Texas Catholic Herald - July 14, 2020

JULY 14, 2020

YES YOU COUNT

HANDS TO SERVE

PAGE 6

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Houston behind in Census participation efforts

texas catholic herald

Correctional ministries continues limited care

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

JULY 14, 2020

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VOL. 57, NO. 4

A SHEPHERD’S MESSAGE

YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER

BY DANIEL CARDINAL DINARDO Archbishop of Galveston-Houston

“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

— Matthew 7:5 Plainly stated, for it is plain to see, we in America have a plank in our eye with regard to racism. This is a tough but necessary reality to confront, because we cannot address a problem until we acknowledge it. This includes us as members of the Catholic Church.

Many in our society have been protesting in a show of solidarity with our brothers and sisters of color to push forward reforms to change our society.

The vast majority of the protestors have done so peacefully, while insisting — with determination and courage — that our nation change for the better.

Unfortunately, the use of violence by a small minority dilutes our focus away See RACISM, page 2

NOW IS THE TIME PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Father Mark Hebert, at back, and Father Thuc Nugyen lay prostrate before the altar during their Mass of Ordination to the Priesthood celebrated by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on June 6. FOR MORE PHOTOS, SEE PAGE 5.

Pandemic cases see record surges as Texans look forward with weary hope, prayers Industries buckle prompting ministries to expand assistance efforts as Houston still grapples with COVID-19’s wild spread

BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — The day Pope Francis led a worldwide prayer vigil against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic feels so long ago. That rainy March 27 evening, the pope kneeled before the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration, pleading for the Lord’s mercy. He lifted the Blessed Sacrament, an iconic moment during the extraordinary ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing.

In his message before Adoration, Pope Francis said the world felt dark as if “for weeks now it has been evening.” Those weeks have stretched

to a months-long darkness during the longest days of the year.

A bright point came when 25% of parishioners at many parishes across the Archdiocese had uplifting chance to return to public celebrations of Holy Mass after weeks of lockdown.

Masses continued to be livestreamed as a witness of hope to those who couldn’t attend in person for so many reasons.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation was more widely celebrated, already a constant during the lockdown, and Baptisms, weddings and funerals

THE FIRST WORD † 3

became the norm again. But still, others continued to bear the brunt of the pandemic’s rage.

Healthcare workers saw a moment of reprieve — cases slowed, the curve seemed to drop and the green grass could be seen through the fence line — then suddenly, the pandemic surged again with a fiery rage. As the nation also grappled with civil unrest, demonstrations and responses to police brutality, the virus silently continued its unrelenting course. In June, the priesthood ordination Mass was modified, and the July ordination of transitional deacons was delayed due to

LIFE IN THE PANDEMIC

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COLUMNS † 16 - 17

Acknowledging sins of racism leads to healing

BY FATHER REGINALD SAMUELS Vicar for Catholics of African Descent Catholics of African descent all over the nation have been calling for an end to racism and racial justice after the killing of George Floyd. The cry for racial justice is being declared by the Catholic Church leaders as well.

Now is the time to move to action to bring an end to racism and start the healing that is needed in our Church, community and country.

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

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo early in June issued a statement in regards to racism in our Church, community and

See FORWARD, page 3

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ESPAÑOL † 21 - 22

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MILESTONES † 23

See SAMUELS, page 15

2 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

RACISM, from page 1 from the urgency of the reforms.

In the past, leaders of the Church frequently refrained from speaking out when acts of racial violence or other injustices have come to light. No more.

As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) declared in their important and inspiring work “Open Wide Our Hearts” in November of 2018: There have been many times when the Church has failed to live as Christ taught — to love our brothers and sisters. Acts of racism have been committed by leaders and members of the Catholic Church — by bishops, clergy, religious, and laity — and her institutions. Consequently, we all need to take responsibility for correcting the injustices of racism and healing the harms it has caused.

For Catholics, this is particularly an issue of faith because of our principles of social justice. The sin of racism is a pro-life issue. All human life is made in the image and likeness of God without regard to race, national origin, culture, or religion.

Since 2018, the USCCB has been conducting listening sessions; providing resources about racism to dioceses and parishes to begin important conversations about this evil. We too in the Archdiocese have been engaged.

For more than a year, our Archdiocesan Pastoral Council has been working on goals and objectives, which essentially include the overcoming of racism.

Like many of you, in these recent days filled with anguish and pain, I have also been moved by the acts of kindness and good from persons of all races and faiths — who have responded to this fundamental, genuine tragedy with the best in the human spirit. I think especially of the grace demonstrated by the Floyd family, insisting that their loved one’s killing inspire positive change.

Jesus, our Lord and Savior, calls us to reform and invites us to a new life.

To love your neighbor as yourself is part of the Great Commandment that

JULY 14, 2020

George Floyd, like Eric Garner before him, died after pleading, “I cannot breathe.”We can only breathe again rightly with the help of the Holy Spirit, if we make it our constant work to eliminate the sin of racism in our society.

Let us spread joy. Let us witness! †

Cardinal DiNardo welcomes Supreme Court’s June 19 decision on DACA

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

Jesus proclaimed. To forget self and serve others is part of our creed.

We must remember whoever exalts himself will be humbled. Whoever views or holds themselves as superior to others has substituted their judgment for that of the Lord. That is a sin against God, and humanity. And it must end.

But we need more than words. We need action.

Quoting again from “Open Wide Our Hearts”: “The Christian community should draw from this central, ongoing encounter with Christ and seek to combat racism with love, recalling the insight of Pope Francis that “if we have received the love which restores meaning to our lives, how can we fail to share that love with others?”With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this wellspring of strength and courage must move us to act. Consequently, we all need to take responsibility for correcting the injustices of racism and healing the harms it has caused.”

On June 19, Cardinal DiNardo released the following statement about the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold DACA: DACA is a shorthand for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and it refers to Federal Policy about immigrants brought here as children who are not here legally. The policy allows them to receive a two-year renewable period of deferred action on deportation. Such applicants can ask for a work visa and other legal grants that would enable a permanent visa to live in the United States.

There are a large number of immigrants brought to the United States as children who are not documented.

They have grown up here, gone to school here and only know the United States as their home country. There may be more than 700,000 such young people here.

The current Administration tried to deport them through an ending of the policy enacted in the former Administration. Legal battles ensued and the case landed in the Supreme Court which on June 18 the Court stopped the Administration from terminating the program — and did so on procedural terms. The news is good for DACA recipients but the case is not over.

While I welcome the Court’s decision we now must go back to Congress, where these matters belong, to arrive at a just settlement that will recognize DACA recipients as genuine members of the United States who indeed have their “home” here. I hope we can work on all sides for a just resolution of this important matter for our immigrants here in the United States. †

THE HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS — FOR THE MONTH OF JULY

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THE FIRST WORD Generosity shines during pandemic FORWARD, from page 1 the sharp rise in cases.

Government officials instituted new mandates in efforts to slow the pandemic’s spread. Masks became mandatory, and capacities at businesses were reduced as other states also saw numbers rise.

Industries, already weakened from a stand-still economy, once again waded through quicksand with last-ditch efforts to see more business. Still, many looked forward in fervent prayer, courageously working to support and stand for others.

MINISTRIES CONTINUE HOSTING FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS ACROSS ARCHDIOCESE Catholic ministries and parishes continue to host food distributions across the Archdiocese. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese has been hosting at least three food drives each week.

Several parishes have also hosted pop-up distribution events.

Since June 30, the Mamie George Community Center (MGCC), located at 1111 Collins Rd. in Richmond, has operated as a super distribution center, giving more families in Fort Bend County with 60 pounds of food each, supported by the Houston Food Bank.

Families received a box of canned goods, fresh milk, produce and frozen meat.

Drive-through distribution are held on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Officials said nearly one in four people living in the Richmond-Rosenberg area live in poverty.

It is the most impoverished community in Fort Bend, so economic loss from the pandemic was already brutal in this area.

Before the pandemic, more than 1,000 families were being served every week.

“We [are] serving 50% more families, thanks to our expanded partnership with the Houston Food Bank,” said Gladys Brumfield-James, MGCC’s executive director.

“We are thrilled that we will be able to provide a consistent selection of nutritious food to more people in need.”

No appointments are necessary, but registration is required by texting the letters “HFBNSS” to 94502.

Those in need of assistance should arrive no earlier than 10:30 a.m.

In Houston, drive-through distribution at the Guadalupe Center (326 S. Jensen, Houston) is currently on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays by appointment only. Appointments could be made online at catholiccharities.org/ covidfooddistribution.

On Galveston Island, distribution at the Beacon of Hope Food Pantry (4700 Broadway, Suite F-103, Galveston) is by appointment only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For appointments, call 409-762-2064.

Since March, Catholic Charities has distributed more the one million pounds of food through its regional food pantries. By early July, distribution had already surpassed 2019’s 12-month total distributions in just four months.

For the latest information about Catholic Charities COVID-19 support,

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS Effective June 5 Rev. Timothy McMahon, S.J. – Faculty

Member, Strake Jesuit College

Preparatory of Houston Rev. Jonathan Harmon, S.J. – Faculty

Member, Strake Jesuit College

Preparatory of Houston Effective June 17 Rev. David Zapalac, CSB – Interim Pastor, St. Anne, Houston

PHOTO BY CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON

Food distribution continues at the Mamie George Community Center in Richmond, which became a major food distribution site on June 30. Since January, Catholic Charities has distributed more than one million pounds of food to families in need in the Archdiocese.

call 713-526-4611. To make an appointment, visit catholiccharities.org/ covidfooddistribution.

WOMEN VETERANS LEAD CHARGE TO MASK UP VOLUNTEERS Other efforts supported those who worked to bring relief to those in need of assistance. Women veterans affiliated with Catholic Charities’ Women Veterans Program made fabric masks to protect the many volunteers distributing food at the MGCC. Volunteers were wearing some of the 100 fabric masks made by the veterans using fabric and materials donated by a Sugar Land fabric store.

“We’re protecting our volunteers in Fort Bend County by using fabric masks as a recommended alternative,” said Glady Brumfield-James, MGCC executive director.

The MGCC’s program supports women who have served the nation through services such as financial assistance, career coaching, mental health counseling and peer groups. “[Women] veterans are stepping up to help with mask production. Their enthusiasm is contagious. They’re recruiting others to hit the sewing machines to protect our volunteers and our community,” said Susan Jaroszewski, program coordinator in Fort Bend.

Through its food network, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Archdiocese was hosting food fairs at its Vincentian Services Center (6654 Gulf Fwy., Houston) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from noon to 2 p.m., and on the first, third and fourth Saturday of each month, from 8 to 10 a.m.

The society also operates 23 parishbased food pantries. For more, call 713741-8234 or visit www.svdphouston.org.

LIFE IN THE PANDEMIC

CATHOLIC LEADERS FALL ILL AS VIRUS REACHES PRIESTS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE, PARISHES Even with the most stringent protocols, the virus still reached Catholic leaders in Archdiocesan residences and parishes.

After learning that Archbishop

Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza and retired Auxiliary Bishop Vincent M. Rizzotto, as well as two other retired priests at the Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Priest Retirement Residence, contracted COVID-19, the Archdiocese asked for prayers for those who have contracted COVID-19 in a June 29 statement. The Archdiocesan-run Fiorenza retirement residence provides housing for retired priests.

Archbishop Fiorenza, a past president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is 89. Bishop Rizzotto is 88.

After a staffer of the residence’s food service contractor and an independent caregiver both tested positive for COVID-19, all 18 priests living at the residence, its employees and contractors were tested. Four priests then tested positive for COVID-19, including Archbishop Fiorenza and Bishop Rizzotto.

All 14 of the remaining priests tested negative. The priests were then selfquarantined in their rooms for 14 days.

With the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, several parishes also suspended inperson events in the church or on church property after clergy, staff or visitors had either individually contracted or had been exposed to the virus. After each incident, parishes followed stringent health protocols before re-opening to the public.

Texas was a hot epicenters of upward trending cases. Texas surpassed 200,000 cases over the July 4 holiday weekend.

California, Florida and Arizona also saw high numbers.

Health officials remained worried about available hospital capacities as COVID-related hospitalizations had more than doubled by July 6.

POPE: ‘GOD WILL NOT LEAVE US’ At the conclusion of his “Urbi et Orbi” message, Pope Francis reminded the Church that God asks “us not to be afraid.” The pope admitted that right now “our faith is weak and we are fearful.” But he reminded the world that God “will not leave us at the mercy of the storm.” † For the latest updates and resources, visit www.archgh.org/healthupdates.

Effective July 1 Rev. Joseph Thanh Vu – Granted

retirement, Vietnamese Martyrs Rev. Martin Gleeson, O.P. – Pastor, Holy

Rosary, Houston Rev. Emmanuel Akpaidem, M.S.P. – Pastor,

Sacred Heart, Crosby Rev. Michael Applegate – Parochial Vicar,

St. Pius V, Pasadena Rev. Martins Emeh – Parochial Vicar,

St. Theresa, Sugar Land Rev. Joseph Methanath, OSH – Parochial

Vicar, Epiphany, Katy Rev. Michael Minifie, CC – Parochial Vicar,

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Rev. Antonio Ortiz – Parochial Vicar, Prince

of Peace Rev. Michael Earthman – Formation

Faculty, St. Mary’s Seminary Rev. Mark Herbert – Parochial Vicar, Sacred

Heart, Conroe Rev. Thuc Nguyen – Parochial Vicar, St.

Thomas More Effective July 4 Rev. Santy Kurian, M.S.F.S. – Parochial

Vicar, St. Bartholomew, Katy Rev. Joseph Pottemmel, M.S.F.S. – Pastor,

St. Thomas Aquinas, Sugar Land Rev. Mathew Thayil, M.S.F.S. – Parochial

Vicar, St. Thomas Aquinas, Sugar Land

IN BRIEF

DSF annual appeal to support Archdiocesan ministries continues 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 all 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 make a pledge online, visit www. archgh.org/dsf. For more about the Diocesan Services Fund and the many important ministries it supports, call 713-652-4417. †

4 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

LOCAL

JULY 14, 2020

MONSIGNOR GEORG RATZINGER DIES AT 96 Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI mourn the death of Monsignor Georg Ratzinger, brother of the retired pope.

▪ PAGE 17

STOP THE SIN OF RACISM

New Houston prayer group elevates calls against violence, racism

BY REBECCA TORRELLAS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — On June 27 and July 9, a group from St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church stood near the corner of Westheimer and the Sam Houston Tollway to “be a visual reminder to the world that racism is a horrific sin.”

Deacon Bob Angelich, who was ordained in the Gary, Indiana, Diocese in 2003, said the group stood along Westmeimer and Rogerdale Ave. for an hour with Prayer Not Violence T-shirts and signs that said “Stop the Sin of Racism.”

“We had two individuals count cars a few times in five-minute intervals. It consistently averaged 40 cars a minute,” he said. “So, we reached about 2,400 cars in the hour. The response was overwhelmingly positive. There was a lot of horn tapping... waving from drivers and passengers.”

The idea began when, after his ordination, Deacon Angelich was assigned to the Cathedral of Holy Angels in the heart of Gary, Indiana.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEACON BOB ANGELICH/ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA CATHOLIC CHURCH

On June 27, a group from St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church called “Prayer Not Violence” stood along Westmeimer and Rogerdale Ave. with signs that said “Stop the Sin of Racism” in Houston. Their efforts reached an estimated 2,400 cars in the hour they stood with signs speaking out against racism.

“Gary is primarily an AfricanAmerican community full of wonderful people. Unfortunately, for various reasons, it is also a city plagued with a horrific amount of violent crime,” he said.

“So, I created a ministry called Prayer Not Violence. Our goal was simple — to

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help stem the amount of violence in the schools and community of Gary.”

In 2013, Deacon Angelich’s full-time job in the project/construction side of the oil/gas industry relocated him to Houston, where he joined St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church.

The horrific death of Houstonian George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, compelled Deacon Angelich to restart the ministry in Houston.

“The harsh reality of racism needed to be addressed. Racism in any form, whether it is physically violent or not, is wrong,” he said. “To God, all of racism is a sin. It is an evilness that takes the entire human family and willfully tries to fracture it apart.”

Deacon Angelich said legal and social efforts to stop racism have their place, but it is “such an evil it cannot be legislated away.”

“Racism says part of God’s creation is defective and inferior because of skin color or culture,” he said. “(We) cannot legislate the content of the heart where this evil resides. What is needed is the conversion away from a heart full of racist poison to a heart filled with the light and love of Jesus Christ.”

The ministry will continue to hold these events every few weeks through

“What is needed is the conversion away from a heart full of racist poison to a heart filled with the light and love of Jesus Christ.”

DEACON BOB ANGELICH

FOUNDER OF ‘PRAYER NOT VIOLENCE’ - ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN HOUSTON

the summer. Ones does not have to be a member or attend St. Cyril of Alexandria parish to join the ministry.

“We will also continue to discern other ways to spread the word of God regarding racism,” Deacon Angelich said.

He said he wants to reach as many people as possible beyond the church doors with the word of God that racism is a sin and to turn away from this sin.

“For it is the absolute spiritual truth that all human life is of equal value and deserving of dignity,” he said.

For more information on Prayer Not Violence, call Deacon Angelich at 219808-3343. †

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SIGNS OF JOY

New priests called to unite the Church HOUSTON — Hundreds gathered — priests are gathering the scattered children of according to social distance guidelines, of God in their parish, in their communities and course — for the Mass of Ordination to the letting them see a deeper unity.”

Priesthood of Father Mark Hebert and Father Cardinal DiNardo also warned the young Thuc Nguyen on June 6 at the Co-Cathedral of men of the challenges of the future. the Sacred Heart. “[The priesthood] is good work, it really is,” Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, who presided over he said. “It is a difficult work and it’s a joyous the Mass, was joined by work.” Yet “the most beautiful of your concelebrants Auxiliary Bishop work are the Sacraments, veritable George A. Sheltz and Archbishop masterpieces of God’s creation in Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza and Christ Jesus.” other clergy. Even with concerns over Father Mark Hebert was assigned the pandemic, joy prevailed that as parochial vicar to Sacred Heart morning as the two transitional Catholic Church in Conroe, where he deacons were ordained as new spent his pastoral year during his priests for the Archdiocese. transitional diaconate. Father Thuc After addressing the civil unrest Nguyen was assigned as parochial FATHER following George Floyd’s death and vicar to St. Thomas More Catholic EDUARDO the worldwide pandemic, Cardinal Church in Houston.

RIVERA, CSB DiNardo encouraged the two priests On May 23, Father Eduardo Rivera, in his homily. “Seeking out the lost,” CSB, was ordained by Bishop Sheltz at Cardinal DiNardo said. “Serving, not being St. Anne Catholic Church in Houston. served, that is your model and motto and life.”

Father Rivera was ordained as a He said the two new priests “desperately transitional deacon with Father Hebert and need the scattered children of God to be Father Nguyen in 2019. As a newly ordained gathered into unity,” Cardinal DiNardo said. priest, Father Rivera will serve at St. John “We’re the shepherds of the Church. The Fisher College in Rochester, New York. †

5

PHOTOS BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

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Houston lagging behind other cities in Census participation amidst pandemic

BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — When the main worries are paying rent, keeping healthy and providing food for the family, participating in the 2020 Census may not be a high priority for some parishioners no matter how important it is in bringing millions of dollars to the community. But Church officials say they are working hard to increase participation in the Census despite the pandemic.

Chris Rubio, director of social services at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Humble, and volunteers have helped organize weekly food distributions over the past several months during the pandemic.

“The Texas National Guard, The Northeast Houston Interfaith Council, and Houston Food Bank collaborate with us,” Rubio said. “Now we are actually working with the Census Bureau.

They sent a team out to conduct client interviews.”

Such coordination helps reach thousands of individuals who may otherwise have gone uncounted in the Census, he said. Clients usually come in cars, starting around 6 a.m. on Wednesdays, and food distribution begins at 9:30 a.m.

The Census team arrived at 7 a.m. on June 17 and began enrollment. Rubio said they reached 454 households that included 2,293 individuals. Overall since

The newborn baby?

Of course she counts.

(Congrats, by the way!)

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

A mural in southwest Houston reflects the region’s diverse population and encouraged participation in the 2020 Census. The region’s participation in the census has been lower than other similiarly sized areas.

March to mid-June, St. Mary Magdalene’s community efforts have distributed food to more than 5,000 households of 22,907 individuals, Rubio said.

“I’ve been blessed to have 30 volunteers

From 1 day old to over 100 years old, everyone counts on your census form.

For more information, visit:

2020CENSUS.GOV D-PO-YC-EN-032

come on Tuesday to prepare the bags, and close to 70 volunteers to assist with the Wednesday distribution. It is also my hope to restart our financial assistance program where we normally provide assistance with evictions and utilities for individuals and families residing in our parish boundaries,” Rubio said.

On a broader sweep focused on training parishioners in multiple churches, The Metropolitan Organization (TMO), a community nonprofit, has worked with pastors and other ministers on Census participation.

The Census, counting the US population every 10 years, impacts $800 billion in funding, including Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicaid and Medicare, school grants and many other programs.

Maria Lopez, a parishioner at Assumption Catholic Church, was among those trained by TMO to reassure fellow parishioners that the Census would not ask questions about citizenship. It takes only about 10 minutes via computer to participate.

But the weekend that most churches were going to participate in the Census

coincided with when many of the churches closing down their services because of the coronavirus, she said.

“So I’ve been trying to call other parishioners and help them by phone,” Lopez said.

But even a friendly voice over the phone that many parishioners may know by her work with the church bazaar and other ministries for 15 years doesn’t make it easy, she said.

“The people still have a lot of fear, especially those who are undocumented,” Lopez said. “The only way they will do the Census is one-to-one with someone they trust.”

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the US Census schedule for public selfresponse to fill out the questionnaire has been extended to Aug. 14.

But even when Census Bureau workers come knocking on doors in August to households that haven’t responded, “the residents just won’t open the door,” Lopez said.

Overall in Texas, responses continue to run behind the national average, ranked 41st among states for its response rate, according to the Texas Demographic Center. The state, at 55.5% response rate, is now more than five percentage points behind the national average of 60.8%, the center reported.

Of the 10 largest cities in the country, Houston ranked seventh place with a self-response rate of 47.3%. To put that into Texas perspective: Houston had the lowest self-response rate out of the other large cities in the state. Dallas ranked sixth with 48.6% reporting. San Antonio came in fourth by a rather significant margin, with 53% reporting.

Directors with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston ministries have also met with Census representatives to help with response rates.

“We have used social media, email and other ways to encourage people to register and participate in the Census,” said Lazaro Contreras, director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry.

As people slowly return to church, pastors are announcing the importance of the Census at Masses as well, he said.

Father Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, Archdiocesan director of clergy formation, also urged parishioners in a video in Spanish to participate in the Census. He said, “Let’s make sure we all count!” †

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The Class of 2020 will attend 81 different colleges and universities in 28 different states, including the District of Columbia, and 2 universities in the United Kingdom.

Of these schools, 49% are out of state and 51% are in the state of Texas. 63% will attend public universities and 37% private universities.

This class has 29 members recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program, and 15 in the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Janna Andrea Aboudaher* Isabelle Grace Agee* Tamilore Somkenechukwu Akerele* Chloe Anne Alff* Katie Elizabeth Allen* Sydney Gabrielle Allen* Isabella Lee Amezquita* Hope Sterling Anderson* Grace Elizabeth Arrell* Beatrice Ascione* Abigail Margaret Bailey* Diana Carmen Basaldua* Kayla Nicole Benevides* Alexa Kathleen Blakes* Frances Bryant Boatwright* Abigail Virginia Bowring* Kaylee Elizabeth Boyd* Madison Marie Bradley* Julia Marie Bradshaw* Renee’ Elizabeth Bryan* Emelia Mary Buckalew* Stephanie Alejandra Buitrago* Bridget Ann Buras* Bailey Marie Burgess* Erin Vy Burns* Peyton Elizabeth Butler Juliet Josephine Caine Cheyenne Catherine Campbell Sasha Ariel Cander* Elizabeth Cheryl Cannon* Veronica Lily Cannon* Kaitlynn Louise Carroll* Bobbie Taylor Cashin Natalie Henrietta Castillo Amirah Sanaa Chandler* Lilia Catherine Chaouch* Mackenzie Faith Childress Caroline Eun-Ae Cho* Samantha Sujun Jihae Chon* Rebecca Rene Chretien* Brooklyn Julianne Clark* Reagan Elizabeth Clark Mia Grace Clay Caitlyn Elizabeth Coerver Anna Clare Cohn* Alisha Mei Collaco* Isabella Andrea Conlu

Lauren Elise Cooke Rebecca Oenone Cordingley Carla Maria Covarrubias* Abigail Elizabeth Craft* Carson Elizabeth Craft Sarah Kathryn Cunningham* Mia Elizabeth D’Andrea Elizabeth Phuong Dang* Adrienne Elisabetta Dans* Nitzia Yaremi Davalos* Sarah Lillian Ditto* Ashley Ngoc-Linh Doan* Olivia Grace Duble Christina May Dunwoody* Hannah Clare Elliott Kathryn Marye Farr* Isabella Audra Fenn* Emily Elizabeth Fiedler Alexis Victoria Fitzgerald Danielle Taylor Fleishman* Lily Rose Fowler* Ysabelle Ann Francisco* Alexa Julia Garcia Marisa Lien Garcia Lauren Abigail Geczik* Margaret Jacquelyn Gee* Alexandra Sierra Gerling-Perez* Caitlyn Grace Gilliam* Kaela Gisser* Njoki Gitau* Jade Donne Golding* Daniela Marie Gonzales* Noelle Sofia Gonzalez* Alexandra Christina Goralski* Roberta Goudet Avery Elizabeth Graham* Natalie Alexandra Guandique Jeidha Analis Guzman Stephanie Danielle Haddad* Riley Abbott Harrison Katherine Grace Hawkins* Sinead Elizabeth Healey* Emma Marie Dumantay Heinzmann* Caroline Rose Henderson Maria Alejandra Henriquez Melinda Herrera* Hannah Jayne Heuring*

Mia Riordan Hewell* Charlotte Ann Hoebig Jenna Nicole Hopper* Addison Elizabeth Hoss Lydia Li Huang* Katherine Grace Hubbard Isabella Raquel Huerta Carly Belle Hybarger* Lilia Eva Nannina Iero Eno-Faith Kokoette Ikott* Lauren Litonjua Ilag* Maya Lin Jaaskelainen* Aisha Yasmeen Jalal* Hannah Grace James* Jordan Gabrielle Jeremiah* Ana Teresa Jimenez* Mackenzie Katherine Joe* Yara Eva Karam* Natalia Renee Kardoush* Caroline Raye King* Julie Jean Kiolbassa Brittany Alyssa Kline Catherine Victoria Koehler Katherine Grace Kuykendall* Elizabeth Ann Lakoski* Kathryn Adele Leach* Rachael Elizabeth Lee* Audrey Lucia Leonard* Kathleen Patten Logan* Andrea Lorente* Sophia Theresa Louis* Abigail Marion Lynch Olivia Rose Lyons* Isabel Anne Makulski Isabella Marie Amagsila Maniego* Meredith Rose Mark* Savannah Celeste Marks* Andrea del Carmen Martinez* Sahara Diane Maruska* Abaigeal Dale McFarland* Grace Lucille McGraw* Kathryn Theresa McGraw* Amy Teresa Mendiola* Leilani Theresa Metcalf* Anna Katherine Meyer* Molly McMahon Miggins Abigail Reine Rhemonde Milam*

Natalie Marie Milio* Kathryn Alice Mischlich* Devon Trinity Montecillo Camille Virginia Montoya* Hailey Katherine Moore* Jailyn Ann Moore Natalie Erin Morrison* Haley Maxine Murphy* Margaret Kelly Musgrove* Claire Marie Nadira* Katelyn Lorrainne Needler* Michelle Yong Zhi Ng* Annelaure Bich Ha Nguyen* Ashley Yen Binh Nguyen* Isabel Maikhanh Nguyen* Madison Mai-Lam Nguyen* Emma Lee Niall* Grace Katherine Noe Ekenemchukwu Charlene Nwajei* Grace Aherne O’Donnell Christina Alexandra Ojeas* Chukwunonyelum Caroline Okoye* Amirah Linton Olajuwon Grace Elizabeth O’Neal* Elena Carmen Orozco* Adelaide Margaret Paradise* Truly Olivia Pasek* Tatianna Leyla Pavlidis* Veronica Kathleen Peckham* Lauren Nicole Perales* Mignon Elisabeth Perque Chloe Quynh Trang Pham* Christina Sarah Plaskett* Allison Claire Polnau* Katherine Elena Puente Sophia Marie Ramos-Paulin* Mary Catherine Reidy* Emory Elaine Reilly* Mirna Valentina Rivero* Rachel Elizabeth Rodriguez* Morgan Michelle Rose Emily Grace Roth* Karena Leigh Rowley* Emily Bailey Roy* Madeline Jewel Ryan* Kristina Belle Schneidau* Caimen Schneider*

Ashleigh Elisabeth Scott* Abigail Grace Shelby* Dania Fatima Siddiqi* Erica Ann Silva Janean Marie Silva* Audrey Marie Simpson* Priscilla Lillian Siswanto* Madlyn Kucera Smith* Eleanor Anne Standige* Samantha Ruby Steely* Francesca Hoang Su* Vianca Revote Sula* Claire Elizabeth Sullivan* Sarah Nicole Sullivan* Mariana Swartz Maya Isabela Swift* Grace Ann Tate Alexis Jean Teague* Maria Tellez* Janea Jessamine Thibodeaux* Anjali Elizabeth Tholany* Greer Corinne Thomas Emma Grace Tinkham* Annika Marie Torning* James Etta Trammell* Emma Madeleine Tran* Skylor Kay Tucker* Brittany Chinyelum Uwaezuoke* Lindsay Marie Veech* Andrea Vera-Meouchi* Hannah Elizabeth Vossler* Kaitlyn Shae Walker Ryan Elizabeth Webb* Sara Elizabeth Wheat Allison Rose Wieland* Christine Michelle Wierschem Kayla Gabrielle Williams Nozomi Jordan Williams* Mary Margaret Williamson* Ella Claire Wisdom* Sumer Lina Zakaria* Daniela Margaret Zamora* Alexia Maria Zubizarreta *National Honor Society

9000 BELLAIRE BLVD, HOUSTON, T X 77036 PHONE: 713.219.5400 ST-AGNES.ORG

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8 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL texas catholic herald 5

JULY 14, 2020

loCal

‘Three Amigos’ reunitesay for civil, faith rights discussion f trafficking, advocates

BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald

HOUSTON — Longtime Houston faith and civil rights leaders Rabbi Emeritus Samuel Karff of Congregation Beth Israel, and Reverend William Lawson, Pastor Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, joined Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza for a frank discussion on justice, equality and respect.

Held on Juneteenth, June 19, a holiday commemorating the ending of slavery in the U.S., the three shared their lengthy experience of working to end injustices and to “respect thy neighbor” as part of the “The Dialogue Project: Vital Conversations with our Community – Fighting for Justice, Equality and Respect” held at the Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston’s (IMGH) Brigitte & Bashar photo Kalai byPlaza ofZuñIGa/herald Respect in jo aNN Houston. ding a campaign to provide patient care for human trafficking

by IMGH’strauma-Informed Sucre Woodley, the rea pathwaysHosted for advocacy-based healthmen theirincludes historybaylor in Houston I st. luke’sthree health, the shared collaborative College preaching, or Change “marching, and San Jose Clinic that are trainingprotesting, staff how to teaching and influencing altogether for civil rights and all for justice for all.”

Affectionately called the “Three der in human trafficking. Most of the San José Amigos,” the trio met during a coalition re are Clinic patients are women 18 years and meeting of “Ministers of Houston,” an el that over with the average being a 47-yearecumenical coalition group that sought to s well old Spanish-speaking Hispanic female, unite Houston’s diverse faith leaders and ble. they said. communities. Much of the group’s efforts many found n her credit name, r said. n had tional ighest r, law n 650 area,

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in brief Ending the scourge of human trafficking

HOUSTON — The University of St. Thomas and CHI St. Luke’s Health will host an educational seminar called: “Houston, We Have a Problem: The Scourge of Human Trafficking.” The event will be held at University of St. Thomas – Jones Hall, located at 3910 Yoakum Blvd. in Houston, on Jan. 23 at 1 p.m.

Speakers will include two former PHOTO COURTESY OF INTERFAITH MINISTRIES human trafficking victims.

Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. †Fiorenza (second from right), Rabbi Emeritus Samuel Karff of Congregation Beth Israel (second from left) and Reverend William

Lawson, Pastor Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston (at left), speak during “The Dialogue Project: Vital Conversations with our Community - Fighting for the Justice, Equality and Respect” on Juneteenth, June 19 at the Interfaith Ministries’ Brigitte & Bashar Kalai Plaza of Respect in Houston.

In 2018, clinic served 3,762 uninsured

patients in 30,548 visits to provide quality led to “long-lasting systemic change for health care to the uninsured while relying good right there as a very early result on 914 volunteer medical and dental of this friendship and this relationship” providers, Sanders said. between them, Woodley said.

As part of grant funds, the clinic will be Archbishop Fiorenza said they had a hiring a bilingual licensed professional shared interest “in trying to bring justice counselor or perhaps work with Catholic for all in our city and our state and our Charities to provide counseling to human country” and were inspired by Martin trafficking survivors, she said.

Luther King Jr. Other events for Human Trafficking “He had a very powerful influence Awareness month include members of on me as a young priest,” he said. “And the collaborative speaking at college because of his eloquence, the passion campuses, including the University of that he had to try to bring about justice Houston main campus on Jan. 17 and the for all that I got really involved in it and University of St. Thomas on Jan. 23. † decided to march with him in Selma.”

– By Jo Ann Zuñiga Rev. Lawson and Rabbi Karff attended

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marches remembering George Floyd, a Black man who died in Minnesota after a white police officer kneeled on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes during his arrest.

Karff said he was surprised by the diversity of all those calling for justice and change, but also noted it shouldn’t be unusual for the world to unite for justice.

Even with the three’s longtime advocacy for justice, Archbishop Fiorenza called their efforts a “stepping stone.”

“We haven’t completed the walk yet.

The journey is still going on, but we’ve made significant progress in the last 20, 30 years or more, but there’s still a lot of social injustice,” he said. “Thank God, we have made some progress. ... But we can’t stop now. We have to keep going.”

He also lauded the efforts of young people, many who turned out to protest police brutality and racism. “[Young people] understand better

than my generation that that was wrong back then and it would be wrong now, and they want to do something to make sure that we live up to our ideals, and what we profess to be as people that show love and equality to all people, regardless of their race, their gender, or their religion,” Archbishop Fiorenza said.

He also encouraged the Church to be an active voice against racism.

“For the religious community to remain silent at this pivotal moment is a violation of their belief,” Archbishop Fiorenza said. “If religious people are true to their own beliefs, then this pivotal moment will truly be a moment of great, great progress.”

For more than 50 years, IMGH has united people of all faiths to provide services to citizens of the Greater Houston area. To watch a livestream of the event and more, visit www.imgh.org. †

IN BRIEF

Café Catholica summer speaker series moves online

HOUSTON — Café Catholica, the annual young adult summer gathering presented by the Archdiocesan Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry (YACM) continues online.

The 2020 theme for the summer series is: “Fully Alive.” On Monday July 20 and July 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. , each night will feature dynamic speakers, prayer and connection. The evenings are geared towards young adults ages 18 to 39, Registration is free, but donations are accepted. To register go to: https://bit.ly/CafeCatholica2020.

This year, YACM added the Café Connect Discussion Groups. These groups will meet once a week during the month of July following the Monday online talks. Registration information for these groups is available online at https://bit.ly/catholicaconnect.

For more information, visit archgh.org/cafecatholica or contact yacm@archgh.org or 713-741-8778. †

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JULY 14, 2020

Texas catholic herald

9

St. Mary’s Seminary welcomes new rector Online giving is

BY BRIDGET RICHARDSON Herald Correspondent

At the seminary, Father Manzano said at times he experienced great frustration and disappointment, but in his classmates, he witnessed a community of love where broken individuals were trying to love Christ better and dream big about the great adventure of the priesthood.

“I’ve since learned that the life of priesthood is even more beautiful than I ever imagined it, and I hope to cultivate that desire and love for the priesthood in the seminarians in this new role,” Father Manzano said. “I have also learned more of the management side of things from serving and making mistakes as a pastor, and hope to bring that experience to bear in growing the future of the seminary.”

Father Manzano was ordained a priest in 2011 and became a parochial vicar at Prince of Peace Catholic Church near Tomball.

In 2013, he was asked to serve as priest-secretary and master of ceremonies to Daniel Cardinal DiNardo.

In 2015, he was assigned as administrator and subsequently pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land before returning to the seminary to join the formation faculty in 2019.

Father Manzano said construction of a new dormitory at the seminary is expected to break ground in the fall.

“While other improvements/ renovations are planned for the future, we are grateful that the seminary’s most critical, unseen infrastructure needs have largely been addressed, thanks to the

FAST, EASY, and SECURE!

HOUSTON — Building on legacy and welcoming the challenges of the future, Father Eurel S.P. Manzano, is the new rector of St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston.

Father Manzano hopes that St. Mary’s can serve as an exemplar of both priestly and ongoing formation — locally and nationwide.

“We are often told that Houston is a look into the future of American Catholicism — an incredibly diverse and energetic population seeking to be faithful to the Lord amidst new and unprecedented challenges,” he said. “I believe St. Mary’s has a critical role in preparing both clergy and laity to face those challenges effectively and joyfully.”

Father Manzano was born in Houston and grew up in Missouri City. After graduating from Hightower High School in 2003, he went to the University of Washington in Seattle, where he pursued neurobiology.

Father Manzano said God had better plans, and he transferred to the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, where he graduated with a bachelor of arts in philosophy in 2006.

He then entered St. Mary’s Seminary and was ordained a deacon in 2010 (assigned to All Saints Catholic Church in the Heights) before graduating with a Master of Divinity in 2011 from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

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should rightly expect to be guided, mentored, nurtured and challenged to attune their hearts to God’s voice and plumb the depths of the spiritual life. This can only happen if I recognize my own need for God’s grace first and foremost.”

FATHER EUREL MANZANO

RECTOR OF ST. MARY’S SEMINARY

generosity of our local Church,” he said.

Father Manzano also said there are many challenges ahead in our current culture, including the erosion of the family, the weakening of the understanding of marriage and the credibility in ecclesial leadership.

“I think future generations of Catholics, including and especially priests, are having to face unprecedented challenges from the wider culture, which seems to morph at breakneck speed due to the power of social media,” he said. “At the heart of it all, however, is a desperate need to delve deeper into the riches of the Church’s tradition and prayer at a time where many are stuck at the surface.”

Although there is much to do, Father

Manzano sees his primary obligation as growing in his own discipleship.

“The more I am faithful to my call as a baptized Christian and a priest, the better I can impact the lives of those entrusted to my care,” he said. “The seminary is a place where men should rightly expect to be guided, mentored, nurtured and challenged to attune their hearts to God’s voice and plumb the depths of the spiritual life. This can only happen if I recognize my own need for God’s grace first and foremost. We have a lot to live up to and a lot of work ahead of us, but I am confident that with the prayers of God’s people and the protection of St. Mary, God, who has begun the good work here, will bring it to fulfillment.” †

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10 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL

JULY 14, 2020

Locked-down, but not locked-out: Correctional Ministries still at work during the pandemic

BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent HOUSTON — At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, Governor Greg Abbott declared that all Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prisons and attached facilities were offlimits to visitors, only allowing essential staff and correctional officers to enter.

The lockdown became a “lock-out” for all clergy, Chancery staff and lay volunteers serving the inmates and ex-offenders in correctional facilities, including both TDCJ and County, and transition houses associated with the Office of Correctional Ministries of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Deacon Alvin Lovelady, director of the Office of Correctional Ministries, said he feels this situation will continue into 2021.

“We have to remember what we preach to these inmates, that everything is in God’s perfect timing and not our own,” said Deacon Lovelady. “Because we cannot go inside the prisons, we have been able to provide DVDs, but no livestreaming of Mass at this time. Instead, Catholic inmates are permitted to gather

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF CORRECTIONAL MINISTRIES

Daryl Fecteau, a volunteer with the Office of Correctional Ministries, has been a regular driving force behind the good works of the ministry.

Correctional Ministries 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.”

in their day rooms or TV rooms to watch a recorded Sunday Mass on Monday mornings.”

The Office of Correctional Ministries is one of 60 ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF).

URGENT NEED FOR CORONAVIRUS RELIEF

Help Houston area families in crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic With your help, Catholic Charities will be able to provide food, emergency financial assistance and the administrative support needed to help those impacted by the virus. Your gift to the Pandemic Response Fund will give us the flexibility to meet whatever needs arise from this crisis. Please give today.

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CatholicCharities.org/coronavirusrelief 2900 Louisiana Street • Houston, Texas 77006

Deacon Lovelady said before the lockdown, video recordings of the Mass were not available. He now feels this practice allows the men and women in prison to stay connected to their faith through homilies that reflect current events in relation to the readings for that Sunday.

“We were always allowed to show videos during a Bible study class or RCIA, and utilize most of the information (with prior approval) that is available to Catholics around the world,” said Deacon Lovelady.“This includes, ‘Word on Fire’ by Bishop Robert Barron, anything by Scott Hahn or Jeff Cavins, and most Catholic videos on saints and martyrs,” said Deacon Lovelady. “Except for showing parts of the Mass on video for educational purposes, we would never replace a live Mass with a live priest for a video. Now, this is the only opportunity we have, and I do see benefits to the inmates.”

Also impacted by the lockdown are the volunteers that serve inside the prisons, who are not allowed to enter at this time.

They have communicated through letter writing to maintain the bond of respect and trust that they worked so hard to develop with the inmates.

“There is now a gap between those incarcerated and the volunteers who lovingly dedicate their time to minister to the women and men inside the prisons,” said Deacon Lovelady. “We have encouraged them to write letters with words of encouragement and a reminder to focus on the faith and study the Bible and catechism.”

One volunteer that has been a regular driving force behind the good works of the Office of Correctional Ministries is Daryl Fecteau. He said that he and the prison-ministry volunteers do not feel their work is something they are required to do, but rather, their response to their God-given call. Since the lockdown, he has been working with a few halfway houses and a women’s shelter.

“I’ve heard many first responders say the reason they step into the middle of someone’s situation is because of the thrill and excitement of the rush that comes from that moment,” said Fecteau.

“As volunteers, we also step into the chaos of others, but not for the same rush. Ours is the satisfaction that we have helped save someone’s life, but also by saving their soul.”

He said while they may not minister the same type of first aid as a firefighter

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. saving a life in a burning building, rather, they help the inmates escape from a different kind of fire that is causing destruction within.

“I want to help the inmates convert the fire that is destroying them from within to the flames of love only Christ can give them,” said Fecteau. “That’s the rush I want to experience.”

Deacon Lovelady said from his own personal experience as the associate director of Correctional Ministries for four years, and currently as director, he has personally witnessed many transformations with both the inmates and volunteers.

Deacon Lovelady said the DSF fund makes achieving the Office of Correctional Ministries’ mission possible.

This includes the salaries that are provided to the staff.

“Since I took over for Father Ron Cloutier as director in January, we are short an associate director and three prison priests, which right now with the lockdown, is not an issue, but won’t last forever,” said Deacon Lovelady. “There will come a time when the prison doors will open once again, and we will need everyone on deck for all the requests we’ll have for Mass and confession. Until these positions are replaced, we will be asking parish priests to help fill that void.”

Deacon Lovelady said the ministry also uses DSF funds to help purchase materials the chaplains give to the incarcerated, such as Bibles, catechisms, The Word Among Us, and other reading material. He believes the DSF donations are important to the effectiveness of the ministry.

“It is incredible and sometimes miraculous how we can be a part of the transfer of someone’s life from where they were to where they are now, just by being present through our own faith,” said Deacon Lovelady.“God will use you if you allow him to, and that means someone gets to be closer to Christ because you are close to Him and what a privilege to be part of that. Through the DSF, those who want to minister to those in prisons, but cannot for whatever reason, can minister through us. We appreciate their kind and generous gifts to the DSF — God bless the faithful for all they do!” †

JULY 14, 2020

Texas catholic herald

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2020 GRADUATING CLASS OF FRASSATI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

The Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and staff of Frassati Catholic High School are proud to recognize the Class of 2020.

The 69 members of the Class of 2020 have been accepted to 108 colleges and universities worldwide including Arizona State University, Belmont University, California Polytechnic State University, Colorado School of Mines, Creighton University, Fordham University, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Louisiana State University, Pennsylvania State University, Santa Clara University, Seton Hall University, Syracuse University, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, Tulane University, Universidad de Navarra, University of Kansas, University of Miami, University of Utah, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Combined, they have been awarded more than $8.84 million in scholarships.

PRESENTING THE CLASS OF 2020 Elisa Steffani Abdallah‡ Megan Therese Abib* Camila Guadalupe Alvarez del Castillo Kailer Daniel Amador*‡ Gabriella Andrea Borrello* Priscilla Brandon* Christine Thanh Bui*‡ Rileigh Ann Bulger* Sergeny Myriam Celissaint Liam Villarama Chun Andrés Cruz Maldonado* Grace Juliette Cusick* Ariana Marie Dale* Nicholas Tracy Davidson Rachel Addison Demarais* Brendan Scot Desmond Emma Cat-Ly Dinh* Kailey Grace Doiron* John Patrick Druzbik Olivia Grace Ellis* Juan Pablo Esparza*‡ Luis Ernesto Esparza*‡ Alaina Katherine Filley Anna Claire Fincher*

Grace Ann Frugé* Vincent Luke Garcia* Grant Randall Guidry* Pamela Claire Guion* Cristina Guzmán‡ Alec Rodney Henry Mallory Rae Hoskins* Matthew Christopher Jannes Nicholas Patrick Janocik* Madeline McCormack Knower Lauren Elizabeth Lacson* Gonzalo Lopez Olan Alyssa Marie Lopez Genevieve Rose Manning* Maxim George Marquardt Morgan Leigh Martinez* Mark McStravick Morrison* Kathryn Grace O’Brien* John David Okruhlik Isabella Francis Padula Kathryn Grace Parker Nicolas Ricardo Peña*‡ Alan Perez‡ Caitlyn Elizabeth Peters

Frassati Catholic High School 22151 Frassati Way Spring, TX 77389 832.616.3217

Katherine Grace Phillips* Tyler Andrew Prihoda* Marinella Celinda Redulla* Jerel Daniel Resurreccion Teresa De Jesus Reyna Lauren D’laine Reynolds Edwin Gerald Rice Micaela Isabel Richmond* Alexander Jacob Rodriguez* Jonathan Paul Rudolph* Emma Jean Schkade Emily Grace Scruggs* Wayne Nathaniel Seelal III Aislynn Victoria Shore* Katherine Mary Elizabeth Spartz* Adam Matthew Sucy Izabella Maria Vallejo* Levi Colt Van Ryder Hannah Allie Voss Savannah Grace Vrabel Madison Thi-Lynn Wells *National Honor Society ‡National Spanish Honor Society

FRASSATICATHOLIC.ORG Photo courtesy of Up in the Air Films

11

12 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL

JULY 14, 2020

OBITUARIES Father John Alexander Zabelskas, M.S.

FRIENDSWOOD — Father John Alexander Zabelskas, who served as the first pastor of Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood, died June 9. He was 90 years old.

In 1968, he became associate pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Houston, who was also in care of Mary Queen Mission in Friendswood, which later became a parish.

In 1969, Father Zabelskas was named the first pastor of Mary Queen parish.

He left Friendswood in 1975 and returned in 1990 to become the director of Province Development-At-Large until he was appointed administrator pro-tem at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Highlands. He became pastor of the parish in 1994 and served until 2011. Under his administration, a monument in memory of victims of abortion was donated and placed between the church and the rectory by the Knights of Columbus. He also served two terms as dean of the Diocesan Eastern Deanery.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on June 16 at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo served as the main celebrant and Father Skip Negley, M.S., as the homilist. Interment is in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. †

Father Maurice F. Linehan, M.S.

HARTFORD, Connecticut — Father Maurice F. Linehan, M.S., a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, died May 14. He was 94.

Early in his priesthood he was assigned to St. Peter the Apostle Church in Houston.

From 2009 to 2019, he returned to the Houston area where he continued to assist with his ministry at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood until he retired to Hartford House in Connecticut.

A private burial was held. †

IN MEMORIAM Please pray for the following priests whose anniversaries of death are during the month of August.

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

August 1, 1993 August 3, 1999 August 4, 1985 August 4, 1995 August 7, 2001 August 8, 1943 August 8, 1969 August 8, 2006 August 9. 1895 August 9, 2014 August 10, 1856 August 10, 1979 August 11, 1997 August 12, 2013 August 13, 1844 August 15, 1931 August 15, 1970 August 15, 1990 August 16, 2012

Rev. John B. Mullins, CSB Rev. John A. Weihrer Rev. James P. Courneen, MM Rev. John A. Burke, CSB Rev. Msgr. George A. Beck Rev. Thomas F. Hogan Rev. John M. Cody Rev. William J. Young, CSB Rev. Joseph Querat Rev. Franklin Simmons Rev Jean-MauriceVerdet, OMI Rev. Joseph P. Walsh Rev. Ernest P. Magee, CSB Msgr. David W. Kennedy Rev. J.M. Paquin, CM Rev. Thomas J. Finn Rev. Francis J. Klass Rev. Timothy Curry, OP Rev. Anselm Walker

August 17, 2013 Rev. Joseph A. Gietl August 17, 2013 Msgr. Charles C. Domec August 17, 2014 Rev. Jacques Weber, S.J. August 19, 2017 Rev. Donald Bahlinger, SJ August 20, 1970 Rev. George F. Laurenson August 21, 1998 Rev. Stanley Guzik, OMI August 21, 2001 Rev. John J. Connolly August 23, 1857 Rev. John Bottet August 23, 1947 Rev. George Berberich August 25, 2007 Rev. A. Peter Whitney August 25, 2015 Rev. William M. Pickard August 26, 1980 Rev. Michael Biondi, CSB August 26, 2003 Msgr. Elmer T. Quinters August 27, 2002 Rev. Norbert N. Clemens, CSB August 28, 1989 Msgr. Jack J. Davis August 30, 1986 Rev. Arthur Nichols August 30, 2003 Rev. Feliciano del Val August 31, 1867 Rev. A.M. Micouleau

ST. MARY CATHEDRAL BASILICA GALVESTON

KEEP HOLY THE SABBATH The Archdiocese continues to offer an online central hub of SPIRITUAL RESOURCES and links to digital guides on keeping the faith while at home including: • • •

Links to Spiritual Reflections videos presented by priests in English, Spanish and Vietnamese Links to Daily Readings, online prayer guides and links to Pope Francis’s prayers and Liturgies Special prayers for the pandemic

WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/SPIRITUALRESOURCES THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON

HOW ABOUT A TRIP TO ROME? But it’s an virtual trip. While we can’t go right now, The Texas Catholic Herald has curated a ‘Diversions’ website online with links to FREE digital offerings, including digital pilgrimages, online video tours, puzzles and links to religious exhibits. Sites include St. Mary’s Seminary Chapel, the Vatican, the Holy Land and other religious places. Puzzles feature beautiful images of St. Peter's Basilica, the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston and St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica in Galveston, and religious art from around the Archdiocese.

The content can be played on computer and mobile devices.

Take a trip online at WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/DIVERSIONS

JULY 14, 2020

Texas catholic herald

13

EDUCATION

Bishops welcome Supreme court decision on Catholic schools WASHINGTON (CNS) — Two U.S. bishops said they welcomed the Supreme Court’s 7-2 ruling July 8 which said California Catholic schools could not be sued for job discrimination in firing teachers. The bishops said the decision “rightly acknowledged” the limit on state authority.

The decision, written by Justice Samuel Alito, said: “What matters, at bottom, is what an employee does.”

He said that even though the elementary school teachers “were not given the title of ‘minister’ and have less religious training” that the teacher in the previous court case involving the ministerial exception, the court holds that the same rule applies.

“The religious education and formation of students is the very reason for the existence of most private religious schools, and therefore the selection and supervision of the teachers upon whom the schools rely to do this work lie at the core of their mission,” Alito wrote.

Dissenting votes were by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor.

“Education is a central aspect of the Church’s mission,” the bishops said. “As institutions carrying out a ministry of the Church, Catholic schools have a right, recognized by the Constitution, to select people who will perform ministry. The government has no authority to secondguess those ministerial decisions.”

The statement was issued by Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty, and Bishop Michael C. Barber, of Oakland, California, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Catholic Education.

Adrian Alarcon, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Catholic Schools, similarly pointed out that “religious schools play an integral role in passing the faith to the next generation of believers” and that the archdiocesan Catholic schools are “grateful that the Supreme Court recognized faith groups must be free to make their own decisions about who should be entrusted with these essential duties.”

In her dissent, Sotomayor said the court’s ruling is “not only wrong on the

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Students at St. Mary of the Purification Montessori School in Houston take notes during class in the 2019 academic school year. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled July 8 California Catholic schools could not be sued for job discrimination in firing teachers.

facts, but its error also risks upending anti-discrimination protections for many employees of religious entities.”

She noted that the court has “recently lamented a perceived ‘discrimination against religion.’”Yet in this case, she said, the court “swings the pendulum in the extreme opposite direction, permitting religious entities to discriminate widely and with impunity for reasons wholly divorced from religious beliefs,”something she said will be “impossible to ignore for long, particularly in a pluralistic society.”

This case examined if courts can hear employment discrimination claims brought by teachers at Catholic elementary schools. It involved California Catholic school teachers who claimed they had been victims of job discrimination and the schools who fired them who said they were exempt from anti-discrimination laws due to ministerial exception spelled out in a previous Supreme Court case about a fired teacher at a Lutheran school.

The cases before the court were a combination of two cases, St. James School v. Biel and Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berrum, both schools in the Los Angeles Archdiocese.

At St. James School in Torrance, former fifth grade teacher, Kristen Biel, said she was fired after informing school

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administrators that she had breast cancer and would have to take time off for surgery and chemotherapy. She sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Biel died last summer, but her husband is seeking damages. Becket, the nonprofit religious liberty law firm representing the

schools, said that in 2015, the school chose not to renew Biel’s one-year contract based on classroom performance.

Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Hermosa Beach did not renew the contract in 2013 for Agnes Morrissey-Berru, who had taught both fifth and sixth grades since 1999, saying she had a problem keeping order in her classroom and meeting expectations under a new reading program. Morrissey-Berru sued, alleging age bias under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.

In both cases, federal district courts ruled in favor of the schools, citing ministerial exception. But two separate panels of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit reversed these decisions, saying the limited extent of the employee’s religious duties were insufficient to qualify for a ministerial exception that was more often applied to those with roles of religious leadership.

In the 2019 academic school year, 58 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston served more than 18,000 students, making the network of Catholic Schools the largest private school system in the state of Texas. †

Director of Educational Technology and Data The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is seeking a full-time Director of Educational Technology and Data to support the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) and the Archdiocesan Catholic schools in the combined use of computer hardware, software, and educational products to facilitate learning and effective operations, including through the use of learning management systems and student information systems. The Director of Educational Technology and Data will also support the communications efforts of the CSO through the management of the CSO’s website and social media platforms. Demonstrating an understanding of the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, the Director of Educational Technology and Data will create, use, and manage technological processes and resources to help improve the academic excellence and operational vitality of our schools while supporting the work of the CSO. General Requirements: Suitable candidates must be active Roman Catholics in full communion with the Catholic Church; an energetic advocate for the ministry of Catholic education, and faithful disciples of Catholic philosophy, values, and teachings.

Education/Certification/Experience: Masters’ Degree in Educational Technology or a related field from an accredited institution of higher learning. Minimum of five years’ experience in elementary, middle and/or high schools and experience collaborating with schools and working to integrate technology into the academic curriculum.

Special Knowledge/Skills: • Working knowledge of student information systems, computer-based software related to education, web page creation, development, and maintenance, photo and video creation, editing, and publication, technical support, and learning management systems.

• Awareness of/commitment to Catholic traditions of education, service and social justice.

• Possesses the credibility to lead and represent a Catholic organization with integrity and to work harmoniously with diverse learning communities.

• Knowledgeable of current and emerging trends in the field of education.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills including the proven ability to engage with and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.

• Possesses critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Suitable applicants should send resume and salary requirement to The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to: resume@archgh.org with CSO Director of Educational Technology and Data in the subject line.

Catholic Schools Office

Catholic Schools Office | Chancery at St. Dominic Center 2403 Holcombe Blvd. | Houston, Texas 77021

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

14 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

JULY 14, 2020

YOUTH Young peoples’ reality and the Church’s response In 20 years, no one will look back and say that today’s young people do not know what it means to grow up with adversity and uncertainty. The year 2020 will likely be the defining event of Gen-Z (those born between 1995 to 2012) and Generation Alpha that follows them. The unprecedented events of this year are more than a future character of the reality in which young people live. A more appropriate metaphor would be to see them as a magnifying glass illuminating things unseen or ignored at first glance.

In 2019, Pope Francis promulgated the post-synodal apostolic exhortation, Christus Vivit, which builds upon his encounters and discussions with young people at the 2018 15th general synod of bishops on young people, faith and vocational discernment. In the third chapter of the document, the Holy Father refers to young people as “the now of God.” He paints a profound picture of reality in which young people live. This reality is comprised of stage-of-life realities every generation experiences and the current realities unique to the young people of today.

The magnifying lens of 2020 clarifies many of the current realities already experienced by a great number of young people. Many young people are victims of widespread violence (CV, 72). They are

often taken in by ideologies then used and exploited by those in power (CV, 73), and this occurs on both sides of the political spectrum.

Many young people suffer from various forms of by marginalization and BRIAN social exclusion for a HENRITZE plethora of reasons (CV, 74). Young people live in the reality of a throwaway culture in which they themselves are discarded when no longer seen a useful or valuable (CV, 78).

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the entire world into a prolonged digital landscape filled with digital meetings, classrooms and gatherings that often leave one feeling drained. Even before the term social distancing became a buzzword, young people today already spent more time in digital environments than they did face-to-face with other people. Here, the magnifying glass illuminates the fact that “the digital environment is also one of loneliness, manipulation, exploitation and violence...” (CV, 88).

Despite what seems like a bleak reality, Pope Francis exhorts young people to embrace the hope and joy brought about by a profound

†

relationship with Jesus Christ, who “makes His presence felt amid these crosses borne by young people” (CV, 83).

One of the most profound ways that Christ makes His presence known is through His Church, which is called an instrument of peace and healing. It is not the Church as a “hierarchy” of clergy or a collection of buildings and teachings which the Holy Father is referring to. It is the Church as the people of God, as disciples of Jesus Christ, who must manifest the healing and peace of Christ.

When we look at the reality of young people today, amplified by the pandemic events, racial injustice and every other challenge of this year, are we able to weep for young people? It’s easy to clump them together with the abstract concept of “youth,” but this robs them of their identity and dignity. “Youth” does

not exist; there exists only young people, each with the reality of his or her own life” (CV, 71). Can you, as a disciple and witness of our Lord Jesus Christ, radiate His love to a young person who struggles with the weight of their current reality?

I invite you to prayerfully ask the same questions that Pope Francis asks himself: “Can I weep? Can I weep when I see a child who is starving, on drugs, or on the street, homeless, abandoned, mistreated, or exploited as a slave of society? Or is my weeping only the self-centered whining of those who cry because they want something else?” (CV, 70). † Brian Henritze is an associate director with the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization.

Visit www.archgh.org/ familylife for resources, videos and material to help families in the time of COVID-19. Information is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Sharing the Holy Mass & the Gospel Message online VISIT archgh.org/onlinemass to join our brothers and sisters in Christ for our extensive schedule of multiple online Masses, Prayer Guides, and other Spiritual resources.

SCAN HERE

JULY 14, 2020

texas catholic herald

15

COLUMNISTS

The sin of racism and the stain that remains

“Out, damned spot! Out, I say! — One, two. Why, then,’ tis time to do’ t.

Hell is murky! — Fie, my lord, fie! A soldier, and afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account?”

— Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, Act 5, scene 1 I still have a copy of Macbeth from my high school in Opelousas, Louisiana, and although the pages are frayed, a few of them torn, some words still speak volumes to me. Twenty-eight years later, the words of Lady Macbeth stand out regarding her vision of stained hands, her guilty conscience and knowledge of her husband’s (Macbeth) deed of killing Duncan the King and it drove her mad.

This particular scene came to mind as I began to prepare this reflection.

Now more than ever has the sin of racism been discussed, argued, made friendships questionable, pitted family members against family members and taken many leaders, especially those in the Church, to task about the anemic response to this evil. An evil woven into the fabric of American and Catholic culture.

It is a stain that remains the prevailing attitude and belief right where we live, work and worship. If the near occasion of racism is to be avoided and the stain of racism committed is to be removed, it will by DORRIS M. require full, conscious, BARROW, III attentive listening, a thorough examination of conscience and a conversion of the heart leading to a radical amazement of change. All of which are lessons some of us have heard before or learned as Catholics, and now is the time to put them to use like never before.

During my sophomore year at Grambling State University, I took a class titled, African-American History to 1877 (prior to the ReconstructionEra). There, I learned something about my own hometown, which was never mentioned to me as I grew up. You see, my hometown of Opelousas was actually the Confederate Capitol of

SAMUELS, from page 1

the American Catholic Church. Black Catholic history reveals that the Church has never been an innocent bystander in the history of white supremacy. If there will ever be a chance for true peace and reconciliation, the Catholic Church must finally declare with all of its might and resources that Black lives do matter.”

In my capacity as the vicar for Catholics of African Descent, I have been inundated with calls and emails informing me to the various levels of racism in which Catholics of African descent have and are currently facing by in our Archdiocese.

FR. REGINALD Many African and SAMUELS African Americans face the gambit of offenses, to outright indifference to their plight to total hostility from the people in the pews. Many feel that their voices are ignored and see their issues not being addressed at all.

Many parishioners simply don’t want to talk about race, let alone deal with racism in their own back yards.

The big question now is where we go from here.

First comes the acknowledgment that not only racism exists but an acknowledgment that racism continues to exists even in our Church today. Only

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

In 2018, after a number of “episodes of violence and animosity with racial and xenophobic overtones,” the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a pastoral letter called: “Open Wide Our Hearts” which condemns racism and vows to use the Church to combat it.

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

In her research, African American Catholic Shannen Dee Williams, the Albert Lepage Assistant Professor of History at Villanova University and Catholic Church Historian, notes: “The denial of the dignity and sanctity of Black life is a part of the DNA of this country. It is also a foundational sin of

These stories and many more remain unheard, given little to no acknowledgment, nor reconciliation or restoration. If the grievous fault, the sin of racism is to be adequately addressed, let it begin with you.

†

†

terror, horror and murder AfricanAmericans in my hometown suffered.

Why? Because there was a sinister movement to suppress the livelihoods, physical movement and voice of free persons of color. The perpetrators were never brought to justice. There was no call for reconciliation nor restitution for the crimes committed against Black citizens. The Catholic Church in Louisiana did not condemn the massacre; and to this day, has remained silent despite being home to Holy Ghost parish in Opelousas, which boasts of a membership of 10,000 families, making it the largest parish with Catholics of African Descent in the United States.

Today as I share this with you, I can only call to mind the words of Lady Macbeth with the vision of blood. An awful and horrific page in history, and it still bears the stain of racism.

“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!—One, two. Why, then,’ tis time to do’ t. Hell is murky!”

Closer to my current home of Houston, on the campus of Texas

Louisiana for nine months during the Civil War, and four years after it ended, in September of 1868, one of the most heinous and violent acts of racism in our nation’s history occurred. On the website, www.smithsonianmag.com, you will find the article “The Deadliest Massacre in Reconstruction-Era Louisiana Happened 150 Years Ago,” with details about the intimidation,

See BARROW, page 16

PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHER REGINALD SAMUELS

Father Reginald Samuels, vicar for Catholics of African Descent, attends with other clergy and laity a candlelight vigil for Houston-native George Floyd Jr. on June 8 at Yates High School in Houston. Floyd was a Black American man killed during an arrest in Minneapolis, where a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. After his death, protests against police violence spread around the world.

when we acknowledge the racist sins of the past and present can the healing start.

Next, we all need to enter into prayer to eradicate the sin of racism in our Church, community and country, calling on God to move hearts to recognize every human person’s dignity.

Finally, we need to take action. What are we doing in our Church and community to ensure that everyone is truly welcome? What steps are we taking in our Church communities to eradicate the sin of racism? Acknowledgment, prayer and action will lead to a more

inclusive Church and community.

To conclude, I invoke the prayer at the conclusion of the bishops’ pastoral letter on racism: “We ask for your help in following your Son so that prejudice and animosity will no longer infect our minds or hearts but will be replaced with a love that respects the dignity of each person. Amen.” † Father Reginald Samuels is the Vicar for Catholics of African Descent in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

SUNDAY MASS READINGS JULY 19

First Reading: Wis 12:13, 16-19

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16

JULY 26

First Reading: 1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130 Second Reading: Rom 8:28-30

Gospel: Mt 13:44-52 or 13:44-46

AUGUST 2

First Reading: Is 55:1-3

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18

Second Reading: Rom 8:35, 37-39

Gospel: Mt 14:13-21

AUGUST 9

First Reading: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a Responsorial Psalm: Ps 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14

Second Reading: Rom 9:1-5

Gospel: Mt 14:22-33

AUGUST 16 First Reading: Is 56:1, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Second Reading: Rom 8:26-27

Gospel: Mt 13:24-43 or 13:24-30

Second Reading: Rom 11:13-15, 29-32 Gospel: Mt 15:21-28

16 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD COLUMNISTS

JULY 14, 2020

God’s all-embracing love is without borders Every year on the 19th day after Pentecost, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, one of the most widely practiced and well-known Catholic devotions. Masses are said, and sermons are preached on the theme of the all-embracing love of Jesus for humankind.

“It is a love that surpasses all knowledge,” states Pope Francis in his homily for the feast. “The love of God is so great; a poet describes it as a bottomless sea without shores.”

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has a long history that can be traced back to the 12th century when St. Bernard of Clairvaux described the Heart of Jesus as the source of our love for God and others. St. Francis of Assisi had a deep devotion to the Heart of Jesus and his related writings inspired the French nun, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century. He reported seeing several visions of an

by

HILDA OCHOA

†

image of Jesus with his heart engulfed in flames.

At the same time, she heard a message, “My divine Heart is so passionately fond of the human race and of you, in particular, that it cannot keep back the pent-up flames of its burning charity any longer. They must burst out through you and reveal my Heart to the world, so as to enrich mankind with my

treasures.”

These mystical experiences led to her development and promotion of the First Friday devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Twelve Promises and the Holy Hour of Reparation, which continue to this day.

Through the work of many missionaries, the Sacred Heart devotion has spread around the world. Statues or

pictures of Jesus with His heart displayed can be found in churches, homes, cemeteries and walkways throughout the continents. Large statues of the Sacred Heart can even be found on streets in India. All these remind us of the universality of Jesus’ love.

This year, the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart took place in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. The great love of Jesus is both a comfort and a challenge as we face the loss of life and lifestyle due to the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Recalling the sacrificial love of Jesus for us and His promise of eternal life brings us strength, enabling us to handle our fears and offer consolation to others. We are challenged to share that love with others. Pope Francis further explains, “God did not reveal His love through power but by loving His people, teaching them to walk, taking them in His arms, caring for them… Our works of mercy are the continuity of this love.”

As God’s love does not stop at borders, our concern and care must reach to all places. Even as the suffering brought by the virus is affecting all countries, so our prayers and generosity must reach out around the world.

The Missionary Cooperative Plan, coordinated by the Mission Office, is one of the ways our Church has always offered worldwide assistance through prayers and financial support to the missions. Stay aware of your parish plans and check in with online updates from the Archdiocesan Mission Office to learn of the schedule for your parish missionary visit as part of this program.

Through you, the love of Jesus will continue to be spread to all peoples, in all places, for all times. Your goodness will reflect the all-embracing Sacred Heart of Jesus. † Hilda Ochoa is the director of the Office of Missions.

Evangelization: Planting seeds of faith As summer beings and we work out in our yards, planting flowers and, maybe, planting vegetables, we are reminded of new life.

Evangelization is a lot like planting seeds in your garden.

There was a Russian ocean tug that was coming into Galveston every 10 days from Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. Every time they arrived, I visited the vessel. At first, the visits were not so welcomed by the crew, but little by little, I continued to smile and greet the Russians. After a few months, the chief engineer, Victor, asked me, “Do you trust in God?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Why?”That little exchange opened the door to a wonderful evangelization moment that continued on every visit.

Victor was very curious about my faith and asked many questions. It

BARROW, from page 15 Southern University (TSU), 60 years ago on March 4, 1960, several students marched from the flagpole on campus to the Weingarten Supermarket on 4110 Almeda Rd. with one goal in mind: simply to have lunch.

You can find an article at www. chron.com titled, “How TSU students changed history,” and there you will learn about the courage of these students.

TSU is one of my ministerial callings as part-time campus minister and director of the Newman Center serving that community. I always encourage students to spend more time listening attentively when the Word of God is read, especially in our gatherings as a way of permitting the Divine to speak to their mind, heart and soul.

Today, there is a need to utilize this gift of the Church when brothers and sisters of African descent speak about the sin of racism in all of its manifestations, and there are many.

Georgetown is the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit university,

happened that one of their trips into Galveston came during Holy Week — the day before Palm Sunday. At that point, I was comfortable asking Victor if he would like to go to Church with my family to see what it was by all about. He said yes. So KAREN we took Victor to Palm PARSONS, OFS Sunday Mass. He was wide-eyed and taking it all in. After Mass, he wanted to know about each stained glass window in St. Patrick Catholic Church in Galveston.

It was a beautiful day. The vessel was due to leave that evening, but an engine problem caused a delay.

†

founded by the first Archbishop in the United States, John Carroll. In 1838, the university found itself in financial distress. To relieve its debt, two Jesuit Fathers sold 272 enslaved free-born human beings, a close community of fathers, mothers and children in Maryland — to two slaveholders in Louisiana.

If valued in today’s dollars, the sale netted Georgetown University $3 million dollars.

In April of 2017, Father Timothy Kesicki, S.J., president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States spoke to descendants of the GU272 and said, “Today the Society of Jesus, who helped to establish Georgetown University and whose leaders enslaved and mercilessly sold your ancestors, stands before you to say that we have greatly sinned. We pray with you today because we have greatly sinned and because we are profoundly sorry.”

The apology is the beginning of a long journey toward permanent reconciliation and restoration.

Progress toward true contrition and healing requires attentive listening to the descendants, cries

As Holy Week continued, I asked Victor if he would like to go to Holy Thursday Mass and Good Friday services with us. He said yes. Both services were very different from each other. He watched all the people in the Church; he saw the washing of the feet, the stripping of the altar, the Veneration of the Cross, heard the Stations of the Cross, and so much more. Then on Easter Sunday, he came with us again.

The glorious bells ringing and celebrating the Risen Lord was breathtaking. He was so in awe of it all.

Victor’s vessel left, and when they were in Mexico, the owner changed its route, and we never saw them again. A year later, I had the opportunity to travel to Kaliningrad, Russia, to meet Victor’s family. When I arrived there by boat, Victor was nowhere to be seen. He was

called back to sea the day before I arrived. His wife, Larissa, and daughter, Natasha, met me.

They took me to their home, where I saw the front cover of St. Patrick Parish bulletin from Easter Sunday, with the Risen Lord on it, in a frame hanging in their living room. Natasha explained that, when her dad came home, he told them about what he learned about faith in Galveston. Then she took me to a Russian Orthodox Church that they began going to together.

Planting seeds, seeing sprouts, watching new life grow! The seeds of love bring forth sprouts of faith and new life in hope! † Karen M. Parsons, OFS, is a port chaplain with the Apostleship of the Sea.

from the grave of their ancestors and heaven above.

“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!— One, two. Why, then,’ tis time to do’ t.

Hell is murky!”

The real-life examples shared are intended to pierce the heart and mind.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, heal us!

These stories should make you uncomfortable, heartbroken, yearning for change and leaning on the two Great Commandments given to us by Christ Jesus: to love God with our whole mind, heart and soul, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

These stories are but grains of sand on the blood-stained hands of our country and our Church. These stories and many more remain unheard, given little to no acknowledgment, nor reconciliation or restoration. If the grievous fault, the sin of racism is to be adequately addressed, let it begin with you. † Doris M. Barrow, III is the Coordinator of Religious of Education at St. Monica Catholic Church and Campus Minister at the Newman Center at Texas Southern University.

CIRCULATION

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JULY 14, 2020

texas catholic herald

17

WORLD

Bishop, priests urge better Argentine response to COVID-19 in slums MEXICO CITY (CNS) — A bishop and priests serving the shantytowns surrounding Buenos Aires, Argentina, warn of COVID-19 spreading through their densely populated communities and said an inadequate response from health authorities is causing people to turn to parishes.

“We are entering the most critical moment of the pandemic and our parishes are accompanying their communities with many different actions. We cannot, nor do we want to, to replace the state.

But we can and do want to collaborate,” said a June 29 statement signed by Bishop Eduardo Garcia of San Justo, in suburban Buenos Aires, and 11 of his priests.

“We see with increasing urgency the need for a state intelligently existing and dialoguing with the community to respond to the emergency produced by the pandemic,” they said.

The statement from the “curas villeros” — as priests in the shantytowns are known — underscores the difficulties of stopping the spread of COVID-19 in longneglected communities, which often are populated by migrants and other people often working in the informal economy and not paying taxes.

CNS PHOTO

A woman is seen in a file photo putting her daughter to bed in their home in a poor section of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Priests serving the shantytowns surrounding Buenos Aires warn of COVID-19 spreading through their densely populated communities.

Argentina has imposed quarantines, which have lasted more than 100 days in the Buenos Aires region — moving

Pope Francis sends condolences to Pope Benedict for brother’s death VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis sent retired Pope Benedict XVI his prayers and condolences for the death of his brother, Monsignor Georg Ratzinger.

The monsignor, a musician and the retired pope’s elder brother, died in Regensburg, Germany, July 1 at the age of 96.

In a letter dated July 2, Pope Francis told his predecessor he was praying for his brother, hoping he would be rewarded in heaven for being among the “faithful servants of the Gospel.”

“And I am also praying for you, Your Holiness,”asking that God and the Blessed Virgin sustain him with “Christian hope and tender divine consolation.”

Pope Francis said he was touched by the retired pope’s kindness in “communicating to me first the news of the death of your beloved brother.” He reiterated his deepest condolences and “spiritual closeness in this time of sorrow.”

The pope ended his letter expressing his “filial and fraternal” feelings and said they were “always united in the adherence to the risen Christ, source of hope and peace.”

Monsignor Ratzinger had been

priests’ support around as a way to save lives — and restricting people to their area appears to have kept the death

toll lower than other Latin American countries.

The priests, however, listed a litany of problems in the government response to poor areas like the “villas,” as the areas are known. The shortcomings include a health hotline for COVID-19 cases not responding to calls, a lack of testing, test results taking too long and people not being isolated as they await their test results.

“It is necessary to search for strategies that strengthen the link between the state and community organizations,” the statement said. “It’s been our parishes, which have responded to the countless calls for transportation to do things like testing and medical consultations at the hospitals in our district.”

Earlier, a group of priests and Auxiliary Bishop Gustavo Carrara of Buenos Aires complained that ambulance services have refused to enter the villas due to security concerns, an old problem as the villas have traditionally been stigmatized as unsafe and governments have been slow to provide services.

“Too many barrio neighbors have died or bled to death while ambulances have not arrived,”said their June 24 statement. †

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston | 1700 San Jacinto | Houston, TX 77002

Manager of General Ledger and Financial Reporting Summary: The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is seeking a full-time Manager of General Ledger and Financial Reporting who is able to succeed in a faith-based, fast-paced, dynamic work environment. The Manager should be able to research, interpret, and apply principles of accounting to analyze transactions and generate accurate financial reports. This position manages a staff of four and oversees the Chancery and departmental general ledger accounting for all of the Archdiocese.

This position is responsible for the month-end close, financial reports, annual external audit and the annual budget.

CNS PHOTO

Monsignor Georg Ratzinger, the brother of Pope Benedict XVI, is pictured at his home in Regensburg, Germany, in 2011. Monsignor Ratzinger died July 1 in Regensburg, Germany, at the age of 96.

hospitalized for a while, and Pope Benedict, 93, flew to Regensburg June 18 to be with his ailing brother for a few days. †

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“Lord, teach us to contemplate you in the beauty of creation and reawaken our

Requirements: Qualified candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 30 hours in Accounting, 10 years of related accounting experience, including understanding the chart of accounts and reconciling the general ledger and bank accounts, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. CPA license is preferred.

Suitable applicants should send resumes to Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to hr@archgh.org with Manager of General Ledger and Financial Reporting in the subject line.

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18 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

JULY 14, 2020

Thank you for continuing to SUPPORT YOUR PARISH

Come Holy Spirit!

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.

www.archgh.org/parishoffertory

JULY 14, 2020

texas catholic herald

19

STATE & NATION

Pro-life advocates say ruling puts clinic profits over women’s health WASHINGTON (CNS) — Many of the country’s leading pro-life advocates said the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 29 ruling striking down a Louisiana abortion law puts women’s health in danger, allows subpar care of women and gives abortion clinics a pass on “commonsense regulations” for “the sake of profit.”

“Women were dealt a huge blow in today’s ruling from the Supreme Court,” said Abby Johnson, who used to be the director of a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in Texas and currently leads the group And Then There Were None, which she founded.

“By deciding that abortion doctors and clinics need to follow a separate, less stringent set of rules than every other medical facility leaves women open to the consequences of an industry that has mastered cutting corners on health care,” said Johnson, whose organization assists abortion workers in leaving the abortion industry.

“Women will continue to get subpar care at abortion clinics because of this Supreme Court ruling,” Johnson said in a statement. “It’s not a victory for women, for access, for equality, like the abortion industry will say today. The back alley abortions that the industry thinks will happen if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned may very well become commonplace inside abortion clinics due to the lack of commonsense regulations that this case just dismantled.”

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled as unconstitutional Louisiana’s 2014 Unsafe Abortion Protection Act requiring that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.

Justice Stephen Breyer, who wrote the majority opinion in the case, June Medical Services v. Russo, said the law posed a “substantial obstacle” for women seeking abortions while providing “no significant health-related benefits.”

Breyer was joined in the opinion by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Chief Justice John Roberts filed an opinion concurring in the judgment of the four justices. In his dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas said the court’s decision “perpetuates its ill-founded abortion jurisprudence by enjoining a perfectly legitimate state law and doing so without jurisdiction.”

CNS PHOTO

A child is lead up the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington June 30.

As a result of the ruling, pro-life advocates believe abortion clinics around the country will continue to cut corners on health care for women — which was the concern that led Louisiana state Sen. Katrina Jackson, a pro-life Democrat, to write the bill when she was a state representative.

Jackson said in a statement after the Supreme Court issued its ruling that one of the reasons she wrote the measure was the fact that in Louisiana, when a man chooses to go an outpatient surgical center, ambulatory surgical center and have a vasectomy, that physician is required to have admitting privileges.

But not so for abortion clinics. The law passed with a bipartisan vote.

“As you know, in Louisiana, radiologists and ophthalmologists have performed abortions,” said Jackson.

“The March for Life is appalled by the Supreme Court’s decision today, which failed to hold Louisiana abortion facilities accountable for their numerous health and safety violations,” Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, said in a June 29 statement. “The legislation at issue in June Medical Services v. Russo was designed to safeguard women’s health and safety, which the abortion business in Louisiana egregiously sidelined for the sake of profit.”

“No abortion facility should receive a free pass to provide substandard care,” she added.“This decision underscores the importance of nominating and confirming

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

judges who refrain from legislating from the bench, something pro-life voters will certainly remember come November.”

The Supreme Court failed to identify the main concern, which is the health of women, said Kristan Hawkins, Students for Life of America president. The ruling “prioritizes ending preborn life over saving a mother’s life” and only provides safety for the people in the abortion industry, she said.

Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, said the Supreme Court’s narrow ruling in the

Louisiana case “is a stark reminder that the pro-life movement must continue to follow a twofold strategy.”

“Our fight to defend the lives of unborn children and protect women from the dangerous and unregulated abortion industry must continue in our nation’s statehouses and courts,” Scheidler said in a statement. “But at the same time, we must work harder in the public square to educate our fellow Americans about abortion and offer women alternatives to abortion.”

“To all those disappointed by today’s ruling, I say, join us on the front lines,” he added. “Don’t wait for the next big court case. Speak out against abortion today.

Because for every child we save from abortion through direct action, Roe v.

Wade has already been overturned.”

The Justice Foundation’s president, Allan Parker, said the Supreme Court’s ruling went against the desires of the state of Louisiana.

“Today’s decision by the court is extremely disappointing to thousands who want to ensure protections for women,” Parker said. “While the justices ended up siding against the state of Louisiana, this case exposed the malfeasance, malpractice and misrepresentation of the abortion industry.”

“The state of Louisiana,” he added, “should be commended for fighting to protect women from being hurt by abortion.” †

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston | 1700 San Jacinto | Houston, TX 77002

Parish Accounting Services (PAS) Staff Accountant Summary: The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is seeking a full-time Staff Accountant for the Parish Accounting Services Department in the Downtown Chancery who is able to succeed in a faith-based, fast-paced, dynamic work environment. The Staff Accountant applies principles of accounting to analyze financial information received from the parishes and schools of the archdiocese and prepares financial reports and schedules. The staff accountant provides assistance with accounting, bookkeeping and payroll functions to the parishes; staff accountant assistance may be online and at parish locations.

Educational Experience: • BBA/Accounting degree. Minimum 30 hours of Accounting.

• CPA Certification preferred.

• Four to six years related experience in accounting and administration, especially in a not-for-profit environment.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Experience in reconciliation of general ledger and Bank accounts • Knowledge and experience with FASB and GAAP statements and standards.

• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Requirements: • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from bookkeepers, business managers, principals and pastors.

• Must have a valid TDL and a vehicle for onsite parish assignments.

• Bi-lingual Spanish and/or Vietnamese is a plus.



If interested, please send your resume to resume@archgh.org with PAS Staff Accountant in the subject line.

20 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

JULY 14, 2020

MUNDO CATÓLICO

En comparación con otras ciudades, Houston está atrasada en su participación en el Censo en medio de la pandemia POR JO ANN ZÚÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Cuando las principales preocupaciones son el pago de la renta, mantenerse saludables y dar de comer a la familia, la participación en el Censo del 2020 puede no ser una gran prioridad para algunos feligreses aunque dicha participación tenga gran importancia a la hora de aportar millones de dólares a la comunidad. Pero los dirigentes eclesiásticos dicen que están esforzándose para aumentar la participación en el Censo a pesar de la pandemia.

Chris Rubio, director de servicios sociales de la iglesia St. Mary Magdalene en Humble, y un grupo de voluntarios han ayudado durante la pandemia a organizar distribuciones semanales de comida en estos últimos meses.

“Las organizaciones Texas National Guard, Northeast Houston Interfaith Council y Houston Food Bank han colaborado con nosotros.” dijo Rubio.

“Ahora estamos trabajando con el Buró del Censo. Ellos enviaron un equipo que va a realizar entrevistas.”

Ese tipo de coordinación ayuda a llegar a miles de personas que de otra forma el Censo no habría contado, dijo.

Por lo general la gente llega en sus carros alrededor de las 6 de la mañana los miércoles y la distribución de alimentos comienza a las 9:30 a.m.

El equipo del censo llegó a las 7 a.m. el 17 de junio y comenzó la inscripción.

Rubio dice que lograron inscribir 454 hogares en los que viven 2,293 personas.

En total, de marzo a mediados de junio, los esfuerzos de la comunidad de St. Mary Magdalene han logrado distribuir alimentos a más de 5,000 hogares con 22,907 personas, declaró Rubio.

“Ha sido una bendición contar con 30 voluntarios que vienen los martes a preparar las bolsas y con casi 70 voluntarios que ayudan los miércoles con la distribución. Espero poder empezar de nuevo nuestro programa de ayuda financiera con el cual proveemos ayuda para evitar desalojos y cubrir los gastos de los servicios públicos para individuos y familias que viven dentro de los límites de nuestra parroquia,” dijo Rubio.

Para lograr alcanzar más familias The Metropolitan Organization (TMO) una organización comunitaria sin fines de lucro, ha trabajado con los párrocos y otros ministros y se ha concentrado en entrenar a los feligreses de varias iglesias para incrementar la participación en el Censo. El Censo, que cuenta la población de los Estados Unidos cada 10 años, tiene un gran impacto en la distribución de $800 mil millones de fondos, lo que incluye

JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

La Oficina del Censo de los Estados Unidos le ha pidido a los líderes religiosos que animen a sus congregaciones a participar en el escrutinio que se produce cada 10 años.

los programas del Medicaid, Medicare y Children’s Health Insurance Program, subsidios a las escuelas y muchos otros programas.

María López, miembro de la Iglesia Assumption Catholic Church, fue una de las que TMO preparó para asegurarles a otros feligreses de su parroquia que el Censo no les haría preguntas sobre su ciudadanía. La participación lleva solo alrededor de 10 minutos si se hace por computadora.

Pero el fin de semana en que la mayoría de las iglesias iban a participar en el Censo coincidió con el cierre de muchos de sus servicios por el coronavirus, dijo.

“Por eso yo he estado llamando a otros feligreses por teléfono para ayudarlos,” dijo López.

Pero ni siquiera escuchar una voz amable que muchos feligreses conocen por su trabajo en el bazar y otros ministerios durante 15 años, les hace sentirse confiados, dijo.

“La gente tiene mucho miedo, especialmente aquellos que son indocumentados”, dijo López. “La única forma que llenarán los datos del Censo es de forma personal con alguien en quien ellos confíen.”

La alternativa de poder contestar el cuestionario del Censo de los EE.UU. por si solo(a) se ha extendido hasta el 14 de agosto debido a la pandemia del coronavirus.

Pero aun así, cuando los trabajadores del Censo toquen a la puerta en agosto en los hogares que no han respondido, “los residentes no les abrirán”, dijo López.

En general en Texas, las respuestas

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.

se mantienen por debajo del promedio nacional. Texas está en el lugar 41 por su tasa de respuestas, de acuerdo con el Texas Demographic Center. El estado, con una tasa de respuestas del 55.5%, está a más del 5% por debajo del promedio nacional del 60.8%, reportó el

centro demográfico.

De las 10 ciudades más grandes del país, Houston está en el séptimo lugar con una tasa de auto respuestas del 47.3%. Para poner esa información en una perspectiva de Texas: Houston tiene la tasa más baja de auto respuestas cuando se compara con las otras grandes ciudades del estado. Dallas ocupa el sexto lugar con un 48.6%. San Antonio está en el cuarto lugar por un margen considerable, con el 53% reportado.

Los directores de los ministerios de la Arquidiócesis de GalvestonHouston también se han reunido con los representantes del Censo para ayudar a obtener más respuestas.

“Hemos aprovechado los medios sociales, correo electrónico y otras maneras de animar a la gente a inscribirse y participar en el Censo,” dijo Lázaro Contreras, director de la Oficina del Ministerio Hispano.

Ahora que las personas están regresando poco a poco a las iglesias, los párrocos también están anunciando en las misas la importancia del Censo, dijo.

El padre Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, director arquidiocesano de formación del clero, también animó a los feligreses en un video en español a participar en el Censo. Dijo, “Vamos a garantizar que nos cuenten a todos!” †

EN BREVES Mini Retiro virtual

HOUSTON — Un retiro patrocinado por la Oficina de Jovenes Adultos y Pastoral Universitaria se llevará acabo el sábado, 25 de julio, de las 9 a.m. a 1 p.m.

“Refuérzate y Sé Valiente” ayudará al participante continuar a encontrándose a si mismo, y sobre todo a Dios durante este tiempo difícil en la historia. Tambien reconocerán que Dios está y sigue estando presente para continuar la vida, el trabajo, y en servicio de ministerio.

El costo es $15, y fecha límite es el 22 de julio. †

Becas para Cursos en línea del Instituto Fe y Vida

HOUSTON — La Oficina de Jovenes Adultos y Pastoral Universitaria estará otorgando becas para los cuatro cursos que estarán ofreciendo. Para más información comuníquese al 713-741-8768, o por email con Mirna Ochoa a mochoa@archgh.org. †

MUNDO CATĂ“LICO

JULY 14, 2020

texas catholic herald

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El amor de Dios que todo lo supera Todos los aĂąos, 19 dĂ­as despuĂŠs del Domingo de PentecostĂŠs, la Iglesia CatĂłlica celebra la solemnidad del Sagrado CorazĂłn de JesĂşs, una de las devociones catĂłlicas mĂĄs practicadas y conocidas. Es un dĂ­a dedicado a la devociĂłn del amor de Dios hacia la humanidad simbolizado con la representaciĂłn fĂ­sica del CorazĂłn de JesĂşs. “Es un amor que supera todo conocimientoâ€?, declara el Papa Francisco en su homilĂ­a para la fiesta. “AsĂ­ de grande es el amor de Dios, como el mar, sin orillas, sin fondo, sin lĂ­mitesâ€?.

La devociĂłn al Sagrado CorazĂłn de JesĂşs tiene una larga historia que se remonta al siglo XII cuando San Bernardo de Claraval describiĂł el CorazĂłn de JesĂşs como la fuente de nuestro amor por Dios y por los demĂĄs.

San Francisco de AsĂ­s tuvo una profunda devociĂłn al CorazĂłn de JesĂşs y sus escritos al respecto inspiraron a la monja francesa, Santa Margarita MarĂ­a Alacoque, en el siglo XVII. La Santa recibiĂł cuatro visiones de una imagen de JesĂşs con su corazĂłn envuelto en llamas.

La mĂĄs popular ocurriĂł en 1675, estando ante la EucaristĂ­a, cuando escuchĂł de JesĂşs: “He aquĂ­ este corazĂłn que tanto ha amado a los hombres, que todo ha perdonado hasta agotarse y consumirse para demostrarles su amor...â€? Estas experiencias mĂ­sticas llevaron al desarrollo y difusiĂłn de esta devociĂłn y prĂĄcticas, la comuniĂłn de los primeros

viernes del mes, las doce promesas o beneficios espirituales de la devociĂłn y la hora santa de reparaciĂłn, que continĂşan hasta nuestros dĂ­as y en muchas de nuestras familias por por varias generaciones.

A travĂŠs de la labor de HILDA muchos misioneros, la OCHOA devociĂłn al Sagrado CorazĂłn se ha extendido por todo el mundo. Las estatuas o imĂĄgenes de JesĂşs con su corazĂłn abrasado de amor por toda la humanidad se encuentran en iglesias, hogares y hasta cementerios en todos los continentes. Incluso, se pueden encontrar grandes estatuas del Sagrado CorazĂłn en las calles de la India. Todas y cada una nos recuerdan la inmensidad del amor que reina en el CorazĂłn de JesĂşs hacia nosotros.

Este aĂąo, la celebraciĂłn de la Fiesta del Sagrado CorazĂłn tuvo lugar en medio de una pandemia mundial. El gran amor de JesĂşs es tanto un consuelo como un desafĂ­o, ya que enfrentamos la pĂŠrdida de vidas y nuestro propio estilo de vida debido a la propagaciĂłn del mortal virus COVID-19. Al recordar el amor sin medida de JesĂşs por nosotros y su promesa de vida eterna nos da fuerzas, permitiĂŠndonos manejar nuestros propios miedos y ofrecer

â€

EN BREVE

Casos de COVID-19 en la Casa de Sacerdotes Retirados Arzobispo Joseph Fiorenza HOUSTON — La ArquidiĂłcesis de Galveston-Houston opera la Residencia de Retiro para Sacerdotes “Arzobispo Joseph A. Fiorenzaâ€?, que provee alojamiento para 18 sacerdotes jubilados.

Tras darse cuenta de que un miembro del personal del contratista que provee los alimentos, asĂ­ como de un cuidador independiente, ambos resultaron positivos al COVID-19, todos los sacerdotes que viven en esta Residencia de Retiro y sus empleados y contratistas se hicieron la prueba del virus la semana pasada.

Lamentablemente, el sĂĄbado por la noche se enteraron que cuatro de los

sacerdotes residentes dieron positivo al COVID-19, incluyendo el Arzobispo EmĂŠrito Joseph A. Fiorenza y el Obispo Auxiliar retirado Vincent M. Rizzotto.

De los 14 sacerdotes restantes que se hicieron la prueba, 12 resultaron negativo y aĂşn esperan el resultado de otros dos. Ninguno de los cuatro que resultaron positivos han desarrollado sĂ­ntomas serios. Se les ha indicado a todos los sacerdotes que mantengan cuarentena en sus habitaciones por 14 dĂ­as.

NingĂşn otro empleado o contratista trabajando en la residencia ha dado positivo hasta la fecha. â€

APOYO PASTORAL A VĂ?CTIMAS DE ABUSO SEXUAL DEL CLERO En un continuo esfuerzo por facilitar atenciĂłn pastoral a las victimas de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, el Cardenal DiNardo gustarĂ­a recordar a los fieles de la ArquidiĂłcesis la disponibilidad del Coordinador de Ayuda a VĂ­ctimas. 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 sanaciĂłn de las vĂ­ctimas del abuso y por todos los que sufren de alguna manera.

ď •

consuelo a los demĂĄs. Hemos de en que el misionero participante en este responder al desafĂ­o de compartir ese programa y asignado a su parroquia amor con otros, de poner en acciĂłn el llegarĂĄ a visitarlos. potente motor que es el amor de Cristo y Amor con amor se paga. Es a travĂŠs aplicarlo dĂĄndolo a los mĂĄs necesitados. de ustedes que el amor de JesĂşs El Papa Francisco explica ademĂĄs: “Dios continuarĂĄ extendiĂŠndose a todos los no revelĂł su amor a travĂŠs del poder pueblos como reflejo del amor que reina sino amando a su pueblo, enseùåndoles en el Sagrado CorazĂłn de JesĂşs. †a caminar, tomĂĄndolos en sus brazos, cuidĂĄndolos...â€? La prĂĄctica de las obras Hilda Ochoa es la directora de la Ofide misericordia se convierte en una cina de Misiones. continuaciĂłn de este amor.

Ya que no existen fronteras para el amor de Dios y a pesar de que el sufrimiento causado por el virus estĂĄ afectando a tantos paĂ­ses, nuestras oraciones y generosidad deben llegar a todo el mundo.

El Plan Cooperativo Misionero, coordinado por la Oficina de Misiones, es una de las formas en que nuestra

Iglesia y en particular nuestra

arquidiócesis siempre ha ofrecido asistencia a las poblaciones mås necesitadas. El plan consiste en invitar misioneros de todo el mundo a nuestras    � � � � � �� � �

 parroquias para dar a conocer su labor misionera y solicitar oraciones y apoyo Archdiocesan Office financiero. Les invitamos a mantenerse al tanto de los planes de su parroquia y 713-741-8732 buscar información en línea en la pågina archgh.org/correctionalministries web de la Oficina de Misiones Arquidiocesana para conocer las fechas

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in Jail or Prison?

Let us help you.

Correctional Ministries

22 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

JULY 14, 2020

WITHIN THE ARTS Critics may like ‘Chosen,’ but its makers’ artistic license up for renewal NEW YORK (CNS) — More than 19,000 people invested a total of $10 million to become stakeholders in “The Chosen,” a multipart recounting of the life of Jesus. That made it, according to its producers, the largest crowdfunded media project of all time.

Originally released on the VidAngel streaming service between December 2017 and November of last year, the first season of the limited-series drama has, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, been made available again for free on VidAngel and across multiple other platforms, including YouTube and Facebook. It airs in eight one-hour episodes.

Dallas Jenkins (“The Resurrection of Gavin Stone”) created, directed and, along with Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson, co-wrote “The Chosen.”

Jenkins’ father, Jerry, is the co-author of the “Left Behind” series of novels about the apocalyptic “rapture,” an event

during which, according to its adherents, Christian believers will suddenly be snatched away from earth.

In addition to the fact the concept of the rapture rests on a reading of St. Paul’s writings rejected by Catholic theology, many Catholics regard these books, popular in some circles, as antiCatholic for, among other reasons, their depiction of a fictional pope as the founder of a false religion.

Well-received by critics and audiences alike, “The Chosen” attempts to put a fresh spin on the ancient story of the Gospels by portraying Jesus through the prism of those who knew Him. Yet to say that this requires some embellishment on what the New Testament tells us by way of added backstories, characters and dialogue is putting it mildly.

Typical of such additions is the figure of Lilith (Camila Carreon), a young girl introduced in the first episode who, in 2 B.C., is living in the town of Magdala on

ST. MARY BASILICA RENOVATION CONTINUES

CNS PHOTO

This is a scene of Jesus at a wedding in episode five of “The Chosen.”

the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Beset by bad dreams, Lilith is comforted by her father, Omar (Christopher Maleki).

He urges her to recite these soothing words from the 43rd chapter of Isaiah: “Fear not for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine.”

Flash-forward 28 years to Capernaum.

Now in her 30s, Lilith (Elizabeth Tabish) is so troubled that the Sanhedrin’s high priest, Nicodemus (Erick Avari), is called in to rid her of her demons. When this doesn’t work, she naturally grows even more desperate.

MOVIE RATINGS

By Catholic News Service

A-I – GENERAL PATRONAGE • Abominable (PG)

A-II – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS • • • • •

Artemis Fowl (PG) Mr. Topaze (NR) Scoob! (PG) Trolls World Tour (PG)

• • • • • • • • •

7500 (R) Irresistible (R) Selah and the Spades (R) Shirley (R) Slay the Dragon (PG-13) The High Note (PG-13) The Outpost (R) The Wretched (NR) Wasp Network (NR)

A-III – ADULTS

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.

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.

L – LIMITED ADULT AUDIENCE • Corpus Christi (NR) • Da 5 Bloods (R) • The King of Staten Island (R)

O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE

• How to Build a Girl (R) • Never Rarely Sometimes Always (PG-13) • Saint Frances (NR) • True History of the Kelly Gang (R) • We Summon the Darkness (R)

Lilith’s fortunes have reached their lowest ebb when, at the neighborhood tavern, a friendly stranger intervenes to rescue her. Quoting the same passage of Scripture her father used to, he calms her and gives her a new name to go along with her now-cured persona: Mary of Magdala. Her comforter is, of course, Jesus (Jonathan Roumie).

Luke’s Gospel does indeed recount how Jesus expelled Mary Magdalene’s demons. But the screenwriters have moved the story up to before the beginning of Christ’s public ministry.

Intrigued by Jesus’ power, Nicodemus visits Mary again. Explaining what happened to her, she says, “I was one way and now I’m completely different.

And the thing that happened in between was Him.” But it will be a while before this version of the Redeemer unfolds his true purposes. In the third episode, Jesus is camping out, roughing it alone in the woods outside of Capernaum, when a young girl, Abigail (Reina Ozbay), discovers Him. Soon, she’s bringing her friends around to hang out with Him. Jesus comes across as their hip camp counselor.

He teaches the kids a folk song about people living in greater unity and, far more significantly, the words of the Lord’s Prayer. Then He recites the passage from Isaiah 61 about announcing “a year of favor from the Lord” that Christ employs — again, in Luke’s Gospel — to inaugurate His public life. There, however, the setting is the synagogue at Nazareth.

Given Christ’s special affinity for children, such an alteration in the narrative needn’t be considered sacrilegious tampering. Yet it does raise a fundamental question: Have the storytellers taken too many liberties with the sacred texts?

While the show is acceptable fare for adults and teens, only those viewers comfortable with the considerable artistic license Jenkins and his collaborators have granted themselves should choose “The Chosen.” †

JULY 14, 2020

texas catholic herald

MILESTONES St. Joseph in Houston celebrates 150th anniversary of its patron saint HOUSTON — On June 21, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Houston kicked off its 150th jubilee year in honor of St. Joseph, its spiritual father. This Parish Jubilee was granted by the Apostolic Penitentiary and confirmed by Pope Francis. This year marks the 150th anniversary since St. Joseph was declared to be the patron or protector of the Universal Church by Blessed Pius IX in 1870.

It is also the 140th anniversary of the founding of St. Joseph on Kane Street in Houston in 1880, Houston’s second oldest Catholic church. The faithful can come visit the parish and ask for St. Joseph’s intercession and take him as their protector.

To gain the plenary indulgence, one must fulfill the normal conditions of going to confession and Holy Communion within a few days before or after visiting St. Joseph, to be detached from all sin. Also, the faithful must pray for the intentions of Pope Francis. The indulgenced action is to visit St. Joseph as a pilgrimage to Joseph, and while spending time in prayer, ask God for three intentions: protection of the family, the increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and the conversion of sinners. Then conclude with an Our Father, Creed and invoke the Immaculate Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church. The Jubilee Year ends March 24, 2021.

Church hours: Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. For more or to visit on Saturday, call 713-222-6193. †

Do you have a photo you’d like to share? To submit a photo of a place, group or event that you would like to see in the Herald, email it to tch@archgh.org

Sealy pastor retires, receives key to city

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH IN SEALY

Father Eric J. Pitre, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Sealy, received a Key to the City of Sealy for devoting the last 14 years of his life to the citizens as the pastor of the Sealy Catholic parish. He retired June 28.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH

Ite ad Joseph, translated as “Go to Joseph,” is taken from Genesis 41:55. St. Joseph Catholic Church kicked off its 150 Jubilee Year in honor of St. Joseph, which continues until March 24, 2021.

Houston Catholic writers win national, state writing awards HOUSTON — The Press Women of Texas (PWT) and the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) announced the winners of the 2020 state and national communications contests.

Members of Catholic Literary Arts (CLA), headquartered in Houston, were winners in both contests.

In the category of Writing: Single Poem, Sarah Cortez, president and founder of Catholic Literary Arts and the Catholic Poetry Society of Houston, won first place in Texas and second place nationally. Her winning poem, titled “Simon Speaks,” presents a powerful meditation on the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.

In the category of Writing: Children’s Books, Maria Illich, CLA board member, director of education and teacher at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, won first place in Texas and first place nationally. Her winning book, “The Legend of the Ladybug,” presents the

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ladybug’s Marian legend. Illich also won second place in the Single Poem category.

The poem, “Cibolo Creek,” examines the ephemerality of creation.

Also in the Single Poem category, Lesley Clinton, board member of CLA, won third place in Texas. Her winning poem, “New Year Red,” speaks to the loving sacrifices mothers make for their children even when separated by great distances.

There were 1,800 entries at the national level, all winners from their respective state competitions. All work was published in 2019. All three winners are members of PWT, with Cortez serving on the PWT board of directors.

“CLA writers are making a huge difference on the literary landscape,” Cortez said. “Writers of faith must be strong and faithful witnesses to the everpresent Lord.”

For more information on CLA, visit www.catholicliteraryarts.org. †

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.

SEALY — On June 28, Father Eric J. Pitre, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Sealy, celebrated his Farewell Masses on June 28.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a surprise car parade was held for him after the Masses. More than 100 vehicles visited the retiring priest.

In addition to the parade, The City of Sealy proclaimed June 28 as Reverend Eric James Pitre Day. He received a standing ovation at the City Council meeting as he

thanked the mayor of Sealy, Janice Whitehead. Mayor Whitehead also awarded him with a Key to the City of Sealy for devoting the last 14 years of his life to the citizens as the pastor of the Sealy Catholic parish.

Father Pitre was also commended for serving the material needs of hundreds annually through his work with the Sealy Ministerial Alliance and the Salvation Army as well as with the Red Cross during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. †

Congratulations!

The Texas Catholic Herald is pleased to announce that our publication recently won four awards at the 2020 Catholic Media Conference, presented by the Catholic Press Association of the U.S. and Canada: First Place Best Scenic, Still-Life or Weather Photo Restoring Stella Maris Texas Catholic Herald Third Place Best Non-Weekly Diocesan Newspaper Texas Catholic Herald Special congratulations to James Ramos, of the Texas Catholic Herald for his award-winning work: Third Place Best Disaster or Crises Coverage Washed Away: Imelda stirs up fresh, painful memories of Harvey Story and Photography by James Ramos Third Place Best Feature Photograph The Smallest Danzante Azteca Photography by James Ramos

24 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

JULY 14, 2020

Congratulations

2020

to the class of

We prepare the hearts and minds of our students to serve God and others.

Photo by: Scott Flathouse Photography

Marc Guidry O’Quinn Hannah Grace Ottosen Sophia Evelyn Parent

Schools where these graduates will attend

Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi

Marielle Elise Aldrett

Josep Ginebra

Austin Thomas Parker

Jonathan James Amos

Weston Charles Glueck

Kyle Michael Paul

Kellen Isaiah Amos

Jenna Sophia Goethals

Craig Robert Peters

Rory Teaghan Anderson

Ivan Taylor Gorski

Joseph Amiarno Phillips

Oyovhike Valerie Aridomo

Corey Alexander Gowen

Joshua Picard

Angelo State University

Louisiana Tech University

Trinity University

Katie Jane Barcak

Kaisaer Hadeer

Margaret Anne Pierce

Auburn University

Loyola University

Jacob Michael Baudler

Mary Anna-Marie Harrell

Eric Matthew Pink

Austin College

Marquette University

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Madeline Rose Bogard

Kirby Taylor Herzog

Santiago Pinzon

Baylor University

Michigan State University

University of Dallas

Grace Ann Boster

Jenna Alissa Hill

Adrian Rico

Belmont University

University of Houston

Isabella Eva Cabrera

Thomas Cutter Hogan

Isabelle Lilia Rose

Binghampton University

Mississippi State University

Juan Pablo Caldentey

Meghan Caroline Hollmann

Destin Frances Ruiz

Blinn College

Ohio Northern University

Sean Patrick Callahan

Jacob Brian Hopkins

Justin Cirino Sablotny

Boston University

University of Mississippi

Gabriela Clotilde Cano

Christina Michelle Horak

Danielle Jinping Saltzman

Campbell University

Oklahoma State University

Neo Kolby Dilay Carandang

Christopher Brian Scott

College of Wooster

Our Lady of the Lakes

University of St. Mary

John Frederick Castellano

Andrea Mishelle Ibanez-Flores

University of St. Thomas

Camryn Marie Castro

Delta State University

Princeton University

Veronica Ibarra Tello

Dana Elise Sheehan

Rice University

Blake Taylor Johnson

University of Tennessee

Mariana Castro

Richland College

Karla Miranda Chapa

Kendall Gail Kaiser

Santa Monica College

University of Texas at Dallas

Yankun Chen

Abdullah Amr Kenawy

Chiazam Onyeka Chibuogwu

Anna Grace Krenek

Southeastern Louisiana University

University of Texas at San Antonio

Caitlyn Ann Chitwood

Peyton Maria LaPaul

Keeyeon Choi

Dennell Gornal Lavilla

Skyler Nicole Kutra

Sophia Belle Spano Christopher Michael Speed Caitlyn Avery St.Hilaire

Hawaii Pacific University High Point University

Lasalette Lourdes Sumbe

Southern Methodist University

University of Texas at Tyler

Logan Samuel Sundberg

Houston Baptist University

St. Edward’s University

University of the Ozarks

Adam Moss Tate

LeTourneau University

Texas A&M University

West Virginia University

Nicholas Kyle Tran

Lone Star College

Sophia Truong

Texas A&M University at Galveston

Wharton County Junior College

Louisiana State University

James Michael Lloyd II Klarissa Leigh Lopez

Calli Ann Collins

Monzeratt Alexia Luna

Sean Daniel Cooney

Adrian Lauriano Martinez

Katherine Zoe Crockett

Branden Allen Mayfield

Andrew Thomas Crosier

Jackson Zachary McCane

Cameron Ann Cunningham

Anna Brandt McCarthy

Dung Hoang Dang

William Connor McClendon

Abigail Grace Davis

Casey Allen McGuire

Morgan Danielle De La Cruz

Nicholas Hewson Winkelmann

Karina Mihura

Lauren Delaney Witt

Samantha Eileen Miller Gabriela Alyssa Moncada

Brooke Marie Wrzyszczynski

Stephanie Michelle Murray

Elizabeth Marie Wuenscher

Maya Katherine Nelson

Faith Hoang Yeung

Canyon Gabriel Neundorfer

Tommaso Alberto Zaffaroni

Uyen-Thi Hoang Nguyen

Zihang Zhao

Oni Lewana Erhimu Hanna Finzel Sophie Liberty Flathouse Alexis Isabel Fuentes Elena Katherine Garanzuay Joshua Arthur Gill

University of Notre Dame

Luke Anthony Sullivan

Joseph Bernard Collerain IV

Christopher Luis Echevarria

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Dustin Anthony Stilwell

Dylan Thomas Cockrill

Nolan Christopher Diers

The Savannah College of Art and Design

Georgia Institute of Technology

Emilia Rose Linder

Jack Raymond DesJardins

Fordham University

Texas Tech University

Andrew Owen Staerker

Cecelia Paige Clark

Abigail Elizabeth Lorenz

Drake University

Texas State University

Noelle Katarina Valdecanas Jeffrey Vargas Amanda Gentry Wall Andrew Kenneth Welsch Jake Garrett Williams Allie Brienne Wilson

Trevor William Oakum Olivia Christine Odell Lizette Thevenet O’Quinn

281.693.1000 | 1800 W. Grand Parkway N., Katy, Texas 77449 | sj23lions.org

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Total Grads

$15 Million

Scholarship Offers

Accepted to

123 Schools

34

Out of

State