Commemorative Issue 2023

“ONE BREAD, ONE BODY”

(1 Cor 10:17)

Keep up with the faith at southtexascatholic.com

VOL. 59 NO. 3

INSIDE

3 | INTERVIEW FROM THE BISHOP: Reflections on the Feast of Corpus Christi and the ordination of two new priests for our Diocese

Publisher

Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD

Director of Communications and Public Relations

Katia Uriarte Philipello kuriarte@diocesecc.org

Assistant Director of Communications and Public Relations

Jesse DeLeon jdeleon@diocesecc.org

Managing Editor

Susanne Janssen sjanssen@diocesecc.org

Theological Consultant

Very Rev. Richard Libby, Chancellor rlibby@diocesecc.org

Communications Specialist Adel Sauceda asauceda@diocesecc.org

Social Media Coordinator and Videographer

Elizabeth Morales emorales@diocesecc.org

Broadcast Technical Director Richard Luna rluna@diocesecc.org

Communications Administrative Assistant

AnaLisa Iber aiber@diocesecc.org

Correspondents

Rebecca Esparza and Jessica Rohr

Translator/Correspondent

Gloria Romero

Graphic design

Alexis Harborth

Contributors: Emily Salazar, Chloe Rodriguez, Alex Oldroyd, Very Rev. Christopher Becerra

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5 | ENTREVISTA CON EL OBISPO : Reflexiones sobre la fiesta del Corpus Christi y la ordenación de dos nuevos sacerdotes para nuestra diócesis

7 | MEET THE NEW EDITOR: Susanne Janssen, originally from Germany, is the new member of the Communications team

8 | “ONE BREAD, ONE BODY” (1 COR 10:17): The Feast of Corpus Christi 2023: A day of prayer and reflection culminated in a solemn procession

12 | BEING THE BODY OF CHRIST… TOGETHER: Why Isabel Jones volunteers to help with the Corpus Christi procession

14 | IT BRINGS CHRIST TO EVERYONE: On the meaning and the making of the new monstrance

16 | “MAKING US ONE BODY, ONE SPIRIT IN CHRIST” : We asked participants of the Corpus Christi Procession what the Eucharist means to them

18 | IN THE FRONT ROW OF THE PROCESSION: Behind the scenes of the diocese’s first enhanced broadcast.

20 | AT A CERTAIN POINT, EVERYTHING FELL INTO PLACE: Fr. Thomas Swierc’s journey to the priesthood.

22 | EN CIERTO PUNTO, TODO CAYÓ EN SU LUGAR: El camino del Padre Thomas Swierc hacia el sacerdocio

24 | FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE MASS: How the words of Fr. Raymond Pendleton’s mother were pivotal for his vocation

26 | ME ENAMORÉ DE LA MISA: Las palabras de la madre del Padre Raymond Pendleton fueron fundamentales para su vocación

28 | A COURAGEOUS “YES”: Bishop Michael Mulvey ordained three young men to the priesthood

32 | CONGRATULATIONS to the graduates of Incarnate Word Academy

34 | CONGRATULATIONS to the graduates of Saint John Paul II High School

INTERVIEW WITH THE BISHOP

of ourselves in everyday life”

STC: The two main topics of this issue – the Feast of Corpus Christi and the ordination of three priests, two of them for the Diocese of Corpus Christi – are linked through the Eucharist. What does the Eucharist mean to you?

Bishop Mulvey: I have been a priest for 48 years. The Eucharist has been and always will be the center of my life and my reason for being a priest. Repeating the words at Mass each day, “This is my body” and “This is my blood,” confirm who I am and who I am called to be each day. The words of consecration call me into a profound union with God, and they reveal the communal nature of the Eucharist, linking me to the people of God.

As I prepare to celebrate the Eucharist, I remind myself that this is the memorial of the greatest love: God is going beyond himself, giving us His Son in sacrifice. I also recall that if I am to celebrate this supreme act of God’s love, then I must be prepared, with my human limitations, to love in the same way. Receiving the Eucharist motivates me to leave myself behind and be present to others.

I think the Eucharist brings me to an awareness of the words of St. John: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 Jn 4:20). I cannot say that I love and worship Jesus in the Eucharist if I deny loving Him in every neighbor.

STC: Is there a way that each Catholic can be Eucharist for those around them?

Bishop Mulvey: The problem with our society today is the “me culture,” an individualistic existence that keeps us imprisoned and inside ourselves. The Eucharist, on the other hand, is the memorial of the greatest love: God comes to us. Thus, we learn not to set limits and boundaries on our love for others but love with Jesus’ mind and heart. We can learn about Jesus’ heart in the Gospel. He is showing us how to love in every situation and every encounter. His words are to be received with the same solemnity we show receiving the Eucharist.

“Give

STC: The Eucharist is real, not an illusion; however, it needs our collaboration to unfold its power. How should we live so that we can be transformed more and more by the Body and Blood of Christ?

Bishop Mulvey: The Eucharist is a sacrament of the real presence of God. And His presence comes about through the transforming grace of the Holy Spirit. In the Epiclesis of the Mass, the priest places his hands over the elements of bread and wine and gently calls down the Holy Spirit (like the dewfall) to transform them into the Body and Blood of the Lord.

Obviously, then, to be transformed requires the Holy Spirit. I cannot transform myself, nor can you. We should always seek out the Holy Spirit whom the Father sent to be with us. The Holy Spirit guides us to all truth found in God’s Word. If we want to be transformed, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit and take on the mind of Christ.

St. Paul exhorted the Philippians to make his joy complete by being united. He wrote: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his interests, but everyone for those of others.” (Phil 2:4-5). It seems he was calling them to be that eucharistic self together. And this is what we need to be today.

STC: With Father Raymond Pendleton and Father Thomas Swierc, we have two new priests in our diocese. What is your advice for them, and how can each member of the diocese help priests stay faithful and happy?

Bishop Mulvey: In my homily during the Mass of ordination, I spoke about Saint Catherine of Siena’s advice regarding selfknowledge: “From self-knowledge flows the stream of humility, which never seizes on the mere report, nor takes offense at anything.”

As priests, we are taken from among the community; we are not better than anyone else. My advice is to be present to people and accompany

them on their faith journey; we may be addressed as “Father” but have an attitude of “brothers.”

The second thing I would say to our two new priests is to stand together with the presbyterate of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, especially with the bishop. One of the principal weaknesses today in Church and society is the attitude that each of us can make it on our own. We all have talents, opinions, and ideas – but they are given to us to strengthen the whole. None of us should promote ourselves as better than others.

And the third piece of advice is to have an ecclesial heart. Obedience calls us to love one another with fraternal trust. In my experience as a priest and bishop, obedience is the most liberating of all virtues. Finding the will of God by listening to His voice in my legitimate elder has always given me true joy and freedom.

To the people of God, I would say, “Love your priests, be close to them, but don’t exalt them.” St. Augustine said when he was made a bishop, “With you, I am a Christian; for you, I am a bishop.” Perhaps you could say: “For us, you are a priest; together, we are disciples of the Lord.”

STC: Is there anything else you want to share with our readers?

Bishop Mulvey: I shared this quote from the Gospel of Mark with the priests this summer during our Fraternity Days, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mk 12:17). You and I cannot live in this world serving God and mammon; we cannot have both.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. To follow Him by not putting other gods in front of Him is a daily conversion for all of us.

ENTREVISTA CON NUESTRO OBISPO MICHAEL MULVEY

STC: Los dos temas principales de esta edición son: La Fiesta de Corpus Christi y la Ordenación de tres sacerdotes, dos de ellos para la Diócesis de Corpus Christi. Acontecimientos que hablan del vínculo directo con la Eucaristía. ¿Qué es para usted la Eucaristía?

Obispo Mulvey: He sido sacerdote durante 48 años. La Eucaristía ha sido y siempre será el centro de mi vida y la razón por la que soy sacerdote.

Repetir dίa a dίa en cada Misa las palabras de Jesús “Este es mi cuerpo” y “Esta es mi sangre”, confirman quién soy y quién estoy llamado a ser. Las palabras de la Consagración me llaman a una profunda unión con Dios y me revelan la naturaleza comunitaria de la Eucaristía, vinculándome al pueblo de Dios.

Mientras me preparo para celebrar la Eucaristía, recuerdo en mi interior, que voy a celebrar el memorial del inmenso amor de Dios que yendo más allá de sí mismo, se nos entrega en el sacrificio de su Hijo.

También recuerdo que si he de celebrar este acto supremo del amor de Dios, debo estar preparado, para amar de la misma manera, dentro de las limitaciones humanas. Recibir

la Eucaristía me motiva para olvidarme de mí mismo y estar presente para los demás. La Eucaristía aviva mi conciencia con respecto a las palabras de San Juan: “Si alguno dice: ‘Yo amo a Dios, pero odia a su hermano, es un mentiroso; pues quien no ama a un hermano a quien ha visto, no puede amar a Dios a quien no ha visto’ (1 Juan 4, 20). No puedo decir que amo y rindo culto a Jesús en la Eucaristía, si me niego a amarlo en cada uno de mis semejantes.

STC: ¿Hay alguna manera en que cada Católico pueda ser Eucaristía para los que le rodean?

Obispo Mulvey: El problema de nuestra sociedad actual es la “cultura del yo”, una existencia individualista que nos mantiene aprisionados, encajonados dentro de nosotros mismos. La Eucaristía, por el contrario, es el memorial del más grande Amor: Dios viene a nosotros, para que aprendamos a no poner límites ni barreras en nuestro amor por los demás, sino que sepamos amar con la mente y el corazón de Jesús.

Podemos aprender a cerca del corazón de Jesús en el Evangelio. Él nos muestra cómo amar en cada situación y en cada encuentro. Sus palabras, deben ser recibidas con la misma solemnidad con que recibimos la Eucaristía.

“Dar de nosotros mismos cada dίa de nuestra vida”

STC: La Eucaristía es real, no es una ilusión; sin embargo, necesita de nuestra colaboración para desplegar su poder. ¿Cómo podemos vivir para ser transformados cada vez más por el Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo?

Obispo Mulvey: La Eucaristía es un sacramento de la presencia real de Dios. Y su presencia se produce por la gracia transformadora del Espíritu Santo. En la Epiklesis (Invocación) de la Misa, el sacerdote coloca sus manos sobre los elementos del pan y del vino y suavemente invoca al Espíritu Santo (como cae una gota de rocío) para transformarlos en el Cuerpo y la Sangre del Señor.

Obviamente, que para ser transformados se requiere del Espíritu Santo. Yo no puedo transformarme, ni tú tampoco. Si queremos ser transformados, debemos cooperar con el Espíritu Santo asumiendo la mentalidad de Cristo. San Pablo exhortó a los Filipenses a lograr una alegría completa, permaneciendo todos unidos. Escribió:

“No hagan nada por egoísmo o vanagloria personal; sino con humilde corazón considerando los unos a los otros como superiores, no mirando cada uno por su propia ventaja, sino por la de los demás. Tengan en sus corazones la misma actitud, los mismos sentimientos que tuvo Cristo Jesús…”. (Filipenses 2:3-5). Me parece que los estaba llamando a ser ese ‘Yo Eucarístico’ todos juntos. Y esto es lo que necesitamos hacer hoy.

STC: Con el Padre Raymond Pendleton y el Padre Thomas Swierc, tenemos dos nuevos sacerdotes en nuestra Diócesis. ¿Cuál es su consejo para ellos y cómo puede cada miembro de la Iglesia ayudar a los sacerdotes a mantenerse fieles y felices?

Obispo Mulvey: En mi homilía durante la Misa de ordenación, hablé del consejo de Santa Catalina de Siena con respecto al autoconocimiento: “Del autoconocimiento fluye la corriente de la humildad, que nunca se aferra al simple informe, ni se ofende por nada.” Como sacerdotes, somos tomados de entre la comunidad; no somos mejores que nadie.

Mi consejo es estar presente con las personas y acompañarlas en lo que llamamos el camino de la fe; podemos ser llamados “Padre” pero debemos tener preferentemente, una actitud de “hermanos”.

Lo segundo que les diría a nuestros dos nuevos sacerdotes, es que se mantengan unidos al presbiterio de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi, especialmente con el Obispo. Una de las principales debilidades de la Iglesia y de la sociedad que se suele tener hoy en dίa, es esa actitud del poder hacerlo todo por uno mismo. Todos tenemos talentos, opiniones e ideas, pero tienen valor para fortalecer el todo. Ninguno de nosotros debería promoverse como mejor que los demás.

Y el tercer consejo es tener un corazón eclesial. La obediencia nos llama a amarnos unos a otros con confianza fraterna. En mi experiencia como sacerdote y obispo, la obediencia es la más liberadora de todas las virtudes. Encontrar la voluntad de Dios escuchando su voz en mi superior legítimo, siempre me ha dado verdadera alegría y libertad.

Al pueblo de Dios le diría: “Amen a sus sacerdotes, estén cerca de ellos, pero no los exalten”. San Agustín, cuando fue nombrado obispo, dijo: “Contigo soy cristiano; para ti, soy un Obispo”. Tal vez se podría decir: “Para nosotros, eres un sacerdote; pero juntos, somos discípulos del Señor.”

STC: ¿Hay algo más que quisiera compartir con nuestros lectores?

Obispo Mulvey: Compartí esta cita del Evangelio de San Marcos con los sacerdotes este verano durante nuestros Días de Fraternidad, “Denle al César lo que es del César y a Dios lo que es de Dios” (Mc 12:17).

Tú y yo no podemos vivir en este mundo sirviendo a Dios y a las riquezas; no podemos tener ambos.

Jesús es el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida. Seguirlo sin anteponer otros dioses frente a Él, es una conversión diaria para todos nosotros.

Meet our new editor!

With this issue of South Texas Catholic, I am happy and honored to introduce myself to you as the new Managing Editor. My name is Susanne Janssen, and I arrived here in Corpus Christi at the beginning of May. Originally, I am from Germany, used to long winters and pine trees … However, I love the beach and the ocean –but first and foremost, the people here in the Diocese of Corpus Christi who have welcomed me with open arms. For the last ten years, I have been the Editor of Living City magazine, a publication committed to building bridges in our divided society.

I have been a journalist and editor for over 25 years, covering local politics and crime and writing about Hollywood stars and innovators as a German correspondent. But working for a Catholic publication allows me to communicate what truly matters and approach the questions that go beyond the daily hype of the media.

Therefore, I am excited about this opportunity to work for STC, keeping all of us connected in the diocese through the magazine and the website. With my team, I want to inform you about what’s happening here in the chancery and share the vibrant life of your

parishes. While working on this issue, I had the opportunity to get to know some volunteers, families, and our newly ordained priests, and it was a gift to get to know their faith stories.

These inspiring life experiences need to be shared because in journeying together, we can help each other in moments when our faith is tested. I’ve experienced that many times: my sisters and brothers opened a path to a deeper understanding of my faith when we could share how God is working in our hearts. Let me know your stories, your questions and your ideas! I look forward to getting to know every corner of our diocese!

¡Conoce a nuestra nueva editora!

Através

de esta edición del South Texas Catholic, quiero presentarme y decir que me siento feliz y honrada al recibir el nuevo cargo de: Gerente Editora. Mi nombre es Susanne Janssen y llegué aquí a Corpus Christi, a principios de Mayo. Provengo originalmente de Alemania, estoy acostumbrada a los largos inviernos ... Sin embargo, amo la playa y el océano, pero ante todo y sobre todo a la gente de aquí y de la Diócesis que me han recibido con los brazos abiertos.

Durante los últimos diez años, he sido editora de la revista Living City, una publicación comprometida en crear y construir puentes entre nuestra sociedad dividida.

He sido periodista y editora durante más de 25 años. He estado cubriendo la nota política local y el crimen, también he escrito sobre las estrellas e innovadores de Hollywood. Pero trabajar para una publicación católica me permite comunicar lo que verdaderamente importa, así como abordar las cuestiones que van más allá del bombo diario de los medios de comunicación.

Por lo tanto, estoy entusiasmada con esta oportunidad de trabajar para STC, manteniéndonos conectados en la Diócesis, a través de la revista y el sitio web. Junto a mi equipo de trabajo, quiero informarles sobre lo que está pasando aquí, en la cancillería y compartir la vida vibrante de sus parroquias.

Mientras trabajaba en este tema, tuve la oportunidad de conocer a algunos voluntarios, a familias y también a nuestros sacerdotes recién ordenados. Fue un regalo conocer sus historias de fe. Estas experiencias de vida inspiradoras deben compartirse, porque al caminar juntos, podemos ayudarnos unos a otros en los momentos en que nuestra fe se pone a prueba. Lo he experimentado muchas veces: mis hermanas y hermanos abrieron un camino hacia una comprensión más profunda de mi fe, cuando pudimos compartir la manera en que Dios está obrando en nuestros corazones.

¡Déjame saber tus historias, tus preguntas y tus ideas! ¡Espero conocer cada rincón de nuestra Diócesis!

“ONE BREAD, ONE BODY” (1 COR 10:17)

A day of prayer and reflection culminated in a solemn procession

BY SUSANNE JANSSEN

The feast of Corpus Christi is all about Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist and our relationship with him. Hundreds of participants of our diocese came together for a day of prayer and reflection, ending with a procession in downtown Corpus Christi. Despite the scorching heat, many families, parish groups, individuals and volunteers showed up to bring Jesus into the streets. And for the first time, people who could not be there in person were able to follow a professional live broadcast with guests, interviews and video clips.

The day started with a solemn Mass at noon with Bishop Michael Mulvey in the

A special blessing. After walking and praying in the heat, the solemn procession ended at the Corpus Christi Cathedral

Cathedral. He asked the participants, “Who is Jesus Christ in your life? Only you can answer this question.”

The Eucharist is a gift of God to us, “as the Fathers of the Church said, ‘He became what we are (human) so that we can become what he is.’” The bishop invited all to let Jesus be more a part of their daily life: “Let him become your friend; that’s what He is.”

The feast day ended with the Benediction - the evening prayer of the Catholic Church - in the Cathedral

Mariachi singers Tres Equis from Kingsville

Many volunteers handed out water

Photos by Susanne Janssen, Fr. Chris Becerra.

Only in relationships can we grow, not on our own.

The afternoon continued with confessions, an exhibition about Eucharistic miracles in St. Joseph’s Hall, and reflections by the Bishop, Father Peter Marsalek, SOLT and the Rector of the Cathedral, Father Pete Elizardo.

Bishop Mulvey invited the faithful to exchange our hearts for God’s heart, “that’s the dynamic of the Eucharist.” The goal is not an easier life on earth but to strive for holiness: “Each time we receive the Eucharist, we remember that we are on a journey to see God face to face.”

After joining in vespers, the Church’s evening prayer, the procession started with stops at the Mother Teresa Shelter, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Nueces County jail, accompanied by prayers as well as hymns sung in different languages including Malayalam (from India) and Spanish. The day ended with a solemn blessing on the steps of the Cathedral, followed by Benediction inside the Cathedral.

“Let Jesus become your friend:” Bishop Michael Mulvey celebrated the noon mass and reflected on the meaning of the Eucharist in our lives

Being the Body of Christ… together

WHY ISABEL JONES VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH THE CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION

BY RICHARD LUNA

Isabel Jones had some big expectations. She had always loved the feast of Corpus Christi, and when she moved to the town bearing its name in 2000, she figured the feast would be even bigger and more elaborate than ever. The reality was quite different.

“I was shocked to find out that there was no big celebration,” she said. No public procession, no flowers or blessings. In Mexico, where she grew

up, every town or village would have a procession in honor of the feast. But she didn’t give in. She asked her priest and friends who were working for the Church why there wasn’t a big public celebration - because it was paused for some years and substituted by parish celebrations. Her gentle nudging, together with others, finally had success – the revamp of the Corpus Christi celebration came together. When asked if she wanted to be part of the preparatory committee, her answer was affirmative: “I said, ‘Sure, yes, of course.’ We are blessed to have that name in our city. I think God does so much for us. Of course, he doesn’t need us to do anything for him. But I do love Him, and I want to show my gratitude. We should do something to celebrate him.”

This was in 2019. Isabel participated in a few meetings and volunteered to prepare one altar on the way. Dreaming about the most beautiful paper flowers, as she remembered them from her childhood in Mexico, together with two friends she spent an entire day crafting colorful flowers. In the end, they prepared the altar in front of the county jail, remembering St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish priest who volunteered to die in place of a family father in a concentration camp.

They tried to find the right place where both the inmates and the participants of the procession could see the altar. Yet, while they had found their

Isabel Jones with her husband Lee, daughter Zoey and dog Max

favorite spot, the police were asking for the permit – they had to move the altar several times until everyone was satisfied. Isabel stayed focused on the reason for the procession and its meaning for people’s lives: “It doesn’t matter who we are or the mistakes we make, His grace is stronger and bigger than that. Just knowing that we are extremely loved gives meaning to our lives.”

They finally put the giant flowers that they had prepared. Isabel remembers, “As we were getting all these things ready, many inmates started knocking on their windows, asking us, ‘What are you doing out there?’ And when they realized that we were decorating an altar, they would raise their rosaries on the windows and show us they were praying with us.”

While waiting for the procession, Isabel realized: “That’s part of being the body of Christ. They are also part of the body of Christ. We’re all in this together.” And when the procession with the Holy Eucharist approached the area, she remembered that there was total silence in the presence of God. “It doesn’t matter what you have done in the past; it doesn’t matter who you are. At the end of the day, we are all looking for God for the same reason; we all want to feel loved.”

Isabel walked with her daughter Zoey in the second year: “She was excited to see people coming together from different languages and cultures.” It was a deep sense of peace for Isabel herself, and she felt gratitude “that God is so close to us and available for us.”

In the end, that’s what the feast of Corpus Christi means to her – a tangible sign of God’s love: “I feel like every single time that we get a chance to either go on a procession or to go to receive the Eucharist is an invitation that’s coming from God.”

Why should someone join the procession?

“It’s another way that God is trying to get to us so that He can bless us and let us know that He is present,” says Isabel, “we are never alone.” It’s experiencing community. “Sometimes we’re going through life thinking we are going through

a tough moment by ourselves, and maybe nobody cares. But you know you are important when you’re in a group or a community. The talents and gifts that God has given us are for the service of others, and what they receive can be of service to us. We come together as the body of Christ to support and encourage each other.”

This year, Isabel was not able to prepare an altar because she was out of town before the feast. However, she volunteered that day. “And in this way, other people can make this experience to prepare an altar for the Eucharist.”

Lea la versión en español de este artículo aquí:

https://diocesecc.org/news/ser-el-cuerpo-de-cristo-juntos

Courtesy of Isabel Jones (2)

Freedom in Christ: The altar in front of Nueces County jail was dedicated to Saint Maximilian Kolbe

It brings Christ to everyone

BY JESSE DELEON

The word monstrance may suggest many different images. For the Catholic faithful, a monstrance is an open or transparent receptacle in which the consecrated Host is exposed for Eucharistic adoration or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Prior to last year’s Feast of Corpus Christi, the creation of a new monstrance was commissioned for the 2022 Eucharistic

Congress by Bishop Michael Mulvey. Following its blessing by Bishop Mulvey at last year’s Feast of Corpus Christi, the monstrance has served as a beautiful vessel in which the soul and divinity of Jesus are adored, worshiped, and glorified.

“This monstrance was designed by a committee of priests who came together, and under their direction, Brad Snyder and Associates created the design,” said Father

A multicultural beauty. The monstrance features a Celtic and a Brazilian cross, as well as twelve ruby-colored stones that represent the twelve apostles

Pete Elizardo about the creative process of making this monstrance.

After the priests finalized the plans for the design of the monstrance, the building process began. It was assembled in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Jaime Reyna, who was the Director of Multicultural Ministries for the diocese at the time, was entrusted with overseeing its production and eventual transport to Corpus Christi.

“I think it came to be exactly what we had hoped,” says Fr. Elizardo.

The monstrance features a Celtic cross, a circular nimbus, and a Brazilian cross, as well as twelve ruby-colored stones, which represent the twelve apostles. It also has a silver rendering of the Last Supper at its base. The undeniable beauty of the monstrance is fitting, as it carries the body of Jesus and makes it possible for so many to encounter him through adoration, reflection, and prayer.

“The monstrance can never have that oneness with the Eucharist as we can,” says Fr. Elizardo. “The hope is that by coming to adore the Lord, it creates that longing in our heart and our soul to really have that oneness with Him that we can have. That is much more than the monstrance can experience because, of course, the monstrance has no life in and of itself. The monstrance brings Christ to us so that we can truly experience the beauty of that oneness with Jesus, the one who is life himself.”

While the monstrance has played a vital role in the Feast of Corpus Christi’s many events, it will soon travel throughout the diocese, making stops at various parishes before it returns to the Corpus Christi Cathedral in time for next year’s Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. And while the creation of the monstrance has a fascinating history behind it, it has much history ahead of it as it continues to bring Christ to the diocese and to the world.

During the feast of Corpus Christi, the new monstrance brings Christ on the streets and even in front of Nueces County jail

Photos by Fr. Chris Becerra

“Making us one body, one spirit in Christ”

BY EMILY SALAZAR

Hundreds of Catholics from all over South Texas gathered at the Corpus Christi Cathedral on June 8th to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi with prayers and a procession throughout the streets of downtown Corpus Christi. Here’s what some participants shared about what the Eucharist means to them.

“Eucharist was when Jesus broke the bread that was His body to be given for the life of human beings. Christ in the Eucharist continues to work with the ministers to reach out to the suffering members of his body. So, as a chaplain, it means going out and being Christ for others in pain.”

Johnson Oodo, chaplain at Christus Spohn Hospital

“The Eucharist to me is the presence of Jesus, His ability to be able to heal us, our ability to be able to come into communion with Him. Of course, this occurs during mass, but also in adoration, or just being in His presence, walking with Him in the streets.”

Liana Badillo, Young Catholic Adults, Corpus Christi

“It’s the center of my prayer life, the reason why I became a priest, and I see the Eucharist as having a super important function of making us one body, one spirit in Christ. Without Jesus and the Eucharist, that unity that Jesus prayed for at the end of his life would not have been possible. In that sense, I see the Eucharist not only as something between Jesus and me but something between Jesus and us.”

Rev. Darryl D’Souza, Pastor at Holy Family Parish

“I am a novice in religious life, so I haven’t made my vows yet – I am preparing to become a bride of Christ and to make my vows to Him. And when I receive the Eucharist, I feel myself growing closer and closer to Him, and that union I am striving for is coming to its fullness. So, for me, it’s a relationship with my future spouse.”

Sister Christine, Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity

“I tend to sometimes think of God as a very intense God, and when I see him in the Eucharist, He’s so gentle, and it’s so beautiful how He is so intimate with us. So, when I think of the Eucharist, I think of a very intimate relationship with God.”

Meagan Gilbert, Parishioner of St. John the Baptist Parish

“The Eucharist means an embodiment of unity between people within our own religion. It allows us to express motivation and drive connection with one another.”

Elizabeth Hodge, Parishioner of Corpus Christi Cathedral

“It’s a mystery. I mean, it’s fuel for the soul, fuel for our whole life. It’s a sacrament, so it’s a way God reaches out to us. It’s a sign to experience God in a new way and to become God, to live in the reality that is God and to let Him become you and you become Him.”

Tom McGlynn, Executive Director of Fazenda da Esperança

“The Eucharist is everything. Nothing can compare to the Eucharist.”

Deacon Pedro Salas, spiritual director of the Galveston and Houston members of the National Nocturnal Adoration Society

Behind the scenes of the diocese’s first enhanced broadcast

BY CHLOE RODRIGUEZ

This year’s Feast of Corpus Christi was history in the making. With the ambition of communications director Katia Uriarte Philipello and broadcast director Richard Luna, the Diocese of Corpus Christi pulled off a live broadcast of the procession for the first time, reaching viewers near and far.

For this effort, the Communications team used one camera, an I-Phone, a drone, and a Live U backpack at the center of it all. The server enables the transmission of video from a smartphone (using an app), allowing for dynamic coverage of the procession between the drone footage, on-the-ground coverage and interviews,

and event moderation from the Cathedral. It has been a fulfilling experience for Katia, a former news anchor, who created the show and was the executive producer: “I’ve been in the news business for the past 20 years, and here it is… I feel like my entire life; the Lord prepared me for this moment.”

Hosts Jesse De Leon, Assistant Director of Communications, and Regina Garcia Posada, parishioner and former KIII News Anchor, guided viewers through the event. The program featured several guests throughout the evening, with live interviews by Social Media Coordinator for our diocese, Liz Morales, live coverage from Communication Specialists Adel Sauceda and

Professional service. Hosts Regina Garcia Posada and Jesse DeLeon are about to start the pre-broadcast show

Madelyn Galindo in between, as well as highlights of various outreach programs of the diocese.

While the procession was moving through downtown Corpus Christi, people at home were part of the event, with added value: they learned why Linda, Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioner, volunteered as a golf cart driver, delivering water and picking up parishioners throughout the procession. They also listened to Nueces County Sheriff J.C. Hooper, who shared how much it meant to him, the employees, and the inmates that the procession stops at the jail every year.

The live broadcast team brought in some special guests: Fr. Peter G. Martinez, President of John Paul II High School, spoke about the core values of the school: faith, reason, and virtue. He also shared a personal anecdote about how his brother Frank, who was in the seminary in Rome, met Pope John Paul II.

Valedictorian Elizabeth Arnolds and Salutatorian Andrew Ybarra shared their experience of attending Catholic school and how it deepened their sense of belonging. Elizabeth will attend the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio, and Andrew will attend Texas A&M University-Kingsville this fall. “Even if the future environment is not specifically Catholic,” says Ybarra, “I can bring my faith to others; it is just a part of me.”

While the procession moved on to the Mother Teresa Shelter and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the people following from home had seats in the front row.

The second guest was Gloria Romero, a longtime Spanish contributor to the diocese and host of the KLUX program Con Permiso. Gloria provided commentary in Spanish on the procession visiting the Nueces County jail. She said the stop is one of the most emotional. The prisoners knock at the windows and hold their rosaries, excited to receive the blessing of Jesus, knowing that they are still God’s children.

The third guest was Tom McGlynn, Executive Director of the first Fazenda da Esperança, or Farm of Hope in North America. Fazendas are drug and alcohol recovery centers that rely on three pillars: community, work and spirituality. He shared that some experts from Brazil are expected to arrive in a few weeks.

When the procession returned to the Corpus Christi Cathedral and ended with the benediction, the broadcast team was relieved that they had successfully executed a livestream presentation that usually required more staff and planning time. Amid the end of the day’s events, there were many positive comments from people who were happy that they were blessed to offer their time and talent and be a part of this history-making event.

In the Eye of the Storm. Katia Uriarte Philipello, Communications Director of the Diocese, in front of the control center where Richard Luna and his wife Ruth switch between the four different cameras

Chloe Rodriguez

Fr. Thomas Swierc’s journey to the priesthood

BY SUSANNE JANSSEN

After eight years of preparation, Fr. Thomas Swierc is excited that he will finally get to work. “School is not my favorite thing,” he shared. Preaching neither – but he is convinced that God will give him everything that he needs for his ministry. And he found the work in the parish fulfilling, “it felt right.”

Swierc felt excited and a bit nervous a few weeks before his ordination. “It is a big change that will happen,” he said. He was born in San Antonio and raised in College Station with an older sister. “Our family was active in the parish,” he said. His dad was in the choir, his mother taught religious education, and his sister was an altar server.

Around 20 years ago, his parish started perpetual adoration. His father chose Monday morning from 4-5 am, and when Thomas didn’t have school, he joined his dad. “I cannot say that it was my favorite thing, but I began to develop a relationship with Jesus.”

Two years into college at Texas A&M Kingsville, he had a serious discerning moment: “I was having a hard time doing my homework, and a thought came into my mind: maybe this is the moment God is telling me to be

a priest.” He shared his thoughts with a vocation director who advised him to “wait a bit and pray.” So, he pursued his degree and got involved with the Newman Center. “I started being an altar server again, and we dedicated a brand-new chapel that summer,” he remembers. Maybe his desire was written all over his face. After mass, a priest who

Susanne Janssen

Going to adoration helped Fr. Thomas Swierc to develop a personal relationship with Jesus

saw him swaying the thurible asked him, “You are discerning, aren’t you?”

When he was attending a vocational retreat, everything fell into place. “I talked with a priest in the sacristy for almost an hour. I had one more year until finishing my degree in computer science, but he told me that the seminary is a good place for intense discernment.” They agreed that he would take two weeks to think and pray about it, but after a few days, he felt his heart burning, and he knew: he would join the seminary immediately.

While he was born in San Antonio and raised in the Austin diocese, he wanted to be ordained in Corpus Christi: “It just feels like home. I feel I’m in the right place whenever I cross the border.” And he is grateful to the Newman Center at Kingsville, where both newly ordained priests lived important moments of their faith journey.

His parents wanted him to finish his degree, but “when they saw how excited I was, they were supportive.” One great-aunt was unsurprised, “she remembered that I mentioned something about becoming a priest when I was 12 years old.”

After entering seminary, he remembers two decisive moments. “During a retreat in my first year, I wanted to leave,” he said. “I didn’t like studying, and I didn’t like this and that, but then I recognized that these were distractions of the Evil one.” His happiness returned.

Another year, he didn’t receive the stellar evaluation that he was expecting. “I got too comfortable, I was content with the prayer times, but I didn’t put much effort into it.” That was a wake-up call: “I have to focus on my goals, and prayer is essential for my life as a priest.”

While nervous about delivering homilies, he looks forward to working in a parish, especially teaching and preparing children for First Communion. What would he say to young people who are discerning a vocation? “Talk to the Lord; spend time with Jesus.” And after that, being ready to take a step into the unknown,

“which is also necessary for a married life.”

Fr. Swierc thanks everybody in the diocese for their prayers: “I’m grateful for your love and support.”

The Swierc family back in the days

According to an aunt, Fr. Thomas wanted to become a priest at an early age

Courtesy of the Swierc family

El camino del Padre Thomas

Swierc hacia el sacerdocio

POR SUSANNE JANSSEN

Después de ocho años de preparación, el Padre. Thomas Swierc está entusiasmado porque finalmente se pondrá a trabajar. “La escuela no es mi cosa favorita”, compartió.Predicar tampoco-, pero está convencido de que Dios le dará todo lo que necesita para su ministerio. Ha encontrado en el trabajo parroquial algo muy gratificante; “Me siento bien” dijo. Hace unas semanas el Padre Swierc se sentía emocionado al mismo tiempo que un poco nervioso porque se aproximaba su ordenación. -“Es un gran cambio lo que sucederá”, dijo.

Nació en San Antonio pero se crió en College Station junto a su hermana mayor. “Nuestra familia era activa en la parroquia”, dijo. Su padre estaba en el coro, su madre enseñaba educación religiosa y su hermana era monaguillo.

Hace unos 20 años, su parroquia inició el ministerio de Adoración perpetua y su padre eligió el turno de los lunes por la mañana de 4 a 5 am. Cuando Thomas no tenía escuela, lo acompañaba. “No puedo decir que era mi cosa favorita, pero si comencé a desarrollar una relación con Jesús.”

Después de dos años en la universidad Texas A&M Kingsville, tuvo un momento de discernimiento serio: “Estaba teniendo dificultades para hacer mi tarea y un pensamiento cruzó por mi mente: tal vez sea este es el momento en que Dios me llama para que sea sacerdote”.

Compartió sus pensamientos con un director de vocaciones que le aconsejó - esperar un poco y orar mucho -. Continuó sus estudios y se involucró en el Newman Center. “Empecé a ser monaguillo nuevamente, y ese verano inauguramos

La familia Swierc en el seminario St. Mary’s, Houston

una capilla nueva”, recuerda. Tal vez su deseo estaba escrito en su rostro, ya que después de la misa, un sacerdote que lo vio balanceando el incensario le preguntó: “Estás discerniendo, ¿verdad?”.

Después, mientras asistía a un retiro vocacional, todo encajó. “Hablé con un sacerdote en la sacristía durante casi una hora. Me faltaba un año para terminar la carrera de informática, pero me dijo que el seminario era un buen lugar para un discernimiento intenso”. Acordaron que se tomaría dos semanas para pensar y orar al respecto, pero después de unos días, sintió que le ardía el corazón, en ese momento supo que se uniría al seminario de inmediato.

Si bien nació en San Antonio y se crió en la Diócesis de Galveston-Houston, quería ser ordenado en Corpus Christi porque “Se siente como en casa. Siento que estoy en el lugar correcto cada vez que cruzo los lίmites de la ciudad”.

Está muy agradecido con el Centro Newman de Kingsville, donde ambos sacerdotes recién ordenados vivieron momentos importantes en su camino de fe.

Sus padres querían que terminara la carrera, pero “cuando vieron lo emocionado que estaba, me apoyaron”. Una tía abuela no estaba sorprendida, “recordó que le mencioné algo acerca de convertirme en sacerdote cuando tenía 12 años”.

Después de ingresar al seminario, recuerda dos momentos decisivos. “Durante un retiro en mi primer año, quería salirme”, dijo. “No me gustaba estudiar, y no me agradaba ni esto ni aquello, pero luego reconocí que eran distracciones del Maligno”. Su felicidad volvió.

Otro año, no recibió la evaluación estelar que esperaba. “Me sentí demasiado cómodo, no valoré los tiempos de oración, pero tampoco puse mucho empeño”. Esa fue una llamada de atención “Tengo que concentrarme en mis metas, y la oración es esencial para mi vida como sacerdote”.

Aunque está nervioso con respecto a dar homilías, espera trabajar en una parroquia, especialmente enseñando y preparando a los niños para la Primera Comunión.

-¿Qué les diría a los jóvenes que están discerniendo una vocación? -“Les dir ί a: habla con el Señor; pasa tiempo con Jesús”.

Y después de eso, estarás listo para dar un paso hacia lo desconocido, lo cual, también es necesario para una vida matrimonial”.

El Padre Thomas Swierc da las gracias a todos en la diócesis, por sus oraciones: “Estoy agradecido por su amor y su apoyo, gracias”.

Thomas con su hermana mayor Suzanne

Como explorador en Guadalupe

Cortesia de la familia Swierc (3)

How the words of Fr. Raymond Pendleton’s mother were pivotal for his vocation

BY SUSANNE JANSSEN

“Excited. And a bit nervous...” That was Deacon Raymond Pendleton’s answer on how he felt a few weeks before his ordination. After eight years in seminary, he knew he was about to enter an entirely new phase of his life.

Pendleton has studied for the last four years in Rome and will continue specializing in Canon Law for two more years. Becoming a priest was not on his radar, yet he grew up in a family very committed to the Catholic faith: “I am the second oldest of ten children; we are all very close and spend much time together,” he said. Growing up in the small town of Benavides, he has fond memories of spending time together as a family in the parish, attending many events and being an altar server

after his First Communion all the way through high school.

When he left for college, his mother told him, “I don’t care if you fail all your classes or come back to live here with us – but please, go to Sunday mass.” These words rang in Pendleton’s ears as he passed his first Sunday in the dorm at Texas A&M in Kingsville. “I intended to leave my faith behind; it was becoming less relevant. But I remembered my mom’s words, so I went to mass at the Newman Center.”

The Sunday masses and other events at the Newman Center drew him closer to Christ and the Church. That Sunday had a lasting impact on his life. “I saw college kids my age going to mass without their parents. I couldn’t believe that.”

Later he was invited to go to daily mass, and he picked up being an altar server. “I fell in love with mass,” he recalled. After several months, he started paying more attention to what the priest was doing – and he felt “I could do the same.”

In his sophomore year, he was invited to a vocational

The Pendletons are a large and close-knit family from Benavides

Courtesy of the Pendleton family

retreat and started thinking about the priesthood, yet he didn’t do anything to move forward. Up came another retreat of the diocese, and he was happy to receive whatever would be given to him but had an uneasy feeling in his stomach. “I couldn’t just push it back – I understood I had to apply to the seminary.”

He was pursuing a double major in Education and Communication at that time. He had to consider finishing his degree or entering the seminary right away. After discerning in prayer, he trusted God and let go of his bachelor’s.

He had to tell his family: “I called my parents and told them that I had to share something important; it had to be in person.” His parents drove to Kingsville to meet with him. They were not surprised: “We already knew that,” said his mom with a smile. His siblings and friends were supportive as well.

Did he have any doubts after that first clarity? “The priestly life is full of responsibilities – I was wondering if I could do something like this,”

he remembers. In prayer, he understood that he is not doing it alone, “Christ does it. He is the one who brings healing.” He overcame these doubts by turning to scripture and looking at the apostles.

During his formation, he treasured the possibility of sharing everything with a priest to receive guidance and help. And parish assignments in the summer, at a parish, the Mother Theresa Shelter and the chancery helped him to be more compassionate and ready to offer himself “as Christ did.”

He would encourage every young person attracted to the priesthood or religious life to speak to a priest, a brother or a sister and “get a taste of what it is like to live in a community.”

Pendleton, who just turned 29, thanks all the people in the diocese for their support: “Thank you for all your prayers, your generosity and acts of kindness. If I become a priest, it is not because of my own power but because you helped me.”

Fr. Raymond Pendleton started thinking about the priesthood when he became attracted to attending mass nearly every day

Photo by: Susanne Janssen

Las palabras de la madre del Padre Raymond Pendleton fueron fundamentales para su vocación

POR SUSANNE JANSSEN

“Entusiasmado y un poco nervioso…” Fue la primera respuesta del diácono Raymond Pendleton cuando le preguntamos cómo se sentía, unas semanas antes de su ordenación. Después de ocho años en el seminario, sabía que estaba a punto de entrar en una fase completamente nueva de su vida.

Pendleton ha estudiado durante los últimos tres años en Roma y seguirá especializándose en Derecho Canónico durante dos años más. Convertirse en sacerdote no estaba en sus planes, a pesar de haber crecido en una familia muy comprometida con la fe Católica: “Soy el segundo de nueve hijos; todos somos muy unidos y pasamos mucho tiempo juntos”, dijo. Guarda muy buenos recuerdos de su pequeño pueblo Benavides, donde creció y pasó mucho tiempo con su familia y con la comunidad de su parroquia, asistiendo a muchos eventos y convirtiéndose en monaguillo después de su Primera Comunión y hasta terminar la escuela secundaria.

Cuando se fue a la universidad, su madre le dijo: “No me importa si repruebas todas tus clases o regresas a vivir aquí de nuevo con nosotros, pero por favor, ve a Misa cada domingo”. Estas palabras

resonaron en los oídos de Pendleton mientras pasaba su primer domingo en el dormitorio de Texas A&M Kingsville. “Tenía la intención de dejar atrás mi fe; porque cada vez era menos relevante para mi, pero recordaba las palabras de mi mamá, así que iba a Misa al Newman Center”.

Las Misas dominicales y otros eventos en el Centro Newman lo acercaron a Cristo y a la Iglesia, pero ese primer domingo tuvo un impacto duradero en su vida. “Vi a universitarios de mi edad yendo a misa sin sus padres. No podía creer eso”.

Posteriormente fue invitado a ir a Misa diaria, y lo eligieron para ser monaguillo. “Me enamoré de la Misa”, recordó. Después de varios meses,

Photo by: Susanne Janssen

Padre Richard Pendleton (derecha) fue ordenado junto con el P. David Snow, SOLT y el P. Thomas Swierc

comenzó a prestar más atención a lo que hacía el sacerdote y sintió que él podía hacer lo mismo. En su segundo año, lo invitaron a un retiro vocacional y comenzó a pensar en el sacerdocio, pero no hizo nada para continuar con ese pensamiento. Llegó otro retiro, esta vez de la Diócesis, y se sintió feliz, estaba dispuesto a recibir lo que le dieran, pero tenía una sensación de malestar en el estómago. “Esta vez no podía retrasarlo más, entendí que tenía que postularme para el seminario”.

En ese tiempo estaba cursando una doble especialización en Educación y Comunicación y se planteó la disyuntiva: terminar su carrera o ingresar al seminario de inmediato. Después de discernir en oración, confió en Dios y dejó de buscar la licenciatura.

El siguiente paso era hablar con su familia: “Llamé a mis padres y les dije que tenía que compartir algo importante con ellos y que tenía que ser en persona”. Sus padres viajaron a Kingsville para reunirse con él. No se sorprendieron: “Eso ya lo sabíamos”, dijo su mamá con una sonrisa. Sus hermanos y amigos también lo apoyaron.

A caso ¿se presentaron algunas dudas después de esa primera claridad? “La vida sacerdotal

está llena de responsabilidades. -Me preguntaba si podría llegar a hacer algo como esto”, recuerda. Fue a través de la oración que comprendió que no lo iba a hacer solo,- “Cristo lo hace. Él es el que trae la curación”. Superó sus dudas recurriendo a las Sagradas Escrituras y mirando a los apóstoles Durante su formación atesoró la posibilidad de compartirlo todo con un sacerdote para recibir orientación. Y todo ayudó; la guía sacerdotal, las asignaciones parroquiales en el verano, el Refugio Madre Teresa y la cancillería contribuyeron para volverlo más compasivo y dispuesto a ofrecerse “como lo hizo Cristo”.

Alentaría a todos los jóvenes atraídos por el sacerdocio o la vida religiosa a hablar con un sacerdote, un hermano o una hermana y “probar cómo es vivir en una comunidad”.

Pendleton, que acaba de cumplir 29 años, agradece a todas las personas de la Diócesis por su apoyo: “Gracias por todas sus oraciones, su generosidad y actos de bondad. Si me hago sacerdote, no es por mi propio poder, sino porque tú me ayudaste”.

Cortesía de la familia Pendleton

Padre Raymond Pendleton creció en un pequeño pueblo, en una familia numerosa donde todos eran activos en la parroquia

Padre Raymond Pendleton creció con nueve hermanos

Three young men ordained to the priesthood

BY SUSANNE JANSSEN

Apacked cathedral, festive music, more than 70 priests were concelebrating. And in the center of it all, three young deacons who prepared for years for this day – to be ordained to the priesthood, answering a call that each one of them felt in a personal way.

The beautiful rite, filled with symbols and meaning, began on June 17 at 10 am in the Corpus Christi Cathedral. After the procession, accompanied by festive music, Deacons Raymond Pendleton, Thomas Swierc and David Snow, a member of the Society of our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), joined their families in the pews and were called by name to come forward.

They gave their yes, “to be trustworthy co-workers with the Order of Bishops, in feeding the Lord’s flock,” and answered the bishop’s questions, “Do you solve to be united more closely each day to Christ, the High Priest … and with him to consecrate yourselves to God for the salvation of all?” with “I do, with the help of God.”

After the Gospel reading where Jesus asked Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” (Jn 21:15), Bishop Michael Mulvey told the candidates to “be another Christ, confirm your mind and your heart to the mind and the heart of Christ.” Being a priest requires self-knowledge and humility. He gave the advice to hold on to Saint

“DO YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN THESE?”

Catherine of Siena’s prayer, “I am nothing; you are everything,” when administering the sacraments.

His second piece of advice originated from Saint Paul, who wrote to the Corinthians, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). “Our mission is in the cross, not in the glories,” so Bishop Mulvey,

“It is the mission of Jesus Christ himself.” To stay faithful, he recommended they encounter the poor, value silence and seek communion.

After the litany, where the three candidates prostrated themselves in front of the altar, the bishop laid hands on them one by one, followed by all the priests present doing the same.

The bishop anninted the palms of the candidates with the Sacred Chrism.

Fr. Raymond Pendleton is giving his first blessing

Then the palms of the newly ordained priests were anointed with Chrism. They received their priestly vestments and were welcomed in a fraternal embrace by each priest present. Finally, they turned to the faithful with radiant smiles.

The people in the pews stood up and applauded for minutes.

At the end of the mass, the two Diocesan priests received their first assignment: Father Thomas Swierc as Parochial Vicar at St. Philip the Apostle in Corpus Christi and Father Raymond Pendleton as Priest in Residence at the Cathedral over the summer while continuing his studies in Canon Law in Rome in the Fall.

So much joy: The concelebrants and servers with the newly ordained priests in front of the cathedral

S a v e t h e d a t e

D i o c e s e c c o r g / G e n V e r d e

S A T U R D A Y , O C T O B E R 1 4

D u r i n g a n e x c l u s i v e t o u r , t h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l p e r f o r m i n g G r o u p G e n V e r d e w i l l b e p e r f o r m i n g f o r o n e n i g h t o n l y i n C o r p u s C h r i s t i , T e x a s , o n S a t u r d a y , O c t o b e r 1 4 . D o n ' t m i s s t h i s s p e c i a l e v e n i n g . S a v e t h e d a t e - S a t u r d a y , O c t o b e r 1 4 - i n y o u r c a l e n d a r n o w .

i o c e s e c c . o r g

A t t e n d e e s w i l l b e a b l e t o c h o o s e b e t w e e n f o u r t r a c k s : d r a m a , s i n g i n g , p e r c u s s i o n , o r d a n c i n g . R e g i s t e r n o w t o s a v e y o u r s e a t .

Right: Fr. David Snow, a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and has a master’s degree in music. He studied at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, Michigan

COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE

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