courtesy of annie vasquez

Annie Vasquez prays with her friends and family in person and on video chat before her wedding on March 24. She and her husband Roberto Vasquez pushed their wedding date forward because of the coronavirus.

• SPIRITUAL RESOURCES www.archgh.org/spiritualresources Archdiocesan ministries are offering resources for Catholics in this uncertain time, including coloring pages, prayers, links to information on coping and more.

Richmond.

It wasn’t what they planned, but Annie still walked down the aisle, wearing a gorgeous white lace wedding dress and carrying light-colored roses.

Roberto, wearing a peach-colored bow tie, didn’t see Annie until she walked down the aisle. They still prayed together before the Mass, reaching around a church column to hold hands.

They may have been the last couple to get married in a Catholic Church before Fort Bend County issued a stay at home order that day to slow the pandemic outbreak.

Father Jesse Garcia, pastor of St. John Fisher, celebrated their wedding, joined

by Annie and Roberto’s immediate family.

Our Vincentian volunteers continue serving amidst COVID-19. Become a Vincentian-at-heart by donating to our EMERGENCY FUND.

who she might not keep in touch with regularly, joined in to view the stream, including a former elementary school teacher.

“It was so cool to see everyone come together,” she said.

And while the future may not seem clear — plans for a reception are still up in the air — the couple knows to turn to the Lord in both their lives and their new marriage.

“Even though (the wedding) looked nothing like what we imagined it to look, it was so much better,” said Annie. “We saw the gift of the Sacrament and the gift of community” in a big way.

Still, even with the sudden changes — they made the decision that same day — they’re confident and thankful they decided to speed up their wedding date.

“At the end of the day, what we realized was that we just wanted to be married.

We realized that our marriage was more important to us than a wedding day,” Annie said. “We were just ready to begin our vocation, to begin what God created us to do and be. And we’re so glad we did.”

In an intimate moment before the wedding, her friends and family prayed with her in person and via video calling.

Despite technology, the hardest part of the change was the absence of friends and family.

“We always had these expectations,” Annie said. “The hardest part was letting go of expectations.”

In his homily, Father Garcia told the couple that their wedding and love can be a light in a world of darkness and difficulty.

Though the decision may have felt chaotic, Annie and Robert said they both felt joy and peace throughout the wedding.

“During the wedding, the coronavirus wasn’t even in the back of my mind,” said Roberto. “Jesus, just clearly, took care of everything.”

And because of the changes, so many more loved ones than they ever thought were able to witness their wedding because they livestreamed the wedding on Facebook. Annie said many friends,

‘Great gift’ of Reconciliation At St. Vincent de Paul parish in Houston near the Texas Medical Center, Father David Hust, joined Father Perez in offering his priestly ministry in extraordinary ways.

Recognizing that most routines have been disrupted, the parochial vicar set up a drive-through confessional in the church parking lot.

While the reception of Communion has been delayed“so as to love our neighbors,” people still need God’s grace, maybe now more than ever,” he said. “People need the tremendous fiery love of God rekindled within them… not only to warm their own hearts but also so they may be what all baptized Christians are called to be, lights shining in the darkness.”

Wearing a face mask and waiting behind a veiled screen, Father Hust greeted penitents who remained in their cars, encouraging them to be “blunt” and loud with their confession.

Social distancing ensured confession could remain private and anonymous as needed.

“We, priests included, are utterly helpless without the grace of God,”he said.

“We need the great gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and we need to make it exceedingly accessible so that people can draw from the rich treasury of grace to be had in the life of prayer.”

With a “steady stream of people repenting, coming back to the Lord and receiving His merciful love,” Father Hust said, “it’s been beautiful to see God at work, and beautifully humbling to be a part of it.”

Give online www.svdphouston.org or use the QR code.

Mail a Check Society of St. Vincent de Paul c/o Director of Development 2403 Holcombe Blvd.

Houston, TX 77021

Photo courtesy of father david hust

Father David Hust, seen here holding his crucifix while waiting for penitents at his make-shift outdoor confessional, has been hearing confessions during the pandemic, as have other priests in the Archdicoese.

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“We need the Lord, like ancient navigators needed the stars...”

CNS photo

Pope Francis holds the monstrance as he delivers his extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) during a prayer service in the portico of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican March 27, 2020. The service was livestreamed in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Faith begins when we realize we are in need of salvation. We are not self-sufficient; by ourselves we founder: we need the Lord, like ancient navigators needed the stars.

Let us invite Jesus into the boats of our lives. Let us hand over our fears to Him so that He can conquer them. Like the disciples, we will experience that with Him on board there will be no shipwreck. Because this is God’s strength: Turning to the good everything that happens to us, even the bad things. He brings serenity into our storms, because with God life never dies.

Dear brothers and sisters, from this place that tells of Peter’s rock-solid faith, I would like this evening to entrust all of you to the Lord, through the intercession of Mary, Health of the People and Star of the stormy Sea. From this colonnade that embraces Rome and the whole world, may God’s blessing come down upon you as a consoling embrace.

Lord, may You bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort our hearts. You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at the mercy of the storm. Tell us again: “Do not be afraid” (Mt 28:5). And we, together with Peter, “cast all our anxieties onto you, for You care about us.”

- Excerpts from Pope Francis’s Urbi et Orbi message, March 27

Knowing that so many Catholics “feel abandoned or that God isn’t present to them because they can’t receive the Eucharist sacramentally… (and that) the devil is wreaking havoc in hearts,” the weight of this “grieves my fatherly heart,” Father Hust said.

He implored the faithful to remain in spiritual communion with Jesus Christ, each other and the Church.

“The Council of Trent teaches us that the Eucharist can be received spiritually.

That’s a big deal,” he said. “People need to know this and to make these acts of spiritual communion daily and repeatedly.”

He assured his parishioners that God remains with them even at this time.

“God is there for them and desires to address the thoughts, feelings and desires of their hearts,” he said. “The key is to make the time for mental prayer and the push through the discomfort of its newness, trusting that God is there and desires to lovingly minister to them.”

Echoing Father Perez’s call for continued prayer, Father Hust said “there is an unfathomable plentitude of grace available to people still.”

“My fatherly heart desires to ensure all

have access even if that looks different to that which we’ve all grown comfortably accustomed.”

Father Hust had a message for the faithful to know.

“We are praying, praying the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for you, for your intentions, out of love for you, and imploring the Heavenly Father to have mercy on us and on the whole world,” he said. “We are working incessantly to try to figure out how to be there for you and care for you…

(We) are praying; we, too, are begging God’s forgiveness; we are striving to surrender every bit of ourselves to God so that we may be consumed by Him and transformed by Him into the fathers He wants us to be, fathers who will love His people the way He loves His people, to death, so you may know His love.”

Houston deacon’s graveside services livestreamed to son in Canada A Houston-area deacon, active for 21 years, passed away peacefully at his home March 28, not of the coronavirus, but the pandemic had some of his family

only able view the graveside services via livestreaming.

Deacon Kenneth Martin of Spring, who had served St. Edward Catholic Church for decades and was also the director for the Archdiocesan Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry for several years, had been ill before the spread of the virus and his wife Mary Ann requested he come home for hospice care.

After only a few days at home, Mary Ann said she held his hand as he passed away 20 minutes past midnight on Saturday, March 28, with other family present. But one of their three sons lives in Canada.

She informed Father Christian Bui, pastor at St. Edward, who asked permission to livestream the graveside service at Klein Memorial Park in Tomball.

“Our pastor Father Bui wanted to livestream the graveside service specifically for our son in Canada who could not be here due to coronavirus travel restrictions, as well as for the many other family, friends and parishioners who loved and respected Ken for his life and his 21 years of active ministry as a deacon,” she said. †

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COVID-19 is not God’s judgment, but a call to live differently, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In an unprecedented step, Pope Francis gave an an Urbi et Orbi (“For the city and the world”) message from the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on March 27.

The worldwide coronavirus pandemic is not God’s judgment on humanity, but God’s call on people to judge what is most important to them and resolve to act accordingly from now on, Pope Francis said.

Addressing God, the pope said that “it is not the time of your judgment, but of our judgment: a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It is a time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to others.”

Pope Francis offered his meditation on the meaning of the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for humanity March 27 before raising a monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament and giving an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world).

Popes usually give their blessing “urbi et orbi” only immediately after their election and on Christmas and Easter.

Pope Francis opened the service — in a rain-drenched, empty St. Peter’s Square — praying that the “almighty and merciful God” would see how people are suffering and give them comfort.

He asked to care for the sick and dying, for medical workers exhausted by caring for the sick and for political leaders who bear the burden of making decisions to protect their people.

The service included the reading of the Gospel of Mark’s account of Jesus calming the stormy sea.

“Let us invite Jesus into the boats of our lives,” the pope said.“Let us hand over our fears to him so that he can conquer them.”

Like the disciples on the stormy Sea of Galilee, he said, “we will experience that, with him on board, there will be no shipwreck, because this is God’s strength: turning to the good everything that happens to us, even the bad things.”

The Gospel passage began, “When evening had come,” and the pope said that with the pandemic and its sickness and death, and with the lockdowns and closures of schools and workplaces, it has felt like “for weeks now it has been evening.”

“Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our streets and our cities; it has taken over our lives, filling everything with a deafening silence and a distressing void that stops everything as it passes by,” the pope said.

The service included readings from Scriptures, prayers of supplication and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

It concluded with Pope Francis giving the Urbi et orbi Blessing, with the possibility of gaining a plenary indulgence for all those who listened live.

This plenary indulgence was extended to those who can’t join live due to illness but who unite themselves in spiritual communion with the prayer.

The blessing is normally only given on Christmas and Easter.

The extraordinary moment of prayer in time of pandemic lasted about an hour.

The “Salus Populi Romani” icon and the crucifix of St. Marcellus, known as a miraculous cross from a time of plague, was placed in front of the central door of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Millions joined in worship as the Blessed Sacrament was exposed on the altar in the atrium of the Vatican Basilica. †

8 Texas Catholic Herald LOCAL

april 14, 2020

San José Clinic leads safety-net charity care amid pandemic HOUSTON — Most Texans know that Texas leads the nation with the most uninsured and underserved individuals.

Now, more than ever, these individuals need that critical access to health care.

Safety-net clinics, like San José Clinic in Houston, are meeting the current COVID-19 challenge head-on.

Joined by Christ Clinic in Katy and TOMAGWA in Harris, Waller and Montgomery counties, San José Clinic is a safety-net charity clinic that exclusively serves those who have no other access to health care.

San José Clinic is the innovative health care ministry of the Archdiocese.

It has continued to provide patient care and much-needed prescriptions during the pandemic.

About 40% of the clinic’s patients have multiple co-morbidities, which makes them the most at risk in the community should they contract COVID-19. So, in early March, the medical staff began seeing patients through tele-health with daily assistance of medical support staff.

The pharmacy staff prepares

prescriptions weekly and then they are dispensed to patients in a safe manner utilizing the parking lot and loading dock adjacent to the clinic building. The first week of this method of dispensing saw the Pharmacy staff fill about 1,000 prescriptions for approximately 200 patients. The average patient at the clinic is on 11 medications. In 2019, the clinic dispensed more than 25,000 prescriptions.

The clinic remains open only for dental emergencies and point of care testing one day a week. At 98 years old, and as Houston’s first and leading charity care provider of healthcare services for the underserved in the Greater Houston area, San José Clinic is not asking patients for any contribution toward their care during the pandemic, according to Maureen Sanders, president and CEO. “Although this creates a financial strain for the organization, it is our mission to continue to care for those that need us the most — our patients,” Sanders said. “The San José Clinic team is doing an admirable job of continuing to provide the absolute best care to all of

in brief

Magnificat Houses extends emergency stays for homeless HOUSTON — In coping with COVID-19, Magnificat Houses Inc. (MHI), has extended the usual threeday emergency shelter stay for homeless persons until the health crisis eases, perhaps weeks. The 51-year-old non-profit also put all 16 of its longterm neighborhood homes into early quarantine, confining some 150 adults once homeless and destitute.

“Keeping our very vulnerable population both healthy and fed — three meals a day — is a particular challenge now,” said John Boyles, MHI

San José Clinic

providing quality healthcare and education to those with limited access to such services in an environment which respects the dignity of each person. address 2615 Fannin St

Houston, Texas 77002 website www.sanjoseclinic.org Phone 713-228-9411 our patients given the much uncertainty that surrounds this challenge.”

Unlike federally qualified health clinics, these clinics rely solely on philanthropic funding to operate. They do not accept Medicaid, Medicare or thirdparty insurance. And their patients do not qualify for those programs and they cannot afford to purchase insurance in the marketplace.

Across these three clinic groups, patients come from more than 200 zip codes that encompass more than 30 counties in southeast Texas.

For the past several weeks, these

clinics have implemented much of the same protocols as the major healthcare organizations in the community have as well as the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

However, due to the high-risk populations that these clinics serve, closing their doors would be a significant burden for the local healthcare system.

To maintain operations, they have moved to virtual visits when possible, curbside pick-up for prescriptions and limited lab testing to their chronically ill patients whose conditions necessitate close monitoring.

Jody Hopkins, executive director of the Texas Association of Charitable Clinics, said, “People are talking about ‘first responders’ yet leaving out the system of charitable clinics across Texas.

These clinics, who supplement their staff with volunteer medical providers, are first responders.”

For more information on all three clinics, please visit their websites: sanjoseclinic.org, christclinickaty.org and www.tomagwa.org. †

St. Mary Basilica renovation continues

executive director. “All over the city supply chains for food, medical and cleaning goods have been suddenly interrupted, and service organizations are scrambling to fill the void, while paying more for basic supplies.”

Boyles says the best way to support Magnificat’s mission is through cash donations online, which enables them to procure urgently needed items as we locate them on the market or online.”

For more information, visit www. mhihouston.org. †

Volunteers make Joy Jars, other service projects during Caritas Day

Photo Courtesy of the Coltzer Company

The two spire roofs of the St. Mary Cathedral Basilica in Galveston were lifted in place Tuesday, March 31.

Photo courtesy of the Co-Cathedral of The Sacred Heart

The eighth-annual Caritas Day was held Saturday, Feb. 29. The Lenten day of service had volunteers work on projects ranging from making sandwiches for the homeless, to playing Bingo at Angela’s House, to assembling diaper cakes to distribute to area pregnancy centers. For the Joy Jars project, Vivian and Paul Appenddu from Corpus Christi Catholic Church led the team in using modge podge and colorful tissue paper to decorate recycled plastic jars (like big yogurt containers). Once decorated, the group filled the containers with a juice box, assorted snacks, bouncy balls, toys cars, and mini-coloring book and set of crayons. The Joy Jars were then distributed to Catholic Charities, Christian Community Service Center and Casa Juan Diego. The jars are given to children while their parents are onsite to interview and receive services.

St. Mary has endured many storms since 1847. The interior of the church was renovated after Hurricane Ike in 2008 and reopened in 2014. The current project addresses needed exterior and structural repairs and restoration of the St. Mary, Star of the Sea statue. Additional repairs involving the Cathedral Basilica have been identified and will be completed pending funding.

To donate, visit www.archgh.org/restorestmary or call 713-652-4418.

Around the Archdiocese Email event details to TCH@ARCHGH.ORG for possible inclusion in the Around the Archdiocese section. There is no charge for listings but space is limited.

Visit www.archgh.org/ata for more listings and information.

april 14, 2020

LOCAL

Texas catholic herald

9

CHI St. Luke’s Health among hospitals offering medical and spiritual care

By Jo Ann ZuÑiga Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — While doctors and nurses at Houston’s Catholic-based hospitals of CHI St. Luke’s Health work non-stop for patients suffering from COVID-19, the certified chaplains are busy responding to patients’ families requesting to see patients at least virtually.

“This disease is redefining so much.

So, since we have a zero visitors policy, one of the first things was to order 100 iPads for staff to use with patients who need families but can’t have them here,” said Joel James, division senior vice president of Mission Integration at CHI St Luke’s Health.

“We have the boldest and most wonderful nurses on the planet. They show the families the patients on the iPads and iPhones with nurses holding hands with the patient — of course, gloved — that gives comfort. But they also give tons of referrals for spiritual care to our chaplains,” James said.

While much of the close-up work is done for the most severe cases, “a lot is also being done standing by the doorway,” he said. In normal conditions, chaplains would round with medical staff to see how both staff and patients are coping with the crisis.

“A lot of folks are working 12-hour days. While maintaining distancing, we still have daily huddles that start off with prayers and reflections. We always try to connect work with the bigger WHY are we here — to give people hope and dignity,” James said.

While almost all hospitals throughout the Archdiocese have shut down any outside clergy coming in as well as any visitors for patients, the Catholic Chaplaincy Corps (CCC) based in the Texas Medical Center (TMC) remains working in the hospitals, said CCC Director Denice Foose.

“Fortunately, in the TMC, our team of

Photo by Catholic Chaplaincy Corps

Father Ian Balisnomo of the Catholic Chaplaincy Corps elevates a monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament during a Eucharistic procession at Ben Taub Hospital in Houston on Palm Sunday, April 5. Carrying the Blessed Sacrament, Father Balisnomo processed through units to bless the staff and patients in isolation rooms.

priests and lay chaplains are still present every day; thanks be to Jesus Christ. They are truly on the front line during this challenging time,” Foose said.

“They are able to hold virtual Mass in a couple of the hospitals that is livestreamed to the rooms. Father Ian Balisnomo took a monstrance and went to isolation rooms for Palm Sunday in Ben Taub Hospital. He stood outside the rooms so the patient could see. The CCC team is being very creative in how they continue to offer ministry and support not only patients but for staff as well,” she said.

Dr. James McDeavitt, dean of clinical affairs for Baylor College of Medicine, was quoted in the news comparing the surge projected to peak by the end of April or early May to a very, very slowmoving hurricane that has been sitting off the Gulf of Mexico.

“We don’t know if the eye’s going to hit us or we’re going to be hit by the outer bands. We have to be ready for both,”

McDeavitt was quoted in the Houston Chronicle.

Patients truly appreciate the extra medical and spiritual care combo, with one survivor of COVID-19 writing to the Houston Chronicle specifically to publicly thank the nurses, doctors and staff at CHI St. Luke’s Health in Sugar Land.

The first identified Houston-area coronavirus patient, admitted March 3 to the CHI St. Luke’s Health in Sugar Land, was among the group who had recently returned from a Nile River cruise ship where 45-plus passengers contracted the virus.

The Fort Bend County man in his 70s, who wished to remain anonymous, wrote, “From the moment I was put in the ambulance and arrived in the ER, I could, half-consciously, feel a large group of healthcare workers fighting to gain time to save my life.”

He didn’t know all his medical team’s faces since they entered his room at St. Luke’s covered head-to-toe in personal protective equipment.

“They risked their own lives to save mine,” he wrote. “I will consider them my angels forever.”

On March 21, he was safely released home with his family. †

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10 Texas Catholic Herald LOCAL

Catholic Charities feeds hungry families and aids clients during pandemic Workshop on importance of filling out U.S. census goes online

By Jo Ann ZuÑiga Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Thousands of families and children are being fed and clients assisted as Catholic Charities staff continues to work through the pandemic hitting Harris and Fort Bend Counties.

The distribution of food and services has been modified to protect the clients and staff. Outside curbside operations of fresh food and pantry items both at the Guadalupe Center on Navigation and at the still-closed Mamie George Community Center in Richmond served hungry families and seniors, said Cynthia Colbert, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

“We are tremendously grateful for your support during this critical time, but we believe that this is just the beginning, and the full effect of the pandemic on the wellbeing of families and communities has yet to be fully realized,” Colbert reported in a March 22 email to donors.

“For vulnerable families, lost income due to the outbreak will translate into spikes in poverty, missed meals for children, and reduced access to healthcare far beyond COVID-19,” she said.

The social services agency has opened a Pandemic Response Fund on its website at www.catholiccharities. org Staff also continue seeing clients by appointment only with most work being done via telephone or online.

A U.S. Census workshop that Catholic Charities had previously scheduled for March 24 at St. Dominic Chancery was moved online to Catholic Charities’ Facebook. Sister Maureen O’Connell,

aby? counts. he way!)

s

april 14, 2020

Photo by Betsy Ballard of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Catholic Charities staff and volunteers distribute groceries, including orange juice, milk, and other staples at Guadalupe Center on Navigation as clients drive through to keep a safe distance during the pandemic.

With layoffs and schools closed, the need continues to grow.

director of the Secretariat for Social Concerns, and Catholic Charities staff members Rhonda Sepulveda and Elizabeth Stephens urged individuals and families to step up to be counted without fear in its “Faithful Citizenship: Be Counted” workshop.

In the midst of the coronavirus, the 2020 U.S. Census launched April 1, opening a onceevery-decade season in which every individual living in America is counted. Results from the Census are crucial, directly related to political representation and how millions of tax dollars are allocated to communities for schools, healthcare,

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housing and other matters that impact quality of life, the workshop speakers said.

“In this pandemic, we are all connected.

And in that connection, we are called to work with each other for social justice,” said Sister O’Connell.

“We really don’t live in isolation,” she said. “The Census helps us to have the resources available from day to day. We need to make sure our first responders have what they need to do their jobs.

Social justice calls for the dignity of the workers. And we see now how it is the grocery clerks stocking the shelves and the truck drivers bringing in the food from the farmers — not just in Houston, but for people all around the world.”

As part of social justice, Pope Francis is calling for the care of creation and the environment, she said.

“In China, during the quarantine, people started hearing the birds sing again in the quiet, and the air was cleaner with the factories not working,” Sister O’Connell said. “Sacred Scripture calls us to participate in the environment and our lives in ways that are healthy — to

act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God.” Elizabeth Stephens, Catholic Charities census coordinator, said the 2020 Census helps shape the future of the community and determines federal funding. There are four ways to respond to the Census, she said. The fastest is going online via computer to my2020census.gov with a special Census ID number that is mailed to homes. Answering the form only takes about 10 minutes, she said.

Individuals can also request an interview via telephone in different languages by calling toll-free 1-844-3302020. Or requests can be made to have the longer printed form mailed to address or have a Census worker come to the home.

Law forbids any personal information to be shared among other federal agencies.

“We need to assure an accurate count,” Stephens said. “Our children count and are depending on us.”

But because of the spreading coronavirus, the U.S. Census Bureau is delaying the deadline by two weeks for counting everyone in the country, according to news reports.

The Census had been scheduled to stop at the end of July, but the deadline has now been extended to mid-August.

U.S. residents started responding by mid-March when the bureau’s website went live and people began receiving notices in the mail. As of March 20, 18.6 million households had answered the questionnaire, primarily online. That accounted for 14% of total households in the U.S., according to the Census Bureau.

Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas had the highest response rates in the first week while Alaska, West Virginia and Montana had the lowest response rates.

In her prayer for the Census workshop, Catholic Charities Parish and Governmental Relations Coordinator Rhonda Sepulveda recited, “Lead us in Your way to be light to Your people. Help us to be salt for our community. As we share Your love with those caught in the struggles of life, we desire to be Your presence to the least among us and to know Your presence in them as we work through You to bring justice and peace to this world in desperate need.” †

april 14, 2020

LOCAL

Texas catholic herald

11

Archdiocesan communications efforts work to ‘Meet people where they are’ Secretariat provides timely news, important updates

By Kerry McGuire Herald Correspondent HOUSTON — “Meeting people where they are” is an expression used commonly in communications and ministry. For the Communications Office of the Archdiocese, it means providing information to individuals when they need it via their preferred sources of formats they regularly use to consume information.

According to Jonah Dycus, director of the Archdiocesan Communications Office, “meeting people where they are” is a priority for the office staff, as well as departments and ministries within the Archdiocese.

“Obviously, preferred methods of communications are different for every demographic, every individual — some people prefer reading newspapers, some get all of their information from their mobile devices,” said Dycus. “Whatever the means, the timing of getting the information to people is always important — whether they are seeking news updates or searching for inspiration during a challenging time in their life.

With social media and messaging options, the expectations have certainly shifted to a more immediate presence for information and updates.”

One of 60 ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund, the office’s mission is to share the Gospel message of God’s boundless love with Catholics and non-Catholics alike, through words of hope, images of Christ’s work and modern communication tools.

Dycus said the Communications Office serves as the official “voice” of the Archdiocese on issues related to the Catholic Church and Archdiocesan events, programs and services. The office also facilitates official Chancery communication with Archdiocesan parishes, schools, offices and departments.

When communicating about a crisis or other important updates impacting the faithful in the Archdiocese, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Communications Office staff works directly with Archdiocesan leadership and clergy offices to provide pastors and parishes with information to share with the faithful in their respective communities. They also provide updates from the Archdiocese on www.archgh. org and postings on various social media platforms. In addition, the office reaches out to mainstream news agencies to disseminate information.

“With COVID-19, our staff has compiled a resource page with information from the CDC and from AGH administration and ministries,” said Dycus. “Our office also created a page that provides Mass streaming options during this period of social distancing and precautionary measures. I strongly encourage the faithful to follow us on social media and visit our homepage when they are seeking news information or updates from the Archdiocese.” (See

The Communications Secretariat is supported by the Diocesan Services Fund. The 2020 DSF theme draws from an important meaning of the Catholic faith: “Bring Your Greatest Gift to the Lord.” photo by jonah dycus/herald

The Office of Communications, one of 60 ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund, works share the Gospel message of God’s boundless love with Catholics and non-Catholics alike, through words of hope, images of Christ’s work and modern communication tools. A recent example was the recording and livestream of the Chrism Mass.

sidebar on the right.)

To effectively communicate with the faithful, Dycus said members of the Communications Office staff have specific focuses and areas of expertise, but ultimately collaborate as needed to inform the faithful through the various channels — whether it be the Texas Catholic Herald, news media, radio or online via the web or social media.

“A primary goal of our office is not only to produce quality content but to share that content through our various channels — getting that information and those updates to the faithful,” said Dycus. “We want to disseminate features, articles and coverage, all content we produce by utilizing and maximizing these various channels. We also use video and other multimedia approaches in our storytelling and coverage but are always looking to explore those avenues more in the future.”

In a recent survey conducted by the Texas Catholic Herald, more than 430 individuals participated and provided important feedback about the office’s overall communication efforts.

“This is our first survey conducted since 2001 and obviously much has changed in the media and publication landscape in the last 20 years,” said Dycus. “We figured it was long overdue for our readers or folks just interested in diocesan news/stories to share their opinion about what is being produced in the Texas Catholic Herald.”

In the survey feedback, Dycus said readers made it clear they are interested in local coverage, something the Texas Catholic Herald has always prioritized in its planning. They also want to know about what is happening within parishes and Catholic schools, with clergy and Daniel Cardinal DiNardo. Specifically, updates directly from Cardinal DiNardo in his column, “A Shepherd’s Message.”

The calendar section, “Around the Archdiocese,”is also popular with readers and the office is hoping to better promote these Archdiocesan-wide events and activities via online and social media.

“It seems many of our readers are not familiar with us hosting and sharing most of the local Texas Catholic Herald content online,” said Dycus. “Sometimes, we also have online-exclusive content like expanded-article content or photo coverage, so we are hoping to build awareness of the Texas Catholic Herald’s online presence in the future. We also hope to use the data and feedback from the survey, and future surveys to continue building a better product overall, with both the printed publication and our online presence.”

The Communications Office and the Texas Catholic Herald staff are extremely grateful for the support received.

“Many of those who participated in the survey identified as DSF supporters, and we thank them for their time and feedback during this process,” said Dycus. “We are always looking into new opportunities to ‘Share the Good News’ with the faithful of the Archdiocese, and we appreciate their continued support.”

Although the Texas Catholic Herald survey is now closed, Dycus said the Communications Office encourages the faithful to be on the lookout for future surveys. They also may share feedback and ideas by sending an email to the Texas Catholic Herald at tch@archgh.org or to jdycus@archgh.org. †

DSF operates in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston each year to help the Church carry out the ministries of teaching and sanctifying. Of the 60-plus programs under its umbrella, DSF brings the needed financial resources to carry out these ministries.

The Communications Office serves as the official “voice” of the Archdiocese on issues related to the Catholic Church and on the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston events, programs and services.

It also facilitates official Chancery communication with Archdiocesan parishes, schools, offices and departments.

The Communications Office is divided into the following branches: Internal Communications Media Relations Radio Texas Catholic Herald Website & Social Media See the links below to keep up with the Archdiocese online or via social media: archgh.org archgh.org/tch facebook.com/archgh twitter.com/archgh youtube.com/archgh instagram.com/archgalhou

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april 14, 2020

New Family Life Ministry director looking to ‘walk together’ with local faithful bono projects all my adult life, from organizing young adult retreats to creating operational models for preventing species extinction in the HOUSTON — Ricardo MediGulf of Mexico� and advocating na, the new director of the Famifor a new Federal Criminal Law ly Life Ministry, recently shared System in Mexico, the 51-yeara vision of what he hopes his ofold Medina said. fice’s programs will offer to the Before joining the Archfaithful of the Archdiocese of diocese, Medina was founding Galveston-Houston. and managing partner of Fac“We are about walking totor Delta, a management congether with our clergy, minsulting firm oriented to enable isters, leaders and parents to sustainable organic growth. He RICARDO form, reveal, enjoy and protect also assisted the Secretariat of MEDINA our Catholic families present in Pastoral and Educational Minthe Archdiocese,� he said istries in conducting pastoral Speaking from experience, Medina planning activities for Galveston-Housis well-versed in crafting mission state- ton parishes. ments and business propositions. The That experience helped draw him to native of Mexico City has an extensive his current role with Family Life Ministry. business background, both in “creating “The pastoral planning engagement demand and developing internal capa- brought daily blessings for almost four bilities� to supply it consistently. years and helped me to love our Lord, “I have done volunteer work and pro- our people and our Church even more,�

By JoNah Dycus Texas Catholic Herald

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Medina said. “So when I saw the opportunity to serve in a more dedicated way, I submitted my interest to discernment — and here I am.�

Medina said the office will focus on balancing current activities, addressing the underserved family needs and fostering an empowering collaborative network. Long term, “we want to excel in collaborating with everyone in creating optimal conditions for the holiness, abundance of life, virtue and mercy of all the families in the Archdiocese,� he said.

Medina and his wife Marilu have two daughters, both students at the University of Houston. Medina hopes the ministry office will be seen as a resource for parents in all matters involving family and faith life. “Think of us as your partner for a more fruitful and joyful marriage,� he said. “Think of us as your partner for awesome parenting resources for the many situations we face at home.�

For more about the Family Life Ministry, visit www.archgh.org/familylife. â€

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Texas catholic herald

13

EDUCATION Catholic schools embrace distance learning during pandemic

By Leslie Barrera Special To The Herald HOUSTON — Across the Archdiocese, learning continues for Catholic school students and teachers, even if it is being done from a virtual classroom. In true educational partnership, families and Catholic school communities are collaborating to ensure that the remainder of the academic year is well structured and aligned so that students not only feel empowered in their learning but also maintain a sense of social connectedness through their virtual interaction with classmates, teachers and their principals.

The Catholic Schools Office has set up online content area groups where teachers, principals, counselors and librarians can share lesson ideas and professional development resources.

Connecting communities with spiritual closeness while practicing physical distancing During this time of physical distancing,

virtual-social and spiritual connectedness is more important than ever. One of the ways that schools tried to ease their students into the transition of distance learning was to introduce them to their new learning spaces by having teachers stream video clips inviting students into their homes and neighborhoods, introducing pets and family members that may occasionally “visit” the classes during Zoom class sessions.

Teachers, administrators and school staff have been exceptional in helping students adjust to their temporary sense of “normal.” Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Assessment and Data Reneé Nunez, offers, “We are very pleased that curriculum continues moving forward and student expectations remain high thanks to the dedication and efforts of our principals, faculty and staff members.

As schools across Texas closed, our Catholic schools responded immediately, designing and implementing new ways of learning for students in their communities. In addition, schools have

Students, teachers make the best of ‘Stay at Home’ order

Photo courtesy of Holy Rosary Catholic School in Rosenberg

On March 20, Father Orrin Halepeska held Holy Rosary Catholic School in Rosenberg’s weekly Mass virtually with photos of school Principal Linda Bradford and the entire student body. The idea to add pictures of all of the students to the empty seats was inspired by another priest from northern Italy who posted a similar photo that quickly went viral.

ROSENBERG — With school and church closed to the public, Holy Rosary Catholic Church and School in Rosenberg began streaming their Masses.

On March 20, Father Orrin Halepeska held the school’s weekly Mass virtually with photos of school Principal Linda Bradford and the entire student body from Holy Rosary Catholic Church’s Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima.

Father Orrin, with the help of his staff, will be live streaming all regularly scheduled Masses, Rosaries and prayer services on Facebook, Instagram and his YouTube channel.

“As a parish priest it means the

world to me to be able to reach out to my kids, parents and parishioners during this chaotic time,” Father Halepeska said. “A parish priest’s life revolves around the people, so we are so glad to be able reach out to them through social media during this time of quarantine.”

He encourages all the students to be the people of God that God has created them to be.

“This means to work hard on their school work, help with chores around the house, be folks who love deeply those around them, be an instrument of joy in their homes, and be people who walk this journey with Jesus Christ by their side,” he said. †

photos courtesy St. Elizabeth ann seton catholic school, st. Laurence catholic school and our lady, queen of peace catholic school (richwood)

Students (above) show "stained glass" art projects made at home while two students from St. Laurence (right) attend a Mass at home.

provided valuable resources for families, maintained communication between home and school, and kept students engaged in faith, community and with each other.”

Catholic school social media accounts are filling social media platforms with pictures of students actively practicing their faith together with family members and their virtual classes.

But more than that they are showcasing how students are sharing hope and faith with community members by doing yardwork for their senior neighbors and grandparents, by leaving Scripture verses chalked on their driveways and by placing colorful mosaic crosses on their doors and fences to bring neighbors joy from afar as they pass by on a walk.

Small acts of kindness such as these that are done with great love are a clear reminder to us that we all must walk in spiritual closeness during times of trial and that, in doing so, we walk with God. Working with students with exceptionalities The priority for Catholic schools is to provide students with as comprehensive an educational experience as possible.

This includes offering families supporting students with learning differences and exceptionalities assistance in planning for their learner’s needs with the available resources at the individual schools.

According to Director of Support for

Students with Exceptionalities Benita Gonzales, “Catholic school teachers are working collaboratively with parents to provide support with assignments and accommodations for students with a Catholic Accommodation Plan.

Accommodations may include creating a routine schedule, providing frequent breaks, checking for understanding and assessing areas for productivity. Teachers are providing parents with specific online resources that support the child’s identified accommodation(s) to help create a successful learning environment at home.”

Many online platforms provide extensions and adaptations to support students with exceptionalities.

In particular, the Chrome web browser allows users to install a wide variety of web extensions that provide tools that can help learners, regardless of ability level. †

14 Texas Catholic Herald

YoutH The Lord is risen indeed!

Put away the sackcloth and ashes.

Break out the Easter eggs and bread.

Easter is a time to celebrate and feast because Jesus Christ has risen indeed, and He has appeared to Simon (Luke 24:34).

Our Mother Church invites us to be renewed and transformed through prayer, fasting and giving alms during the Season of Lent. She calls us also to celebrate and feast because God sent His only-begotten Son for us. After three days, the Son rose from the dead, and through the Sacrament of Baptism, we share in His resurrection.

Our Mother Church desires for us to bask in the joy and power of the resurrection so much that we are given not one day to celebrate, but 50 days. The first eight are known as the Octave of Easter. It begins from Easter Sunday to the Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday. On this day, we are reminded of the Father’s abundant love and mercy for us. The 50 days from the Sunday of the Resurrection to Pentecost Sunday are celebrated in joy and exultation as one feast day.

I know it can be a challenge for some to find God in the midst of this pandemic. It may be difficult to pray or even have a relationship with Jesus Christ right now. Easter reminds us that the Father never gives up on us; the cross was not the end. We cannot forget the Son was victorious over sin and death! This is cause for us to rejoice even

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amidst our suffering. The hardships do not go away, but we know and believe that the Son is present and with us precisely in the middle of our suffering. While happiness is a fleeting by emotion, joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit and DUNN evidence of one living a ESTACIO life with the Son. Right now, it may be a life of tears, anger, frustration, or fear. Bring those trials, tribulations and emotions to Him. Beg the Son for His mercy, and wait for Him patiently and joyfully.

The Son reassures us, “I am love and mercy itself. There is no misery that could be a match for My mercy, neither will misery exhaust it, because as it is being granted — it increases. The soul that trusts in My mercy is most fortunate, because I Myself take care of it.” (St. Faustina’s Diary, 1273) We all have been given a great opportunity to pray and spend time with our families while at home. We may not be able to celebrate Easter like before, but we can still rejoice in some new and different ways.

†

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their spirit. If you feel called, pray with them.

Even though our parishes are closed, the Church is still alive in our homes.

Continue to pray as a family, and seek ways to creatively evangelize while adhering to the directives of our local officials.

Ideas to Pray: • Recite the Rosary nightly.

• Say a Spiritual Communion prayer whenever.

• Pray the Liturgy of the Hours in the morning after breakfast and after dinner • Learn how to do a daily Examen.

Ideas to Evangelize (Safely): • Tithe online to your local parish or to an organization that serves the poor.

• Pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor; drop the bag on his/her doorstep.

• Start a spiritual book club or a Bible

study online.

We will eventually get through this. This main question is how we do it. First and foremost, serve, love and pray with those in your home. Will this pandemic divide or unite your family? Check in on each other weekly. Communicate with one another. Share if you are stressed or depressed and are in need of some help.

Of course, pray as a family daily.

Our Lord suffered and experienced hardships that led to the cross. We may still be in a state of instability or anguish, but we do have reason to be joyful. Jesus Christ truly rose from the dead; the tomb is empty. We can trust that He is with us in our suffering and uncertainty. Let us have faith in Him, and continue to persevere in prayer with our families.

The Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization is still working hard to serve the parish leaders, young people and their families.

Email lguerrero@archgh.org if you need any assistance or resources at this time. Please know our office is suffering with you, and praying for your family.

Let us pray the words of St. John Chrysostom, and rejoice during the Easter Octave and Season: “Christ is risen, and you, O death, are annihilated!

Christ is risen, and the evil ones are cast down!

Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice!

Christ is risen, and life is liberated!…

To Him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen!” † Dunn Estacio is an associate director with the Archdiocesan Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization.

“For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” ~ John 18:37

July 31 - Aug. 2, 2020

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Visit www.archgh.org/ignite and click ‘Donate Now’ to make your gift online.

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photo by james ramos/herald

A Divine Mercy stained glass window at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood.

Ideas to Celebrate the 50 Days of Easter: • Share a nice meal with your family.

Set the table and feast! Everyone can go around and share what they are grateful for. This can happen throughout the Easter season, not just on Easter Sunday.

• Video conference with your families and/or friends to share a dessert together.

• Call your neighbor or someone you know who is feeling down. Simply being a caring and listening presence can lift

AY!

u

april 14, 2020

OR scan this QR code with your camera app to launch the IGNITE giving page.

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Thank you for your support!

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april 14, 2020

Texas catholic herald

15

columnistS

Cooped up at home? How about exercising the ‘virtutes humanae’ muscles

Sigh. There’s the treadmill in the garage with about two years of dust resembling a layer of old, powdery frosting. The bicycle is on the other side of the aforementioned garage with a busted tire. Our local and national leaders have ordered us to stay home to control the spread of a nasty virus, but at the same time have recommended we exercise, keeping a safe distance from others if done outdoors, of course! I guess a good brisk walk will have to do.

While we do what we can to exercise our quads, hamstrings and glutes, we may want to look at how well we’re doing with exercising the major muscle group for living the Christian life. How are we doing exercising the “virtutes humanae� muscles? Before you run to the internet to ask the wise Sir Google where the virtutes humanae muscles are exactly, I’ll let you off the hook. The major muscle group of the Christian life are the human virtues. These are exercised with every muscle group and every bone in our body, as well as the heart, mind and soul.

Whether you are a single person living alone or are a part of a large family managing work and school with seven children, being cooped up at home

presents an opportunity to learn about and practice the human virtues.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part III, Article 7 (CCC 1803-1845) one can find the “textby book� definitions for the TERESITA human virtues. Textbook JOHNSON definitions, while a bit dry at times, are essential for a proper understanding of things. But it’s in the application, or the exercise of the virtues, where we flex that muscle and reap the present and eternal benefits.

Loosely paraphrased, the catechism states that virtues are well-established habits for actively choosing good things and thus avoiding bad things. Virtues are good habits that direct our actions and our passions according to faith and reason. The practice of virtues puts us on a path where it’s possible to have a good life. Even sheltered in place, there is no question that we have plenty of opportunities to practice virtuous living.

The Church groups the virtues into two categories: The theological virtues,

â€

which guide and put in proper order our relationship with God (faith, hope and charity), and the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance), which flow from the theological virtues.

These are primary and fundamental virtues from which all other human virtues flow and help us to properly order our relationships with people.

Faith, hope and charity are crucial during this time when we have been disconnected from the Holy Sacraments of the Church. The Sacraments are our spiritual food and our armor against attacks from the enemy. In a very real way, we are in a period of fasting from our spiritual food and those things that help us reinforce our armor. Our faith in God, the hope we have in Him, and the charity (love) He has for us can certainly be a source of comfort and strength for us in times like these.

The human virtues have definite practical applications during this time.

Prudence helps us know the difference between what is truly good and what is not. For example, do you have 24-hour coverage of the present epidemic constantly running on your TV? Prudence would have us reduce that to maybe an hour per day, if that. Why is there a run

on canned goods and toilet paper when there is no real shortage of these things?

A good practice of the virtue of justice would help us see that hoarding is contrary to helping everyone in the community be able to get what they need. Growing in fortitude helps us to conquer our fears. Are we overly anxious and afraid during this time? Exploring prayer as a way to connect with God and grow in fortitude is definitely a way to work this spiritual muscle. Finally, are we driven to dull our senses with alcohol, drugs, or sex, or fly off the handle and lash out violently at the people around us because of stress or job loss? Temperance is the virtue that keeps our acts within the limit of what is good and honorable.

So while we are at home, we have a great opportunity to grow in virtue and train our spiritual muscles. Pray, read Scripture and the catechism, and connect to the different online resources available.

The While at Home Campaign sponsored

by Family Life Ministry is currently underway and has some ideas for you.

Going on a nice walk is nice too. †Teresita Johnson is the associate director of marriage preparation for the Office of Family Life Ministry.

Even in darkness and isolation, Easter comes In recent weeks, there was much uncertainty about the celebration of Easter. In light of the decisions being made at present across all segments of society to take reasonable and prudent steps to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo directed that public celebration of all Masses be suspended. Parishes are now offering the opportunity to view Masses either through network television or other livestream options over the internet.

I prayed as to what I should write about for this column amidst these uncertain times. It was then that a familiar voice came on the radio; Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York was being interviewed. During this interview, he stated that the phrase “Do not be afraid� or some variation of it is in the Bible a multitude of times both in the Old and New Testaments. Dolan continued as he commented that this year’s Lent has been especially difficult for us with the coronavirus (COVID 19) situation. Typically, we are asked to pray, fast and give alms during Lent. Across

the country, people have been praying desperately for the end of this horrible illness, for the health of their loved ones, and for those who are on the front lines of defense such as doctors, emergency personnel as by DEBORAH well as for our leaders.

Across the globe, people JONES have had to fast from their normal routines, whether going out to eat or celebrating in crowds.

They have had to isolate themselves and spend time in solitude.

This particular point in time has opened up many people’s hearts and wallets. Donations to food pantries are up; distributions of food to children who depend upon the school system to supply their meals are making the news.

Yes, we are in the throes of praying, fasting and giving. We must remember that for every Lent, there is an Easter.

Easter!

Yes, Easter, when Christ’s light

â€

vanquished the darkness of fear and sin.

He is alive! We must celebrate because there is hope‌ there is always hope! On that first Easter, there were no Masses, Publishing since 1964 no Easter eggs, no chocolate bunnies; just the joyous realization that Christ We're online! Find the latest stories, had beaten death and arose from the tomb. There was celebration! photos and more online Like the first disciples, who were at www.archgh.org/tch. fearful not knowing what the future would bring, we also have gone through a darkness of not knowing. But Easter comes. Easter is here!

During a time when people may ask,

“Where is God?� it is important to know that God is still here. Our churches may

be closed, but our Church is still here.

The Body of Christ, the people, the

institution that Christ founded is still

here. Do not be afraid; have hope; our

Lord did indeed rise from the darkness of death, and He is here with us‌    � � � � � �� � �

 always. â€

Do you have a Loved One in Jail or Prison?

Let us help you.

Correctional Ministries

Deborah Jones is an associate director with the Archdiocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

Archdiocesan Office

713-741-8732 archgh.org/correctionalministries

sunday mass readings APRIL 19 First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 Second Reading: 1 Pt 1:3-9

Gospel: Jn 20:19-31

April 26 First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11 Second Reading: 1 Pt 1:17-21

Gospel: Lk 24:13-35

16 Texas Catholic Herald

april 14, 2020

Rome: Living in the midst of a horror movie I felt as if I was living a horror movie.

This feeling hit me when I was living in Italy during the outbreak of COVID-19. I specifically remember feeling this when I went shopping for groceries just days after the lockdown in Rome went into effect.

The people, the cars, the noise and life that continually filled the streets of Rome were gone. I had never seen Rome so empty and so quiet. The few people that I did see had their faces covered and their eyes were full of fear.

As I arrived at the grocery store, I saw that the end of the line just to get into the store was about a hundred yards from the entrance. Everyone was at least six feet apart from each other. There was a girl who exited the store and she scuffled past us intentionally facing her back towards us so as not to breathe the air surrounding us. I was astonished to see the Italian people acting this way.

These are the same people who do not seem to understand the concept of personal space.

For instance, if you are at a movie theatre, the idea of spreading out when

only half the tickets have been purchased does not occur to them.

Furthermore, their standard greeting is not a handshake, but a kiss on each cheek; and, although these practices originally by made the inner American in me uncomfortable, I JOSEPH had begun to really WHITE appreciate the affectionate Italian culture so much so that when I did not see any sign of this affection on my outing to the grocery store, there was a sadness in my heart. Something was clearly awry. A culture that is deeply influenced by the reality that man is interdependent on one another was broken apart by the growing pandemic.

As I was standing in line reflecting on this unique point of Roman history, I noticed a bus pass by on the street, which on any typical day would have had standing room only. But that day

†

only had one woman who looked as horrified looking at us in line as I felt looking at her alone on the bus. At that moment, I felt the opening scene had just ended of what felt like a horror movie, and the anxiety over what the next scenes would bring set in.

I now find myself almost a month later in the United States reliving that opening scene with a different setting.

The anxiety still remains, and the ending is as obscure as it was one month ago. In prayer, I have often found myself asking the inevitable questions of: “why, when, how?” Although no answers have come, I have become more and more confident in how I am supposed to respond to this current situation.

First, I must respond with trust. Trust that God sees this pandemic, and He sees the ending. In His Goodness, He knows that He can work this great evil into an even greater good. This trust often manifests itself only as me asking God to help me and to give me the grace to trust that He will bring about a great good from this suffering.

Second, all I can concretely do is pray, and thus, I have an obligation to pray and implore that the Lord send us a vaccine and end this plague.

Finally, I am invited to give thanks for all the little things and blessings that I take for granted — friendship, people in the streets, noise and more. The presence and blessing of these things have become clear as they have been removed from my life both in Italy and in the United States.

Even though I cannot see the ending, and I do not know who “stars” as the inventor of the vaccine, I can decide how I will respond each day to this continually developing story. This response, through the grace of God, will provide me with the stability to live through this turbulent and scary time in history. † Joseph White is a seminarian who was studying at the Pontifical North American College. His home parish is St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Lake Jackson.

A strange Lent leading to an extraordinary Easter This Lent has been crazy! I couldn’t have said that last week because for Lent this year, I gave up saying the word “crazy.”This decision came from a desire to be more thoughtful in my speech and more intentional about how I communicate thoughts and ideas. I realized that I say the word “crazy” very often and that the definition of the term varies, depending on the context. When I decided on this sacrifice, I had no idea what a difficult challenge it was going to be — this year in particular. But thanks to my Lenten practice, I have come to

Easter with a new range of “vocabulary.”

I claim that this Lent has been “beyond belief” mostly due to the worldwide panic over the Coronavirus. I think it’s safe to say that all of us have been affected in some way, which is pretty “bizarre.” Because of COVID-19, some of us have remained home more than usual. We have canceled events and travel plans. We have dealt with children who were supposed to be at school. We have gone to the store to be faced with empty shelves. We have missed Sunday Mass. No one could have predicted this

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“improbable” turn of events as Lent began back in February.

Because of these “unlikely” events, I believe each of us now has a new perspective on what it must have been like for the first disciples. These men and women had followed Jesus for three years of His public ministry. They had seen Him cure the sick, cast out demons and even raise the dead. Yes, they had sensed the rising tension with the religious authorities in Jerusalem, but on Palm Sunday, these disciples watched as all of Jerusalem welcomed Jesus as a king. “The crowds … began to shout, ‘Praise to David’s Son! God Bless Him who comes in the name of the Lord!

Praise be to God!’” (Matthew 21:9).

“Who would have believed what we now report? Who could have seen the Lord’s hand in this?” writes the prophet Isaiah (53:1). Who could have predicted this “preposterous” turn of events? The disciples started with Jesus on Sunday, hearing the crowds shouting His praises.

By Friday morning, most of the disciples had scattered in fear when Jesus had been arrested. Only the apostle John, the Blessed Mother, and several other women followed Jesus all the way to the foot of the cross (John 19:25-27). At that cross, these witnesses heard Jesus speak His final words, “It is finished” and then watched His spirit leave Him in death (John 19:29).

Every year during Holy Week, Catholics are given the opportunity to reflect on these events. Every year, we face the truth that Jesus died. I think that this year, we have been given a special grace to experience the shock that the disciples must have felt. These events would have rocked the world of those first disciples. And who among us this year has not felt their world rocked in some way? It’s the feeling of walking

forward on a known path, and then suddenly, we find ourselves lost in a dark wood. Where we once felt safe, we now feel fear and uncertainty, and we cannot see the way ahead. by But thankfully, the story does not end there. angie POMETTO Jesus conquered death. He rose from the dead. “I will sing to the LORD, for He is gloriously triumphant; horse and chariot He has cast into the sea” (Exodus 15:1). What caused us fear, He vanquished. “I was fiercely attacked and was being defeated, but the Lord helped me. The Lord makes me powerful and strong; He has saved me” (Psalm 118:13-14).

We have journeyed with Coronavirus through this “unusual” Lent and walked with Jesus to the cross. Our story will not end here. This Easter, we are being called to discover the joy of the resurrection again. St. John Paul II writes: “’We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!’ We are not looking for a shallow joy but rather a joy that comes from faith that grows through unselfish love” (Angelus Address, 30 November 1986). If you are struggling to experience the joy and peace of the resurrection this Easter, why not try an act of unselfish love? There are still many ways to show love, even if we are still practicing social distancing: send a letter, make time for a FaceTime call, meet up with a friend for an outdoor walk.

This Lent has been “peculiar.” Let’s make our celebration of Easter truly “remarkable.” †

†

Angie Pometto is an associate director for the Archdiocesan Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry.

Around the Archdiocese Email event details to TCH@ARCHGH.ORG for possible inclusion in the Around the Archdiocese section. There is no charge for listings but space is limited.

Visit www.archgh.org/ata for more listings and information.

April 14, 2020

texas catholic herald

17

WORLD

St. John Paul showed how to face suffering by embracing God, Mary VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Remembering St. John Paul II and the 15th anniversary of his death, Pope Francis encouraged people to pray for his intercession and trust in Divine Mercy, especially during these “difficult days” of the coronavirus pandemic.

St. John Paul, who, after a long illness died April 2, 2005, will always be an important figure for the Church, but is even more so now at a time when so many people are suffering worldwide, said Angelo Cardinal Comastri, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The last years of his pontificate reflected personal trial and suffering, and he showed the world through his witness a life filled with faith and a way of accepting pain as something redeemed

by God’s love, he said in an interview with Vatican News April 1.

“This is one of the reasons why the epidemic is so frightening because, for so many people, faith has died. John Paul II was a believer, a convinced believer, a coherent believer and faith illuminated the path of his life,” the cardinal said.

Just as the Church will be marking Holy Week and the Easter Triduum in a radically different way this year because of restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the cardinal recalled how St. John Paul lived the same liturgical period in 2005 with serious illness and in isolation.

“We all remember John Paul II’s last ‘Good Friday.’ The image we saw on television is unforgettable — the pope, who had lost all his physical strength, holding the crucifix in his hands, gazing at it with pure love. One could sense he was saying, ‘Jesus, I too am on the cross like you. But together with you, I await the resurrection,’” he said.

“John Paul II knew that life is a race toward God’s banquet — the feast of God’s embrace, His infinite glory and happiness,” the cardinal said.

“But we must prepare ourselves for that encounter, we must purify ourselves

St. Peter’s Basilica in 2006, Cardinal Comastri served more than eight years as the papal delegate overseeing the Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto, traditionally marked as the Blessed Virgin Mary’s house from Nazareth.

St. John Paul, in fact, asked the guardian of the Marian shrine to lead what would be his last Lenten retreat that fell during the Year of the Rosary.

Cardinal Comastri has been reciting the Rosary and praying the Angelus inside St. Peter’s Basilica every day at noon as it is livestreamed on Vatican media.

Marian devotion was a hallmark of the saint-pope, so much so “Totus Tuus Maria” (“Mary, I am all yours”) was on his coat of arms.

When asked why Mary was so important to the late pope, Cardinal

CNS Photo

St. John Paul II waves farewell to the people of Papua New Guinea from the steps to his aircraft in this 1995 file photo. April 2, 2020, is the 15th anniversary of the pope’s death in 2005.

in order to be ready for it, we must cast off any reservations of pride and selfishness, so that we can embrace Him who is love without shadows,” he said.

The late pope lived his suffering with this spirit, even during very difficult moments, like the 1981 assassination attempt, he said.

“He never lost his serenity. Why? Because before him he always had the purpose of life. Today, many people no longer believe in that purpose. That’s why they live through pain with despair, because they can’t see beyond the pain,” he said.

Before being named archpriest of

in brief Vatican approves special ‘Mass in the Time of Pandemic’

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments has approved a special “Mass in the Time of Pandemic” to plead for God’s mercy and gift of strength in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mass opens with a prayer that God would “look with compassion on the afflicted, grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners, healing to the sick, peace to the dying, strength to health care workers, wisdom to our leaders and the courage to reach out to all in love.”

In a letter dated March 30, Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the congregation, and Archbishop Arthur Roche, congregation secretary, said, “In these days, during which the whole world has been gravely stricken by the COVID-19 virus,” many bishops and priests have asked “to be able to celebrate a specific Mass to implore God to bring an end to this pandemic.” The congregation granted the request and provided special prayers and suggestions for the Scripture readings to be used.

The “Mass in the Time of Pandemic,” the congregation said, can be celebrated on any day “except solemnities; the Sundays of Advent, Lent and Easter (season); days within the Octave of Easter; the commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day); Ash Wednesday; and the days of Holy Week.” †

Comastri told Vatican News, “Because Our Lady was close to Jesus at the moment of the crucifixion and she believed this was the moment of God’s victory over human wickedness” through love — God’s greatest strength.

From the cross, when Jesus told Mary, “Behold your son,” referring to His disciple, John, the cardinal said that Jesus was telling her, “Don’t think of me, but think of others, help them to transform pain into love, help them to believe that goodness is the strength that overcomes evil.”

“From that moment on, Mary took concern for us upon herself, and when we let ourselves be guided by her, we are in safe hands. John Paul II believed this, he trusted Mary, and with Mary he transformed pain into love,” he said. †

18 Texas Catholic Herald

April 14, 2020

STATE & nation

Dancing DFW family brings viral joy amid lockdowns

By James Ramos Texas Catholic Herald CARROLLTON — When health officials recommended self-isolation to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Ali Hoffman and her parents Michael and Michele found themselves quarantined in their Fort Worth-area home.

In their boredom, they donned their “party pants,” and filmed a short video of themselves dancing in the kitchen to “Hold My Hand” by Jess Glynne. There’s no formal choreography: lip-syncing, slow motion, air drums (and piano and trumpet), as well as floor slides a la Tom Cruise’s “Risky Business” dance, all abound. At one point, jazz hands beckon Ali’s mother into the frame for her cameo.

Within 72 hours of Ali’s March 21 Facebook post, the video went viral, racking up nearly 5 million views and more than 183,000 shares.

But this isn’t the first time the Hoffman Family went viral online.

Five years ago, a winter storm froze the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Icy roads kept Ali and her parents inside.

Perhaps to warm up in the frigid temperatures, an impromptu dance party broke out in the family’s kitchen.

The third youngest in the family of six, Ali recorded and posted a video of the

one-take performance to her Facebook account. Since its Feb. 2015 posting, the video, which featured Ali and her parents dancing to “Uptown Funk” by popstar Bruno Mars, has been viewed more than 13 million times.

The irony of their new video’s song choice wasn’t lost on Ali or Michael.

“It’s a fun song to dance to,” 29-yearold Ali said from their Carrollton, Texas home.

“But please don’t hold my hand,” Michael said, referring to the current health recommendations by authorities nationwide to avoid physical contact to slow the COVID-19 spreads and “flatten the curve.”

Despite the viral fame, which vaulted all six members of the Hoffman Family to prime-time stardom when ABC’s “Dance Battle America” showcased the family in 2015, the father and daughter look for the simple joys in life amid a world that is “shutting down” all around them.

The sentiment is the same as it was in 2015: to choose and interject “joy and levity into the situation,” Ali said. “If you’re at home, don’t give in to despair and fear.”

The father and daughter admit their lives, just like millions around the world, have been rapidly changing.

Ali, youth ministry director at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church

video screengrab by james ramos/herald

In a viral video posted March 21, Ali Hoffman and her parents Michael and Michele hope to spread joy and humor to families who are increasingly being told to self-isolate due to pandemic concerns.

in Carrollton, has been observing selfisolation and social distancing since mid-March. Since her parish suspended all in-person ministry mid-March, Ali has been hosting online hand-lettering workshops through her project The Oodles of Doodles on social media for those staying at home who are looking to pick up a new skill.

The isolation has helped her to take stock of what she truly needs, as well as check on her community of friends and family in a time of social distancing.

The time has “definitely put an emphasis on sacrifice,” Ali said. “It really put into perspective… ‘Do I really trust in Jesus?’”

For example, Michael and Michele can’t visit their newest granddaughter born March 1, and Ali can’t minister in person with the youth she’s seen nearly weekly since last August. And Michael, a motivational speaker, has seen waves of event and conference cancellations slow down his typically busy spring schedule.

With regions across the country, including Ali’s own Dallas County, going into lockdown, Michael finds being sheltered at home timely for the Lenten liturgical season.

“Being (older) than Ali, [Michele and I] have been through a few things. This too shall pass. This is a season,” he said.

“We’ll be able to say that we let the joy shine a little bit. There’s no such thing as darkness… You can’t hold it. It doesn’t grow. Darkness is the absence of light, and in these times, God’s asking all of his people to be more light.”

While government officials issued orders to self-isolate, Ali and Michael issued their own challenge to other families to post their quarantine dance videos using the hashtag #QuarantineChallenge2k20, which has

seen dozens of videos.

Dan Solomon, a writer at Texas Monthly magazine, noticed Ali and Michael’s “penchant for dance” and called the challenge “charmingly earnest” during the “strangest days many of us have ever lived through.

“While we all struggle to find ways to center ourselves amid the crisis, let’s take a moment to gratefully acknowledge the Hoffman family for their dedication to dancing through this thing,” he wrote.

The family remained focused on what they can do despite not knowing what the result might be.

“We’re trying to change things and fix things to make it the outcome that we want. We’re taking good measures,” Ali said. “But I think this just reminds us that we’re just human and we’re in this together, and there’s a lot of fear, but there can also be a lot of light in that.”

As in 2015, the family’s viral videos prompted a flood of messages to Ali’s inbox, most of which reflect two thoughts.

Ali sees viewers sharing fond, joyful family memories with her, and a greater wish and a deeper need for community and the universal aspect of longing.

The video “does touch on the humanity” of a world in self-isolation, Ali said, noting the other viral videos of Italians and Spaniards singing from their balconies and rooftops during their mandatory quarantines.

And while everyone in the world may not have a balcony for singing, Ali said everyone has a kitchen or a room for dancing.

“Lift up your head from your belly; don’t be a belly gazer and keep your head up,” she said. “We’re all in this together.” † --Editor’s Note: To view the video, visit https://bit.ly/HoffmanFamilyDance.

have a story idea or news tip?

The Texas Catholic Herald is always looking for new stories!

However, since the TCH staff cannot attend every single event or cover all of the news in the Archdiocese, those in the community are a great resource for news stories and tips. Email story ideas to TCH@ARCHGH.ORG for possible inclusion in an upcoming issue. For information on what to submit and issue deadline dates, visit the website at www.archgh.org/submissions.

April 14, 2020

STATE & NATION

texas catholic herald

19

People asked to share hearts on windows, doors to lift spirits amid virus GALESBURG, Ill. (CNS) — As precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 caused people to shelter in place, Krista Wynes offered them a way to connect by sharing their hearts.

They responded to her call for a “social distance scavenger hunt” by placing hearts on windows and doors, making her new Heart Hunters Facebook page a community that is 600,000 strong and growing.

“I have come to realize, as the Facebook group has grown, that hearts really are a symbol of love and kindness and, I think, unity because every human being has a heart inside of them, so it brings us all together,” said Wynes, a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and active in the Galesburg Knights of Columbus with her husband, Dave, a deputy Grand Knight.

The idea came from a Facebook post that showed a white house with a big red heart in the window.

“It spoke to me,” Wynes told The Catholic Post, newspaper of the Diocese of Peoria. “I thought this is something I can do with my kids to get them out of the house as we’re trying to establish some new schedules and get them moving since we don’t have a lot of options for going to the park and playing on the playground equipment or being with friends.”

Catholic schools in the diocese have been closed since March 13 and were not scheduled to reopen until after Easter, if not later. E-learning or online learning was to begin after spring break.

In the meantime, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker issued an executive order that all persons should shelter in place as of March 21, with only “essential” businesses allowed to remain open. On March 31, that order was extended to April 30.

Wynes’ sons, Lincoln, sixth grade, and Harrison, second grade, attend Costa Catholic Academy in Galesburg and are

people,”Wynes told The Catholic Post.

Heart Hunters is a public group on Facebook and its 15 administrators and moderators are monitoring posts to make certain people abide by a few simple rules. For example, visitors and followers are asked to be kind and courteous, and not to engage in hate speech, bullying or promotions. Politics are not permitted.

Others are doing similar things to lift people’s spirits, with children searching for hearts and teddy bears.

Seeing the creative and colorful posts of how people are sharing their hearts in these troubling times isn’t the only thing that is heartening for Wynes. She said her Catholic faith gives her hope and strength for the future.

“I guess what I hope to see come out of this (crisis) is people returning to Church,” she said. “I hope they start coming back to Mass. I hope that we see the Catholic faith start to grow again... I’m quite hopeful that that’s going to happen.” † CNS Photo

A house with hearts on its window is seen in Peoria, Ill., April 1. The “Heart Hunters” Facebook group, founded by Krista Wynes of Galesburg has more than 650,000 members.

engaged in e-learning at home until the pandemic passes. A certified ophthalmic technician at Illinois Eye Center in Peoria, she accepted a voluntary layoff to stay home with them.

Wynes first posted the idea to Galesburg Rocks, a group that at one time had invited people to paint and hide rocks for children to find. A woman who saw what Wynes was proposing encouraged her to start a Facebook page.

Her “social distance scavenger hunt,” which was launched March 21, soon became so much more, however. Not only have people who are out walking and driving been “collecting” hearts, but it has touched those who are ill or quarantined, and the elderly who can’t get out, she said.

“I get these beautiful private messages from people I don’t know telling me how it’s awesome to be able to open up Facebook and scroll through and look at everyone else’s hearts and how it makes them forget for a while what’s going on,” Wynes shared.

One senior told her that even though she doesn’t usually spend much time on Facebook, she spent an entire day recently on the Heart Hunters page, because it provided a needed respite.

“I’ve been moved to tears many times from the posts I’ve received from people,” Wynes said.

It also has moved her to prayer.

“I’ve private messaged several people who have messaged me and promised to pray for them. I’ve said Rosaries for

UST MA Program in Saint John Paul II Studies On-line “John Paul II tells us the truth when no one else tells us the truth. The faith is true. The philosophy it inspires responds to every dilemma and need.

His legacy -- know the truth. It alone will make you free.”!

Fr. James Schall!

in brief Coronavirus draws prayers to saints who cared for plague victims WASHINGTON (CNS) — Saints can get a bad rap because sometimes people assume they lived in deep piety removed from the burdens of everyday life. But a quick look at the saints known for their ministry to the poor and outcast, the sick and dying, particularly during times of plagues, casts these men and women in a different light.

The Catholic Church has numerous saints that fall under this category, and a few particularly stand out now during this time of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Topping most lists as a patron saint of plagues is St. Roch, who lived during the Black Death in the 14th century. He was said to have cured plague victims he visited in Italy with his prayers and by marking the sick with the sign of the cross. Eventually, he, too, was sickened by the plague and is said to have withdrawn to a hut in the forest until he recovered. Legend has it a dog brought him food, which is why statues of St. Roch often

include a dog at his side.

Although the saint might seem farremoved from modern life, his care for plague victims certainly resonates today. In the U.S., there are several parishes named after him. One, in Oxford, Massachusetts, includes a prayer to the saint on its website asking the saint for “healing during this current health crisis during Lent and throughout the pandemic” and urging him to “intercede for the whole world.” †

Seniors and their families adapt to residences’ precautions amid virus BALTIMORE (CNS) — Doris Hollis, a resident of Caritas House Assisted Living, celebrated her 94th birthday March 27. Her family brought a cake and a homemade banner for the special occasion, but there were no hugs. The family sang to her, but their voices were muffled as they stood behind a picture window outside the Baltimore home for seniors.

Caritas House isn’t accepting visitors as fears of the novel coronavirus have put

senior living centers across the country on high alert. Baltimore Catholic organizations who run senior housing such as Catholic Charities and Mercy Health Services have taken aggressive steps to keep their residents safe because people older than 80 are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus.

Seniors were some of the first victims of COVID-19 in the United States when the disease spread inside a Seattle-area nursing home in late February, killing at least 29 residents.

In late March, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced that an outbreak had occurred at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Carroll County. Hogan said 66 residents were infected, 11 had been hospitalized and at least one person has died.

“You’ve got some anxiety. You’ve got some fear. You have some that are thankful that we’re doing this. You have some that are still in doubt, asking ‘Is this really happening?’”

Regina Figueroa, chief administrative officer for Stella Maris in Timonium, said of the mood on her campus. †

u

u

u

An interdisciplinary study of his philosophy, theology, and literature!!

An intensive reading of all his encyclicals!!

A capstone course with a pilgrimage to Poland!!

Accepting applications for Fall 2020

stthom.edu/SJPII Saint John Paul II Institute Dr. John Hittinger Director hittjp@stthom.edu 713-­‐899-­‐4289

20 Texas Catholic Herald

April 14, 2020

mundo catÓlico Encerrados en casa... ¿Qué tal ejecitar los músculos de la ‘virtutes humanae’?

¡Oh! La cinta caminadora que se encuentra en el garaje desde hace mucho tiempo y empolvada, la bicicleta con la llanta rota, nuestros líderes locales y nacionales ordenando que nos quedemos en casa para no propagar el virus, las recomendaciones de hacer ejercicio manteniendo una distancia corporal si lo hacemos al aire libre, todo esto nos dispone caminar por un buen rato!

Si bien hacemos todo lo posible para ejercitar nuestros músculos cuádriceps, músculos isquiotibiales y glúteos, es posible que deseemos también saber qué tan bien lo estamos haciendo con esos músculos principales para vivir la vida cristiana. ¿Cómo estamos ejercitando los músculos de las virtudes humanas? Antes de que corra a buscar en el internet para preguntarle al ¨sabio señor Google¨ dónde están exactamente los músculos de las virtudes humanas, les dejare tranquilos con tanta frase comparativa.

El grupo muscular de la vida cristiana son las virtudes humanas. Este grupo se ejercita con cada hueso de nuestro cuerpo, así como con el corazón, la mente y el alma.

Aun siendo una persona soltera que vive sola o una gran familia que trabaja en casa y tiene siete hijos en edad escolar; esta época de encierro es una gran oportunidad para aprender y practicar las virtudes humanas.

En el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica,

Parte III, Artículo 7 (1803-1845) se pueden encontrar las definiciones de lo que son las virtudes humanas. Las definiciones de este texto central y básico son esenciales para comprender by adecuadamente lo que TERESITA implican y lo que son.

JOHNSON Pero es en la aplicación o en ese ejercicio constante de las virtudes donde entrenamos los músculos y conseguimos grandes y eternos beneficios.

Parafraseando libremente, el catecismo dice que las virtudes son hábitos bien establecidos para elegir activa y libremente las cosas buenas y evitar las cosas malas. Las virtudes son hábitos buenos que dirigen nuestras acciones y nuestras pasiones de acuerdo con la fe y la razón. La práctica de las virtudes nos conduce por el camino correcto a una vida buena. Aún en esta situación de confinamiento, no hay duda que tenemos muchas oportunidades para practicar el vivir virtuosamente.

La Iglesia agrupa las virtudes en dos categorías: Las virtudes teologales que guían y ponen en orden nuestra relación con Dios (fe, esperanza, caridad), y las virtudes cardinales que fluyen de las virtudes teologales (prudencia, justicia, fortaleza y templanza), que son virtudes

†

principales y fundamentales de las cuales se derivan todas las demás virtudes humanas y que nos permiten darle orden y vida a nuestras relaciones con los demás.

La fe, la esperanza y la caridad son virtudes cruciales durante este tiempo cuando nos hemos desconectado de los Sacramentos de la Iglesia. Los Sacramentos son nuestro alimento espiritual y nuestra armadura contra los ataques del enemigo. De una manera muy real estamos en un período de ayuno de nuestra comida espiritual y de esas cosas que nos ayudan a reforzar nuestra armadura. Nuestra fe en Dios, la esperanza que tenemos en Él y la caridad (amor) que tiene por nosotros, ciertamente puede ser una fuente de consuelo y fortaleza en momentos como estos.

Definitivamente, las virtudes humanas tienen aplicaciones prácticas durante este tiempo que vivimos. La prudencia nos ayuda a conocer la diferencia entre lo que es realmente bueno y lo que no es.

Por ejemplo ¿está constantemente viendo en su televisor las noticias sobre la epidemia actual? La prudencia le ayudará a reducir a una hora de noticias televisivas. Ahora que vivimos una escasez de enlatados y papel higiénico, la práctica de la virtud de la justicia nos ayuda a ver que el acaparamiento es contrario a ayudar a todos en la comunidad y obtener únicamente lo que

se necesita. Crecer en la fortaleza nos ayuda a vencer nuestros miedos. ¿En las presentes circunstancias, estamos súper ansiosos y miedosos?

Practicar la oración como una forma de conectarnos con Dios y crecer en fortaleza es definitivamente una manera fiable de ejercitar ese músculo espiritual.

Finalmente, ¿Estamos incitados a calmar nuestros sentidos con alcohol, drogas, sexo, o a salirnos de control y atacar violentamente a las personas que nos rodean debido al estrés en el trabajo (remoto o no) o debido a la pérdida del mismo? La virtud de la templanza es la virtud que nos ayuda a mantener nuestros actos dentro del límite de la bondad y de lo honorable.

De tal manera que mientras estemos en casa tenemos una gran oportunidad de crecer en virtud y entrenar nuestros músculos espirituales. Orar, leer la Palabra y el Catecismo y conectarnos a la cantidad de recursos disponibles en el internet es una gran ayuda para lograr crecer en virtud. La Campaña Mientras estamos en casa, patrocinada por el Ministerio de Vida Familiar les puede ofrecer más ideas; y una caminata también le puede beneficiar. † Teresita Johnson es directora asociada de preparación matrimonial del Ministerio de Vida Familiar.

Papa: La vida, medida por el amor, está destinada a servir a los demás CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — Con una pequeña procesión en la Basílica de San Pedro, el papa Francisco comenzó la primera de una serie de liturgias de Semana Santa celebradas sin la presencia de los fieles del público en general.

La Misa del Domingo de Ramos, la liturgia que comienza con una conmemoración de Jesús entrando a Jerusalén entre una multitud jubilosa, se celebró el 5 de abril sin la procesión habitual al aire libre y la bendición de los ramos de los feligreses.

Trece personas se sentaron en un pequeño número de bancos, cada una con una hoja de palma tejida; solo ocho personas cantaron en el coro. La basílica estaba decorada con un olivo en maceta y vegetación. También se exhibieron el ícono “Salus Populi Romani” (salud del pueblo romano) y lo que los romanos llaman el “Crucifijo Milagroso”, normalmente alojado en la Iglesia de San Marcelo; A lo largo de los siglos, tanto el icono como el crucifijo se han asociado con intervenciones milagrosas para salvar la ciudad y su gente.

Transmitido en vivo a través de una amplia gama de medios, el papa predicó en su homilía sobre la traición y el abandono que Jesús experimentó antes y durante su Pasión.

Fue traicionado por un discípulo que “lo vendió” y uno que lo negó, traicionado por personas que le cantaron “hosanna”

y luego gritó “crucifíquelo”, traicionado por “por la institución religiosa que lo condenó injustamente y por la institución política que se lavó las manos”, dijo el papa.

Luego, en la cruz, Jesús le hizo a Dios “la pregunta más insoportable, ‘¿Por qué, también Tú, me has abandonado?’” “¿Y todo esto para qué?” preguntó el papa. “Lo hizo por nuestro bien, para servirnos”.

“Dios nos salvó sirviéndonos” y asumiendo todo el castigo por los pecados de las personas “con la humildad, la paciencia y la obediencia del siervo, simplemente con la fuerza del amor”, dijo.

“El Señor nos sirvió hasta el punto de experimentar las situaciones más dolorosas de quien ama: la traición y el abandono,” dijo.

La razón, dijo el papa, era “Para que cuando nos sintamos entre la espada y la pared, cuando nos encontremos en un callejón sin salida, sin luz y sin escapatoria, cuando parezca que ni siquiera Dios responde, recordemos que no estamos solos”.

“Hoy, en el drama de la pandemia, ante tantas certezas que se desmoronan, frente a tantas expectativas traicionadas, con el sentimiento de abandono que nos oprime el corazón, Jesús nos dice a cada uno: ‘Ánimo, abre el corazón a mi amor.

Sentirás el consuelo de Dios, que te sostiene’”. †

Foto de CNS

El papa Francisco celebró la misa del Domingo de Ramos en la Basílica de San Pedro en el Vaticano el 5 de abril. La misa se celebró sin la presencia del público mientras Italia lucha contra el coronavirus.

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.

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April 14, 2020

mundo catÓlico

texas catholic herald

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Durante la pandemia, sacerdotes trabajan para unir a difuntos y familias ROMA (CNS) — Cuando el padre Mario Carminati fue a bendecir los restos de uno de sus feligreses, llamó a la hija del difunto por WhatsApp para rezar juntos.

“Una de sus hijas está en Turín y no pudo estar presente”, dijo el padre Carminati, según reportó la revista católica Famiglia Cristiana el 26 de marzo. “Fue muy emotivo”, ya que ella pudo rezar con nosotros a través de este servicio de mensajería, añadió el párroco de Seriate, cerca de Bérgamo.

El padre capuchino Aquilino Apassiti de 84 años, quien sirve como capellán de un hospital en Bérgamo, dijo a la revista que él dispone su teléfono móvil cerca del difunto para que el ser querido del otro lado de la línea pueda rezar con él.

Los padres mencionados, son solo algunos de los muchos sacerdotes y religiosos que intentan unir, pese a la distancia forzada, a las personas que han muerto por el COVID-19 con las personas que dejan atrás. La Diócesis de Bérgamo ha establecido un servicio especial, “Un Corazón que Escucha”, donde las personas pueden llamar o enviar correos electrónicos para recibir apoyo espiritual, emocional o psicológico de profesionales capacitados.

Con los funerales prohibidos en todo el país, los sacerdotes también ofrecen la bendición y un lugar digno de descanso temporal antes de la cremación de los fallecidos.

Por ejemplo, el padre Carminati puso a disposición una de las iglesias de su área para los restos de 45 personas en espera de ser cremados. Debido a que el único crematorio en Bérgamo ha sido incapaz de manejar la cantidad de muertos que se presentan cada día, se desplegaron convoyes de camiones del ejército para llevar a los muertos al crematorio más cercano que se encuentra a más de 100 millas de distancia.

Con los bancos empujados hacia las paredes laterales de la iglesia de San José, el padre Carminati y un asistente caminaban hacia delante y hacia atrás de la iglesia rociando agua bendita sobre los ataúdes, como se mostró en un video publicado por el diario italiano Il Giornale.

Es mejor que los ataúdes estén en la iglesia esperando su transporte a que estén en un almacén, porque “al menos acá rezamos por ellos, y aquí ya están en la casa del Señor”, dijo el padre Carminati en el video emitido el 26 de marzo.

Después que los ataúdes salen de la iglesia para ser transportados a ciudades más al sur, otros llegaban a tomar su lugar cada día.

Los 45 cuerpos que el padre Carminati

Foto de CNS

Un sacerdote bendice los ataúdes de dos víctimas de la enfermedad del coronavirus durante una ceremonia de entierro en Cisternino, Italia, el 30 de marzo de 2020.

había bendecido fueron recibidos más tarde por funcionarios de la iglesia y la ciudad, cuando llegaron para su cremación a la provincia de Ferrara. El padre Daniele Panzeri, el alcalde Fabrizio Pagnoni y el mayor Giorgio Feola de la policía militar oraron por los difuntos a su llegada, mientras que dos oficiales, cubiertos con máscaras médicas, sostenían un arreglo floral de orquídeas, informó Bérgamo News el 26 de marzo.

Después de la cremación, las cenizas de los 45 muertos, y otros 68 fallecidos, fueron llevadas nuevamente a Bérgamo, donde fueron bendecidas por el obispo Francesco Beschi durante una ceremonia solemne con el alcalde de la ciudad, Giorgio Gori, y oficiales de policía locales.

Para ayudar a llenar el vacío de la ausencia de servicios funerarios o las reuniones públicas para llorar y rezar por los difuntos, el obispo Beschi invitó a toda la provincia de Bérgamo el 27 de marzo a una transmisión televisiva y en línea desde el cementerio de la ciudad para tener un momento de oración y recordar a los que habían muerto.

Crescenzio Cardenal Sepe de Nápoles también visitó el cementerio principal de su ciudad el 27 de marzo para bendecir y rezar por los difuntos. Ese mismo día al atardecer, el papa Francisco celebró un momento de oración a nivel mundial desde la plaza de San Pedro, que se encontraba completamente vacía.

Cifras oficiales de la Agencia Nacional de Protección Civil muestran que más de 8,000 personas murieron en Italia por el COVID-19 hasta el 26 de marzo, con

picos a mediados del mes entre 620 y 790 muertes por día.

Sin embargo, los funcionarios oficiales en la región del norte de Lombardía han informado que el número de muertes relacionadas al COVID-19 podrían ser hasta cuatro veces mayor, debido a que las cifras oficiales solo cuentan a aquellos

individuos a quienes se les ha realizado la prueba para el coronavirus.

Los funcionarios de la ciudad, que han estado registrando todas las muertes, no solo aquellas atribuidas al COVID-19, han señalado el alto número anómalo de personas que mueren en sus casas o en hogares de ancianos por neumonía, insuficiencia respiratoria o paro cardíaco, a quienes no se les realizó la prueba para el coronavirus.

Por ejemplo, Francesco Bramani, el alcalde de la pequeña ciudad de Dalmine, dijo al periódico L’Eco di Bérgamo, el 22 de marzo, que la ciudad había registrado 70 muertes, de las cuales solo dos estaban oficialmente relacionadas con el coronavirus.

Durante el mismo periodo el año pasado, se habían registrado un total de 18 decesos en Dalmine.

Mientras el personal del hospital lucha por la vida de sus pacientes, en las funerarias, los trabajadores están luchando con el número masivo y no reportado de muertos.

Alessandro Bosi, secretario de la federación italiana de agencias de servicios funerarios, dijo a la agencia de noticias Adnkronos, el 24 de marzo, que los trabajadores de las funerarias del norte de Italia no tienen la protección personal y los desinfectantes necesarios para transportar a los fallecidos. †

22 Texas Catholic Herald

April 14, 2020

WITHIN THE ARTS

Partial Jeremy Camp biopic commits to Biblebased morality, pro-life message NEW YORK (CNS) — In keeping with the song and book from which it takes its title, nondenominational affirmations of faith permeate the fact-based romantic drama“I Still Believe”(Lionsgate), making the film congenial fare for Christians of various stripes.

The absence of objectionable material, moreover, renders this love story suitable for all but the youngest viewers who might be upset by some of the events it portrays.

Currently available on Video On Demand due to the COVID-19 shutdown, KJ Apa plays future Christian music star Jeremy Camp. As the picture opens, Indiana-bred Jeremy is off to college in California. There he promptly falls at first sight for fellow student Melissa Henning (Britt Robertson). But their relationship faces a series of challenges.

The initial problem is that Jeremy’s

friend and professional mentor, JeanLuc LaJoie (Nathan Dean) — who, as front man for a group called the Kry is an already established singer — also loves Melissa, though she just wants to be his pal. So the duo feel compelled to conceal their deepening bond from Jean-Luc, at least temporarily.

No sooner has this triangle been resolved, however, than a much graver development arises when Melissa is diagnosed with cancer. Jeremy, who is clearly on board with the whole “in sickness and in health” deal, doesn’t allow this to deter him from wheeling Melissa into the chapel of the hospital where she’s being treated and popping the question.

Though generally supportive of him, Jeremy’s parents, Tom (Gary Sinise) and Terri (Shania Twain), are understandably CNS Photo

KJ Apa and Britt Robertson star in a scene from the movie “I Still Believe.” The Catholic News Service classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

concerned that, at just 20, he might be getting ahead of himself. But Jeremy remains convinced that marrying Melissa, even as he prays fervently for her to be healed, is the right thing to do.

By hewing to the real-life ups and downs recounted in Camp’s eponymous 2003 memoir, directors and brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin’s winning picture, which the former co-wrote with Jon Gunn, avoids following a predictable arc.

It also gains credibility by portraying the sad truth that, however anxious Jeremy may be to nurture her, there are times when Melissa must suffer alone.

Additionally, “I Still Believe,” which is paced by musical interludes, sends a pro-

MOVIE RATINGS

By Catholic News Service

A-I – General Patronage • Abominable (PG)

A-II – Adults and Adolescents • I Am Patrick (NR) • I Still Believe (PG) •

A-III – Adults • • • •

life message via Jeremy’s kind interaction with handicapped kids, most prominently his developmentally challenged younger brother, Josh (Reuben Dodd). Taken together with the other positive values underlying the script, this outlook will make Jeremy’s partial biography appealing to moviegoers committed to Bible-based morality.

The film contains mature themes, brief medical gore and a couple of marital bedroom scenes. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. †

• • • •

Les Misérables (R) Onward (PG) Slay The Dragon (PG-13) The Way Back (R)

L – Limited Adult Audience

Bloodshot (PG-13) Burden (R) Emma (PG) Impractical Jokers: The Movie (PG-13)

• Corpus Christi (NR) • The Invisible Man (R)

O – Morally Offensive • The Hunt (R)

CIRCULATION Need to change an address?

Have questions about subscriptions or circulation?

Call 713-652-4408 or email rvasquez@archgh.org for assistance. Visit archgh.org/tch for more information.

April 14, 2020

PRAYERS

texas catholic herald

23

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Prayer in the Time of the Coronavirus Comfort us, O Lord,

The Defenders of the Eucharist (1625) by peter paul rubens

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

By St. Alphonsus Ligouri

MY Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.

As though You were already there, I embrace You and unite myself wholly to You; permit not that I should ever be separated from You. Amen.

For more SPIRITUAL RESOURCES, visit www.archgh.org/spiritualresources

for we are like your disciples on the storm tossed seas, unsettled by what lies ahead.

We turn to You, our Healer and Guide, to still our hearts in our time of need and hear our prayer: Heal those who are sick with the coronavirus and protect the elderly and most vulnerable.

Give strength to all who tend to our health and wisdom to researchers who work toward a cure.

Open our eyes and hearts, as you did

during Hurricane Harvey, that we may look beyond our immediate needs to care for others who need help.

Through the Holy Spirit, guide our leaders to make wise decisions for the welfare of all the people they serve.

Grant eternal rest to those who have died from the virus.

May Mary, Our Mother, who has heard our pleas in the storms of our lives, intercede to her Son, that we may find healing and a prompt end to this illness.

Mary, Star of the Sea, pray for us.

Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, heal us.

Amen.

Oración Durante el Tiempo del Coronavirus Consuélanos, Señor, pues somos como tus discípulos en la tormenta que sacudió los mares, inquietos por lo que se avecina.

Nos dirigimos a Ti, nuestro Guía y Salvador, para que calmes nuestros corazones en nuestros momentos de necesidad y escuches nuestra oración: Sana a todos quienes están enfermos con el coronavirus y protege a las personas mayores y a los más vulnerables.

Dale fuerza a todos quienes cuidan de nuestra salud y sabiduría a quienes buscan y luchan por encontrar una cura.

Abre nuestros ojos y nuestros corazones, como lo hiciste durante el Huracán Harvey, para

que podamos ver más allá de nuestras necesidades inmediatas y ayudar a aquellos que necesiten ayuda.

Por medio del Espíritu Santo, guía a los líderes a tomar decisiones sabias por el bienestar de todas las personas a las que sirven. Concede el descanso eterno a todos quienes han muerto por el virus.

Que María, nuestra Madre, que ha escuchado nuestras suplicas en las tormentas de nuestras vidas, interceda ante su Hijo, para que encontremos la sanación y un pronto final para esta enfermedad.

Maria, Estrella del Mar, ruega por nosotros.

Jesucristo, nuestro Señor y Salvador, sananos.

Amen.

Pope Francis’s Prayer to Mary in the Time of Pandemic O MARY, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.

We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to

conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.

We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Archbishop Fiorenza’s Prayer in time of Pandemic May our gracious God bless them in their dangerous work and give them the consolation of knowing they are truly doing His will in eliminating this newest plague on the world.

O Jesus, healer of all disease, help us to overcome fear and anxiety which prevents us from working together to overcome this human tragedy.

Remain with us, Lord and Savior, as we endure the difficulties and disruptions of our daily lives. Give us patience, serenity and peace of mind and heart during these unsettling times. Help us to have profound trust that you are with us and will help us to prevail over this pandemic.

We remember, O, Lord, those who have died from

this disease as we pray for their eternal peace in your loving embrace. Please give to those who mourn their death every consoling grace and strength during their grief and sorrow.

In this time of danger and fear, we turn in filial love and trust to our Mother Mary, the health of the sick and comforter of the afflicted, the Mother of Good Counsel, to intercede for us to be delivered from present sorrow and obtain protection from this world-wide scourge.

To you O clement and loving Mother, we entrust ourselves to your protection and deliverance from this present world-wide danger. Amen.

24 Texas Catholic Herald

April 14, 2020

Remembering our call to Stewardship

As Catholics, we believe that all we have is a gift from God. Our response in faith is to offer these gifts back to God in gratitude.

With gifts of prayer, we pray for our nation, Church and our parishes.

With gifts of treasure, we support our parishes even when we cannot be there in person.

Make a gift to your parish online at www.archgh.org/parishoffertory scroll down and select your parish.

www.archgh.org/parishoffertory