January 2020 - Vol. 55 No. 1

JANUARY 2020

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 OM

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2  South Texas Catholic | January 2020

ON THE

VOL. 55 NO. 1 Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD Director of Communications Julie Stark jstark@diocesecc.org Communications Board Father Jose A. Salazar, Sister Rosa Maria Ortiz, IWBS, David Campa, Regina Garcia, Zach Everett, Shannette Hoelscher, Deacon Richard Longoria, Elizabeth Nguyen and Benjamin Nye

COVER

Contributed Photo

aadozen Celebrating our Catholicreasons Schools Week. dozen 19-23 Catholic Schools Week isreasons Jan. 26 - Feb. 1 to choose Catholic Schools to choose Catholic Schools

Managing Editor Mary Cottingham MCottingham@diocesecc.org

We offer an

We cultivate a We cultivate faculty and staffa faculty and of people who staff are of people who are dedicated, caring dedicated, caring and effective.

Theological Consultant Ben Nguyen, JD/JCL. BNguyen@diocesecc.org Office Manager Adel Sauceda ARivera@diocesecc.org STC Support Staff Madelyn Galindo Correspondents Jesse De Leon and Rebecca Esparza Translator Gloria Romero Photographers Ervey Martinez and David Mendez

8

Gerald and Leona Hill say their faith in God holds their marriage together. They will be celebrating 50 years of marriage at the 2020 Silver and Gold Anniversary Mass on Jan. 12. The Hills are from Sacred Heart Parish in Falfurrias.

and effective.

We have a a We have 99 percent 99 percent high high school school graduation graduation 85 percent rate.rate.

85 percent of graduates our graduates of our go to college. go to college.

We prepare

We prepare students to students to be productive be productive citizens and citizens and future leaders. future leaders.

We provide provide a We safe and a safe and welcoming welcoming environment environment for all. for all.

education We offer an that education combines that Catholic combines faith andCatholic teachings faith teachings with and academic with academic excellence. excellence.

12 12 11

11 11 22 10 33 10 44 99 88 7 6 55 7 6

We emphasize

development We moral emphasize anddevelopment self-discipline. moral and self-discipline.

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. Only announcements for the month of publication will be included in the print edition, if space permits. All other calendar items will appear on the magazine or diocesan websites.

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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We partner with

Weparents partner in with the parents in the faith formation of faith formation of their children. their children.

We teach children We teach respect of self and children respect others. of self and others.

We instill in students thein We instill value of service students the to others.

set high We We set high standards standards for student for student achievement achievement andand helphelp themthem succeed. succeed.

We provide We provide a balanced a balanced academic academic curriculum that curriculum integrates faith,that integrates culture and life.faith,

culture and life.

We use technology effectively We use technology to effectively enhance education. to enhance

education.

value of service to others.

THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION

NCEA.org/csw THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION

NCEA.org/csw

FROM THE BISHOP 4 MESSAGE Renewal of our Diocese VOCATIONS 6 Armed forces in urgent need of Catholic chaplains

15

EVANGELIZATION In George West, ‘Friday Night Lights’ begin with Friday morning Mass

ISSUES 17 LIFE Students will gather at state capitol in defense of life NEWS 25 NATIONAL Walking with moms in need

Keep up with the faith at www.SouthTexasCatholic.com

January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 3

MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I

promised you last month a more detailed letter describing the vision for the renewal of ourselves as well as the renewal of our Diocese. I am happy to announce that that letter has been sent to your pastors, and they will be studying it to provide each parish direction over the coming year. This letter will also be available to you via the diocesan website at diocesecc.org/EC2022 and on a thumb drive to be made available later in January. I invite all of you individually and as organizations and ministries to meditate on the document to ensure that by the time of our great Eucharistic Congress in 2022, our vision of renewal will have begun to take place throughout our entire Diocese.

I am excited that this endeavor, together as the body of Christ, will bring us spiritual renewal as missionary disciples. I hope that the words you find in this letter will challenge us to a sincere and transforming encounter with Jesus in the sacrament of his body and blood and in the community of the Church that is his body.

As we celebrate Epiphany, let us turn our hearts to rediscovering Jesus and the great gift that he is to us all! I encourage you once again to spend time with the daily scripture readings, which will help to renew our com-mitment to becoming united with and in Christ. May Mary, mother of the Church, the Church’s perfect model, and the first missionary disciple show us the way to renew our faith and enflame our hearts with love for her son.

Sincerely your brother in Christ, +Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi

4  South Texas Catholic | January 2020

MENSAJE DEL OBISPO

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

L

es prometí el mes pasado una carta más detallada describiendo la visión para una renovación de nosotros mismos, así como la renovación de nuestra Diócesis. Me complace anunciar que esa carta ha sido enviada a sus pastores, y ellos la estudiarán para proporcionar la dirección a seguir de cada parroquia durante el próximo año. Esta carta también estará disponible para usted a través del sitio web diocesano en diocesecc.org/EC2022 y en una memoria USB que estará disponible más adelante en enero. Les invito a todos, tanto individualmente como en organizaciones y ministerios, a meditar en el documento para asegurarnos que cuando llegue el momento de nuestro gran Congreso Eucarístico en el 2022, nuestra visión de renovación haya comenzado a tener lugar en toda nuestra Diócesis.

Estoy emocionado al pensar que nuestro empeño juntos, como el cuerpo de Cristo, nos traerá renovación espiritual como discípulos misioneros. Espero que las palabras que encuentre en esta carta nos desafíen a un encuentro sincero y transformador con Jesús en el sacramento de su cuerpo y sangre y en la comunidad de la Iglesia, que es su cuerpo. ¡Mientras celebramos la Epifanía, volvamos nuestros corazones a redescubrir a Jesús y al gran regalo que Él es para todos nosotros! Le animo una vez más a que pase tiempo leyendo las Sagradas Escrituras diariamente, esto ayudará a renovar nuestro compromiso de unirnos con y en Cristo. Que María, madre de la Iglesia, modelo perfecto de la Iglesia y primera discípula misionera, nos muestre el camino para renovar nuestra fe y encender nuestros corazones con amor por su hijo.

Sinceramente tu hermano en Cristo, +Reverendísimo Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Obispo de Corpus Christi

January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 5

Contributed Photo

†† VOCATIONS

Armed forces in urgent need of Cath

By James Craig

T

Contributor

he first time I realized our country’s current need for military chaplains was while reading a local Catholic newspaper where I saw an advertisement for the military chaplaincy. The ad depicted servicemen and women waiting in line to receive Communion, but there was no priest. The words at the top of the advertisement asked: “Who will serve them?”

I was 14-years-old.

The ad underscored the need for Catholic chaplains in the U.S. Armed Forces. The image of the military men and women serving our country needing Communion became emblazoned in my mind. I recalled the conversation I had with a long-time family friend who had 6 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

served a tour in Iraq years ago. He said he was able to attend Mass only three times during his nine-month deployment.

During these times, servicemen and women cling to their faith more than ever, relying on God to help them through tense, life-and-death situations that they confront daily in combat zones. They experience emotional upheavals, homesickness, and even moral challenges.

It is a shame that our brave service members do not get spiritual comfort during a time in their lives when they have such a great need for it.

One might ask just how bad this scarcity of military chaplains is? A look at some statistics serves as a sobering illustration of the military’s actual needs. All

olic chaplains faith groups in the military currently suffer from a shortage of chaplains. Still, according to Paul D. Shinkman in U.S. News and World Report, Catholics are the hardest hit. Shinkman writes that Catholics make up approximately 25 percent of all U.S. troops, while roughly 8 percent of the chaplain corps is made up of Catholic priests.

“Just more than 200 active-duty Catholic chaplains remain, while more than 275,000 active-duty troops identify themselves as Catholic. That number is exceeded only by those who list no religious preference, according to recent Pentagon data,” Chris Carrol wrote in Stars and Stripes. The ratio of “Catholic service members to Catholic chaplains is nearly

1,300-to-1,” which is spread throughout the world, wherever U.S. service members serve.

The fact that Catholic chaplains do not just serve Catholics exacerbates the scarcity of priest chaplains. Catholic soldiers will undoubtedly try to seek out a priest since only Catholic priests can celebrate Mass and offer reconciliation. Since priests are also able to provide spiritual support for soldiers from other denominations, they are in high demand. Regardless of their religious preference, a priest can always offer soldiers prayer, counseling, and a reassuring presence in the face of imminent danger.

Besides these spiritual duties facing chaplains in their role as priests, chaplains also hold an officer’s rank in their particular branch of service. In other words, chaplains must balance their “religious responsibilities with [those] of a staff officer,” mainly when deployed to a war zone.

“A chaplain assigned to a unit must coordinate with the commanding officer and plan for logistics and travel, as well as battlefield situational awareness to ensure he is not putting himself or others in unnecessary danger,” wrote Paul D. Shinkman in U.S. News and World Report. This need for situational awareness means that priests considering service as a military chaplain must undergo additional training before they can serve in an active-duty capacity. The demands of active duty situations is another reason for the scarcity of new priest chaplains.

Anyone thinking of entering life as a Catholic priest-chaplain will ordinarily face 11 to 14 years of education, training, and pastoral experience before finally seeing active duty military service. But service members, who are willingly serving to preserve the safety of everyone in America, are deserving of our help in a unique way with spiritual matters.

I am currently in my fifth year of post-secondary education.

With the help of the Lord, I plan to persevere on this road to the military chaplaincy. I pray and trust that the Lord, who called me to his service, will keep this option open in his plans for me. Amen.

January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 7

†† VOCATIONS

James Craig, now Second Lieutenant James Craig, co-sponsored by the Diocese of Corpus Christi and the Archdiocese for the Military Services as a Chaplain Candidate, accepted an officer’s commission in the U.S. Army Reserve. 2nd Lt. James Craig (far left) swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies. His Commissioning Officer was 1st Lt. Callan Sweeney of the Diocese of Austin and Archdiocese for the Military Services.

He is currently studying at St. Mary Seminary in Houston.

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Couples will be honored at speci

By Rebecca Esparza

I

Correspondent

Contributed Photo

n July 1969, Gerald Hill saw a once in a lifetime As for the success of their 50 years of marriage, Leona opportunity to propose marriage to his sweet- Hill said it comes down to their strong faith. heart, Leona. His quick thinking memorialized “I think the reason we have made it this long is because a special moment forever. The two were seated God has always been a part of our lives,” she said. “We on the couch at his parent’s house, watching the both believed in the same things and attended church historic landing on the moon. Neil Armstrong had just regularly. And we even survived the teenage years with made his celebrated statement: “It’s one small step for the children! The church always was and still is a central man, one giant leap for mankind.” part of our lives.”

Without hesitation, Gerald turned to Leona and Rachel Lopez was born in Kingsville and raised in quipped: “How about we take a leap of faith and get Bishop. Her husband, Ricardo, was born in Orange married?”

Grove and also raised in Bishop. On Sept. 30, 2020, the “Isn’t that something?” chuckled Leona. “Little did we couple will celebrate 25 years of marriage. They have know then that two of our four children would someday two children: Daniel, 22, and Crystal, 19, who are both become engineers, working on the programming for the currently attending college. The family attends St. James shuttle and space station.” in Bishop.

On Sunday, Jan. 12, at 9:30 a.m., the Diocese of Cor“We met at Bishop Café, where I worked as a waitress. pus Christi will host a special Mass at the Corpus Christi At first, when he asked me out, I was kind of hesitant Cathedral for couples celebrating 25 and 50 years of because I was very sheltered. But after he kept pursuing, marriage. The 2020 Silver and Gold Anniversary Mass I agreed, and we went out to the movies,” Rachel Lopez will include photos with Bishop Michael Mulvey, a cer- recalled. tificate, and a reception after Mass. The Hills from FalShe offered her viewpoint about why people struggle furrias and parishioners at Sacred Heart are one of the couples being recognized.

Both retired teachers, the Hills have known each other since they were 6-years-old. Their families knew each other for decades, but the two eventually lost contact as they grew older. He joined the military, and she started a teaching career.

“We reconnected in the summer of 1969 and were married on Easter Sunday, 1970,” she said.

A convert to the Catholic faith, Gerald Hill said he was raised in many different denominations before meeting his wife, Leona.

Now, he can’t imagine being anywhere else.

“Our faith in God holds our marriage together. We attend Mass and participate in parish activities.

I’ll be a Catholic for the rest of my Aaron and Raquel Garcia from St. Anthony Parish in Robstown are celebrating 25 years of marriage. life,” he said.

8 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

al Mass to make their marriages work.

“It is due to not communicating with each other. Couples must always be honest and communicate with each other, do things as a family, and always pray. Don’t listen to family or friends who are trying to be negative. People are stronger together than as individuals.”

When Aaron Garcia spotted his future bride Raquel in the summer of 1992, he knew it was love at first sight.

The two were both attending a Search Retreat when they met and eventually started dating. They accidentally bumped into each other, and the rest is history. But he almost did not make it to the retreat.

“I kept saying I would go, but on the morning of the retreat, I had changed my mind and decided to go to San Antonio instead,” he recalled. “We had a strong youth ministry at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Kingsville at that time, so the youth coordinator drove to my house to convince me to attend. While we were talking, my

SU N D A Y, J A N U AR Y 1 2 , 2 0 2 0

The Office of Family Life would like to invite all couples who are celebrating their Silver (25 yrs.) or Golden (50 yrs.)

Wedding Anniversary to an Anniversary Mass with Bishop Michael Mulvey at Corpus Christi Cathedral.

Anniversary Mass celebration will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 at Corpus Christi Cathedral.

Due to limited space, regretfully the couple is limited to two guests to join them for the reception.

Registration deadline is Dec. 31, 2019 You may register online at Diocesecc.org/anniversary-mass

brother loaded my luggage on the vehicle. I realized it was meant to be, and God had a plan.”

“Every time we pass by the retreat center on Lantana in Corpus Christi, we tell our kids: ‘Look, this is where we met.’ We drive by the different buildings and tell them the story of how we fell in love,” she said.

Actually getting married proved to be a bit of a challenge. “My brother wanted to get married before going into the military, so my parents asked if I could postpone my wedding since they had to save money for two weddings at the same time. And then my sister wanted to get married, so we waited for two years. It all worked for the best, though,” Raquel Garcia said.

But the love they had for each other persevered. They were married on Apr. 8, 1995, and will be celebrating 25 years of marriage in 2020 and today have three children: Analisa, 23; Aaron Jr., 21 and Amber, 17.

For Raquel Garcia, the secret to a long-lasting marriage is to compromise.

“You need to be prepared to be the one who compromises in the relationship. It can go either way: sometimes, you are the one who compromises, and other times it will be your spouse. If nobody wants to compromise, that’s where people run into problems,” she said.

She also believes her faith in God is the glue that holds their family together.

“We need God in our lives. In our household, God always comes first. We go to church regularly, go to confession, and volunteer at St. Mary’s Mission in Robstown,” Raquel said. “Our faith is the foundation of our marriage. We pray the rosary and attend adoration together. Sometimes things get in the way, and we don’t always make it. But persistence is the key,” she said.

Aaron Garcia added that patience is crucial.

“Be patient with one another and follow God,” he said. “My faith in God has made me a better father to my children, a better husband to my wife, and a better person to everyone else in my life. Raising our kids with the Catholic faith as our guide was the best thing we could have done for our marriage and our children. We will always follow that path.”

To register as a participating couple in the 2020 Silver and Gold Anniversary Mass, visit diocesecc.org/anniversary-mass.

January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 9

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Ricardo and Rachel Lopez from St. James Parish in Bishop are celebrating 25 years of marriage.

Contributed Photo

Ricardo y Rachel López de St. James Parish en Bishop están celebrando 25 años de matrimonio.

Las parejas serán honradas en una Misa especial Por Rebecca Esparza

E Corresponsal

n julio de 1969, Gerald Hill vio una de esas oportunidades que se dan solo una vez en la vida, para proponerle matrimonio a su novia, Leona. Y su pensamiento voló para captar ese momento que quedaría grabado en su memoria para siempre.

Estaban los dos sentados en el sofá de la casa de sus padres, observando el histórico aterrizaje en la luna. Neil Armstrong acababa de hacer su famosa declaración: “Es un pequeño paso para el hombre, un gran salto para la humanidad”.

Sin dudarlo, Gerald se volvió hacia Leona y como si bromeara le dijo: “¿Qué tal si damos un salto de fe y nos casamos?” “¿No es eso algo especial?”, Se rio Leona. “Que poquito sabíamos 10 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

entonces del futuro que nos aguardaba, quien nos diría que dos de nuestros cuatro hijos algún día se convertirían en ingenieros y trabajarían en la programación del transbordador y la estación espacial”.

El domingo 12 de enero, a las 9:30 a.m. la Diócesis de Corpus Christi llevará a cabo una misa especial en la Catedral de Corpus Christi para las parejas que celebran 25 y 50 años de matrimonio. La misa de aniversario de oro y plata del 2020 incluirá fotos con el obispo Michael Mulvey, un certificado y una recepción después de la misa. Los Hill de Falfurrias y feligreses del Sagrado Corazón son una de las parejas que serán reconocidas.

Ambos son maestros retirados, los

Hill se conocen desde que tenían seis años. Sus familias se conocieron por décadas, pero los dos crecieron y perdieron contacto el uno con el otro, de manera que se distanciaron. El se unió al ejército y ella comenzó su carrera de maestra.

“Nos reconectamos en el verano de 1969 y nos casamos el domingo de Pascua de 1970”, dijo ella.

Antes de convertirse a la fe católica, Gerald fue criado en muchas religiones diferentes, dijo él, pero eso fue antes de conocer a su esposa Leona.

Ahora, no puede imaginar pertenecer a ninguna otra.

“Nuestra fe en Dios mantiene unido nuestro matrimonio. Asistimos a misa y participamos en actividades

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

parroquiales. Seré católico por el resto de mi vida “, dijo él.

En cuanto al éxito de sus 50 años de matrimonio, Leona dijo que todo se reduce a su fuerte fe.

“Creo que la razón por la que hemos durado juntos tanto tiempo es porque Dios siempre ha sido parte de nuestras vidas”, dijo Leona. “Ambos creemos en las mismas cosas y asistimos a la iglesia regularmente. ¡E incluso sobrevivimos la adolescencia de nuestros hijos! La iglesia siempre fue y sigue siendo una parte central de nuestras vidas”.

Rachel Lopez nació en Kingsville y se crio en Bishop.

Su esposo, Ricardo, nació en Orange Grove y también se crio en Bishop. El 30 de septiembre de 2020, la pareja celebrará 25 años de matrimonio. Tienen dos hijos: Daniel, de 22 años y Crystal, de 19, ambos asisten a la universidad, actualmente. Todos los miembros de la familia son feligreses en St. James en Bishop.

“Nos conocimos en Bishop Café, donde trabajaba como mesera. Al principio, cuando me invitó a salir, dudaba un poco porque estaba muy protegida. Pero como él siguió insistiendo, acepté y salimos al cine”, recordó López.

Agregó su punto de vista a cerca de por qué las personas luchan para que sus matrimonios funcionen.

“Se debe a que no se comunican entre sí. Las parejas siempre deben ser honestas y comunicarse entre sí, hacer cosas en familia y rezar siempre. No escuches a familiares o amigos que intentan ser negativos. Las personas son más fuertes cuando están juntas, que solos como individuos”.

Cuando Aaron García vio por primera vez a su futura novia Raquel en el verano de 1992, supo al instante que era amor a primera vista. Pero por poco y no llega al retiro.

“Me decía a mi mismo que iría, pero en la mañana del retiro, ya había cambiado de opinión y en vez de ir al retiro, decidí ir a San Antonio”, recordó. “Pero en ese tiempo teníamos un ministerio juvenil muy comprometido en Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo, en Kingsville, por lo que el coordinador juvenil fue a mi casa para convencerme de que asistiera. Mientras él y yo hablábamos, mi hermano cargó mi equipaje en su vehículo. Me di cuenta que tenía más sentido ir y que Dios tenía un plan”.

Los dos asistieron a un retiro de búsqueda en donde se conocieron y después empezaron a salir. Se encontraron accidentalmente y el resto es historia.

“Cada vez que pasamos por el centro de retiros en Lantana en Corpus Christi, les decimos a nuestros hijos: ‘Miren, aquí es donde nos conocimos’. Pasamos por los diferentes edificios del centro pastoral y les contamos la historia de cómo nos enamoramos”. Dijo ella.

En realidad, casarse resultó ser un desafío, pero el amor que se tienen el uno por el otro ha persistido. Se casaron el 8 de abril de 1995 y celebrarán 25 años de matrimonio en 2020.

“Mi hermano quería casarse antes de ingresar al ejército, por lo que mis padres me preguntaron si podía posponer mi boda, ya que tenían que ahorrar dinero para celebrar dos bodas al mismo tiempo. Y después mi hermana también quería casarse, así que esperamos dos años. Sin embargo, todo funcionó para lo mejor ”, se rio entre dientes.

La pareja tiene tres hijos: Analisa, 23; Aaron Jr., 21 y Amber, 17.

Para Raquel, el secreto de un matrimonio duradero es comprometerse. “Debes estar preparado para ser el que comprometa la relación. Puede ser el uno o el otro: a veces usted es quien se compromete y otras veces será su cónyuge. Pero si nadie quiere comprometerse, es ahí donde la gente tiene problemas”, dijo Raquel.

Ella también cree que su fe en Dios es el pegamento que mantiene unida a su familia.

“Necesitamos a Dios en nuestras vidas. En nuestra casa, Dios siempre viene primero. Vamos a la iglesia regularmente, vamos a confesarnos y somos voluntarios en la Misión de Santa María en Robstown “, dijo Raquel.

“Nuestra fe es la base de nuestro matrimonio. Rezamos el rosario y asistimos a la adoración juntos. A veces las cosas se interponen y no siempre lo hacemos. ¡Pero la persistencia es la clave!

Aaron agregó que la paciencia es crucial.

“Sean pacientes unos con otros y sigan a Dios”, dijo él.

“Mi fe en Dios me ha hecho un mejor padre para mis hijos, un mejor esposo para mi esposa y una mejor persona para todos los demás en mi vida. Criar a nuestros hijos con la fe católica como nuestra guía fue lo mejor que pudimos hacer por nuestro matrimonio y nuestros hijos. Siempre seguiremos ese camino”.

Para registrarse como pareja participante en la Misa de Aniversario de Plata y Oro 2020, visite diocesecc.org/anniversary-mass.

7

2nd

January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 11

†† EVANGELIZATION

St. Thomas More youth embod

T

he parish youth group from St. Thomas More collected $1,000 in monetary donations, gifts, and gift cards from parishioners and went for a shopping spree for the family of Sonja Munoz.

Munoz was tragically killed in a car accident last summer. Her four children were in the vehicle when she had a blowout, rolled over and crashed. Her children survived and 12 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

are now living with their grandmother.

The youth brought all of the items on the families’ Christmas wish list and provided the family with a tree and decorations on Dec. 8.

Father Tomasz Kozub, pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, accompanied the youth group and gave a blessing.

“The youth group from St. Thomas More wanted to share their Christmas blessings with a less fortunate family. They try to give

†† EVANGELIZATION

y the true spirit of Christ St. Thomas More youth group are Christmas shopping at Walmart for the Munoz family, who lost their mother last summer. Pictured in the back row, from left, are Fernando Mendiola, Matthew Gonzales, Andrew Goetz, David Guerra, Jacob Martinez, Nick Mendoza, Elijah Sanchez, Joseph Longoria, Charlize Linebrink, Steven Arrezeda, Jr. and Michael Gonzalez. Youth in the front row, from left, are Ellen McCutcheon, Nylee VanGeem, Nikayla Sanchez, Taegann Perez, Zoe Garcia, Alaina Sanchez, Noah Jimenez, Molly Garza, Jaysa Molina and Katelynn Dutton. Not pictured are Edward Valdez, Gillian Lippencott, Elizabeth Owsley, Jacob Longoria and Vincent Rivera. See more photos at SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/STMyouth.

back to the community by feeding the homeless at the Mother Teresa Shelter, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald house, and praying the rosary and singing

Christmas carols at local nursing homes,” said Lisa Godinez, a St. Thomas More parishioner. “They truly are the hands and feet of Jesus.”

January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 13

Help Us Prevent Financial Abuse The Diocese of Corpus Christi at the recommendation of the Diocesan Financial Council and Presbyteral Council have furthered their commitment to good stewardship and nancial accountability on behalf of generous donors by instituting a nancial abuse hotline.

The Diocese of Corpus Christi has selected an independent third party, The Network, to provide you with a new way to anonymously and condently report nancial abuse and fraud. Employees, parishioners, volunteers, vendors and other interested parties will be encouraged to report concerns they have regarding nancial misconduct within the Diocese of Corpus Christi. All inquiries will be treated promptly and discreetly. Callers will have the right to remain anonymous.

Call 1-877-571-9748

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Tuesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday: 8-11 a.m. & 3-7 p.m.

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(361) 854-1853

Bishop Michael Mulvey and the staff of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources are committed to assisting in the healing process for victims and survivors of abuse.

If you or someone you know is in need of such services, call Stephanie Bonilla, Director of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources at: (361) 882-6191 for immediate assistance.

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4730 Everhart Rd

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14 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

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Kathy Campbell

†† EVANGELIZATION

In George West, ‘Friday Night Lights’ begin with Friday morning Mass

Father Romeo Salinas celebrates a Friday morning Mass. The pews were filled with football players, coaches, cheerleaders, mascots, parents, and the superintendent.

Kathy and Chuck Campbell

I

Contributors

n South Texas, fall means football, and football means “Friday Night Lights.”

This year in George West “Friday Night Lights” begin with Friday morning Mass at St. George Parish, which was usually held in a small chapel adjacent to the main sanctuary and attended by anywhere from six to 10 parishioners.

On Friday, Aug. 30, the George West

Longhorn football team and coaches pleasantly surprised the regular worshipers. Their unexpected arrival filled the small chapel to overflowing.

It was standing room only during Mass at the small chapel. Father Romeo Salinas, pastor at St. George Parish, decided to move the following Friday morning Mass to the main church.

In George West, like most small towns, January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 15

†† EVANGELIZATION

Contributed Photo

word spreads fast, and attendance at the Friday morning Mass grew each week. Players, coaches, cheerleaders, mascots, parents, and the superintendent began attending the Friday Mass.

Several ladies in the parish decided to serve breakfast tacos and juice in front of the church steps after Mass.

The church became the starting place for “Friday Night Lights” in George West each week.

It all started a year earlier when a few Longhorn football team members had a conversation with a member of the East Bernard state champion team.

They asked him how they did it, and he replied, “We decided as a team to win. We became a close-knit group and did everything together. We practiced together, we played together, we ate together, we prayed together, and we

16 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

even went to church together.”

That struck a chord with a few of the Longhorns, so they began attending morning Mass each Friday. Anywhere from two to six members of the team showed up at 7 a.m. every Friday during the 2018 football season.

Fast forward to August 2019, when one of the Catholic coaches invited all the team to attend the Friday morning Mass before the first game of the season.

He told the boys that attendance was voluntary, and anyone could attend. The team and other coaches responded to his suggestion and began showing up to Mass every Friday morning.

People often say that high school football is a religion in Texas. In George West, religion is part of high school football where Friday morning Mass kicks off “Friday Night Lights.”

After winning district on Nov. 22 the George West Longhorn football team takes a celebratory photo with Father Salinas, pastor of St. George Parish. The team had 12 wins and 1 loss in the regional semifinals. Some of the players pictured with Father Salinas in the back row, from left, are Brenden Henicke, Joseph Tidwell, Coltan Orr, Caleb Vickery, Rory Campbell and Logan Carroll. In the front row, from left, are Gauge Lewis, CJ Arciba, Father Salinas, Kathy Campbell, Jared Zuniga, Hunter Freeman and Thomas Gentry.

Archived photo

†† LIFE ISSUES

A 2017 photo of students from Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School marching on the grounds of the state capitol.

Students will gather at state capitol in defense of life

By Rebecca Esparza

M

Correspondent

ichelle Mirabal’s two sons will attend their second Texas Rally For Life in on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the State Capitol in Austin.

She could not be more proud of their commitment to defend human life, from conception to natural death.

The Mirabal boys will join several hundred of the faithful representing the Diocese of Corpus Christi and thousands from across Texas. The Texas Alliance for Life, the rally’s organizer, points out that the goal of the mass meeting is to show elected officials that Texas is pro-life.

The rally will be held on the 47th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Roe v. Wade, which made abortion legal throughout all nine months of

pregnancy. Legal abortion in the United States has claimed the lives of more than 60 million unborn children and has wounded countless men and women.

“I have two very different boys on the exterior, but on the interior, they’re the same: they both value and respect life,” Mirabal said of her sons, Christian, who is a sophomore at St. John Paul II High School and Giancarlo, who is an eighth-grader at Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School.

“I think it’s important that boys attend the Texas Rally For Life because boys will become men who lead their household,” she said. “They lead their wife and children by the values they instill and the examples they set.”

Ben Nye, a theology teacher at St. John Paul II High School, is helping organize the school’s participation January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 17

†† LIFE ISSUES

in the 2020 Texas Rally For Life and said it is important to participate because it teaches the students how to put their faith into action.

“We are making a sacrifice, leaving on a chartered bus at 5 a.m. on a Saturday morning, traveling to Austin and trying to do something about this horrific travesty going on in our society today,” he said. “We are speaking out for those with no voice.”

Nye said he also teaches his students lessons in civics and advocacy on the bus trip.

“We try and encourage the students to be inspired to do more and make a difference for others. When they see thousands of young people who have the same ideals, it makes a significant impression on them,” he said.

“We have some alumni from our school who created a pro-life group on their campus at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. It was partly inspired by their time here at St. John Paul II High School and their participation in the previous Rally For Life events.”

This year marks the school’s tenth year participating in the Rally For Life. In the first year, the school took 60 students. For the 2020 event, they plan to take at

least 150.

Beth Nguyen, director of the Office of Laity, Family, and Life for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, said the life lessons learned by students participating are immeasurable.

“Whenever they have an opportunity to travel outside of their community, students learn that the world is a bigger place than they often experience and that there are good people everywhere who care passionately about the same things they care about,” she said.

“Pro-life rallies don’t often get the media coverage they deserve, so a trip like this allows students to see history in the making that is not filtered through the lens of the popular media. It’s also inspiring to see people from all across the state and from many different faith traditions that all believe in the sacredness of human life.”

The Diocese of Corpus Christi is coordinating buses to leave from several different locations for the 2020 Texas Rally For Life in Austin, including St. John Paul II High School in Corpus Christi, Kingsville, and Alice. Details and registration are available at diocesecc.org/texasrallyforlife.

Register NOW! diocesecc.org/texasrallyforlife

Is God calling you? ¿Dios te llama?

TEXAS

RALLY FOR LIFE January 25, 2020

There are over 13,000 incarcerated in jails, prisons and detention centers in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Would you like to serve in this ministry?

Hay más de 13,000 prisioneros en cárceles, prisiones y centros de detención en la Diócesis de Corpus Christi. ¿Te gustaría servir en este ministerio?

The Office of Social Ministry For more information on how you can serve, please contact Margie Rivera at MRivera@diocesecc.org or (361) 882-6191, ext. 633.

18 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

T-shirts also available online diocesecc.org/texasrallyforlife

Alicia Simon Contributor

Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic school principal Lilly Samaniego was among 11 principals nominated to attend and participate in a three-day Leadership Institute at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, Illinois. Diocesan superintendents from throughout the nation chose the principals to help them analyze their current strategies for curriculum development, funding models, and enrollment management to identify areas of improvement.

The 11 principals participated in a Leadership Institute in August to kick off the National Catholic School Mentor Program. The Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA) and the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) sponsor the program. Consultants with Meitler, an organization dedicated to serving Catholic communities to ensure the future of churches and faith-based schools is bright and robust, coordinates the program.

According to Superintendent Rosemary Henry of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, she nominated Samaniego because the principal demonstrated transformational leadership.

Although the program is national in scale, it aims to impact real change at the local level in each principal’s community and school. To alleviate the isolation that principals often experience, the program uses a group model that offers opportunities throughout the school year for principals to encourage and support each other.

Lilly Samaniego “It has been a wonderful experience working with principals from across the United States,” Samaniego said. “I have benefitted from best practices in enrollment, school safety, academic programs, and parent engagement.”

The consultants will continue to provide ongoing mentoring and coaching to the principals throughout the 2019-2020 school year. FADICA and NCEA deliver the program’s benefits at no cost to the participant or the diocese.

Contributed photo

Eleven Catholic school principals from dioceses representing all regions of the country participated in a Leadership Institute in August to kick off the National Catholic School Mentor Program. The program is sponsored by FADICA and NCEA and coordinated by Meitler. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Annette Parsons, guest presenter; Angela Gunderson, program coordinator, Meitler; Lee Sayago, St. John Paul II, Diocese of St. Petersburg, FL; Michael Kosar, Holy Spirit School, Diocese of Albany, NY; Sandy Pizzolato, Ascension Catholic Diocesan Regional School, Diocese of Baton Rouge, LA; Patricia Provo, St. Kieran Catholic School, Diocese of San Diego, CA; Dr. Mazi McCoy, Corpus Christi School, Diocese of Galveston/Houston; Lilly Samaniego, Ss. Cyril and Methodius School, Diocese of Corpus Christi; and Kathy Mears, Chief Program Officer for NCEA. Pictured in the back row, from left, are Rick Pendergast, presenter and consultant, Meitler; Cathy Donahue, guest presenter; Jennifer Crombie, St. Katherine Drexel School, Diocese of Milwaukee, WI; Sister Marie Isaac Staub, O.P., St. Dominic Catholic School, Diocese of Joliet, IL; Jessica Walters, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Diocese of Providence, RI; Teresa Matetich, St. Joseph’s School, Diocese of Duluth, MN; Paul Richardson, Butte Central Schools, Diocese of Great Falls/Helena, MT; Tom Heding, presenter and consultant, Meitler; and Jackie Lichter, program advisor and consultant, Meitler.

January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 19

†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Principal Samaniego selected for nationwide mentoring program

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Forming future leaders in our com Rosemary Henry, Ph.D., Contributor Catholic schools are vital to the Church’s evangelizing mission of bringing the Gospel to all. Our schools, rooted in the message of the Gospel, fortify our youth with values, virtues and strength, empowering them to transform our world. Our Catholic schools infuse Christ-centered learning environments, shaped by communion and community, with academic rigor where students are

formed in faith, knowledge and service. In partnership with parents, parish and school leaders, and the global community, Catholic schools prepare students to become missionary disciples and to share the teaching and spirit of Jesus in thought, word and deed.

Following is a list and information on the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

BISHOP GARRIGA MIDDLE PREPARATORY IN CORPUS CHRISTI Grades 6th–8th In service to Jesus Christ and His Church… the mission at Bishop Garriga Middle School is to provide a transformational Catholic education of excellence, with a diverse student body experience,

rooted in faith, reason and virtue for this life and the next.

Open House will be on Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is to be determined (specific dates pending). For more information call Principal Norma Castaneda at (361) 851-0853 or visit bgmps.org.

HOLY FAMILY IN CORPUS CHRISTI The mission of Holy Family Catholic School is to live the Gospel values and create a safe and loving environment where students learn spiritually, academically, socially, and physically, in an attitude of

Grades PreK3–5th service to the community. Open house will be on Jan. 26 from 12-2 p.m. Registration will be from Jan. 26-29. For more information call Principal Sister Marilyn Springs, IWBS, Ph.D. at (361) 884-9142 or visit holyfamilycatholicschool.net.

INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY IN CORPUS CHRISTI Grades PreK3–12th The mission of Incarnate Word Academy is to reflect Jesus the Teacher. We form students in a loving and challenging environment where the individual gifts of every student are recognized, celebrated, and

developed as a reflection of Christ. Open house will be on Jan. 29 from 6-8 p.m. Registration will be in January 2020 (specific dates pending). For more information call Principal Pamela Carrillo, Elementary Level; Principal Marci Levings, Middle Level; Principal Jose Torres, High School at (361) 883-0857 or visit iwacc.org.

MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD IN CORPUS CHRISTI The mission of Most Precious Blood Catholic School is to develop the mind, body, and spirit based on Faith and academic excellence in service to God and our community. Open

Grades PreK3–5th house will be on Jan. 30 from 6:30-7 p.m. Registration will be for current families, Jan. 27 and for new families Feb. 10. For more information call Principal Nelda Bazan at (361) 852-4800 or visit mpbcs.net.

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP ACADEMY IN CORPUS CHRISTI Grades PreK2–8th Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy is a Catholic School which educates believers, learners, and doers to model the life of Jesus Christ in love, service and joyful discipleship.

Open house will be on Jan. 28 from 6 p.m. Registration will be for current families, Jan. 27-30 and open enrollment is from Jan. 31-May 27. For more information call Principal Diane Claudio-Martinez at (361) 991-3305 or visit olphacademycc.org.

SACRED HEART IN ROCKPORT The mission of Sacred Heart Catholic School is to provide a loving environment where students become lifelong learners through experiences that promote knowing, loving, and serving God and 20 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

Grades PreK–5th all creation where faith, academics, and service are valued and appreciated. Open house will be on Jan. 27-31. Registration for current students will be Feb. 15 and for new students March 1.

For more information call Principal Kathy Barnes at (361) 7292672 or visit shsrockport.org.

†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION

mmunities, world and church SS. CYRIL & METHODIUS IN CORPUS CHRISTI

Grades PreK3–5th

The mission of Ss. Cyril & Methodius service and by example.

Catholic School is to provide a safe and The open house will be Jan. 26 from 10-11 a.m. Registration caring environment for students to pray, is Jan. 27. For more information call Principal Lilly Samaniego learn and grow together through liturgy, at (361) 853-9392 or visit sscmc.org.

ST. ANTHONY IN ROBSTOWN The mission of St. Anthony Catholic School is a Christ-centered and familyoriented community that is rooted in tradition of academic excellence for the formation of the whole person that

Grades PreK 3–8th empowers servant leadership. Open house will be Jan. 26 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration begins Feb. 10. For more information call Principal Anna Gonzalez at (361) 387-3814 or visit stanthonysaints.org.

ST. ELIZABETH IN ALICE

Grades PreK3–6th The mission of St. Elizabeth Catholic academic, physical, and emotional growth. Open house will School is to develop responsible, be Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. Registration begins Feb. 17. For more productive, faith-centered citizens by information call Principal Patricia Garcia at (361) 664-6271 providing an educational experience or visit sesalice.org. centered on the fundamentals of spiritual,

ST. JOHN PAUL II IN CORPUS CHRISTI In service to Jesus Christ and His Church…. the mission of St. John Paul II High School is to provide a transformational Catholic education, with a diverse student body experience, rooted

Grades 9th–12th in faith, reason, and virtue for this life and the next. Open house will be Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Registration begins Jan. 27.

For more information call Principal Michael Edghill at (361) 855-5744 or visit jpiihighschool.org.

ST. JOSEPH IN ALICE

Grades PreK3–8th The mission of St. Joseph Catholic School seek to emulate the attitude of Christ. Open house to be strives to provide a safe environment where determined at a later date. Registration begins for current faith, knowledge, service and compassion students Feb. 3 and open enrollment is Feb. 17. For more are cultivated to form a faith-centered, information call Principal Katie Barrera at (361) 664-46422 well rounded, productive citizen who will or visit school.sjcatholicchurch.org.

ST. PATRICK IN CORPUS CHRISTI

Grades PreK3–6th The mission of St. Patrick Catholic School is Registration for current families begins Feb. 3; parishioners to educate our children to know, love and serve Feb. 10 and open registration Feb. 17. For more information God through Religion, Fine Arts, Academics, call Principal Evelyn Burton at (361) 852-1211 or visit Physical Activities and Community Service. stpatrickschoolcc.org.

Open house will be Jan. 28 from 4-6:30 p.m.

ST. PIUS X IN CORPUS CHRISTI The mission of St. Pius X Catholic School is to develop the whole child in a Christ centered environment, to become a loving and productive citizen in today’s world. Open

Grades PreK3–6th house will be Jan. 29 at 9:30 a.m. Registration Feb. 17-21. For more information call Principal Delia Rosenbaum at (361) 9921343 or visit stpiusxschoolcc.org.

January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 21

†† CATHOLIC SCHOOL BRIEFS

Contributed Photo

Ramp Champs volunteer a Saturday as part of community service hours

In spite of competing with other school activities and the SAT administration, on Dec. 7 a few of the St. John Paul II High School Rotary Interact members had an opportunity to do community service by volunteering their morning to assist in the construction of a wheelchair ramp for a gentleman who had a stroke. The wheelchair ramp they built was over 50 feet in length, to accommodate the height of the front porch. The Ramp Champs pictured above are St. John Paul students (in black) and members of the Rotary Club of Southside Corpus Christi (in lime t-shirts), from left, are Ethan Edghill, Richard Espinoza, Ted Garcia (club sponsor), Rod Vaughn, Sophia Talbott, Mary Arnolds, Nancy Ross, and Erasmo Nava.

22 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

†† CATHOLIC SCHOOL BRIEFS

St. Pius X students win DAR contest six years in a row Sixth-grader Jonah Dulin won the Corpus Christi Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) essay contest for the sixth-grade level. The national topic for the 2019-2020 school year was “The Voyage of the Mayflower.”

Sixth graders conducted two full weeks of research during their social studies and English classes. They consulted more than 40 reputable websites, online encyclopedias, library books, and other reference materials. Every student was required to imagine themselves as one of the passengers on the Mayflower and write an original story of their journey and landing in Plymouth Colony. They also researched European life in 1620, sailing the Atlantic Ocean, the New England wilderness, the Mayflower passengers and crew, and of the Mayflower Compact,

which they had to present in the story.

Students learned essential research skills, how to write a proper bibliography, and how to incorporate historical facts while composing a realistic fiction story. Students learned and shared what they learned, valuable information about one of the most significant events in our U.S. history.

Sixth-grade teachers Kathi Urbis and Michele Stovall encouraged full participation from their sixth-grade students through this collaborative English and social studies project.

Denise Calderone | For STC

IWA students donate to Christmas food drive

Incarnate Word Academy student council representatives from the Elementary, Middle, and High School Levels hosted the annual food drive in conjunction with KIII-TV’s Share Your Christmas on Dec. 3. All canned goods and nonperishable food items collected during the Share Your Christmas food drive benefit the Food Bank of Corpus Christi.

In the above photo Angels packing boxes for the food drive in the back row, from left, are Alejandreaux Alvarado, Angel Perez, McKenzie Conner, Emily Swenson, Andrew Gibson, Talon Chanyaman, Ryan Morgan and Lisa Perez (adult). Pictured in the front row, from left, are Maryza Sosa and Kira Luna.

January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 23

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O

U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Alexander Dummer

n March 25, 2020, the Catholic Church will observe the 25th-anniversary of St. John Paul II’s “Evangelium Vitae” (“The Gospel of Life”), which the Holy Father provides the following challenge to the faithful. “With great openness and courage, we need to question how widespread is the culture of life today among individual Christians, families, groups, and communities in our dioceses. With equal clarity and determination, we must identify the steps we are called to take in order to serve life in all its truth” (“Evangelium Vitae,” 95).

In his appeal, Pope John Paul II calls us to take inventory of our efforts to assist pregnant moms in need of Christian charity. He directs us to improve our responses, where needed, especially at the local level.

In short, the pope calls us to accompany each pregnant woman in need meaningfully.

On Nov. 11, in a presentation to the bishops of the United States, gathered for their annual meeting in Baltimore, Archbishop Joseph Naumann announced a parish-based initiative focused on assisting pregnant mothers in need.

As chairman of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Archbishop Naumann urged all bishops to encourage their parishes to join a nationwide effort from March 25, 2020, to March 25, 2021, entitled “Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service.”

For this Year of Service, the Committee on Pro-Life Activities is developing educational, pastoral, prayer, and action-oriented resources for parish use. These include tools for taking inventory of local resources for pregnant mothers in need; ideas to improve parish responses; prayers for building a culture of life and a civilization of love; reflections on the teachings of “Evangelium Vitae,” “Evangelium Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), and “Laudato Si” (“Praise be to You”).

These resources will include homily aids, suggested prayers, bulletin inserts, pulpit announcements,

parish-based activities, and communications and outreach suggestions. These resources will be available for download (in English and Spanish) on the Committee on ProLife Activities website, along with a suggested timeline.

The materials were designed for bishops to share with pastors. They include suggestions for pastors on how to delegate efforts in this Year of Service to volunteers for ease of use at the parish level.

Early feedback suggests that a parish’s focus on helping pregnant and parenting moms in need is a unifying message. This message can improve collaboration among those who work on social justice and pro-life efforts. It can also move the conversation from what sometimes may seem like a partisan divide into one of pastoral unity. This Year of Service is a response to Pope Francis’ repeated challenge to go to the margins and bring hope and help to those in need.

The USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities will soon be sharing a recommended timeline for “Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service.” One of the parish-based activities for next summer will be the completion of a simple inventory tool. The Committee on Pro-Life Activities recognizes that every state is different, every community is unique, and every parish is one-of-a-kind. So, each congregation is in the best position to best identify the local pregnancy help resources that are currently available and to recognize potential gaps that need addressing.

One of the best ways to prepare to assist parishes in completing their inventory of local pregnancy help resources is to share with them the best practices identified at the diocesan level.

May our combined efforts help us prepare for the day when every pregnant mother in need knows where to turn, and abortion is unthinkable.

(Tom Grenchik is Executive Director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities at U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.)

January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 25

†† NATIONAL NEWS

Walking with moms in need

†† NOTICIAS NACIONALES

Caminando con las madres que nos necesitan Tom Grenchik

E

Conferencia de los Obispos Católicos de los EE. UU.

l 25 de marzo de 2020, la Iglesia Católica observará el 25 aniversario del “Evangelium Vitae” de San Juan Pablo II o El Evangelio de la Vida en el que el Santo Padre ofrece el siguiente desafío a los fieles. “Con gran apertura y mucho valor, necesitamos preguntarnos qué tan extendida está hoy en día la cultura de la vida entre los cristianos, tanto individualmente, como entre las familias, grupos y comunidades de nuestras diócesis. Con igual claridad y determinación, debemos identificar los pasos que estamos llamados a tomar para servir a la vida en la magnitud de su verdad” (“Evangelium Vitae,” 95).

En su Evangelio de la vida, el Papa Juan Pablo II nos llama a hacer un inventario a cerca de lo que hacemos por ayudar a las madres embarazadas que necesitan de nuestra caridad cristiana. Nos dirige a mejorar nuestras respuestas a donde estas sean necesarias, especialmente a nivel local. En resumen, el Papa nos llama a acompañar significativamente a cada mujer embarazada que lo necesite.

El 11 de noviembre, en una presentación ante los obispos de los Estados Unidos, reunidos para su junta anual en Baltimore, el arzobispo Joseph Naumann anunció una iniciativa con base parroquial, destinada a ayudar a las madres embarazadas que lo necesiten. Como presidente del Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE. UU., El Arzobispo Naumann instó a todos los obispos a alentar a sus parroquias a unirse en un esfuerzo nacional titulado “Caminando con madres necesitadas: Un año de servicio”, a partir del 25 de marzo de 2020 y hasta el 25 de marzo de 2021.

Para este año de servicio, el Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida está desarrollando recursos educativos, pastorales, y de oración, orientados a la acción, para que sean usados por las parroquias. Estos incluyen herramientas para hacer un inventario de los recursos locales con que se cuenta, para servir a las madres embarazadas que lo necesiten; ideas para mejorar las respuestas parroquiales; oraciones para construir una cultura de vida y una civilización de amor; reflexiones sobre las enseñanzas de “Evangelium Vitae,” “Evangelii Gaudium” y “Laudato Si.” Estos recursos incluirán ayudas para las homilías, sugerencias para las oraciones, insertos en el boletín, anuncios desde el púlpito, actividades en base a la parroquia 26 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

y sugerencias de comunicación y divulgación. Estos recursos estarán Tom Grenchik disponibles para ser descargados (en es Director inglés y español) en el sitio web del Ejecutivo de Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida, junto la Secretaría con la sugerencia de un cronograma. de Actividades Los materiales fueron diseñados para Pro-Vida en la que los obispos los compartan con los Conferencia pastores. Incluyen sugerencias para de Obispos los pastores sobre cómo delegar tra- Católicos de los bajo, en este año de servicios a los Estados Unido. voluntarios para facilitar el uso de los recursos, a nivel parroquial.

La retroalimentación temprana sugiere que el enfoque de una parroquia sobre la ayuda a las madres embarazadas y a las madres que lo necesiten es de un mensaje unificador. Este mensaje puede mejorar la colaboración entre quienes trabajan en justicia social y actividades provida. También puede cambiar la conversación de lo que a veces puede parecer una división partidista en lo que en realidad es de unidad pastoral. Este año de servicio es una respuesta al desafío reiterado del Papa Francisco de ir en busca de los marginados y brindar esperanza y ayuda a quienes lo necesiten.

El Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida de USCCB pronto compartirá sus recomendaciones para una lista de eventos en orden cronológico para realizar la iniciativa “Caminando con madres necesitadas: Un año de servicio”. Una de las actividades parroquiales para el próximo verano será completar un inventario simple, como herramienta.

El Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida reconoce que cada estado es diferente, cada comunidad es única, al igual que cada parroquia; por lo tanto, cada congregación sabrá cómo identificar mejor los recursos locales disponibles para ayudar de la mejor manera al embarazo, así como para reconocer las brechas potenciales que deben abordarse.

Una de las mejores maneras de prepararse para ayudar a las parroquias a completar su inventario de recursos locales de ayuda para el embarazo es compartir con ellos las mejores prácticas identificadas a nivel diocesano.

Que nuestros esfuerzos combinados nos ayuden a prepararnos para el día en que cada madre embarazada en necesidad de ayuda, sepa a dónde acudir, y el aborto sea impensable.

Ayudenos a Prevenir el Abuso Financiero La Diócesis de Corpus Christi por medio de la recomendación del Concilio Diocesano de Finanzas y el Concilio Presbiteral han llevado su dedicación mas allá para la buena administración y responsabilidad nanciera en nombre de donantes generosos al instituir un “hotline” para reportar el abuso nanciero.

La Liturgia Católica en Español se transmite por Internet todos los domingos por la mañana a las 11 a.m. en vivo, desde la Catedral de Corpus Christi, y disponible para todo el mundo en: goccn.org.

La santa misa se retransmite a traves de los sistemas de cable de Corpus Christi (public access cable) los martes a las 10 a.m. y los jueves a las 7 p.m. Todas las transmisiones en vivo y grabadas son producciones de CCN “Catholic Communications Network”. Ver transmisiones por cable en bit.ly/cathedral-tv-schedule-2019-2020

La Diócesis de Corpus Christi ha seleccionado un tercer partido independiente, La Red, para proporcionarle a usted con una manera para reportar anónima y condencialmente el abuso nanciero e fraude. Los empleados, los parroquianos, los voluntarios, los vendedores, y otros partidos interesados estan impulsados para reportar las preocupaciones que tengan respeto a la conducta de påca ética nanciera dentro de la Diócese de Corpus Christi.

Todas las investigaciones serán tradas inmediatamente y discretamente.

Personas que llamen tienen el derecho de mantenerse anónimas.

Llamada 1-877-571-9748

Obispo Michael Mulvey y el personal de la Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia se comprometen a ayudar en el proceso de curación de las víctimas y sobrevivientes de abuso.

Si usted o alguien que usted conoce está en necesidad de estos servicios, llame a Stephanie Bonilla, Directora de la Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia: (361) 882-6191 para asistencia inmediata.

Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia

“Con Permiso” Programa de Radio en Español

en KLUX 89.5 HD-1 y “Listen Live” en KLUX.org Domingos a las 7:30 a.m.

Patrocinado por la Oficina del Ministerio Multicultural

con el P. José Salazar, Jaime Reyna y Gloria Romero January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 27

†† WORLD NEWS

Evangelization begins with listening, Cardinal Tagle says

L

Catholic News Agency

istening is the first step in evangelization, the newly-appointed prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples said Tuesday in Quezon City.

“Evangelization is communication.

God is a God who communicates, who dialogues. But he is also a God who listens,” Cardinal Luis Tagle said Dec. 10, according to ABS-CBN News.

He was speaking during a meeting of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, which included the groundbreaking of the Veritas Asia Institute of Social Communications.

Cardinal Tagle encouraged a “spirituality of listening, to God, to neighbors and to the signs of the times.”

Caritas Bangladesh | For CNA

A 2018 photo of Cardinal Tagle, president of Caritas International, visiting the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh.

28 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

“Listening comes first,” he stated.

“Many people are longing for someone and a community to listen. Even if you have no words, you communicate your presence, your compassion, your unity.”

The cardinal commented that “we are all in a hurry, rushing to say something, to issue a statement even when we have not heard yet. We have already something prepared without knowing what the question or statement is.”

He added that the Church needs people “who generate greater trust and confidence, as “in our world today [there is] so much fear, suspicion and prejudice. We don’t know whom to trust. We need people who can generate that atmosphere of trust.”

Cardinal Tagle also reflected that

“having a beautiful building in itself does not guarantee evangelisation; it is the training and formation of people,” saying that “some of the most memorable catechetical lessons were learned under a tree” when he was a child. “If I were asked where we had these catechetical lessons, I could not name any building. Children were gathered. We had cookies. We had candies. And we came to the lessons.”

The cardinal, who is 62, was appointed prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples Dec. 8. He had served as Archbishop of Manila since 2011.

He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Imus at age 24, and was appointed bishop of that see in 2001.

CNA

†† WORLD NEWS

How the blind can ‘see’ Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico Catholic News Agency

J

ust inside the entrance to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is a small area with a bas-relief sculpture of the Virgin Mary on display, designed especially for the blind to encounter Our Lady.

Fr. Umberto Mauro Marsich, an Italian Xavarian missionary priest, explained to ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish language news partner, that the image is made of highly durable nylon fiber and is a gift from the Institute of Italian Culture and the Italian Embassy.

The sculpture is a “gift to the Archdiocese of Mexico so the blind can come here” and venerate Our Lady of Guadalupe, he said.

“They first read the entire description in Braille, the Nahuatl symbology of the image” on a panel to the side, “and then they come over and touch the image with their hands,” he explained.

Marsich, who holds a doctorate in moral theology and teaches at the Pontifical University of Mexico, played a

key role in having the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the blind made and donated.

The idea came about in 2008 during an exposition of a painting of the Virgin de la Pera in Mexico which was brought to the country along with a much simpler bas-relief version.

The head of an association for the blind was in attendance at the exposition. When he touched the bas-relief image he said, “Why can’t we do something similar with Our Lady of Guadalupe?”

Fr. Marsich, who was also there at the time, said he worked with two other Italians to have a bas-relief of Our Lady of Guadalupe made.

“My friend Faranda went back to Italy and looked for people to make donations” for the work of art, Marsich said.

The sculpture was produced in the city of Faenza, Italy, in 2009. It cost about $22,000 to make.

A few days after its completion, it was brought to Saint Peter’s Basilica in

the Vatican, where Pope Benedict XVI blessed it. It was then transported to Mexico and placed in the Guadalupe Basilica on Dec. 9, 2009.

More than 100 visually-impaired people gathered on the day the statue was installed in the basilica. Marsich said he was touched by their emotion, as, “finally being able to touch her, [they] discovered the beauty of the message conveyed to them by the Nahuatl symbology, which is a very luminous symbology.”

“People were so obviously moved that they were weeping,” he recalled.

However, the image is not just to be contemplated by visually impaired people, he pointed out.

The priest stressed that everyone can express “in some way our affection, our love, our tenderness for Mary, the Virgin of Guadalupe.”

Marsich hopes other bishops will be encouraged to ask for a replica of the image of the Virgin Mary for their dioceses, which he said would cost significantly less than the original.

January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 29

†† VATICAN

Pope Francis celebrates 50th ordination anniversary by honoring his mentor

By Courtney Mares

F

Catholic News Agency

30 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

the bad spirit, satan, the devil, the tempter, the accuser, the enemy of our human nature,” he said.

Pope Francis described Fiorito in the preface as both “a man of “dialogue and listening” and “lovable father, a patient master and a firm adversary.”

The pope discovered his own vocation to the priesthood as a chemistry student in Argentina after a making a confession with a priest who was dying from leukemia.

“At that moment I felt that I had to become a priest. And I didn’t have the slightest hesitation,” Bergoglio said in an Italian radio interview in 2013.

In 1958, he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus. He received a philosophy degree in 1963, taught literature and psychology, and then studied theolA young Fr. Jorge Mario Bergoglio. ogy. He was ordained a priest in 1969. He would go on to serve as Jesuit provincial for Argentina, a seminary rector, a pastor, a professor, with all of the cardinals present in and a spiritual director.

Rome. In the evening, he will celeFather Bergoglio was consecrated brate with the General Curia of the an auxiliary bishop of the Buenos Society of Jesus as he presents FioriAires archdiocese in In 1992. He to’s collected writings. became the archdiocese’s coadjutor Father Fioriti “brought us the archbishop in 1997, and succeeded divine imprint that the Lord Jesus as archbishop the following year. St. has impressed on his life: that of the John Paul II appointed Archbishop passion for spiritual exercises, which Bergoglio a cardinal in 2001. are an instrument for knowing how Pope Francis began his 50th ordi- to feel and taste the Lord’s request nation anniversary with a private to our soul and help to cleanse it of morning Mass in Casa Santa Marta all ambiguities,” Pope Francis wrote.

Society of Jesus

ifty years ago on Dec. 13, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was ordained a Jesuit priest in Argentina. As pope, he will celebrate his ordination anniversary Friday by honoring one of his early spiritual mentors, Father Miguel Angel Fiorito.

Fiorito, 1916-2005, was a Jesuit Argentine priest, professor, and spiritual writer who died when Cardinal Bergoglio was Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

In a preface to a five-volume collection of his writings to be launched Dec. 13, Pope Francis wrote that Fiorito had a “passion for the spiritual exercises,” and “taught many to pray and to discern the signs of the times.”

The future Pope Francis first met Fiorito as a seminarian, and Fiorito became Bergoglio’s spiritual director as he prepared for priestly ordination.

As Jesuit provincial for Argentina, Bergoglio later went on to put Fiorito in charge of the last stage of Jesuit seminary formation.

As a professor of Jesuit spirituality, Fiorito understood that “the spiritual mercy is to teach to discern,” Pope Francis wrote in the preface to his spiritual writings which he will present at the General Curia of the Society of Jesus Dec. 13.

“He had a special nose to feel a bad spirit, he knew how to expose him for his bad fruits. He was a man of combat against a single enemy:

Raul Cano i Ciurana from FreeImages

†† VATICAN

Pope Francis: The world needs peacemakers open to dialogue, forgiveness

By Courtney Mares

P

Catholic News Agency

ope Francis’ message for the 2020 World Day of Peace released Dec. 12 calls for openness to dialogue, commitment to forgiveness, and an ecological conversion.

“The world does not need empty words but convinced witnesses, peacemakers who are open to a dialogue that rejects exclusion or manipulation,” Pope Francis said in his peace message released Dec. 12.

“We cannot truly achieve peace without a convinced dialogue between men and women who seek the truth beyond ideologies and differing opinions. Peace must be built up continually; it is a journey made together in constant pursuit of the common good, truthfulness and respect for law,” he said.

Pope Francis said that war often begins with “the inability to accept the diversity of others,” which fosters attitudes of “domination born of selfishness and pride.”

“War is fueled by a perversion of relationships, by hegemonic ambitions, by abuses of power, by fear of others and by seeing diversity as an obstacle.

And these, in turn, are aggravated by the experience of war,” he said.

He noted that entire nations have struggled to “break free of the chains of exploitation and corruption that fuel hatred and violence.”

“Our human community bears, in its memory and its flesh, the scars of ever more devastating wars and conflicts that affect especially the poor and the vulnerable,” the pope said.

Pope Francis recalled his meeting with survivors of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on his recent apostolic journey to Japan. He said that their testimony bears witness to succeeding generations of the unspeakable suffering and horror caused by the bombings.

The pope reiterated his message that nuclear deterrence can only produce “the illusion of security.”

“We cannot claim to maintain

stability in the world through the fear of annihilation, in a volatile situation, suspended on the brink of a nuclear abyss and enclosed behind walls of indifference,” he said.

Pope Francis said that the answer to breaking today’s unhealthy mentality of threats and fear is to pursue “a genuine fraternity based on our common origin from God” through dialogue and mutual trust.

Only by choosing “the path of respect can we break the spiral of vengeance,” he said, underlining the importance of forgiveness by quoting Christ’s command to forgive not “seven times, but seventy times seven.”

“This path of reconciliation is a summons to discover in the depths of our heart the power of forgiveness and the capacity to acknowledge one another as brothers and sisters. When we learn to live in forgiveness, we grow in our capacity to become men and women of peace,” he said.

For Christians, confession is a part of the peace process because it “renews January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 31

†† VATICAN

individuals and communities” and “bids us to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus, who reconciled all things … by making peace through the blood of his cross,” the pope said.

The sacrament “requires us to set aside every act of violence in thought, word and deed, whether against our neighbours or against God’s creation,” he said.

The World Day of Peace – instituted

by St. Paul VI in 1968 – is celebrated each year on the first day of January.

The pope provides a special message for the occasion, which is sent to all foreign ministers around the world.

The pope’s message for the 2020 World Day of Peace is entitled, “Peace as a Journey of Hope: Dialogue, Reconciliation and Ecological Conversion.”

“The ecological conversion for

which we are appealing will lead us to a new way of looking at life, as we consider the generosity of the Creator who has given us the earth and called us to a share it in joy and moderation,” Pope Francis said.

“All this gives us deeper motivation and a new way to dwell in our common home, to accept our differences, to respect and celebrate the life that we have received and share, and to seek living conditions and models of society that favour the continued flourishing of life and the development of the common good of the entire human family,” he said.

At a press conference on the peace message, Cardinal Peter Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, said faith in God’s covenant implies care for the weakest members of society

and for the environment as God’s creation.

In his peace message, Pope Francis said that democracy can be an important paradigm for the peace process, provided that it is “grounded in justice and a commitment to protect the rights of every person, especially the weak and marginalized.”

“Setting out on a journey of peace is a challenge made all the more complex because the interests at stake in relationships between people, communities and nations, are numerous and conflicting. We must first appeal to people’s moral conscience and to personal and political will,” he said.

“The desire for peace lies deep within the human heart, and we should not resign ourselves to seeking anything less than this,” Pope Francis said.

January Liturgical Calendar

1 | Wed | SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD | white The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord | Solemnity [Holyday of Obligation Nm 6:22-27/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21 (18) Pss Prop

2 | Thu | Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen | white | Bishops and Doctors of the Church | Memorial | 1 Jn 2:22-28/Jn 1:19-28 (205) Pss I 3 | Fri | Christmas Weekday | white/ white [The Most Holy Name of Jesus] 1 Jn 2:29—3:6/Jn 1:29-34 (206) 4 | Sat | USA: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious | white | Memorial 1 Jn 3:7-10/Jn 1:35-42 (207) 5 | SUN | THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD | white | Solemnity | Is 60:1-6/ Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12 (20) Pss Prop

8 | Wed | Christmas Weekday | white | 1 Jn 4:11-18/Mk 6:45-52 (214) 9 | Thu | Christmas Weekday | white | 1 Jn 4:19—5:4/Lk 4:14-22a (215) 10 | Fri | Christmas Weekday | white | 1 Jn 5:5-13/Lk 5:12-16 (216)

11 | Sat | Christmas Weekday | white | 1 Jn 5:14-21/Jn 3:22-30 (217) 12 | SUN | THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD | white | Feast | Is 42:1-4, 6-7/ Acts 10:34-38/Mt 3:13-17 (21) Pss Prop 13 | Mon | Weekday (First Week in Ordinary Time) green/white [Saint Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church] 1 Sm 1:1-8/Mk 1:14-20 (305) Pss I 14 | Tue | Weekday | green | 1 Sm 1:920/Mk 1:21-28 (306)

6 | Mon | Christmas Weekday | white/ white [USA: Saint André Bessette, Religious] 1 Jn 3:22—4:6/Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 (212) Pss II

15 | Wed | Weekday | green | 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20/Mk 1:29-39 (307)

7 | Tue | Christmas Weekday | white/ white [Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Priest] 1 Jn 4:7-10/Mk 6:34-44 (213)

17 | Fri | Saint Anthony, Abbot | white | Memorial | 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a/Mk 2:1-12 (309)

16 | Thu | Weekday | green | 1 Sm 4:111/Mk 1:40-45 (308)

32 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

18 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a/Mk 2:13-17 (310)

19 | SUN | SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Is 49:3, 5-6/1 Cor 1:1-3/Jn 1:29-34 (64) Pss II 20 | Mon | Weekday | green/red/red [Saint Fabian, Pope and Martyr; Saint Sebastian, Martyr] 1 Sm 15:16-23/Mk 2:18-22 (311) 21 | Tue | Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr | red | Memorial | 1 Sm 16:1-13/ Mk 2:23-28 (312) Pss Prop 22 | Wed | USA: Day of Prayer for the Legal | white or violet | Protection of Unborn Children | 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51/Mk 3:1-6 (313) or, for the Day of Prayer, any readings from the Lectionary for Mass Supplement, the Mass “For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life,” nos.

947A-947E, or the Lectionary for Mass (vol. IV), the Mass “For Peace and Justice,” nos. 887-891 23 | Thu | Weekday | green/red/white [USA: Saint Vincent, Deacon and Martyr; USA: Saint Marianne Cope, Virgin] 1 Sm 18:6-9; 19:1-7/Mk 3:7-12 (314)

24 | Fri | Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | 1 Sm 24:3-21/Mk 3:13-19 (315) 25 | Sat | The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle | white | Feast | Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22/Mk 16:15-18 (519) Pss Prop 26 | SUN | THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Is 8:23— 9:3/1 Cor 1:10-13, 17/Mt 4:12-23 or 4:12-17 (67) Pss III 27 | Mon | Weekday | green/white [Saint Angela Merici, Virgin] 2 Sm 5:1-7, 10/Mk 3:22-30 (317) 28 | Tue | Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | 2 Sm 6:12b-15, 1719/Mk 3:31-35 (318) 29 | Wed | Weekday | green | 2 Sm 7:4-17/Mk 4:1-20 (319) 30 | Thu | Weekday | green | 2 Sm 7:1819, 24-29/Mk 4:21-25 (320) 31 | Fri | Saint John Bosco, Priest | white | Memorial | 2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17/Mk 4:26-34 (321)

3

10

Epiphany Celebration and The Joys of Mary Ballet Jan. 3 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Schoenstatt Movement Center (4343 Gaines) in Corpus Christi.

The Schoenstatt family branch and adoration group of the Corpus Christi diocese cordially Invite all families and children for an epiphany celebration, “The Joys of Mary Ballet,” presented by ballerina instructor, Chrisi Carter and Company. Ballet performance followed by Holy Mass and fellowship. Bring a special dish to share.

11

Jan. 11 at 9 a.m. at OLPH Academy (5814 Williams Drive) Parish Hall.

A course on the St. Edmund Campion Missal & Hymnal

Jan. 19 during the traditional Latin Mass at 12:15 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (7522 Everhart Road).

26

National Catholic Schools Week

30

Men’s Spiritual Exercises Retreat

Spiritual 23 Women’s Exercises Retreat

Jan. 23-26. The retreat begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and ends on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana). Register ourladyofcorpuschristi.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

‘Satisfied,’ Young Adult Retreat

Join us on Jan. 10-12. Check-in begins at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi (1200 Lantana). All Young Adults ages 19-39 are invited to attend the first-ever Diocesan sponsored Young Adult retreat.

The cost of the retreat is $150.

The retreat will feature music led

by Dave Moore, talks from Father Sam Medley, Sarah Gomez, Zach Everett, and Sister Allison Conemac.

Included with registration is a copy of St. Francis de Sales book, “An Introduction to the Devout Life,” from which the retreat is based. We hope that during this retreat, you can better realize how to develop and deepen your relationship with Christ in your current state of life. There will be great food, time to rest, relax, and grow in community. Our goal is not to exhaust you, but to make sure you leave rested and satisfied in your relationship with Christ. All meals will be included and the retreat will close with Mass followed by lunch on Sunday. To register, call Nellie Serna at (361) 882-6191, ext. 634 or email nserna@diocesecc.org. After you register you will be sent an email with instruction for more detailed information.

Sacred Heart School in Rockport.

Tickets are $75 per person or tables can be bought at $750 for 10 persons. Tickets can be purchased at the school office or by calling (361) 729-2672.

‘Live Well with Diabetes,’ a Diabetes SelfManagement Education

25

25

Texas Rally for Life

Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. at the Capitol in Austin. Six buses have been reserved to depart from the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Please contact Nellie Serna nserna@ diocesecc.org to reserve buses for your school or parish group and for group registration. Individual registration is available online diocesecc.org/texasrallyforlife.

Sacred Heart School in Rockport’s 2020 Winter Gala

Jan. 25 from 5:30-11 p.m. at La Palma (2955 Business Hwy 35 N.) in Rockport. Patrons will enjoy appetizers, dinner, and dessert with reserved seating and an open bar throughout the evening. They’ll also be able to preview and bid on amazing items from generous donors in the Live, Silent, and Chinese Auctions as well as an Online Auction. Entertainment and music for dancing will be provided by the Texas Continentals. ​​​​​​​Proceeds will help keep tuition down at

Jan. 26-Feb. 1.

Jan. 30-Feb. 2. The retreat begins on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and ends on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana). Register ourladyofcorpuschristi.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

FEBRUARY

1

2020 Black and Gold Casino Night

5

Immaculee Ilibagiza tells her story of hope and forgiveness

Feb. 1 at L&F Distributors. The fundraising event will feature a Casino Night presented by CITGO. The funds will benefit St. John Paul II High School.

Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at Most Precious Blood Church (3502 Saratoga Blvd.)

Come hear Immaculee Ilibagiza’s story of hope and forgiveness. In 1994, Immaculee survived the Rwandan genocide by hiding with seven other women for 92 days in a 3 foot by 4-foot bathroom. Captured in her best-selling book, “Left to Tell, the story of how she overcame her deep anger and was able to forgive the people who killed her family is both inspiring and unforgettable.

Tickets are $10 for age 19 and tickets for up and kids age 12-18 are free (need a student ticket for entrance). Age 11 and under not recommended.

To see more calendar events go to: SouthTexasCatholic.com/events January 2020 | South Texas Catholic 33

†† JANUARY CALENDAR

JANUARY

†† ONGOING CALENDAR ALZHEIMER’S & GENERAL SUPPORT GROUP • Jan. 1 and every first Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Touchstone River Ridge Nursing Rehab Center located at 3922 West River Dr. (off FM 624) in Corpus Christi.

• Jan. 2 and every first Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Rockport Nursing & Rehab (1912 FM Rd. 3036) in Rockport. For more information call (361) 729-9971.

• Jan. 2 and every first Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at The Viera Senior Living (3010 Airline Road) in Corpus Christi.

• Jan. 7 and every first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Elan Assisted Living & Memory Care (5441 Lipes) in Corpus Christi.

• Jan. 8 and every second Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m. at Lindale Center/Caregiver SOS located on 3133 Swantner St. in Corpus Christi.

For more in Corpus Christi.

• Jan. 9 and every second Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. at Mirador Plaza (back side of facility) located at 5857 Timbergate Drive in Corpus Christi.

• Jan. 15 and every third Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Woodridge Nursing & Rehab. Center (600 So. Hillside Dr) in Beeville. For more information call (361) 358-8880.

• Jan. 16 and every third Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Ed & Hazel Richmond Public Library, located on 110 N. Lamont Street in Aransas Pass. For more information call (361) 883-3935.

IMMIGRATION SERVICES Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. at Catholic Charities (615 Oliver Court). There is a $25 consultation fee. For more information call (361) 884-0651, ext.

228 or 233.

HOLY HOUR & HEALING MASS Jan. 2 and every first Thursday of the month at 5-6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Jesus Nazareno Chapel at Sacred Heart Church in Corpus Christi.

MASS WITH ANOINTING OF THE SICK Jan. 2 and every Thursday of the month at St. Joseph Church (710 19th St.) in Corpus Christi. (Preceded by Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 5 p.m.)

ULTREYAS Jan. 2 and every Thursday at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe (basement), located at 540 Hiawatha in Corpus Christi. For more information call Emma Botello at (361) 853-2754.

ST. JOSEPH’S PRAYER GROUP Jan. 2 and every Thursday after 6:30 p.m. Mass in the Annex at St. Joseph (710 19th St.) in Corpus Christi. It is bilingual. There will be guest speakers, teachings, praise and worship. Arturo and Josie Torres are the Coordinators.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Jan. 3 and every Friday 7 a.m.-12 p.m.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Helena of the True Cross of Jesus (7634 Wooldridge Rd.) in Corpus Christi.

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET Jan. 3 and every Friday at St. Joseph Church (710 19th St.) in Corpus Christi.

Jesus, I trust in You! Come learn about God’s unending Mercy and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. We are happy to provide you with the Chaplet in English and/or Spanish. Nora Castillo, Coordinator.

MONTHLY MASS ‘ALLIANCE OF THE TWO HEARTS’ Jan. 3 and every first Friday of the month at St. Joseph (710 19th St.) begins at 7 p.m. (Confession available before Mass starts). Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament begin after Mass and confessions. Angel Emrich is the coordinator.

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION ‘OUR LADY OF FATIMA’ Jan. 4 and every first Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. at St. Joseph (710 South 19th Street) in Corpus Christi.

Learn about this beautiful devotion, Nicole Segovia, Coordinator. Nicole Segovia, Coordinator.

BLUE ARMY MASS Jan. 4 and every first Saturday of the month in the Jesus Nazareno Chapel at Sacred Heart (1322 Comanche St.) in Corpus Christi. For more information call the church at (361) 883-6082 or email sacredheartchurch001@stx. rr.com.

ADORACIÓN NOCTURNA Jan. 5 and every first Saturday of the month at 9 p.m. in the Annex. Brief but informative teaching precedes the exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Joseph Church. Families with children, women, and especially men are encouraged to attend this evening of adoration that concludes with benediction and Mass at 6 am. Spanish/Bilingual when requested. Felipe Macias is the coordinator.

ST. PEREGRINE HEALING MASS Jan. 5 and every first Sunday of each month from 5-6 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi (1200 Lantana St.) in Corpus Christi.

CHRIST THE KING PRAYER GROUP Jan. 6 and every Monday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Christ the King (3423 Rojo).

Come join our prayer group for a more in-depth understanding of what God wants us to do after he heals our hearts and souls. Spanish and English. For more information call (361) 510-5802.

THEOLOGY ON TAP IN KINGSVILLE Jan. 6 and every first Monday of the month from 7:15-9:15 p.m. at Javelina Watering Hole (1021 S 14th St.) in Kingsville. The diocesan Office of

34 South Texas Catholic | January 2020

Youth and Young Adults is coordinating Theology on Tap. Theology on Tap is an invitation for young adults to learn more about their faith and to share in the Catholic community. For ages 21-39.

OLPH BEREAVEMENT & GRIEF SUPPORT MINISTRY Jan. 7 and every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the St. John Paul II Conference Room at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Rectory (5830 Williams Drive). These sessions are intended for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. For more information call Chaplain Ray Claveria at (361) 215-4395.

BIBLE STUDY AT ST. PATRICK Jan. 7 and every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at St. Patrick Church, Our Lady of Knock Hall (the corner of S. Alameda and Rossiter Street. For more information call the parish office at (361) 855-7391.

ULTREYAS Jan. 8 and every second Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 911 Garcia St. in Robstown.

The Ultreya is a reunion of fellow Cursillistas who gather to share their 4th Day and personal journey with Christ and each other. For more information call Irma Padilla at (361) 688-2064.

HEALING MASS AND PRAYER SERVICE Jan. 10 and every second Friday of the month at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church (1123 Main Drive) in Corpus Christi. Call the parish office with questions (361) 241-2004 FAMILY ROSARY Jan. 11 and every second Saturday of the month in the Emmanuel Chapel (505 N Upper Broadway) after 12:05 Mass. Cathedral Knights of Columbus Council #11107, is inviting all parish families and community to participate in the Family Rosary. Participants are encouraged to bring their own rosaries.

For those who do not have one, the Knights will provide finger rosaries, along with instructions on how to properly pray the rosary. For more information call faith director Awin Bau at (530) 518-7615.

THEOLOGY ON TAP IN CORPUS CHRISTI Jan. 14 and every second Tuesday of the month from 7:15-9:15 p.m. at Bar Under the Sun (702 N Chaparral St.) in Corpus Christi. The diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adults is coordinating Theology on Tap. Theology on Tap is an invitation for young adults to learn more about their faith and to share in the Catholic community. For ages 21-39.

GROUNDED IN TRUTH AT OLCC Jan. 18 and every third Saturday of the month. An hour of Adoration with Praise and Worship in the OLCC Perpetual Adoration Chapel 7-8 p.m., followed by music and fellowship in Cafe Veritas (attached to Our Lady of Corpus Christi’s Bookstore) from 8-9:30 p.m. All music led by talented local musicians. Call (361) 289-0807 for more information.

THE HELPERS OF GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS PRO-LIFE MASS Jan. 18 and every third Saturday from 8-10 a.m. the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Pro-Life Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church (710 19th Street) in Corpus Christ.

MEETING OF CORPUS CHRISTI LAY DOMINICAN CHAPTER Jan. 18 and every third Saturday of each month at 3:45 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary School (next to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church), located on 2233 Waldron Road in Flour Bluff. The group is under the spiritual guidance of Sister Claudia Ongpin, O.P., of the Religious Missionary Sisters of St. Dominic.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Jan. 21 and every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at Brookdale (formerly Homewood Residence) located at 6410 Meadow Vista in Corpus Christi. For more information call (361) 883-3935.

TUESDAY TEA WITH THE SAINTS Jan. 21 and every third Tuesday of the month at 3 p.m. at St. Joseph Hall at the Pax Christi Institute (4601 Calallen Dr.) in Corpus Christi. 2018 Saints of Study: Saints that witnessed an apparition of Our Lady. For more information call (361) 241-2833.

FREE 8 HOUR TRAINING FOR CAREGIVERS Jan. 22 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Area Agency on Aging (2910 Leopard St.) in Corpus Christi. Learn to provide personal care to seniors and persons with physical disabilities to enhance and promote the “quality of care in the home.”

GRANDPARENTS AND OTHER RELATIVES RAISING CHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP • Jan. 23 and every fourth Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (900 South Shoreline Blvd.) in Corpus Christi (2nd floor–Rm #216 / parking and entrance behind the church). Facilitated and presented

by MCH Family Outreach. Please call if you bring your grandchild(ren).

Classes for all ages. For more information call (361) 334-2255.

• Jan. 28 and the last Tuesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. at Greenwood Senior Center (4040 Greenwood Drive). For more information call (361) 826-1368.

PARENT CAFÉ SUPPORT GROUP Jan. 30 and the last Thursday of every month from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi (615 Oliver Court). For more information call (361) 884-0651, ext. 287. Please RSVP. Open to all parents, grandparents and caregivers raising children.

Jan 25-26 Help the Church in Latin America Learn more at www.usccb.org/latin-america Copyright © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: Getty Images.

The television, internet and radio broadcasts of The Service of Lessons and Carols and the Midnight Mass at Corpus Christi Cathedral on Dec. 24-25 were presented live thanks to a generous gift from

H-E-B and its partners desire that everyone remembers the true meaning of Christmas.

SAVE THE DATE 6.11.20 FEAST OF

Corpus Christi 2020 Sponsored by The Office of Multicultural Ministry

Sign up to receive news regarding the 2020 Feast of Corpus Christi, by simply texting the word, “CorpusChristi” to the number “84576” on your smartphone.

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January 2020 Issue SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi, TX 78401-0824 (361) 882-6191