January 2017 - Vol.52 No.1 by South Texas Catholic

SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

South Texas

Catholic

From Corpus Christi to Biloxi

With Love

W W W . S O U T H T E X A S C A T H O L I C . C O M â&#x20AC;¢ J A N U A R Y 2 0 17

iwacc.org/word101

ON THE

VOL. 52 NO. 1 Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD Editor Alfredo E. Cárdenas ACardenas@diocesecc.org Theological Consultant Ben Nguyen, JD/JCL. BNguyen@diocesecc. org Editorial Staff Mary E. Cottingham MCottingham@diocesecc.org Adel Rivera ARivera@diocesecc.org Madelyn Calvert MCalvert@diocesecc.org Correspondents Luisa Buttler, Rebecca Esparza, Ervey Martinez, Jessica Morrison, Luisa Scolari, Dayna Mazzei Worchel

Manage Subscriptions If you or someone you know would like to receive the South Texas Catholic call us at (361) 882-6191 Office Address: 620 Lipan Corpus Christi TX 78401-2434 E-MAIL: stc@diocesecc.org www.southtexascatholic.com FAX: (361) 693-6701 To subscribe, unsubscribe or submit a change of address go online at www.southtexascatholic.com/subscribe.

Calendar Items Submit your announcements by using our Online form, e-mail, fax, 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 diocese Web sites. 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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COVER

Pope Francis named Msgr. Louis H. Kihneman, III of the Diocese of Corpus Christi as the fourth bishop of Biloxi, Mississippi. He will be installed on Feb. 17. Alfredo E. Cardenas, South Texas Catholic

18 Brother priests welcome

Father Eric Chapa to the Presbyterate at his ordination in the Corpus Christi Cathedral on Dec. 3, 2016. Father Chapa has been assigned parochial vicar at St. Pius X in Corpus Christi. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

INSIDE

4 VIEWPOINTS Blessings to new bishop of Biloxi,

PARISH LIFE 25 Kingsville parishes celebrate Feast

VOCATIONS 9 Total abandonment

NATIONAL 28 Cardinal DiNardo is new head

Msgr. Louis Kihneman

of Our Lady of Guadalupe

of US bishops

EDUCATION 11 CATHOLIC Celebration of Catholic Schools to

VATICAN 31 Pope calls for humble priests

CATÓLICA 15 VIDA Tradición de Epifanía

FAITH 32 OUR Our call to evangelize

spotlight teacher excellence

promueve unión familiar

Keep up with the faith at www.SouthTexasCatholic.com

January 2017 | South Texas Catholic 3

†† VIEWPOINTS

Blessings to new bishop of Biloxi, Msgr. Louis Kihneman Most Reverend Michael Mulvey is Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

Bishop Michael Mulvey

South Texas Catholic

n Dec. 16, Msgr. Louis F. Kihneman III was named Bishop-designate of the Diocese of Biloxi in Mississippi. Bishop Kihneman has served our diocese for 40-years as a priest and for the last six and one half years as Vicar General. In addition, for the past three years he has also served as pastor of St. Philip the Apostle parish in Corpus Christi. I take this opportunity to congratulate him in the name of us all and to wish him many blessings as he takes on his new pastoral responsibility in Biloxi. Knowing him as I do, I recognize that Pope Francis has wisely chosen a priest close to the Heart of Jesus and a true son of his Church. Bishop Kihneman has served in numerous ministries and parishes throughout the Diocese

4 South Texas Catholic | January 2017

of Corpus Christi. His pastoral ministry has touched many of your lives. I am sure that you will always remain grateful to the Lord for placing Bishop Kihneman in the path of your faith journey. For more than six years, I have witnessed him generously give himself in serving the priests, deacons, religious and laity of this diocese. I am grateful to him for his loyalty and strong collaboration. This edition of the South Texas Catholic is dedicated to you, Bishop Kihneman, as one way of thanking you for your generous gift of ministry and witness. You remain a son of the Diocese of Corpus Christi and we assure you of our prayers for you and the people of Biloxi and simply ask that you continue to pray for us in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

Alfredo E. Cardenas is Editor of the South Texas Catholic.

Alfredo E. Cardenas

South Texas Catholic

hanks be to God. This is a common phrase people use, but one cannot help but think that on many occasions it is said out of habit and without really thinking about how much we really have to be thankful for to God. From my perspective they are words of great meaning; especially this Christmas season. My wife Genie and I experienced in a very personal way God’s love and mercy. You see, on Dec. 2, Genie fell and broke her femur in five places. How is that an expression of God’s love and mercy, you are most likely asking yourself. But there is more to the story. That evening Genie was baking cookies and had the house ready for a houseful of guests that we were expecting. They were coming from El Paso, Lubbock and Austin to share our joy with our nephew Eric Chapa who was scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood the following day. I reminded Genie that the light on the carport was out and we needed to replace it before our guests arrived. I grabbed the step ladder and she followed me with a box of light bulbs. As she stepped out of the house she fell and immediately knew she had broken something. I called our children, three of them were already entering the city limits and the other two were in San Antonio enroute. I told them to meet us at Spohn Shoreline. At that time we thought she had suffered a dislocated knee that doctors would be able to reset and we would be back home before bedtime. To our surprise that was not to be. Instead she underwent a threehour surgery the following day. We missed Eric’s ordination, which we had been looking forward to for years. We spent our 40th wedding anniversary and our oldest daughter’s birthday in a rehab hospital. Because of publication deadlines this is being written before Christmas so we hope that Genie may be able to go home in time for our Saviour’s birth, but as of now the rehab staff says it will be Dec.

28. So where is God’s love and mercy, you may still be wondering. Well it is all in one’s frame of mind. You see, we have felt God’s love and mercy ever since we have been married. Actually, all our lives. The Lord has blessed us with a beautiful family, with good health, with good and consistent employment, with more than adequate financial means, with ample housing, etc. We feel his love and mercy every day of our lives. Despite the inconveniences resulting from this incident, we still consider it a blessing. It reaffirmed what we already knew; that we are surrounded by people who care about us. The morning of Genie’s operation I asked Bishop Michael Mulvey to pray for her and he promptly informed me that he would. The day after his first Mass, Father Eric came to his aunt’s room and brought her the Eucharist and anointed and blessed her. Sister Maria Vega of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Thomas Aquinas and Sister Mary Immaculate of the Eucharist, SOLT also visited Genie while at Spohn Shoreline. Meanwhile, Genie was added to prayer lists of the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (the Pink Sisters), St. Elizabeth in Alice and St. Martin de Porres in Dripping Springs. Many friends and relatives also visited, called and texted to let her know they had her in prayer. On the holy day of the Immaculate Conception, Deacon Amando Leal, recently ordained and assigned to Corpus Christi Cathedral, brought Genie the Body of Christ to her room at the Holmgreen Center. On the day of our anniversary, Father Hanh Van Pham, rector at the Cathedral, celebrated Mass at Trinity Towers where Genie’s rehab center is located. After Mass he blessed us both. The following day, an 84-year-old Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion named Mary brought the Eucharist to Catholic residents at Trinity Towers and we again were able to partake of the Body of Christ. On the last Sunday of Advent we were able to watch January 2017 | South Texas Catholic 5

†† VIEWPOINTS

Friends, relatives make God’s love present in our lives

the Cathedral Mass on the internet thanks to the Catholic Communications Network, and Betty Limon brought us the Eucharist. The staff at Spohn Shoreline and at Holmgreen Center were all caring professionals. At Holmgreen they set up a table in an empty room for us to have a private anniversary meal. If we will have to spend our Christmas at Holmgreen, while it is not home, we know Christ will be there—for he is

always by our side. For all these reasons we feel God’s love and mercy. Beyond these reasons, we believe that the accident was a call for both of us to renew and revitalize our love for each other and the wedding vows we consented to at our sacrament of matrimony to take each other “…for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” After 40 years together,

marriage can become a little too accustomed. It can cause couples to take each other for granted. We come to “expect” things without appreciating them. It sometimes takes a traumatic event to shake us from our familiarity and begin again to love and to care for each other, and to be patient, to be gentle, to be present for each other. So yes, indeed: Thanks be to God!

Headlines from southtexascatholic.com ✝ Bookmark our Web site to keep up to date on all the happenings in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

• Taft youth group promotes meaning of Christmas

• Bottled water needed for homeless

• Foster children receive gifts from high school students

• Altar Servers recognized at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Edroy

• Christmas tradition of giving still strong after 50 years

• Campus-wide Mass held for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

• Parish celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe

• Bishop Mulvey celebrates first Mass and blesses Catholic Charities Chapel

• Procession, Mass and Las Mañanitas in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe

• Students bring Christmas cheer to residents at Assisted Living Home

• Pilgrims make trek in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe

• Community celebrates Mother Julia Jubilee

6 South Texas Catholic | January 2017

• Students donate to Share Your Christmas Food Drive • School leaders attend a Marketing Seminar • Centurion Girls Basketball earns state ranking

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The television, internet and radio broadcasts of The Service of Lessons and Carols and the Midnight Mass at Corpus Christi Cathedral on Dec. 24 at 11:30 p.m. were presented live thanks to a generous gift from

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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, Feb. 12 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 Jan. 31. You may register online at Diocesecc.org/anniversarymass January 2017 | South Texas Catholic 7

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†† VOCATIONS

Total abandonment Father Joseph Lopez

T Contributor

Father Joseph Lopez, JCL, is Vocations Director for the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

he way to perfect happiness is by giving up the pursuit of happiness. While this is not the conventional wisdom of the world, it is a staple of Christian spirituality. Ask most people you meet what makes them really happy and you will probably get answers like “family”, “friends”, “a satisfying career”, “athletic accomplishments” or some other transitory thing. Some people may even mention material goods as a source of happiness. If you ask a saint about happiness, what answer will you get? St. Thérèse of Liseux tells us, “The only happiness here below is to live and rejoice in that which God gives us.” The answer may sound similar—God gives us family, friends and other good things, after all—but it is very different. Think about this: God gives sorrow along with gladness, suffering along with pleasure. But good things are not the source of happiness any more than suffering should be a source of despair. St. Thérèse tells us that abandoning ourselves to God means, “to be disturbed by nothing.” Rather, we find real, lasting joy in the fact that God gives us all things to draw us closer to himself. St. Thérèse prayed, “My God, I choose all. I do not want to be a saint by halves. I am not

afraid to suffer for you. I fear only one thing— that I should keep my own will. So take it, for I choose all that you will. ” This is the essence of her “Little Way” of total abandonment to God. When we abandon ourselves completely to God, as little children to their father, then he takes care of us completely. In this, says St. Thérèse, is found our perfect happiness. St. Paul had another way of putting it: “In Him we live, and move, and have our being.” God has prepared for you a vocation that can lead you to perfect happiness. Consider your discernment. Are you unreservedly open to God’s will for you—whatever it may be? Do you trust that in God’s will lies your perfect happiness, no matter what he wants to do with you? Are you willing to abandon yourself to him so that he can lead you to real happiness? As you read these questions you may find your heart saying, “No, I’m not willing to abandon everything to God.” If that is where you are, then pray from that place. God will always hear the prayer, “Lord, I am unwilling, but make me willing to be willing.” A man discerning the priesthood needs to be able to abandon himself totally to God’s will for his life. This way he will be able to have interior peace and be joyful, wherever his bishop decides to assign him—both as a seminarian and as a priest.

“The only happiness here below is to live and rejoice in that which God gives us.” St. Thérèse of Liseux

January 2017 | South Texas Catholic 9

10â&#x20AC;&#x201A; South Texas Catholic | January 2017

First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott will give keynote address Luisa Butler

Correspondent

urchasing much-needed sports equipment and uniforms. Implementing independent, hands-on, quality science experiments. Maintaining a beloved reptile science center. Building a “Destination Imagination” team from the ground up. These are just four of the 18 projects across Catholic schools in the Diocese of Corpus Christi that will each receive a $1,500 grant, courtesy of the John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation. The teachers and administrators behind each of the grants will be recognized with Teacher Excellence Awards at the inaugural “Celebration of Catholic Schools”, to be held Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center. Keynote speaker for the event is Cecilia Abbott, First Lady of Texas. “This fundraiser is special, not just because it’s a first-time event, but because it was designed to create synergy and energy in spreading the good news of our Catholic schools,” said Rosemary Henry, superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. “We are celebrating not only the students—who are the future leaders of the Church—but also the people who serve Catholic schools, including teachers, principals, pastors, staff members and school advisory boards.” In fall 2016, a call went out to all local Catholic schools to submit their innovative, out-of-the-box ideas for funding. More than 60 applications were received and an impartial committee of judges with an extensive education background chose the top winners—one from each school in the diocese. Teacher Gail Ramos at St. Patrick School, shows her K4 class a lizard from the reptile science center located in her classroom. Contributed photo

“The cabinet attempted to select projects that touched on all disciplines of study, including STEM, language arts, faith formation, athletics and other learning innovations,” Henry said. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which schools use in curriculum development to improve competitiveness. Winners, including Nieves Castillo-Frazier, a government, economics and world geography teacher at St. John Paul II High School in Corpus Christi, were contacted in December. “When I received a letter of congratulations from Dr. Henry in my school mailbox, I literally yelled ‘Yay!’” Castillo-Frazier said. “I was so happy.” The grant Castillo-Frazier wrote requested funding to start a Destination Imagination team. Destination Imagination is an organization that teaches 21st century skills and STEM principles to students through creative and collaborative problem-solving challenges. “I’m excited to bring the life-changing process of Destination Imagination to my campus and to see the growth of my students into a team of imaginative, creative, budget wise, confident and project-oriented Centurions,” Castillo-Frazier said. Unlike Castillo-Frazier, who will start a program from the ground-up, Gail Ramos a K-4 teacher at St. Patrick School in Corpus Christi, will use the $1,500 grant to continue funding a highly popular reptile science center located in her classroom. “Right now, I’ve got quite an array of reptiles in my room including snakes, tarantulas, lizards, crabs, turtles, geckos and frogs, and I pay out of my own pocket to maintain the space and feed the animals,” Ramos said. “The reptile center doesn’t just teach my pre-k students to love and care for God’s creatures, but my classroom attracts children of all grades to visit throughout the school hours. The reptile science center is often given attention January 2017 | South Texas Catholic 11

†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Celebration of Catholic Schools to spotlight teacher excellence

†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Coach Johnathan Rangel at Central Catholic Elementary leads students in exercise program.

when school staff gives tours to the school for future students at St. Patrick School.” Gwen Novosad, Director of Special Projects at Sacred Heart School in Rockport, will use the $1,500 to further develop the school’s STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) Contributed photo program. “Our students love working in the STREAM lab, and this grant will give them access to even more challenging and thought-provoking activities,” Novosad said. “With the money, we will purchase supplies and equipment including robotics kits, lab equipment, curriculum guides and support software.” Central Catholic Elementary School in Corpus Christi will receive $1,500 to purchase athletic equipment and uniforms for students in their wellness program. “Without appropriate equipment and clothing, we limit how far a student can grow in their athletic abilities,” said Johnathan Rangel, Wellness Coordinator at Central Catholic who wrote the grant. “Providing the necessary materials will help students develop and excel as athletes and prepare them for life-long healthy habits.” These four schools, plus 14 more, will receive a Teacher Excellence Award at the Celebration of Catholic Schools fundraiser. They include Sofia Carreon from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy, Robert Boostrom from Incarnate Word Academy Elementary

12 South Texas Catholic | January 2017

Level, Sister Lucia D’Cunha from Holy Family School, Martha Gomez and Martha Luis from Ss. Cyril and Methodius School, Maria Murphy from Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School, Johnathan Rangel from Central Catholic, Lori Gonzalez from St. Elizabeth, Nicole Cantu from St. Gertrude School, Nieves Castillo-Frazier from St. John Paul II High School, Elvira Trejo from St. Joseph School, Gail Ramos from St. Patrick School, Sheree Perkins from St. Pius X, Janice Johnson from IWA Middle School, Marc Ermold from IWA High School, Kathy Rincon from Most Precious Blood, Sister Amor M. Vigare from Our Lady of the Rosary, Gwen Novosad from Sacred Heart and Noemi Gonzalez from St. Anthony. Other highlights of the evening include a silent auction of student art, comments from Bishop Michael Mulvey, and the much-awaited keynote address from First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott. As a former teacher, vice-principal and principal at several Catholic schools across Texas, Abbott has deep passion for Catholic education. “The Catholic Church and Catholic education have always been at the center of my life. Both of my parents were Catholic school educators, and I attended Catholic schools from elementary school through graduate school,” Abbott said. “Catholic schools educate our children not only with the knowledge and skills they need to make a living, but with the values and moral principles they need to help them create a meaningful

life.” All funds raised at the Celebration of Catholic Schools will benefit the Diocesan Tuition Assistance and the Catholic School Endowment Fund in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. The fundraising goal is $200,000. “There are many reasons this fundraiser is a ‘must attend’ event for all Catholics in our diocese, but the main reason is because it helps to provide a Catholic education for families in most

need,” Henry said. “Catholic schools are where children grow intellectually, socially and morally. Catholic schools are where the ‘whole child’ is recognized, including their spirituality, and what could be greater than that?” To purchase individual tickets or table sponsorships to the Celebration of Catholic Schools fundraiser, go to https://diocesecc. org/CELEBRATION; call the Office of Catholic Schools at (361) 693-6698; or email nmartinez@diocesecc.org.

First Lady Cecilia Abbott reads to children at the Cathedral School of St. Mary in Austin, where she was once principal. Office of Governor Greg Abbot

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†† VIDA CATÓLICA

María Pacheco a promovido el amor en su familia para el niño Dios. Foto contribuido 14 South Texas Catholic | January 2017

Luisa Scolari Corresponsal

a tradición de arrullar y vestir al niñito Jesús o niñito Dios durante la Epifanía o el día de los reyes, o ser el 6 de enero, ha promovido la unión familiar en una familia de Alice, Texas quien han estado celebrando esta fiesta por los últimos 35 años. “Desde que estamos viviendo esta tradición en nuestra familia, he notado que ha promovido la unión familiar”, la señora María Pacheco dijo. “Por ejemplo, este año no iba a poder hacer las posadas pues comencé en un nuevo trabajo y por el horario se me hacia muy difícil. Toda la familia estaba muy triste, no lo podían creer. Me decían, ‘¿Como que no va a haber posada este año?’. Y yo sintiéndome muy mal pensaba: ‘esto no se puede acabar’”. El Catecismo Católico dice que la Epifanía es la manifestación de Jesús como mesías de Israel, hijo de Dios y salvador del mundo. Manifiesta que la multitud de los gentiles entran a la familia de los patriarcas. Estos hechos han dado pie a la tradición de arrullar y vestir al niñito Jesús o niñito Dios. Familias posean una figura del niño Dios, que durante la víspera de Navidad, se le adora, se le reza, se le arrulla y se pone en el pesebre del nacimiento. Posteriormente la familia tiene una cena de convivio familiar. El día 6 de Enero, la familia se vuelve a reunir para partir la “Rosca de Reyes”

que es un pan dulce en forma de un anillo que representa el infinito, principió y fin, alfa y omega. El pan esta decorada con frutas, representando joyas que decoran la corona del rey de reyes. Escondida en el pan dulce esta la figurita de un bebe que representa al niño Dios. A las personas que les toque la figurita del niño Jesús es porque el los ha escogido para que sean su padrinos y serán los encargados de velar por el y tendrán que cuidarlo durante todo el año. También deben vestirlo con trajes preciosos para llevarlo a presentar en el templo el día 2 de febrero, ya que según la antigua usanza, a los 40 días de nacido se llevaba al bebe a presentar al templo. Posteriormente a la presentación en el templo, en casi todas las iglesias se ofrecen misas para bendecir a el niño Dios. Los padrinos ofrecen la tradicional tamalada aunque casi siempre lo hacen con la ayuda y cooperación de toda la familia. Al termino de esta cena, los nuevos padrinos se llevan al niño Dios. La señora Pacheco, originalmente de México, cuenta como fue que empezó la tradición en su familia. Alrededor de 35 años pasados uno de sus hermanos se caso y su esposa le regalo una figura del niño Dios a su mama. La madre de la familia fue quien comenzó a hacer la acostada del niño Dios en la familia. “Después de muchos años se quebró y mi cuñada le regalo otro. Y hace como 10 años mama, sintiéndose ya mayor, me lo paso formalmente, pidiéndome que

siguiera con la tradición y no permitiera que se rompiera si ella llegara a faltar algún día”, la señora Pacheco dijo. Hay nueve hermanos, cinco hombres y cuatro mujeres. La señora Pacheco se sentía muy honrada que su mama la escogiera a ella y su esposo y no quiere que si llega a faltar la costumbre se termine. “Vamos haciendo las nueve posadas una en cada casa y el día 24 en mi casa donde se arrulla el niño. La ultima posada nos traen los peregrinos a mi casa y después de que rezamos el Santo Rosario hacemos la acostada del niño Dios y posteriormente después de la arrullada hacemos una cena navideña”. Los nueve hermanos, 34 nietos y 16 bisnietos, hacen que se arme un gran festejo lleno de risas y alegría. El 2 de febrero los padrinos, con ayuda de toda la familia, organizan la tamalada, para levantar, vestir y llevar al niño al templo. Mientras se le reza, se le canta y se le hace su adoración para que todos le den su besito y agarran un dulcecito, la señora Pacheco dijo. La tradición de esta familia se logro, cuando un día antes de comenzar las posadas, le cambiaron el turno a la señora Pacheco resultando que todos los nueve días solo uno le toco trabajar de noche. Pidió y recibió permiso de salir temprano y en un solo día organizaron todo. “Me sentí muy bonito que mi esposo y mis hijas no aceptaran que no hubiera posada y me gusta que ellos no quieran que se termine. Y bendito Dios, pude January 2017 | South Texas Catholic 15

†† VIDA CATÓLICA

Tradición de Epifanía promueve unión familiar

†† VIDA CATÓLICA

Las cuates Yearly y Nayely Conchas y Dayana Conchas ya están cuidando al niño Dios, asegurando que la tradición familiar continuara. Foto contribuido

hacer las nueve posadas”, la señora Pacheco dijo. “Es un alegría ver que todos están informándose para estar en todas las reuniones familiares, posadas y acostada del niño Dios. Una sobrina de la señora Pacheco se caso y se fue a vivir fuera y ya tiene su niño Dios y esta haciendo la tradición de la acostada del niño. “Este tipo de tradiciones acercan a la religión a los niños que ahora solo saben pedir cosas y juguetes a Santa Claus. Les recomiendo mucho a todas las familias que no vivan esta tradición, comenzarla”, la señora Pacheco dijo.

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Southtexascatholic.com/news/epifania 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.

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Programa de Radio en Español en KLUX 89.5 HD-1 y “Listen Live” en KLUX.org Domingos a las 7:30 a.m. con el P. Julian Cabrera y Gloria Romero

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.

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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, Director de la Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia: (361) 693-6686 (oficina) ó (361) 658-8652 (celular) para asistencia inmediata. 16 South Texas Catholic | January 2017

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

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For the good of the people of God in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Bishop Michael Mulvey has appointed Father Eric Chapa, parochial vicar at St. Pius X, and Father John Oullette as Director for the Courage Program.

Father Eric Chapa

Father John Oullette

Carmelite Sisters host day of discernment A day with the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus for 7th-12th grade girls to dive deeper into discernment and prayer will be held at 4130 South Alameda in Corpus Christi on Jan. 8. Carmelite Day will include talks by the sisters, chanting of the Divine Office, adoration and fun. For information on the sisters visit www.carmelitedcj.org or for more information regarding this event contact Rachel Dimas at (361) 834-5245 or rdimas@grandecom.net.

Spirit Center Celebrity Dinner will recognize youth The Spirit Center will be “serving up the fun” as high profile community celebrities assist as waiters and entertainers for the Fifth Annual “Spirit Center Celebrity Dinner” that will be held on Friday, Jan. 20, starting at 6 p.m. at the Ortiz Center. The evening will include entertainment, dinner, music, auctions, photo opportunities, a table decoration contest and awards.

The Spirit Center will also recognize and honor outstanding youth in the South Texas area. Parishes and youth organizations were invited to select an outstanding youth between the ages of 16-20, who is an active member of their group and exhibits positive leadership, good character, joyful witness and generous participation in community service.

Black and Gold Gala will benefit high school St. John Paul II High School will hold its annual Black and Gold Gala on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the American Bank Center. The event will include dinner, live and silent auctions and a performance by the 80s tribute band, “The Spazmatics.” Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody, founder of the school, will serve as honorary chairman. Proceeds from the Gala provide tuition assistance for students who aspire to pursue personal

excellence through faith, reason and virtue. The school invites the community to help accomplish its mission of forming servant leaders who will make a difference in this community for generations to come. For information contact Laura Okoniewski at (361) 855-5744, ext. 233 or lokoniewski@jpiihighschool.org or visit the school’s website at www.jpiihighschool.org.

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Father Chapa celebrates his first Mass at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Church. Photo at right, Father Chapaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family, from left, sister Vanessa Fruchey, mother Priscilla Chapa and Father Gabriel Chapa, present the gifts at his first Mass. Photos by Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

Mary Cottingham

South Texas Catholic

oyous applause and cheers met the announcement that Father Eric Gabriel Chapa was found worthy and had been chosen to join the brotherhood of priests at his ordination on Dec. 3 at Corpus Christi Cathedral. “Eric is clearly a hometown boy,” Bishop Michael Mulvey said, in response to the cheers directed toward the newly ordained priest. “This is a joyful day for all of us.” The Cathedral pews were filled with Father Chapa’s family and friends, his St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles parish family and parishioners from parishes where Father Chapa had been assigned as a seminarian and later as a deacon. On the altar was a picture of the late Msgr. Morgan Rowsome, Father Chapa’s role model. In his homily Bishop Mulvey said to Father Chapa to first

follow the ministry of God. The bishop said that the Word of God must not be just intellectually understood; “it must be felt in our hearts, so they can see it in your life.” “It is a glorious beautiful day, but your life and your ministry is now a sacrifice, an offering to the people of God who have been at your side. The Lord is calling you to serve the royal priesthood of the people of God,” Bishop Mulvey said. “Don’t try to do it all yourself,” the bishop advised him. “Let everyone assist you in becoming a holy person.” On the following day, Father Chapa celebrated his first Mass at St. Peter’s. The church was filled to capacity and Msgr. Rowsome’s picture was again displayed. Parish staff, remember Father Chapa as always “being holy”. He

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†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Hometown boy is ordained a priest

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Parish staff at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles—from left, Janie Pena, CMSE Coordinator, Wilma Emshoff, Office Manager, Aida Deases, Secretary and Julie Andersen, Assistant DRE— always knew Father Chapa would become a priest.

would say he was going to grow up and be Father Morgan, parish CMSE coordinator Janie Pena said. “It is such a blessing that he remembers Msgr. Morgan by having his picture up on the altar.” “After Mass, his mother told me, he would put on his cape and have another Mass,” said Julie Andersen, who assists Father Chapa’s mother Priscilla who has served as the parish’s DRE director for more than 15 years. “We always knew he’d be a priest,” Pena said. In his homily Father Chapa encouraged the congregation to wait for Christ to come—just as John the Baptist had foretold. “Stay here with his Church. Do not give up on him. There is only here, because here is God and each other. God will come to us if we wait. That’s what Advent is, that’s what waiting means, that’s what life means. Stay here. Have no fear.” Brother priests, Father Paul Hesse, Father Richard Gonzales, Msgr. Larry White, Msgr. Seamus McGowan, and Father Piotr Koziel, concelebrated Mass with Father Chapa and Deacons Allen Cicora, Eleuterio Farias and Stacy Millsap assisted. When he was in junior high and high school, Chapa helped with Vacation Bible School and taught religious education to the younger children. Brothers Brenden and Bailey Ayers would sometimes help him with the summer programs. “We tried to follow in his footsteps as best as we could,” Brenden said of his Godfather. Bailey was one of the altar servers at Father Chapa’s first Mass. “He spent a lot of time with us when he was younger. He Father Eric Chapa took the Ayers brothers Brenden, left, and Bailey under his wings. 20 South Texas Catholic | January 2017

really taught us a lot and he showed us how strong he was in his faith and it really inspired me and Bailey. We have a very strong Catholic family, but to see someone older, just graduating high school and to still have such a strong faith was really inspiring,” Brenden said. Many parishioners have known Father Chapa all his life. Marian Tajchaman was his teacher for CCD at St. Peter’s and she has known him since he was a baby. “In his teens he was very quiet, very shy, an all around good kid, but extremely shy. He sure has come a long way,” Tajchaman said.

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Ann Sherman remembered a time when Chapa played the role of Jesus at a nativity scene. “I encouraged him to be a priest,” she said. “His mother told me that he would go home and take crackers or cookies and pretend he was holding up the Eucharist.” Robert Aguilar recalled that Msgr. Morgan had been Father Chapa’s idol since he was seven or eight years old. “He (Father Chapa) is the first priest from our parish,” Aguilar said. Pax Christi Sisters Guadalupe Maria Cervantes and Mother Maria Elva Reyes have known Father Chapa since he was a threeyear-old. During Bible school he helped the sisters at St. Peter’s and St. Mary’s Mission. Mother Maria Elva remembers that as an Altar server, “he was always very devout and very reverent. Always with his hands together, like he was really paying attention. He was very serious—very devoted to the Eucharist,” she said. One of Sister Guadalupe’s fondest memories was on All Saints Day when Msgr. Morgan asked the children to dress as little saints and “Eric came dressed as Msgr. Morgan and he said, ‘I am Msgr. Morgan and I like to play golf.’ He had fake skin on the top of his head and it was very funny,” she said. Another memory occurred during the summer of Father Chapa’s first year at St. Edward’s University. He asked how he could help with the construction of the new Pax Christi Liturgical Center. “He was there at 8 a.m. every morning ready to work and he did pretty good,” Mother Maria Elva said. Chapa told them that he would never forget that summer, because he learned how to work. When Bishop Mulvey sent Chapa to study Italian in Assisi, Sister Guadalupe and a group of Pax Christi Sisters crossed paths with him as he was coming out of the Church of St. Clare and

they were going in. They ended up spending the rest of the afternoon together as he gave them a tour of various churches. “I don’t believe it was a coincidence. It was such a blessing,” Sister Guadalupe said. She saw him again in Rome when Chapa’s parents came to visit. His mother brought ingredients to make him enchiladas. The sisters received permission to have her cook in the place where they stayed. They surprised him with homemade enchiladas, which they all enjoyed. At his ordination Father Chapa wrote a Letter of Thanksgiving in the program of worship, which read, “The years have taught me a lot. There have been many hours being taught by those wiser than I...from Tuloso-Midway, to St. Edward’s University, to the North American College in Rome. None of these years, days and hours would I take back for anything! The most important lessons though, have not so much been these places, but the people there. Thank you to those I’ve learned from, whose best message has simply been their life, lived well and holy.”

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St. Peter parishioners Marian Tajchaman and Robert Aguilar share a moment with “the little boy” they knew as Eric and is now one of their spiritual leaders.

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✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Prison ministry continues to make difference in men’s lives Alfredo E. Cardenas

South Texas Catholic

ishop Michael Mulvey celebrated Mass at all Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison units in Beeville on Dec. 9 and 11, and, as one prison chaplain said, “…let the glorious light of the Gospel shine in the darkness…” The bishop’s visit to the units during Christmas time has become a tradition that both the bishop and inmates look forward to every year. “The men really needed this blessed day. Oh! How you lifted all our spirits…Christmas is so hard on the men, being that they are so far away from their loved ones and home. You helped fill that terrible void of loneliness with the love of Christ and His Holy Word,”

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Garza West Chaplain Robert Styers wrote to Bishop Mulvey and volunteers. This year, Bishop Mulvey had additional volunteers in the form of the 12-men Fourth Degree Honor Guard of the Knights of Columbus who participated in the Mass at the McConnell Unit on Dec. 9 and some returned on Sunday, Dec. 11, to the Masses at Garza West, Garza East and the W6 Trustee Camp. Knights came from Corpus Christi, Alice, Mathis and Beeville. Also assisting the bishop were Msgr. Louis Kihneman, III, Father Peter Marzalek, SOLT and Father Jerry Drolshagen, SOLT who heard confessions and helped with the sacraments, as well as concelebrating

Bishop Mulvey confirms inmates at the McConnel Unit in Beeville. Deacon Roger Rosenbaum for the South Texas Catholic

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Mass with the bishop. Approximately 180 inmates attended Mass at the McConnell Unit, with two being baptized and eight confirmed. This year, prison officials allowed both the north and south sides of the Garza Units to attend the special Mass. Normally the north and south wings alternate Mass on Sundays resulting in Mass being available only every other week for the men. Approximately 100 inmates attended Mass at the Garza West Unit where the norm is approximately 50-60 in attendance. John Zimmer helped the bishop and priests at the Garza West Unit. A similar number of 100 men attended the Mass at Garza East. Bishop Mulvey confirmed one inmate. Volunteers Laly and Nick Cardenas and Maria King assisted, while the priests heard confessions. Wally Gomez played the guitar and sang during the Mass. Five regular volunteers and five ladies from the Life in the Spirit prayer group from Our Lady of Victory in Beeville also helped out. Bishop Mulvey closed out the day at 6 p.m. with a third Mass at the Trustee Camp, which is a smaller unit and approximately 28 inmates attended. Regular volunteer Estevan Cortez, Jr. assisted. Encouraged by previous stories in the South Texas Catholic about the bishop’s visit to the prisons, Edward Cantu, Master of the Fourth Degree Knights, volunteered in a three-day Kolbe Prison Ministries retreat in October at the McConnell Unit, a maximum security facility. Kolbe Prison Ministries is an initiative of a group of men from the Texas Hill Country who began ministering the word of God in prisons throughout the state. Cantu met with several inmates privately during the retreat and said he “was heartbroken with all the stories told by the inmates.” “All the men had the same story. All come from poor environments, dysfunctional families without any love at home or ever exposed to God. These men never had a chance,” Cantu said. Approximately 150 inmates participated in the Kolbe retreat organized by Deacon Roger Rosenbaum, Diocesan Director for Prison Ministries, and Esteban Cortez, Director of the Kolbe program. Some of the inmates were serving 10 and 20 year sentences, others life sentences. They were Catholics, Christians, Muslims, atheists and others. At the end of the retreat, Cantu said, all the men were praying the Rosary, including the Muslims and atheists. All regretted their mistakes that put them in prison, and most of the non-Catholics had plans to join RCIA. Touched by the inmates and their suffering, Cantu— being the head of the Fourth Degree Honor Guard— promised the inmates he would bring them to the bishop’s annual Christmas Mass. This was the first time that the Knights participated in the Mass. He said the inmates were very excited. “Most of the Honor Guard members had some

concerns about participating inside a maximum security prison,” Cantu said. “However, after pushing a little, the Honor Guard agreed to participate. Once inside, the Honor Guard found the inmates very friendly, caring and appreciative of their participation. All the Knights that participated in the prison Christmas Mass are now more committed to joining Deacon Roger in his prison ministries.” “The Knights of Columbus were remarkable in their inner-action with the men,” Chaplain Styers said. “It was so good to see them care enough to sit shoulder to shoulder with the men and minister and take time for them. The men’s faces just lit up…” The chaplain also thanked Bishop Mulvey “for always being real and in touch with God’s people, to reach their hearts in time of great sorrow and need.” “I so look forward to having you and all the good brothers with us on unit. These men need you, as do I,” Chaplain Styers wrote to the bishop. “Thank you for making the love of God and Christmas real and alive for these men…they need Jesus Christ more now than ever before. Thank you for bringing Christ home to the lives and hearts of these men. You are making a difference.”

Bishop Mulvey baptizes inmate at the McConnel Unit during Christmas Mass on Dec. 9. Deacon Roger Rosenbaum for the South Texas Catholic

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Parishioners from Kingsville’s four parishes came together to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 with Masses, a procession, prayer, a reenactment of the virgin’s appearance and fellowship. Diana Ochoa for the South Texas Catholic

Kingsville parishes celebrate Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

ome 400 Catholics in the community of Kingsville took part in the fourth annual inter-parochial celebration for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the co-patroness of the Diocese of Corps Christi. All four Catholic parishes in Kingsville, Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. Gertrude, St. Joseph and St. Martin of Tours took part. The faithful met at Our Lady of Good Counsel where they saw and heard a skit on the apparition of the Virgen de Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego, narrated by Christina Briseño with her husband Miguel portraying the skeptical Bishop Juan de Zumárraga. Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody joined the faithful in a 3.5-mile procession from Our Lady of Good Counsel to St. Joseph where he celebrated Mass. Father Pere Thenan, administrator at Our Lady of Good Counsel; Father James Stembler, pastor at St. Gertrude’s; Father Romeo Salinas, pastor at St. Joseph’s; and Farther José Naul Ordóñez, administrator at St. Martin of Tours concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Carmody. Deacons Ricardo Gonzales and Richard Morin, both from St. Joseph, assisted at the altar.

A reception followed at St. Joseph Parish hall with some 300 in attendance. Each parish contributed something to the reception. The homage to the Virgin Mother began early on Dec. 12 when some 150 devotees gathered at the Chapel of Venerable Mother Julia Navarrete on Richard St. at 5:30 a.m. and processed to St. Martin’s. Along the way they sang hymns and prayed the rosary. Upon arrival at St. Martin’s Father Ordóñez celebrated Mass. A reception was held in the parish hall immediately following mass with some 150 people in attendance.

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Msgr. Louis Kihneman is named bishop of Biloxi Alfredo E. Cardenas South Texas Catholic

n Friday, Dec. 16, Pope Francis named Msgr. Louis F. Kihneman, III as bishop of the Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi. Bishop-designate Kihneman will be ordained at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Feb. 17. He replaces Bishop Roger Morin who has served as bishop of Biloxi since 2009 and who has reached mandatory retirement age. “I congratulate Msgr. Kihneman on his call to the Order of Bishops and his appointment as the Bishop of Biloxi,” Bishop Michael Mulvey said. “I also express my congratulations to the Diocese of Biloxi as the Holy Father Pope Francis has chosen a wonderful pastor as its new bishop.” Bishop-designate Kihneman has been a priest of the Diocese of Corpus Christi for almost 40 years, having been ordained on Nov. 18, 1977 at the Corpus Christi Cathedral by Bishop Thomas J. Drury. Presently, he serves the Diocese of Corpus Christi as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia while also serving as pastor for St. Philip the Apostle Parish. He said he feels great gratitude to the thousands of people he has ministered in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. “It’s a sense of great love, of growing together in faith. I encourage them to continue. We will still be hand-in-hand spiritually.” Bishop Mulvey said Msgr. Kihneman served the diocese with distinction in many capacities and has done so with 26 South Texas Catholic | January 2017

commitment and zeal. “Msgr. Kihneman has been a loyal advisor, a conscientious servant and above all a friend,” Bishop Mulvey said. “He and I have worked closely together and now share a special bond as brother bishops. I will greatly miss his advice and guidance. He will also be missed by his brother priests and the people of this diocese. I wish him many blessings as he begins his ministry in Biloxi and assure him of my friendship and my prayers for him and his new diocese.” Msgr. Kihneman was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, and after moving to Corpus Christi in 1963, he attended Corpus Christi Minor Seminary, Del Mar College and the University of St. Thomas and St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. He received his liberal arts degree in 1974 summa cum laude. He completed a Masters of Religious Education degree in 1976 and a Masters of the Arts in Theology degree in 1977. Soon after his ordination he was assigned as parochial vicar to the mission in Arteaga, Mexico. That was followed by appointments at St. Anthony in Robstown and Christ the King and his home parish of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Corpus Christi. His first assignment as pastor was in 1983 at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Alice, after which he served as pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Rockport for 18 years, from 1993-2011. He has been pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Corpus Christi since 2014. Bishop-designate Kihneman has served in a number of diocesan positions,

The Diocese of Biloxi’s Bishop-designate Louis F. Kihneman, III expresses gratitude for thousands of parishioners in the Diocese of Corpus Christi he has ministered to and whom he calls friends. Alfredo E. Cardenas, South Texas Catholic

including Director of Religious Education (1978-83); Director of Vocations (1986-93); Director of Seminarians (1986-93); Director of Ministry to Priests (1986-93); Director of St. John Vianney House of Studies and Christian Leadership Vocations Program (1986-2013); Associate Vicar for Clergy (1988-95); Tribunal Advocate (198387); Chancellor (2013-14); and Vicar General (2010-present). At the request of Bishop Rene Gracida, Pope John Paul II elevated Father Kihneman to the honorary title of Chaplain of His Holiness, which came with the privilege of being addressed as monsignor. Bishop Gracida installed him as

Pastor Award in recognition of his outstanding support for Catholic Education. Bishop-designate Kihneman was baptized at Our Lady of Wisdom Parish in Lafayette, Louisiana. He received First Holy Communion at St. Andrew’s Parish in New Orleans in 1958 and was confirmed at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Corpus Christi in 1963. On March 26, 1977, he was ordained to the transitional diaconate and later that year was ordained to the priesthood. The bishop designate is the son of Louis Kihneman, Jr. and Bernadine Kihneman (both deceased). They were natives of Morgan City, Louisiana and raised Msgr. Kihneman along with his

brothers, Kenneth (Donna) and David (Hilda), in the Gulf Coast from Clearwater, Florida to Corpus Christi with stops in Pecos, Texas and Calgary, Alberta, Canada in between. Bishop-designate Kihneman is the sixth bishop from the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Bishop Mariano S. Garriga was born in the Vicariate of Brownsville, which became the Diocese of Corpus Christi, and went on to become the first native Texan to assume the episcopacy in the state. Four other men from the Diocese of Corpus Christi have also been named bishops, including Bishops Raymundo Peña, Michael David Pfeifer, James Tamayo and Daniel Flores.

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†† NATIONAL NEWS

monsignor on March 25, 1990. Over the years, Msgr. Kihneman has served and continues to serve on many diocesan boards. He is currently a member of the Priest Personnel Board, Presbyteral Council, the Diocesan Finance Council, Diocesan Deposit and Loan Board, the Priest Pension Plan Board and is Chair of the Perpetual Benefit Endowment Fund of the Diocese. He has taught scripture and liturgy in the Diocesan Pastoral Institute and the St. Paul School of Catechesis of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. He has also taught Homiletics in the Permanent Diaconate program of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. He is the 2011 recipient of the NCEA Distinguished

†† NATIONAL NEWS

Cardinal DiNardo, new president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is pictured at the Centennial Mass at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi in 2012. Archive photo

Cardinal DiNardo is new head of US bishops

Catholic News Agency

n November 2016, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops elected Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston as its president and Archbishop Jose Gómez of Los Angeles vice-president. Cardinal DiNardo has served as conference vice-president since 2013. He will serve a three-year term. Cardinal DiNardo visited the Diocese of Corpus Christi in 2012 to help celebrate the diocese’s centennial. The Diocese of Corpus Christi is a suffragan of the

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Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The bishops’ conference president plays a significant role in coordinating and leading charitable and social work and education, while providing a public face for the Catholic Church in the US. Cardinal DiNardo has served as Archbishop of Galveston-Houston since 2006, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 2007. Archbishop Gómez succeeded as Archbishop of Los Angeles, in 2011. In the vote for president, Cardinal DiNardo received

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113 votes. There were 10 candidates, and the nominee with the second-largest number of votes was Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, formerly bishop of Austin, who garnered 30 votes. Cardinal DiNardo and Archbishop Gómez had both also been selected—at the 2014 general assembly—by their fellow US bishops to be among the delegates to the 2015 Synod on the Family. Cardinal DiNardo was born in Steubenville in 1949, and was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1977. He was appointed coadjutor bishop of Sioux City in 1997, succeeding as its ordinary the following year. He was then named coadjutor archbishop of Galveston-Houston in 2004. The cardinal was chosen vice president of the U.S. Bishops Conference in 2013. He had previously served as the head of the bishops pro-life committee, where he was outspoken against the contraception mandate of the Obama administration. In addition, he has been a member of the Pontifical Council for Culture, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People and the Pontifical Council for the Economy. Archbishop Gomez, the new USCCB vice-president, saw his first Archbishop Gómez heads the largest U.S. diocese, with more assignment as a bishop in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. than four million Catholics. He is the highest-ranking Hispanic Catholic News Agency bishop in the United States. Born in Monterrey, Mexico in 1951, he was ordained a priest of Opus Dei in 1978. In 2001, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Leaders. He has also been outspoken on pro-life issues, immigration Denver, and made Archbishop of San Antonio in 2004. In 2010 and the death penalty. he was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Los Angeles, succeeding In 2008, Archbishop Gomez was appointed as a consultant to as its ordinary the next year. the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He has served in Archbishop Gomez has worked extensively in Hispanic ministry various roles for the US bishops conference, including in cultural and played a key role in creating the Catholic Association of Latino diversity, doctrine and Hispanics and liturgy.

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Ohio governor signs 20-week abortion ban, vetoes heartbeat bill Matt Hadro

O Catholic News Agency

hio Gov. John Kasich signed a bill banning abortions performed after five months of pregnancy in most cases, citing evidence that unborn babies can feel pain at this point. At the same time, he vetoed the “heartbeat bill” passed by the state’s legislature, which would have outlawed abortions once a baby’s heartbeat has been detected. “By signing S.B. 127, the 20-week ban, Gov. Kasich will save hundreds of unborn lives each year and he positioned the state of Ohio to directly challenge Roe v. Wade,” Mike Gonidakis, President of Ohio Right to Life, said. The bill “was nationally designed to be the vehicle to end abortion in America,” he added. “It challenges the current national abortion standard and properly moves the legal needle from viability to the baby’s ability to feel pain.” Gov. Kasich signed the state’s Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act on Dec. 13, 2016, making Ohio the 18th state since 2010 to enact a ban on abortions performed after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Exceptions would exist for cases of babies conceived through rape or incest, or where the life of the mother is deemed to be at stake. Although some organizations that oppose abortion, like the group Susan B. Anthony List, had also supported the 30 South Texas Catholic | January 2017

heartbeat bill, Ohio Right to Life asked Kasich not to sign it because courts have overturned similar legislation in other states and the Supreme Court had not agreed to hear those cases. “Legal scholars believe that asking the Court to entertain a third heartbeat law at this time would cause irreparable harm to the pro-life movement,” Gonidakis said. Susan B. Anthony List has been working to have the Pain-Capable bill passed at the state and federal levels. President-elect Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail that he would sign a 20-week abortion ban into law if it passed through Congress. Such legislation will “humanize our law,” Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the group, said. She said it was in accord “with public opinion, science and basic human decency.” The science shows that these unborn babies can feel pain and can even survive delivery at around 20 weeks after fertilization, the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research arm of Susan B. Anthony List, said. “Fetal surgeons recognize unborn babies as patients,” they stated in a 2015 factsheet. “Perinatal medicine now treats unborn babies as young as 16 weeks post-fertilization (18 weeks gestation). Pain medication for unborn patients is routinely administered as standard medical practice.” And “the leading textbook on clinical anesthesia” notes that babies as young as 18

Ohio governor John Kasich won praise from right to life groups for signing a 20-week abortion ban, which they see as a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade. Office of Ohio Governor John R. Kasich

weeks gestation can have a physiochemical stress response to noxious stimuli,” they said. The U.S. House passed a Pain-Capable bill in 2015, but it failed to receive the 60 votes necessary to advance in the Senate. It is also popular legislation, Dannenfelser has said. “Americans reject the status quo of abortion on-demand, especially painful lateterm abortions,” she said.

Elise Harris

Catholic News Agency

hen it comes to the many conflicts splintering different parts of the world, Pope Francis said the Christian response must be one of nonviolence, which is not passive, but active and has roots in a strong family life. “To be true followers of Jesus today also includes embracing his teaching about nonviolence,” the pope said in his message for the 50th World Day of Peace. Citing the havoc wrought by the wars and conflicts that marked the last century, Pope Francis again pointed to the fact that today “we find ourselves engaged in a horrifying world war fought piecemeal.” Answering violence with violence leads “at best” to forced migration and the misuse of economic resources, and “at worst” to death, whether physical or spiritual, he said, stressing

that “violence is not the cure for our broken world.” Jesus himself embraced a nonviolent response to the conflicts of his time, he said, pointing to his frequent insistence to love one’s enemies and to turn the other cheek, as well as his actions in stopping the accusers of the woman caught in adultery from stoning her and in telling Peter to put away his sword the night before he died. “The true battlefield, where violence and peace meet, is the human heart,” he said, quoting the Gospel passage in Mark that reads: “it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come.” Jesus’ response is to walk the path of nonviolence up to the point of the cross, “whereby he became our peace and put an end to hostility.” Quoting his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis said the teaching of nonviolence is a realistic response to the world’s

Pope Francis arrives at the general audience in St. Peter’s Square. Daniel Ibanez, Catholic News Agency

conflicts “because it takes into account that in the world there is too much violence, too much injustice, and therefore that this situation cannot be overcome except by countering it with more love, with more goodness.” “For Christians, nonviolence is not merely tactical behavior but a person’s way of being, the attitude of one who is so convinced of God’s love and power that he or she is not afraid to tackle evil with the weapons of love and truth alone.” Jesus’ command to love one’s enemies “is rightly considered the magna carta of Christian nonviolence,” he said, explaining that it does not mean succumbing to evil, but rather responding to evil with good. Instituted by Blessed Pope Paul VI in 1968, the World Day of Peace is celebrated each year on the first day of January. The Pope gives a special message for the occasion, which is sent to all foreign ministers around the world, and which also indicates the Holy See’s diplomatic tone during the coming year. This year his message includes a plug for the disarmament, prohibition and abolition of nuclear weapons, since “nuclear deterrence and the threat of mutual assured destruction are incapable” of adopting a true ethics of nonviolence. He also issued an appeal for an end to domestic violence and the abuse of women and children. If the strategy of nonviolence is to grow, it must begin in the family, the pope said, explaining that the family “is the indispensable crucible” in which all members of the family “learn to communicate and to show generous concern for one another, and in which frictions and even conflicts have to be resolved not by force but by dialogue, respect, concern for the good of the other, mercy and forgiveness.” “From within families, the joy of love spills out into the world and radiates to the whole of society.” January 2017 | South Texas Catholic 31

†† VATICAN

In a world torn by conflict, nonviolence is a Christian requirement, pope says

†† OUR FAITH

Our call to evangelize Father John H. Mckenzie

B Contributor

Father John H. McKenzie is Pastor at Saint James the Apostle in Refugio

y our baptism, we are all called to evangelize. Our faith is not something we keep to ourselves. It is to be shared and spread. We do not have to go far away to evangelize. The “periphery” that Pope Francis refers to is nearby. There is much to be done in our own communities. The people we evangelize can be believers and non-believers alike. We can find them close to home. Married and single people have an important role in evangelization, just as much as priests and those in consecrated religious life. There are many well-meaning people who do not belong to the Catholic faith who, nonetheless, are very sincere. How do we reach them? There are right ways and wrong ways to do it. The Apostle Peter left us with us great instruction: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence...(1 Pt 3:15-16)” Knowing this, we should always be polite with all to whom we witness. I remember during my deployment to Afghanistan how many Afghans came over to Christ. They did that largely because of their good experience with Christians. They did not see hypocrisy in the Christians who spoke of Christ. When Afghan soldiers asked me about the different Christian denominations, I told them that these were different expressions of the Christian faith. The opportunity to share the Catholic faith will certainly come, but when there is the question about Christ we should speak first of Christ. There are right ways and wrong ways to evangelize. Words or no words can say a lot. St. Francis of Assisi told his friars to preach Jesus and when necessary to use words. I remember a 90-year-old woman who evangelized simply by walking to Mass every day in the cold or heat. People who saw her faithfully going to Mass admitted feeling shame because they did not make the time to go to church. A self-defeating example of evangelizing was the woman I knew who wore crosses and medals around her neck and religious pictures

32 South Texas Catholic | January 2017

on her coat. She was always willing to talk about her Catholic faith. That was good, but the problem came one day at an auto service shop when she was angry about the service. She began yelling and cursing at the staff. Her language would have shocked any foul mouth. Any potential converts in the store were likely driven away. The faith we profess must always be reflected in our lives. There are opportunities to evangelize when we travel. While at a hotel, ask the desk clerk for the location of the nearest Catholic Church. I was in Holland a few years ago. I asked the desk clerk where I could find the nearest Catholic Church. She was surprised as she told me that so few people go to church in Holland. I told her how my faith was very important. As I was taking a taxi, the cab driver was a Muslim immigrant. He asked me about my faith and we had a good conversation. Hopefully I was able to answer his questions. There were very few people at Mass, but our presence at Mass anywhere is great support for the local church—this is true at home or far away. After all, the Mass is the Mass wherever you are and in whatever language it is celebrated. If you travel abroad to a non-English speaking country, take a Catholic Bible and a Catechism with you. You can order them in any language. The opportunity may come in those countries to share your faith. You could give them a Bible in their own language. If you do not meet someone, give it to the local parish in that city. These are opportunities to evangelize. As there are many challenges, so are there many good resources to help us to evangelize. You can order good booklets and pamphlets that help explain our faith and give them to people. Do not throw away a Catholic publication, like the South Texas Catholic, when you are finished reading them. Give them to someone. There are also many good books explaining our faith, which can be ordered online. The harvest is rich and so are the opportunities and resources for evangelization. All of us have an important role to evangelize.

... Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His love endures forever. -Psalm 118

Guadalajara, Mexico on January 18, 1992 (Ordained) St. Joseph in Alice, Tx St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Freer ,Tx St. Joseph in Corpus Christi, Tx Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Corpus Christi, Tx

With Thanks and Prayers, Congratulations on your 25th Jubilee Celebration! The Parish Community of Sacred Heart invites you to join us for a 25th Jubilee Celebration of Ordination for Fr. Angel Montana, J.C.L.

January 18 at 6 P.M. for a Mass of Thanksgiving at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1308 Comanche St. Corpus Christi, 78401)

January 2017 | South Texas Catholic 33

†† OUR FAITH

January Liturgical Calendar

†† JANUARY CALENDAR

12 13

The African Children’s Choir

Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (900 S. Shoreline Blvd.) The program features well-loved children’s songs, traditional spirituals and gospel favorites. Concerts are free and open to all. No tickets, donations welcome. For more information call (361) 884-0391.

Carmelite Day 2017

Jan. 8 from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Mount Carmel Home. A day with the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus for 7th-12th grade girls to dive deeper into discernment and prayer. To register for this event please download the Liabilty From at bit.ly/CarmeliteDay2017. For more information on the Sisters visit carmelitedcj.org or for more information regarding this event please contact Rachel Dimas at (361) 834-5245 or rdimas@grandecom.net.

Spiritual Exercises Retreat for women

Cathedral Concert Series ‘The Voice of Aggieland’

A Time for Couples

Jan. 14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Schoenstatt Movement Center located on 4343 Gaines (behind Seaside Cemetery) in Corpus Christi. Talk entitled “Entrusting our Children to Blessed Mother,” will be presented by Schoenstatt Father Gerold Langsch followed by confession, rosary and discussion. For more information call Roseanne Norman (361) 991-7653.

34 South Texas Catholic | January 2017

Father Angel Montana’s 25th Jubilee Celebration

Father Angel Montana invites his friends and parishioners to join him for his 25th Jubilee Celebration of Ordination Mass of Thanksgiving. • Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. at St. Joseph (801 South Reynolds) in Alice. • Jan. 15 at 12 p.m. at St. Joseph (710 South 19th Street) in Corpus Christi. • Jan. 18 from 6-10 p.m. at Sacred Heart (422 North Alameda Street) in Corpus Christi. • Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church (1500 S. Duval St. Freer) in Freer.

20 Healing Retreat at OLCC

Begins Friday, Jan. 20, at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi (1200 Lantana). Register deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

Begins Thursday, Jan. 12, at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday, Jan. 15, at 1:30 p.m. Register deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

New Years Gala with The Texas A&M Singing Cadets “The Voice of Aggieland” in concert at the Performing Arts Center TAMUCC Friday, Jan. 13, at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $20. For reserved seating join the St. Cecilia Guild of Concert Series Supporters by calling (361) 888-7444.

14, 15, 18 & 21

Spirit Center Celebrity Dinner

Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Solomon Ortiz Center (402 Harbor Drive). The evening will include entertainment, dinner, music, auctions, photo opportunities, a table decoration contest and awards. The Spirit Center is also celebrating the upcoming opening of “The Spirit Center Youth Facilities” in summer 2017.

21 Grounded in Truth

Jan. 21, and every third Saturday of the month. An hour of Adoration with praise and worship in the OLCC Perpetual adoration Chapel from 7-8 p.m. followed by music and fellowship in the newly renovated Cafe Veritas (attached to Our Lady of Corpus Christi’s Bookstore) from 8-9:30 p.m. Call (361) 289-0807 for more information.

21 Diocesan Marriage Preparation Jan. 21-22, begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center. The Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is a two-day overnight event for the engaged. For more information go to diocesecc.org/marriageprep.

A Celebration of Catholic Schools

Jan. 26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Solomon P. Ortiz International

Center. Keynote speaker is Cecilia Abbott, First Lady of Texas. Abbott has been a teacher, vice-principal and principal at several Catholic schools across Texas. Proceeds will go towards Diocesan Tuition Assistance and the Catholic School Endowment in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

Annual Winter Gala 28 17th Mardi Gras-theme Dinner/ Dance and Auctions

Jan. 28 from 5:30 p.m.-midnight at Fulton Convention Center (402 North Fulton Beach Road) in Fulton. There will be dinner and dance with live, silent and Chinese auctions throughout the evening. This annual fundraiser will benefit Sacred Heart School in Rockport.

Waffle Breakfast 29 OLGS Fundraiser

Jan. 29 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Msgr. Kasper Youth Center (behind the school). All you can eat waffle breakfast includes orange juice or coffee. Cost is $7. To go plates available. For more information call Manuel Garcia (361) 548-5682.

National Catholic 30 IWA Schools Week

Incarnate Word Academy will celebrate National Catholic Schools Week from Jan. 30 - Feb. 3 with various activities.

Elementary Level 31 IWA Word 101 Open House

Jan. 31 from 6-8 p.m. at IWA (2920 South Alameda). Word 101 is an informative, insightful session in which families can get to know the place, the people and the philosophy that make IWA a unique scholastic opportunity. Families will get to tour classrooms, meet faculty and staff and get information about academics, athletics and tuition assistance. For more information, go to iwacc.org/word101.

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To see more calendar events go to:

SouthTexasCatholic.com Click on Calendar

January 2017 Issue SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC 620 Lipan St. Corpus Christi, TX 78401-2434 (361) 882-6191