Aug/Sept 2017 - Vol.52 No.8 by South Texas Catholic

SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

South Texas

Catholic Pregnancy Center

SAVES LIVES

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Year review and what’s new at St. John Paul II

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• National Merit Scholarship Commended Scholar r y it • Half of our teachers havermaster’s degrees. no g ho • Quiz bowl Championste n i • 2nd place in KEDT Challenge • 20 honors courses offered • 10 dual credit courses • Student named Semper Fidelis All-American by theeUnited States Marines (1 out of 100 in nation)

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in pl i c SCHOOL MANAGEMENT is d• New synthetic field and track completed by the Fall.

• Grant outfitting the school with wi-fi for Chromebooks l • In 2016-2017–70% families received tuition ta s assistance n e cu • Free daily bus route from Alice and Robstown

COMMUNITY SERVICE

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• Students completed 7,545 hours of community service fo (Solidarity Hours) this year–includes, but not limited to: • Special Olympics & Special Hearts Prom • A Cut Above/Wigs for Kids/Locks of Love hair donation projects for cancer patients • Four Eagle Scout Projects • Organize Christmas food baskets for Sarita, Texas • Service in a variety of hospitals, nursing homes, and homeless shelters • 150 students participated in the school’s annual Live Nativity • Over 100 students participated in March for Life in Austin, Texas. • Participation in Rotary lnternational’s Interact Service Club, whereby by students: • Helped build a wheel chair ramp for elderly couple • Helped build a Habitat for Humanity House • Raised funds for 20 XO tablets for impoverished children in Guatemala

ATHLETICS • • • • • • •

All-State Team Members: 5 Academic All-State Team: 6 State Meet Qualifiers for Individual Sports: 17 All District Members: 50 First Team All-District: 15 Second Team All-District: 27 Honorable Mention: 8

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3036 SARATOGA BLVD. CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78415 PHONE (361) 855-5744 • FAX (361) 855-1343 • WWW.JPIIHIGHSCHOOL.ORG 2 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

ON THE

VOL. 52 NO. 8

COVER

Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD

According to Executive Director Jana Pinson, the Pregnancy Center of the Coastal Bend in Corpus Christ and Portland saved 262 babies who were abortion-vulnerable from June 2016-May 2017. “God does most of the work. God showing up and people praying,” she said.

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, Jessica Morrison, Luisa Scolari, Beth Wilson, 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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Keep up with the faith at www.SouthTexasCatholic.com

movimiento de Cursillos continua ser muy activo en la Diócesis de Corpus 12 ElChristi con grupos en varias parroquias. Luisa Scolari para el South Texas Catholic

INSIDE 4 VIEWPOINTS South Texas Catholic

NATIONAL NEWS 29 Bishops have ‘obligation to sanctify

VOCATIONS 9 Diaconate program

VATICAN 31 ‘Fake news’ on gluten and

keeps getting better

is 40-years-old and going strong

BRIEFS 18 NEWS Rosary Fest 2017 and mission slated for Oct. 3-6

LIFE 22 St.PARISH Paul the Apostle and

St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles celebrate 50-year jubilees

social media’

Communion offers teachable moment

FAITH 34 OUR A Christian finds God to be a blessing AUGUST CALENDAR 37 Activities in the Diocese of Corpus Christi for August and September

August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 3

†† VIEWPOINTS

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

You can now get 50 years of the South Texas Catholic Alfredo E. Cardenas

M South Texas Catholic

y first column in the South Texas Catholic appeared nearly 20 years before Bishop Michael Mulvey asked me to take over the editor’s desk at the newspaper. This and other interesting personal facts I uncovered with our newest addition to the publication. A couple of years ago, the John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation provided the South Texas Catholic a grant for, among other things, electronically archiving the newspaper’s 50 years of stories. These electronic files were then converted to searchable files and are now available to the public on the World Wide Web. Anyone of our readers, or anyone in the world for that matter, can now search through our newspaper’s archives from the comfort of their home. And if they do not have a computer they can do it at a nearby library or at our office where we have set-up a dedicated kiosk for searching the archives. I took a ride on the kiosk and that is how I found out that on Feb. 8, 1991, 20 years before I came to work here, a column appeared with my byline. “Decision must be viewed in a wider context”, reads the headline. It was a reprinted column from the secular newspaper—the Duval County Picture—I was publishing at that time in San Diego. The piece looked at a controversy involving Bishop Rene Gracida’s dismissal of Father Bill Elliott, pastor at Holy Family Parish in Corpus Christi. The substance of the column is not important to this discussion, but it is available on our archives for anyone who wishes to read it. In addition to this nugget, my search through the archives also led me to a photo of Sister Monica with the Sisters of Divine Providence, who is the namesake of our oldest daughter. I found a story about our second daughter being named outstanding Altar Server at St.

4 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

Francis de Paula in San Diego and a photo of our son gleaning through a list of winners of the Catholic UIL competition at St. Joseph School in Alice. Great memories! Feel free to look for your memories at www.southtexascatholic.com/archives or drop by our office and use our dedicated kiosk. Oh, one other thing. The grant also allowed us to digitize the copies in our possession of The Parish Post, a newspaper that covered local Catholic news before the official diocesan newspaper began publication. It is also available for searching at the link provided above. We would be remiss if we did not extend to the Kenedy Memorial Foundation our most sincere appreciation for their generosity in making this available to our readers. This is but a small part of the great work they do for our diocese year in and year out. Thank you! Another new feature of the South Texas Catholic magazine is found in the “Our Faith” section (page 34). This month we introduce articles by pastors in our diocese. This may be in the form of a homily, letter or bulletin announcement. We hope to have a column from a different pastor each week. We will scavenge parish websites and bulletins for pearls of wisdom, and we encourage pastors and parish secretaries to make us aware of something they feel is worthy of inclusion in this column. Father Paul Hesse, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Corpus Christi, kicks off this new feature with a letter he wrote to parishioners in the parish bulletin, entitled “A Christian finds God to be a blessing.” It is a column about his efforts to gain control of his weight; a challenge many of us do battle with often. Father Hesse writes “I certainly have to credit God for my recent discipline in this regard. I could not do this without prayer.”

Look for more such pearls of wisdom from other pastors in the coming months. While the generosity of the Kenedy Memorial Foundation and literary contributions from pastors such as Father Hesse are vital to our mission, so are the contributions of our readers. Please do not hesitate in writing or calling us with story ideas from your parish or ministry.

And please consider making a financial donation by using the form found in the inside back cover of this magazine. One final thought. As is our practice, we are publishing a combined issue for August and September, so do not look for the magazine in your mail box in September. We will be back in October. ¡Mil gracias!

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

• Pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima to visit local parishes

• ‘Voice for the voiceless’ will keynote annual Ark Gala

• Alice parish will host 5k run Aug. 12

• Homeownership Fair on July 22

• Assumption novena at St. Patrick on Aug. 7-15

• Sisters of Providence with ties to Diocese of Corpus Christi are celebrating jubilees this year

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• St. Leo University Corpus Christi Center to hold commencement June 30 • New athletic field provides schools with additional draw • First-grader awarded for excellence in print handwriting in national contest

All Services FREE: • Pregnancy Test • Limited Ultrasound • Baby Supplies • Parenting Classes • Adoption Information • Abortion Recovery Classes

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August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 5

†† VIEWPOINTS

“Whenever anyone of us is overwhelmed by life, we will certainly not find help by turning away from faith,” Father Hesse writes. “It is precisely when we submit ourselves to Jesus and take his yoke upon our shoulders that we find freedom and life. At the outset, it may seem like a burden to submit ourselves to Jesus, but in the end, it will empower us to greater resilience and deeper rest.”

6â&#x20AC;&#x201A; South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

SECOND COLLECTION REPORTING Amounts recieved through June 30, 2017

RETIRED DIOCESAN PRIESTS FUND

CATHOLIC COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN

TOTAL ALICE DEANERY:

119.00 106.00 0.00 1,331.00 105.00 275.00 936.00 29.20 592.30 300.86 0.00 3,794.36

51.00 101.10 0.00 714.80 0.00 261.87 21.00 41.42 573.40 148.78 0.00 1,913.37

BEEVILLE DEANERY 322 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH (SKIDMORE) 314 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MISSION (EDROY) 233 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MISSION (PAWNEE) 302 OUR LADY OF VICTORY PARISH (BEEVILLE) 220 SACRED HEART PARISH (MATHIS) 313 SACRED HEART OF JESUS PARISH (ODEM) 232 SACRED HEART PARISH (THREE RIVERS) 305 SACRED HEART MISSION (PETTUS) 237 ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI MISSION (LAGARTO) 323 ST. FRANCIS XAVIER MISSION (TYNAN) 212 ST. GEORGE PARISH (GEORGE WEST) 303 ST. JAMES PARISH (BEEVILLE) 222 ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS PARISH (ORANGE GROVE) 304 ST. JOSEPH PARISH (BEEVILLE) 221 ST. PATRICK MISSION (SAN PATRICIO) 223 ST. PIUS X MISSION (SANDIA) TOTAL BEEVILLE DEANERY:

0.00 116.00 85.00 141.00 227.96 525.00 422.00 42.00 61.00 0.00 857.00 241.37 702.00 0.00 0.00 23.00 3,443.33

0.00 5.00 58.00 282.05 287.24 431.00 278.83 0.00 55.00 0.00 335.81 199.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 60.00 1,992.68

CORPUS CHRISTI 5 POINTS 423 OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL MISSION (CLARKWOOD) 422 OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY PARISH (CC) 432 SANTA MARIA MISSION (ROBSTOWN) 449 ST. ANSELM OF CANTERBURY ANGLICAN COMMUNITY 431 ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA PARISH (ROBSTOWN) 433 ST. ANTHONY PARISH (VIOLET) 430 ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE PARISH (ROBSTOWN) 419 ST. MARY MISSION (CALALLEN) 418 ST. PETER, PRINCE OF THE APOSTLES PARISH (CC) 421 ST. THERESA PARISH (CC) 437 ST. THOMAS APOSTLE PARISH (ROBSTOWN) 434 ST. VIVIAN MISSION (PETRONILA) TOTAL CORPUS CHRISTI 5 POINTS:

32.33 106.00 367.00 0.00 1,626.00 593.69 1,364.78 0.00 2,926.00 0.00 0.00 29.64 7,045.44

53.71 31.80 168.00 0.00 721.00 47.97 748.17 0.00 837.00 0.00 0.00 41.75 2,649.40

CORPUS CHRISTI CENTRAL 401 CORPUS CHRISTI CATHEDRAL (CC) 404 HOLY CROSS PARISH (CC) 428 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH (GREGORY) 429 OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PARISH (PORTLAND) 402 OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA PARISH (CC) 413 SACRED HEART PARISH (CC) 416 ST. PATRICK PARISH (CC) 440 ST. THOMAS MORE PARISH (CC) TOTAL CORPUS CHRISTI CENTRAL:

750.00 0.00 197.00 4,036.82 545.00 515.50 18,642.67 0.00 24,686.99

1,750.00 0.00 135.00 1,317.99 135.00 268.00 4,974.77 100.00 8,680.76

ALICE DEANERY 204 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH (ALICE) 206 SANTA ROSA DE LIMA PARISH (BENAVIDES) 200 SANTO NIÑO DE ATOCHA MISSION (ALICE) 201 ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY PARISH (ALICE) 424 ST. FRANCES OF ROME PARISH ( AGUA DULCE) 228 ST. FRANCIS DE PAULA PARISH (SAN DIEGO) 202 ST. JOSEPH PARISH (ALICE) 230 ST JOSEPH MISSION (PALITO BLANCO) 211 ST. MARY PARISH (FREER) 425 ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PARISH (BANQUETE) 205 ST. PETER MISSION (BEN BOLT)

August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 7

SECOND COLLECTION REPORTING Amounts recieved through June 30, 2017

RETIRED DIOCESAN PRIESTS FUND

CATHOLIC COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN

CORPUS CHRISTI SOUTHSIDE 407 MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD PARISH (CC) 411 OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP PARISH (CC) 435 ST. ANDREW BY THE SEA PARISH (CC) 443 ST. HELENA OF THE TRUE CROSS OF JESUS PARISH (CC) 442 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH (CC) 312 ST JOSEPH PARISH (PORT ARANSAS) 417 ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE PARISH (CC) 438 ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE PARISH (CC) 420 ST. PIUS X PARISH (CC) TOTAL CORPUS CHRISTI SOUTHSIDE:

0.00 2,922.36 2,068.17 0.00 0.00 224.00 1,215.55 0.00 12,637.49 19,067.57

0.00 838.75 738.19 0.00 0.00 250.00 0.00 0.00 818.00 2,644.94

CORPUS CHRISTI WESTSIDE 403 CHRIST THE KING PARISH (CC) 405 HOLY FAMILY PARISH (CC) 406 NUESTRA SENORA DE SAN JUAN DE LOS LAGOS, MADRE DE LA IGLESIA 410 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH (CC) 412 OUR LADY OF PILAR PARISH (CC) 414 SS. CYRIL & METHODIUS PARISH (CC) 415 ST. JOSEPH PARISH (CORPUS CHRISTI) TOTAL CORPUS CHRISTI WESTSIDE:

521.10 1,120.87 499.00 765.00 526.25 1,293.61 505.42 5,231.25

505.00 358.00 511.00 405.00 335.50 906.55 993.62 4,014.67

KINGSVILLE - DEANERY 225 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MISSION (CONCEPTION) 234 OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION PARISH (VATTMAN) 219 OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL PARISH (KINGSVILLE) 231 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH (SARITA) 227 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MISSION (RAMIREZ) 208 SACRED HEART PARISH (FALFURRIAS) 209 ST. ANNE MISSION (ENCINO) 226 ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI MISSION (RIOS) 214 ST. GERTRUDE PARISH (KINGSVILLE) 427 ST. JAMES MISSION (DRISCOLL) 426 ST. JAMES PARISH (BISHOP) 218 ST JOSEPH PARISH (KINGSVILLE) 217 ST. MARTIN PARISH (KINGSVILLE) 224 ST. THERESA OF THE INFANT JESUS PARISH (PREMONT) 236 ST. TOMAS AQUINAS-UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CENTER TOTAL KINGSVILLE DEANERY:

130.00 2,354.00 780.35 98.00 50.00 1,750.24 0.00 0.00 3,242.41 0.00 0.00 314.00 951.95 169.00 0.00 9,839.95

15.00 908.00 759.22 221.00 15.00 1,026.36 0.00 0.00 980.31 0.00 0.00 119.00 540.00 29.00 0.00 4,612.89

REFUGIO DEANERY 325 HOLY FAMILY PARISH (TAFT) 324 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH (TAFT) 311 OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION PARISH (INGLESIDE) 319 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH (SINTON) 326 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH (TIVOLI) 315 OUR LADY OF REFUGE PARISH (REFUGIO) 318 SACRED HEART PARISH (ROCKPORT) 321 SACRED HEART PARISH (SINTON) 328 ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA MISSION (AUSTWELL) 316 ST. CATHERINE MISSION (BLANCONIA) 327 ST. DENNIS MISSION (O'CONNOR RANCH) 317 ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE PARISH (REFUGIO) 330 ST. MARY MISSION (BAYSIDE) 301 ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA PARISH (ARANSAS PASS) 320 ST. PAUL MISSION (ST. PAUL) 331 ST. PETER PARISH (FULTON) 329 ST. THERESE, THE LITTLE FLOWER PARISH (WOODSBORO) 310 STELLA MARIS CHAPEL (LAMAR) TOTAL REFUGIO DEANERY:

670.00 784.78 251.10 543.50 120.00 780.00 2,098.00 488.00 59.00 0.00 0.00 361.00 178.00 999.19 411.00 0.00 405.00 345.00 8,493.57

0.00 510.35 319.25 242.25 0.00 153.39 1,650.00 485.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 291.00 31.00 695.93 185.00 0.00 152.00 151.00 4,866.17

2,200.00 2,200.00

0.00 0.00

83,802.46

31,374.88

OTHERS MISCELLANEOUS TOTAL FOR DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

8â&#x20AC;&#x201A; South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

TOTAL OTHERS:

Deacon Michael Mantz

T Contributor

he initial diaconate ordination class in the Diocese of Corpus Christi began in 1977 with a “mini-seminary style” program that took place over several weekends each month. The program followed the majority of programs through the United States in terms of length. Both the candidates and their wives came together to study the various courses being offered. Initially, most deacons were trained for about two years and were parish assistants, helping their pastors with administrative duties. The men who were ordained in the renewal infancy were true trailblazers and should be considered true missionaries who paved the way for future deacons. They were men Armando M. of courage who possessed Bolaños a real zeal and charism for Christ and for offering themselves as servants Bishop Thomas Drury ordained the first class in May 1977, which included deacons: J. Bruce Aycock; Larry D. Sandlin; Noel Breland; Armando M. Bolaños; E. R. Bob Cantwell Jr.; Willard F. Oliver; Antonio Castillo; Fernando Rodriguez; Linard Noel Breland Ray Harper; Jose L. Cantu; Jorge Garza; and Pedro M. Ybarra. Deacons Breland and Bolaños are still active in ministry. The program changed in the mid 1980s with the arrival of Bishop Rene Gracida and with

the revised set of guidelines published by the USCCB in 1984. Bishop Gracida created the Pastoral Institute for ministry formation, which offered classes for laity and deacon candidates. Candidates often traveled to different parts of the diocese to take their required academics while coming together for diaconate practicums and retreats at one central location. The 1984 publication by the USCCB was again only a guideline used by the local ordinary to build their programs. This created a vast system of differing formation programs throughout the country. Time of formation and content differed vastly from diocese to diocese. Some dioceses clung to the two-years model, while others— including the Diocese of Corpus Christi—began developing three to four year programs. By the mid-1990s, all programs in the United States had to be uniform. In early 2000, the Diocese of Corpus Christi began to restructure its program based on the new National Directory, which was in the final stages of being approved. The year 2003 marked the beginning of the revamped program. The new program, which is still in use today, is a five-year commitment from beginning to ordination. The entire process contains three separate paths with each path having several dimensions. The paths consist of: inquiry/discernment for one year; aspirancy for one year; and candidacy for three years. Each path contains the following “dimensions”: human; spiritual; pastoral; academic; and diaconal. Prior to entering the first path of inquiry/discernment, the prospective aspirants must have a pastor recommendation on file. They must also be up to date on the CMSE certification and criminal background clearance. The final selection of any aspirant or August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 9

†† VOCATIONS

Deacon Michael Mantz is the Director for the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

Diaconate program is 40-years-old and going strong

†† VOCATIONS

candidate to move forward is the province of the bishop, with input from his formation team. Bishop Michael Mulvey has been a very “hands-on” shepherd in conjunction with the selection and formation of diaconate candidates. Bishop Mulvey has infused his energy and organizational skills into the program, which has helped it to grow and produce some excellent deacons. The bishop always takes time to interview the men and their wives several times during the course of their formation. The most important task for a director and the formation team is to schedule regular meetings with the aspirant/candidate to stay informed about his progress and to collaborate to address any concerns. If an aspirant/ candidate does not possess the necessary human, spiritual, intellectual or pastoral qualities that will allow him to minister as a deacon in a collaborative and effective way, it is paramount that this be communicated to him as early as possible. This is for his good as an individual and for the good of the Church. This must be done in a constructive manner. Aspirants/candidates who lack the qualities for continuing in the formation process should not be given false hopes and illusions that could damage them, their families, their peers or the Church. Questions that any formation program should ask are: Can the candidate do that which the training is preparing him to do? Does he show an integrated and

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balanced sense of ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council? Does he understand his role in the Church and in its mission of service? Does participation in liturgical ministry give evidence of liturgical knowledge and cultural sensitivity? Having consulted with the formation team and those responsible for their formation, the bishop will select those to be admitted to a specific ministry and those to be called to ordination. As can be evidenced, the formation of permanent deacons is serious business. It is not something that simply happens over a weekend retreat or because someone “thinks” that someone should be a deacon. The diaconate is an authentic calling by the Holy Spirit through the authority of the Church. Men who are called to be deacons usually come from a parish community where they have already shown their attribute for ministry and service. Men should already be active servants and if they are married, should have a valid and healthy sacramental marriage that is representative of the dignity of marriage and of the family unit. The Diocese of Corpus Christi currently has 18 men enrolled in the diaconate program. These men have already gone through inquiry/discernment and aspirancy.

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†† VOCATIONS

Father Romeo Salinas is new vocation director Luisa Buttler Correspondent

ather Romeo Salinas, appointed by Bishop Michael Mulvey as the new Vocation Director for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, says he wants to continue “to develop a culture of vocations…not just for the person being called by God, but for their families too.” He said families are not spending enough time in prayer, so his goal is to help promote prayer and living the Commandments. “In that environment, you are better able to hear your vocation,” Father Salinas said. Before this new assignment, Father Salinas—who grew up in Premont—was pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Kingsville for 15 years. His appointment became effective July 5. While his appointment came as a surprise to Father Salinas, he said he is “excited to work with our seminarians.” Father Salinas, 62, was ordained on June 24, 2000. By all accounts, he entered the priesthood later than the average priest. “I thought about becoming a priest when I was in high school, but I didn’t do anything with it,” Father Salinas said. “The calling stayed with me through the years.” After high school, Father Salinas graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station and became a CPA in the banking industry. It was on a vacation to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris that his path to the priesthood became clear. “It was after Mass at Notre Dame,” Father Salinas said. “I went up to the altar, knelt down and said ‘Blessed Mother, if

you want me to be a priest, let it happen’ and just like that, all the doors opened up for me.” Father Salinas is excited about his new role as Vocation Director, and he spent the first three days on the job meeting the Father Romeo local seminarians. Salinas “When I found out about my new assignment, I immediately started praying for the seminarians,” he said. “It’s amazing how prayer works.” Father Salinas said the Office of Vocations exists to help the faithful to become aware of their vocation to holiness and to respond to God’s plan in living out that call. “The goals of the office are threefold: to help all of us who make up the Diocese of Corpus Christi understand that we have a common vocation, or calling, from God to be holy; to promote the ordained life and religious life by planting seeds and ensuring the planting of seeds in people who are discerning the call of God; and to help men who have discerned God’s call to enter the seminary by engaging them in the application process to become a seminarian and work closely with the seminarians during the years of formation,” Father Salinas said. Father Salinas says there is a definite

need for more priests. On average, two men from the Diocese of Corpus Christi enter seminary each year, however, not all of them graduate. “Sometimes a man will decide that he is no longer being called to the priesthood, and instead, he realizes he is being called to married life,” Father Salinas said. “In that case, nobody gets hurt, there are no bad feelings, because that man takes everything learned in seminary to his married life and his family life.” Father Salinas issued a petition to all parishes to form prayer teams especially for vocations. The teams can be made of couples in the parish, the deacon or other interested parties, and the goal is to pray specifically for vocations and to spread the seed of vocations to religious education classes. “It’s not that God isn’t calling men to the priesthood, it’s that people aren’t able to hear him,” Father Salinas said. “In today’s world, there are so many distractions, like materialism, attachment to worldly things and lack of prayer.” Father Salinas stresses that it does not take a perfect person to be a priest, only someone who is willing to give 100 percent of themselves to God. “In baseball, it’s three strikes and you’re out, but with Jesus, we can always start brand new,” Father Salinas said. To learn more about vocations, visit ccpriest.org or call (361) 882-9191. The Vocations Office has recently relocated from the grounds of St. John Paul II High School to the Chancery.

August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 11

† VIDA CATÓLICA Delegados de varios grupos de cursillos en la diócesis de Corpus†Christi se reunieron en la parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Alice.

Luisa Scolari para el South Texas Catholic

Movimiento espiritual de Cur Luisa Scolari

E Corresponsal

l martes 27 de junio, Judy Martínez impartió a la ultreya interparroquial del grupo de Cursillos una platica con el tema de la Eucaristía. Se llevo acabo en el salón parroquial de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Alice. Cada ultreya se reúne una vez por semana en su parroquia pero a través del año tienen seis reuniones interparroquiales iniciando el mes de abril en la parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús en Mathis. El mes de mayo le corresponde a la parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Odem, el mes de junio en la parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Alice y el de julio en la parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús en Sinton. En agosto se llevara acabo en la parroquia de St. Joseph en Alice y por ultimo el mes de septiembre le corresponde a la parroquia de St. James en Beeville. El Movimiento de Cursillos en la Diócesis de Corpus Christi esta dirigido por un comité directivo que incluye a las escuelas de español y la de ingles. Cada escuela esta representada por un 12 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

coordinador, un pre cursillo, un cursillo, un pos cursillo, un secretario, un tesorero y un director espiritual. Estos delegados, de la escuela de ingles y de español, son elegidos por votación. Una vez al mes tienen junta el secretariado de las dos escuelas para discutir los planes y necesidades de cada escuela y el secretariado es quien aprueba o desaprueba los planes de cada escuela. Se hace un calendario cada dos anos en donde cada escuela escoge las fechas para sus cursillos y organizarse de manera de no interferir una con la otra. Cada escuela sesionan todos los martes en el centro de cursillos excepto el ultimo Manuel Rangel, martes de cada mes que es cuando se tie- coordinador de la nen las ultreyas interparroquiales en las que escuela en español participan todas las ultreyas de la diócesis. en la diócesis.

†† VIDA CATÓLICA

rsillos activo en la diócesis En estas sesiones se dan anuncios y atienden temas relacionados con la impartición de retiros, cursillos y talleres. Anualmente se organizan dos retiros para mujeres y dos para hombres en el centro de cursillos ubicado en el 1200 de la calle Lantana en Corpus Christi. El primer jueves de cada mes tienen la hora apostólica que la comienzan leyendo una reflexión del libro “la hora apostólica”, sobre la que se hace una meditación y posteriormente el sacerdote expone el Santísimo. Ultreya era un saludo utilizado entre los peregrinos del camino de Santiago de Compostela, España para animarse unos a otros en sus jornadas de pie, caballo o bicicleta. Significa moverse mas allá, sigue, continua, adelante. Por lo tanto, ultreya es un aliento para seguir adelante, el mejor apoyo y medio para alimentar la llama del cursillo. Los cursillistas tienen un saludo característico: “¿Como estas? ¡de colores”!? que tiene su origen en la analogía que hacen de que a través de un vidrio limpio, los rayos del sol lo atraviesan

descomponiéndose en un arcoíris, lo que representa que cuando el alma esta limpia, la gracia de Dios penetra y la persona se llena de colores. Por eso tienen como himno la canción de colores con algunas variaciones en la letra. Cada retiro de cursillo tiene un coordinador, quien es responsable de escoger al equipo que lo ha de apoyar compuesto de rollistas y auxiliareis. Los rollistas son las personas encargadas de impartir las platicas o rollos, pueden ser laicos, sacerdotes y diáconos. Por lo regular el director espiritual esta presente durante los tres días que dura el cursillo. Manuel Rangel, quien actualmente funge como coordinador de la escuela de español, compartió su experiencia de haber María Castillo, coordinadora del pos vivido el cursillo. “Impacto mi vida en muchas formas, cursillo en la diócesis. August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 13

†† VIDA CATÓLICA

pero principalmente en la relación con mi familia, pues desde y esa piedra dura que el hombre no pudo que viví el cursillo, vivo las cosas de una manera muy diferente”, romper, Cristo la quebró. Rangel dijo. “No dejo de dar gracias a Dios por esta oportunidad. “He aprendido que cuando pongo a Yo viví el cursillo del 15 al 18 de Febrero de 1989, estando recién Dios primero, los obstáculos mas duros casado, antes de tener a nuestros hijos y he tratado de inculcar en de vencer se hacen mas suaves y se que en ellos todos los valores que el cursillo me ha ensenado. Gracias a mi comunidad, puedo ser testimonio de Dios he podido ver el fruto que el cursillo a dado en mi y en mi esto a través de mis acciones, que darán familia. Antes vivía de fiesta, con amigos, tomando cerveza, con frutos y estos a su vez darán mas frutos. cosas del mundo, pero después del cursillo cambie mis amistades El cursillo es un movimiento espiritual y ahora convivimos sanamente compartiendo la gracia de Dios. por eso cuando convivimos y nos unimos Hemos pasado por problemas y situaciones difíciles pero gracias en oración, nos acompañamos en este a las oraciones de todos los compañeros y por la gracia de Dios crecimiento que nos alimenta espiritualPadre Ángel hemos podido salir adelante y al servicio de Dios a través del mente y nos hace ver las necesidades del Montana, líder cursillo”. prójimo”. espiritual del Cursillo Rangel a sido director de la escuela de español en la diócesis El Padre Montana también compartió en la diócesis. por cuatro anos, con el apoyo de María Castillo como pos cursillo su experiencia como director espiritual y el Padre Ángel Montana como líder espiritual. de los cursillos. Castillo también comento como el “Es un movimiento que beneficia a cursillo impacto su vida. la comunidad católica cuya misión es To see go to:vaya a: Para vermore másphotos fotos ofdethis esteevent evento “Cambio mi vida espiritual, fue un cristianizar los ambientes, llegando a nuevo renacer que hizo que me conodonde los sacerdotes no podemos llegar South Texas ciera de una manera mas profunda, ya como la casa, el trabajo, etc. Durante que lo que el hombre no puede camel Concilio Vaticano Segundo se vio la biar, Cristo lo cambia,” Castillo dijo. importancia de llevar la vida parroquial SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI “Aprendí a expresarme y no tener miedo a los ambientes, que la Iglesia tiene que de hablar de Dios. Al cambiarme a mi, salir a los ambientes para evangelizar”, Southtexascatholic.com/news/cursillos hizo que también mi esposo cambiara el sacerdote dijo.

Catholic

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.

“Con Permiso”

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

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 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 14 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

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

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Pregnancy Center in Portland saving lives

Bishop Mulvey blesses Portland clinic while Beverly Moore looks on. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

Mary Cottingham

South Texas Catholic

o celebrate their one-year in existence and the receipt of a new ultrasound machine, Bishop Michael Mulvey bestowed a blessing on the Pregnancy Center of the Coastal Bend in Portland on June 23. In addition to the new ultrasound machine donated by the Knights of Columbus, the center also has a clinic, a baby store and counseling rooms. After the blessing, the bishop told clients, staff, volunteers and supporters in attendance that he supported the preservation of life. “Life is a gift from God, and only from God, and if there is anyway to preserve it and to encourage others to choose life, I’m here to support that,” Bishop Mulvey said. The bishop thanked the Knights of Columbus in San

Patricio County and across the country for making it possible for the center to have an ultrasound machine, “so that young women can see the life that’s inside of them and embrace that life.” The fourth degree Knights were challenged at the national level to raise half the money and the Supreme Council matched it. According to Esmie Fisher, a staff member and registered nurse, the pregnancy center does more than just give women a pregnancy test; they help them get to the next gestational age to determine how far along the mothers are in their pregnancy. “We give them all kinds of resources; we point them in the direction of doctors, help them with WIC (supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children), we get them housing, we have a ton of resources,” she said. “We have a program called ‘Earn While You August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 15

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Elizabeth Nguyen, Director of the Office of Laity, Family and Life for the Diocese of Corpus Christi holds a model of Baby Eve as Jana Pinson (not pictured) explains that the model is medically accurate to the shape, size and weight of an unborn baby 20 weeks after conception. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

Learn’. They (the mothers) come in weekly and watch these wonderful educational videos and they earn points and those points get them the material things like baby clothes.” The center was stocked with all sizes of baby clothes and accessories donated by churches in the Portland community, including Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. The Christian radio station 91.7 KBNJ is also a generous donor to the clinic. The staff agree that the most rewarding part of their job is seeing anxiety and fear turn into joy and relief on the faces of mothers who have chosen life or the grateful couple–unable to have a child of their own–adopt twins from a mother who had once walked through their doors. “We try to fight for them to choose life,” Fisher said. “There is no judgment or condemnation here, but if the staff is unable to talk the mothers out of having an abortion, we walk them through post abortion healing. We have a counselor. We talk to them about Jesus Christ’s forgiveness.” The Pregnancy Center of the Coastal Bend has another office in Corpus Christi, which has been open for the past 26 years, but they are looking to expand that office, because space is limited. They received an ultrasound machine six years ago and according to Executive Director Jana Pinson it makes a big difference in the mother’s choice for life. The office is located on 4730 Everhart Road. “Some of our volunteers have had an abortion and want to make a positive difference by changing something horrible into something good,” Pinson said. Fifty employees and volunteers, including nine registered nurses, staff the centers. They provide confidential, cost-free services, which include information on the risks of abortion, adoption agency referrals, adoption information, maternity and infant supplies, medical referrals, parenting education, post-abortion support, pregnancy options information, pregnancy tests, STD/STI information, support for men and the on-site ultrasound machine. From June 2016-May 2017 the centers saved 262 babies who were abortion-vulnerable. “Thirty of them were here in Portland,” Pinson said. “God does most of the work. God showing up and people praying. We love what we do.” “We’ve had a couple of girls come in and say ‘an abortion clinic told me about you,’ so rather than drive to Houston or San Antonio for an abortion they come to us for a free ultrasound to find out if its a viable pregnancy,” Pinson said. “We tell them if it has a heartbeat, then we measure it and tell them how far along they are. Then we get this chance to try to save her and try to save her baby.” Beverly Moore, employed by State Representative J.M. Lozano, 16 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

said he allows her to take off on Fridays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to volunteer at the center. “What I love about this place is that we are all of different faiths and go to different churches, we all love God and we all want the best for all of these moms, dads and babies and we all work together,” Moore said. “It’s just beautiful.” The staff prays for each one of the moms who choose abortion. They pray that God uses their experience, so that one day they come back and become a volunteer, because only they will understand the pain of abortion. “We make mistakes in life, it’s heartbreaking, but God uses this,” Pinson said. The clinic has a peer counselor who walks clients through the steps to heal. When they host a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat they have a licensed counselor available. During the blessing Bishop Mulvey prayed for the center and staff, “Grant that in this place–this pregnancy center–that those young women and men will come here with their child and meet those who are here to assist them and that they may find loving and tender care here. May they come and be restored in spirit and in body and choose the life that is within them.”

seemore more photos go to: ToTosee photosofofthis thisevent event go to South Texas

Catholic

SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

Southtexascatholic.com/news/PCCBblessing

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Catholic Charities counseling

brings balance, light Beth Wilson

D Correspondent

ifficult times often bring people to their knees. The light seems to dim. The troubles mount. Faith and feelings of self-worth disappear. And then a ray of hope comes in. For many, this is in the form of counseling from Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi. It is one of the many services offered by the organization, which is a part of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Olivia has come for counseling at Catholic Charities off and on over the last eight years. A woman nearing her 50s, she has chosen to be identified as Olivia to keep confidential the types of issues she discusses in her counseling sessions. “Life has a way of throwing a wrench at you that you’re not prepared for,” she said. “At one of my most dire moments, when I was at my lowest, I was visiting with a Catholic priest and he suggested I meet with Gloria at Catholic Charities,” Olivia said. Gloria H. Garcia, a licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist, has been with Catholic Charities about 25 years. They set up a meeting, and Olivia’s healing journey began. “Through my counseling with Gloria,” Olivia said, “I regained my faith, my self-esteem…for me it’s helped me balance my life, helped me look at life with a different lens.” Garcia explains this idea of balance; you have the external realm with your job, your friends and family. Then you have your internal realm, your mind, body and spirit. The counseling is solutions-based, and designed to be as brief as needed, Garcia said. Clients come in hurting, she guides them with what she calls reality testing. “You may be feeling worthless,” she said, “but are you really? Absolutely not. You think it sometimes because of losses but is it true? No.” As she talks with clients, she lets them know they are normal, but the situations they are in may not be. She helps them process feelings and reactions, and helps them pick up the pieces. She conducts cognitive behavior therapy, with reality framing, talking with clients to help them move forward, reflect and deal with past traumas or experiences. Relationship loss is a common issue. With that, she helps clients remember there was life before and, yes, there will be life after. She helps them to see that light at the end of the tunnel, to focus on what to do with that time through the tunnel. She uses a road trip to illustrate those dark times, recalling a trip through Mathis, when the clouds covered the sun, rain fell fast, making it hard to see the road. She begged her husband to pull over, to stop. But he knew they had to keep going to get out of it, and they went slowly and safely through.

Gloria Garcia, a licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist, has been helping clients at Catholic Charities for 25 years. Beth Wilson for South Texas Catholic

“It’s like that with the dark spots in our lives,” she said. “We can get stuck and dwell or we have to keep moving forward. It’s not easy.” Catholic Charities counseling is, well, Catholic, but not in a sense that each session talks about the tenants of the Church or religion. Many clients already have a strong spiritual base with church and prayer in use already as coping mechanisms. Others have close relatives with that strong spiritual connection. For Olivia, the Catholic part helped frame her counseling sessions. August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 17

“It’s soul-searching to find peace,” she said. “It’s not that I’m kooky and gonna put my feet up and get fixed.” She clearly remembers one time when in a deep session, in the organization’s former location, which was next door to Sacred Heart Church. “I was thinking there’s no way I’m going to make it, and then out of the clear blue sky, the church bells would ring next door,” she said. “Call it what you will, but for me it was a sign–that it might not be today, it might not be tomorrow, but I was going to be OK.” Catholic Charities’ counseling program sees about 1,100 people a year, Garcia said. She also regularly offers counseling at the Mother Theresa Shelter. The initial session is $20 and each appointment is up to $65 with clients paying based on the size of their family and income. “We are very flexible, and we won’t turn people away,” Garcia said. A stigma about going to therapy still exists, but Garcia reminds her clients that people who seek out counseling are not crazy. They simply want to grow and recognize a problem, to speak confidentially with someone who can help them. “It takes more courage to come then to not come,” she said.

Seek counseling when you are: • experiencing feelings of resentment beginning within a relationship; • having the same arguments over and over; • withdrawing from your social interactions, • sleeping all the time, or noticing appetite changes (these can be signs of depression); • suffering from panic attacks; or • having emotions interfere with your normal daily activities.

Rosary Fest 2017 and mission slated for Oct. 3-6 All Marian devotees are invited to participate in the Rosary Fest and three-day mission on Oct. 3-5, beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by Rosary Fest 2017 on Oct. 6 at 5 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church located at 1123 Main Drive in Corpus Christi. Each night of the mission program will begin with Rosary, Mass, followed by a talk with Father Pedro T. Elizardo, Jr. On Friday, Oct. 6, there will be a rosary procession at 5 p.m., followed by Mass with Father James Stembler, Vicar General. The rosaries will be for needs of the Church, for conversion of sinners, for vocations and for priests and religious. Prayers will also be offered for special intentions, world peace and harmony, the end of abortions, for souls in Purgatory and more. Send petitions, prayer requests and donations to the parish office. For more information and to participate, call (361) 241-2004.

Individual and Family Counseling at

Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi

(361) 884-0651

by appointment https://catholiccharities-cc.org/counseling Initial session is $20. Clients pay based on the size of their family and income.

The Family & Individual Counseling Department has been Generously Adopted By

RENEE COOPER DONNA & BOBBY GOUGH LU ANN & DONALD KINGSBURY AND A FRIEND OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES

18 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

SOLT sisters receive SOAR! Grant The board of directors for SOAR!—Support Our Aging Religious—approved $1.2 million in grants to assist aging Catholic sisters, brothers and priests. These grants fund immediate needs to support them in retirement. Among the recipients was the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity in Corpus Christi. The SOLT sisters received a grant to install automatic doors. Grants will be distributed to 70 Catholic religious congregations of men and women in 18 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico; they will benefit 3,573 men and women religious whose average age is 77. The grants total $1,201,500. The grants assist religious communities in caring for their senior members. Grants cover expenses for basic needs such as handrails, hospital beds and emergency call systems.

†† NEWS BRIEFS

38 teens complete ACTS retreat at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Thirty-eight teens at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Portland completed a teen’s ACTS retreat on June 15-18 with pastor Msgr. Mark Chamberlin serving as spiritual director. Deacon Robert Rosales assisted Msgr. Chamberlain. Retreat participants included Allison Acuna, Ashley Arteaga, Miranda Cortez, Nick Duran, McKenzie Estrada, Troy

Eubanks, Randy Garcia, Ryan Garcia, Jordan Garza, Alex Gonzales, Jeremiah Guerra, Jazel Gutierrez, Julie Hernandez, Maggie Hoffman, Danelia Jimenez, Xavier Jimenez, Amanda Laughlin, Cameron Loudon, Kimi Manville, Clay Monyelle, Destiny Morales, Luke Ochoa, Isaiah Palacios, Gabriel Pena, Brandon Perez, Devin Perez, Brianna Rodriguez, Jaden Rowe,

Mia Sacky, Juston Sanchez, Thomas Solis, Katherine Strain, Olivia Trevino, Alex Trujillo, Anabella Villarreal, Mario Villarreal and Riley Zipprian. Kim Polasek directed the retreat and Cindy Martinez and Matthew Perales served as adult assistants. Grace Nohavitza served as teen’s director, and was assisted by Samuel Guzman and Sheridan Steen.

Group promotes the Brown Scapular and Our Lady of Fatima’s message to the world Parishioners from St. Joseph Church and members of Helpers of God’s Precious Infants exceeded their goal by making more than 150 scapulars for those who enrolled to receive scapulars during July 16 Masses held at St. Joseph Church on the feast day of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Fourteen people brought sewing machines, scissors and irons and began making scapulars beginning at 10 a.m. on July 5 and

were done by 2 p.m. that same day. “It’s not a lucky charm, it’s a sacramental. An important one that we need to encourage,” said Sharon Longoria, member of the group Helpers of God’s Precious Infants. To help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima by making scapulars for your parish call Longoria at (361) 960-6050.

August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 19

20â&#x20AC;&#x201A; South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 21

†† PARISH LIFE

St. Paul the

begins next half cen Rebecca Esparza

Correspondent

arishioners at St. Paul the Apostle in the Flour Bluff area of Corpus Christi celebrated the 50th anniversary of the parish on June 29 with a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Mulvey. The Mass was also the unveiling of major renovations to the church, including new pews, sound system, flooring and projectors. Established by Bishop Thomas Drury on June 29, 1967, St. Paul’s first pastor was Msgr. Robert Freeman. When Msgr. Freeman first arrived in Flour Bluff, there was no church, rectory or property. Services were first held in the old Tropic Isles Club apartments until a church could be built. Over the course of the next decade, parishioners built a church, parish hall, rectory and classrooms for faith formation. Under the direction of the parish’s second pastor, Father Mark Chamberlin, part of the church’s land was given to the Religious Parishioners at St. Paul the apostle removed all the old pews to make room for new ones. Their Missionaries of St. Dominic for a convent. involvement saved the parish thousands of dollars and brought the renovations within budget. Today, the land is home to Our Lady of the Rick Marcantonio for South Texas Catholic Rosary Catholic School. Rick Marcantonio, volunteer plant operations manager at St. Paul, said the recent renovations were extensive, but would have been nearly impossible without the assis- allows them to remain silent while they are see so many renovations. tance from parishioners. used during Mass, minimizing distractions. “Everything looks beautiful and I was “Over 50 volunteers removed all the old The pews are made from European beech impressed at how quickly it was done. I pews and carpet from the church in about wood. think the pews in particular needed to be one hour. The company we purchased the “It was truly a community effort. All replaced, so I was pleased to see all of these new pews from sent one worker to deliver our parish organizations assisted, from the renovations, especially just in time to celethe pews, as well as show us how to assemble Catholic Daughters, Altar and Rose Society, brate the 50th anniversary of our church,” them,” he said. Boy Scouts and the Knights of Columbus,” she said. Marcantonio, who is retired from the he said. Father Peter Martinez, pastor at St. Paul U.S. Navy, said the church saved about After the celebration Mass, parishioners during the renovations but who now serves $3,500 in labor since volunteers removed and celebrants gathered in the parish hall for as president of both St. John Paul II High the pews and carpet, instead of paid workers. a banquet dinner. Velma Roos, 83, a parish- School and Bishop Garriga Middle PreThe kneelers have a unique feature, which ioner at St. Paul since 1985, was excited to paratory School, said he was proud how 22 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

ntury with facelift

New pews at St. Paul the Apostle are part of an extensive renovation project undertaken by parishioners as part of their celebration of the 50th jubilee of the parish. Father Joseph Nguyen for South Texas Catholic

parishioners banded together for a wonderful cause. “All of our renovations have been completely paid for because in just five months, our parishioners were able to raise $150,000,” Father Martinez said. “We had big donations and small donations. Each one helped us reach our goal.” During his homily to parishioners, Bishop Mulvey called on the faithful to rely on the power of prayer for any difficult situation, just as St. Paul did. “Despite any disappointments, St. Paul

knew it was all about giving it over to God, saying, ‘I have competed well. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.’ That is a summation of our lives…that we compete well and live our faith in the midst of adversities and difficulties, in the midst of people who challenge our faith,” Bishop Mulvey said. “Paul faced all of that, but he never, ever gave up. He lived well.” Bishop Mulvey also noted Father Martinez was at the end of his assignment at St. Paul, thanking him for his dedication. “We thank God today not only for this

beautiful building, but also for 50 wonderful years serving our community. Thanks to Father Peter for this project he was able to work on with you all, before leaving for his next adventure,” Bishop Mulvey said. “And I also want to thank him for his six faithful years with you all here at St. Paul. Please give Father Joseph Nguyen a warm welcome and keep him in your prayers.” Father Nguyen, the new parochial administrator at St. Paul the Apostle, is poised to begin to lead the parish as it begins its next half century of service.

August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 23

†† PARISH LIFE

e Apostle

†† PARISH LIFE

St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles

celebrates 50 years Mary Cottingham

South Texas Catholic

ishop Michael Mulvey said the church families at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, have been on a pilgrimage for 50 years. “There have been many ups and downs, joys and sorrows. As families go through life, things happen that are unexpected–when we take all of that as a pilgrim the one word that resounds in our hearts is thank you, because the Lord tries and tests those he loves, those that the Lord God is trying to form,” the bishop said. The bishop’s homily at the Jubilee Mass

of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles on June 25 hit close to home with members of the congregation who were in attendance that day; those who remember celebrating baptisms, confirmations, marriages and the jovial parties afterwards. It touched a chord, especially with those who had to face the greatest hardship of all–losing a child or loved one– and found comfort and solace in the arms of the parish community. Parishioner Gracie Garcia donated the Processional Cross in honor of her daughter, Mari, who died of double kidney

24 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

failure last year. Charter parish members, Dan and Claudia Menn and Allen and Royce Poche, remember a time before their church was built when Msgr. William Kelly did house calls for baptisms. He celebrated Mass in the chapel at Clifford-Jackson Funeral Home, then in a county building and later in the cafeteria at Annaville Elementary School. Afterwards, they built a temporary building called St. William Hall, which served as a CCD building, a parish hall and a sanctuary. They had a New Year’s Eve dance and set-up the chairs for Mass

†† PARISH LIFE

St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Parish is celebrating their 50th jubilee this year. On June 24, parishioners enjoyed outdoor festivities, followed by Mass and a dinner reception on June 25. Ruben Galabeas for South Texas Catholic

the next day. “It’s been a lot of good for 50 years. What I remember most was, every year we had the church bazaars, cook-offs and barbecues and we always had a hayride. Oh man, we had so much fun,” Claudia Menn said. “For the first 10 years everybody knew everybody and all of our kids went to the same schools,” Claudia Menn said. “We’ve watched a lot of them go up to the Lord, but we’re hanging in here.” Other charter members who were present for the Jubilee celebration on Sunday were Dan Menn’s sister, Joella Menn, George and Anna Pesek, Margaret Mikush, Evelyn Martini, John and Margaret Matocha, Paul Hickey, Dan Byerly and Louis Hoelscher. The idea for another parish in the Annaville area had its beginnings in 1965 with a discussion between the late Bishop Adolph Marx, then Vicar-Capitular of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, and Father Patrick Higgins who was pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish in Violet on the need for another church in the Annaville area. Negotiations were initiated with the Kocurek family for the purchase of 10 acres for the future

site of the parish. After the purchase was finalized, plans began to be made with the community for the building of a church. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 29, 1967 on the Feasts of Saints Peter and Paul, universal patrons of the Church. Mass was held in the Annaville school cafeteria with the groundbreaking immediately following and Bishop Thomas Drury blessing the site. Bishop Drury appointed Msgr. Kelly to be the first pastor of the parish on September 1967. The pastors who followed in his stead were Father John Killeen, Father Matthew Lyng, Father Louis Joseph, Father Morgan Rowsome, Msgr. Michael Heras and now Father Emilio Jimenez. After the Mass Father Jimenez thanked Bishop Mulvey for celebrating with the parish family and for assigning him to St. Peter’s. “It’s a beautiful community–people who are deeply in love with their church, a faith-filled community, humble, sincere and hardworking,” Father Jimenez said. Father Jimenez spoke of renewal and St. Peter’s new mission statement which reads, “St. Peter,

Father Emilio Jimenez

Marianne Tajchman

August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 25

†† PARISH LIFE

“We are the clay and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hands.”(Isaiah 64:7) Mold us to be a welcoming people. Form us to be a prayerful community. Shape our hearts in generous love to be a reflection of your mercy. In the spirit of St. Peter may we joyfully proclaim the Gospel by our lives of loving service to all. Amen." – Prayer developed by Father Jimenez and the pastoral council of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostle for their jubilee year.

Joella Menn, a parishioner and charter member of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles dons a t-shirt designed by Judy Griffin for the jubilee year celebration. Ruben Galabeas for South Texas Catholic

Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church is a welcoming community dedicated to promoting a devout life of prayer and teaching

the Gospel of Jesus Christ through living the sacraments in a spirit of generous service.” “We will put up a banner for everyone to see as they come into the church. It is to renew our identity as being a community that is open and welcoming to receive people from the outside and welcome them in the life of the church,” he said. “We asked input from the community on what our most positive qualities are–and we have developed a parish prayer.” Marianne Tajchman, president of the pastoral council who headed the committee for this year’s celebration, said Judy Griffin designed t-shirts for the jubilee. The parish held a design contest and one of the criteria was to base the design on the new parish mission statement. “She (Griffin) incorporated everyone who is in our parish. That’s who we are. She put kids, she put a wheel chair, the elderly–out of all the designs it seemed to be the homey one,” Tajchman said. “It was the one that seemed to fit.” The Tajchman family has been parishioners for 40 years. Tajchman thanked

26 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

the pastoral council and Diana Cantu, and Paul Hickey, who helped make the Jubilee year memorable. “We’ve always been friends, but this has really brought us together and we really worked hard,” she said. “There were only 80 families when the parish began 50 years ago–now we have grown to 1,700 families and we’re not through celebrating,” Tajchman said. “We are going to end with our Ministries Day celebration in October.” Parishioners have seen many changes over the past 50 years: new buildings have been erected; people have come and gone; but the one constant has remained–God is forming them in their journey as pilgrims at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles.

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†† NATIONAL NEWS

Bishops ask nation to do more for refugees

Catholic News Agency

ith the United States government’s cap on refugees having been reached for the year, the nation’s bishops have issued a plea to the Trump administration to increase the limit in a time of a global refugee crisis. “Now, these vulnerable populations will not be able to access needed protection and will continue to face danger and exploitation,” Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin said on July 14. “Pope Francis reminds us that ‘refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity.’ We must be mindful that every refugee is more than just a number, they are a child of God.” Speaking in his role as chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, Bishop Vasquez said he reacted with sadness to the news that the new refugee admissions cap of 50,000 people had been reached for this year. “While certain refugees who have ‘bona fide relationships’ will still be allowed to arrive, I remain deeply concerned about the human consequences

of this limitation and its impact on vulnerable refugees such as unaccompanied refugee children, elderly and infirm refugees and religious minorities,” the bishop said. The bishops’ conference added that this year’s cap was “historically low.” Bishop Vasquez urged the cap for the next fiscal year to be increased to 75,000 individuals. In March 2017, Bishop Vasquez and the U.S. bishops criticized an executive order of President Donald Trump that reduced the numbers of refugees allowed

As United States hits refugee cap, bishops ask the Trump administration to do more. Catholic News Agency 28 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

to resettle in the U.S. to 50,000 from 110,000 per year. “We firmly believe that as a nation the United States has the goodwill, character, leadership and resources to help more vulnerable people seek refuge,” Bishop Vasquez said. He voiced the Catholic Church’s continued willingness to serve refugees and show solidarity with them. He said the Church would welcome and accompany them “on their journey to protection and safety.” There are about 22.5 million refugees seeking protection around the world.

†† NATIONAL NEWS

Cardinal Wuerl of Washington DC said, despite not having grown up with social media, bishops need to play a more active role in that medium. He said the Church needs to be part of the conversation. Kim Daniels for Catholic News Agency

Bishops have ‘obligation to sanctify social media’ Adelaide Mena

Catholic News Agency

he Catholic Church may be thousands of years old, but its bishops are rapidly adjusting to the demands of 21st-century communication. If the Church is to effectively evangelize in the modern world, a group of bishops argue, its leaders must be engaged online—but in the right way. What is most important is for Catholics engaging online, particularly priests and bishops, is to be sure to bring Christ with them online, said Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas. “If we aren’t talking about the Gospel and what Jesus said today, then all the other stuff is going to be simply polemical, and our young people are tired of polemics,” he said during a panel

discussion. Young people, he added, want to know what Jesus has to say about the various issues and discussions happening online. “I think, actually, we have kind of an obligation to sanctify social media,” the bishop said. Bishop Flores spoke on social media use at a press conference during the “Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America” event on July 2 in Orlando, Florida. Joining him in the press conference were Hosffman Ospino, associate professor of theology and religious education at Boston College; Archbishop Wilton Daniel Gregory of Atlanta; and Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, D.C. The Diocese of Corpus Christi uses a number of Facebook August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 29

†† NATIONAL NEWS

pages, as well as Twitter, to communicate the Gospel message to the faithful. The diocese has its own Facebook page as does the diocesan magazine, the South Texas Catholic, the Youth Ministry, the Vocation Office and the Catholic Schools Office. The diocese, South Texas Catholic and Vocation Office also have Twitter accounts. Consultant and member of the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communication Kim Daniels also brought up the opportunity presented by social media in a July 3 speech at the convocation. In many ways, she said, social media is a modern “periphery” where many whose needs are overlooked gather together. “It’s clear that we need to engage people where they are, and the place where people are is social media on their own devices,” she said. “We know this is a great advantage for us to have this opportunity to reach out.” Daniels also said that the Church has millennia of experience in communicating and bringing people together that it can give to online spaces. “We know what it is to be a global interconnected network. We know that these kinds of communities need stability, and they need fidelity, and they need mercy, and relation and we can bring those gifts there,” Daniels said. For an example of these kinds of gifts being used in the Church today, Daniels said to look at Pope Francis as an “extraordinary communicator.” His enthusiasm, honesty, frank discussion and resistance to jargon make him effective at bringing the Gospel to the peripheries, even online, she said. “He brings something very substantive,” she said. Bishop Flores agreed with the need to bring substance and Christ to online spaces. “There’s one thing I do every day, and that’s that I will tweet out the Gospel of the day,” he said of his own personal Twitter use. “If there’s anything I want people to know about the bishop it’s that the first thing he does in the morning is tell you about something Jesus said in the Gospel, because that’s the context from which we have to speak. “Maybe you’re not going to get a lot of followers if you comment on the Gospel every day, but it has an effect,” he said. However, bishops and Catholics can use social media in other worthwhile ways, Bishop Flores stressed. “I have a Twitter and I probably have more fun with it than I should,” he said jokingly. He said that he often takes group pictures of his confirmation classes, and the confirmandi will share his photos online and discuss their confirmation. “It gives them a chance to say that they’re happy to be Catholic,” he said. The Diocese of Brownsville also helps high school students utilize social media to develop skills in journalism through the diocese’s Mobile Journalism Project. “We help get some mobile equipment for high school students who want to learn about journalism, because they’re out there everywhere,” Bishop Flores said. After the students take pictures or write stories, the diocesan communications office will share them and give feedback. “It helps them get the idea that they can do this,” he said of the program’s impact on students. Cardinal Wuerl also pointed to the need for bishops to play a more active role on social media, acknowledging the challenges it brings for those who did not grow up online. 30 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

“We need to be able to be a part of the conversation,” he said. “If the Church is not part of their conversations, we’re not speaking to them.” Ospino pointed out, however, that in many places in the country, this collaboration between generations is not the norm for social media use in the Church. He noted that there is a large “discrepancy” between people in leadership positions in the Church and those who are using the media constantly, with most lay leaders, priests and religious being in their mid 50s, 60s and 70s, respectively. “It is more than likely that these people are not tweeting day and night,” he said. Instead, he encouraged Catholic leaders to learn how young people are interacting with social media and the kinds of conversations they are having. Archbishop Gregory had a different warning. While he agreed that bishops and Catholics should use social media more effectively, he also worried that it has its limitations. “There is a great challenge though with social media and I think it’s that it emphasizes one-on-one relationships. It doesn’t provide the opportunity of a sense of belonging to a group larger than yourself,” he said. He noted that in his diocese, many young people will say that they do not need to attend Mass because they can watch Mass on their smart-phones, which runs counter to the Church’s understanding of Mass and the Church. The Diocese of Corpus Christi invites the faithful to like its Facebook pages and follow it on Twitter.

Mary Rezac

Catholic News Agency

n July 8, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in the Vatican issued a circular letter to bishops reiterating existing norms regarding the matter of the Eucharist, including the norm that Communion hosts must contain some amount of gluten to be valid matter for consecration.

By Saturday night, the letter had spread like wildfire with media outlets declaring, “Catholic Church bans celiacs from Communion!” But these were existing norms—there was no change, no announcement of new norms, nor banning of celiacs from the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Gluten-free hosts have always been invalid matter for the sacrifice of the Mass, meaning that Catholics with celiac disease have already grappled with other

options for Communion. Usually, such “reminder” letters are issued when someone, generally a bishop, has raised a question or has been alerted of a possible abuse of the norm. Still, the letter left lingering questions regarding people with celiac disease, or those with other serious allergies to wheat, and Communion. Here is what the Church has to say about going gluten free for Communion.

Why must a Communion host contain at least some gluten?

Wheat bread and wine of the grape are the matter of the sacrament of the Eucharist because Christ instituted the sacrament under these species. Moreover, Christ compared himself to a grain of wheat, and to the vine. At some point along the line the question of gluten arose, and whether the bread used for Holy Communion necessitated at least some gluten to be considered wheat bread that was valid matter for the sacrament. A July 2003 circular letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, noting

Someone affected by celiac disease may be able to receive special permission from their diocese to use low-gluten hosts. If they are unable to receive even a low-gluten host, they may receive Communion under the species of wine. Catholic News Agency August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 31

†† VATICAN

‘Fake news’ on gluten and Communion offers teachable moment

†† VATICAN

documents from the 1980s and 1990s, recalled, “Hosts that are completely gluten-free are invalid matter for the celebration of the Eucharist.” It added, “Low-gluten hosts (partially gluten-free) are valid matter, provided they contain a sufficient amount of gluten to obtain the confection of bread without the addition of foreign materials and without the use of procedures that would alter the nature of bread.” And in 2004 the Congregation for Divine Worship wrote in its instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum that “The bread used in the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharistic Sacrifice must be unleavened, purely of wheat, and recently made so that there is no danger of decomposition. It follows therefore that bread made from another substance, even if it is grain, or if it is mixed with another substance different from wheat to such an extent that it would not commonly be considered wheat bread, does not constitute valid matter for confecting the Sacrifice and the Eucharistic Sacrament.” That said the Church recognizes that it must not exclude from receiving Communion Catholics with celiac disease, and has made accommodation for those who are unable to consume normal bread.

Options celiacs have for Communion

A layperson affected by celiac disease that is unable to receive even gluten host may receive Communion under the species of wine only. They may also be able to receive special permission from their diocese to use low-gluten hosts. Father Joseph Faulkner, a priest of the diocese of Lincoln, was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2008. Already a priest, he had to receive special permission from his diocese to use low-gluten hosts in order to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass. Father Faulkner was surprised that the letter regarding communion norms exploded so quickly on Twitter, but he saw it as a teachable moment. The problem of gluten is especially pressing for priests, who must consume Communion under both species at a Mass, which they celebrate individually. For Father Faulkner, he has found that the best low-gluten hosts are made by the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri. The sisters’ website includes a page about proper storage and distribution of low-gluten hosts so as to avoid cross-contamination. While the hosts are not low-gluten enough to be considered gluten free (which is understood to be less than 20 parts per million), they are low enough to be approved by the Celiac Support Association, which has some of the most stringent guidelines available on what celiacs can safely consume, Father Faulkner said. “I throw up if I eat bread, but I consume eight to nine large, low gluten hosts per week, and have done that for nine years, and I don’t get sick from them,” he said. Father Faulkner said he recommended that any celiac wary of the low-gluten hosts obtain a few of them, unconsecrated, and try tiny particles to see if they are able to safely consume them. For celiacs who are unable to receive these low-gluten hosts, he said “the safest and most certain thing a person could do would be to ask to receive [consecrated wine] from a chalice other than the chalice that the priest uses, because the chalice of wine that the priest uses contains the frumentum—the little bit of Host dropped in during the Angus Dei. To avoid any cross-contamination, a separate chalice is necessary. “That’s the most certain way, and when you receive the [consecrated wine], you receive Jesus’ body, blood, soul and divinity, so you don’t have to worry about only receiving part of the sacrifice,” he said. 32 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

For those who are able to receive the low gluten hosts, traveling with a sleeve of unconsecrated hosts can be a way to ensure that they can receive Communion in different parishes, Father Faulkner said. “Just go up to the pastor and explain, ‘Hi, I’m a celiac, can I have one of these hosts consecrated on a separate paten’,” he said. “Because parishes want to be accommodating, but if they don’t have a celiac in their parish they’re probably not going to stock (low-gluten hosts) in their fridge.”

What it is like finding gluten-free Communion

Michelle De Groot is a layperson with celiac disease in the Diocese of Arlington. She said that for a long time, she would approach priests in the sacristy before Mass to ask them to consecrate a separate chalice of wine, so that she could safely receive without cross-contamination. “That was always kind of stressful because sometimes the priest would understand what I was talking about and sometimes not. And they didn’t always have a second chalice handy,” De Groot said. “So sometimes I’d just receive anyway from the cup with (the frumentum) and sometimes I’d make a spiritual communion instead,” she said. A spiritual communion is a uniting of oneself to the Sacrifice of the Mass through prayer, and can be made whether one is able to receive Communion or not. Then, De Groot found out about the low-gluten altar breads made by the Benedictine Sisters. After doing her research, she decided to try these hosts, since they are approved as celiac-safe. “I’ve never had any symptoms,” she said. De Groot says she also travels with her own supply of low-gluten hosts and a pyx (a small, round container for hosts) that allows her to receive Communion at parishes that may otherwise be unprepared. She said while her celiac diagnosis was an emotional one for her at first, it has allowed her to establish relationships with priests and Eucharistic ministers at her parish and other churches she frequents. “At my home (parish), it’s even not the end of the world if I’m running a few minutes late because they know me and my needs— whereas when I was first diagnosed, I had to get to church 15 minutes ahead to give time for the awkward explanations,” she said. “If anything, celiac has been good for me in terms of my relationship to my parishes—I’m not an isolated stranger there, I’m known!” Molly O’Connor is also a Catholic with celiac disease, who expressed similar frustrations with trying to make sure the Communion she received was both valid and safe. Having lived in six local Churches throughout the country, she said experiences varied widely from parish to parish. “I typically just receive the cup at Communion, and I try both to sit in a part of the church where Communion is distributed by a priest so I may receive a blessing and near a cup that doesn’t have part of the host in it. If that sounds complicated, it is!” she said. Traveling can be difficult, she said, as it can be hard to know whom to approach about receiving Communion. Parishes also often do not announce whether they have low-gluten hosts, or how low-gluten they are, and not all parishes are conscious about cross-contamination, she said. The U.S. Bishops issued a letter in 2012, updated in April 2016, regarding low-gluten and gluten-free communion options, as well as guidelines to avoid cross-contamination. O’Connor said the best situations have been when priests consecrate a separate chalice for her, and when parishes announce specifics about low-gluten or gluten-free options.

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†† OUR FAITH

Father Paul Hesse is pastor at St. Pius X Parish in Corpus Christi.

A Christian finds God to be a blessing Father Paul Hesse

F Contributor

or the past several weeks, I have been working on a personal goal, which is to trim down some of my weight. While I do not consider myself excessively overweight, I realized that I have a need to live a healthier lifestyle and to do some things that would improve my overall quality of life. By the same token, it would also enable me to be a more effective servant. So far, I have made some decent progress losing a few pounds and I notice the benefits. What precipitated this desire on my part? Well, I noticed an increased difficulty in doing something that priests always do—kneeling and genuflecting. I knew that when I was unable to do a complete genuflection, something was wrong. Unfortunately, one of the occupational hazards of a priestly vocation is food. This is particularly true at St. Pius X where opportunities for eating abound. So, with the help of my staff and a rigorous regimen of what foods I eat, I have embarked upon a new lifestyle that is paying off. It is not always easy, but I attribute my gains—or losses, as it may be—to God. This new lifestyle has not been quite as difficult as I anticipated. I do confess that there are moments when I would love to have pancakes drizzled with syrup or a batch of fresh French fries, but for the most part, I have not had too much craving for those things. I certainly have to credit God for my recent discipline in this regard. I could not do this without prayer. While changing eating habits can hardly be considered a major challenge or adversity, it nevertheless represents one of many struggles we face in life. Anyone who has lived any length of time on Earth knows that life can often be burdensome. There are lots of things that we have to do that we do not want to do. There are lots of situations that arise in our lives that really test our mettle. Sometimes, we feel overwhelmed or even oppressed by life’s burdens. Sometimes the burden is a health problem,

34 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

sometimes it is the loss of someone we love, sometimes it is a relationship problem and other times it is a work-related situation. There are innumerable things that can weigh heavily upon us. What I find interesting these days is that some people find belief in God to be burdensome. Increasingly, there are people who are turning away from God and religion. They are seeking liberation from what they see as an imposition on their will and personal freedom. They do not want the “restrictions” that religion places upon them or they resist the moral requirements that belief in God brings. They dismiss God as a figment of the imagination. By dismissing God, they dismiss the relevancy of any call to virtue that God may place on them. In the end, they feel that any kind of belief in God is too confining—that it obstructs freedom and creates a burden that is unnecessary to carry. Without knowing it, though, they are really subjecting themselves to greater isolation, deeper slavery to their own passions and increasing discontent. They have no clue that by alienating themselves from God and religion, they are ultimately creating a harsher reality for themselves and the world around them. A Christian, on the other hand, finds God to be a blessing. Rather than being an imposition or a burden, a true follower of Christ finds freedom and strength in God. God enables such a person to find a greater ability to grapple with the harsh aspects of life. Prayer and faith carries a believer through the turbulent seas of life and ultimately helps him or her to draw upon inner resources where the peace of God resides. I cannot imagine how an atheist deals with life’s burdens. Dealing with problems all alone should be utterly crushing in my opinion. Jesus extends an invitation to all in the Gospel, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light (Mt 28-30).” Whenever life starts to weigh heavily upon us, it

This has been true for me when I have faced seemingly insurmountable difficulties. I know the same is true for most, if not all of you. I certainly would not be able to change my dietary lifestyle without Jesus’ help. Whenever anyone of us is overwhelmed by life, we will certainly not find help by turning away from faith. It

is precisely when we submit ourselves to Jesus and take his yoke upon our shoulders that we find freedom and life. At the outset, it may seem like a burden to submit ourselves to Jesus, but in the end, it will empower us to greater resilience and deeper rest. God bless!

3 | Thu | Weekday | green | Ex 40:1621, 34-38/Mt 13:47-53 (404)

10 | Thu | Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr | red | Feast | 2 Cor 9:6-10/ Jn 12:24-26 (618) Pss Prop

5 | Sat | Weekday | green/white/white [The Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major; BVM] Lv 25:1, 8-17/ Mt 14:1-12 (406)

12 | Sat | Weekday | green/white/ white [Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Religious; BVM] Dt 6:4-13/Mt 17:14-20 (412)

13 | SUN | NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a/Rom 9:1-5/Mt 14:22-33 (115) Pss III

7 | Mon | Weekday (Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time) | green/ red/white [Saint Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, Martyrs; Saint Cajetan, Priest] Nm 11:4b-15/Mt 14:13-21 (407) Pss II

Vigil: 1 Chr 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2/1 Cor 15:54b-57/Lk 11:27-28 (621) Day: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/1 Cor 15:20-27/ Lk 1:39-56 (622) Pss Prop

15/Mt 20:1-16 (421)

16 | Wed | Weekday | green/white [Saint Stephen of Hungary] Dt 34:1-12/ Mt 18:15-20 (415)

25 | Fri | Weekday | green/white/ white [Saint Louis; Saint Joseph Calasanz, Priest] Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22/Mt 22:34-40 (423)

24 | Thu | Saint Bartholomew, Apostle | red | Feast | Rv 21:9b-14/Jn 1:45-51 (629) Pss Prop

August/September 2017 | South Texas Catholic 35

†† OUR FAITH

is so much easier to deal with when we bring it to Christ. He does not necessarily remove the weight of burden from our lives, but he certainly gives us the ability and the strength to handle it. His power helps to lighten the load we carry. He spurs us on and encourages us to stick with it.

36 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

3 5

Holy Hour and Healing Mass

Aug. 3 and every first Thursday of the month from 5-6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel Jesus Nazareno in Corpus Christi.

Secular Franciscan Come and See

Aug. 5 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral Room 4. Come and learn about a vocation as a Secular Franciscan or if already professed, join a local fraternity? For more information contact Liz at (936) 344-1353 or email: conces@centurylink.net or visit the website at lostrescompaneros.org.

7 Assumption Novena

Begins Aug. 7-15 at 5:30 p.m. (weekdays) at St. Patrick Church (3350 S. Alameda). The novena is in preparation for the Blessed Mother’s assumption into heaven. On the weekends there will be meditation, rosary and novena prayers after the last Mass for the day. Family and friends are invited. For more information call the rectory office at (361) 855-7391.

Spiritual 10 Women’s Exercises Retreat

Aug. 10-13 begins Thursday 5:30 p.m and ends Sunday 1:30 p.m. A weekend to go deeper into a relationship with the Lord through the power of prayer and silence. Take a quiet vacation with Jesus and Mary. Register deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

Lady of Guadalupe 12 Our Parish FLAME 5k Run/Walk

Aug. 12 begins at 7:35 a.m. with Zumba warm-up. Registration fee is $25 and $15 for ages 17 and under. There will be a Zumba Warm-up beginning at 7:35 a.m. and the 5k run/walk begins at 8 a.m. followed by an awards ceremony at 10 a.m. Online To register go to: active.com or olgalice.org or in Alice register at GNC (1900 Dr. NW Atkinson), GET-A-GRIP (1814 E. Main, Ste C), or Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Office (1300 Guerra). Proceeds to benefit F.L.A.M.E. Ministry.

Diocesan Marriage Preparation

Aug 12-13 at Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center. The Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is a two-day overnight event for the engaged. It is designed to inform couples of the spiritual and practical aspects of Catholic marriage and facilitate couple dialogue on these important issues. For more information go to diocesecc.org/marriageprep.

Rosa de Lima 13 Santa Annual Fiesta Bingo

Aug.13 begins at 7:30 a.m., Santa Rosa de Lima Annual Fiesta Bingo at Santa Rosa de Lima parish in Benavides. Event includes 25 prize bingo, menudo at 7:30 a.m., concession stand at 11 a.m. Carry out or delivery available for Angus burger combos. Tickets available for purchase from Catholic Daughters, Altar Rosary, Knights of Columbus or Church Office.

St. Pius X 13 Annual Mens Club BBQ

Aug. 13 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in St. Pius X Parish Hall (5620 Gollihar Road). Plate includes BBQ brisket and sausage, potato salad and beans for a donation of $9.

18 Healing Retreat at OLCC

Aug. 18-20 begins Friday at 5:30 p.m and ends Sunday at 2 p.m. Weekend consists of a series of talks on healing, periods of silent reflection asking God to reveal where healing is needed, and concludes with a healing service. Register at deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

Annual Santa 19 24th Rosa de Lima Fiesta

Aug. 19 at Veterans Memorial Park in Benavides. There will be games, raffle, food, vendors and music in the park, featuring Solido. Mass at 6 p.m. Free admission.

19 Grounded in Truth

Aug. 19. 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 Bookstore from 8-9:30 p.m. For more information call (361) 289-0807.

89.5HD 19 KLUX Pledgefest 2017

Aug. 21 and 22. There will be 3 live segments each day. Be a segment saint. Call in your pledge to (361) 289-6437. Donate online at KLUX. org using our secure PayPal link. If you or your firm would like to donate matching funds (minimum $1000) please call Margie Rivera at (361) 289-6437.

Confirmation 22 Adult Coordinator Training

Aug. 22 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m in the Chancery. This training is for those who prepare Catholic adults who will celebrate the sacrament of confirmation at the scheduled adult confirmation Masses. The training will provide overview for paperwork and a suggested formation curriculum for preparing adults. For more information or to register call (361) 882-6191 or go to diocesecc.org/acct.

Parish Catechetical 23 New Leader’s Orientation

Aug. 23 in the chancery. Participants have a choice to attend either the 9-12 p.m. or 5:30-8:30 p.m. orientation. The orientation is for new parish catechetical leaders and those PCLs who have not had an opportunity to attend an orientation. PCLs who need a refresher are also welcome. Optional lunch/dinner will be available. No cost but registration is required. For more information or to register call (361) 882-6191 or go to diocesecc.org/pcltraining.

Classes 23 Commissioning at Sacred Heart

Aug. 23-25. Commissioning classes with Father Angel Montana for all new and current lectors and Eucharistic ministers. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the church. Email parish office to RSVP and include contact information. Must register for these classes. Contact the parish office at (361) 883-6082 or email sacredheartchurch001@stx.rr.com.

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†† AUGUST/SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

Aug. 23 and every fourth Wednesday of the month (January to October) at the Conference Center located behind the Doctors Regional Hospital’s emergency room, 3315 S. Alameda. Sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. Nestor H. Praderio, MD hosts an interactive learning experience for caregivers of loved ones with alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. For more information go to www.TexasFacetoFace.com or call (361) 238-7777, Facebook.com/TexasFacetoFace or email TexasFacetoFace@gmail.com.

Confirmation 24 Adult Coordinator Training

Aug 24 from 5:30-8:30 p.m at St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Alice. This training is for those who prepare Catholic adults who will celebrate the sacrament of confirmation at the scheduled adult confirmation Masses. The training will provide overview for paperwork and a suggested formation curriculum for preparing adults. For more information or to register call (361) 882-6191 or go to diocesecc.org/acctalice.

Spiritual Exercises 24 Men’s Retreat at OLCC

Aug. 24-27 begins Friday 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday, 1:30 p.m. A weekend to go deeper in our relationship with Our Lord through the power of prayer and silence. Register deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

Sept. 15-17. Begins Friday at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday at 2 p.m. Weekend consists of a series of talks on healing, periods of silent reflection asking God to reveal where healing need is needed, and concludes with a healing service. Register www.deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

Franciscan 9 Secular Come and See

Sept. 9 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral Room 4. Come and learn about a vocation as a Secular Franciscan or if already professed, join a local fraternity. For more information contact Liz at (936) 344-1353 or email: conces@centurylink.net or visit the website at lostrescompaneros.org.

The Ark Gala, “Voice for the voiceless”

Sept. 14 begins at 6 p.m. at Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown. Keynote speaker is Erin Merryn. There will be silent and live auctions, a dinner and a program, begins at 6 p.m. KIII TV-3 News Anchor Joe Gazin will be the master of ceremonies. Proceeds from the gala pay for services that make a difference in the children’s lives at The Ark.

Sept. 7 and every first Thursday of the month from 5-6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel Jesus Nazareno in Corpus Christi.

Women’s Spiritual Exercises Retreat

Sept. 7-10 begins Thursday at

38 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2017

16 Grounded in Truth

Sept. 16 from 7-9:30 p.m. 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/Bookstore from 8-9:30 p.m. Call (361) 289-0807 for more information.

22- Retrouvaille Weekend 24

Mission of Mercy 10th Anniversary Breakfast

Sept. 15 from 8-9:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church.

Cross Annual BBQ 15 Holy Fundraiser and Raffle

Hour and 7 Holy Healing Mass

15 Healing Retreat at OLCC

5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday at 1:30 p.m. A weekend to go deeper in a relationship with the Lord through the power of prayer and silence. Take a quiet vacation with Jesus and Mary. Register deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

Alzheimer’s Education and Support Program

Sept. 15 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. BBQ plate includes mesquite smoked brisket, sausage, rice, pinto beans, bread, condiments and dessert. Raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5. A sidewinder 15 ft. scooter style fishing boat and trailer will be one of many prizes. Drawing to be held during BBQ. Free delivery for 10 plates or more if ordered by Sept. 8. For more information in deliveries and tickets call the church office at (361) 888-4012 or Liz Vesely at (361) 563-5498.

Sept. 22-24. Event venue will be announced at time of registration. Begins Friday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m. and ends Sunday, Sept 24, at 5 p.m. The Retrouvaille Program helps couples put the pieces of their marriage back together and rebuild loving relationships. For more information go to HelpOurMarriage.com or call 1-800-470-2230.

Education 27 Alzheimer’s and Support Program

Sept. 27 and every fourth Wednesday of the month (January to October) at the Conference Center located behind the Doctors Regional Hospital’s emergency room, 3315 S. Alameda. Sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information go to www.TexasFacetoFace.com or call (361) 238-7777, Facebook.com/TexasFacetoFace or email TexasFacetoFace@gmail.com.

To see more calendar events go to:

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

Sept. 10