Texas Catholic Herald - August 19, 2025

SHEPHERD’S MESSAGE

Archbishop Vásquez reflects on his vocation and Pope Leo’s first 100 days

PAGE 2

A SUMMER OF TEXAS GRIEF

Nation mourns lives lost in July 4 flood

Proclaiming

Catholic schools return to class with focus on

BY REBECCA TORRELLAS Texas Catholic Herald

HOUSTON — School is back in session for the 2025-2026 school year for the 12 Catholic high schools and 44 Catholic primary schools in the Archdiocese.

Mazie McCoy, Ed.D., Archdiocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, said this year’s school theme is “Renewing Hearts and Transforming Schools: The Jubilee Mission of Catholic Schools.”

“It is a call to enter into a year of renewal, forgiveness and celebration,” McCoy said. “It is a time to celebrate the great things taking place in our schools and to recommit ourselves to the transformative work we are called to do.”

McCoy said the Catholic Schools Office also continues to collaborate with the Archdiocesan advisory school council to develop a strategic plan that supports all schools, with identified goals and action steps, in the domains of mission and Catholic identity, governance and leadership, academic excellence, and operational vitality.

Key stakeholders were surveyed to

EDUCATION

BY ELIZABETH MORALES AND JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald

HOUSTON — Archbishop Joe Vásquez celebrated the annual Opening Catholic Schools Mass for teachers, staff, principals and administrators on Aug. 8 at the CoCathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston for the largest private school system in Texas. Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, concelebrated the Mass with nearly 20 other priests of the Archdiocese who pastor parishes with Catholic schools.

In his homily, Archbishop Vásquez said the Catholic schools of Galveston-Houston “must be places that young people discover the truth — not just the truth in the rules of grammar, mathematical equations, historical facts or chemistry experiments — but also deeper truths.”

“We know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the light,” he said. “Catholic schools are communities of faith for children and young

MINISTRY

Annual youth conference draws thousands to Christ SEE PAGE 7

COLUMNISTS Trust in the Lord, listen to Him and then cast again SEE PAGE 13

See MASS,

PHOTOS BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Above, Father Mathew Thottiyil, parochial vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish and School in The Woodlands, blesses a group of St. Anthony of Padua School students on Aug. 12, the first full day of school. Below, a young student colors an activity page as the school’s nearly 500 students join thousands around the Archdiocese in beginning the new school year.

A Shepherd’s Message

By Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez

In this message, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez reflects on his own vocation to the priesthood and the past 100 days of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV.

This past June, you marked the 41st anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood. What role does the local Church — parishes, schools, and families — play in fostering a culture of vocations within the Archdiocese?

We are blessed to have the Office of Vocations, directed by Father Richard McNeillie, in the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston. We are also blessed to have over 60 seminarians in formation for the priesthood. This is a sign that God is working in this local Church, and I believe God is calling more men and women to serve His Church.

When I celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with young people, I remind them, having been now confirmed with the Spirit, to consider a life of service in our Church: for young men to consider the priesthood, and for young women to consider religious life. While the Office of Vocations promotes vocations, everyone has a role to play in vocations, especially in the family.

The family is where the first seeds of vocations are planted. Many saints received their callings at an early age. It is never too early for parents to begin encouraging their children to consider vocations to the priesthood and religious life. All vocations in the Church are uniquely beautiful. Married life is a beautiful and noble vocation and should never be regarded as inferior to religious life, the priesthood, or the diaconate; it should be exalted. Every vocation helps to nurture the others. If we have good husbands, good wives, and good marriages, we will have good priests and sisters. If we have good and holy priests and religious, we will also have good and holy marriages.

Recalling your own vocation story, what is a moment that highlights the beauty and impact of saying “yes” to a religious vocation?

My journey to the priesthood began when I was young. I met our pastor, Father Bernard Gully, when I was in middle school. He was full of life, on fire for the Lord, and joy-filled. As pastor, he immediately drew many people into the life of the parish. Families came together for Bible study, and the youth group grew and became a dynamic blessing. But the best part for me was not that more people were involved; it was his joy. I said to myself, “I want that — I want to be joyful, I want to be happy. How do I get that?”

That started my discernment process. I then went on a

Arzobispo Vásquez comparte su mensaje en línea en español. Visite www.archgh.org para leer su artículo en línea.

retreat, and, while praying, I heard God say to me, “I want you to be my priest.” At first, I thought I was making it up in my head, but then it came back again: “I want you to be my priest.” I then asked God, “If it’s really You, give me a sign,” right after this moment in prayer. The vocations director, who was also attending the retreat, came and sat next to me and asked: “Are you thinking about the priesthood? About being a priest?” I said, “Yes,” and that was the sign God gave me. I went to seminary, and God has blessed me with the gift of the priesthood. He has exceeded all my expectations!

August 15 — the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary — marked the 100th day of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. How have you seen the Holy Spirit moving in his papacy?

The Holy Spirit was active in the Church throughout the funeral rites of Pope Francis, the conclave and the election of Pope Leo XIV. The Holy Spirit is truly alive and present in the Church. The Church came together to pray for Pope Francis and commend him to God during the funeral. The process of preparing for the conclave was done in a spirit of prayer, from the movement of the cardinals into the Sistine Chapel to the invocation of the saints. The conclave was brief, but it was truly powerful because of the Spirit, who guides the Church.

Those days, the entire world was paying attention to the Catholic Church because the world seeks, wants and hungers for God. The Church then beautifully celebrated all her rituals and rites with the installation of Pope Leo XIV. He quickly showed himself to be an articulate man of deep prayer who is inspired by his Augustinian tradition and as a missionary. Yes, he’s American, but he is also a man of the Church with a universal view. Our Holy Father is the universal shepherd of the Church, successor of Peter, and the vicar of Christ!

In a sense, Pope Leo has begun a new part of his vocation journey. How do you think his pontificate might help people discerning?

I hope people who are discerning a vocation will see Pope Leo as a man who has been called by God to serve as pope, as an inspiration to give their lives in service to the Church. He is not afraid of expressing his joy and excitement of being with people. I hope this attracts others to consider a vocation to the Church. I pray that many young people will find joy serving others.

An essential question for anyone discerning a vocation is: Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for God and for others? It is important that people recognize that sacrifice is involved in a vocation. Life is not just about me, taking care of myself, my career and earning a lot of money — as though those things will make me happy. They can never make me completely happy because our greatest calling from God is to be united with Him for all eternity. †

Nearly 60 men are currently in formation at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston to become the next generations of priests. These men spend anywhere from 5 to 7 years preparing for their Ordination to the Priesthood.

To read more about our seminarians and how you can support them, visit www.smseminary.com.

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THE FIRST WORD

from page 1

people to learn the deeper meaning of life. We want our students to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. We want them also to excel in academics and to be rooted in Christian values and virtues.”

A student choir and hospitality team, comprised of students from Christ the Redeemer, St. Helen and St. Thomas More schools, served at the Mass. Catholic schools throughout the Archdiocese began their first weeks of school in mid-August, with this year’s theme as “Renewing Hearts and Transforming Schools: The Jubilee Mission of Catholic Schools,” which coincides with the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Year.

“This is more than a theme, it is a sacred invitation; a call to enter into a year of renewal, forgiveness and celebration,” said Mazie McCoy, Ed.D., Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese, during her welcome and address following the Mass. “It is a time to reflect on our journey, to rejoice in our

blessings and to recommit ourselves to the transformative work we are called to do each day.”

“The Jubilee Year reminds us to celebrate the great things happening in our schools, to honor the diversity in our communities and to welcome all with open hearts,” she said. “We are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love, helping our students build a relationship with Him that will sustain them throughout their lives.”

During the convocation, service awards and special recognitions were also celebrated.

Sacred Heart School in Conroe, led by Principal Debbie Brown and Father Nicolas Ramirez, pastor, received the Catholic Impact Award, which recognized the school for its outreach efforts and extraordinary service to others.

Father Jaison Mangalath, S.V.D., and Principal Deena Wolf of St. Mary of the Purification Catholic School received the Sts. Peter and Paul Award, honoring their exceptional collaboration and cooperation in managing the school.

Suzanne Barto of St. Laurence

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Above, at left, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez preaches the homily during the Opening Schools Mass on Aug. 8 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Above, at right, Stephanie Smith, a second-grade teacher at St. Anne School in Houston, greets Archbishop Vásquez as she receives her 25-year milestone award. At far left, Betty Festa looks over the Sally Landram Excellence in Education Award, which she received at the Mass. To see more pictures, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/BTS25

Catholic School in Sugar Land received the Archdiocesan Leadership Award, acknowledging her significant and positive impact on advancing the mission of Catholic education in the Archdiocese.

Finally, the Sally Landram Excellence in Education Award, which comes with a $1,500 award, was given to Betty Festa, a teacher at St. John Paul II School. The award is funded by the John W. and Alida Considine Foundation in memory of Sally Landram, an educator, former Archdiocesan superintendent and Catholic education advocate.

Festa, who became emotional when she received the Landram award and knew Landram herself and other past recipients, said she was “humble and proud” to be part of the Archdiocesan Catholic education.

“Catholic education has always been top for my family,” she said. “As a Catholic school student, as a Catholic school teacher, it’s just part of my whole DNA.”

There are approximately 18,000 students in the 56 Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. †

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS

Effective July 1

Father Hrudayraj Gade

Hospital Chaplain - Catholic Chaplain Corps

Effective July 15

Father Thinh Ba Doan, C.Ss.R.

Parochial Vicar - Sacred Heart, Richmond

Father Samuel Fonseca Torres, c.s. Chaplain - Port Ministry

Effective July 21

Father Simon Kipiti

Parochial Vicar - St. Mary’s of the Expectation, League City

Effective July 30

Father Mariusz Lis, SChr.

Pastor - Our Lady of Czestochowa

Effective Aug. 1

Father Graham Keep, CC

Associate Director - Catholic Charismatic Center

Father Vincent Ubom, M.S.P.

Parochial Vicar - St. Mary Magdalene, Humble

BRIEFS

Registration open for gold, silver anniversary Masses

HOUSTON — The 2025 Wedding Anniversary Jubilee Masses, honoring couples celebrating their Silver (25th) and Gold (50th) Anniversaries of marriage in the Catholic Church, are now open for registration.

The Gold Anniversary Mass is set for Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in downtown Houston, at 2 p.m. Couples are eligible to receive a special recognition whether they attend the ceremony or not. The Silver Anniversary Mass is set for Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m., also at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Registration is $40 per couple for the Gold Mass and $25 for the Silver Mass until Aug. 30, when the registration increases to $40. The fee includes an Archdiocesan certificate of each anniversary, a special issue worship aid and a commemorative pin.

For more information and to register, visit www.archgh. org/familylife. †

Second collection to benefit UST, CUA

HOUSTON — On the weekend of Sept. 6 to 7, parishes in the Archdiocese will host a second collection to support the University of St. Thomas (UST) in Houston and the Catholic University of America (CUA).

This special collection provides vital scholarship funds for students at the UST and CUA. †

Blue Mass set for Sept. 28

HOUSTON — Blue Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in downtown Houston. The color guard lineup will be at 10:45 a.m. Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez will be the celebrant.

The annual Mass is celebrated on behalf of civilian and classified law enforcement employees, police officers, their families and public supporters.

Officers are encouraged to wear dress uniforms without the hat. Agencies are encouraged to bring equipment for the public to see and to be blessed after the Mass. For more information, email Scott Underwood at sunderwood@archgh. org or call 713-741-8744. †

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR AUGUST FOR MUTUAL COEXISTENCE

“Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.”

– Pope Leo XIV

MASS,

LOCAL

Port Chaplaincy offers support to seafarers

Through the dedication of chaplains, volunteers and lay staff, the ministry offers sacramental and pastoral care to workers in maritime operations at the ports. ▪ SEE PAGE 8

Students are ‘known, loved and challenged’ at Archdiocesan Catholic Schools, leaders say

SCHOOLS, from page 1

determine the goals for each area. SWOT process is a decision-making technique that identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of an organization or project.

She added the office is also focused on efforts to attract and retain Latino families.

“A group of four principals attended the University of Notre Dame’s Latino Enrollment Institute this summer,” she said. “This year-long formation program provides Catholic schools with marketing strategies and school culture interventions to better attract and serve Latino families. The four principals will pilot this program during the 2025-2026 school year.”

NEW PROGRAMS

St. Theresa Catholic School in Memorial Park is starting a new chapter in their STREAM program with the Foundations Training part of STREAM Made Simple hosted by Eduscape.

School Principal Sarah Fox said it is the first step in a multi-year effort to fully integrate STREAM into every grade level and subject area.

“Eduscape will be walking alongside our teachers throughout the year with coaching and workshops, giving them the tools and confidence to bring STREAM to life across the curriculum,” she said.

Fox said that, in the past, STREAM at St. Theresa was mostly focused in lab and science classes.

“Now, we’re taking it schoolwide. That means whether a student is in math, literature, religion or art, they’ll be engaged in hands-on, inquiry-driven learning that connects all content,” she said. “We have a strong foundation in place, but our students deserve so much more out of our program to be better prepared for the future.”

Fox said this expansion is about providing real growth opportunities, so students leave St. Theresa equipped not only with academic skills, but also with creativity, problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills and faith-filled leadership.

“As a school, our mission is to grow leaders in faith, service and knowledge, and STREAM helps us live that mission in powerful, practical ways,” she said.

NEW PRINCIPALS

The new school year includes a combination of new students, new teachers, new textbooks, new technology and new principals. This year, seven new principals have joined the Archdiocese.

At St. Helen Catholic School in Pearland, new principal, Ivan J. Earls, Ed.D., has journeyed from being a principal at both Catholic and public charter high schools in Louisiana.

In his first year, he intends to focus on strengthening the foundations of the school, including deepening the students’ Catholic identity, supporting highquality instruction and building strong connections with families.

“I want every student to be known, loved and challenged to grow in wisdom, age and grace,” Earls said. He hopes to implement weekly professional learning communities for teachers.

“We are also creating more visible opportunities for students to live their faith through service, Liturgy and Catholic traditions,” Earls said.

Josh Kallus, new principal at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic School

A LOOK TO THE FUTURE Catholic Schools Office prepares for Education Savings Accounts implementation in 2026

HOUSTON — This year, Senate Bill 2, passed by the Texas Senate on May 3, is set to take effect on Sept. 1.

The Texas Education Savings Account Program will provide parents of students in non-public Texas schools a publicly funded, government-authorized education savings account (ESA) to K–12 students starting in the fall of 2026. Parents may use the funds to cover eligible expenses, including school tuition, school breakfasts and lunches, uniforms, tutoring, online education programs, therapies for students with special needs, and textbooks or other instructional materials.

Mazie McCoy, Ed.D., Archdiocesan Catholic School superintendent, said that with a $1 billion initial program appropriation, potentially up to 90,000 Texas students could receive an estimated $10,500 per year in the first year of this program. Students with state-recognized disabilities can receive up to $30,000 per year.

“The Catholic Schools Office’s focus this year is to educate current and prospective families on the benefits of the ESA program and how they can apply,” she said.

By the end of January 2026, all parochial schools will elect to participate in the ESA program. †

in Katy, didn’t travel far for his new position. He spent the last five years as the school’s assistant principal. The native Houstonian attended Catholic schools all his life, graduating from St. Pius X High School.

“At Epiphany, our mission — rooted in faith, knowledge, compassion and character — guides everything we do,” he said. “I am deeply committed to nurturing not only the minds of our students, but also their hearts and spirits. Each day, we strive to form young people who think critically, act with integrity, lead with kindness and grow closer to Christ.”

Juan Suarez considers it a privilege and true blessing to begin his journey as principal at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School.

“I am deeply honored to join this faithfilled community and am committed to upholding the school’s mission of providing an education that forms the whole person, spiritually, intellectually and morally,” he said.

Suarez said the focus for the upcoming year is to strengthen the school’s distinctive classical curriculum.

“We will continue to immerse our students in the rich tradition of classical learning and foster a love for poetry and literature,” he said.“This approach, rooted in Catholic educational philosophy, seeks

PHOTOS BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

St. Anthony of Padua fourth-grade teacher Emily de Aragao instructs her class on their first full day of school at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School in The Woodlands Aug. 12.

to cultivate critical thinking and lifelong pursuit of truth and wisdom.”

Amanda Smith previously served for 12 years at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School in Houston, including six as an administrator, where she led curriculum development, classical education initiatives and accreditation efforts. She also taught in a nearby public school district as a bilingual educator, gaining valuable experience in multicultural classrooms.

As a Catholic student herself, Smith’s journey in faith and education continues as principal at Shrine of the True Cross Catholic School in Dickinson.

“As someone who attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through 12th grade in this Archdiocese, it’s a true joy to now serve as principal — giving back to the same community that formed me in faith and purpose,” she said. “Those formative years helped shape who I am today and inspired my vocation to serve in Catholic education,” she said.

Smith said her main focus in her first year is on building relationships by getting to know the students, families and faculty, and listening to what “makes True Cross so special.”

“I want to support our teachers and help create a strong sense of unity and purpose as we work together to form our students in faith, virtue and knowledge,” she said.

For Sharon Bradley, new principal at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Galena Park, the journey was a little different. As a retired public-school principal from Pearland ISD, she spent 27 years in education, with 20 of those as an administrator. After four years in retirement, Bradley was motivated to get closer to her Catholic faith and back to what she loves doing, being a principal of a school.

For her first year at the school, Bradley said she will be focused on rigorous academics in a spiritually led environment.

“With a focus on rigor, our clubs and extra-curricular activities will support that mission,” she said. “By bringing in robotics, National Junior Honor Society and our Prayer Partner clubs, we hope to enrich the whole student, mind and soul.

Bradley said the school’s academic theme this year is “Prayer, Honor, Success.”

“We will implement a house system where our students will be grouped by

A PRAYER FOR STUDENTS

Lord our God, in Your wisdom and love, You surround us with the mysteries of the universe. Send your Spirit upon these students and fill them with Your wisdom and blessings. Grant that they may devote themselves to their studies and draw ever closer to You, the source of all knowledge. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

houses and led by a teacher as a house leader,” she said. “Students will compete from their different houses, encouraging competition and honor in fair play academically and physically.”

For information on enrolling or teaching in a Catholic school, visit www. ChooseCatholicSchools.org. †

Restoring permanent deacons among Second Vatican Council’s

BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald

HOUSTON — More than 60 years since dramatic changes in the Catholic Church by the Second Vatican Council, three Houston clergymen — young seminarians in Rome in the 1960s — shared their first-hand witness with about 300 deacons and their wives Aug. 2.

Monsignor Chester Borski told the Diaconate Convocation meeting at St. Mary’s Seminary, “All of you deacons are here because of the Second Vatican Council!” He said more than 2,000 bishops attended the council.

“I was a student at the time in Rome,” Monsignor Borski said. “And this was the first time I heard the bishops describing the Church as the People of God.”

During that time in the early 1960s, the world was still recovering from World War II, especially the pockmarked and bombed-out buildings still visible and people reeling from losing millions of lives in the horrors, he said.

Father Sal De George, OMI, also a seminarian then, recalled his personal healing in witnessing the council’s candlelit procession of thousands

gathering in St. Peter’s Square.

“Oct. 11, 1962, was a special night that I will never forget. It was a holy night, and I would cry and drop to my knees in thanks,” he said.

Father Donald Nesti, C.S.Sp., in recalling the council’s decision to change the Liturgy from Latin to the vernacular, said, “I love Latin, but as seminarians we were told to prepare ourselves for dialogue with the people.”

The parishioners also had to learn to

participate more and take their mission to the community, growing from “passive acceptance to active engagement,” he said.

“The four Dogmatic Constitutions of the Council started with divine revelation to the divine light within each person,” Father Nesti said. All three clergy agreed that the impact of Vatican II was distinctly pastoral, making the Church relevant to the people as a “medicine of mercy, rather than severity.”

Deacon Phillip Jackson, Archdiocesan director of the Office of the Diaconate, updated the group of local deacons who now total 423, including 235 who are active and 188 who are retired. The Archdiocese is home to the nation’s second-largest number of permanent deacons, only behind Chicago.

“Thank you, deacons and wives, for your commitment,” Archbishop Vásquez said.“You are an extension of me to serve as effective ministers of the Church.”

He reflected on meeting Pope Leo XIV in Rome when the pope presented him with his wool pallium, a symbol of his being a metropolitan archbishop.

Archbishop Vásquez said the Holy Father’s main words to the new archbishops were “unity and community” as his primary themes of his papacy, continuing the spirit of Vatican II.

The annual convocation ended with the deacons celebrating Mass with Archbishop Vásquez, urging them to strike a balance of “teaching and preaching, offering comforting yet challenging words of hope” to keep parishioners actively returning to Church. †

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Archbishop Vásquez to 2,000-plus teens: ‘You give me hope’

BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald

HOUSTON — At times rocking with music and a vibrant and frenetic youthful energy, one of the largest ballrooms in the Archdiocese became a sacred place of solemn prayer of Mass and Eucharistic Adoration with silence and worship during the 2025 Archdiocesan Youth Conference (AYC).

Held July 25 to 26 at the Hilton of the Americas Hotel in downtown Houston, AYC welcomed more than 2,000 teenagers for a weekend of Sacraments, prayer, Masses, Liturgies and activities, including times of Eucharistic Adoration.

Various workshop topics included Marian devotions, intercessory prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours, praying with art and movement, mental health, vocations, dating, college futures, and Latino and Asian Catholic issues. Keynotes featured addresses by Gian Gamboa, who emceed the weekend, as well as Katie Prejean McGrady and Sister Nicole Trahan, FMI, each reflecting on the conference’s theme of “Pilgrims of Joy.” Sheer joy and friendships between teenage parishioners grew as the weekend continued.

By the Sunday closing Mass, presided over by Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez, the conference grew to more than 2,500 as parents and families attended the Mass.

Speaking directly to the young people during his homily, Archbishop Vásquez said, “I’m truly impressed with your enthusiasm and your joy. You give me hope. I believe Jesus Christ is working in and through your lives, and He will continue to be in your lives as long as you allow Him.”

He said knowing that the young people continue to choose Christ, “This fills me with hope to know that Christ is alive in you. Please know that each and every one of you is a blessing to the Archdiocese.”

He encouraged the teens to live a life of prayer.

“To be pilgrims of hope, we must be people who pray,” he said. “To pray for another person is truly a gift and a blessing. Jesus spent a great deal of time in prayer. All of us hunger and thirst for God. The thirst for God is often described as a longing in our hearts that cannot be

satisfied by anything or anyone here on Earth. In every person, man, woman, or child, the longing is ultimately a desire to be close to God and, eventually, to be united with God. But what is also extraordinary is that God longs to be united with us. He has a desire to be close to each one of us. He wants to always be close to us.”

Recognizing the gifts already alive in the young people, Archbishop Vásquez lauded the hundreds of teens who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation from the dozens of parish priests.

“All of us who pray the ‘Our Father’ are asking that God’s will be done here,” he said. “We want God’s mercy, goodness, peace and justice to be here and now as it is forever in heaven. The kingdom is not just for me or my friends or for those that I like. The kingdom of God is for everyone.”

The Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization, which hosts the annual youth conference, also presented

several recognition awards. Melissa Alexander and Yudith Cortez were recognized as outstanding youth ministry volunteers, while Aileen Jimenez and Paul Tran received youth minister awards. Vanessa Cadengo was honored with the Youth for Christ award, and Father Victor Perez received the Good Shepherd award. Finally, Megan Spies received the Cardinal DiNardo special recognition award.

The 2026 Archdiocesan Youth Conference is set for July 31 to Aug. 2, with a theme drawn from the first words of Pope Leo XIV: “Peace Be With You All.” †

PHOTOS BY REQUENES PHOTOGRAPHY AND JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

At top left, Father J Serrato, Archdiocesan Youth Conference (AYC) chaplain, carries the Blessed Sacrament for Eucharistic Adoration during a July 26 session at AYC in the Hilton of the Americas Hotel in downtown Houston. At top right, more than 2,000 teens attended AYC. Above, at left, more than 2,500 attended the closing Sunday, July 27, Mass, which included (above, at right) a commissioning blessing from Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez for the 2025-2026 Archdiocesan Youth Council group.

Bringing Christ’s hope to those hidden at sea

BY KERRY MCGUIRE  Herald Correspondent

HOUSTON — Far from the public eye, the men and women who work at sea spend weeks, even months to half a year, away from home to help deliver the billions of goods shipped across the globe each year. They often go unnoticed, living in isolation with limited contact from the outside world. For them, a warm welcome, a listening ear, or the chance to receive the Eucharist can make all the difference.

Through the dedication of chaplains, volunteers and lay staff with Stella Maris, also known as the Port Chaplaincy, sacramental and pastoral care is offered to seafarers and those who support maritime operations at the ports of Houston, Galveston, Texas City and Barbours Cut. The team climbs steep gangways, boards shrimping vessels and cruise ships, visits cargo crews, and checks in on longshoremen and day workers, bringing Christ’s hope and healing presence through the Sacraments, compassionate listening and practical support.

One of these teammates for the past four years is Deacon Jeff Willard, who has served as the port chaplain at the Galveston Seafarers Center. He said he considers his work with Stella Maris the most meaningful of his 26-year diaconal vocation in the Church. He and his team provide not only sacramental and spiritual care, but also a steady presence and tangible support to those who live and labor at sea.

Deacon Willard said that Stella Maris serves as a bridge between the Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese and those working at sea, who represent diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. In his role, he has formed bonds with men and women from more than 78 countries. Through small, daily gestures, conversation, prayer, food deliveries or a ride into town, Stella Maris offers comfort to those facing separation, hardship or exhaustion.

“It’s a way for me to serve people who don’t look like me, don’t speak like me,

don’t think like me and usually do not pray like I do,” said Deacon Willard. “Being the hands and feet of Christ to these men and women on the ships has brought me a lot of great joy. It’s a wonderful ministry, one where I get to meet remarkable people, hear their stories, learn where they come from, see pictures and videos of their families, and begin to build relationships with them.”

Deacon Willard said Stella Maris also ministers to local shrimpers from Vietnamese and Hispanic communities, many of whom are struggling financially due to high fuel costs and the influx of inexpensive seafood imports. Often, they do not know how much they’ll be paid until they return from a long trip and sell their catch. For these day workers, many of whom are homeless, the ministry

Catholic Charities

Food, clothing, emergency financial assistance, counseling, veterans assistance, disaster recovery, immigrant legal assistance, refugees services, senior services and more catholiccharities.org/need-help or 713-526-4611

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Home visits, food network, disaster relief, clothing and furniture svdphouston.org/get-help or 713-741-8234

San José Clinic

Primary and specialty health care services, counseling and mental health, vision and dental care sanjoseclinic.org or 713-228-9411

provides meals, socks, gloves, hats and hygiene kits. They also bring microwaves and ready-to-eat meals to help crews quickly and easily prepare food onboard.

“One thing we always bring, no matter what type of vessel, is hope,” said Deacon Willard.

Hope often begins with trust. Through regular visits, Deacon Willard has become a confidant for those facing abuse and wage theft aboard commercial vessels. He works closely with the International Seafarers Union and the U.S. Coast Guard, filing basic reports that protect the identity of the person involved and alert the proper authorities to intervene.

“They’ll put up with a lot before they finally break and realize, ‘I need to call and talk to someone,’” Deacon Willard said. “It’s a real blessing to be a person they trust with that information. I file a basic report so someone with authority can board and get the situation straightened out, to bring these men and women the justice they deserve.”

Deacon Willard said he maintains ongoing relationships with several seafarers from past visits, many of whom message him after returning to their home countries or being reassigned to new ports. He said he stayed especially close to several Ukrainian sailors whose families have been displaced by war. For these friends at sea, he believes even a quick text or a simple prayer can be the most meaningful part of their day.

“It means a lot to them to know that someone in the U.S. cares about them and is praying for them,” Deacon Willard said. “Some are not Catholic or Christian, but they know I’m praying for them. They know we share a God, and that’s a big thing for them. Staying in touch and praying is such a simple gesture for us.”

Deacon Willard said that when many people look out to sea and see ships, they may not consider the lives on

The 2025 Diocesan Services Fund theme is “Cry Out with Joy to the Lord.” DSF operates in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston each year to help the Church carry out the ministries of teaching and sanctifying. DSF brings the needed financial resources to carry out 64 ministries.

DSF IN ACTION

This video series brings to life the ministry featured in this story. Hear from people personally impacted by God’s grace through these DSF ministries.

TO WATCH OR VISIT

board, which oftentimes are men and women working long hours in isolation to support the global supply chain. He said more people will become less what he calls “sea-blind,” recognizing the dignity of maritime workers and the importance of ministries like Stella Maris in affirming their worth through presence, prayer and support.

Deacon Willard said it speaks volumes that the Archdiocese recognizes the need for the Stella Maris ministry and makes it a priority. He also said he was honored to serve people from across the globe as Christ’s presence through everyday interactions and sacred encounters, especially when crew members grow emotional as they receive the Eucharist after being at sea for months.

“I sometimes wonder what our Church would look like if we all longed for the Eucharist the way these seafarers do,” said Deacon Willard. “I’m able to feed them the Body of Christ, and it’s a great privilege.”

Deacon Willard said he was grateful for those who support the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), which helps make Stella Maris and more than 60 other vital ministries possible. He encouraged the faithful in the Archdiocese to contribute to the annual appeal, noting that their generosity supports not only the ministries they see but also countless individuals they may never meet, people in great need who are served through the quiet work of the Church.

To learn more about Stella Maris, go to archgh.org/port-ministry. To donate to the DSF, go to archgh.org/dsf.

The DSF supports over 60 ministries, whether providing direct services or education, which rely on this critical funding to operate. Out of each gift given to DSF, 100% of every dollar goes directly to supporting these ministries. †

FILE PHOTO BY OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND STEWARDSHIP

Deacon Jeff Willard, who leads the Galveston Seafarers Center, sorts through packages delivered to the center, one of the several services offered by the Port Chaplaincy Ministry in Galveston Island.

A BLESSING FOR THE JOURNEY

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Auxiliary Bishop Dell’Oro, CRS, gives a blessing for pilgrims bound for the 2025 Jubilee of Youth in Rome during a Mass at Cafe Catholica on July 21 at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Houston, the final night of the four-week-long young adult summer speaker series hosted by the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministries. The July 21 Mass included a special blessing for more than 300 pilgrims preparing to attend the Jubilee of Youth in Rome with Pope Leo XIV. Across the four nights, thousands of Catholic young adults gathered for the Sacraments and Mass, dinner and fellowship, and a speaker. Reflecting on the series’ theme, “Hope in the Lord,” drawn from Isaiah 40:31, this year’s speakers included Jackie Francois-Angel, Paul J. Kim, Katie Villareal and Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez.

OBITUARIES

Sister Mary Edwin Berry, CCVI

Co. Clare, IRELAND — Sister Mary Edwin Berry, CCVI, died July 15. She was 91 years old.

With a business administration degree, she served at St. Joseph Hospital and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word corporate offices in Houston. In 1981, Sister Berry was missioned as a founding sister to St. John Hospital in Nassau Bay, where she served for 25 years as the business office manager, treasurer and patient representative. In 2007, Sister Berry retired from active ministry to dedicate her time to prayer at the Marian Convent in Villa de Matel.

A funeral Mass was held at Villa de Matel Chapel on Friday, July 25. Interment is in St. Michael Convent Cemetery located at Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare, Ireland. †

Father Brian Fox, S.S.J.

HOUSTON — Father Brian Fox, S.S.J., died July 28. He was 79 years old.

Father Fox served as pastor in the Archdiocese at Our Mother of Mercy, Our Lady Star of the Sea and St. Francis Xavier parishes. A funeral Mass was held at St. Francis Xavier Church on Aug. 6. Interment is in Paradise North Cemetery. †

Sister Margaret Ann Toomey, CCVI

HOUSTON — Sister Margaret Ann Toomey, CCVI, died July 8. She was 91 years old. She was a teacher at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Texas City and served as principal at St. Francis of Assisi School. A funeral Mass was held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at Villa de Matel on July 15. Interment is in Villa de Matel Cemetery. †

IN MEMORIA

Pray for the following priests whose anniversaries of death are during the month of September.

Sept. 1, 1847 Rev. Matthew Chazelle

Sept. 1, 1920 Rev. Louis Chaland

Sept. 1, 1962 Rev. Peter A. Keane, OMI

Sept. 2, 1982 Msgr. A.W. Raye

Sept. 2, 1986 Rev. Anthony C. Herndel

Sept. 3, 1938 Rev. Thomas Joseph Banfield

Sept. 4, 1853 Rev. Joshua Dixon

Sept. 4, 2011 Rev. Charles W. Elmer

Sept. 4, 2018 Rev. Jack Solarski, OD

Sept. 5, 1995 Msgr. Ismael Teste

Sept. 7, 1867 Rev. John Gonnard

Sept. 7, 1922 Rev. James H. Moran

Sept. 8, 1900 Rev. Thomas Keany

Sept. 8, 1989 Bishop John Cassata

Sept. 9, 1948 Rev. John C. Bauer, CSR

Sept. 9, 1958 Rev. John F. Onorato, CSB

Sept. 10, 1985 Rev. Joseph Szymczak

Sept. 10, 2017 Rev. James T. Moore

Sept. 11, 1863 Rev. Sebastian Augageur

Sept. 11, 1965 Rev. Gordian Lewis, CP

Sept. 11, 1997 Rev. Patrick Gillgannon

Sept. 12, 1969 Msgr. Paul Pieri

Sept. 12, 2018 Rev. John W. Kellick

Sept. 12, 2024 Rev. W. Drew Wood

Sept. 13, 1926 Rev. P.A. Heckman

Sept. 13, 1988 Rev. Walter W. Scott, CSB

Sept. 15, 2000 Rev. John C. DeForke

Sept. 16, 1990 Rev. Juan Escalante

Sept. 16, 2007 Rev. Edward A. Bader, CSB

Sept. 16, 2012 Rev. Ronald Groschen, MS

Sept. 17, 1973 Msgr. Joseph A. Valenta

St. Cecilia pastor encounters Appalachia faithful on mission immersion trip

JENKINS, Kentucky — Father Francis Macatangay of St. Cecilia Catholic Church traveled to the Appalachian Mountains in eastern Kentucky for a pastor immersion trip, sponsored by Catholic Extension Society. Catholic Extension has a long history of supporting missions in the Appalachian Mountains, where Catholics represent less than one-half of a percent of the total population in most of its counties.

Catholic Extension’s mission immersion program aims to broaden church leaders’ horizons through enriching learning experiences of the Church’s missionary activities.

In the eastern Kentucky region, the parishes are small, the facilities are very basic, the priests are limited and the Church’s financial means are also extremely limited.

Missionaries of Charity, the community founded by St. Teresa of Kolkata, who serve families in Jenkins, Kentucky. Their efforts began the order’s first-ever rural American mission. The Missionaries of Charity often visit the local prisons and various drug rehab centers in the region.

In July 2022, Jenkins was one of 13 counties in Eastern Kentucky that were declared federal disaster zones after severe flash flooding inundated the region with more than 16 inches of rain.

One of the greatest afflictions that communities faces are not economic poverty, poor housing conditions or threats of flooding. Rather, it is the prevalence of drugs and addiction and the casualties of despair that result from it — families torn apart, people imprisoned or killed.

Sept. 17, 1993 Msgr. Joseph P. O’Sullivan

Sept. 17, 2017 Rev. Frederico Ablog, SSS

Sept. 18, 1849 Rev. Anthony Chanrion

Sept. 18, 1853 Rev. William Metton

Sept. 18, 1974 Rev. Charles J. McQuillan

Sept. 18, 1996 Rev. Michael Krol

Sept. 18, 2012 Rev. Luis P. Chia

Sept. 19, 2020 Rev. Laurence Connolly

Sept. 19, 2022 Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza

Sept. 20, 1964 Rev. J.K. Reybaud

Sept. 22, 1952 Msgr. J.A. Rapp

Sept. 22, 1979 Rev. Joseph W. Pope, CSB

Sept. 22, 2001 Rev. James D. Steffes, SCJ

Sept. 22, 2022 Rev. Robert Matzinger, CSB

Sept. 23, 1956 Rev. Floyd J. Crowley, CSB

Sept. 23, 1995 Rev. Donald T. Cooper, CSB

Sept. 24, 1966 Rev. John J. Conroy, SSJ

Sept. 26, 1955 Rev. Carl J. Kermiet

Sept. 26, 1991 Rev. John Walter Caverly, OP

Sept. 26, 1992 Rev. Eugene R. Flaherty, OCarm

Sept. 26, 2005 Rev. John Nguyen, CSsR

Sept. 27, 1999 Rev. Reginald F. Petrash

Sept. 27, 2006 Rev. Enrique Bravo, CSB

Sept. 28, 1955 Rev. Timothy J. Sullivan, SSJ

Sept. 29, 1853 Rev. Denis O’Driscol

Sept. 29, 1966 Msgr. Daniel P. O’Connell

Sept. 29, 1995 Msgr. Leo J. Price

Sept. 29, 2007 Rev. Robert Power, CSB

Sept. 30, 1911 Rev. John Weimer

Sept. 30, 1958 Rev. John F. Lane

Sept. 30, 2003 Rev. Joseph B. Courtney, CSB

A largely dismantled coal industry, which was the longtime economic backbone of the region, has left many people in distress due to the challenges of poverty, food insecurity and inadequate housing, many without running water. Nonetheless, the Catholic Church still has a strong reputation in the area; that way, anyone who has a need can get help.

While on the trip, participants met with Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., of the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, for an overview of the diocese and its Laudato Si’ initiative, and visited many parishes within the area that need help. They also met with a small congregation of the

With the Missionaries of Charity, Father Macatangay met a family impacted by drug addiction and struggle. Because of the help from the sisters, the family began the road to recovery and even had the family’s grandchildren baptized at the nearby Catholic mission.

The idea of an immersion trip is to go to the periphery to meet and stand with the homeless, the abandoned, the sorrowful and the powerless. These are precisely the places where the Catholic Church plants itself — often with the support of Catholic Extension Society — to offer spiritual and social care to those most in need.

To learn more about the Catholic Extension, visit catholicextension.org. †

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Need to change your Texas Catholic Herald mailing address? Call 713-652-4444 or email TDIELI@ARCHGH.ORG for assistance.

PHOTO BY JUAN GUAJARDO/CATHOLIC EXTENSION

Father Francis Macatangay, pastor of St. Cecilia Parish in Houston, looks at a regional map of eastern Kentucky at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church in Jenkins, Kentucky, on June 10 during a Catholic Extension Society immersion trip to the Appalachian region of Kentucky.

EDUCATION

Parishes, schools host summer Bible camps

HOUSTON — Parishes all around the Archdiocese, from Dickinson to Angleton and Katy and Houston, welcomed thousands of young adventure-seeking children at dozens of vacation Bible school camps.

With a variety of themes, including “Walking with Jesus,” and “Trusting Jesus in a World World,” the camps featured Sacraments, Scripture studies, music, skits, arts and crafts, and other activities focused on strengthening their Catholic faith in Jesus and His Church. Every summer, dozens of parishes host these programs to continue Catholic catechesis and evangelization between school semesters. †

Sacred Poetry Contest

1st Place Winner Natalie Frazee, Holy House Academy

2nd Place Winner Abel Skaria, Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy Homeschool

3rd Place Winner Caroline Hough, Magnolia School

Honorable Mention Luke Dorney, Holy House Academy Raquel Berry, Magnolia School

1st Place Winner Isabel Chavez-Lujambio, Magnolia School

2nd Place Winner Alonso Carillo Jimenez, Holy House Academy

3rd Place Winner Marie-Josefa Ruhnke, Magnolia School

Honorable Mention Quinn McConn, Magnolia School

1st Place Winner Paxton Hager, Homeschool

2nd Place Winner Charlotte King, Magnolia School

Peter Ochoa, Western Academy

3rd Place Winner Tillman Banks, Western Academy

Gabriel Aycock, Western Academy

Honorable Mention Luke Mason, Western Adademy Susan Powell, Magnolia School

The Spear’s Fall

May all our praise be to Jesus! From whom all mercy flows! We wailed, we watched, we waited, And God, He gave to us:

Two rivers, blood and water, Two natures, God and man, Two peoples, Jews and Gentiles, Together, married and one.

One heart, swollen with sympathy, One spear, pointed with pride, Lord, may the flooding that rotting stick caused

Cast it down Calvary’s side.

Still our Lord did not stop up His heart, He let there no cursèd cork be, Now, when we look at his likeness, We pause, we ponder, we pray, And as time will allow, not forget this: Jesus, we trust in thee!

Paxton Hager

2025 LUX Poet Laureate Paxton Hager

ST. JUSTIN MARTYR

PRINCE OF PEACE

SHRINE OF THE TRUE CROSS

YOUTH

Vocation-Driven Youth Ministry: A pathway to purpose and holiness

In today’s rapidly shifting world, young people are bombarded with questions about their future: “What are you going to do after high school?” “Where will you study?”“What career are you pursuing?” Amid all this noise, the Church invites youth to pause, reflect and listen to a deeper question — “Who is God calling you to become?”This is the heart of vocation-driven youth ministry: cultivating an environment where teens learn not merely to plan their future, but to discern it through the lens of faith.

The vocational journey includes the calls to marriage, dedicated single life, priesthood, diaconate, and the vowed women and men religious. Vocationdriven youth ministry is not a program — it’s a posture of accompaniment that honors the slow work of God unfolding in the life of a young person.

Grounding youth ministry in the five calls of vocation offers both a spiritual foundation and a practical roadmap for guiding teens toward deeper discernment:

1. CALL TO RELATIONSHIP

At its core, every vocation begins in relationship — with God and others. Youth ministry must help teens encounter the personal love of Christ through prayer, sacramental life and community. Whether in Adoration, small groups or retreat settings, these spaces of encounter plant the seed of trust that God is real, present and intimately interested in each young life.

2. CALL TO A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING

The journey of discernment requires formation. Teens need to explore

by TIM COLBERT

Scripture, tradition and personal experience in light of God’s call. Ministries should provide frameworks for theological reflection and spiritual reading, nurturing curiosity and reverence for the mystery of vocation. Understanding one’s gifts, struggles and passions is critical to discovering a calling that aligns with both divine grace and human experience.

3. CALL TO BE CHRIST FOR OTHERS

Young people are not only discerning a future state of life — they’re also learning how to live as disciples now. A vocationdriven ministry teaches that every baptized person is called to be Christ to the world. Through service projects, peer mentoring and leadership opportunities, youth learn that their everyday choices already witness to the kingdom.

4. CALL TO EVANGELIZATION

Each vocation is a mission. Whether a teen becomes a religious sister or an engineer, a vocation-centered ministry affirms their capacity to proclaim the Gospel in their unique context. Workshops, testimonies and evangelization training equip youth to understand that sharing their faith isn’t a bonus — it’s part of their calling.

5. CALL TO COMMITMENT

Discernment must eventually lead to decision. Vocation-driven youth ministry gently guides teens from exploration to commitment. Even if final decisions

“By providing vocational tools, youth ministry becomes not just a social hub, but a sacred laboratory of discernment — a place where God’s call can be heard and nurtured. ”

come later, a commitment to ongoing discernment forms disciples who are not passive, but purposeful.

Discernment in youth ministry isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about helping teens recognize that God speaks in the ordinary, the beautiful and the broken moments of life. Ministries can support this discernment through:

• Spiritual Direction and Accompaniment: Pairing youth with mentors who model discernment in their own lives.

• Retreats and Silent Prayer: Offering quiet spaces where teens can listen without distraction.

• Stories of Vocation: Inviting witnesses — married couples, religious, lay leaders — to share their journeys authentically.

• Creative Exploration: Using sacred art, journaling and music to encourage reflection and response.

By providing these tools, youth ministry becomes not just a social hub,

but a sacred laboratory of discernment — a place where God’s call can be heard and nurtured. As Pope Benedict XVI once said, “Each of you is the result of a thought of God. You are loved.”

Vocation-driven youth ministry proclaims this truth boldly. In a culture obsessed with achievement and identity curation, the Church stands as a voice of hope — declaring that purpose is not constructed but received. Whether teens discern a call to marriage, the consecrated life, the clerical state or service as lay leaders, the fruit of this ministry is a generation that knows how to listen to the Lord and respond with courage. As ministers and mentors, may we continue to walk beside them — not simply showing them the way but revealing the One who is The Way. †

Tim Colbert is the director of the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization.

COLUMNIST Encountering

Although many of us currently find ourselves enjoying summertime, I cannot help but think of those who are enduring extraordinarily difficult times. Some are being affected by trauma or loss, suffering sudden or chronic illnesses, feeling the stress of financial instability or risk of homelessness, struggling with conflict or addiction and many other high hurdles that they did not see coming.

Special Youth Services supports youth 10 to 17 years of age in Juvenile Justice Centers, or their families in “the free.” It is common to learn that youth and their families have experienced the situations mentioned above. As Catholic Christians, our place is at their side.

As one of the pastoral ministers to these young people, we not only visit the children on the units where they live and sleep, but we are also present in the area

where the youth wait before their court appearances.  We only visit those who accept our offer; however, it is my experience that the majority of them are interested in non-judgmental care, listening and prayer before facing the judge.

Over the last year and a half, I have spent time sitting with, listening to, learning from, encouraging and praying with hundreds of young people. Honestly, I am at times astonished and humbled by the deep repentance and powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in these faith-filled youth.

In Matthew 25:34-40, we are told how

integral it is to our salvation and how intimately connected to Christ we are when serving those in need.  For me, I needed organized efforts that were easy for me to join before I went to encounter the poor and suffering. I remember the time in high school when my classmates and I split up and went to the homes of needy families to distribute food and gifts for the holidays. From that experience, to later working in homeless services and hospital chaplaincy, I learned to say “yes” to ever more uncomfortable opportunities to encounter people in situations different and more difficult than my own.

The Corporal Works of Mercy (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2447) give us direction and a chance to say “yes” to action and humble service. Arriving without judgment alongside our neighbors in need, we can trust that

God’s love within each of us is planting a seed.

As I reflect on the many seasons of suffering I’ve had in my own life, I give thanks to God for the empathetic people who dared to acknowledge me in my suffering. From these examples, I have found healing and a calling to say to others, “I am here with you, I see you are hurting, and with God, it will be okay.”

In my life, I have experienced the presence of God most profoundly when I am humbly present with those who are hurting or needy.

I have learned that God can bless the mess, and — even more gloriously — God will bless our “yes” when we have the courage to give it. †

Don McCullough is a pastoral minister with Special Youth Services.

Many of our Texas Catholic Herald readers know what it means when the calendar hits August in Houston. The temperatures are peaking, and hurricane season is once again upon the area. If you are not a native Texan, do you remember your first experience of a Texas summer? Well, four special young adults are about to discover this firsthand — the apprentices from the University of Notre Dame’s 21st and 22nd ECHO cohort.

The ECHO Program and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston have deep roots since the partnership began back in 2005. Over the past 20 years, the Archdiocese has hosted more than 65 apprentices who have served in over 22 parishes. These young men and women have gone on to become professionals in parish youth ministry, directors of faith formation, working for Catholic Charities, Catholic high school religion teachers, campus ministers and even

Archdiocesan staff.  What exactly is ECHO, you might ask?

The word “ECHO” in Greek means “to witness,” and the ministry of catechesis can be defined as “echoing or witnessing the faith from one to another.”These young men and women participate in a two-year program during which they earn a master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame, participate as members of parish staff involved in catechetical ministry and live in an intentional faith community. All these components strive to build up the next generation of ministry leaders for the U.S. Church.

The Archdiocese is delighted to welcome the apprentices from ECHO 21

and 22 cohorts.

Ryan Murphy is from Millbrook, New York. He attended Iona College and has a degree in digital media production. He has also spent time in campus ministry and missionary work. Murphy is excited to draw closer to God and to become more effective in helping others to as well. His placement for his apprenticeship is at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with Deacon Robert Trahan as his mentor.

Zaneta Raymond is from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology from St. Xavier’s College and has ministry experience in catechism and discipleship training. She is excited to bring her service and creativity to the American Church. Raymond will be serving the community of St. Edward Catholic Church in Spring with Annette

O’Driscoll as her mentor.

Antonia Bihan is from Santiago, Chile. She has an undergraduate degree in law from Pontifica Universidad Catolica and has ministry experience as a catechist and campus minister. She looks forward to transmitting the faith and being a source of joy. Bihan will be apprenticing at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church under the guidance of her mentor, Molly Smith.

Paul-Mark Eroma is from Ibadan, Nigeria. He has an undergraduate degree in philosophy from the Seminary of Sts. Peter and Paul. He has served in a variety of parish ministry roles and looks forward to serving wherever is needed with passion and enthusiasm. Eroma will be serving the community of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church with Linda Watso as his mentor.

Please join us in welcoming these apprentices to our Archdiocese, engaging with them as you see them around and keeping them in prayer. May God bless their time here, their ministry, and we look forward to seeing what this new group of catechetical leaders will bring to our local Church. †

Matt Kiernan is the associate director for Sacrament Preparation of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY

DAME

Four ECHO apprentices are serving in the Archdiocese: (left to right) Ryan Murphy, Zaneta Raymond, Antonia Bihan and Paul-Mark O. Eroma.

The Josephites have served African American Catholics since 1871

Pope Leo XIV, previously known as Robert Cardinal Prevost, is a member of the Order of St. Augustine. The election of the new Holy Father highlights the various religious orders that serve the universal Church. There are many Catholic priests of religious orders serving the Archdiocese.

The Basilian Fathers, Companions of the Cross, Spiritans, Dominican Friars, Jesuit Fathers, Missionaries of La Salette, Somascan Fathers and the Redemptorist Fathers are just a few of the religious orders that serve our Archdiocese. There is one body of religious orders that serves the Archdiocese but also has a unique charism for America. St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart, also known as The Josephites, is not only committed to serving the faithful of the Archdiocese, but it is also a community of Catholic priests and brothers who have been dedicated to serving the African American Catholic community since its founding in 1871.

The Josephites are the only community of interracial and intercultural priests and brothers in the Catholic Church that is engaged exclusively in ministry to the African American Community.

by FATHER REGINALD SAMUELS

Founded in 1871 by Herbert Cardinal Vaughan, Archbishop of Westminster, and Archbishop Martin John Spalding of Baltimore, the religious order’s mission was to minister to the thousands recently released from slavery at that time. What began as a mission to help the newly freed slaves in America evolved into the broader task of assisting the African communities through building churches and schools throughout the U.S. The Josephites continue in the tradition of Cardinal Vaughan and, by the commission of Pope Pius IX, are a religious order dedicated solely to the service of the African American community.

Among the small founding group of St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart priests in 1893 was Father Charles R. Uncles, the first African American priest who was trained and ordained in the U.S.  Most Josephites in our Archdiocese work — and live — in parish settings, developing dynamic parishes through

Trust

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, I’ve been reflecting on how I spent the past few months and how that time unexpectedly deepened my understanding of ministry.

This summer, I returned to a childhood hobby: fishing. Weekends found me near the waters of Clear Lake, Pearland, Surfside and Texas City, rod and reel in hand. At first, it was just a way to unwind. But before long, I realized fishing was teaching me something deeper — lessons that spoke directly to my work in campus ministry.

THE ART OF PREPARATION

Fishing isn’t just about showing up. It takes intention, choosing the proper rod and reel, knowing the kind of fish you’re after, and using the right lure. You must study the environment, be patient, and learn the art of casting and reeling.   Ministry is no different. Whether we serve students, faculty or families, we’re

in the Lord.

vibrant worship, authentic Catholic teaching and ministries that address the needs of the African American faith communities.

Currently, the Josephites serve and operate 34 parishes in 12 dioceses throughout the U.S. with parishes and schools in Alabama, California, the District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Texas and Virginia. The Catholic communities and parishes that the Josephites serve in our Archdiocese include Our Mother of Mercy, Our Lady Star of the Sea, St. Francis Xavier, St. Peter Claver, all in Houston, and Holy Family Parish in Baytown.

The unique mission statement of the Josephites states:

St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart, The Josephites, a religious community of Catholic priests and brothers, is committed to serving the African American community through the proclamation of the Gospel and its personal witness. Its commitment is expressed through sacramental, educational and pastoral ministry, service to those in need, and working for social justice.

To hear and understand more about the St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred

FATHER CHARLES UNCLES

HEAR MORE IN HIS LIGHT PODCAST

Heart, The Josephites, I invite you to a special episode of “In His Light Podcast with Father Reginald Samuels” that features Father David Begany, SSJ, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Baytown and a member of the Josephites. The podcast can be found on Spotify and Apple podcasts. To learn more about supporting and praying for the Josephite community, visit www.josephites.org. †

Father Reginald Samuels is the vicar for the Ministry for Catholics of African Descent and pastor of St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land.

Listen to Him. Cast again.

called to prepare spiritually, emotionally and practically for the people God places in our path. But even the best preparation isn’t enough if we aren’t also listening.

PLANNING WITH THE SPIRIT

Fishing teaches me the importance of observing patterns—the way the water moves, the signs of life beneath the surface. In ministry, we too must pay attention to how the Holy Spirit is moving in our communities and in the lives of those we serve.

Plans are necessary, but so is flexibility. God often invites us to adjust, to trust, and to cast again, this time guided not just by skill, but by the evidence of our hope, our faith.

A JOURNEY OF HOPE

The Church invites us this year to walk as Pilgrims of Hope during this Jubilee Year. That phrase evokes a

journey centered on trust and expectation.

The Catechism states:

“Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1817).

As Pope Francis said, “Hope is bold; it can look beyond personal convenience, the petty securities and compensations which limit our horizon, and it can open us up to grand ideals that make life more beautiful and worthwhile” (Fratelli Tutti, 55).

Hope isn’t wishful thinking. It’s active trust in God’s faithfulness. It’s what sends you and me back to the shoreline

again and again, even when we’ve come up empty. It’s what urges us to cast again.

LISTEN TO HIM

At the Transfiguration, God the Father speaks a simple, powerful truth: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him” (Mt 17:5).

As many of us enter into a new school year, or in whatever capacity you minister, full of opportunity and unknowns, may we recommit ourselves to listening to Jesus Christ.

Let’s take time to prepare, to reflect and to notice where the Spirit is leading. And then, with courage and hope, let’s cast again, trusting that the Lord is already at work in the hearts of those we serve. †

Doris M. Barrow III is the director of campus ministry at the Texas Southern University Catholic Newman Center.

with Father Reginald Samuels and Josephite Father David Begany SCAN AND LISTEN

In Rome for Jubilee, Bishop Dell’Oro encourages young people to ‘be brave, courageous’ and trust in God

ROME (CNS) — Young people have such a great desire to make the world a better place that Church leaders should help give them the space to discern what God wants for them, a group of bishops said during the Jubilee of Youth.

Galveston-Houston Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro of the Archdiocese, who was in Rome attending the Jubilee of Youth with a delegation of young adults from Galveston-Houston, said he tries to attend as many youth and young adult activities as he can, especially World Youth Days and this Holy Year’s Jubilee dedicated to young people July 28 to Aug. 3.

Bishop Dell’Oro was one of eight archbishops and bishops who attended the U.S.A. National Jubilee Pilgrim Gathering at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, a special gathering at the basilica organized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops with the support of the Knights of

CNS PHOTO/LOLA GOMEZ

At far right, Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, watches as James Cardinal Harvey, archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, welcomes pilgrims during the U.S. national Jubilee pilgrim gathering in Rome July 30. The event, part of the Jubilee of Youth, included the veneration of the relics of 12 saints and blesseds.

attending the Jubilee in Rome.

Bishop Dell’Oro also presided over a July 31 Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter for the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, joined by Father Zachary Muldrow, formerly parochial vicar at St. Martha in Kingwood, and Father Tucker Redding, SJ, chaplain at Rice University Catholic Student Center

which was presided by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect for the new evangelization branch of the Dicastery for Evangelization.

“The Church should offer space for them so that they can confront one another in a way that makes them look forward,” and broadens their mind beyond their current situation to see how they can play a role in changing things for the better, Bishop Dell’Oro said.

They have a responsibility “to become good disciples on their own,” he said, so he sees his role as “challenging them” to

not only enjoy being young but to also “be brave, courageous and trustful that if they make one step forward, the foot will land on solid ground.”

Recalling his youth and the “struggle to find the answer” to whether he should get married or pursue the priesthood, Bishop Dell’Oro said, “I was fortunate to have had such good guidance in a fairly Catholic environment,” without the “distractions of the media that we have today.”

“It was, in a certain way, easier to focus on the fundamentals of life, of our faith,” he said. The Church, therefore, should give young people “the space to discern, which is absolutely very, very important.” If “we engage them to live their life in the fullness as lay people, and then if they have vocations, they can discern, and that’s a very, very important space that needs to be provided,” he said.

Bishop Dell’Oro also greeted and met with Pope Leo XIV during a papal audience in St. Peter’s Square at the end of the Jubilee pilgrimage before returning to Houston on Aug. 6. † – James Ramos contributed to this report from Houston.

Catholic family experts tie marriage to dropping U.S. fertility rate

(OSV News) — To explain the dropping U.S. fertility rate, Catholic fertility and family policy experts are pointing to marriage.

“One of the biggest drivers of the American fertility drop is the decline of marriage,” Leah Libresco Sargeant, who has written about family policy and is the author of several books, including an upcoming book called “The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto,” said.

“Married fertility has declined somewhat, but it’s much more stable and much higher than unmarried fertility,” she added. “If people were getting married more often (and earlier), fertility would be a lot higher.”

She and other experts spoke about the U.S. fertility rate and how the Catholic Church should respond after a new report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics found that the rate dropped to a record low in 2024.

The federal agency reported 53.8 births per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44 in 2024, a 1% decrease from 2023. That number translates to less than 1.6 children per woman, which falls below the 2.1 children per woman needed to maintain the national population without immigration.

The report also found the decline part of a larger trend: From 2007 to 2024, the fertility rate has decreased 22%.

“Political polarization between the sexes, the falling fortunes of men, and the digital revolution’s degradation of social skills and dating opportunities among young adults have made it more difficult for today’s young adults to mate, marry and have children,” Brad Wilcox, pointing to multiple factors, told OSV News in emailed comments.

Wilcox is a professor of sociology and director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia and the

IN BRIEF

Future of Freedom Fellow at the Institute for Family Studies.

Like Libresco Sargeant, Patrick T. Brown, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, tied the issue to marriage and called declining fertility rates a global issue.

“There are so many factors that go into it, but the biggest one is the decline in marriage, decline in stable partnerships,” he said. “Particularly here in the U.S., where the biggest decline in fertility since the Great Recession — essentially 2007 or so — has been almost a 25% drop in birth rates among unmarried women.”

If people marry, he said, they’re still likely to have kids.

“In some respects, it’s a half-cheer victory for people who were concerned about rising out-of-wedlock births for much of the 20th century,” he said. “But it’s not that people are getting married and having kids, they’re just not having kids at all.”

According to a report released by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2024, married-couple households made up an estimated 47% of all households in 2022, a significant decrease from 71% in 1970.

driving declining fertility for both married and unmarried women as the “rising opportunity cost” — or what women have to sacrifice in order to have a child, such as educational or workplace opportunities.

the Catholic Church — which emphasizes the importance of family and children to the Church and society — should respond to the dropping fertility rate.

to the Catholic Church’s longstanding celebration of marriage and parenthood,” said Wilcox.

Father Lafleur: Forgotten story of chaplain to POWs in WWII and his ‘incredible selflessness’

NEW ORLEANS (OSV News) — St. Peter’s in Chains was a simple wooden hut, built in the middle of a Japanese prisoner of war camp where Servant of God Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur was being held prisoner. He celebrated Christmas Eve Mass in the small chapel on Dec. 24, 1942.

to a record low in 2024, dipping below 1.6 children per woman, according to new federal data released July 24 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ordained for the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana, on April 2, 1938, Father Lafleur had enlisted as a military chaplain in early 1941 and was assigned to serve the U.S. Air Corps 19th Bombardment Group, stationed in the Philippines. Two years later, he was captured by the Japanese during the early days of America’s involvement in World War II and was sent to a prisoner of war camp. Eventually, Father Lafleur died when a U.S. submarine sank an unmarked Japanese prisoner of war transport, the SS Shinyo Maru, which was carrying U.S. prisoners of war to the mainland, killing all but 60 of the prisoners. For years, Father Lafleur’s story remained largely forgotten.

“What is incredible with Father Lafleur’s story is that consistent selflessness,” said Michael Bell, executive director of the Research Institute of the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

The Diocese of Lafayette opened a sainthood cause for the priest Sept. 5, 2020. † FATHER JOSEPH LAFLEUR

STATE Floods ‘shattered’ Texas as nation still grieves lives lost

BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald

HOUSTON — Nearly 50 days after, Texans and Americans still join dozens of Central Texas communities in grieving the loss of all who died when flash floods surged through cities and towns like Kerrville, Hunt and Ingram.

Unexpected heavy rainfall became 26-foot-tall walls of rushing water in 45 minutes, sweeping debris with tree trunks, entire mobile homes and doublecab trucks far past the banks of the Guadalupe River and nearby creeks and branches and into people’s homes, camps and property, according to reports.

Many Fourth of July revelers, either living or vacationing in the Hill Country, and more than 35 children, most at a Christian summer camp, were among the 135 people who died during the tragic flood. As news trickled out from Texas to the nation and even the Vatican when the sun came up on July 5, people began to learn of family and friends who were among those lost in the floodwaters. Everyone seemed to know someone.

Stories of heroic bravery from young and older people in the flood, where officials said more than 440 were rescued, were met with deep grief and heartbreak when the toll of those who died still grew.

their daughter. At many of the funeral Masses, visitations and Rosaries, fellow classmates of the young girls wore bright and colorful dresses with bouncing hair bows that seemed to shimmer in the sun, and some boys sported colored bowties.

Holding their parents’ hands, the young students were excited to see classmates in the summer, but they seemed almost hesitant or unsure when they greeted the grieving families. They appeared to understand that their classmate was no longer with them, but struggled to understand the weight of the loss.

Also, among the young people lost along the Guadalupe were two young parishioners and students of St. Rita Parish and School in Dallas. The two Harber sisters, 13-year-old Blair and 11-year-old Brooke, were found with hands locked together, both holding their Rosaries, some 15 miles away from their grandparents’ home in Hunt, where they were staying.

Father Josh Whitfield, pastoral administrator of St. Rita in Dallas, where the Harber sisters attended school, reflected on the difficult question: “Why do bad things happen?”

In Galveston-Houston, several Catholic schools and parishes grieved their own, including Anna Margaret Bellows, 8; Molly Claire DeWitt, 9; Katherine Ferruzzo, 19; Virginia Hollis, 8; and Lainey Landry, 9. Beyond the Archdiocese, parishes and Catholic schools in Austin, Beaumont, Dallas and Fort Worth also mourned those from their communities lost in the floods.

S. Vásquez at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart that was offered specifically for those affected by the Central Texas floods.

Theresa Omeludike attended a July 9 Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joe

“I knew I had to be here,” she said. “These families need us to stand in prayer for them. That Fourth of July started off very well, but the floods just shattered us. It was a dark day.”

For Meris Bridger, director of faith formation in the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese, the disaster struck close to her husband’s family, who live in Hunt. She said their family survived the flood, but while cleaning up the family property in the days after the storm, they kept finding items from Camp Mystic in their front yard.

At DeWitt’s July 11 funeral Mass at St. John Vianney Parish in Houston, Father Troy Gately, pastor, encouraged her family to remain hopeful in Jesus.

“In the midst of heartbreak, anguish, loss and confusion, we grieve,” he said in his homily.“But we do not grieve like those who have no hope. We have hope in Jesus, and so we keep our eyes fixed on him, just like Molly did at her First Communion.”

Several of the young girls had just received their First Communion, including Bellows, who attended St. Vincent de Paul Parish near the Texas Medical Center. In her First Communion portrait, taken in front of the church’s altar, her cheerful face was adorned with a white baby’s breath flower crown.

Landry was a third-grade student at St. Michael Catholic School in The Galleria, where its partner parish hosted arrangements for Landry and Ferruzzo.

In Bellville, located on the western edge of the Archdiocese in Austin County, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish hosted Hollis’ funeral arrangements. A somber procession through downtown included a riderless horse — which was loved by and belonged to the young girl — following her hearse. Her parents also followed on foot.

Back in Houston, the Bellows’ family requested “bright colors and smiling faces” for all events honoring

“There is no answer to that question,” he said to OSV News. “The only experience that awaits the person who asked that question is the experience of Job, who asked God the same question. And God basically says, ‘I’m God.’ And Job ends in silence.”

“The answer is Easter, because the core of the Gospel is not an explanation for why things happen. The core of the Gospel is the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, suffered as one of us, died as one of us and rose again as one of us,” Father Whitfield said.

Michelle Miller, a bilingual licensed professional counselor in Houston and owner of Luz de Luz Counseling, agreed.

“Our faith reminds us of the universality of grief as a shared human experience,” she said. “We are not alone in our grief. Grief is even part of our faith, as we unite our own suffering to the suffering of Christ on the cross and with the Blessed Mother, suffering in her grief over the loss of her own Son.”

She said that Catholics who are grieving in any manner, especially after the tragic Texas floods or with the death of a loved one, can lean on their faith, with its traditions, prayers and Sacraments like Reconciliation to provide healing and clarity as an anchor to ground grief, but people should not use their faith as an emotional or spiritual bypass to avoid or suppress emotions and pain.

“When we bypass emotions, or distract, numb or dismiss them in the name of faith, we hurt ourselves,” Miller said.“This can lead to anxiety, depression, disconnection to ourselves, to others and to God. But when we deal with our grief and emotions, the Lord can transform them.”

Platitudes and clichés, like “Don’t be sad; God has a plan, we just need to move on,” or “Everything happens for a reason,” are well-intentioned, but they can shut down emotions and disconnect people from each other and from God, she said.

OSV NEWS PHOTO/SERGIO FLORES, REUTERS Crosses hang on a wall marked by a silt-marked flood high water line inside a cabin at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, July 7, in the aftermath of the deadly flooding. What is usually a holiday of vacation and fun turned into an overnight nightmare when flash floods killed more than 100 people over the Fourth of July weekend, including girls attending the Christian summer camp.

MUNDO CATÓLICO

En Roma para el Jubileo, Obispo Dell’Oro anima a los jóvenes a ‘ser valientes’ y confiar en Dios

ROMA (CNS) — Los jóvenes tienen un deseo tan grande de hacer del mundo un lugar mejor que los líderes de la Iglesia deberían ayudarlos a darles el espacio para discernir lo que Dios quiere para ellos, dijo un grupo de obispos durante el Jubileo de la Juventud.

Obispo Auxiliar Italo Dell’Oro de la Arquidiócesis, que estuvo en Roma asistiendo al Jubileo de la Juventud con una delegación de jóvenes adultos de Galveston-Houston, dijo que intenta asistir a tantas actividades de jóvenes y adultos jóvenes como pueda, especialmente las Jornadas Mundiales de la Juventud y este Jubileo del Año Santo dedicado a los jóvenes del 28 de julio al 3 de agosto.

El obispo auxiliar fue uno de los ocho arzobispos y obispos que asistieron al Encuentro Nacional de Peregrinos del Jubileo de EE. UU. en la Basílica de San Pablo Extramuros en Roma, una reunión especial en la basílica organizada por la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE. UU. con el apoyo de Knights of Columbus.

Más de 4,000 personas de Estados Unidos asistieron al evento del 30 de julio como parte de su peregrinación a Roma para el Año Santo, incluidos más de 300 de las parroquias y ministerios de Galveston-Houston que asisten al Jubileo en Roma.

Obispo Dell’Oro también presidió una misa el 31 de julio en la Basílica de San Pedro en el Altar de la Cátedra de San Pedro para la Fiesta de San Ignacio de Loyola, junto con una docena de otros sacerdotes concelebrantes de todo el mundo, incluido el Padre Zachary Muldrow, ex vicario parroquial de St. Martha en Kingwood, y el Padre Tucker Redding, SJ, capellán del Rice University Catholic Student Center y de St. Mary’s Chapel en Houston.

También concelebraron la Misa de apertura del Jubileo de los jóvenes y adultos jóvenes en la Plaza de San Pedro el 29 de julio, que estuvo presidida por Arzobispo Rino Fisichella, pro-prefecto de la rama de nueva evangelización del Dicasterio para la Evangelización.

Obispo Dell’Oro trabajó como director de vocaciones de su orden religiosa, la Congregación de Padres Somascos, por lo que es consciente de cuánto necesitan los jóvenes mucha “atención dedicada”.

FOTO CORTESÍA DEL MINISTRO DE JOVENES ADULTOS Y CAMPOS A la derecha, Obispo Auxiliar Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, bendice a un grupo de peregrinos de la Arquidiócesis antes de viajar a Tor Vergata para una Vigilia Jubilar nocturna en Roma con el Papa León XIV. Más de 300 peregrinos asistieron al Jubileo de los Jóvenes en Roma.

“La Iglesia debería ofrecerles un espacio para que puedan confrontarse unos a otros de una manera que les haga mirar hacia adelante” y ampliar su mente más allá de su situación actual para ver cómo pueden desempeñar un papel para mejorar las cosas, dijo.

Tienen la responsabilidad de “convertirse en buenos discípulos por sí mismos”, dijo, por lo que considera que su papel es “desafiarlos” no sólo a disfrutar de su juventud sino también a “ser valientes y confiados en que si dan un paso adelante, el pie aterrizará en tierra firme”.

Al recordar su juventud y la “lucha por encontrar la respuesta” a si debía casarse o seguir el sacerdocio, Obispo Dell’Oro elogió la guía de su director espiritual, quien lo ayudó a discernir y brindarle “las herramientas para tomar lo que yo diría que fueron decisiones valientes, (y) renunciar a lo que había que abandonar y correr el riesgo de estar en otro entorno”.

“Tuve la suerte de haber tenido tan buena orientación en un ambiente bastante católico”, sin las “distracciones de los medios de comunicación que tenemos hoy”, dijo. “Era, en cierto modo,

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.

más fácil centrarse en los fundamentos de la vida, de nuestra fe”.

La Iglesia, por lo tanto, debería dar a los jóvenes “el espacio para discernir, lo cual es absolutamente muy, muy importante, incluso más que, si se me permite, espacio para realizar algunos ministerios”, dijo.

Si “los involucramos a vivir su vida en plenitud como laicos, y luego si tienen vocaciones, pueden discernir, y ese es un espacio muy, muy importante que debe brindarse”, dijo.

“Necesitamos su voz”, dijo el arzobispo Nelson J. Pérez de Filadelfia. “Necesitamos escuchar sus corazones y sus mentes. Tienen un gran deseo de hacer del mundo un lugar mejor, de hacer de la Iglesia un lugar mejor y de nuestras vidas un lugar mejor. Estoy encantado de que tantos de ellos estén aquí”.

Obispo Edward J. Burns de Dallas,

Formación

para ministros

de preparación matrimonial

que estaba dando una homilía durante la Adoración Eucarística en la basílica para los peregrinos, dijo que quería que los jóvenes supieran que la presencia de los “influencers católicos” en línea de hoy no es nada nuevo.

“Hemos tenido apóstoles, hemos tenido mártires, hemos tenido santos” que fueron “las personas influyentes en su época y a través de sus vidas y de su santidad, y continúan influyéndonos”, dijo.

Los jóvenes pueden seguir siendo “auténticos como discípulos en la proclamación de la Palabra de Dios, incluso a través de medios digitales”, dijo.

El arzobispo Anthony Fisher de Sydney, Australia, quien coordinó la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud en Sydney en el 2008 como obispo auxiliar, dijo que el Jubileo de la Juventud ha sido un evento tan grande como la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud y tendrá el mismo impacto positivo.

“Desde hace 20 años ya tenemos frutos de esta Jornada Mundial de la Juventud”, afirmó, y las celebraciones del Jubileo serán “muy buenas” para Roma, para Italia y para los jóvenes de todo el mundo por su testimonio y su alegría en la fe.

“Ciertamente, eso es lo que hace la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud donde quiera que vaya. Trae enormes frutos en términos de vocaciones, buenos matrimonios, simplemente gente joven que piensa: ‘¿Dónde encaja Dios en mi vida?’ y ‘¿Dónde encajo yo en los planes de Dios?’ Así que eso va a suceder aquí”, dijo.

Obispo Dell’Oro también tuvo la breve oportunidad de saludar a Papa León XIV durante una audiencia papal al final de la peregrinación jubilar antes

Invitamos a todos los líderes parroquiales a nuestro próximo entrenamiento para ministros de preparación matrimonial

Un programa de formación de 30 horas diseñado para equipar a los ministros con el conocimiento, las habilidades y el corazón pastoral necesarios para acompañar y preparar eficazmente a las parejas comprometidas para el sacramento del matrimonio y comenzar su viaje hacia una unión santa y duradera.

Agosto 29 (6:00 a 9:00 pm) Agosto 30 y 31, 2025 Cameron Retreat Center Cuota de inscripción: $120 por persona | $200 por pareja. La inscripción incluye alimentos y materiales

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Para más información contáctenos al 713-741-8710 | lvades@archgh.org

WITHIN THE ARTS

Popular radio host and Catholic psychologist draws crowd, discusses challenges of parenting

BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Herald Correspondent

HOUSTON — Raymond Guarendi, known as Dr. Ray with a PhD in clinical psychology, kept a crowd laughing July 26 despite the serious topic of parenting as part of a fundraiser for the Guadalupe Radio Network (GRN).

“Saying ‘a difficult child’ is redundant,” Guarendi told the chuckling crowd at the station’s summer speaker series event at the Lone Star Flight Museum. An advocate of common-sense approaches to child-rearing and discipline, he said the bulk of his real-world experiences come from being a father of 10 adopted children, partnered with his wife.

“Love without discipline is child abuse because the world is going to hurt them,” he said.

Father Thomas Smithson, SSS, with the Corpus Christi parish in the Archdiocese, led the prayer to open the event.

MOVIE RATINGS By OSV News

A-I – SUITABLE FOR ALL

• Elio (PG)

• Smurfs (PG)

A-II – SUITABLE FOR OLDER CHILDREN

• Fantastic Four: First Steps (PG-13)

• Freakier Friday (PG)

• How To Train Your Dragon (PG)

• The Bad Guys 2 (PG)

A-III – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS

• Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight (R)

• F1 The Movie (PG-13)

• Jurassic World Rebirth (PG-13)

• M3GAN 2.0 (PG-13)

• Superman (PG-13)

Guarendi’s program airs on GRN’s local station KSHJ 1430 AM at noon on Tuesdays through Fridays with his live call-in show “The Doctor is In.”

Joining the line of attendees buying Guarendi’s books while he signed and chatted with them was local fan and licensed counselor Julia Sauceda, LPC.

“I listen to his broadcasts during my lunch hour. It has helped me become a better counselor because he gives great advice. I remember him saying, ‘No one is born angry,’” she said.

“The culture is no longer on our side. You are a sliver of our country,” he told the mostly Catholic crowd. “At a restaurant, my wife and I are asked, ‘Are these all your children?’ I tell them, ‘No, the oldest is at home babysitting the twins.’”

“The new moral high bar is that the kids are not on drugs,” Guarendi said. “But those who seek God may be one in a hundred. Fluff them up before you drop them. If they are disrespectful in words, tones, looks or body language, don’t

L – LIMITED MATURE AUDIENCE

• Eddington (R)

• Sorry, Baby (R)

• The Naked Gun (PG-13)

O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE

• 28 Years Later (R)

• I Know What You Did Last Summer (R)

• The Phoenician Scheme (PG-13) ▶ For full movie reviews, visit www.osvnews.com/category/reviews

argue. Assign them a 500-word essay on respect. For every day they don’t turn in the essay to you, take something away from them — phone, computer, whatever — they have no idea how much you control.”

He acknowledged that grandparents play a big part in their grandchildren’s lives if certain circumstances are met. “If you are sloppy in your parenting, kids will write you off or don’t want to see you.”

But bottom line, he said, “Our Lord Himself could not get all the people to follow Him. We cannot control our children,” only guide.

He said one of his proudest moments was when his kids, now in their 20s and 30s, told him they were looking to enroll their children in a Catholic school. †

PHOTO COURTESY OF KSHJ

Ray Guarendi, PhD, speaks during a summer event hosted by Guadalupe Radio Network/ KSHJ at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston on July 26.

IN BRIEF

of the St. John

St. John Vianney Parish choir sings through Italy

HOUSTON — Members of the St. John Vianney Choir and parishioners embarked on a musical pilgrimage through Italy, lifting their voices at three concerts held at a trio of sacred and historic sites. Their journey began at the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi, then continued to the Basilica di Santa Trinita in Florence and culminated in a finale performance at the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres, also known as the Pantheon, in Rome.

The choir accompanied the pilgrimage and led each daily Mass held throughout the trip in worship and song. Father Troy Gately, St. John Vianney pastor, also celebrated a Mass at the papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, assisted by then-Deacon Michael Noriega. The papal basilica houses one of the five Jubilee Holy Doors in Rome and the tomb of Pope Francis. †

GRIEF, from page 16

“Our faith should integrate our emotions, not replace them,” she said. “Faith invites us to name our pain in honesty with God through prayer, like we hear in the Psalms. We can sit in that sorrow or hold the sorrow of somebody else, like Christ did for so many. He held space for the Mystery, where both grief and hope can be together.”

Miller also encouraged thoughtful use of social media, which can be filled with

24/7 news coverage that can desensitize anyone who is not careful about what they are consuming online.

She also said that in the Eucharist and Communion, Catholics are in eternal union with loved ones still living and those who have died.

“One of the final stages of grief is making meaning of our suffering, and our faith is a place to do that,” Miller said. “Our faith gives grief meaning and depth and takes us beyond what we can see in this life into the eternal.” †

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. JOHN VIANNEY PARISH CHOIR

Members

Vianney choir perform a concert in the Upper Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy as part of their concert tour of Italy held in July.

AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE

For the latest updates about listings in the Around the Archdiocese, contact event organizers and visit www.archgh.org/ata.

AUG. 29-31

WOMEN’S RETREAT, 7 to 8 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas (12627 W Bellfort Ave., Sugar Land). Weekend retreat offers women spiritual renewal, prayer and fellowship. Cost: $300. josephiinedogbebor@gmail.com.

SEPT. 3

ADORATION HOUR, 7 to 8 p.m., Sacred Heart (507 S 4th St., Richmond). Adoration Hour on the first Wednesday of the month to pray for vocations. Confession and Anointing of the Sick available.

SEPT. 12

ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., St. Laurence (3100 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land). St. Laurence hosts a 40th anniversary concert in the church, featuring St. Laurence Music Ministry singers and musicians. Cost: Free, with donation of non-perishable food items for the Social Concerns Ministry. 281-980-9812; bmaldonado@stlaurence.org.

SEPT. 13

SPAGHETTI DINNER, 5 to 8 p.m., St. Theresa (705 St. Theresa Blvd., Sugar Land). Sugar Land Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Theresa of Lisieux #2211 host a dinner with spaghetti with homemade meat sauce, salad, bread, dessert and a drink. Dinner tickets available at door. Cost: Adults - $12; Children under 10 - $6. Pre-sale tickets are available after Masses Aug. 30 to 31 and Sept. 6 to 7. kathy. moller@gmail.com.

SEPT. 19-20

RELIC VENERATION, Friday, 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Matthew the Evangelist (9915 Hollister St., Houston). Veneration of the relics of St. Matthew followed by a Rosary hosted by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Angela of the Cross. Cost: Free. 713-466-4030.

SEPT. 20

STUDY GROUP, 9 a.m. to noon, St. TheresaMemorial Park Library (6622 Haskell St., Houston). The Secular branch of Discalced Carmelites for lay men and women 18+ years old, who are called to Carmelite spirituality,

host a study group every third Saturday of the month. sttheresa.cc/carmelites; 832-758-0186; therese.lisieux111@gmail.com.

RETREAT, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sts. Simon and Jude (26777 Glen Loch Dr., The Woodlands). Retreat explores Our Lady of Fatima's apparitions and the First Saturday devotion with Katrina Leyden, PhD., co-founder of the Communal First Saturdays Apostolate. Cost: $25, includes light breakfast and lunch. communalfirstsaturdays.org/ssj-retreat.

SEPT. 20-21

BAZAAR, Saturday at 5:30 p.m., Sunday at 10 a.m., St. Peter the Apostle (6220 La Salette Dr., Houston). Saturday game night, doors open at 5:30 p.m., Tickets: $20 pre-sale (ends Sept. 13), $25 at the door. Food available for purchase. Bazaar Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Event includes barbeque, sweet treats, raffle, vendors, music, Bingo, kids’ games. 713-747-7800.

SEPT. 21

BAZAAR, 10:30 a.m., Sts. Cyril and Methodius (603 Parrot Ave., Damon). Barbecue beef and sausage plates for $15 (beef, chicken and sausage sold by the pound). Event includes live auction at 12:30 p.m., Homemaker’s Mart, silent auction, market, Bingo, concession stand, game booths, baker sale and music by the M&M Playboys from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. 979742-3383.

BAZAAR, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., St. Gregory the Great (10500 Nold Dr., Houston). Event includes soul, Creole and Mexican food, desserts, drinks, DJ and live music, rides, games and more.

SEPT. 28

SLAVIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL, noon to 6 p.m., Northside Columbus Club (607 E Whitney Dr., Houston). Annual Sts. Cyril and Methodius Slavic Heritage Festival features Czech, Polish, Slovak and Ukrainian food, singing and dancing, vendors, and more.

FESTIVAL, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., St. Jerome (2749 Hollister Rd., Houston). 60th annual fall festival includes live music, food, games and raffle. Free entry. stjeromehou.org/fall-festival.

SEPT. 29

GOLF TOURNAMENT, 8 a.m., Tour 18 Golf Course

Having an Event?

Share your event with thousands of print and digital readers. Scan the QR code to fill out the form and send your event to Around the Archdiocese. Learn more at ARCHGH.ORG/ATA .

(3102 FM 1960 E, Humble). 17th annual golf tournament benefits St. Monica Food Pantry. Cost: Individual Player, $150; 4-Person Team, $600; Single Hole Sponsor, $150; Renewing Hole Sponsor, $125. 713-412-7019; vshannon@ sbcglobal.net; petriceparker@gmail.com; Register: stmonicafoodpantry.com/golf.

OCT. 1

ADORATION HOUR, 7 to 8 p.m., Sacred Heart (507 S 4th St., Richmond). Adoration Hour on the first Wednesday of the month to pray for vocations. Confession and Anointing of the Sick available.

OCT. 2-5

WOMEN'S ACTS RETREAT, St. Rose of Lima (3600 Brinkman St., Houston). Three-day, three-night St. Rose of Lima ACTS retreat offers women time to deepen and renew a relationship with Jesus Christ and give new meaning to a prayer life. Retreat includes Sunday Liturgy. Cost: $275, financial assistance available. parishinfo@ stroselima.org; www.stroselima.org/acts.

For additional listings, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA

The Risk Management and Legal Departments of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston are offering trainings for those hosting a festival, bazaar or gala event at a parish or school. Trainings are from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Dates and locations of the training sessions are:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19

St. Frances Cabrini 10727 Hartsook St., Houston

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20

Christ the Good Shepherd 18511 Klein Church Rd., Spring

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Our Lady of Guadalupe 2405 Navigation Blvd., Houston

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26

St. Bartholomew the Apostle 5356 11th St., Katy

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception 816 Park Dr., La Porte

SCAN QR CODE TO REGISTER OR VISIT ARCHGH.SWOOGO.COM/2025SPRINGTRAINING

Red Mass

Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart – 6:15 p.m.

Archbishop Joe Vásquez, Main Celebrant and Homilist

Optional Dinner Following Mass

Cathedral Centre – 7:30 p.m.

Dinner Speakers: Archbishop Joe Vásquez and Daniel Cardinal DiNardo

Dinner tickets on sale soon at archgh.org/redmass

• Real Estate Analyst

• Administrative Assistants

• Staff Accountant

• System Administrator II

• Lead Applications Specialist

• Liturgical Formation

• Develpment Coordinator and more

• Faith Formation and Youth Ministry

• Music and Worship Leaders

• Maintenance and Facilities Management

• Receptionists and Bookkeepers

• Full and Part-Time Positions

St. Francis of Assisi Parish celebrates 75 years of faith in Kashmere Gardens

ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVES T ON-HOUS T ON

Just last year, we distributed 4,475,497 pounds of food

Families visited our pantries 358,834 times

With your support, Catholic Charities helps thousands of individuals and families through our food pantries in Fort Bend, Galveston and Harris counties, providing fresh produce, meat and dairy as well as nutritious nonperishables for healthy lives.

BY CARLA LEWIS AND KIMBERLY WHITE Special to the Herald

HOUSTON — In 2025, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, located at 5102 Dabney St. in Houston’s Kashmere Gardens community, marked the parish’s 75th anniversary. The parish’s anniversary theme of “75 Years – Still Standing” reflected the strength and grace that have carried the parish and its community through trials and triumphs alike.

Since 1950, the parish has celebrated faith, unity and service. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo presided over a special anniversary Mass on June 28, with the parish’s pastor, Father Martin Eke, MSP.

In his homily, Cardinal DiNardo praised the parish’s growth, noting its vibrant community and its ministries even in the face of major challenges.

In 2017, Hurricane Harvey catastrophically flooded the parish. The record-breaking storm covered the parish with at least four feet of water as rain and rising water rushed in from a nearby flooded bayou.

Displaced from their church, the parish first met under the shade of the campus’ aged trees. Then, the congregation moved to a tent and eventually to the parish’s restored parish hall for Masses and events. The church finally reopened and was formally rededicated in March of 2019.

“There has been much you have endured and much that has gotten you through with the grace of the Lord Jesus,” he said.“Gratitude is (a gift from) the Lord

to persons and to the Church, by which we can indeed render praise to Him, and in that praise, we get ... the ambition to help others, because it’s in gratitude and in thanksgiving, which indeed is the very name we give to the very celebration of Mass: Eucharist.”

Cardinal DiNardo also shared his gratitude for the parish’s faithfulness and acknowledged the contributions of past and current pastors, urging continued praise and thanksgiving.

“The history of St. Francis of Assisi is a parish that is constantly enlarging its vision,” he said. “The parish is known in the Archdiocese for its singing, for its participation by its people and for its educational and gratitude ministries of service to others.”

“I beg the Lord Jesus to continue to look upon St. Francis of Assisi Church,” he said. “You really have made a vineyard here ... whether it was fertile or dry, the land around here is now fragrant and fertile because of the ministry, the presence and the Church of St Francis of Assisi.”

At the end of the Mass, Father Eke encouraged the parishioners to continue their faith in Jesus and thanked the many people who have helped the parish achieve its continued growth.

Following the celebration Mass, parishioners and guests gathered for a celebratory banquet in the parish hall. The event brought together past and present members of the community, honoring the legacy of those who built the foundation and celebrating the vibrant spirit that continues to guide the parish today. †

On Aug. 8, St. Agnes Academy hosted a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for its newly opened on-campus coffee

St. Agnes Academy opens on-campus café

HOUSTON — St. Agnes Academy hosted a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for its newly opened A&A Café on Aug. 8.

The café’s name honors two sisters who attended St. Agnes: Addison Gaudette, a current senior at the school, and Ansley Gaudette, a 2022 graduate. Supported by the Gaudette family, the café fulfilled a long-held dream of establishing a full-service coffee shop at St. Agnes.

A&A Café is a partnership with Common Bond Café, a local Houston-area coffee and bake shop chain. This collaboration was due to a connection with a former St. Agnes parent and Common Bond CEO George Joseph, whom the school approached about the opportunity with his support. Located in the space formerly used as the Parents’ Association meeting room that is adjacent to the cafeteria and courtyard, the café serves Common Bond coffee and baked goods.

The dedication ribbon-cutting ceremony included a blessing by Father Jeff Johnson, SJ, and remarks from St. Agnes Head of School Karen Jakuback, Ed.D.

“This café is a dream realized for our community and an exciting venture of partnership with Common Bond and the generosity of our donor family, Rob and Shannon Gaudette,” Jakuback said. “It not only provides a warm and welcoming space for connection and reflection but also is a tribute to Addison and Ansley Gaudette, symbolic of this very dedicated family and the joy of our shared community.” †

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. AGNES ACADEMY

shop, A&A Café.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo presides over a Mass on June 28 honoring the 75th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Houston’s Kashmere Gardens neighborhood.