Fall 2021 - Vol. 56 No. 3 by South Texas Catholic

SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

South Texas

Catholic W W W. S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C . C O M • FA L L 2 0 21

Unity through Jesus

S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C

FALL 2021

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

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Keep up with the faith at

southtexascatholic.com VOL. 56 NO. 3

Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD

INSIDE

Director of Communications Julie Stark jstark@diocesecc.org Managing Editor Mary Cottingham mcottingham@diocesecc.org

Theological Consultant Ben Nguyen, MTS, JCL/JD, D.Min (ABD) bnguyen@diocesecc.org Communications Specialist Elizabeth Morales emorales@diocesecc.org

Correspondents Jesse De Leon and Rebecca Esparza Translator/Correspondent Gloria Romero Photographers Chloe Rodriguez and Ervey Martinez Manage Subscriptions If you or someone you know would like to receive the South Texas Catholic Contact us at (361) 882-6191 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi TX 78401-0824 stc@diocesecc.org or to subscribe, unsubscribe or submit a change of address go online at: southtexascatholic.com/subscribe

CALENDAR ITEMS Submit your announcements by using our online form, e-mail, mail or drop it off at the Chancery office. All calendar items will appear on the South Texas Catholic website at southtexascatholic.com or on the diocesan website at diocesecc.org. The South Texas Catholic is not liable or in any way responsible for the content of any advertisement appearing within these pages. All claims, offers guarantees, statements, etc. made by advertisers are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Deceptive or misleading advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints regarding advertising should be made directly to the advertiser or to the Better Business Bureau.

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Fall Festivals

Submit your Calendar Items to: southtexascatholic.com/send-calendar-items. We will post your event on the South Texas Catholic website at southtexascatholic.com/events.

INSIDE

5 | BISHOP’S MESSAGE, Unity: Bishop Michael Mulvey’s message on synodality.

9 | JESUS SAYS, Explaining the Gospel Message: Father Brady Williams, SOLT, reflects on the meaning “Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) are brought together to work as a team in areas of “deepest apostolic need.”

24 | MATRIMONIO, El diácono Marco e Irene Anes comparten su testimonio de la vida matrimonial.

29 | PRISON MINISTRY,

10 | WOMAN OF STRENGTH,

“Brother Pedro” Costilla brings the Word of God to his brothers and sisters at Nueces County jail.

St. Mary Magdalene is given the title “Apostle to the Apostles.”

12 | SPREADING THE LIGHT,

Young Catholic Adults host “Night to Adore” at Cole Park. COVER PHOTO BY CHLOE RODRIGUEZ .

16 | CATHOLIC SCHOOLS,

Classically inspired curriculum offers advanced learning opportunities at St. John Paul II High School.

31 | NATIONAL NEWS: Pro-life groups praise Senate opposition to taxpayerfunded abortion.

33 | A WORD From Our Holy

Father: Pope Francis says, ‘‘Humility is the way that leads to heaven.”

34 | WORLD NEWS: Catholic

18 | UNITY, the community of the Society of Our

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charity concerned for safety of Christians in Afghanistan.

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Liturgical Calendar September

26 | SUN | TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Nm 11:25-29/Jas 5:1-6/Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 (137) Pss II

1 | Wed | Weekday | green | Col 1:1-8/Lk 4:3844 (433)

2 | Thu | Weekday | green | Col 1:9-14/Lk 5:1-11 (434)

28 | Tue | Weekday | green/red/red [Saint Wenceslaus, Martyr; Saint Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, Martyrs] Zec 8:20-23/Lk 9:51-56 (456)

5 | SUN | TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Is 35:4-7a/Jas 2:1-5/ Mk 7:31-37 (128) Pss III

11 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] 1 Tm 1:15-17/Lk 6:43-49 (442)

9 | Sat | Weekday | green/red/white/white [Saint Denis, Bishop, and Companions, Martyrs; Saint John Leonardi, Priest; BVM] Jl 4:12-21/Lk 11:27-28 (466)

10 | SUN | TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Wis 7:7-11/Heb 4:12-13/Mk 10:17-30 or 10:17-27 (143) Pss IV

18 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] 1 Tm 6:13-16/Lk 8:4-15 (448)

11 | Mon | Weekday | green/white [Saint John XXIII, Pope] Rom 1:1-7/Lk 11:29-32 (467)

19 | SUN | TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Wis 2:12, 17-20/ Jas 3:16—4:3/Mk 9:30-37 (134) Pss I

12 | Tue | Weekday | green | Rom 1:16-25/Lk 11:37-41 (468)

20 | Mon | Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Priest, and Paul Chong Ha-sang, | red | and Companions, Martyrs | Memorial | Ezr 1:1-6/Lk 8:16-18 (449)

21 | Tue | Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist | red | Feast | Eph 4:1-7, 11-13/Mt 9:9-13 (643) Pss Prop

24 | Fri | Weekday | green | Hg 2:1-9/Lk 9:1822 (453)

16 | Sat | Weekday | green/white/white/white [Saint Hedwig, Religious; Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin; BVM] Rom 4:13, 16-18/Lk 12:8-12 (472)

25 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a/Lk 9:43b-45 (454)

17 | SUN | TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Is 53:10-11/Heb

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14 | SUN | THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Dn 12:1-3/Heb 10:11-14, 18/Mk 13:24-32 (158) Pss I

22 | Fri | Weekday | green/white [Saint John Paul II, Pope] Rom 7:18-25a/Lk 12:54-59 (477)

25 | Mon | Weekday | green | Rom 8:12-17/ Lk 13:10-17 (479)

8 | Fri | Weekday | green | Jl 1:13-15; 2:1-2/Lk 11:15-26 (465)

16 | Thu | Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs | red | Memorial | 1 Tm 4:1216/Lk 7:36-50 (446)

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12 | Fri | Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr | red | Memorial | Wis 13:1-9/Lk 17:26-37 (495)

21 | Thu | Weekday | green | Rom 6:19-23/Lk 12:49-53 (476)

24 | SUN | THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Jer 31:7-9/Heb 5:1-6/Mk 10:46-52 (149) Pss II

6 | Wed | Weekday | green/white/white [Saint Bruno, Priest; USA: Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, Virgin] Jon 4:1-11/Lk 11:1-4 (463)

14 | Tue | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross | red | Feast | Nm 21:4b-9/Phil 2:6-11/Jn 3:13-17 (638) Pss Prop

Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Wis 6:1-11/Lk 17:11-19 (493)

20 | Wed | Weekday | green/white [USA: Saint Paul of the Cross, Priest] Rom 6:12-18/ Lk 12:39-48 (475)

5 | Tue | Weekday | green/white/white [Saint Faustina Kowalska, Virgin; USA: Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, Priest] Jon 3:1-10/Lk 10:38-42 (462)

19 | Tue | USA: Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, | red | and Companions, Martyrs | Memorial | Rom 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21/Lk 12:35-38 (474)

October

12 | SUN | TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Is 50:4c-9a/Jas 2:1418/Mk 8:27-35 (131) Pss IV

18 | Mon | Saint Luke, Evangelist | red | Feast | 2 Tm 4:10-17b/Lk 10:1-9 (661) Pss Prop

23 | Sat | Weekday | green/white/white [Saint John of Capistrano, Priest; BVM] Rom 8:1-11/ Lk 13:1-9 (478)

3 | SUN | TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Gn 2:18-24/Heb 2:911/Mk 10:2-16 or 10:2-12 (140) Pss III

10 | Fri | Weekday | green | 1 Tm 1:1-2, 12-14/ Lk 6:39-42 (441)

4:14-16/Mk 10:35-45 or 10:42-45 (146) Pss I

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BISHOP’S MESSAGE Synodality

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Over the past few years, you may have come across the word “synodality.” Some ignore this term as another “catchword” in the Church’s vocabulary. However, synodality is a contemporary word that portrays what the Church is called to live and has tried to live since the beginning. In short, synodality means that we walk together seeking God’s direction especially, when we gather in prayer to discuss, decide and act. With this in mind, we can understand that the Church cannot be in tune with the will of God by simply seeking the majority opinion, or by following popular trends in society. Synodality calls us to come together with openness to seek God’s will, especially when discerning for matters that concern the present and future life of the Church.

to in the Letter to the Philippians (Phil 2:5). Often St. Paul speaks to his communities of the danger of falling into the trap of taking on the mentality of the society around them or falling prey to “false gospels.” One consequence of this was that we were unable to discern the will of God together and therefore experienced divisions within the community.

Silence and Prayer

Living by the Spirit

To gather with Jesus today is different from when Jesus gathered his apostles or disciples to speak on a concern. Consequently, we need to look for some foundational principles from Jesus’ life and teaching to understand how he lived his relationship with his Father. The Gospels recount that He went away from the crowds and prayed in silence to His Father. In doing so, His one objective was to be with His Father to seek out the will of God and not His own. When we come together in the spirit of Christ (synodality), we too live that same experience of intimate prayer with the Father, wanting to live His will and not our own.

The Word of God Jesus is the Word made flesh (c.f. Prologue of Jn 1:14). The Word formed the first Christians. Today the word of God, especially the Gospel forms us. Gradually, listening to and acting on God’s word we take on the mentality of the Gospel, which forms us to take on the mind of Christ, of which St. Paul refers

Communal Listening Our journey is to walk together as the people of God. Thus, synodality requires that we communicate to one another what we experience in understanding and living God’s will. Sharing what we have understood with one another reinforces our faith and strengthens our hopes in bringing His Gospel of mercy to all we meet.

As we experience the strength of being a community gathered in the name of Jesus Christ (Mt 18:20), we become aware that the Holy Spirit remains present with the Church for all times. It is the Holy Spirit that lives and moves among us and reminds us of all that Jesus taught. It is only the Holy Spirit who can teach us, the Body of Christ, to follow God’s will (c.f. Jn 14:26; Jn 16:13). When we live this way of synodality, we become more convinced of this fact. Though the Church is ancient, we cannot remain static. We cannot do things the way we have always done them and remain faithful to the Holy Spirit, nor can we expect the Church to go back to the way it was and respond to God’s plan and the world’s deepest yearnings (Novo Millennium Ineunte #45). synodality then, is our way together of faithful discernment through the Holy Spirit in order to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and his Gospel for the salvation of all. I hope the above description of synodality will help us to understand the beauty of how all of our

Bishop Michael Mulvey and the staff of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources are committed to assisting those who have faced abuse of any kind. For immediate assistance, support and referral information, please call Victim Assistance Coordinator Stephanie Bonilla at (361) 693-6686.

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BISHOP’S MESSAGE Synodality

gatherings, meetings, convocations, conferences can be fruitful as we continue to live “in Christ” together. Pope Francis has entitled the upcoming Synod of Bishops (Oct. 2023) “For A Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” In preparation for this event, the Holy Father wants to involve the whole Church by engaging us in various levels of listening and discernment sessions on the theme of synodality. This will be accomplished in several phases. The first is the “Diocesan Phase: Consultation and Participation of the People of God.” This consultation will be a worldwide endeavor based on a handbook (yet to be distributed) that will contain points for reflection with instructions for carrying out the initiative.

I have asked Dorothy and Ray Garza, parishioners at St. Andrew by the Sea Parish, to assist us in carrying out this consultation between Sept. 2021 and April 2022. We will offer more information soon on how you can participate in a listening group in your parish or deanery. Information will also be available on the diocesan website as the materials become available. To prepare ourselves for this synodal process, let us pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit upon the entire Church, recalling what Jesus said: “…how much more then will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (Lk 11:13). Let us pray then, asking the Holy Spirit to open our hearts, allowing God to fashion us into vessels for His purpose.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth. Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Sincerely your brother in Christ, +Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi

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MENSAJE DEL OBISPO Sinodalidad

Queridos hermanos y hermanas, Es posible, que en los últimos años, se hayan encontrado con la palabra “sinodalidad”. Algunos ignoran este término como si fuera una “palabra nueva” en el vocabulario de la Iglesia. Sin embargo, sinodalidad es una palabra contemporánea que retrata lo que la Iglesia está llamada a vivir y ha tratado de vivir desde sus inicios. En resumen, sinodalidad significa que caminamos juntos buscando la dirección de Dios especialmente, cuando nos reunimos en oración para discutir, decidir y actuar. Con esto en mente, podemos entender que la Iglesia no puede sintonizar con la voluntad de Dios simplemente anda buscando la opinión de la mayoría, o siguiendo las tendencias populares de la sociedad. La sinodalidad nos llama a unirnos con apertura para buscar la voluntad de Dios, especialmente cuando se trata de discernir asuntos que conciernen a la vida presente y futura de la Iglesia.

Silencio y oración “Reunirse con Jesús” hoy es diferente de cuando Jesús reunió a sus apóstoles o discípulos para hablar sobre una inquietud. En consecuencia, debemos buscar algunos principios fundamentales de la vida y la enseñanza de Jesús para comprender cómo vivió su relación con su Padre. Los evangelios relatan que se alejó de las multitudes y oró en silencio a su Padre. Al hacerlo, Su único objetivo era estar con Su Padre para buscar la voluntad de Dios y no la Suya. Cuando nos reunimos en el espíritu de Cristo (sinodalidad), también vivimos esa misma experiencia de oración íntima con el Padre, queriendo vivir su voluntad y no la nuestra.

La palabra de Dios Jesús es el Verbo hecho carne (cf. Prólogo del Evangelio de san Juan- 1,14). El Verbo formó a los primeros cristianos. Hoy la palabra de Dios, especialmente en

el Evangelio, nos forma. Poco a poco, escuchando y actuando sobre la palabra de Dios asumimos la mentalidad del Evangelio, que nos forma para asumir la mente de Cristo, a la que se refiere San Pablo en la Carta a los Filipenses (Fil 2, 5). A menudo, San Pablo habla a sus comunidades del peligro de caer en la trampa de asumir la mentalidad de la sociedad que los rodea o caer presa de los “evangelios falsos”. Una consecuencia de esto fue que no pudimos discernir juntos la voluntad de Dios y por lo tanto, experimentamos divisiones dentro de la comunidad.

Escucha comunitaria Nuestro viaje es caminar juntos como pueblo de Dios. Por lo tanto, la sinodalidad requiere que nos comuniquemos unos a otros lo que experimentamos al comprender y vivir la voluntad de Dios. Compartir lo que hemos entendido unos con otros refuerza nuestra fe y fortalece nuestras esperanzas de llevar Su Evangelio de misericordia a todos los que nos encontramos.

Viviendo por el Espíritu Al experimentar la fuerza de ser una comunidad reunida en el nombre de Jesucristo (Mt 18,20), nos damos cuenta de que el Espíritu Santo permanece presente en la Iglesia para todos los tiempos. Es el Espíritu Santo que vive y se mueve entre nosotros y nos recuerda todo lo que Jesús enseñó. Solo el Espíritu Santo puede enseñarnos, el Cuerpo de Cristo, a seguir la voluntad de Dios (cf. Jn 14:26; Jn 16:13). Cuando vivimos esta forma de “sinodalidad”, nos convencemos más de este hecho. Aunque la Iglesia es antigua, no podemos permanecer estáticos. No podemos “hacer las cosas como siempre las hemos hecho” y permanecer fieles al Espíritu Santo, tampoco podemos esperar que la Iglesia vuelva a ser “como era” y responda al “plan de Dios y los anhelos más profundos del mundo (Novo

El obispo Michael Mulvey y el personal de la Oficina del Medio Ambiente Seguridad y Recursos para Niños y Familias están comprometidos a ayudar a aquellos que han sufrido abusos de cualquier tipo. Para asistencia inmediata, apoyo e información de referencia, llame al Coordinador de Asistencia a Víctimas Stephanie Bonilla al (361) 693-6686. SOMOS EL CUERPO DE CRISTO

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MENSAJE DEL OBISPO Sinodalidad

Millennium Ineunte # 45). La sinodalidad, entonces, es nuestro camino juntos de fiel discernimiento por el Espíritu Santo para permanecer fieles a Jesucristo y su Evangelio para la salvación de todos. Espero que la descripción anterior de la sinodalidad nos ayude a comprender la belleza de cómo todas nuestras reuniones, juntas, convocatorias y conferencias puedan ser fructíferas a medida que continuamos viviendo en Cristo juntos. El Papa Francisco ha titulado el próximo Sínodo de los Obispos (octubre de 2023) “Por una Iglesia sinodal: Comunión, Participación y Misión”. En preparación para este evento, el Santo Padre quiere la participación de toda la Iglesia involucrándonos en varios niveles de sesiones de escucha y discernimiento sobre el tema de la “sinodalidad”. Esto se logrará en varias fases. La primera es la “Fase Diocesana: Consulta y Participación del Pueblo de Dios”. Esta consulta será un esfuerzo mundial basado en un

manual (aún por distribuir) que contendrá puntos de reflexión con instrucciones para llevar a cabo la iniciativa. Le he pedido a Dorothy y Ray Garza, feligreses de la parroquia St. Andrew by the Sea, que nos ayuden a llevar a cabo esta consulta entre septiembre de 2021 y abril de 2022. Pronto ofreceremos más información sobre cómo puede participar en un grupo de escucha en su parroquia o decanato. La información también estará disponible en el sitio web diocesano a medida que los materiales estén disponibles. Para prepararnos para este proceso sinodal, oremos por el don del Espíritu Santo sobre toda la Iglesia, recordando lo que dijo Jesús: “… cuánto más, pues, el Padre que está en los cielos dará el Espíritu Santo a quienes se lo pidan” ( Lc 11,13). Oremos entonces, pidiendo al Espíritu Santo que abra nuestros corazones, permitiendo que Dios nos convierta en instrumentos para Su propósito.

Ven, Espíritu Santo, llena los corazones de tus fieles. Y enciende en ellos el fuego de tu amor. Envía tu Espíritu y serán creados. Y renovarás la faz de la tierra. Señor, por la luz del Espíritu Santo has enseñado al corazón de tus fieles. En el mismo Espíritu ayúdanos a saborear lo que es correcto y regocijarnos siempre en tu consuelo. Te lo pedimos por Cristo nuestro Señor. Amén. Sinceramente tu hermano en Cristo, +Reverendísimo Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Obispo de Corpus Christi LA TRADUCCIÓN AL INGLÉS DE LA ORACIÓN AL ESPÍRITU SANTO DE “UN LIBRO DE ORACIONES” © 1982, COMITÉ INTERNACIONAL DE INGLÉS EN LA LITURGIA, INC. (ICEL).

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JESUS SAYS

Explaining the Gospel message

DEPOSIT PHOTOS

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Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak” (Jas 1:19)

By Father Brady Williams, SOLT Contributor

t. James wrote his exhortation around 60–80 A.D. at about the same time that a Greek philosopher, Epictetus, was quoted as saying: “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” It’s safe to say, St. James has the same basic principle in mind. If God formed the body this way, He must be trying to tell us something. Indeed, Jesus said on a number of occasions: “He who has ears to hear, ought to hear.” All of us can relate to how difficult it is to listen well. Through our upbringing, our education, our own personal experiences and life choices (and we could add in our media

inlet/outlet), we tend to filter what we hear in such a way that by the time someone has finished speaking (and even beforehand) we already have our response or even ‘labeled’ someone as being conservative or liberal, traditional or progressive, etc., and we hear only what we want to hear. Our contemporary culture emphasizes dialogue (defined as taking part in a conversation or discussion to resolve a problem), but we sometimes wonder where all the talking really gets us except more entrenched in our own opinions and preferences. And then it is ultimately the largest and/ or the loudest group that prevails. Someone surmised that the only thing that ever came out of a committee was a

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JESUS SAYS

compromise. That’s a rather cynical point of view, but we get the feeling it happens all too often. So, what does St. James mean when he exhorts us to “be quick to hear and slow to speak?” On the one hand, we shouldn’t think that it means listening to things that are downright evil or not good. We are free to step away from listening to ideas or opinions that are outright contrary to truth and to our Christian faith. On the other hand, one of the greatest challenges in our day is to open the ears of our hearts and minds to the voice of the Holy Spirit. It takes a certain level of detachment from our own desires, wants, and opinions in order to be ready to listen to His voice. But this is exactly what we are called to do: to discern God’s call, to attune our hearts to Him. This was the experience of the early Church at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). The Apostles gathered to discuss how to incorporate the gentile converts who did not follow the Mosaic law. It is, in fact, St. James himself, after having listened in silence to Paul, Barnabas and Peter speak about their experience as well as to the Word of God, who recognized the movement of the Holy Spirit and speaks boldly to the assembly (c.f. Acts 15:12-13). Following their dialogue in the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles came to a decision at the Council of Jerusalem and stated with complete confidence: “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us…” (Acts 15:28). This kind of open and conscientious listening to the Holy Spirit guided and continues to guide the Church through the Apostles and their successors. One way we could begin to be “quick to hear” is to start to lay the thoughts that come to our minds at the feet of the Lord: “Lord, this is what I think/feel, and I lay it before you.” Then, we should invoke the Holy Spirit, asking what He thinks. We may not hear anything in particular, but it gives Him a chance to enlighten us or move us either to accept or reject something, and to encourage or correct when needed. If Jesus told us: “it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of my Father speaking through you” (Mt 10:20), we can have the confidence that this is possible. And this leads us to the second part of St. James’ exhortation: being “slow to speak.” This doesn’t necessarily mean that we should speak slowly but that after having listened to the Holy Spirit we become more deliberate in our speech so that the listener will have the opportunity to receive what the Lord has inspired in us. It is through this authentic dialogue (i.e., an active listening and sharing of the movement of the Holy Spirit) that the Church advances and grows. For this to happen, we must be “quick to hear, slow to speak.” 10

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RUSSIAN MUSEUM, PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Explaining the Gospel message

Apostle to the By Julie Stark

South Texas Catholic

onviction, devotion, love, and strength are words that come to mind when thinking of St. Mary Magdalene. Strength is the one word that gives meaning to all the others. To follow Jesus and leave behind her old life was brought about by her conviction that He is the Son of God. Her utter devotion to his mission, which took her through the rugged countryside, demanded the strength of will and character. Of course, her love for the Lord was not just a feeling that we are all familiar

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

WOMAN OF STRENGTH St. Mary Magdalene

Appearance of Jesus Christ to Maria Magdalena (1835) by Alexander Andreyevich Ivanov.

Apostles with because such feelings can be fleeting. It was a love rooted in sacrifice and service. This woman of strength has been given the title “Apostle to the Apostle”s because she announced the Risen Lord to the Eleven. Thus, she is the first “testis divinae misericordiae” or witness of divine mercy. “I have seen the Lord,” she says – announcing the Good News. She is a crucial figure, privileged to have been witness to the resurrection. Yet, we know very little about her. The Gospel of Luke identifies some women who followed Jesus: “Accompanying him

were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from who seven demons had come out; Joanna, wife of Herod’s steward, Chuza; Susanna and many others, who served them with their resources” (Luke 8:1-3). We find her in the pages of the Gospel of Matthew watching the crucifixion from a distance (Mt 27:55-56) and then lingering at the tomb on Good Friday after they sealed it (Mt 27:61). Again, we find her as she brings spices on the first Easter morning to finish preparing the Lord’s body (Mt 28:1). Then she witnesses the Resurrection (Mt. 28:9-10; Jn.20:11-18). As the centuries passed, Mary Magdalene may have been mistaken for a prostitute who washes Jesus’ feet (see Lk 7:36:50), or the woman who would have been stoned were it not for the intervention of Jesus. Some have even confused her with Mary, the sister of Lazarus (see Jn 11:1-2; 12:1-8). However, most theologians agree that likely these three women were different people entirely. Regardless of the confusion, it is essential to know that St. Mary Magdalene was a person of great conviction, devotion, love, and strength. Her spiritual conversion was so strong that she left her old life behind to follow Jesus, and she never abandoned him. So strong was her faith that she was chosen to witness Jesus’ resurrection. St. Mary Magdalene is the patron of converts to Christianity and the patron of people who are penitent for their sins and persecuted for their piety. Therefore, let us ask this beautiful woman of strength, St. Mary Magdalene, to pray for us that we may be ever more devoted and that our devotion draws us closer to Our Lord.

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SPREADING THE LIGHT Holy friendships

Night to Adore

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By Chloe Rodriguez Correspondent

There is nothing quite so imperative in our loud, chaotic, fast-paced world as taking a moment to step outside of that torrent of noise to be quiet, to be at peace, and to pray. For a few hours, we found ourselves in a truly otherworldly place, where the glory of God’s creation was in full view as we praised the glory of God’s only Son and His sacrifice. I couldn’t be more blessed.”

ore than 200 people enjoyed an evening of praise and worship, uplifting messages, Eucharistic Adoration, procession and benediction at Cole Park on Aug. 3. The event was hosted by Young Catholic Adults (YCA), who partnered with Corpus Christi Right to Life for their first-ever “Night to Adore.” Father Pete Elizardo, the rector of Corpus Christi Cathedral and pastor at Sacred Heart Parish, presided over the event as passerby’s witnessed Catholics, young and old, kneeling in eucharistic adoration. The backdrop of this joyful yet solemn occasion was Corpus Christi Bay. Father Elizardo provided the reading from the day’s Mass and gave the address, calling on attendees to have more faith in the Lord. “The Church has always gone through rough waters, and strong winds,” he said. But the Lord is always with us. He calls on us to stay in the boat, but how

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– Molly Demel, a teacher at Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory and St. John Paul II High Schools

Father Pete Elizardo, at right, is presiding over the Eucharistic Adoration at YCA’s “Night to Adore” with Seminarian Thomas Swierc serving at his side. In the distance and stationed at the top of the hill, priests are hearing confessions, as people young and old kneel in prayerful adoration.

often do we try to get out because we think we know a little more? How often do we try to do it our way rather than His?” Father Elizardo also spoke on self-love, calling on the audience to “truly see yourself as that gift to the world, by always seeing Him as that gift from the Father, who gave his only begotten son, to show us the way, to show us the truth.” Following his address, he invited guests to pray with him in Eucharistic Adoration.

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

SPREADING THE LIGHT Holy friendships

During praise and worship, the Cole Park Amphitheater provided the center stage for a family of musicians, siblings Andrew, Carissa and Daniel Reyes. Andrew is music director at St. Paul the Apostle Church and music minister at Texas A&M-University Newman Center. He coordinated all the music and the musicians. His sister Carissa is a music minister from St. Thomas More, a band teacher at Bishop

Garriga Middle Preparatory and St. John Paul II High School, and a YCA member. She emceed the event, led a song of praise and worship, then joined musicians during adoration. Another sibling, Daniel Reyes, music director at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and music minister at Most Precious Blood, played the trombone and sang. Ray Paz from Retrofit played the keyboard, and musicians

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from Corpus Christi’s nondenominational church Breakthrough helped with the accompaniment. The combination of musicians “was a beautiful invitation to our protestant brothers and sisters to experience the True Presence of God,” said Gracie Gibbon, president of Young Catholic Adults. Other Reyes family members were helping at the water station. Carissa Reyes, who spearheaded the event said she felt very humbled to be part of something that was totally led by the Holy Spirit. “The Spirit gave me a vision, and He also provided me with the people to carry out that vision. And I just trusted the whole time. It was just a huge experience of trust and unity. “After being so isolated and apart – just not together, we hadn’t felt like we could gather. And through this event, the Holy Spirit was saying, ‘We need to gather. We need to be family. We need to see our brothers and sisters in Christ and unify.’ “It’s funny that at the beginning of all of this, I was just sitting in adoration and thinking, ‘we need more Jesus.’ And the Holy Spirit was saying, ‘we need more Jesus.’ And I thought, ‘Jesus, you’re right, we do need you.’ And He

answered, ‘wouldn’t it be awesome if people just spend more time with me?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, Jesus, that would be great. We just had this conversation back and forth, and basically, it led to Jesus pushing me saying, ‘hey, I’m giving you all of these ideas because you’re supposed to do something.’” Carissa described “Night to Adore” as a movement and a witness, especially during these confusing times of COVID19. “We wonder where is God in all of this? Where’s the Church? To come together, where there’s no other diocese in the entire world named Corpus Christi to adore the true Body of Christ to adore Corpus Christi in Corpus Christi is just incredible,” she said. “God willing, we will be able to do it again next year.” Lawrence Farah, an attendee who happened upon the event during his daily walk on Ocean Drive, said the music really spoke to him, “these kinds of events need to happen more often,” citing the large Catholic community within the Coastal Bend. Margie Morin, a YCA volunteer, said the event was “a little glimpse of what the Lord has already inspired in me, and now we’re together as a family; strong church, strong family.”

CHLOE RODRIGUEZ | FOR STC

Father Paul Hesse, Pastor of St. Pius X Parish hears a confession at YCA’s “Night to Adore” at Cole Park.

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Holy friendships

During praise and worship, the Cole Park Amphitheater provided the center stage for a family of musicians, siblings Andrew, Carissa, at right, and Daniel Reyes were joined by Ray Paz from Retrofit and musicians from Corpus Christi’s nondenominational church Breakthrough to help with the accompaniment.

Anthony Iannacone, a YCA member, said, “Night to Adore was a beautiful expression of what truly being Catholic means. It was a beautiful sign seeing the faithful from parishes across the diocese come together to worship and adore Christ. A true expression of the universal church. Seeing everyone, young and old, fall to their knees for the Lord is the witness this world needs and is right and just for our Lord.” Near the end of Adoration, Father Elizardo, the diocesan seminarians, altar boys, and Knights of Columbus, processed throughout the amphitheater lawn and blessed attendees. The event ended with a benediction, and Father Elizardo closed, and told them, “let Him go wherever you go.” Families and young groups sat on the hill in chairs or blankets while priests heard confessions away from the crowd. The priests that were available to hear confessions

were: Father Paul Hesse, pastor of St. Pius X; Father Tomasz Kozub, pastor of St. Thomas More; Father Sam Medley, SOLT, from Our Lady of Corpus Christi; Father Richard Gutierrez, Parochial Vicar of Corpus Christi Cathedral; Father Ogie Rosalinas, SOLT, pastor of St. Joseph in Corpus Christi; and Father Sanish Mathew, Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick Parish. “Night to Adore was a beautiful evening of adoration and worship, fellowship and community. It has been such a joy to see the excitement from everyone who attended. In a time of doubt, uncertainty, and godlessness, we need the presence of Our Lord more than ever, and we need bold witnesses to go out and share that joy and peace of being in His presence,” Gibbon said. (Mary Cottingham contributed to this story.) For more information on Young Catholic Adults, visit ycacctx.com.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

MARY COTTINGHAM | STC

Grounded in Faith

St. John Paul II High School students begin Benjamin Nye’s Theology class with prayer. The students will be reading C. S. Lewis’ “Mere Christianity.” Pictured above, from left, are Mathias Kimmel, Zachary Reddick, Ilyana Garcia, and Emma Rodriguez.

Classically inspired curriculum offers advanced learning opportunities

“T

By Rebecca Esparza Correspondent

Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know himself—so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves.” – St. Pope John Paul II, Fides Et Ratio (Faith and Reason) encyclical

aking inspiration from their patron, St. John Paul II High School has elevated its core teaching with the addition of the “Classically Inspired Curriculum,” a new initiative to introduce young minds with opportunities

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that inspire deep thinking alongside enhanced learning. The advanced curriculum will include the deep dive study of various subjects, literature and encyclicals designed to inspire deliberate thought and insight from students. “If we want to help form disciples, we need to do what

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Grounded in Faith

we can to help form their minds in a way they can discern what is real, what has authentic value, and what is true,” said Michael Edghill, principal at St. John Paul II High School. “If we can help them to learn how to find the truth in science, the truth in math, the truth in every academic discipline, then it will ultimately lead them to the source of all truth, which is Jesus Christ.” Edghill said moving toward this curriculum is inspired by the work to refine the school’s Mission Statement and Philosophy of Education. “We recognized that for our students, the world they are growing up in is full of all sorts of information that is available to them at any time. A classical/liberal arts approach to education places the greatest value in thinking deeply about things that matter and in teaching students to read well, to write well, and to speak well in order to think well,” he added. Matthew Heeder, a math teacher at the high school, said his department focuses on the theoretical and applied approaches to math. “We want to push our students beyond the trope of memorizing a rule, regurgitating it on an assignment, and then promptly forgetting it in order to memorize the next rule,” he said. “We want our students to see the cohesiveness of mathematics, the beautiful theory out of which the rules we see are born, and the manifold applications of mathematics in our world. We seek to train our students in logic via the mathematical lens, studying not only a solution to a problem but why the solution is true and why the solution works.” Heeder explained the idea is to encourage students to expand upon their theories on why a particular formula works, which helps them strengthen their logic and reasoning skills beyond merely solving mathematical equations and problems. He describes the process using the analogy

of teaching students how to drive a car. “Instead of only teaching our students how to drive a car, we want to open the hood and also teach them how the inner mechanisms work, how one part connects to another, and how and why certain operations Principal Michael Edghill from the driver’s seat are made possible by the car’s inner workings,” he said. “We must also show and teach them the beautiful theory that drives the rules and applications. When a car breaks down, knowledge of the inner workings is necessary to fix it. When rules and application break down, and mathematical processes aren’t working, one needs knowledge of theory to remedy the malfunction.” Principal Edghill invites anyone thinking about a Catholic education for their high school student to consider St. John Paul II for a high school experience that is authentically unique. Both in the classroom and how a student’s formation in the Catholic faith is fully supported. “I encourage parents to step out in faith and reach out to us to discover more about our academic program, athletics and fine arts programs. Learn about our amazing Theology and retreat programs, or about how this school truly is affordable for your family,” he added. “The Diocese of Corpus Christi generously supports this school and it is our duty to make this unique, high-quality education available for all of those within the Diocese of Corpus Christi.” For more information about scholarships or enrollment deadlines at St. John Paul II High School, visit jpiihighschool.org or call (361) 855-5744.

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UNITY

Through Conversion

A community of servants Mary Cottingham South Texas Catholic

“There is no unity without conversion. Religious life reminds us that at the centre of every quest for unity, and thus of every ecumenical effort, there is first and foremost a conversion of heart, which involves asking for and granting forgiveness. It consists, for the most part, in a conversion of our own gaze: trying to see each other in God, and also being able to see ourselves from the other’s point of view: namely, it presents a twofold challenge linked to the quest for unity, both within the religious communities and among the Christians belonging to different traditions.” – Pope Francis

ow does a relatively young society based on Marian-Trinitarian communion thrive in a world so divided? According to their website solt.net, the community of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) are brought together to work as a team in areas of “deepest apostolic need.” More than sixty years ago, the community’s founder, Father James H. Flanagan, sought a profound and radical expression of union and communion. He believed that forming a society of apostles in prayer, graced friendships, and service could serve as religious family teams more effectively. These SOLT disciples of Jesus through Mary live a Trinitarian communion and now serve as priests, brothers, sisters, consecrated single and married people, and whole families in different areas of the United States, Central America, Mexico, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea,

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SOLT Sister Mary Rachel Craig surrounded by her nieces and nephews after making her Final Profession. Sister Rachel is from Robstown and she is assigned to Benque Viejo in Belize. WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

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Thailand, China, and Australia. The recent SOLT Regional Assembly is just such an example of their community life. One-hundred and eighty SOLTs attended the annual event. The joyous occasion was chock full of celebrations: first profession of promises of Brother Gregory Rice, first vows of Sisters Mary Ignatius and Sister Gianna Marie, the perpetual vows of Sister Mary Rachel and a lay commitment from Donna Spence from Phoenix. Both brothers and sisters renewed their promises. There were also talks on St. Joseph during Pope Francis’ “Year of St. Joseph,” presented by Matthew Moore, Sister Caritas Wendt and Father Brady Williams. The actual opening of the weeklong regional chapter began with Mass on July 12. But events before and after were included as part of the assembly. Father Peter Marsalek, general priest servant for the SOLTs in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, says living and working in community is central to the SOLT mission. According to Father Marsalek, sin is the number one cause of disunity between God and man. Another cause of disunity, primarily among God’s people, is presumption and lack of communication. People try interpreting the motives and intentions of others and inevitably get things wrong. “Sometimes it’s easier for people to carry on a conversation inside their head instead of speaking with the other person: why did this person do this …? It must be because they meant that … therefore, they think ... So, we’re just basically building more walls instead of bridges,” Father Marsalek explained. “It’s also a kind of lack of charity. I am presuming ill will on your part based on what you’re doing.” Many challenges come into play in community life, the workplace, or the house where people live together, even in

Donna Spence from Phoenix, AZ makes her lay commitment to SOLT. 20

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Sisters Mary Ignatius Skipper from Arizona and Gianna Marie Short from California make their First Vows to SOLT on July 13. Sister Ignatius is assigned to Our Lady’s Montessori School in Kansas City. Sister Gianna is assigned to Most Holy Redeemer School in Detroit.

the SOLT community. “Servant leader” is a term instituted by their founder, Father Flanagan. “I think it was meant to be a reminder to leaders that any authentic exercise of authority is called in the Church to be a ministry of service because that is ultimately what Jesus did. He came to serve and to give His life,” Father Marsalek said. “But the buck has to stop somewhere. Someone still must make decisions. For a member, the general priest servant is still the superior and therefore an authority that should be respected and followed.” In the SOLT community, every house has a delegated house servant, the immediate person in charge, who will try to resolve such issues as personality problems and so forth. Above them is the regional priest servant and then finally the general priest servant. If the matter can’t be handled at the local level, it is brought to the regional level first, and then finally to the general level if need be. “The most-weighty matters happen in our general chapter which occurs every five years. It’s probably when people get most passionate about different matters, because for us our general chapter within the community is the highest authority, apart from the Bishop of Corpus Christi of course. But within the community itself, our general chapter is obviously

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UNITY

Through Conversion

very important because it is the instrument through which changes to our Constitution can be made, and that relates to our very way of life,” Father Marsalek added. “Once the community votes on these matters, it still must be approved by the bishop. “We still need to be obedient, need to listen and to make sure that our promise of obedience really has some teeth to it, because the whole religious life, in the profession of the evangelical councils, the whole principle is an imitation of Jesus who is poor, chaste and obedient. In the promise of obedience, you’re exchanging your own will for the will of God as communicated through your superior, so that your decisions aren’t clouded with self-interest,” Father Marsalek said. “You are saying I trust the process. I trust that God is working through my superiors, even though they’re human beings – even though they make mistakes. But I still trust that God is the one who is working through them. “We can be pretty quick to judgment – to interpret bad

intentions, with respect to what other people do, and in many cases, without even knowing all the facts or what’s involved. I have experienced that myself. Due to my position in the community, there are times when I make decisions, based on factors I cannot reveal. It could be based on confidentiality or protecting the good name of people. “Even in prayer, in your relationship with God, you don’t get all the answers to your daily questions. You simply must do the best you can with what you have. And I don’t think any of us get it right all the time. I’m certainly in that boat, but I think there’s an element of trust in that, too, especially when you’re working with the church. It takes humility, discernment and prudence. “For us religious, we make our final profession on a particular day, but every single day, you must decide to live it, and I think it’s the same way with living in communion with people and being resolved to be reconciled with people. It’s not a one-time event. It’s something that you have

SARAH KESSLER | FOR STC.

During the Renewal of Promises for SOLT brothers in the front row, from left, are Brother Andrew Rowedder from Maryland, Brother Joseph Spears from Kentucky, Brother Uriel Lopez from Arizona, Brother Adam Schmitzer from Ohio, and Brother David Snow from Maryland. They will all continue their studies and formation at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.

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Through Conversion finite gaps are what we wind up with in our relationships with one another. They are all infinitely less than what God bridged in our relationship with Him. “If God has forgiven and reconciled us, then we must be able to forgive and be reconciled with one another,” he said. “We need God’s help in all of these things. The great mission of Jesus Christ is one of reconciliation and of restoring communion in the family of God.” SOLT priests, religious brothers and sisters and laity in the Diocese of Corpus Christi serve as religious educators, instructors and pastors. They give talks on various religious subjects and minister to Young Catholic Adults. They also serve on Healing, Marian and Ignatian retreats at Our Lady of Corpus Christi, which is also the world headquarters of the international community. They have a gift shop and a rosary garden. To learn more about upcoming events visit ourladyofcorpuschristi.org. To learn more about SOLT visit solt.net.

SARAH KESSLER | FOR STC.

to continue to work on,” he said. “Communion among members and with others is an ideal and a challenge. “The source of communion and the source of love is really found in the Most Holy Trinity. I think that for Christians to be in communion with one another, we need to be in communion with God. He is the source of all truth and the source of all love.” Father Marsalek said that to have an authentic relationship with God means one must be willing to be in communion with other people, to be reconciled with other people and to essentially get over any obstacle that keeps one from achieving that goal. “Unity with God is a gift to us that we’re then called to live and share with each other. Look at everything God has done for us to bridge the distance between the infinite and the finite to reconcile us from the consequence of sin. Jesus dying on the cross is a manifestation of the depth of God’s love for us in that way. Those are infinite gaps. The

Brother Gregory Rice makes his First Promises on July 11. His family and General SOLT Servants join him after the ceremony. Pictured, from left, are Sister Megan Mary Thibodeau, SOLT (General Sister Servant), his mother Carol Rice, Brother Gregory, Sister Christine Rice, who is in her postulancy at St. Anthony Convent in Robstown, his father Greg Rice, and Father Peter Marsalek, SOLT (General Priest Servant). 22

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“Con Permiso”

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MATRIMONIO

Testificar el amor de Dios unos a otros

‘Con Dios Todo Es Posible’ Por Gloria Romero

E Corresponsal

sta es la afirmación frecuente del Diacono Marco Anes y su esposa Irene, quienes fueron asignados por el Obispo recientemente a servir en la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de San Juan Madre de la Iglesia, en sus diversos ministerios entre ellos al de los jóvenes y niños. El Diacono Marco e Irene, han abrazado esta asignación con gran entusiasmo, pues los respaldan muchos años de entrenamiento y servicio en la Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia y en su propia familia: “Queremos hacernos cargo del Ministerio Juvenil, porque hemos crecido con los problemas de nuestras hijas y nietos y adquirimos formación y práctica, desde que empezamos a colaborar con este Ministerio. Ellos quieren brindarles con amor, un lugar seguro a los niños y jóvenes, en su parroquia. Desean ayudarlos y guiarlos, en la fe, a conocer y llegar a un entendimiento de Dios como su Padre y de Maria como su madre. “Es una oportunidad maravillosa”. Dijeron el Diacono Marco e Irene. Su fe y confianza en Dios ha fortalecido su matrimonio, su vida familiar y su vocación de servicio a la iglesia, pues ven a la Iglesia Católica, como el hogar que Dios les ha dado en la tierra, y como a su propia casa, deben protegerla y cuidarla lo mismo que a sus miembros, desde los más pequeños hasta los mayores, para lograr esa unidad y calor de hogar en donde todos puedan sentirse queridos y apreciados. Su historia de amor se inicio cuando se conocieron en un centro nocturno hace 29 años; Irene cuenta que iba con una amiga y cuando vio entrar a Marco le dijo a su amiga, en complicidad -¿ves a ese muchacho que acaba de entrar?, pues con él me voy a casar. Irene que no sabía bailar, se sintió la reina de la pista de baile y Marco a su vez estaba encantado. Esa noche fue inolvidable. Después de tres años de conocerse, en un baile de quinceañera, Marco le pidió matrimonio. Se casaron solo por lo civil pues ella había sido casada anteriormente y tenia una hija de su primer matrimonio. Irene núnca dejo de practicar su religión pero Marco no, él empezó a ir a Misa los domingos con ella. 24

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Después de 10 años de casados fueron con el Padre Frank Martinez y le dijeron que querían casarse por la Iglesia; el sacerdote entusiasmado los animó en por su decisión de casarse por la Iglesia-. Marco fue enviado a tomar el curso de Iniciación religiosa para adultos (RCIA) e Irene a consultar al Diacono Manuel ‘Manny’ Maldonado por su anterior matrimonio. Después de un mes, regresaron con el Padre Martinez, pero cuando les preguntó si estaban listos para casarse, Marco dijo que no e Irene sorprendida le dijo -¡cómo que no!- a lo que Marco respondió – no todavía, estoy aprendiendo mucho-, él quiso completar el proceso del ‘RCIA’ y obtener sus otros sacramentos. El dijo: “Tengo que prepararme bien, ahora que tengo una relación con Dios, cómo podría casarme sin poder darle a Irene, lo que se merece; que es una buena relación con el Señor”. Dijo Marco. Mientras estudiaba las Sagradas Escrituras, aprendía las oraciones y a conocer sobre la vida de la Iglesia, él gozaba mucho y quiso entender verdaderamente su religión. “Es muy diferente casarse frente a un juez de paz, que casarse frente a Dios”. Dijo Marco. “Se siente diferente y sabes la diferencia” dijeron ambos. La diferencia dice Irene, radica en hacer lo correcto, es sentir que estamos haciendo bien las cosas y que todo se va poniendo en su lugar, ha sido una gran bendición y hemos hecho muchos cambios en nuestras vidas. El Diacono Marco e Irene tienen una familia de dos hijas: Amanda la mayor de 33 años e Isabel de 22 también tienen tres nietos, hijos de su hija Amanda. La familia completa está involucrada en la Iglesia y han acogido el cambio de la Sagrada Familia a Nuestra Señora de San Juan Madre de la Iglesia con mucha alegría y aceptación porque saben que están en el plan de Dios. A partir de que se casaron por la Iglesia Católica, sus vidas empezaron a cambiar porque ahora Dios era el centro de sus vidas. La familia fue involucrándose en las actividades parroquiales y en los diferentes ministerios. Porque entendieron que la unidad familiar a la que Dios los llamaba era muy diferente a la que habían vivido anteriormente. “Es la unidad con Dios y mis semejantes que me hace sentir feliz, es la unidad que me va a dar

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MATRIMONIO

Testificar el amor de Dios unos a otros

Diacono Marco and Irene Anes SOMOS EL CUERPO DE CRISTO

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Testificar el amor de Dios unos a otros

vida eterna” dijo el Diacono Marco y añadió; “uno de los cambios más significativos, fue dejar la compañía donde trabajé 20 años. A través de la oración, la reflexión y el discernimiento he aprendido a escuchar el llamado de Dios y un día me di cuenta, de que en mi trabajo había un tipo de unidad y de crecimiento motivado solo por el dinero y no es que fuera malo, pero Dios me pedía que dejara eso y así lo hice. No tenia nigún problema con la compañía ni con nadie en ella, fue fácil, escribí mi carta de renuncia y dejé mi trabajo. Lo único que tenía, era mi confianza en Dios. La gente de la Iglesia me apoyó mi decisión. Pude ver ese amor y esa unidad que fue la bendición que me hizo más feliz”. Irene hizo lo mismo, aunque no al mismo tiempo que su esposo. Ella cuenta que fue a un retiro y que en un momento de profunda meditación frente al Santísimo escuchó la voz de Dios que le decía: “Mira Irene aquí en este libro narras la primera parte de tu vida, ¿cómo vas a narrar, en las siguientes paginas, la segunda etapa? Yo no estaba orgullosa de esa primera parte, y le dije, pues no sé cómo voy a escribir la segunda parte de mi vida, solo sé que estoy contigo y te amo mucho y que tengo que ponerme en mi lugar”. Después del retiro muchas personas de su trabajo le comentaban que se veía diferente, como con un halo de alegría en su rostro y empezaron a sucederle una serie de cosas extrañas con otros compañeros de trabajo que iban a confesarle sus faltas, cosas que no debía saber porque las tenía que reportar y sin embargo después se lo agradecían. El momento del cambio llegó cuando una caja de cartón vacía, empezó a aparecer en su oficina, sin sentido, hasta que una de las veces apareció con sus pertenencias personales. Fue en ese momento que entendió lo que Dios quería para ella

y presentó su renuncia. Llevaba mas de 20 años trabajando para la compañía. “Dios nos llama a todos de una manera especial, lo que pasa es que tenemos que callarnos para escucharlo. Marco me ha enseñado eso. Con Dios todo es posible”. Dijo Irene. Y añadió “ Creo que todos somos especiales a los ojos de Dios y si le permitimos entrar y escuchar el plan que tiene para nosotros va a ser mucho mejor. El estar afuera como los Apóstoles de Jesús dando testimonio al mundo de nuestra fe, es lo que nos hace especiales”. El Diacono Marco e Irene han reconocido y aceptado el llamado de Dios, eso ha llenado su vida de felicidad porque los problemas y las circunstancias difíciles no dejarán de aparecer, pero el amor que se tienen y nutre su vida con la luz del Espíritu Santo les ha enseñado cual es su propósito de vida, porque a través de la oración la reflexión y la meditación han aprendido a escucharse el uno al otro, a los demás pero sobre todo a Dios. Eso es lo que quieren transmitir a la comunidad Parroquial. A pesar de las limitaciones que han tenido para reunirse con los jóvenes, de su nueva Parroquia, debido a la pandemia, han empezado a conocerlos y a dialogar con ellos. El Diacono Marco dijo: “queremos guiar a esos niños y jóvenes a saber de Dios a través de una luz diferente. Les han enseñado tantas cosas negativas en nuestra sociedad que ven en el teléfono o en la televisión y de todas las cosas que pasan como efecto de Dios, que en realidad no saben del amor de Dios. Jesús vino a servir, nosotros estamos para servir, y eso les enseñamos, los llevamos a participar de las necesidades de la comunidad, para que lo que aprendieron vervalmente se convierta en una experiencia viva”.

➤ Su fe y confianza en Dios ha fortalecido su matrimonio, su vida familiar y su vocación de servicio a la iglesia, pues ven a la Iglesia Católica, como el hogar que Dios les ha dado en la tierra, y como a su propia casa, deben protegerla y cuidarla lo mismo que a sus miembros, desde los más pequeños hasta los mayores, para lograr esa unidad y calor de hogar en donde todos puedan sentirse queridos y apreciados.

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SOMOS EL CUERPO DE CRISTO

MARRIAGE

Witnessing God’s love to one another

‘With God, everything is possible’ By Gloria Romero Correspondent

ishop Michael Mulvey recently assigned Deacon Marco Anes and his wife Irene to serve at Nuestra Señora de San Juan Madre de la Iglesia Parish to minister to parishioners, especially to children and the youth. Deacon Marco and Irene have embraced this assignment with great enthusiasm, as they have had many years of training both in service at Holy Family Parish and in their own family. “We want to take charge of the youth ministry because we have grown with the problems of our daughters and grandchildren. We have acquired training and practice since we began to collaborate with this ministry.” They want to lovingly provide a safe place for the children and young people in their parish. They want to guide them in their faith to understand God as their Father and Mary as their mother. “It is a wonderful opportunity,” Deacon Marco said. Their faith and trust in God have strengthened their marriage, family life, and vocation to serve the Church. They see the Church as the home that God has given them on earth. Because it is their home, they must protect and care for its members, from the youngest to the oldest, in order that everyone can feel united, loved and appreciated.

Deacon Marco and Irene Anes

Their love story began when they met in a nightclub 29 years ago. Irene, who did not know how to dance, felt like the queen of the dance floor, and Marco was delighted. That night was unforgettable. After three years of knowing each other, Marco asked Irene to marry him. Marco proposed to Irene at a quinceañera dance. They were then civilly married as she had been previously married and had a daughter from her first marriage. Irene never stopped practicing her religion, but Marco did. He began going to Mass on Sundays with her. After ten years of marriage, they approached Father Frank Martinez and told him they wanted to be married in the Church. He was enthusiastic about their decision, and offered them much encouragement. Marco attended Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) classes, and Irene consulted with Deacon Manuel ‘Manny’ Maldonado about her previous marriage. After a month, they met with Father Martinez, but when asked if they were ready to get married, Marco said no and Irene, surprised, asked him, “why not?” He said he wanted to complete the RCIA process and receive his other sacraments. “I have to prepare well. Now that I have a relationship with God, how can I get married without being able to give Irene what she deserves – a good relationship with the Lord,” Marco said. While he was studying the Holy Scriptures, he was learning the prayers and about the life of the Church, and he loved it. “It feels different, and you know the difference,” they both said. It’s very different to be married in front of God. The difference, says Irene, lies in doing the right thing. It’s a feeling that we are doing things well and that everything is putting itself in its place, it

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Witnessing God’s love to one another has been a great blessing, and we have made many changes in our lives. After they were married in the Catholic Church, their lives began to change. Now that God was the center of their lives, their family became involved in parish activities and different ministries. They understood that the family unit to which God called them to was very different from the one they had belonged. Irene and Marco have two daughters: Amanda, the eldest, is 33, and Isabel is 22. They also have three grandchildren from Amanda. The entire family is involved in the life of the church. They have welcomed the change from Holy Family to Nuestra Señora de San Juan Madre de la Iglesia with great joy and acceptance because they know that they are following God’s plan. Their marriage is different. “It is the unity with God and my fellow men that makes me feel happy. It is the unity that will give me eternal life,” said Deacon Marco, adding, “One of the most significant changes I made was to leave the supermarket company I worked at for 20 years. Through prayer, reflection and discernment, I have learned to listen to God’s call, and one day I realized that in my work, there was a type of unity and growth motivated only by money,” he said. “Not that it was bad, but God asked me to stop, and I did. I had no problem with the company or anyone in it – it was easy. I wrote my resignation letter, and I left my job. The only thing I had was my trust in God. “People of the Church supported my decision. The love and that unity was the blessing that made me the happiest.” For Irene, resigning from her job was came after attending a retreat. She says she went to a retreat and that in a moment of deep meditation in front of the Blessed Sacrament, she heard the voice of God say to her, “Look, Irene, here in this book, you narrate the first part of your life, how are you going to narrate, in these pages of the second stage? I was not proud of that first part, and I told him, well, I don’t know how to write the second part of my life. I only know that I am with you and I love you very much and that I have to put myself in the right place. “Marco has taught me to be quiet and reflect because I am more talkative. I believe that we are all special in the eyes of God, and if we allow him inside and listen to the plan that he has for us, it will be much better. Being Apostles of Jesus giving testimony to the world of our faith is what makes 28

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us special,” Irene said. Deacon Marco and Irene have recognized and accepted the call of God. It has filled their lives with happiness. Problems and difficult circumstances will not stop occurring, but the love they have nurtures their life with the light of the Holy Spirit. Their faith has taught them the purpose of their life. Through prayer, reflection and meditation, they have learned to listen to each other, to others, but most importantly to God. Despite their limitations meeting with young people from their new parish (due to the pandemic), they have begun to get to know and learn from them through dialogue and social distancing. They want to share their faith with them. Jesus came to serve, we are here to serve, and we teach them that, we lead them to participate in the needs of the community, so that what they truly learn becomes a living experience,” Deacon Marco said.

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

PRISON MINISTRY

MARY COTTINGHAM | STC

Bringing the Word of God

“Brother Pedro” Costilla ministers in both English and Spanish, to men and women, who are incarcerated in Corpus Christi Nueces County Jail. On a weekly basis he brings them the Word of God, encourages the sacrament of confession, and at the end of the day puts them in God’s hands.

Hungry for the Word of God

“F

By Mary Cottingham South Texas Catholic

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me” (Mt 25:35-36).

or more than 30 years, Pedro Costilla has started his Bible study in much the same way, greeting each incarcerated man and woman as “brother” and “sister” and leading them in an opening prayer. “They [the guards] call it church,” but he lets prisoners know that he’s from the Catholic Church. Many years ago, Costilla, “Brother Pedro” to the inmates,

helped spread the Gospel to the incarcerated in Beeville’s East (now closed) and West Garza Units, the McConnell Unit, San Diego’s Glossbrenner Prison, Three Rivers Federal Correction Institute, County Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) and Juvenile Detention Centers. Now every Thursday morning, he continues to bring the Word of God to them at Corpus Christi Nueces County Jail.

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MINISTRY Prison

The day’s lesson was how to come to Jesus for forgiveness. “Today, they took all my rosaries, Bibles and pamphlets, even the Spanish Bibles,” he said shrugging, “I’m going to have to get some more.” Pedro is a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church in Gregory, where he and his wife, Elma, were married more than 50 years ago. They have seven children, five girls and two boys, and after 18, he lost count of how many grandchildren and great-grandchildren they have. “We are raising three of our grandkids,” he said. “They’re wonderful kids,” but it’s not always easy. The children’s ages are 7, 9 and 13. Thirty years ago, Pedro didn’t know prison and jail ministry would be his call. When first invited to volunteer for prison ministry, he was afraid, mostly because he didn’t know what he was getting himself into. Still, after encouragement from deacons and priests, Pedro began to see how much the prisoners needed the Word of God. And everywhere he went, they would tell him he was helping them. They would say, “Brother Pedro doesn’t give up. He’s always there for the ministry. Rain or shine, he’s always there. He never gives up.” The guards yell, “church, church,” to the inmates, but Pedro is not a priest; he’s not even a deacon. He finds answers to their questions in the Bible. He doesn’t tell them what the Bible says but encourages them to read it for themselves. If they still don’t understand it, he directs them to read a few more verses before and after a reading. He says they are often amazed by what they read – like discovering it for the first time. “We can’t talk about what they tell us, and sometimes they just want to talk.” He directs them to a priest for confession, “but sometimes they are afraid because they think their sins are too big.” They say, “Do you really think I can be forgiven,” and he always tells them, “Yes, God will forgive you.” And after they receive the sacrament of confession, “they are so happy. They say I’m free. I don’t have anymore more sins, and I’m going to stay free,” Pedro recalled. During his drive to and from the jail, Pedro prays the rosary. “Jesus is my pilot, and I’m the copilot,” he said smiling. When life gets stressful, he tells his wife, “How can I abandon Jesus? Look at all the miracles he’s performed for us.” “And boy, have I had some miracles in my family,” he says. Pedro explains how his daughter, who once had cancer, became cancer-free within a month of her initial diagnosis. Even the doctor was amazed. He relayed another miracle. His grandson’s legs were getting bowed, and the doctor said it could be signs of polio. After two months of tests, and prayer his grandson’s legs straightened, and he didn’t need braces after all. The doctor asked his wife if she was a churchgoer. She explained that she was, but it was probably her husband who deserves the credit, “he’s always volunteering for the Church.”

Jail and Prison Ministry falls under the diocesan Office of Social Ministry, which Director Jaime Reyna oversees. Reyna is also a volunteer at Nueces County Jail. He first met Pedro 14 years ago when he began volunteering himself. “He was so full of joy,” he said of Costilla. “Most of the staff at the jail know Pedro by name and admire his passion and his sense of humor. He gets volunteers and brings priests to the jail so people can receive the sacrament of confession. “Brothers and sisters who are at the jail share with me that they are just happy someone comes to visit and talks about God with them. They are just glad someone shows up,” Reyna said. “We need more people like Pedro who want to share their joy and their faith to those who are in our county jails.” Pedro says it gives him great joy when he sees his brothers and sisters on the outside after they have served their time. He remembers when he and his wife were out, and about one day, a lady recognized him, saying, “Brother Pedro and hugging him, introduced him to her three children and her mother. He, in turn, introduced them to Elma. The lady turned to her mother and said, “This is Brother Pedro. It’s because of him that I still have a family. Mama, this is the man.” Her mother said, “Thank you for changing my daughter.” He told her, “No, I didn’t change her. Jesus changed her because she wanted to be changed and look at these beautiful kids. And you still got your mama. My wife just said, ‘That’s what he does.’” Sergeant Robert Leal, who has worked at the county jail for 23 years, says, “Pedro talks to the inmates and provides a positive message, which our inmates are very hungry for. Many of them come from a disadvantaged life and environment. So, when we get church volunteers like Mr. Costilla, it just makes their day, and it gives them hope, which is what they need most.” According to Deacon Roger Rosenbaum, coordinator for the diocesan Prison Ministry, there are over 13,000 incarcerated brothers and sisters within the 12 counties the diocese serves and about 25 volunteers who are deacons, priests, religious and laity. For those who are thinking about volunteering for prison and jail ministry, “It takes a big heart,” Deacon Rosenbaum said. “And to accept the fact that we all make mistakes. “They’re still human beings –they still deserve the same dignity that any other human being deserves. “Many of them see their lives in total darkness,” Deacon Rosenbaum said. “They are hungry for the Word of God. And we’re the ones that bring light into their environment,.” For more information on Prison Ministry or to get involved call Deacon Roger Rosenbaum at (361) 542-9336 or visit diocesecc.org/prisonministry.

NATIONAL NEWS

Highlights, upcoming events and briefs

Pro-life groups praise Senate opposition to taxpayer-funded abortion Catholic News Agency

ro-life groups praised the Senate on Wednesday for narrowly approving language against taxpayer-funded abortion. The language was part of a budget resolution, a procedural step toward eventual passage of the Democrats’ proposed $3.5 trillion spending package for the 2022 fiscal year. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) introduced the prolife amendment, which was included in the resolution by a vote of 50-49. Lankford’s amendment is non-binding, but some pro-life leaders saw its passage as significant as they work to prevent Congress from including abortion funding in next year’s budget. “American taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to fund abortions or to subsidize the dangerous work of abortionists,” stated Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel Denise Burke on Wednesday. “In the wake of the House of Representatives’ recent rejection of the Hyde and Weldon amendments, we are especially pleased to see the Senate vote in favor of bipartisan policies that support women and protect human life,” Burke stated. The Hyde and Weldon amendments are pro-life policies typically included as attachments to federal budget bills. The Hyde Amendment bars federal funding of most elective abortions in Medicaid. The Weldon Amendment functions as a conscience protection in health care; it restricts funding of state and local governments that discriminate against health care workers or organizations opposed to abortion. Both policies are a normally part of federal spending bills, but the House excluded both of them from spending bills for the coming fiscal year. Pro-life groups are working to include them in Senate spending bills. The budget resolution that passed the Senate on Wednesday simply sets federal spending levels for the 2022 fiscal year and beyond, and is not the text of the actual federal budget itself. It allows congressional committees to write legislation to fit these spending levels for various government agencies and programs. Lankford’s amendment creates a deficit-neutral reserve fund and allows – but does not require – the Senate budget

committee chair to prohibit funding of abortions consistent with the Hyde Amendment. It also includes similar language supporting the Weldon Amendment. Once the full budget package is considered by Congress in the coming weeks, pro-life leaders have expressed concern that it could funnel billions of dollars toward abortion providers and abortion coverage. Wednesday’s vote was seen as a marker, setting members on the record for or against federal funding of abortions in the 2022 fiscal year budget. The White House on Wednesday would not give a reaction to the inclusion of Lankford’s amendment in the resolution. Owen Jensen, White House correspondent for EWTN News Nightly, had asked White House press secretary Jen Psaki about the amendment. “I don’t think I’m going to negotiate from here. The President’s position on Hyde is well known and we’ve stated many times publicly,” Psaki responded. When Jensen tried to follow up, Psaki refused to answer further. President Joe Biden, once a proponent of the Hyde Amendment, is now trying to dismantle it. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was asked about the president’s feelings of Hyde being included in the new human infrastructure bill. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), seen as a key Democratic swing vote, voted for Lankford’s amendment, as did moderate Republican senators Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa

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Highlights, upcoming events and briefs Murkowski (Alaska). In response, pro-life groups on Wednesday praised the amendment’s passage, and Manchin’s support for it. “We thank Senator Manchin for being the notable exception by standing up for unborn children, their mothers, and pro-life American taxpayers today,” stated Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List. Democrats for Life of America tweeted their praise of Manchin on Tuesday evening. The group’s executive director Kristen Day, meanwhile, criticized Sen. Bob Casey (D-Penn.) for opposing the amendment. “It is a sad day. @SenBobCasey has officially sold his soul to the abortion lobby voting for abortion funding, killing viable preborn infants after 20 weeks, and voting to allow ending the lives of children with down syndrome. What would his father say?” Day tweeted. While a COVID relief package that passed Congress earlier this year funded abortions, the threat of abortion funding is even greater now, Tom McClusky, president of March for Life Action, told CNA last week.

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“I’m trying to make sure that people understand that this time around, it’s an even bigger threat,” he said. He explained that by not including Hyde Amendment language blocking abortion funding in the budget package, billions of dollars in health care spending could fund abortions in Medicaid and other programs. Other senators introduced pro-life amendments to the budget resolution, but those were not agreed to. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) offered an amendment to create a deficit-neutral reserve fund, establishing penalties for providers performing abortions at 20 weeks post-fertilization or thereafter. Sen. James Inhofe’s (R-Okla.) amendment created a deficit-neutral reserve fund, which could be used to prohibit funding of abortions of children with Down syndrome. Kennedy’s amendment failed by a vote of 48-51, with Manchin supporting it and Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voting against it. Inhofe’s amendment failed by a vote of 49-50, with Collins voting against it.

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A WORD

From our Holy Father

Pope Francis on Assumption feast: ‘Humility is the way that leads to heaven’

n the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis gave a reminder that God exalts those who humble themselves. “Today, looking at Mary assumed into heaven, we can say that humility is the way that leads to heaven,” Pope Francis said in his Angelus address on Aug. 15. “Jesus teaches this: ‘The one who humbles himself will be exalted’ (Lk 14:11). God does not exalt us because of our gifts, because of our wealth, or how well we do things, but because of humility,” he told the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Marian prayer. Speaking from the window of Vatican City’s Apostolic Palace, the pope said that it is of fundamental importance for Christians to be “poor in spirit, that is, in need of God.” “Those who are filled with themselves have no space for God,” Pope Francis said. “And many times, we are full of ourselves, and the one who is filled with him or herself gives no space to God, but those who remain humble allow the Lord to accomplish great things.” The pope asked people to examine their lives and to reflect in their own hearts: “How am I doing with humility?” “Do I want to be recognized by others, to affirm myself and to be praised, or do I think rather about serving? Do I know how to listen, like Mary, or do I want only to speak and receive attention? “Do I know how to keep silence, like Mary, or am I always chattering? Do I know how to take a step back, defuse quarrels and arguments, or do I always want to excel? Let us think about these questions, each one of us,” Pope Francis said. The pope pointed out that the human eye tends to “allow itself to be dazzled by what is flashy,” but that God does not look at appearances; God looks at the heart and is “enchanted by humility.” “Mary’s secret is humility,” he said, noting that the poet Dante called the Virgin Mary “humbler and loftier than any creature.” “It is beautiful to think that the humblest and loftiest

DEPOSIT PHOTOS

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creature in history, the first to win heaven with her entire being, in soul and body, lived out her life for the most part within the domestic walls, she lived out her life in the ordinary, in humility,” Francis said. After praying the Angelus, a Marian prayer, with the crowd, Pope Francis asked people to pray for Afghanistan, where Taliban insurgents have taken over many cities in the past week following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country. “I ask all of you to pray with me to the God of peace so that the clamor of weapons might cease, and solutions can be found at the table of dialogue. Only thus can the battered population of that country – men, women, elderly and children – return to their own homes, and live in peace and security, in total mutual respect,” Pope Francis said. The pope also prayed for the people of Haiti after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Aug. 14 killed at least 304 people. He asked the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square to offer a Hail Mary together to Our Lady of Haiti. Catholics around the world celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary on Aug. 15. The feast commemorates the end of Mary’s earthly life when God assumed her, body and soul, into heaven. Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to visit a Marian shrine on the feast day, recommending people in Rome to visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray before the icon of Salus Populi Romani, Mary Protection of the Roman People. “Let us celebrate her today with the love of children, let us celebrate her joyfully but humbly, enlivened by the hope of one day being with her in Heaven,” he said.

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WORLD NEWS

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Catholic charity concerned for safety of Christians in Afghanistan Catholic News Agency

Catholic charitable organization working in Afghanistan said Sunday it fears for the safety of Christians in the country, and that the group may need to suspend its activities as instability increases. Caritas Italiana, a charity of the Italian Catholic bishops, has been present in Afghanistan since the 1990s. In a press release Aug. 15, the organization said its current focus in Afghanistan is helping vulnerable minors. “But the instability of the situation will lead to the suspension of all activities,” the statement said, adding that “fears are growing about the possibility of maintaining a presence even in the future, as well as for the safety of the few Afghans of Christian belief.” Caritas Italiana also said the few Catholic priests and religious in Afghanistan are also being left with no choice but to leave. Taliban insurgents have taken over many cities in Afghanistan in the past week following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country. With the collapse of Afghanistan’s government, Taliban fighters seized the capital city of Kabul Aug. 15, taking control of the presidential palace and declaring the war in Afghanistan to be over. The Kabul airport has reportedly been in chaos since Sunday, as Afghan men and women rushed runways in an attempt to flee the country. The Christian community is very small in the Islamic country, where Afghan people can be ostracized or can even face violence and death for professing the Christian faith. In 2018, there were an estimated 200 Catholics in the country.

There is a single Catholic Church, located in the Italian embassy in Kabul, which is operated under the Catholic mission sui juris of Afghanistan. “The Christian community is a small but significant community which in recent years has shown attention towards the poorest and most fragile,” Caritas Italiana said. The organization stated that “after a twenty-year war of incalculable human costs and billions of euros in expenditure, the withdrawal of the U.S. military is leaving the country in a tragic void.” “As always, the weakest will pay the highest price, already in the tens of thousands fleeing the combat zones, while the Taliban are now in the capital, Kabul.” “Together with the staff of the embassies, even the very few priests, men and women religious who are in Kabul are preparing for their forced return,” the charity said. Pope Francis asked for prayers for the people of Afghanistan after praying the Angelus, a traditional Marian prayer, on Sunday. Caritas Italiana said it is assessing the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan at the Afghanistan border. “In these hours, a growing mass of refugees are fleeing the war zones, increasing the pressure in the direction of the surrounding countries,” it said. “Even Western countries will find themselves facing increasing pressure from people fleeing this country.” The Italian charity said in the 2000s it supported a large program of emergency aid, rehabilitation, and development in Afghanistan, including the construction of four schools and 100 houses, and the return of 483 refugee families to the Panshir valley.

In the spirit of proper stewardship, the Diocese of Corpus Christi encourages the reporting of any financial abuse concerns or related issues. Report confidentially to: financialconcerns@diocesecc.org En el espíritu de una administración adecuada, la Diócesis de Corpus Christi alienta a informar cualquier inquietud de abuso financiero o problemas relacionados. Informe confidencialmente a: financialconcerns@diocesecc.org 34

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Collections

We understand that due to the pandemic some may not be able to give. However, if you are able and can continue to give to your parish, please also consider giving to these worthy causes.

RESPECT LIFE

THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA The Collection for The Catholic University of America underwrites scholarships to assist financially deserving students in completing their education at CUA in over 50 disciplines. The collection for Catholic University is taken up in most parishes on the first or second weekend in September. For more information visit catholic.edu/index.html. SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2021

Every year, the USCCB (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) designates the first Sunday in October as Respect Life Sunday, and October itself as Respect Life Month. The conference’s ProLife Secretariat provides collateral materials supporting the annual theme. The materials, which are purchased for each parish and school by the Diocese of Corpus Christi’s Respect Life Office, assist clergy, principals, directors of religious education, teachers, catechists and parents in teaching adults, youth and children to respect all human life. For more information visit usccb.org/committees/prolife-activities/respect-life-program.

DISASTER RELIEF Catholic Charities USA is the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church. The disaster response team – along with the knowledge and expertise of our member agencies – mobilizes quickly and effectively to aid those experiencing or recovering from disasters.that occur this year. Catholic Charities is known for its hard work that begins with direct relief efforts to meet immediate needs and continues, sometimes for many years, with long-term relief efforts that help individuals and families rebuild their lives. For more information go to catholiccharitiesusa.org/our-ministry/disaster-relief/.

OCTOBER 2-3, 2021

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY The funds gathered on World Mission Sunday are distributed in the pope’s name by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith—a Pontifical Mission Society. For more information visit propfaith.net/onefamilyinmission.

SEPTEMBER 18-19, 2021 OCTOBER 23-24, 2021

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

FALL 2021

| S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C

FALL 2021 ISSUE South Texas Catholic 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi, TX 78401-0824 (361) 882-6191

Did you know that more than 46 million Americans live below the poverty line? You can help by supporting the collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development at Mass on Nov. 20-21!

S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C

FALL 2021

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

Fall 2021 - Vol. 56 No. 3

Articles inside

WORLD NEWS: Catholic

A WORD From Our Holy Father: Pope Francis says, ‘‘Humility is the way that leads to heaven.”

NATIONAL NEWS: Pro-life

MATRIMONIO, El diácono Marco e Irene Anes comparten su testimonio de la vida matrimonial.

UNITY, the community of the Society of Our

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

PRISON MINISTRY

WOMAN OF STRENGTH

JESUS SAYS, Explaining the Gospel Message: