RENEW OUR FAITH
Archbishop Vásquez
shares Easter message, reflections
▪ SEE PAGE 2
FAITH IN ACTION
Catholic Advocacy Day draws thousands to Texas State Capitol in Austin
▪ SEE PAGE 6
Hope in the tomb
BY FATHER JOSHUA J. WHITFIELD Special to the Herald
(OSV News) — Our hope begins at a tomb. It was empty, of course, but Mary Magdalene didn’t know it at the time. She thought He was in there, His body. It was only love that compelled her to be there, not hope. That was gone.
Love held her in place — that dark and sad place. I doubt she hoped for anything at all in those early, silent hours of mourning. She loved Him, so she was there. She just had no idea what else to
See EASTER, page 5
Annual hoops contest puts spotlight on vocations
Seminarians block priests’ winning-streak prayer
BY ELIZABETH MORALES Texas Catholic Herald
HOUSTON — As another Houston basketball team helped March Madness reach a frenzied crescendo down the road in San Antonio, a different basketball game in Houston brought thousands together to support vocations at the annual Priests vs. Seminarians Basketball Game.
The Mariners of St. Mary’s Seminary
See BASKETBALL, page 7
visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/CHRISM25
‘Jesus
Christ
is the One who loves us’
BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald
HOUSTON — Every year just before Holy Week, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston gather at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston for the celebration of the Chrism Mass — one of the most solemn and significant events of the liturgical year.
On April 15, at least 1,400 attended the Mass presided by Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez to witness when all of the oils used in sacramental ministry throughout the 10-county GalvestonHouston Archdiocese were blessed and
the Sacred Chrism was consecrated by Archbishop Vásquez.
Hundreds of priests from the Archdiocese joined Archbishop Emeritus Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, in concelebrating the Mass. The priests also renewed their promises at this Mass. Nearly 50 gallons of oil were blessed with the consecrated Chrism.
After the Mass, the oils and Sacred Chrism were subsequently sent to the parishes to be used in the upcoming year for the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders
See CHRISM, page 4
APRIL 22, 2025
VOL. 61, NO. 21
Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 1964
Celebrating 60 years of Catholic news in Texas
PHOTOS BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD AND AMY ANN DAVILA
Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez pours the holy chrism during the Chrism Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on April 15. The annual Mass, which draws priests and ministry leaders from all parishes of the Archdiocese, signaled the arrival of Holy Week in the Archdiocese. For more photos and video,
A Shepherd’s Message
By Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Christ is Risen! Alleluia! The holy season of Easter is upon us. Every Lent and Easter is an opportunity for us to renew our faith again in Christ. He rose from the dead to give us new life.
AN EASTER MESSAGE
Over the next 50 days of this Easter season, we have the opportunity to ask ourselves –“How am I living my Catholic faith well?”
We are given the opportunity to experience the life of Christ by living the Gospel. How can we show and witness that faith to others? How are we taking care of people around
Editor’s note: Nearly a month into his time as the chief shepherd of Galveston-Houston, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez shared some reflections of his recent weeks of ministry and what he looks forward to in the future.
Texas Catholic Herald (TCH): In what ways have you been able to get reacquainted with GalvestonHouston following the Mass of Installation on March 25?
Archbishop Vásquez: I live at St. Mary’s Seminary, and I really enjoy being there, getting to know the faculty, getting to know the seminarians — my former seminarians from the Diocese of Austin and now my new seminarians from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
It’s been really good for me to spend time at the seminary; it’s a beautiful campus. Of course, I studied for four years at St. Mary’s from 1976 to 1980. The heart of the seminary is the magnificent chapel, and I enjoy praying there.
The priests had a Lenten Day of Prayer at the seminary, and I was able to reconnect with many priests I’ve known throughout the years. Several I knew when I was an auxiliary bishop (2002-2010), but it was also good to meet many new priests. Recently, I’ve also been reflecting on how Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza have left such a mark on this Archdiocese and how they have been so instrumental in creating a vision for the Church of Galveston-Houston.
Both have their own gifts as shepherds and are excellent leaders who truly love this Church. They led this local Church to become a vibrant, growing, and diverse Archdiocese. I am truly grateful for their years of service and leadership. My hope is that I will continue to build on their vision and, with our priests, work to strengthen this Church and the Catholic faith.
TCH: Have you observed any notable changes in the local Church and community since returning?
Archbishop Vásquez: Since arriving, I’ve been able to preside over a few Confirmations. I’ve been informed of the multiple Liturgies needed due to the increasing number of
Arzobispo Vásquez comparte su columna en línea en español. Visite www.archgh.org para leer su artículo en línea.
us? How do we reach out to the poor, the homeless, the lonely? How do we take care of those who need assistance in their lives?
Responding to these challenges is how we practice our faith; not only to contemplate in our hearts and minds, but to be lived out every day during this Easter season and beyond.
I pray that you and your loved ones be filled with the joy of the Risen Lord. Please pray for me and for the priests of our archdiocese, and know that I will pray for you.
Easter blessings! †
Joe S. Vásquez anoints the head of a
the
at a Mass at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Humble on April 5. Almost 120 teenagers received the Sacrament of Confirmation that day.
candidates, which is extraordinary. The Catholic population has obviously grown in the 15 years that I was gone. So this is a blessing. Another notable thing is the traffic; sometimes, it can be very difficult to travel through the city (laughs). It was a joy for me to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica in Galveston. I had not been there since the 2014 restoration was completed. It is just beautiful. I was sitting there in the Cathedra, contemplating the beauty and thinking to myself that this is my home Church, the Mother Church of the Archdiocese. I was pleased to be there with the people who call Holy Family Parish their home.
TCH: Any goals you have as Archbishop you would like to share with our readers at this time?
Archbishop Vásquez : One of my priorities is getting to know the presbyterate, the priests of the Archdiocese. They are my chief collaborators. I want to listen to them and hear about their hopes and desires. Also, I want to hear about their concerns. I depend upon the priests to help me shepherd this local Church. Together, we are to celebrate the Sacraments, preach the Good News, and serve our people. I’m grateful for them and the sacrifices
they’ve made for the Archdiocese. I also look forward to meeting the religious men and women who have played a vital role in the Church throughout its history. And I want to get to know the parishioners, the people of God. I want to be present to them, and one of the primary ways to do this is through Confirmations at parishes. This is an opportunity for me to meet the priests, young people and families. Another priority is how we can promote vocations in our growing Church. We need more priests. Without priests, we don’t have the Eucharist. I’m grateful to Father Richard McNeillie for his hard work in creating a culture of vocations. I’m also very appreciative of the older priests who continue to serve beyond the required years.
Also, young people are very important to me because they are the ones who are going to lead our Church. We need them now. It disturbs me to hear about young people leaving the Church, leaving their faith altogether, no longer believing… that is a deep concern for me. How do we help our young people encounter Christ and remain connected to the Church? How do we make the Church real and present in their lives? They need to know the Church is their home. †
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ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
PHOTO BY RODRIGO FUENTES
Archbishop
teenage Confirmation candidate during a celebration of
Sacrament of Confirmation
ARCHBISHOP
JOE S. VÁSQUEZ
THE FIRST WORD
PHOTO BY RANDY RADENO HANIEL/CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES
Pope Francis congratulates CRS on Rice Bowl’s 50th anniversary
HOUSTON (OSV News) — Pope Francis congratulated Catholic Relief Services (CRS) on the 50th anniversary of CRS Rice Bowl, the Catholic relief agency’s annual Lenten program dedicated to global hunger and poverty alleviation efforts.
CRS, the official international relief and development agency of the Catholic Church in the U.S., marked the 50th anniversary of its Rice Bowl program this Lent, which has raised more than $350 million to support domestic and overseas poverty relief efforts. The organization has described that effort — with its iconic cardboard donation box — as more important than ever in light of a freeze on much U.S. foreign aid.
“I was pleased to learn that the Rice Bowl program of CRS is celebrating its 50th anniversary,” Pope Francis wrote in a letter the group shared with media March 14. “On this auspicious occasion, I express my good wishes to all involved in this noble initiative as well as my gratitude for the faithful in the United States of America, who, through this service, assist the poorest and most vulnerable at home and abroad.”
Pope Francis said that for five decades, during “the holy season of Lent, when the Church invites us to pray, fast and give alms in preparation for the Easter celebrations,” the Rice Bowl program “has offered a concrete way for Catholics to give alms as they seek to put their faith into action.”
introduction at the Philadelphia-based 41st International Eucharistic Congress in 1976 and its subsequent adoption by the U.S. bishops through CRS.
The COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis said in his message, “reminded us that we are members of a global community, ‘all in the same boat,’ where the problems of others are the problems of all.”
“With this in mind, we must continuously strive to help others realize that the serious challenges currently affecting so many of our brothers and sisters, including war, forced migration and hunger, concern all of us,” he said. “Perhaps we could even invite others to compare their daily lives with those migrants and foreigners so that they might learn how to understand better their experiences and in this way discover what God is asking of us in our own day.” The program is a reminder of “the importance of working together,” he added.
In 2023, some 733 million people worldwide faced hunger, according to the United Nations’ 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report. Hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition have devastating physical and psychosocial consequences, including insufficient height and weight in children.
“When caring for our neighbor, we must always remember that charity is to be given without qualifications or limits, as Jesus teaches us in the parable of the Good Samaritan,” he said, referring to the story in Luke’s Gospel. “In doing so, we reflect the closeness, compassion and tender love of God who cares for all of his children in the one human family.”
CRS’ Rice Bowl initiative combines the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to provide humanitarian aid, spiritual renewal and increased solidarity with those in need.
The funds — 25% of which help local diocesan outreaches, with 75% benefiting CRS programs abroad — support a mission that is “critical to millions,” said Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia, CRS board chair, in a March 5 statement from the organization. The campaign, launched in 1975 by Monsignor Robert Coll as a local effort in the Diocese of Allentown, Pennsylvania, became a national initiative through its
In June 2024, UNICEF said that growing inequality, conflict and climate concerns — along with the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic — have left 181 million, or one in four, children in severe food poverty, with the majority living in 20 countries. Of those, 64 million are in South Asia and 59 million in subSaharan Africa.
“It is my hope, therefore, that the Rice Bowl program and other initiatives offered by CRS will continue to serve as examples of how to fulfill the Gospel’s command to love and serve our neighbor in a communal way,” Pope Francis said. “Serving these children and their families is how we can say ‘yes’ and honor the God who has welcomed us — indeed, loved us — into his own family. [Let] us renew our own gratitude to God for his love and mercy in our own personal commitment to share hope as a pledge of our powerful defense of all human life.”
To learn more on how the CRS Rice Bowl campaign helps local Archdiocesan ministry outreaches, contact the Archdiocesan Mission Office at hochoa@archgh.org or 713-6528231. †
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BRIEFS
Transitional diaconate ordinations set
HOUSTON — Catholics across the Archdiocese are invited to attend the ordinations of priests and transitional deacons. The transitional deacon ordination is set for Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, will ordain seminarians James Schnitzler, Joshua Svajda, Thomas Vu and David Francis Semivule Basil, CSB, as transitional deacons, continuing their path to the priesthood.
The Mass will take place at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in downtown Houston and will be livestreamed online at www.archgh.org/ live. †
Café Catholica Lite set for May 22
HOUSTON — The Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministry will host the next Café Catholica Lite at Sts. Simon and Jude Parish, located at 26777 Glen Loch Dr. in The Woodlands, on Thursday, May 22, from 7 to 8:45 p.m.
The talk titled “Seasons of Grace: Embracing the Liturgical Year in Daily Life” will be given by Steffani Aquila, founder of His Girl Sunday. She will explore practical ways to align your home, personal, and family life with the rhythms of the liturgical year and create a deeper connection to living an incarnational faith. The night will include snacks, a presentation, Q&A and prayer.
The Café Catholica program helps young adults ages 18 to 39 encounter Christ and His Church. For more information, contact the Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministry at yacm@archgh.org or 713-741-8778 or visit www. archgh.org/cafecatholica. †
Catholic Charities’ food distributions continue in Galveston, Houston and Fort Bend County
HOUSTON — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston continues offering food assistance at three locations.
In Houston, staff at the Guadalupe Center Market (326 S. Jensen St.) are hosting the following distribution schedule: on Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., walk-ins are available for seniors aged 62 and older; On Wednesday and Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., walk-ins are open to the public; On Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., walk-ins are available for individual food bags for unhoused people. Call 713-2516919 for more information.
The Beacon of Hope Isle Market in Galveston (4700 Broadway, Suite B-101) is open for appointments Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To make an appointment, which is required, call 409-7622064. Emergency pre-packaged food bags are available on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 409-762-2064 for more information.
In Fort Bend County, the Mamie George Community Center (1111 Collins Rd., Richmond) hosts client-choice food distributions by appointment only on Mondays, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.; on Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To make an appointment or for more information, call 281-202-6200.
For general information, visit www.catholiccharities.org/ food or call 713-526-4611. †
MEMORIAL OF ST. CATHERINE
OF SIENA
April 29
Named a doctor of the church in
1970, St. Catherine of Siena is a patron saint of Europe and Italy, and the patron of fire prevention, nurses and nursing.
Amina Bukar of Nigeria crushes gingerbread fruit to sell. Bukar, 45, and her family participate in Catholic Relief Services’ THRIVE project. She also serves as a lead mother for nutrition activities in the community, coordinating the production of a food supplement amongst a select number of women in her neighborhood.
LOCAL
Archbishop Vásquez: Chrism Mass is a sign of our unity with Christ
from page 1
and the Anointing of the Sick.
The Chrism Mass is an ancient celebration that traditionally takes place on Holy Thursday morning. But many dioceses, including Galveston-Houston, celebrate the Chrism Mass on Tuesday evening earlier in Holy Week so that more people can attend.
At Chrism Mass, prior to saying the Prayer of Consecration over the Sacred Chrism, Archbishop Vásquez breathes upon the vessel containing the oil and balsam. This action is a sign of the Holy Spirit during which the bishop recalls the Spirit of God “moving over the face of the waters” at creation and Jesus’ appearance to the disciples post-resurrection when He “breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’” (Jn 20:22).
In his first celebration of the Chrism Mass as Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, Archbishop Vásquez preached the homily in English and partly in Spanish and explained how deeply symbolic and important the Chrism Mass was to the sacramental and spiritual life of the Archdiocese.
“The Chrism Mass is a sign of our unity and communion with Christ,” he said. “Jesus Christ is the one who loves us.”
He emphasized that through Baptism, all members of the Church are anointed as priest, prophet and king, and are called to grow in holiness and live a life in Christ.
“Each member of the Church has a special dignity given by Christ, and each member is anointed to grow in holiness and live a life in Christ,” he said. “Each one of us is to grow in likeness to Christ, and it’s by the spirit that we have received that we can do that.”
He reminded the congregation that “the anointing of the Holy Spirit we receive in the Sacraments is for mission.”
“The anointing makes us one with Christ, one with His body, the Church. The anointing we receive sends us forth to become bearers of good news. Christ proclaimed good news in the synagogue in Nazareth, so we too are to become proclaimers of God’s goodness,” he said. “We are to show His compassion for all, particularly the poor, the suffering, and the abandoned. All around us, brothers and sisters, many people struggle, many people suffer. It is up to us to reach out to them. Christ proclaimed good news. Let us also proclaim good news and do the works of Christ.”
A powerful moment during the Chrism Mass happens when the priests renew their priestly promises as their responses boom and echo throughout the walls of the co-cathedral.
Archbishop Vásquez recalled the Lenten Day of Prayer he spent with the priests of the Archdiocese.
In a heartfelt message to the priests of the Archdiocese, he also called on the priests to renew their priestly promises and to be rooted in the love of Christ,
which will sustain them in their vocation.
“Dear sons, in this Jubilee year, renew your hope in Christ Jesus,” he told the priests.“No matter whether you have been ordained many years or less than one year, recall the day you heard the voice of the Lord asking you to be His priest. In His love and mercy, Christ called you. May you always rejoice in your priesthood. Remember, the calling you have received from Christ is
a gift to you and to the Church. I am truly proud to serve as your bishop. Please continue to pray for me so that I may serve you well. Together, we shepherd and care for God’s people.”
Then, after the Mass, volunteers led by the Office of Worship and staff swiftly moved into action to distribute the newly consecrated oils to parishes, which were used at Easter Vigil later that week. †
PHOTOS BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD
Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez presides over the Chrism Mass in the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on April 15. The annual Mass signals the arrival of Holy Week in the Archdiocese. For more photos and video, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/CHRISM25
EASTER, from page 1
Hearing the call of the risen Christ
do. That’s what love does sometimes, it lingers around the graves of those who have gone.
But that’s where it all changed, that place where she loved without hope. That’s where her mourning in the morning was turned into joy — at the tomb. Well, at first, it was disorienting. Mary thought someone had stolen the body. She ran to get Peter and John. They ran to see. Only that young mystic, John — or whoever that “other disciple” was — saw the empty tomb and believed, but still, it was an inchoate belief. But, of course, that’s how hope often begins: as something that feels like chaos.
Yet that would soon give way to the comfort of his voice. If you keep reading the story, He called her by name, “Mary!” (Jn 20:16). Like a child calmed in her father’s arms, like a sobbing friend quieted in a loving embrace, Mary Magdalene’s love without hope and her disorientation give way to Him, Jesus risen from the dead.
It is something unimagined, beyond belief if it weren’t for the fact that He calls her by her name. But that’s how hope so often begins: within the personal call of the Risen Christ.
This is the pattern. The alternative Easter offers is that now it’s possible to look for hope in unlikely places — places like tombs. Not in palaces, not among politicians, not among the allegedly
CNS PHOTO/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
This is “Christ’s Appearance to Mary Magdalene After the Resurrection,” an 1835 oil on canvas painting by Russian artist Alexander Andreyevich Ivanov. Because Mary’s heart has been turned toward Christ through conversion and repentance, she becomes one of his most fervent, faithful disciples.
perfect, but in those other places where real love has carried you, especially those places where love hasn’t given up but where it probably, reasonably, should have — in the tombs of our lives.
Maybe it’s the tomb of a friendship you’re afraid is dead forever, or the tomb of your child’s soul wandered away from
the Church. Maybe it’s the tomb of our country, the tomb of the world where hope is almost entirely inconceivable.
Maybe it’s in the countless new tombs of today’s Holy Land. Maybe it’s your own tomb, the death your sins have brought to your poor soul. Maybe it’s wherever you cry because you can think of nothing else worth
doing. Easter begins there; that’s the point.
“One flame will pierce the eternal shadows,” Charles Péguy once wrote. I’ve always read that to mean that no matter how dark things get, those other things like faith and hope and love are still there in the darkness, hidden sometimes in the tears we cry because of love.
That’s what Mary Magdalene teaches. That hope begins sometimes in tears. And she also shows us that it’s okay to linger about the tombs of our sadness, broken relationships, our failures.
That’s okay. Just don’t forget to love, and don’t forget to listen. Because — and this is so beautiful — Jesus makes His first resurrection appearance precisely when and where we are disoriented and sad. He doesn’t wait for Mary Magdalene to sort herself out and calm down. He doesn’t wait for her tears to dry. He visits her at His own tomb. He visits her where she loves and hurts.
Again, this is the pattern, the lesson, Easter’s strange suggestion that even in the tombs of our lives, even when there’s no reasonable ground to hope, we still do not despair. Because that is how hope begins: when the risen Jesus walks into your own darkness and calls your name, love for you for the love you held on to. †
Father Joshua J. Whitfield is pastor of St. Rita Catholic Community in Dallas and author of “The Crisis of Bad Preaching” and other books.
Advocacy Day a ‘celebration of faith in action’
BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald
AUSTIN — An estimated 2,500 Catholics, including newly installed Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez and Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, brought prayer and faithful citizenship to the Texas State Capitol in Austin on April 2 for the biannual Texas Catholic Advocacy Day.
Among the thousands from the 16 Catholic dioceses in Texas was Bailey Carney, a senior at Frassati Catholic High School. She joined fellow 12th-graders in making the trek to the Capitol as part of a civic education field trip, which was also her first trip to visit the State Capitol.
As part of the experience, she attended a mock hearing. Led by Frassati history department chair and debate coach Stephen Schmidt, a pair of students from Frassati students presented prepared arguments for or against a specific issue to other high school students.
Frassati students also chair the committee that led the hearing, which focused on the debate around “raising the age of criminal responsibility,” which refers to the potential increase in the age of criminal responsibility from 17 to 18. Currently, 17-year-olds in Texas are treated as adults in the criminal justice system.
Carney felt inspired to see so many
other Catholic school students gathered together at the Capitol.
“Often we get stuck in our little bubbles, in our Catholic schools,” she said. “There are so many other Catholic schools near us, even in our own areas, that we don’t often think about or see. It’s really eye-opening to see how the Catholic Church is big and growing, and that there are a lot of young people who are a part of it.”
Other students from several GalvestonHouston Catholic schools also attended
and presented arguments at the mock hearings, including Resurrection, Sacred Heart in Crosby, St. Augustine, True Cross and St. Mary in League City.
Leading Catholic schools in the Archdiocese and also walking the long and cavernous Capitol halls was Mazie McCoy, Ed.D., superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese.
McCoy said it was important for Catholic school students to be at Advocacy Day because it’s “great for them to understand the [legislative] process and that they have a voice and that their voice is important.”
Joined by other Catholic school office staff, McCoy also waited hours and testified before the state’s public education committee to advocate for education savings account programs in March.
“We really want families who want a Catholic education to have that education, and we do not want cost to be a factor in prohibiting anyone from receiving a Catholic education,” she said. “Being here today, we’re able to speak to our representatives, our legislators, let them know how important it is, how important what the bishops have to say, and what the bishops are in support of.”
Rhonda Sepulveda, parish and government relations coordinator at Catholic Charities in Houston, said the gathering is a “celebration of faith in action.”
“This day brought Texas Catholics from pews and school rooms, the young and the aging, to galvanize our faithful citizenship,” she said. “Our legislative visits and sea of blue T-shirts echo charity and justice, the opportunity to promote systemic justice for the poor, vulnerable and sometimes forgotten.”
Sepulveda joined hundreds of other advocates from parishes and ministries in Galveston-Houston in visiting legislators
LEARN MORE
For a full list of positions being taken by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops for the 89th Texas Legislature, visit www. txcatholic.org
and staff, including Archbishop Vásquez, Bishop Dell’Oro and Mónica Ramón, associate director of Special Youth Services.
Ramón helps lead a restorative justice ministry that serves at-risk youth and juveniles in detention facilities, which makes her and her fellow ministry leaders very interested in juvenile reform.
Each Advocacy Day, which is hosted by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB), led by Jennifer Carr Allmon, focuses on several Texas Senate and House bills in the 89th Texas Legislature that cover a wide breadth of topics. Among them are legislation that affects education, life and family life, restorative justice, immigration, creation, religious liberty and social concerns, such as housing.
The day also included a large rally on the steps of the State Capitol, which featured speeches from a variety of Texas bishops as young students, men and women religious, families and other lay people held high signs that supported a variety of Gospel-based issues and shouted call-and-response chants.
Giving the closing prayer, Archbishop Vásquez prayed: “We give You [God] thanks for the gift of life... We pray for all members of the Texas legislature [who are] entrusted to guard our political welfare. And may each of us draw closer to your loving embrace ‘recognize in each person the innate dignity of all created in your image.” †
Thank you!
Your Lenten sacrifices helped families around the world overcome the challenges of hunger and poor nutrition. Turn in your CRS Rice Bowl today. crsricebowl.org/give
PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD
At left, members of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops wait to address the crowd during Catholic Advocacy Day at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on April 4. At right, a young teen wearing a blue shirt for Advocacy Day was among the estimated 2,500 Catholics who attended the biannual event in Austin.
from page 1
took home this year’s win at the religious showdown of the year — the — with a final score of 54 to 39.
The annual tradition sold out, with over 4,000 fans in attendance, and raised awareness to vocations to the priesthood throughout the Archdiocese.
The eighth annual match-up was on April 4, at Rice University’s Tudor Fieldhouse, where parishioners and Catholic school students filled up the stands in support of their priest, family members showed up for their loved ones playing in the game, and friends drove in from out of town to cheer on the good-natured annual rivalry. Diocesan clergy also were courtside at the highly anticipated contest.
The priests upset the seminarians last year with a defeat that broke the seminarians’ four-year winning streak, but the seminarians reclaimed themselves as victors after a competitive game with the priests, who are viewed as underdogs against the seminarians, sometimes half their age.
Seminarian Tim Spjut was awarded the 2025 Most Valuable Player and was humbled by his new title.
“I didn’t expect it. I just came to play some basketball,” Spjut said. “It was great teamwork. It was a lot of fun playing with these guys. I’m going to miss them.” Spjut, who helped the seminarians stay ahead in the game, is planning to transfer to the Pontifical North American College in Rome to continue his studies.
Father Jacob Ramirez, parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish in Galveston, who has played in the game since 2017, started on the seminarians’ team and after his ordination in 2022, now plays for the priests’ team.
“What this game is all about is to really just show the fun and the beauty of the life of a priest and to support our seminarians,” Father Ramirez said. “It’s a wonderful event, and I love to be a part of it every year.”
Father Ramirez, along with the players, coaches and staff of both teams, enjoyed meeting new people and catching up with friends and family after the game.
“The seminarian team has worked hard this year to put forth their best efforts and hone their skills, even amidst all the demands that come with fulltime academics and priestly formation,” Father Eurel Manzano, rector of St. Mary’s Seminary, said. Proud of the seminarians for their resilience and fraternal spirit, Father Manzano said that the seminarians have overcome setbacks after being defeated in other tournaments and games this past year.
“I hope that all who attended were able to experience what a joy it is to unite with other fellow Catholics in
“Most people, especially younger Catholics, see priests only at the altar. It’s true, that’s where a priest is most himself, but we also do other things, including sports and having fun with brother priests and seminarians.”
FATHER RICHARD MCNEILLIE Director, Office of Vocations
support of their priests and seminarians,” Father Manzano said. “I also hope they were reminded that priests come from families and parishes like their own and that the flourishing of a culture of vocational discernment comes as a natural fruit of living the Christian life with intentionality and joy.”
The priests compete with the seminarians to help the Office ofVocations highlight the priesthood in a way that is athletic, energetic and relatable while garnering ticket sales, which benefit the formation of seminarians in the Archdiocese.
“It’s always such a joy to see all the support that people give to their priests and seminarians. This year, the seminarians had the better game, but we’ll see what happens in the future,” Father Richard McNeillie, director of the Office of Vocations for the Archdiocese said.
“Our goal is to unite parishioners from all over the Archdiocese in supporting their
The fanfare and game awards make for a unique and lively sporting event that promotes a good cause, and all are welcome to each year. To learn more about the Office of Vocations, visit houstonvocations.com. †
current and future priests. We wanted to create a fun, Catholic event for the whole family, one that gives people a slightly different perspective on priests. Most people, especially younger Catholics, see priests only at the altar. It’s true, that’s where a priest is most himself, but we also do other things, including sports and having fun with brother priests and seminarians.”
PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH MORALES/HERALD
At top left, Father Joseph White makes a drive for the basket during the Priests vs. Seminarians basketball game at Rice University’s Tudor Fieldhouse on April 4. At top right, a sold out crowd watches the game. Above, Seminarian Wesley Henry takes a shot as Father Christopher Meyer guards.
Comforting the sick in the greater Houston area through Christ’s healing presence
BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent
HOUSTON — During times of illness and confinement in a hospital setting, when uncertainty and suffering weigh heavily, a compassionate presence and a listening ear can make all the difference. Knowing someone who cares and offers emotional and spiritual support provides immeasurable peace and strength.
For patients in the Texas Medical Center and hospitals across the greater Houston area, a dedicated team of trained clergy, lay chaplains and pastoral visitors with the Catholic Chaplain Corps (CCC) answer that call, bringing comfort, prayer and the healing presence of Christ to those in need. The ministry is committed to providing timely spiritual care, especially in moments of urgent need, aligning with its mission to bring Christ’s healing ministry to the infirm, imprisoned, aged and dying of the Archdiocese.
Trish Hessel, a pastoral visitor who has been involved with the CCC for nearly three years, serving at Baylor St. Luke’s in the Medical Center, is one example of the laity living out the Christian call to be Christ in the world, each with their unique vocation. She believes the CCC profoundly impacts the lives of those it serves by bringing Christ’s comfort to the hospitalized, their families and medical staff.
“Pastoral visitors provide comfort, support and a listening ear for patients, families, and even hospital staff, knowing that someone is there to walk alongside them in their journey brings peace and reassurance,” said Hessel. “Our work ensures that no one faces suffering alone and that God’s love is present in every hospital room we enter.”
The skills Hessel gained from taking the 2022 FoundationPastoral Visitor Training have strengthened the level of support she provides. A key lesson was empathic listening, which taught her the value of simply being present and truly listening, without trying to offer advice or solve the issue. This shift has improved her lay chaplaincy work and made her a better listener in her personal and professional relationships, allowing her to be more present for others.
The Diocesan Services Fund operates in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston each year to help the Church carry out the ministries of teaching and sanctifying. DSF brings the needed financial resources to carry out 64 ministries.
DSF IN ACTION
“Seeing
ROMANI PERERA Director, Catholic Chaplain Corps
meeting the growing demand for pastoral care in the Archdiocese.
ROMANI PERERA
Hessel and the team of pastoral visitors minister under Romani Perera, director of the CCC. Romani has led the ministry for two and a half years. Her focus is on
A key goal has been recruiting and cross-training lead lay chaplains to ensure support is available while strengthening collaboration with hospital administration and diocesan leadership to better serve patient needs. These efforts have advanced the ministry’s mission of bringing Christ’s healing presence to hospitals as it adapts to the challenges of hospital ministry.
“We continue efforts to hire and train more lead lay chaplains to serve in hospitals currently without sufficient coverage,” Perera said. “We also work toward greater collaboration with parishes to ensure seamless pastoral care for patients transitioning from hospitals
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, Archbishop Joe Vásquez 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.
to home. Our new mentorship program for new chaplains will pair them with experienced priests and lead chaplains for support.”
Witnessing the profound impact of the CCC on patients in their time of need has been one of the most meaningful experiences for Perera.
“Seeing a patient simply receive God’s healing power in the Anointing of the Sick or Holy Communion has been a powerful reminder of how essential our ministry is,” Perera said. “When I hear the CCC pastoral visitors say, ‘I wasn’t sure what to say to the patient, but being present with them made all the difference,’ it reinforces the importance of training, guidance and encouragement.”
Perera recalled a deeply impactful moment when the CCC supported a family who had lost a child. In their darkest hour, simply being present and offering prayer brought comfort and a glimmer of hope. The child’s mother later shared that the CCC lay chaplain gave her the strength to trust in God’s plan, even in the face of such profound grief. These moments, Perera said, are a testament to the CCC’s mission of sharing Christ’s love and healing presence, reminding everyone that this work is not just a duty but a sacred calling.
Father Clark Sample, episcopal vicar for clergy and director of the Secretariat for Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services of the Archdiocese since July 2023, is focused on ensuring the ministry’s chaplain priests are available to administer the Sacraments in critical times like these. He said the role of the
This video series brings to life the ministry featured in these stories. Hear from leaders and people personally impacted by God’s grace through these DSF ministries.
SCAN TO WATCH OR VISIT
CCC’s lay chaplains and pastoral visitors in prioritizing the priests’ time allows them to focus on taking care of these urgent needs quickly.
Our downtown location has temporarily relocated. We are NOW OPEN at 2409 Austin Street (two streets behind our San Jacinto Street building) We will re-open our main location as soon as possible. Order by phone or email 713-659-4709 or sacco@saccos.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CATHOLIC CHAPLAINS CORPS
Father Renni Ariplackal (left), chaplain priest, and Amanda Quiroz (fifth from left), lay coordinator, along with pastoral visitors gathered for a recent meeting in March at Methodist Hospital in The Woodlands.
See CHAPLAIN, page 13
THE JUBILEE PRAYER
Father in heaven, may the faith You have given us in Your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of Your Kingdom.
May Your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of evil vanquished, Your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.
To You our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise forever. Amen.
EMBRACING THE JUBILEE YEAR
• Pilgrim Sites in Galveston-Houston
• Learn how to receive a special Jubilee year indulgence
• Latest news, updates and more
Learn more about the Jubilee Year online at ARCHGH.ORG/JUBILEE2025
IN BRIEF
Archdiocesan young adult pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi celebrates Jubilee year
HOUSTON — With the Jubilee Year months underway, a small group of young adults, ages 18 to 39, are preparing for an Archdiocesan pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi to participate in Jubilee activities in Italy. A limited number of available spots on the pilgrimage remain open. This pilgrimage, coordinated by Verso Ministries and the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministries, offers an opportunity to explore the rich history of Rome, walk through the holy doors for the Jubilee year, participate in the Canonization Mass of Blessed Pier
For more information or to register, visit the website at www.archgh.org/yapilgrimage.
Catholic formation and education provide a sure pathway to a vibrant future. For children who reside in economically challenged areas, that dream needs your help.
There are eight CROSS Academies who serve our resourceconstrained communities. You can sustain their operations and provide eligible families with tuition assistance. Act today.
Give the invaluable gift of a Catholic education.
Learn more:
Giorgio Frassati and visit the home of Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi. The cost for the trip is $3,881 per person; flights are not included.
†
PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD
Houston seminarians compete for the annual rector’s cup
PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MARY’S SEMINARY
A group of athletes from St. Mary’s Seminary, known as the Mariners, recently competed in the Rector’s Cup, an annual competition between the Houston-based St. Mary’s Seminary and Holy Trinity Seminary in Dallas. Held Feb. 22 to 23 at St. Mary’s Seminary, the teams competed in a series of basketball, soccer and volleyball games with Holy Trinity’s team ultimately winning the Rector’s Cup.
IN MEMORIA
Pray for the following priests whose anniversaries of death are during the month of April.
April 1, 1874 Rev. Matthew Sarry
April 1, 1950 Bishop Christopher E. Byrne
April 2, 1965 Rev. Terenciano Montero, OMI
April 3, 1996 Msgr. William L. Tinney
April 3, 2011 Rev. Harold V. O’Leary, CSB
April 3, 2013 Rev. Henry C. Rachunek
April 4, 1983 Rev. John Hannaher, SVD
April 5, 1850 Rev. J.A. Jacobs
April 5, 1926 Rev. J.J. Gallagher
April 5, 1992 Msgr. John E. Kukral
April 6, 1989 Rev. Eugene Heyck, CSB
April 7, 1991 Rev. George A. Harcar, CSSp
April 7, 1995 Rev. Francis E. Monaghan, CSB
April 7, 2009 Msgr. T. Joseph Culver
April 8, 1912 Rev. C.M. Thion
April 8, 1980 Rev. Eugene J. Farrell, SSJ
April 9, 1890 Rev. V. Gury
April 9, 2002 Rev. Christopher Bang Le, CSSR
April 10, 1892 Rev. James Giraudon
April 12, 1931 Rev. Simon Spinneweber
April 15, 1935 Rev. Otto Bauer
April 16, 1867 Bishop John Timon, CM
April 16, 1947 Rev. William Roach
April 16, 1994 Rev. Edward Rehkopf, SJ
April 18, 2003 Rev. Francis Strafalace, SCJ
April 18, 2019 Rev. William Kelly
April 19, 1958 Msgr. Jacob Schnetzer
April 19, 2013 Msgr. Donald J. Fruge
April 24, 1976 Rev. Edward G. Lee, CSB
April 26, 1916 Rev. Peter Bienemann
April 26, 2007 Rev. Isaac O. Francis
April 27, 1900 Rev. Antoine Borias
April 30, 1992 Msgr. Dexter L. George
April 30, 2016 Rev. J. Donald Schwarting
Pray for the following priests whose anniversaries of death are during the month of May.
May 1, 2008 Rev. Albert Moraczewski, OP
May 2, 2009 Rev. Royce Hughes
May 3, 1984 Rev. Wm. Peter Elder, OP
May 3, 1985 Rev. John F. Kiernan, SSJ
May 3, 1993 Rev. Ignatius Gutmann
May 4, 1977 Rev. Maurice Dho
May 5, 1897 Rev. Antoine Faure
May 5, 1972 Rev. Thomas H. Dailey, OP
May 5, 1991 Rev. Lawrence Fanning, OMI
May 5, 2002 Msgr. James A. Jamail
May 5, 2008 Rev. William H. Brenda, OP
May 5, 2015 Rev. Msgr. Paul Procella
May 6, 1946 Rev. Michael I Hurley
May 7, 1974 Msgr. John A. Cummings
May 7, 1981 Rev. Leo Joseph Munelly, CSB
May 7, 2004 Rev. Sylvester Heppner, OFM
May 8, 1996 Rev. Walter H. Principe, CSB
May 9, 1965 Rev. Florencio Andres, OMI
May 9, 1974
Msgr. Victor A. DiPrimeo
May 9, 2003 Rev. Anton Sheltz
May 11, 1928 Rev. Theodore Buffard
May 13, 2020 Rev. Donnell Kirchner,CSsR
May 14, 1884 Rev. Victor de Lisicki
May 14, 2017 Rev. Joseph D. Bang
May 14, 2019 Rev. Patrick Cummings
May 15, 1962 Rev. Edward A. Sheffield
May 15, 1996 Rev. Jose Barandiaran, SSS
May 16, 1986 Rev. James O’Connell, CSsR
May 21, 1895 Bishop Claude M. Dubuis
May 21, 2012 Rev. Thomas P. Warden, CSB
May 22, 1944 Rev. Innocent Raska
May 22, 2017 Rev. Isidoro Vicent, OP
May 24, 1962 Rev. Joseph P. Sullivan
May 25, 1870 Bishop Jean M. Odin, CM
May 25, 2017 Rev. Edigio Vecchio, MS
May 27, 1929 Rev. Matthew McSorley
May 28, 1934 Rev. Benedict C. Pfiffner
May 28, 1990 Rev. Rudolph G. Beranek
May 29, 1958 Rev. Authur J. Flannagan, SSJ
May 29, 2009 Rev. Joseph Luc Van Do, OP
Expand and deepen our hearts
Please pray for all victims of violence everywhere and their families. Pray for those being executed in Texas and their families:
April 23: Moises Mendoza May 20: Matthew Johnson
OBITUARIES
Pauline Augustin Benjamin
ST. CROIX — Pauline Benjamin, mother of Christina Benjamin-Serieux, communications coordinator-copy center at the Archdiocese, died Feb. 21. She was 86 years old.
A local service was held at St. Monica Catholic Church in Houston. A funeral Mass was held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in St. Croix on March 14. Interment is in Kingshill Cemetery in St. Croix. †
Father John N. Folzenlogen, SJ
FLORISSANT, Missouri — Father John N. Folzenlogen, SJ, who was a beloved priest at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston for 31 years, died March 31. He was 89 years old. At Strake Jesuit from 1982 to 2013, he first taught science, then focused on service to students as a counselor in the last decade. During this time, he also provided sacramental ministry at the school and in many churches in the Archdiocese.
A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Ignatius Hall at Garden Villas North in Florissant on April 12. Interment is in the Jesuit cemetery at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. †
Ethel Kaye Lee
HOUSTON — Ethel Kaye Lee, mother of Franchelle Lee, director of Special Youth Services at the Archdiocese, died Feb. 20. She was 74 years old.
A funeral Mass was held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Feb. 18. †
Father Nixon Mullah, S.S.J.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Father Nixon Mullah, S.S.J., who was pastor of Holy Family in McNair, died Feb. 18 after a long battle with cancer. He was 51 years old.
Father Mullah was pastor of Holy Family in McNair in 2016 before being appointed rector of St. Joseph Seminary in Washington in 2019. A memorial Mass was celebrated on Friday, Feb. 28, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Washington. †
EDUCATION
PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC LITERARY ARTS
Winners of the Catholic Literary Arts Archdiocesan Middle School Sacred Poetry Contest, April 2, after the Awards Ceremony at University of St. Thomas. Winners in eighth grade are, first place - Caroline Gonzalez Alba of St. Anthony of Padua, second place - Caroline Kohl of St. Ambrose, third place - Maxim Quintanilla of St. Vincent de Paul and Joshua Michalski of St. Theresa in Sugar Land. Winners in seventh grade are, first place - McKenna Mouton of St. Thomas More, second place - Victoria Dinh of St. Francis de Sales, third place - Cristiano Garcia of St. Thomas More and Alice Harmon of St. Theresa of Sugar Land. Sixth grade winners are, first place - Katherine Tse of St. Francis de Sales, second place - Avery Martinez Roman of St. Anne in Tomball and Kalina Dementyev of St. Theresa in Sugar Land, third place - Madelyn Simpson of St. Vincent de Paul, Josslyn Leigh of St. Francis de Sales and Anthony d’Souza of St. Anne in Tomball.
PERFORMING ACTS OF SERVICE
PHOTOS COURTESY OF
HOUSTON – Incarnate Word Academy’s (IWA) freshman “Leading with Character & Academics” students, who are part of a youth leadership program at IWA, teamed up with Catholic Charities at the Mamie George Community Center in Fort Bend County on April 10.
The students distributed groceries, played chair volleyball with guests, crafted cards to lift the spirits of local seniors and even vacuumed and swept the floors. Their learning unit on service ties into the Lenten focus to perform acts of service and giving to those in need. †
YOUTH
The secular world had taken hold of my life and everything it had to offer. I thought, “There’s no way I can go back to being Catholic now. I’m too far gone. He wouldn’t want me in my brokenness; the Church wouldn’t want me. What will people think?” I had just gone through a five-year separation from my Lord. My faith life had been the last thing on my mind the last few years of high school and into my early 20s. The devil does such a good job of making evil look appealing, but a beautiful glitterywrapped box of rattlesnakes is still a box of rattlesnakes.
As I entered my early 20s, I had a friend drag me to SEEK, a Catholic young adult conference. That weekend, surrounded by thousands of other young adults, I spent three consecutive hours on my knees in Adoration.
It was here that I came back to my Catholic faith, surrounded by others in their brokenness. I remember receiving the Sacrament of Confession for the first time in over half a decade, and I remember the priest rejoicing over my brutally honest confession. “Daughter, welcome home!” No shaming. No
by KELLY REYES SALAS
After the silence
scolding. No judging. Just love.
This priest made me feel God’s love and acceptance, which created a safe space for open conversation and, thus, allowed for a deeper conversion. It’s amazing how one person’s words and actions can affect you profoundly. If he had been harsh or condemning, all the spiritual gain from the weekend might have ended there. Instead, it was only the beginning.
A lot of our teens have these “Prodigal Son” moments. They fall away from their faith only later, desiring to return but not knowing who to turn to for answers. As parents and grandparents, God gives us the opportunity to create a loving environment where our teens can come to us in their time of need. Imagine if, instead of waiting years to finally come back to God’s grace, teens had trusted adults they felt comfortable confiding in
“Imagine if, instead of waiting years to finally come back to God’s grace, teens had trusted adults they felt comfortable confiding in who could help lead them in the right direction.”
direction.
According to a 2020 Harvard study, 80% of teenagers said that family dinner is the time they’d most likely talk to their parents, yet only about 30% of families eat together regularly.
So, parents and grandparents, I challenge you to give the teens in your life the gift of your time and your undivided attention. Start with weekly family dinners.
Print out “100 Family Dinner Table Conversation Starters,” place all phones in another room, and start creating a space for your teens to have open and honest conversations with you. If you
monthly or semi-monthly one-on-one date days. Let your teen pick something fun they want to do and join them. This will not only allow them to feel comfortable throughout your one-on-one time together but will help create an environment for them to open up to you about bigger issues in their life.
You will be amazed at how this quality time will open the door to bigger conversations when the time is needed. †
“Without this support of the laity, the hospital ministry of the Catholic Chaplain Corps wouldn’t be what it is today,” Father Sample said.
The CCC is one of 60-plus ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), which covers the salaries and living expenses of the chaplain priests and lay staff.
Father Sample encouraged the faithful to support the DSF appeal because it represents the work of the Church as no single parish can fund all critical ministries.
As the CCC continues to grow, Perera said it is crucial to pray for the ministry’s clergy and laity, and support the DSF, which ensures no patient goes without spiritual care.
“Together, we can contribute to bringing the light of Christ to those facing illness, uncertainty and suffering,” Perera said. “May God
bless those for their generosity and commitment to this important work.”
Through DSF donations and volunteering, Hessel agrees that the support of the faithful in the Archdiocese makes a significant difference for hospitalized patients.
“As a pastoral visitor, I encounter patients from all over the world, including neighboring states and across the country,” Hessel said. “Through their support, whether financial or through their time, we make a significant difference for patients, their families and the doctors and nurses who work tirelessly to care for them.”
To learn more about the CCC and how to volunteer, go to archgh. org/chaplaincorps. To support DSF ministries, visit archgh.org/DSF.
Every DSF gift directly funds ministries like the CCC, ensuring they continue their vital work in service and education. †
ARCHDIOCESAN YOUTH CONFERENCE
Kelly Reyes Salas is a parishioner at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Manvel.
CHAPLAIN, from page 9
COLUMNISTS
An Examen of Easter hope
Forty days ago, at the beginning of Lent, a group of parish leaders gathered for a retreat led by Father Randy Gibbons, SJ, the president of Cristo Rey High School. The theme of the day was an “Examen of Hope.” Father Gibbons led the group through a modification of the Jesuit “Examen” centered around the experience of hope in relation to the Jubilee Year of Hope established by Pope Francis. This style of prayer is a reflection upon the way one has experienced the presence of God to become aware of the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It begins with gratitude, noting the gifts that the Lord has given and acknowledging His love for us. The next step is petition — an invitation for the Spirit to guide the time of prayer and dispose us to receive what He wishes to share. Next, the prayer reviews the day or week and recalls specific moments where God’s presence was felt and opportunities were missed. Then comes a moment to ask forgiveness and healing before finally making a resolution to be a better
by MATT KIERNAN
disciple the next day. Father Gibbons challenged the group to think about moments in their lives when they had experienced hope, to name them, to think about why they provided hope, and how hope could be defined. He then shared the reality that doubts, fears and distractions can sometimes make it difficult to find the moments of hope. However, we are called by St. Paul to “set our mind on things that are above, not on the things that are of earth” (Col 3:2). One way to do this is to recall the source of our hope that we are loved by God, who demonstrates this through the Paschal Mystery we just experienced. For the past 40 days, we have journeyed through the penitential practices of fasting and almsgiving to scrutinize our lives so that we may better follow the
“May the hope of our risen Lord be with you, and may this hope that never disappoints transform us through this Jubilee year into a true Easter people living in the confidence of the resurrection.”
Lord. We have sat with the Lord during His agony, watched Him be arrested, scourged and crucified. We have sat with the apostles in the cenacle, trembling with fear and uncertainty. Now, we authentically celebrate the good news that the tomb is empty, the stone is
Hope has no borders
I visited the US-Mexico border in mid-February. Although this was my third trip to the border, I came away with new insights. What truly struck me was that our world is facing not a migration crisis but a crisis of global solidarity. This trip was planned six months ago with the intention of assisting migrants at the border. However, finding ghost towns in place of once-bustling cities along the border opened my eyes to the reality that I don’t need to travel to the border to help. Our migrant brothers and sisters can be found in our neighborhoods and in our communities. It is right around me that help is needed, and that is where I need to start helping more.
It does no good to assign blame to the current or any past administration. The situation we are facing has been building for decades. Regardless of the policies in place at any given time, the problem goes beyond regulating entry. Those who have made the journey to this country, like many migrants worldwide, have often found “a lack of clear and practical policies regulating the acceptance of migrants and providing for short- or long-term programs of integration respectful of the rights and duties of all” (Pope Francis’s Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2016).
That is where I can do something. If I stop pointing fingers or engaging in
rolled away, and the Lord is indeed risen. Through this ultimate sign of hope, Jesus assures us that hope in Him will never disappoint because it even conquers death.
As we venture into this Easter season and beyond, the invitation from Pope Francis and this Jubilee year remains. While opening the Holy Door to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Holy Father proclaimed, “The Jubilee calls us to spiritual renewal and commits us to the transformation of our world. The Jubilee has now opened so that all people may receive hope, the hope of the Gospel, the hope of love and hope of forgiveness.”
May the hope of our risen Lord be with you, and may this hope that never disappoints transform us through this Jubilee year into a true Easter people living in the confidence of the resurrection. †
Matt Kiernan is an associate director for Sacrament Preparation for the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
fruitless debates on social media, I can instead recognize the ways in which I am being called to act! After all, actions speak louder than words.
Local organizations devoted to helping restore the human dignity of men and women who have traveled for months or even years in search of refuge are struggling. Places like Catholic Relief Services or Catholic Charities work to overcome the obstacles migrants face and seek to promote opportunities for growth and integration. Such organizations are severely understaffed and underresourced as they experience layoffs and reduced funding.
You and I can help! In this Jubilee Year, we can celebrate the theme of this holy year and embrace one another as “Pilgrims of Hope.” We can recognize that the plight of migrants “is able to shed light on our times and… remind us of the original condition of faith, that of being ‘strangers and exiles on the earth’ (Heb 11:13)…” (Final Document on the Synod on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment, 25). Rather than focusing on what divides us, we can seek that which unites us, especially our
common humanity as we journey together to our heavenly homeland. We can help our local migrant brothers and sisters through many organizations that are helping them daily right in our neighborhoods. Hope is the central message of this Jubilee! We are called to proclaim and witness in hope how we respond to those in need in our own neighborhood and community. Welcoming the foreigner is not a
question of an open or closed border; it is a question of opening the door of our hearts in compassion and solidarity to those in our immediate surroundings. May all we encounter find this holy door open in welcome! †
Gabriela Karaszewski is the director of campus ministry and theology teacher at St. Agnes Academy.
by GABRIELA KARASZEWSKI
PHOTO BY GABRIELA KARASZEWSKI
Photo taken at the Alice Wilson Hope Park at the Brownsville/Matamoros border wall Feb. 16.
WORLD
Pope’s visit to basilica is sign of improved health, Vatican press office says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ surprise visit to St. Peter’s Basilica to pray and see ongoing restoration work is a clear sign that his condition is improving, the Vatican press office said.
The 88-year-old pope, pushed in a wheelchair by his nurse and using a nasal cannula to deliver supplemental oxygen, entered the basilica just before 1 p.m. on April 10. Vatican News said he went to the basilica to pray at the tomb of St. Pius X.
The Vatican press office said April 11 that the pope had asked his assistants to take him to the basilica to pray, and they did so.
“He was happy to pray in the basilica and to encounter people,” the press office said.
Tourists, pilgrims and even priests who minister in the basilica were taken by surprise.
“So much emotion,” Monsignor Valerio Di Palma, one of the canons of the basilica, told Vatican News. “My vision blurred with tears, and I couldn’t even take a picture.”
Of course, others present in the basilica did take photos and videos on their phones and posted them to social
IN BRIEF
media, capturing him blessing a baby and chatting with a young boy.
Pope Francis was not wearing his white cassock or white zucchetto. Instead, his head was bare, and he wore black trousers and a white shirt. He had a striped blanket draped over his chest and arms.
France to see a record 17,800 catechumens baptized at Easter, with requests still ‘pouring in’
PARIS (OSV News) — In a historic surge, more than 17,800 catechumens in France were baptized at the Easter Vigil on April 19 — the highest number since records began in 2002. Adult baptisms alone have jumped 45% over last year, totaling 10,384. The 18 to 25 age group now leads the way, reflecting a growing spiritual curiosity among young adults, many of whom come from non-practicing families.
Church leaders point to social unrest, the pandemic and personal crises as catalysts for this renewed search for faith. At a press conference April 10, church officials emphasized the need for more catechist teams to meet the rising demand.
Archbishop Olivier de Germay of Lyon said it’s not a passing trend but a real “dynamic.” The French bishops are also highlighting events like FRAT (short for “fraternité”) and the Youth Jubilee in Rome to foster community and deepen formation. Young Catholics today, leaders say, are more open and bold in sharing their faith than ever before. †
Vatican updates norms on donations for special Mass intentions
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Catholic faithful do not “buy” Masses, but when a priest accepts an offering and promises to celebrate a Mass for that person’s loved one or other special intention, he must do so, the Vatican said.
“The centuries-old custom and discipline of the church insist that each individual offering be matched by the priest’s application of a separate Mass celebrated by him,” the Dicastery for Clergy said in a decree published on April 13.
However, it said, in situations where there are many requests or few priests, a “collective” Mass may be celebrated if and only if the people making the offerings are informed and explicitly agree, the decree said.
Nevertheless, it added, a priest is allowed to keep only one of the offerings, which are usually referred to as “stipends.” The decree, based on norms in the Code of Canon Law and updating elements of a similar 1991 decree, was approved by Pope Francis on April 13 and went into effect on April 20.
Church norms governing offerings made for Masses, the decree said, are designed “to ensure justice — namely the keeping of the word given to those making the offering — and on the other hand, to avoid the danger, or even the appearance, of ‘trading’ in sacred things.” In a general audience talk in 2018 about the Mass and, specifically, about the Eucharistic prayer, Pope Francis reminded people that every Mass is celebrated for everyone.
“No one and nothing is forgotten,” he said. “And if I have someone — relatives, friends, who are in need or who have passed from this world to the other — I can name them in this moment, inwardly and in silence,” or ask for a special Mass to be celebrated for that person. †
Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, April 10, in this screengrab taken from a handout video.
The pope was released from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on March 23 after 38 days of treatment for breathing difficulties, double pneumonia and an infection of his airways.
His doctors said they released him with a recommendation that he spend two months convalescing, avoiding large groups. For his first two weeks back at the Vatican, he stayed close to his room and office in the Domus Sanctae Marthae where he lives. He concelebrated Mass each morning with his secretaries, did physical and respiratory therapy and paperwork.
Two weeks after his release from the hospital, the pope surprised people attending the closing Mass of the Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers on April 6 in St. Peter’s Square by arriving at the end of the Mass, wishing people “a happy Sunday” and thanking them for their prayers.
Pope Francis met April 7 with Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, and with Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla on April 9.
The meeting with the British royals lasted 20 minutes, and the pope did not use or need supplemental oxygen during that time, the press office said, adding that the pope has been able to go longer periods without such assistance.
In the days after meeting the king and queen, the press office said, the pope met with Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the substitute for general affairs in the Secretariat of State; Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Vatican foreign minister; Archbishop Luciano Russo, head of the secretariat’s section for diplomatic personnel; and heads of several Roman Curia offices.
The press office also announced on April 11 that Leonardo Cardinal Sandri of Argentina, vice dean of the College of Cardinals, would preside over the Vatican celebration of Palm Sunday Mass as Pope Francis’ delegate.
A source said the pope’s presence at the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter would depend both on his condition and the weather. †
OSV NEWS PHOTO
Pope Francis, who is continuing to recover from pneumonia and a long hospitalization, blesses a baby as he makes a surprise visit to St.
NATION
USCCB ends cooperative agreements with U.S. government after work suspended
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said it would not renew its cooperative agreements with the federal government related to children’s services and refugee support after its longstanding partnerships with the federal government in those areas became “untenable.”
Earlier this year, the Trump administration suspended a federal refugee resettlement program as part of its broader effort to enforce its hardline immigration policies. The ensuing halt in federal funding for the USCCB’s refugee resettlement services is the subject of ongoing litigation, and it prompted the conference to lay off about a third of the staff in its Migration and Refugee Services Office in February.
A spokesperson for the USCCB told OSV News the bishops were seeking the reimbursement of $24,336,858.26 for resettlement services (PRM and ORR programs) that was still pending payment as of April 7.
“This situation has been brought to us by the decisions of the government,” Anthony Granado, associate general secretary for policy and advocacy for the USCCB, said.
Despite decades of partnership with the USCCB’s Migration and Refugee Services across administrations of both parties, including the first Trump administration, Granado said, “We’ve been placed in an untenable position now.”
“It is clear that the government has decided that it wishes to go about doing this in a different way that doesn’t include us, and so we were kind of forced into this position,” Granado said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OSV NEWS
Unaccompanied minors are seen at the Bristow facility in Virginia in this photo provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on June 21, 2018. The shelter is one of numerous facilities that house children and youths and is funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said it would not renew its cooperative agreements with the federal government related to children’s services and refugee support after its longstanding partnerships with the federal government in those areas became “untenable.”
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB and head of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, said in an April 7 statement it was “heartbreaking” to announce the bishops’ conference would not renew its “existing cooperative agreements with the federal government related to children’s services and refugee support.”
“This difficult decision follows the
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suspension by the government of our cooperative agreements to resettle refugees,” he said. “The decision to reduce these programs drastically forces us to reconsider the best way to serve the needs of our brothers and sisters seeking safe harbor from violence and persecution. As a national effort, we simply cannot sustain the work on our own at current levels or in current form.”
Citing the government’s suspension of the cooperative agreements to resettle refugees, Archbishop Broglio said that the conference has “been concerned with helping families who are fleeing war, violence and oppression find safe and secure homes.”
“Over the years, partnerships with the federal government helped expand lifesaving programs, benefiting our sisters and brothers from many parts of the world,” Archbishop Broglio said.
“All participants in these programs were welcomed by the U.S. government to come to the U.S. and underwent rigorous screening before their arrival. These are displaced souls who see in America a place of dreams and hope. Some assisted American efforts abroad at their own risk and more seek a place to worship and pray safely as they know God calls
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He said, “Our efforts were acts of pastoral care and charity, generously supported by the people of God when funds received from the government did not cover the full cost.”
Federal law requires that unaccompanied refugee minors be cared for, and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement historically has turned to faith-based organizations, including the USCCB, to carry out this work.
A spokesperson for HHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment from OSV News about its cooperative agreement with the USCCB.
Granado said the conference’s cooperative agreements with the federal government were “really about people.”
“From the Church’s perspective, this is about responding to the Gospel command — Jesus says in the Gospel, ‘I was a stranger, and you welcomed me,’” he said, referencing Jesus Christ’s words in Matthew 25:35-40 regarding His final judgment. “This has been a blessing and a beautiful part of the USCCB and the Catholic Church in the U.S.”
The children and refugees impacted “are real people, real families” as well as “the staff whose work will be impacted,” Granado said.
As the agreements end, Archbishop Broglio added, “We will work to identify alternative means of support for the people the federal government has already admitted to these programs. We ask your prayers for the many staff and refugees impacted.”
The USCCB, Archbishop Broglio said, “will continue advocating for policy reforms that provide orderly, secure immigration processes, ensuring the safety of everyone in our communities.”
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating on behalf of men, women, and children suffering the scourge of human trafficking,” he said. “For half a century, we have been willing partners in implementing the government’s refugee resettlement program. The Gospel’s call to do what we can for the least among us remains our guide. We ask you to join us in praying for God’s grace in finding new ways to bring hope where it is most needed.” †
APOYO PASTORAL A VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSO SEXUAL DEL CLERO
En un continuo esfuerzo por facilitar atención pastoral a las victimas de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, el Arzobispo Joe Vásquez gustaría recordar a los fieles de la Arquidiócesis la disponibilidad del Coordinador de Ayuda a Víctimas. Si alguien ha sido victim de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, se les anima llamar a la Diane Vines al 713-654-5799. Por favor rece por la sanación de las víctimas del abuso y por todos los que sufren de alguna manera.
MUNDO CATÓLICO
La USCCB pone fin
a los acuerdos de cooperación con el gobierno de EE.UU. tras la suspensión de sus trabajos
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — La Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB por sus siglas en inglés) dijo que no renovará sus acuerdos de cooperación con el gobierno federal relacionados con los servicios para niños y el apoyo a los refugiados después de que sus asociaciones de larga data con el gobierno federal en esas áreas se volvieran “insostenibles”.
A principios de este año, la administración Trump suspendió un programa federal de reasentamiento de refugiados como parte de su esfuerzo más amplio para hacer cumplir sus políticas de inmigración de línea dura. La consiguiente interrupción de la financiación federal para los servicios de reasentamiento de refugiados de la USCCB es objeto de litigios en curso, y llevó a la conferencia a tener que emitir anuncios de despido a alrededor de un tercio del personal de su Oficina de Servicios de Migración y Refugiados en febrero.
Un portavoz de la USCCB dijo a OSV News que los obispos estaban solicitando el reembolso de 24.336.858,26 dólares por servicios de reasentamiento (programas PRM y ORR) que todavía estaba pendiente de pago a fecha de 7 de abril.
Los gastos generales de funcionamiento de la USCCB ascendieron a 12,35 millones de dólares cada uno en 2022 y 2021, según los registros financieros disponibles más recientes publicados en el sitio web de la USCCB.
“Esta situación ha sido traída a nosotros debido a las decisiones del gobierno”, dijo a OSV News Anthony Granado, secretario general asociado de política y defensa de la USCCB.
A pesar de décadas de asociación con los Servicios de Migración y Refugiados de la USCCB, a través de administraciones de ambos partidos, incluida la primera administración Trump, dijo Granado, “ahora nos han colocado en una posición insostenible”.
“Está claro que el gobierno ha decidido que desea hacer esto de una manera diferente que no nos incluye, por lo que nos hemos visto obligados a adoptar esta posición”, dijo Granado.
El arzobispo Timothy P. Broglio, presidente de la USCCB y jefe de la Arquidiócesis de EE.UU. para los Servicios Militares, dijo en una declaración del 7 de abril que era “desgarrador” anunciar que la conferencia episcopal no renovaría sus “acuerdos de cooperación existentes con el gobierno federal relacionados con los servicios para niños y el apoyo a los refugiados”.
“Esta difícil decisión sigue a la suspensión por parte del gobierno de nuestros acuerdos de cooperación para el reasentamiento de refugiados”, dijo. “La decisión de reducir drásticamente estos programas nos obliga a reconsiderar la mejor manera de atender las necesidades de nuestros hermanos y hermanas que buscan un refugio seguro de la violencia y la persecución. Como esfuerzo nacional,
simplemente no podemos sostener el trabajo por nuestra cuenta en los niveles actuales o en la forma actual”.
Citando la suspensión por parte del gobierno de los acuerdos de cooperación para reasentar refugiados, el arzobispo Broglio dijo que la conferencia se ha “preocupado por ayudar a las familias que huyen de la guerra, la violencia y la opresión a encontrar hogares seguros y protegidos”.
“A lo largo de los años, las asociaciones con el gobierno federal ayudaron a ampliar los programas para salvar vidas, beneficiando a nuestras hermanas y hermanos de muchas partes del mundo”,
FOTO DE OSV NEWS
Una captura de vídeo muestra a jóvenes inmigrantes caminando con un miembro del personal en el centro Carrizo Springs Influx Care Facility de Texas. El centro para menores migrantes no acompañados está gestionado por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos (HHS). La Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos dijo que no renovará sus acuerdos de cooperación con el gobierno federal relacionados con los servicios para niños y el apoyo a los refugiados después de que sus asociaciones de larga data con el gobierno federal en esas áreas se volvieran “insostenibles”.
dijo el arzobispo Broglio. “Todos los participantes en estos programas fueron acogidos por el gobierno estadounidense para venir a los Estados Unidos y fueron sometidos a un riguroso examen antes de su llegada. Son almas desplazadas que ven en América un lugar de sueños y esperanza. Algunos ayudaron a los esfuerzos estadounidenses en el extranjero por su cuenta y riesgo, y otros más buscan un lugar donde rendir culto y rezar con seguridad, pues saben que Dios les llama”.
Dijo: “Nuestros esfuerzos fueron actos de cuidado pastoral y caridad, generosamente apoyados por el pueblo de Dios cuando los fondos recibidos del gobierno no cubrieron el costo total”.
La ley federal exige que los menores refugiados no acompañados sean atendidos, y la Oficina de Reasentamiento de Refugiados del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos ha recurrido
históricamente a organizaciones religiosas, incluida la USCCB, para llevar a cabo esta labor.
Un portavoz de HHS no respondió inmediatamente a una solicitud de comentarios de OSV News sobre su acuerdo de cooperación con la USCCB. Granado dijo que los acuerdos de cooperación de la conferencia con el gobierno federal eran “realmente sobre las personas”.
“Desde la perspectiva de la Iglesia, se trata de responder al mandato del Evangelio — Jesús dice en el Evangelio: ‘Yo era forastero y me acogiste’”, dijo, refiriéndose a las palabras de Jesucristo en Mateo 25,35-40 sobre su juicio final. “Esto ha sido una bendición y una parte hermosa de la USCCB y de la Iglesia Católica en Estados Unidos”.
Los niños y refugiados afectados “son personas reales, familias reales”, así como “el personal cuyo trabajo se verá afectado”, dijo Granado.
Al finalizar los acuerdos, añadió el arzobispo Broglio, “trabajaremos para identificar medios alternativos de apoyo para las personas que el gobierno federal ya ha admitido en estos programas. Pedimos sus oraciones por el numeroso personal y refugiados afectados”.
La USCCB, dijo el arzobispo Broglio, “continuará abogando por reformas políticas que proporcionen procesos de inmigración ordenados y seguros, garantizando la seguridad de todos en nuestras comunidades”. †
WITHIN THE ARTS
New teen saint, Carlo Acutis, maps highway to heaven in documentary
BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Herald Correspondent
HOUSTON — The theatrical release of a fast-moving documentary on Carlo Acutis, the first millennial teen saint, coincides with his April 27 canonization in Italy but with a Texas twist.
The 15-year-old computer programmer, who died from leukemia in 2006, is often referred to as “God’s Influencer.”The teen created websites cataloging Eucharistic and Marian miracles around the world to evangelize by harnessing the internet.
The film, “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality,” highlights interviews with those who knew the teen personally, including his mother, Antonia, and father, Andrea Acutis, other relatives and friends, and clergy.
His mother recounted her return to faith through Carlo’s witness. She quoted her son saying, “The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”
The film also follows a group of 150 Catholic high school students from North Dakota as they participate in the University of Mary’s pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. Their interviews shared teen anxiety, isolation issues, and over-dependence on social media and technology. They worry when their cell phones have to be left behind, and they can only use a camera to document their pilgrimage.
“To see someone my age become a saint,” says a female student in the film after praying at the tomb of Carlo, where
A screengrab of the film “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality” shows a prayer image of the young Italian teen who is set to be canonized this April. The new documentary includes interviews with those who knew the teen personally, including his mother, Antonia, and father, Andrea Acutis, other relatives and friends, and clergy. The film will be in most major theaters April 27 through 29.
his preserved body wears an athletic jacket, jeans and Nike sneakers, “I started crying.”
The documentary’s director, Tim Moriarty, said in a report, “Our primary audience is young people who face mental and spiritual challenges driven by excessive screen time and digital overload.” That mindset is what brought the Texas angle with the C3 Foundation within the Diocese of Beaumont, approaching producer Jim Wahlberg and Castletown Media to create a
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CARLO ACUTIS: ROADMAP TO REALITY
feature-length documentary about the first millennial saint. C3 Foundation is a sponsor of Christ Central Camp, established for the youth of the Diocese of Beaumont in 2023.
Moriarty said, “Bishop David Toups (of Beaumont), who has a deep devotion to Blessed Carlo Acutis, named the camp’s chapel in his honor.” This also led to the foundation’s request to produce this film “inspired by Blessed Carlo’s witness and driven by a desire to help young people navigate the modern world’s challenges while striving for holiness.”
Two miracles were recognized by the Catholic Church and attributed to the intercession of Carlo Acutis, paving the way for his canonization. The first involved the healing of a young Brazilian boy suffering from pancreatic disease when his mother prayed and touched him with a photo of Acutis. The second miracle involved the recovery of a Costa Rican woman who suffered a brain hemorrhage with little chance of survival after a bicycle accident whose condition miraculously improved after her mother’s prayers to Acutis at his tomb in Assisi.
However, a bit of a jarring transition in the documentary is its insertion of social media research and its impact on youth. Instead, comparing the philosophy
MOVIE RATINGS By OSV News
A-I – SUITABLE FOR ALL
• The King of Kings (PG)
A-II – SUITABLE FOR OLDER CHILDREN
• Snow White (PG)
• A Minecraft Movie (PG)
• The Chosen: Last Supper - Part 1 (NR)
• The Last Supper (PG-13)
In theaters April 27 to 29. To watch the trailer and find tickets and screening locations online, visit www.carloacutisfilm.com
of Plato’s Cave may make more sense. The allegory starts with people in caves staring into their lit fires and watching the shadows of flames flickering across the cave walls and thinking it showed reality. The modern fake images on computers, cell phones and other artificial intelligence technology now warp current reality.
Moriarty explains, “Carlo’s life provides a roadmap away from the distractions of the virtual world to the real world, especially through his devotion to the Eucharist — his ‘Highway to Heaven’ leaving the confines of the computer and entering the infinity of Christ.”
In theaters April 27 through 29, the trailer states, “In a world losing itself to screens, teenage mystic Carlo Acutis saw beyond the social media-addicted society we live in and offered an answer… if we’re willing to listen.”
To find movie theaters with times and tickets online, visit www.carloacutisfilm. com/buy-ticket. †
A-III – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS
• Drop (PG-13)
• Last Breath (PG-13)
• The Woman in the Yard (PG-13)
L – LIMITED MATURE AUDIENCE
• Mickey 17 (R)
O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE
• A Working Man (R)
• Death of a Unicorn (R)
• Novocaine (R)
▶ For full movie reviews, visit www.osvnews.com/ category/reviews
PHOTO COURTESY OF CASTLETOWN MEDIA
AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE
For the latest updates about listings in the Around the Archdiocese, contact event organizers and visit www.archgh.org/ata.
APRIL 22
MASS FOR FAMILY HEALING, 7 p.m., Prince of Peace (19222 Tomball Pkwy., Houston). Marian Servants of the Incarnate Wisdom host a Mass for Family Healing. Preparation dates are April 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Prince of Peace St. Joseph Center, and on April 15 at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mother of Perpetual Help Retreat Center (3417 W. Little York, Houston). 832-322-4541; info@marianservantshouston.org.
APRIL 23
GAME NIGHT, 9:30 a.m., St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception - Rosary Hall (816 Park Dr., La Porte). Event includes prizes, raffles and snacks. No experience required. Cost: $5 per person. RSVP by April 21. 281-827-4232.
APRIL 26
GAME NIGHT, 6 to 10 p.m., St. Mary of the Expectation (1612 E. Walker St., League City). KofC #9310 and League City Ladies Auxiliary, host event with card games, desserts and drinks. Cost: $40 per person before the event and $45 at the door. 361-215-7151; wograce@msn.com; saintmcc.org/ladies-auxiliary-k-of-c.
PRO-LIFE MASS, WALK, 8:30 a.m. Christ the Good Shepherd (18511 Klein Church Rd., Spring). Helpers of God’s Precious Infants and the Knights of Columbus host a Mass followed by prayer at Planned Parenthood, 4747 Louetta in Spring.
ROSARY PROCESSION, 8 a.m., Annunciation (1618 Texas Ave., Houston). Mass followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, a light breakfast and a Rosary procession around Discovery Green. annunciationcc.org.
AUCTION & GALA, 6 to 11 p.m., St. Laurence Catholic School (2630 Austin Pkwy., Sugar Land). Cocktail hour followed by dinner and auction in support of the school’s educational mission. Cost: $150 per ticket until April 16, then $200 per ticket. jbardin@stlaurence.org; 281-980-0500.
APRIL 27
GROTTO CELEBRATION, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., St. Mary in Frydek (10471 Grotto Rd., Sealy). Annual Frydek grotto celebration, which was built to honor Jesus and Mary for the safe return 65 WWII veterans, includes Mass at 10 a.m., and $15 plate includes homemade kolaches, barbecue dinner (beef, chicken and homemade sausage). Event also includes auction, raffle, kids’ games and dancing with music by Krenek Band, Chris Wallace DJ, Dujka Brothers. 979-885-3131, stmary@twlt.net.
CRAWFISH FESTIVAL, 12 to 8 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi (5100 Dabney St., Houston). Event features Brian Jack & The Zydeco Gamblers and Step Rideau & The Zydeco Outlaws. Cost: $5 admission. stfrancisofassisihouston@gmail.com.
SPRING FESTIVAL, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., St. Gregory the Great (10500 Nold Dr., Houston). Free event includes food, raffle, DJ and live music. 713631-3681; stgregoryhouston@gmail.com.
APRIL 29
FOOD FEST, 5 to 7:30 p.m., St. Luke the Evangelist KC Hall (2320 Hatfield Rd., Pearland). Event includes food and DJ music. Cost: $20 per ticket (children 5 and under are free). 281-481-5492; slcc@stlukescatholic.com; stlukecatholic.com.
MAY 3
GALA, 6 to 10 p.m., Marquee at Mainland City Center (10000 Emmet F Lowry Expwy., Suite 1366, Texas City). Masquerade ball and
mystery dinner theater supports Our Lady of Fatima School in Texas City with dinner, drinks, dancing and entertainment. Cost: $75. 409945-3326; dmccullin1@fatimatc.org.
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT, 1 p.m. registration, SPJT Lodge 88 (1485 Beall St., Houston). Sponsored by St. Rose of Lima School Booster Club, the cornhole tournament and online auction to raise funds for wall padding in the school’s gymnasium. rebrand.ly/ RoseLimaBoosterCornhole.
MAY 3-4
FESTIVAL, 7 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday, Mary Queen (606 Cedarwood Dr., Friendswood). Event includes the “Springtime Soiree” gala in the parish center’s main hall, offering dinner, entertainment, and a keynote address from retired NASA Astronaut Col. Mike Hopkins. Festival continues Saturday with family-friendly activities. Cost of gala is $75, festival is free to attend.
FESTIVAL, Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., St. Rose of Lima (3600 Brinkmann St., Houston). Event features raffle, silent auction, Bingo Night (on Saturday), live music, food, desserts and more. Bingo Night Pre-Sale tickets are $25 pre-sale, $30 at door. To purchase online: bit.ly/SpringFestivalBingo. stroselima.org.
BAZAAR, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., St. Francis de Sales (8200 Roos Rd., Houston). Event includes crawfish boil 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, live music, ethnic food and drinks, kids’ games, and a live auction at 3 p.m. Sunday. susank@sfds-houston. org; sfds-houston.org.
GARAGE SALE, Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; St. Theresa (705 St. Theresa Blvd., Sugar Land). Sales include religious items, jewelry, fine china, vintage/antique items, furniture, toys, home improvement, books, electronics and more. Free entry.
BAZAAR, St. Matthias (302 FM 1774, Magnolia). Saturday 7 p.m. is third annual barn dance with music provided by The Lonely Road Band and shrimp and gumbo cook out. On Sunday, 10:30 a.m. till 5 p.m., event includes games, inflatables, a live and silent auction, a variety of food options, including a barbecue dinner and live music. www.st-matthias.net/bazaar.
MAY 4
BAZAAR, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes (10114 Hwy 6, Hitchcock). Event includes fried chicken dinners, Mexican dinners, live and silent auction, vendors, games, Bingo, Star Wars costume contest, kids’ games and raffle. Cost: Free. texmark86@gmail.com; ololchurch.org/ bazaar.
BAZAAR, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., St. Anthony de Padua at Skrabanek Park (6102 5th St., Danbury). Free event includes barbecue brisket and sausage with homemade trimmings. Serving time is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., $15 a plate. Live auction begins at 12:30 p.m. Event also includes homemade goodies, games, prizes and raffle. st1523@ sbcglobal.net; 979-922-1240.
ART EXHIBIT, noon to 3 p.m., St. Joseph (1811 Carolina Ave., Baytown). Art exhibit and reception with Liturgical artist Merci McCoy. Free event, artwork for sale. 281-420-3588; mercedesoriginals.com.
MAY 8
PRESENTATION, 10 a.m. to noon, St. Laurence (3100 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land). Christine Hernandez explores the virtue of hope as a catalyst for living faith. Free admission. RSVP:
832-915-5644; starons@stbchurch.org.
MAY 13
GOLF TOURNAMENT, 8:30 a.m., Willow Creek Golf Club (24525 Northcrest Dr., Spring). Legionaries of Christ, Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi, and the Houston Men’s Section host benefit tournament with check-in at 8:30 a.m. Shotgun start at 10 a.m. and raffles, contests, food and more. Open to all golfers. Cost: $800 per foursome, $200 per individual. Register: tinyurl.com/rcgolftournament25. 281-728-2992; info@exponcierge.com.
MAY 14
EVENING WITH THE BISHOPS, 7 p.m., River Oaks Country Club (1600 River Oaks Blvd., Houston). 15th annual event benefits St. Dominic Village. Sponsorships and individual tickets are available. 713-391-2685; sewrin-porter@ stdominicvillage.org.
MAY 16-18
MARRIAGE RETREAT, from 7 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Sunday, Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center (430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston). Retreat for
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MILESTONES
PARISH HONORED BECAUSE OF DEDICATION TO BLOOD DONATION
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH
Christ the Redeemer Parish was recently honored by Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center as the 2024 Church of the Year. Received by John and Jenny Tyler, the award represents the parish’s dedication to hosting blood drives for many years, including during the pandemic, and increasing the frequency of drives held at the parish per year. The Tylers have been responsible for spearheading the parish’s efforts for many years, saving countless of lives in the Houston area.
‘WALK WITH ONE’
Learn more about the next step of the Eucharistic Congress online at archgh.org/revival
SPRING LUNCHEON FOCUSES ON MENTAL HEALTH
on
and
Compassionate Help in Times of Need
Like many veterans, Jim had challenges adjusting to civilian life. But when he got sick and lost his job, he didn’t lose his home thanks to rental assistance from Catholic Charities.
We are here for Jim and thousands of others who need a hand up to avoid homelessness and regain stability. Beyond help with rent, we assist with utility bills so families don’t have to live in the dark and suffer during cold winters or hot summers.
DID YOU KNOW?
In the past five years...
We provided $147,860,430 in rental assistance to help 151,015 families remain safely housed
We provided $1,138,769 in utilities assistance to keep the lights burning for 4,050 families
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston brings hope and help to our most vulnerable neighbors, regardless of their faith, thanks to generous donors, parishes and volunteers.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTUS FOUNDATION FOR HEALTHCARE
The 21st Annual Spring Luncheon of CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare was held
March 28 at the River Oaks Country Club. Actor and Director Sean Astin, famous for numerous roles, including in the films “Goonies,” “Lord of the Rings,”
most recently in Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” offered meaningful insight on his journey with the bipolar diagnosis of his late mother, Academy Award Winner Patty Duke, as well as his lifetime mental health advocacy. Thanks to the guidance of co-chairs Margaret O’Donnell and Terra Seidel, $243,000 was raised in support of CHRISTUS mental health initiatives. The Houston Philanthropy Circle was honored with the organization’s Legacy Award. Pictured, from left to right, are Margaret O’Donnell, Terra Seidel, Sean Astin and Richard Torres.