SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI
South Texas
Catholic J U LY 2 019
Three beloved priests retire W W W. S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C .C OM
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ON THE
VOL. 54 NO. 7 Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD Director of Communications Margie Rivera mrivera@diocesecc.org Communications Board Father Jose A. Salazar, Sister Rosa Maria Ortiz, IWBS, David Campa, Regina Garcia, Zach Everett, Shannette Hoelscher, Deacon Richard Longoria, Elizabeth Nguyen and Benjamin Nye Managing Editor Mary Cottingham MCottingham@diocesecc.org
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Monsignors Michael Howell, Marcos Martinez and Lawrence White have been steadfast friends, brothers, and fathers in the lives of their parishioners, sharing in the joys and sorrows of many individuals and families, planting seeds of faith for over half a century.
COVER
Madelyn Galindo, South Texas Catholic
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Theological Consultant Ben Nguyen, JD/JCL. BNguyen@diocesecc.org Office Manager Adel Sauceda ARivera@diocesecc.org STC Support Staff Jennifer Branson and Madelyn Galindo Correspondents Rebecca Esparza
Diocese gains two new shepherds. Adel Sauceda, South Texas Catholic
Translator Gloria Romero Photographers Ervey Martinez and David Mendez
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Calendar Items
FROM THE BISHOP 4 MESSAGE Called to love NEWS BRIEFS 7 Official Assignments VOCATIONS 8 Seminarians spend summer helping at Mother Teresa Shelter
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NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE Building a Church of communion
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OUR FAITH 29 Learning to listen and listening to learn
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CATHOLIC EDUCATION St. John Paul II School strengthens family’s faith
NATIONAL NEWS 31 Corpus Christi native, Joseph Meaney, Ph.D., named president of NCBC
VATICAN NEWS 33 Pope emphasizes Christian unity in prayer with Romanian Orthodox
Keep up with the faith at www.SouthTexasCatholic.com
July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 3
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
“A
nd I found delight in the human race.” We read these words of God in the Book of Proverbs on Trinity Sunday. What a profound reality to hear that God finds delight in us. Let’s take a moment to ponder this: we can be the delight of God. During the liturgical year, we go through special seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week of the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection, and the Easter season which concludes with Pentecost Sunday. These seasons and feast days help us purposefully live the major events in Jesus’s life from his birth to his death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. The majority of the year, however, and indeed right now, we pass through “Ordinary Time,” which may appear to be merely a time with nothing special going on. When we say “ordinary,” we usually mean nothing unusual or new. But with faith that is not the case. Ordinary Time means that we are invited to live the very life of Jesus in our daily lives: to bring his life into our homes, schools, sports fields, and workplaces. The first Sunday after Pentecost we celebrated Trinity Sunday. Trinity Sunday is a day that is granted to us by the Church to recall that greatest mystery and revelation of the nature of God – that God is love, one God in three persons joined in a bond of love. God created us in his image and likeness to live in a communion of love with one another. God invites us to live as he does, to love without exception. We may think that this is an impossible calling, but Saint Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans: “The love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). We are capable of this sacrifice of love because we have received the “Spirit of Love,” and because Jesus has given us the example. Therefore, I invite all of us to be the first to love, to love everyone, those we like and those we do not like. We can call upon the grace of God to love even our enemies. This is what Jesus taught us. This is the life of the three persons of the Holy Trinity. This is the DNA of God and it has been placed in each one of us. Imagine what our families and our communities would be like if we try to live in this way! If we would allow the life of the Trinity to be among us everything would change, and peace would be established. Is this a dream? Yes, but when God sent his Son into the world, He taught us how to achieve peace by giving his life for all people. Jesus came to teach us the law of heaven – love. Let’s resolve to affirm human dignity through love. In this way we can capture what it means to be God’s “delight.” In this way we can make the months of Ordinary Time our most extraordinary yet.
4 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
MENSAJE DEL OBISPO
“Y
encontré deleite en la raza humana”. Leemos estas palabras de Dios en el Libro de Proverbios el domingo de la Santísima Trinidad. Qué profunda realidad es escuchar que Dios se deleita en nosotros. Tomemos un momento para reflexionar sobre esto: podemos ser el deleite de Dios. Durante el año litúrgico, pasamos por temporadas especiales: Adviento, Navidad, Cuaresma, Semana Santa con la Pasión del Señor. Su muerte y su resurrección, después, la temporada de Pascua que concluye con el domingo de Pentecostés. Estas temporadas y fiestas litúrgicas tienen el propósito de ayudarnos a vivir los eventos principales de la vida de Jesús, de su historia, desde su nacimiento hasta su muerte, su resurrección y su ascensión a los cielos. Sin embargo, la mayor parte del año, e inclusive en este momento, estamos pasando por lo que llamamos “Tiempo Ordinario”, el cual puede parecer un tiempo en el que simplemente no ocurre nada especial. Cuando decimos “ordinario”, generalmente no queremos decir nada inusual o nuevo. Pero en la fe ese no es el caso. El Tiempo Ordinario en la liturgia de la Iglesia, significa que estamos invitados a vivir la vida misma de Jesús en nuestra vida diaria: a llevar su vida a nuestros hogares, escuelas, campos deportivos y lugares de trabajo. El primer domingo después de Pentecostés celebramos la fiesta de la Santísima Trinidad. El domingo de la Trinidad es un día que nos concede la Iglesia para recordar ese gran misterio y revelación de la naturaleza de Dios: que Dios es amor, un solo Dios en tres personas divinas, unidas en el vínculo del amor. Dios nos creó a su imagen y semejanza para vivir en una comunión de amor entre nosotros. Dios nos invita a vivir como El, a amar sin excepción alguna. Podríamos pensar que este es un llamado imposible de realizar, pero San Pablo nos dice en su carta a los romanos: “El amor de Dios se ha derramado en nuestros corazones a través del Espíritu Santo que se nos ha dado” (Romanos 5: 5). Somos capaces de este sacrificio de amor porque hemos recibido el Espíritu de Amor y porque Jesús nos ha dado el ejemplo. Por lo tanto, los invito a todos a ser los primeros en amar, amar a todos, a los que nos gustan y a los que no nos gustan. Invocando la gracia de Dios, podremos amar incluso a nuestros enemigos. Esto es lo que Jesús nos enseñó. Esta es la vida de las tres personas de la Santísima Trinidad. Este es el ADN de Dios y ha sido colocado en cada uno de nosotros. ¡Imagina cómo serían nuestras familias y nuestras comunidades si tratáramos de vivir de esta manera! Si permitiéramos que la vida de la Trinidad reinara entre nosotros, todo cambiaría y se establecería la paz. ¿Es esto un sueño? Sí, pero cuando Dios envió a su Hijo al mundo, Él nos enseñó cómo alcanzar la paz al dar su vida por toda la gente. Jesús vino a enseñarnos la ley del cielo: el Amor. Decidámonos a afirmar la dignidad humana a través del amor. De esta manera, podremos captar lo que significa ser el “deleite” de Dios. De esta manera, podremos lograr que los meses del Tiempo Ordinario sean en verdad, los más extraordinarios.
+Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi
July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 5
†† NEWS BRIEFS
Russ Martin receives an award for ‘25 years of Excellence’ Russ Martin, Director of Broadcast Operations, at KLUX 89.5 HD received an award from General Manager Marty Wind for 25 years of service on June 5. The award is “for his unceasing dedication to Catholic broadcasting for the past 25 years,” Wind said. Martin is a veteran of radio and television for 50 years. “Nobody in this town writes better copy,” said Wind to board members gathered for the small celebration. “He’s thorough and he’s accurate; he crosses those t’s and dots
those i’s and he’s a great employee to have.” “This has been totally unexpected. It’s really a pleasure. I still get up in the morning and look forward to going to work,” Martin said. KLUX is a radio station serving the Corpus Christi area of Texas with a secular, light adult music format. It broadcasts on FM frequency 89.5 MHz and is under ownership of Diocesan Telecommunications, which is in turn part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi.
Summer Seminar Echoing The Mystery: Unlocking The Deposit Of Faith In Catechesis Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, Institute for Parish Leadership and Ministry Formation presents Echoing The Mystery: Unlocking The Deposit of Faith in Catechesis Learn the keys and practical tips to teaching the deposit of faith. Presentation and workshop sessions will include hands on lesson planning. Friday, July 26 from 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, July 27 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. John Paul II
Cafetorium. Cost is $15-includes dinner and lunch. Religious education coordinators will receive one copy of Echoing the Mystery for their parish. Additional copies will be available at a discounted price from the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. Participants that attend both Friday and Saturday may use this seminar for Level 2 Ministry of Catechesis or Level 3 Certification Renewal-10 hours. Presenter is Marlon De La Torre, M.A.
More volunteers needed Youth group coordinators, men’s club members, Guadalupanas, Boy Scout chapters, Knights of Columbus and other organizations, including all parishioners in the pews many of our South Texas neighbors almost two years later are still trying to recover from the effects of Harvey’s powerful winds, tides and torrential rains. Your charity for God’s people is needed. Can you Help? No group is too small. Deacon Longoria is in contact with all the volunteer organizations working in south Texas for victims of Hurricane Harvey and will make the proper arrangements
for all volunteers and groups. We are the Body of Christ. We are his sacred hands, feet and heart in this world. Can you walk with our Lord and bring help, charity and grace to our brothers and sisters who have suffered from the brunt of Harvey? All that is needed is for a parish group to set up a table after Mass and sign up parishioners who can lend a hand on a Saturday. Please call/text Deacon Richard Longoria at (361) 446-2291 or email rlongoria@diocesecc.org to organize your volunteer group.
Save the Date for the 2019 Celebration of Charity Save the Date for the 2019 Celebration of Charity benefiting Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, Inc. and Mother Teresa Shelter, Inc. Our annual fundraiser will be held on Thursday, October 17 from 6 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
6-9 p.m. at 615 Oliver Ct. in Corpus Christi. Sponsorships are available. For more information, please contact Shannette Hoelscher at (361) 884-0651, ext. 246 or shoelscher@diocesecc.org.
M.E.D. PhD. Candidate. Director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Catholic Diocese of Ft. Worth, TX. For more information contact Nellie Serna at (361) 8826191, ext. 634 at nserna@dioocesecc.org. To register online go to storefaithformationcc. mycatholicfaithdelivered.com/p-32751. aspx Walk-ins are welcome but we cannot guarantee meals and materials.
Evangelii Gaudium Awards
Bishop Michael Mulvey will present the Evangelii Gaudium Awards on Wednesday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral. A reception will follow at St. Joseph’s Hall. The award recognizes and acknowledges individuals and couples for their exemplification of Gospel values at their local parish. Pastors recommended recipients for this diocesan recognition. The recipients must demonstrate in their lives the Word of God in action through service, be both humble and joyful, and be in good standing with the Catholic Church.
†† NEWS BRIEFS
The Most Rev. Wm. Michael Mulvey, Bishop of Corpus Christi, makes the following announcements: The Very Reverend James G. Stembler, Vicar General, is also appointed as Chaplain to the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration, effective March 7. The Reverend Monsignor Michael Howell, Pastor of Saint Andrew by the Sea Parish, having reached canonical retirement age, is granted retirement status, effective July 1. The Very Reverend Hanh Pham, Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Corpus Christi Central Deanery and Rector of Corpus Christi Cathedral, is released from both and is appointed Pastor of Saint Andrew by the Sea Parish, Corpus Christi, with residence at the parish rectory, effective July 1. The Very Reverend Pedro Elizardo, Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Alice Deanery and Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, is released from both and is assigned as Rector of Corpus Christi Cathedral and Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Corpus Christi, with residence at the rectory of Corpus Christi Cathedral, effective July 1. The Reverend Christopher Becerra, Parochial Vicar of Saint Patrick Parish, Corpus Christi, is appointed Parochial Administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Alice; St. Peter Mission, Ben Bolt; and St. Frances of Rome Mission, Agua Dulce; with residence at Saint Joseph Parish rectory, effective July 1. With the permission of the Reverend Saji Sebastian, HGN, Provincial Superior of the Heralds of the Good News, the Reverend Sanish Mathew, HGN, Parochial Vicar of Saints Cyril & Methodius Parish, Corpus Christi, is appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Parish, Corpus Christi, with residence at the parish rectory, effective July 1. The Reverend Emilio Jimenez, Pastor of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Parish, Corpus Christi, is appointed
Pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Aransas Pass, with residence at the parish rectory, effective July 21. The Reverend Paulson Panakal, Parochial Administrator of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Parish, Corpus Christi, is appointed Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Kingsville, and also Pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Kingsville, with residence at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish rectory, effective July 1. The Reverend Raju D. Thottankara, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Mathis, is appointed Pastor of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Parish, Corpus Christi, with residence at the parish rectory, effective July 1. The Reverend Peter Thenan, Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Kingsville, is appointed Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Mathis, and St. Pius X Mission, Sandia, with residence at Sacred Heart Parish rectory, effective July 1. The Reverend Monsignor Lawrence White, Pastor of Saints Cyril & Methodius Parish, Corpus Christi, having reached canonical retirement age, is granted retirement status, effective July 1. The Reverend James Vasquez, Parochial Administrator of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Aransas Pass, is appointed Pastor of Saints Cyril & Methodius Parish, Corpus Christi, with residence at the parish rectory, effective July 1. The Very Reverend Jose Salazar, Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Corpus Christi Westside Deanery and Parochial Administrator of Nuestra Señora de San Juan de Los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia Parish, Corpus Christi, is released from both and appointed as Assistant for Liturgical Education, Diocese of Corpus Christi Office of Worship, with residence at the parish rectory of Saints Cyril & Methodius Parish, Corpus Christi, effective July 1. In addition, Father Salazar will be
providing sacramental assistance at Holy Family Parish, Corpus Christi, effective July 1, 2019. The Reverend Fernando Gamez, Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Kingsville, is appointed Pastor of Nuestra Señora de San Juan de Los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia Parish, Corpus Christi, with residence at the parish rectory, effective July 1. The Reverend Monsignor Marcos Martinez, Pastor of Our Lady of Pilar Parish, Corpus Christi, having reached canonical retirement age, is granted retirement status, effective July 1. The Reverend Angel Montana, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Corpus Christi, is appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Pilar Parish, Corpus Christi, with residence at the parish rectory, effective July 1. The Reverend Romeo Salinas, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Port Aransas, is appointed Pastor of St. George Parish, George West, with residence at the parish rectory, effective July 1, 2019. The Reverend George Johnson Vallamattam, Pastor of St. George Parish, George West, is appointed Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Port Aransas, with residence at the parish rectory, effective July 1, 2019. Upon ordination to the Sacred Order of Presbyter, the Reverend Ramiro Regalado, Jr. is appointed as Parochial Vicar of Most Precious Blood Parish, Corpus Christi, and is also appointed as Chaplain to the Diocesan Ministry and Life Enrichment for the Disabled, with residence at the rectory of Most Precious Blood Parish, effective July 1, 2019. Upon ordination to the Sacred Order of Presbyter, the Reverend Richard Gutierrez is appointed as Parochial Vicar of St. Gertrude Parish, Kingsville, and is also appointed as Chaplain to St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center and Chapel at Texas A&M-Kingsville, with residence at the rectory of St. Gertrude Parish, effective July 1, 2019. July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 7
Seminarians spend summer helping at Mother Teresa Shelter By Rebecca Esparza
J
Correspondent
ust a few short years ago, Michael James Winterroth considered himself a bit of a lost soul. “I had been away from the Church for a bit and an odd set of circumstances occurred that led me to quitting my overnight job at a convenience store. It was almost instantaneously that I felt called back to the Church,” he explained. “I started talking with my parish priest at St. Paul the Apostle in Flour Bluff about vocations. Soon, I was looking into retreats and praying about becoming a seminarian.” Winterroth and two of his fellow seminarians, Mark Valdez and Matthew Martin Kyle, are currently spending their summer working for the Diocese of Corpus Christi. While in Corpus Christi during their break from St. Joseph College Seminary in Louisiana, most of their time is spent working at Mother Teresa Shelter. The shelter, located across the street from City Hall, provides day services to the homeless population of Corpus Christi.
Homeless individuals can take a shower, eat a nutritious hot meal and take part in activities that will assist them in gaining back their stability and dignity. They also enjoy fun games like bingo, and during the summer, are able to escape the deadly south Texas heat. Winterroth, 21, said he loves working alongside the sisters at the shelter. “When I see the sisters and how much love they have for the people here, it inspires me,” he said. “They make me want to do my best. The clients themselves are great and come from all sorts of backgrounds, including a lot of veterans.” Sister Rency Moonjely, a Sister of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and operations supervisor at Mother Teresa Shelter said the assistance from the seminarians is a great blessing for the shelter. “Every summer we have seminarians help us with a variety of activities at the shelter, including working in the kitchen, assisting with laundry, playing games with the clients and picking up donations from around the
city in our van,” Sister Moonjely said. Seminarian Matthew Martin Kyle, 20, said he knew from a young age he wanted to live a life dedicated to God. “Actually, I wanted to be a Monk. But as I grew older I realized Monks are not as active in their community as a parish priest. After some time of discernment with local priests, I realized I had a longing for the priesthood. It brought me peace and joy just thinking about it,” he said with a broad smile. Working at Mother Teresa Shelter has been rewarding for Kyle. “Anything we are asked to do, we do it to the best of our abilities, but it is hard to hear all the stories from the clients. We want to help them. Hearing everyone’s stories but not being able to help them better their lives immediately is the hardest part,” he said. “But we are here for them and lend a listening ear when they need it the most. It is a good community here. There are no bad people, just people who need a little bit of help while they try to get back on their feet.”
21-year-old Michael James Winterroth, a seminarian at St. Joseph College Seminary in Louisiana, hands out bread to clients at Mother Teresa Shelter during lunch. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
8 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
†† VOCATIONS
Matthew Martin Kyle, 20, calls out numbers during a game of friendly bingo at the Mother Teresa Shelter. Kyle is one of three seminarians who are working at the shelter during their summer break. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
22-year-old Mark Valdez, a seminarian from Beeville, felt a tug at his heart for the priesthood. But even before he had even made the decision to attend seminary school, it was something that kept coming up as he met complete strangers. “Whether it was at my church, work or handing out flyers at the Newman Center at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, people would ask me if I was a priest or they would tell me I would make a great priest. Those little tugs led to me giving
it a deeper discernment,” he said. Valdez has words of advice for anyone considering a life dedicated to the Church. “Apply and see. Pray. Pray a lot, including Adoration. It’s like any relationship and requires good communication. Keep the lines of communication open and you’ll find the answer you are looking for,” he advised. As for working at the shelter, Valdez said he loves it.
“There’s never a dull moment. It’s always interesting to meet all sorts of different people from such diverse backgrounds. I like to clean and organize, so doing this type of work alongside these clients is wonderful. I love learning about them and finding out who they really are, not just what society sees,” he said. Mother Teresa Shelter is always seeking volunteers and donations. To learn more, visit: motherteresashelter.org or email mteresashelter@diocesecc.org.
Seminarian Mark Valdez, 22, wrings out a mop during clean up of the laundry room at Mother Teresa Shelter recently. Three seminarians from St. Joseph College Seminary in Louisiana are working their summer break at the shelter. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 9
†† PARISH LIFE
Monsignors, from left, Michael Howell, Marcos Martinez and Lawrence White have retired their parish duties as of July 1. Monseñores Michael Howell, Marcos Martínez y Lawrence White han retirado sus deberes parroquiales a partir del 1 de julio. Madelyn Galindo, South Texas Catholic
For 50 years, planting seeds of faith By Mary Cottingham South Texas Catholic
Editor’s note: This is an abbreviated version of the story. Since our priests have been involved in many of the lives of our Spanish speaking brothers and sisters, we chose to shorten it, and run it in Spanish. To see the full version of this story, go to SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/retire.
baptized sons and daughters, celebrated the sacrament of matrimony, presided at funeral Masses of loved ones and listened and absolved sins. They have brought Jesus to the faithful in the Eucharist, and by their actions reflect the love Jesus has for his Church.
fter giving as many as 50 years of ministry and care for others, three priests are now retiring, Monsignors Michael Howell, Lawrence White and Marcos Martinez. They have
Msgr. Michael Howell
A
10 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
Msgr. Michael Howell, 70, is full of joy, life and love. You can hear him singing long before he enters a room. This native of the Corpus Christi Westside says his vocation to the priesthood has been very rewarding. “Sometimes you end up closer
to parishioners than your own family,” he said. In fact, the most challenging part of his priesthood was being reassigned to a different parish. Msgr. Howell has served in many parishes since he was ordained a priest in 1974. He served at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Portland from 1974-1975, Cathedral from 1975-1976, Most Precious Blood in Corpus Christi from 19761977, St. Pius X from 1977-1979, Cathedral from 1979-1985, Sacred Heart in Corpus Christi from 1985-1986, St. Patrick in Laredo from 1986-1990, St. George in George West from 1990-1994, St. Mary
†† PARISH LIFE
Msgr. Michael Howell celebrates Mass at his 45th Anniversary Celebration and Retirement at St. Andrews by the Sea on May 19. See more photos of this event at
SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/Howell.
Mons. Michael Howell celebra la misa en su celebración del 45 aniversario y retiro en St. Andrews by the Sea el 19 de mayo. Ver más fotos de este evento en
SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/Howell.
Cheryl Hooper for South Texas Catholic
Seminary in Houston from 1994-1997, Cathedral from 1997-2005, St. Thomas the Apostle in Robstown from 2005-2013, and St. Andrew by the Sea from 2013-2019. Through the years he has made the best of many challenging situations, including juggling multiple responsibilities at one time. He remembers a time when he worked in the Chancery from Monday through Friday, assisted at St. Pius X Church and Cathedral, was chaplain at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, was active at Incarnate Word Academy every week, while helping with the Search youth retreat and the tribunal. He says having a good attitude depends on “keeping your perspective during the hard times; remember the good that’s always there, even in the midst of the bad. I think that sometimes what happens is that we are like a horse with blinders on. We only see what’s in front of us (sometimes it’s just the bad part) and we forget all that is out there that’s good. If you keep the vision broad, you remember that it’s not all bad. “If you are doing your job, you should be engaged. I’m here because I love people, and I do believe in the love Jesus teaches, and I think that’s what you try to live. When you’re trying to live it, you’re going to have a certain inner joy and peace no matter what’s happening. Will it be easy? No, not always easy. But you will have lots of support,” Msgr. Howell said. His hobbies are history, art and music. Upon retirement, he may pick up the guitar again, sketch, paint, and of course sing. He’s also been active in local history projects. Many parishioners and chancery staff enlist ed his help on important historical projects. To young men discerning the priesthood,
Msgr. Howell says, “be prepared to find your faith both challenged by some of your experiences, but also greatly blessed by your relationship with others. And through the witness of their faith – you will glimpse what it will be like in the Kingdom of God.” In the past 45 years he has served in 13 parishes and St. Andrew by the Sea Parish recently held a celebration in honor of his 45th Anniversary as a Priest and Retirement. He will be dearly missed.
Msgr. Lawrence White
Juggling the finances of a parish and school was by far Msgr. White’s most challenging duty as a parish priest. Even after an accident in Mexico which caused him over 30 years of chronic pain and 22 surgeries to his spine, he learned, “you tie your suffering into the cross – it has value when you do that. It was painful, but that’s just physical. The hardest part is taking care of the physical needs of the parish.” Msgr. White was raised in Aransas Pass. After attending Corpus Christi Minor Seminary, he entered Assumption Seminary in San Antonio. He then went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in theology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. Like Msgr. Howell, he juggled multiple assignments and responsibilities; he has served the diocese in many capacities since his ordination in 1970. He served as associate pastor at Corpus Christi Cathedral and master of ceremonies for Bishop Thomas Drury from 1970-1977. He was also associate editor of the Texas Gulf Coast Register (now South Texas Catholic) from 19701973, chairman of the Diocesan Pastoral Council from 1970-1972, administrator
of Corpus Christi Minor Seminary from 1973-1978, also vocations director from 1973-1978, director of Religious Education from 1974-1977 and chaplain at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel from 1976-1978. In July of 1978, he volunteered to work at the diocesan-sponsored mission, San Isidor de Labrador, in Arteaga, Coahuila, Mexico, where he had his first assignment as pastor. “My three years in Mexico changed my life forever. The poor people in the villages around Arteaga taught me how to be joyful in serving the Lord, even when it meant doing without or almost dying from amoebas,” Msgr. Lawrence said. The people in the villages taught him humility, and he fell deeply in love with Our Lady of Guadalupe and her Son. “It has been said that I am white on the outside and brown on the inside. I take that as a compliment,” he said. “By chance, or by God’s design,” when he returned from Mexico in 1981, he was assigned as pastor of Our Lady Guadalupe Parish in Corpus Christi. After arriving at the parish, he recalls being told the church had a balance of zero. “I went over to the church, knelt in front of Our Lady and told her that this parish bears her name, and if she wanted it to grow, she would have to find a solution and she did!” he said. “Maria is such a loving mother to us!” After serving ten years at Our Lady of Guadalupe, he was assigned to Ss. Cyril and Methodius in 1991, where he remained pastor for the past 28 years. He recently celebrated his 49th Anniversary and Retirement with parishioners. He says to young men discerning, “Have faith. God calls, our job is to respond to that call. If you even have an inkling that July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 11
†† PARISH LIFE
Msgr. Lawrence White celebrates Mass with Deacon Freddie Perez assisting at his Retirement Mass. See more photos of this event at
SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/White.
Mons. Lawrence White celebra la misa con el diácono Freddie Pérez que asiste a su misa de jubilación. Ver más fotos de este evento en SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/White. Madelyn Galindo, South Texas Catholic
you’re being called, you owe it to yourself to follow his call. The seminary will help you discern what God is calling you to do. “And remember the priestly ministry is never dull!”
Msgr. Marcos Martinez
Msgr. Marcos Martinez, 86, says of the people he has served and loved, “I am like a brother to them. When you become a priest, you don’t belong to yourself, you belong to the people. It is the same, in marriage, you belong to one another. Don’t think of yourself, not one moment. The priesthood is not a profession; it’s a vocation. You have to think and to do for the other and don’t
Msgr. Marcos Martinez greets parishioners at Our Lady of Pilar Church after Mass. See photos of his retirement Mass at
SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/ Marcos.
Mons. Marcos Martínez saluda a los feligreses en la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar después de la misa. Ver fotos de su misa de jubilación en SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/ Marcos.
Archived photo
12 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
think of yourself – not ever.” Parishioners come to him anytime. According to Msgr. Martinez, he doesn’t usually have a schedule. “I gave one parishioner a blessing because she couldn’t sleep. For me, it was five minutes of my time and for her – it was happiness,” he said with a smile. He was born and raised in Almonacid De La Cuba in Zaragoza, Spain. Following his ordination in Madrid on June 21, 1959, he served at St. Maria Parish in Alcaniz, Spain for a year, then served as a missionary in Brazil from 1960-1968. In 1968, he went to Paris, France to study at the Institut Catholique de Paris. Then in 1969, he came to the U.S. to work for the Diocese of Corpus
Christi. Bishop Drury assigned him to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sinton from 1969-1974, Our Lady of the Rosary from 1974-1990, then St. Anthony, Robstown from 19791990, then St. John Newman, in Laredo from 1990-1993 and finally, Our Lady of Pilar from 1993-2019. He fondly remembers his mission work in Brazil. Traveling over rough roads in a jeep, he attended to the spiritual needs of 20 missions. When he was called for a special mission, the people and the government provided him with a small airplane. He was named an Honorary Citizen of Brazil. He saw to the needs of the community and encouraged them to help themselves. For a
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tabernacle, they used the branches of trees. He changed the lives of those he touched, and they changed him. “I came to serve,” he said. “We have to be very humble, like Jesus.” According to Msgr. Martinez, priests must also appear very humble before the youth, so he usually doesn’t share from the pulpit. He says that his style is usually to share and walk in front of people. He tells them to be nice to one another. He often says, “when you feel down, close your eyes and say, ‘I need your help,’ and he will come. I believe what Jesus said, ‘Forgive all the time; Jesus didn’t come to condemn, he came to save.’” Msgr. Martinez is ready to retire. Physically he says he is strong, but his memory is not as before. He plays the Sudoku challenge in the paper every day to keep his mind sharp. In retirement, he will continue to serve. He will probably continue to ride his bicycle and work outside when he can, but most importantly, he will visit with people. “Sometimes, when people are in trouble, I share a blessing to people in the house.” He has been known to sing songs to the sick, make a delicious meal of paella, and dance to mariachi music. Being a priest is “not work, it’s a pleasure!” he said. “In all my 60 years, I was never unhappy, and no one told me to become a priest.” He just knew. He tells young men discerning, “God created us to serve one another, whether you’re a plumber, carpenter or a priest.” All three priests have shown remarkable character and love for their Church. Msgr. Howell’s busy schedule came with a joyous attitude, singing and smiling as he walks into every room; Msgr. White’s determination as he continually struggles with chronic pain, never losing hope or his devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe; and Msgr. Martinez, a man whose evident love of people makes him accessible any time, day or night. They have been steadfast friends, brothers, and fathers in the lives of their parishioners, sharing in the joys and sorrows of many individuals and families, planting seeds of faith for over half a century. They are ready to let go of some of the administrative responsibilities of being a parish priest, and their lives will slow down, but due to the needs of the Church, they will continue to be busy priests in the diocese, willing to help wherever the need.
Plantando semillas de fe durante 50 años Por Mary Cottingham South Texas Catholic
Nota del editor: esta es una versión abreviada de la historia. Dado que nuestros sacerdotes han estado involucrados en muchas de las vidas de nuestros hermanos y hermanas hispanos, decidimos acortarlo y publicarlo en español. Para ver la versión completa de esta historia, vaya a SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/retire.
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espués de dedicar hasta 50 años de ministerio sacerdotal sirviendo y cuidando de la gente en la Diócesis de Corpus Christi, tres sacerdotes se están retirando, los Monseñores Michael Howell, Lawrence White y Marcos Martínez. Han bautizado hijos e hijas, han celebrado matrimonios, han presidido misas y funerales de seres amados, han escuchado y absuelto pecados. Nos han traído a Jesús en la Eucaristía, y por sus acciones reflejan el amor que Jesús tiene por su Iglesia.
Mons. Michael Howell
Mons. Michael Howell, de 70 años, es una persona llena de alegría, llena de vida y amor. Puedes oírlo cantar, mucho antes de entrar a una habitación. Fue criado en el lado oeste de Corpus Christi. Su vocación al sacerdocio ha sido muy gratificante. “A veces terminas más cerca de los feligreses que de tu propia familia”, dijo. De hecho, la parte más desafiante del sacerdocio ha sido la reasignación a parroquias diferentes. Mons. Howell ha servido en muchas parroquias desde que fue ordenado sacerdote en 1974. Sirvió en Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Portland desde 19741975, Cathedral desde 1975-1976, Most Precious Blood en Corpus Christi desde 1976 hasta 1977, St. Pius X de 19771979, Cathedral de 1979-1985, Sacred Heart en Corpus Christi de 1985-1986, St. Patrick en Laredo de 1986-1990, St. George en George West de 19901994, St. Mary Seminary en Houston
de 1994-1997, Cathedral de 1997-2005, St. Thomas the Apostle en Robstown de 2005-2013 y St. Andrew by the Sea de 2013-2019 Él dice que tener una buena actitud depende de “mantener una perspectiva clara durante los tiempos difíciles, recordar lo bueno que siempre está ahí, incluso en medio de lo malo”. Creo que a veces lo que sucede es que somos como un caballo con anteojeras. Solo vemos lo que está frente a nosotros (que a veces es solo la parte mala) y olvidamos todo lo bueno que hay ahí. Si mantienes la visión amplia, recuerdas que no todo es malo. “Si estás haciendo tu trabajo, deberías estar comprometido. Estoy aquí porque amo a la gente, y yo creo en el amor que Jesús enseña. Y creo que eso es lo que uno trata de vivir. Cuando estás tratando de vivirlo, empiezas a experimentar una cierta alegría y paz interior y deja de importarte tanto lo que esté sucediendo. ¿Qué será fácil? No, no siempre es fácil. Pero tendrás mucho apoyo, “Mons. Howell dijo. Sus pasatiempos son la historia, el arte y la música. Al retirarse, puede volver a levantar la guitarra, dibujar, pintar y, por supuesto, cantar. También ha estado activo en proyectos históricos locales. La mayoría de los feligreses y empleados de la cancillería recurren a su ayuda para varios proyectos importantes. A los jóvenes que están discerniendo sobre el sacerdocio, Mons. Howell les dice: “prepárate para los desafíos que encontrarás en tu fe, tanto por algunas de tus experiencias, como en las grandes bendiciones que tendrás, por tu relación con los demás. Y a través del testimonio de tu fe, tendrás un destello de cómo será en el Reino de Dios. En los últimos 45 años ha servido en 13 parroquias y la parroquia de St. Andrew by the Sea, hizo una celebración en su honor con motivo de su aniversario de 45 años de sacerdocio, como por su retiro. Él será extrañado. July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 13
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St. Andrews by the Sea Parish staff at Msgr. Michael Howells anniversary and retirement celebration. From left are Jerry Whitworth, Cheryl Hooper, Msgr. Howell, Gloria Nuñez and TJ Tomazin. Personal de la parroquia St. Andrews by the Sea en el Aniversario de Mons. Michael Howell y celebración de jubilación. Desde la izquierda están Jerry Whitworth, Cheryl Hooper, Mons. Howell, Gloria Nuñez y TJ Tomazin Contributed photo
Mons. Lawrence White
Hacer malabares con las finanzas de una parroquia y una escuela, ha sido con mucho, el desafío más grande que Mons. White ha tenido como párroco. Incluso y a pesar de las consecuencias sufridas, después de un accidente en México que le causó más de 30 años de dolor crónico y 22 cirugías en la columna vertebral, el ha sabido llevarlo: “atas tu sufrimiento a la cruz; así tiene valor cuanto haces. Ha sido doloroso, pero eso es sólo físico. La parte más difícil es cuidar las necesidades físicas de la parroquia “. Mons. Lawrence White creció en Aransas Pass. Después de asistir al Seminario Menor de Corpus Christi, ingresó al Seminario de la Asunción en San Antonio.
Luego pasó a recibir una licenciatura en filosofía y una maestría en teología de la Universidad de St. Mary en San Antonio. Como Mons. Howell, hizo malabarismos para realizar múltiples tareas y responsabilidades, sirvió en la diócesis en muchas funciones desde su ordenación en 1970. Se desempeñó como pastor asociado en la Catedral de Corpus Christi y maestro de ceremonias para el obispo Thomas Drury de 1970 a 1977. También fue editor asociado del Texas Gulf Coast (actualmente el South Texas Catholic) de 1970 a 1973, presidente del Consejo Pastoral Diocesano de 1970 a 1972, administrador del Seminario Menor de Corpus Christi y también director de vocaciones de 1973 a 1978, director de Educación Religiosa July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 14
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Mons. Marcos Martínez
Monsignor White spent his 65th Birthday organizing everyone to help with Project Face Lift at Ss. Cyril and Methodius School. Mons. White pasó su cumpleaños número 65 organizando a todos para ayudar con el Proyecto Face Lift en la escuela de Ss. Cyril and Methodius . Archived photo
de 1974-1977 y capellán de la Capilla del Santísimo Sacramento de 1976-1978. En julio de 1978, se ofreció como voluntario para trabajar en la misión de San Isidro Labrador, que patrocina la diócesis en Arteaga, Coahuila, México, donde tuvo su primera asignación como pastor. “Mis tres años en México cambiaron mi vida para siempre. “La gente pobre en las aldeas alrededor de Arteaga me enseñó cómo ser alegre en el servicio al Señor, incluso cuando significaba prescindir o casi morir de amibas”. Dijo Mons. Lawrence White. La gente en las aldeas le enseñó humildad, y él se enamoró profundamente de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y de su Hijo. “Se ha dicho que soy blanco por fuera y café por dentro. Lo tomo como un cumplido ”, dijo. “Por casualidad, o por la voluntad de Dios”, cuando regresó de México, fue asignado como pastor a la Parroquia de Our Lady Guadalupe en Corpus Christi. Recuerda que al hacerse cargo de la parroquia, le dijeron que el balance de la iglesia estaba en cero. “Fui a la iglesia, me arrodillé frente a Nuestra Señora y le dije: esta parroquia lleva tu nombre, y si quieres que crezca, tendrás que ayudarme a encontrar una solución y así lo hizo”, dijo. “¡María es una madre tan amorosa para nosotros!” Después de servir diez años en Nuestra
Señora de Guadalupe, fue asignado a Ss. Cyril and Methodius, en donde ha sido párroco durante los últimos 28 años. Recientemente celebró su 49 aniversario y su retiro con sus feligreses. Su mensaje para los jóvenes que disciernen sobre el sacerdocio fue: “Ten fe, Dios hace el llamado, nuestro trabajo es responder a ese llamado. Si tienes aunque sea un indicio de que te está llamando, te debes a ti mismo, el seguir su llamado. El seminario te ayudará a discernir lo que Dios te está llamando a hacer. ¡Y recuerda que el ministerio sacerdotal nunca es aburrido!
Mons. Marcos Martínez, de 86 años, dice de las personas a las que ha servido y amado: “Soy como un hermano para ellos. Cuando te conviertes en sacerdote, ya no te perteneces a ti mismo, perteneces a la gente. Es lo mismo, en el matrimonio, uno se pertenece al otro. No pienses en ti mismo, ni un solo momento. El sacerdocio no es una profesión; es una vocación Tienes que pensar y hacer para el otro y no pensar en ti mismo, nunca ”. Los feligreses vienen a él en cualquier momento. Según Mons. Martínez, él no suele tener un horario y nos dio un ejemplo: “Le di a una feligresa una bendición porque ella no podía dormir.” “Para mí, fueron cinco minutos de mi tiempo y para ella, fue la felicidad”, dijo con una sonrisa de felicidad. Nació y creció en Almonacid De La Cuba en Zaragoza, España. Después de su ordenación en Madrid el 21 de junio de 1959, sirvió en la parroquia de Santa María en Alcañiz, España durante un año, y luego sirvió como misionero en Brasil de 1960 a 1968. En 1968, se fue a París, Francia para estudiar en el Institut Catholique de Paris. Luego, en 1969, vino a los Estados Unidos para trabajar en la Diócesis de Corpus Christi. El Obispo Drury lo asignó a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Sinton de 1969 a 1974, luego a Nuestra Señora del Rosario de 1974 a 1990, después a San Antonio, en Robstown de 1979 a 1990, luego a San Juan Newman, en Laredo desde 1990 a 1993 y finalmente, a Nuestra Señora del Pilar en Corpus Christi desde 1993 hasta 2019. Msgr. Marcos Martinez has fostered a true spirit of community in the Molina neighborhood. He can often be found riding his bicycle through the neighborhood in the morning. Mons. Marcos Martínez ha fomentado un verdadero espíritu de comunidad en el Barrio de Molina. A menudo se lo puede encontrar andando en bicicleta por el vecindario por la mañana. Archived photo July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 15
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Recuerda con cariño su trabajo como misionero en Brasil. Viajando por caminos difíciles en un jeep, para atender las necesidades espirituales de 20 misiones. Cuando lo llamaban para una misión especial, la gente y el gobierno le proporcionaba un pequeño avión. Fue nombrado ciudadano honorario de Brasil. Se ocupó de las necesidades de la comunidad y los alentó a ayudarse a sí mismos. Para un tabernáculo, usaban las ramas de los árboles. Él cambió la vida de aquellos que tocó, y ellos lo cambiaron a él. “Vine a servir”, dijo. “Tenemos que ser muy humildes, como Jesús”. Mons. Martínez piensa que, los sacerdotes también deben parecer muy humildes ante la juventud, por lo que generalmente no comparte desde el púlpito. Dice que su estilo suele ser compartir y caminar delante de la gente. Él les dice que sean amables el uno con el otro. A menudo dice: “cuando te sientas deprimido, cierra los ojos y di: ‘Necesito Tu ayuda’, y El vendrá. Yo creo lo que Jesús dijo, ‘Perdona todo el tiempo; Jesús no vino a condenar, vino a salvar “. Mons. Martínez está listo para retirarse. Dice que físicamente es fuerte, pero su memoria no es como antes. Juega el desafío de Sudoku en el periódico todos los días para mantener su mente aguda. En la jubilación, seguirá sirviendo. Probablemente continuará montando su bicicleta y trabajando afuera cuando pueda, pero lo más importante es que visitará a la gente. “A veces, cuando la gente está en problemas, solo comparto
una bendición con la gente de la casa”. Se sabe, que cuando visita a los enfermos les alegra la vida cantándoles canciones, prepara una deliciosa comida de Paella y baila música de mariachi. Ser sacerdote para él significa “no trabajar, ¡es un placer!”, Dijo. “En todos mis 60 años, nunca fui infeliz, y nadie me dijo que fuera sacerdote”. Simplemente lo sabía. Él le dice a los jóvenes que disciernen sobre su vocación: “Dios nos creó para servirnos unos a otros, ya sea que usted sea un fontanero, carpintero o sacerdote”. Los tres sacerdotes han demostrado un notable carácter y un gran amor por su Iglesia. Mons. Howell, a pesar de su apretada agenda, llegó con una actitud alegre, cantando y sonriendo mientras entraba en cada habitación. Admirable la determinación de Mons. White mientras lucha continuamente con el dolor crónico, sin perder la esperanza ni su devoción a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe; y Mons. Martínez, un hombre cuyo evidente amor por la gente lo hace accesible a cualquier hora, del día o de la noche. Han sido amigos, hermanos y padres constantes y solidarios en la vida de sus feligreses, compartiendo tanto sus alegrías como sus tristezas, individualmente y en familia, plantando semillas de fe por más de medio siglo. Están listos para dejar de lado algunas de las responsabilidades administrativas que conlleva ser párroco. Sus vidas tendrán un ritmo más lento, pero debido a las necesidades de la Iglesia, continuarán siendo sacerdotes activos, ayudando en la diócesis, asistiendo en cualquier lugar donde los necesiten.
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 condencialmente el abuso nanciero e fraude. Los empleados, los parroquianos, los voluntarios, los vendedores, y otros partidos interesados estan impulsados para reportar las preocupaciones que tengan respeto a la conducta de påca ética nanciera dentro de la Diócese de Corpus Christi. Todas las investigaciones serán tradas inmediatamente y discretamente. Personas que llamen tienen el derecho de mantenerse anónimas.
Llamada 1-877-571-9748 Obispo Michael Mulvey y el personal de la Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia se comprometen a ayudar en el proceso de curación de las víctimas y sobrevivientes de abuso. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce está en necesidad de estos servicios, llame a Stephanie Bonilla, Directora de la Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia: (361) 882-6191 para asistencia inmediata.
16 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia
“Con Permiso”
Programa de Radio en Español en KLUX 89.5 HD-1 y “Listen Live” en KLUX.org Domingos a las 7:30 a.m. con el P. Julian Cabrera y Gloria Romero
Margie Rivera
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South Texas Catholic
“
he dreaming is over, now is the time to get to specific points,” Bishop Michael Mulvey said of the Pastoral Plan Development Days on May 30 and 31. “We need to present to the world the face of the Church through its different ministries.” The Pastoral Plan is an intentional invitation to all people in the Diocese of Corpus Christi: faith communities, parishes, schools, ministries, organizations, diocesan structures and offices to be transformed into a Church of communion. “The Eucharist expresses that communion,” Bishop Mulvey said. “By existentially taking it into life, we create a behavior of living in unity with each other.” He explained that the Trinity is a communion of Three Persons bound by love, therefore people, who are made in this image, are called to communion. It starts with loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves. According to Bishop Mulvey our challenge is being nothing less than a communion of
persons who are one in Christ. He went on to say that everyone is seeking a sense of belonging, seeking a home. “How can we make the Church a home?” Bishop Mulvey asked the chancery staff. Bishop Mulvey referred to St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter, “Novo Millennio Ineunte,” as a vision for the Pastoral Plan. “A spirituality of communion indicates above all the heart’s contemplation of the mystery of the Trinity dwelling in us, and whose light we must also be able to see shining on the face of the brothers and sisters around us” (cf. Novo Millennio Ineunte, n. 43). He said “the challenge of the future is to undergo interior conversions and shifts in behavior. How are we to do this? listen before we speak; put ourselves aside and pay close attention; and ‘listen to the youth.’ “The youth are telling us something by being absent,” Bishop Mulvey said. “The younger generation feel they are not being heard, and their needs are not being met.” He said we must undergo a
Above right, Bishop Mulvey challenges faith communities to improve communion among themselves and the rest of the diocese. In the photo below staff gears up for another session during the Pastoral Plan Development Days. Margie Rivera, South Texas Catholic
July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 17
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Building a Church of communion
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change and let go of the attitude of “we’ve always done it this way.” We need to let go of control, so youth feel welcome to participate in various groups and organizations the Church has to offer. Renewal requires an internal conversion and relationship building, a journey that’s both personal and communal. He listed four characteristics of community: 1) prayer; 2) a “we –centered spirit;” 3) being enriched by the gifts of each other; and 4) making room for each other’s ideas. “When you make room for others you have to crucify your own thoughts. I move out and we move in,” he said. Bishop Mulvey outlined four priorities obtained from the Pastoral Summits to help build a spiritual Church of Communion. The priorities are: Formation, to form all Catholics in the spirituality of communion. Build community, parishes that are welcoming communities of formation. Prioritize Youth, exercise a “preferential option” for engaging young Catholics. And finally, Go Forth, evangelize and serve those at the margins. The chancery family was challenged to improve communion among themselves and the rest of the diocese. “The Holy Spirit is calling us back to our roots,” he said. He reminded them that the apostles were of one mind and one heart. They shared together what they had. Father James Stembler, vicar general of the diocese, spoke to staff on the importance of the baptismal promises and reminded them of their responsibilities as baptized members of the Church. On day two, diocesan clergy and staff met with religious and some lay leaders at the Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center to discuss the Pastoral Plan in a much broader scope. Diocesan directors, Therese Recinella, Rosemary Henry, Jaime Reyna and Zach Everett presented different aspects of their ministries and the gifts their offices bring to people in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. They gave accounts of their strengths, weaknesses, and statistics based on the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA). They presented evidence of families, parishes, schools and youth who are struggling, but want to belong; they want a family. “Our Pastoral Plan speaks of forming adults to build communities by encouraging parishes to work together to provide ministry opportunities for young people both inside and outside the traditional parish setting,” said Everett, director of the Office of Youth and Young Adults. He spoke of the need to make the forming of young people a priority, empowering them with the tools to proclaim the gospel to their own generation. The first approach is to promote the spiritually of communion. We must train ourselves to step out of the old ways of doing things; to listen to and discern with each other; to pray and allow others to shine and we must accompany youth. Bishop Mulvey said to be like the early apostles: go forth, evangelize and serve those at the margins. “… for they will know us by our love.” 18 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
Edificando una igl Por Margie Rivera
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South Texas Catholic
l sueño ha terminado, hemos llegado al momento de obtener puntos específicos”, dijo el Obispo Michael Mulvey sobre los días de Desarrollo del Plan Pastoral del 30 y 31 de mayo. “Necesitamos presentarle al mundo el rostro de la Iglesia a través de sus diferentes ministerios “. El Plan Pastoral es una invitación para todas las personas en la Diócesis de Corpus Christi: comunidades religiosas, parroquias, escuelas, ministerios, organizaciones, estructuras diocesanas y oficinas, con la intención de que sean transformadas en una Iglesia de comunión. “La Eucaristía expresa esa comunión”, dijo el obispo Mulvey. “Al tomarla existencialmente en nuestras vidas, creamos un comportamiento de vida en unidad de los unos con los otros”. Explicó que la Trinidad, una comunidad de Tres Personas existe en el amor, por lo tanto, el ser humano que está hecho a Su imagen, está llamado a la comunión. Todo comienza con amar a Dios y a nuestro prójimo como a nosotros mismos. Según el obispo Mulvey, nuestro desafío está siendo nada más ni nada menos, que una comunión de personas, que se hacen una en Cristo. Continuó diciendo, que cada uno busca un sentido de pertenencia, buscando un hogar. “¿Cómo podemos hacer de la Iglesia, un hogar?”, Preguntó el obispo Mulvey al personal de la cancillería. El obispo Mulvey se refirió a la Carta Apostólica de San Juan Pablo II, “Novo Millennio ineunte”, como una visión del Plan Pastoral. “Una espiritualidad de comunión, indica sobre todo una contemplación desde el corazón, del misterio de la Trinidad que mora en nosotros, y desde cuya luz, también debemos poder ver brillar el resplandor en los rostros de nuestros hermanos y hermanas que nos rodean” (cf. Novo Millennio ineunte, n. 43). Dijo que “el desafío del futuro es someterse a conversiones interiores y cambios de comportamiento. ¿Cómo vamos a hacer esto? escuchando antes de hablar; haciendo nos a un lado para prestar mucha atención; y ‘escuchando a los jóvenes’. “Los jóvenes nos están diciendo algo al estar ausentes”, dijo el obispo Mulvey. “La generación más joven siente que no es escuchada, y que sus necesidades no se están satisfaciendo”. Dijo que debemos pasar por un cambio y dejar a un lado esa actitud de: “siempre lo hemos hecho de esta manera”. Necesitamos dejar de controlar, para que los jóvenes se sientan bienvenidos a participar en la variedad de grupos y organizaciones que la Iglesia ofrece. La renovación requiere una conversión interna y la construcción de relaciones, un viaje que sea tanto personal como comunitario. Enumeró cuatro características de la comunidad: 1) la oración; 2) un “espíritu centrado en un nosotros”; 3) ser enriquecidos por los dones de cada uno; y 4) hacer espacio para las ideas de los demás. “Cuando uno hace espacio para otros, uno tiene que crucificar sus propios pensamientos. De manera
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lesia de comunión
que el “yo” sale para que entre un “nosotros”, dijo. El Obispo Mulvey subrayó cuatro prioridades obtenidas de las Cumbres Pastorales para ayudar a construir una Iglesia espiritual de comunión. Las prioridades son: La formación, para formar a todos los católicos en la espiritualidad de la comunión. Construir comunidad, parroquias que estén acogiendo comunidades de formación. Dar prioridad a los jóvenes, ejercer una “opción preferencial” para involucrar a los jóvenes católicos. Y finalmente; avancemos a evangelizar y a servir a los marginados. La familia de la cancillería fue desafiada a mejorar la comunión entre ellos y el resto de la diócesis. “El Espíritu Santo nos está llamando a nuestras raíces”, dijo. Les recordó que los apóstoles eran de una sola mente y de un solo corazón. Compartieron juntos lo que tenían. El padre James Stembler, vicario general de la diócesis, habló con el personal sobre la importancia de las promesas bautismales y les recordó sus responsabilidades como miembros bautizados de la Iglesia. En el segundo día, el clero diocesano y el personal se reunieron con religiosos y algunos líderes laicos en el Centro de Retiro Litúrgico Pax Christi para discutir el Plan Pastoral con una visión mucho más amplia. Los directores diocesanos, Therese Recinella,
Rosemary Henry, Jaime Reyna y Zach Everett presentaron diferentes aspectos de sus ministerios y las aportaciones que hacen sus oficinas a las personas de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi. Hicieron un recuento de sus fortalezas y debilidades, basadas en las estadísticas del Centro para Investigación Aplicada en el Apostolado (CARA). Presentaron evidencia de familias, parroquias, escuelas y jóvenes que están batallando, pero que quieren pertenecer y quieren ser familia. “Nuestro Plan Pastoral, habla de formar adultos para construir comunidades, animando a las parroquias a trabajar juntas para brindar oportunidades de ministerio a los jóvenes, tanto dentro como fuera del entorno parroquial tradicional”, dijo Everett, director de la Oficina de Jóvenes y Adultos Jóvenes. Habló de la necesidad de formación de los jóvenes como una prioridad, para que dándoles las herramientas, puedan proclamar el evangelio a su propia generación. El primer enfoque es promover la espiritualidad de comunión. Debemos entrenarnos para salir de las viejas formas de hacer las cosas; escuchar y discernir unos con otros; para rezar y permitir que otros brillen y debemos acompañar a los jóvenes. El obispo Mulvey dijo, para ser como los primeros apóstoles, avanza, evangeliza y sirve a aquellos que están marginados. “… Porque ellos, nos conocerán por nuestro amor”.
La comunidad de fe discute la visión del Plan Pastoral en un Día del Desarrollo. Margie Rivera, South Texas Catholic
July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 19
✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
Diocese gains two shepherds By Mary Cottingham
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South Texas Catholic
eacons Richard Gutierrez and Ramiro Regalado, Jr. were raised to the sacred order of the priesthood on June 8 at Corpus Christi Cathedral. During the Liturgy, Bishop Michael Mulvey laid his hands on their heads. He then took holy oil and anointed their hands – hands that will hold the Lord in the consecration. Corpus Christi Cathedral was filled with thanksgiving as the faithful of the diocese came out to witness the joyful ceremony, transforming these men into servants of
20 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
God. They were joined by families, friends, fellow seminarians, formators, religious sisters and other priests. In his homily, Bishop Mulvey advised the deacons to continue to pray and never stop searching for God. “The words Jesus spoke at the last supper should be mirrored in your daily lives,” he said. “You are called to teach. Let what you teach be nourishment for the people of God; let the holiness of your lives bring a light fragrance so that by word and example you may build up the house which is God’s Church. “As you celebrate the Eucharist today and the
Father Ramiro Regalado, Jr., from left and Father Richard Gutierrez are presented as newly ordained priests for the Diocese of Corpus Christi as the bishop and other priests, relatives, friends, formators and the diocesan community applaud in thanksgiving and praise. See more photos of this event at SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/newpriests. Adel Sauceda, South Texas Catholic
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; He has sent me to bring good news to the afflicted… – Isaiah 61:1 profound mystery of love, let the mystery of self-giving be the standard for the ministry for God’s people,” he said. “Do not run from your crosses, because over time these crosses will form you to the person of Jesus Christ.” After the homily, each man knelt before the bishop and promised to obey him and his successors. This was followed by the litany of supplication and ordination by the ancient rite of laying on of hands by the bishop. They were vested with their stoles and chasubles by their brother priests and all the priests
gave them a brotherly hug. For their first assignments, Father Richard Gutierrez will serve at St. Gertrude Parish, Kingsville and chaplain to St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center and Chapel at Texas A&M-Kingsville. He will reside at the rectory of St. Gertrude Parish, effective July 1. Father Ramiro Regalado, Jr. will serve at Most Precious Blood Parish in Corpus Christi and as chaplain to the Diocesan Ministry and Life Enrichment for Persons with Disabilities. He will reside at the rectory of Most Precious Blood Parish, effective July 1. July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 21
✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
Mass of Thanksgiving and By Mary Cottingham
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South Texas Catholic
Father Ramiro “RJ” Regalado, Jr. celebrates a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Church in Premont. See more photos of this event at SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/firstMassRJ. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
Father Ramiro Regalado, Jr. hugs his mom, Noemi Regalado before giving her the manutergium or holy cloth used to soak up the chrism oil after Bishop Mulvey anointed his hands during his ordination that morning. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
22 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
he newly ordained priests Fathers Ramiro “RJ” Regalado, Jr. and Richard Gutierrez celebrated their first Mass, a Mass of Thanksgiving, on the Solemnity of Pentecost, June 8 and 9. Although not his home parish, Father Regaldo celebrated Mass at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus in Premont near his home parish [Sacred Heart in Falfurrias] and Father Richard Gutierrez celebrated at his home parish, Holy Family Church in Corpus Christi. Father Gregory Boquet, O.S.B, President-Rector from the Seminary College in Louisiana, gave the homily for Father Regalado. Father Boquet said he was proud of Father Regalado. “He is mature in his faith. Father RJ knows what it means to suffer. He’s not perfect, but he knows the Lord is in charge. Father RJ has been tried and tested, he knows both triumph and defeat, and he knows the Lord.” Father Patrick Higgins gave the homily at the Mass of Thanksgiving for Father Gutierrez. He and Father Gutierrez have been friends for about six years. In his homily, Father Higgins said, “the world desperately needs the witness of love, of people willing to die to themselves, to lay down their lives so that others might have life. Father Richard’s priesthood is that symbol of love to our world, today.” Both priests are looking forward to their new assignments. Father Regalado is happy to be chaplain to the faith community at Catholic Charities’ Diocesan Ministry and Life Enrichment for Persons with Disabilities. “They are a beautiful community
†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
first Mass of new priests of people,” he said. “There is one word I could use to describe the community that I really love about them – ‘simplicity’ and they are so loving. They’re a joy to be around,” he said. Director Celia Mendez and all of Catholic Charities Ministry and Life Enrichment for Persons with Disabilities are so excited to have Father Regalado as their chaplain. He has already won their hearts and they have welcomed him with open arms. “We’ve been praying for a priest for years who could ‘hear [sign]’ the confessions for the deaf community,” Mendez said. “We feel very blessed.” Father Gutierrez will be chaplain at St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center and chapel at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. As a seminarian he spent his pastoral year with the students, and it’ll be like going back home. “I loved it as a seminarian. I’ll probably see a lot of new faces and maybe some I recognize, and I’ll be able to offer them the sacraments and serve them in a different way,” he said. “It’s actually very exciting for me.” Nina Joiner, Director of the Newman Center in Kingsville is also excited about having Father Gutierrez serve as chaplain. “I think he’s a very nice young man. The students will love him, and he’ll love the students,” she said. After both Masses of Thanksgiving, the new priests gave their mothers the holy cloth or manutergium used in their ordination. Father Regalado gave his mother Noemi Regalado his cloth, and as per his mother’s [Helen Gutierrez’s] request, Father Gutierrez gave his godmother, Janie Muzquiz the holy cloth used to wipe the holy oil from his hands.
Father Richard Gutierrez celebrates a Mass of Thanksgiving at Holy Family Church in Corpus Christi. See more photos of this event at SouthTexasCatholiccom/news/firstMassRG. Adel Sauceda, South Texas Catholic
Father Richard Gutierrez hugs his godmother, Janie Muzquiz after giving her the manutergium or holy cloth used to soak up the chrism oil after Bishop Mulvey anointed his hands during his ordination on June 8. It was Helen Gutierrez’s last request that he give it to her as she knew she couldn’t be there to receive it. Adel Sauceda, South Texas Catholic
July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 23
24  South Texas Catholic | July 2019
†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
Dr. Osbert Blow, MD, PhD, FACS during his Commissioning and Prayer Service for his new position as President and Chief Medical Officer of the CHRISTUS Spohn Health System. See more photos of this event at SouthTexasCatholic.com/ news/Blow. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
Faith-filled doctor new head of medicine at CHRISTUS-Spohn By Jennifer Branson
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South Texas Catholic
r. Osbert Blow tried to ignore that nagging voice telling him that he was going to be a doctor. He really tried. He started rowing as a student at Columbia University and wanted to free up a little more time for exploring the sport, but he just could not get the “doctor stuff” out of his system. He decided he needed to take care of it once and for all. He donned a suit and went to the local hospital to volunteer, asking the coordinator to put him in the worst possible situation she could. He reasoned that if he had a bad experience, he would never want to be a doctor. He landed in the
coronary care unit, greeted by a militaristic charge nurse who led him immediately to a patient room where there was a “Code Brown.” As he helped to clean up feces in his suit, and looked into the eyes of the suffering woman, he was struck by the sentiment that he had never felt more useful in his life. Unfortunately for him, but fortunately for the Coastal Bend community, his rowing career never took off after that. The recently commissioned President and Chief Medical Officer of the CHRISTUS Spohn Health System wakes up every morning grateful to God for his family, his career, and even for the difficult times in his life. A lifelong Catholic, he practices faithfully and unapologetically with his
wife, Dr. Nelly Garcia Blow, by his side. “I feel very blessed to be able to work in a faith-based institution,” he recounts. He has been working at CHRISTUS Spohn in some capacity since 2000 and considers it a great blessing that the board and the people of the Corpus Christi community have placed their trust in him to apply his personal and professional knowledge to the leadership of the hospital. He was especially pleased to have Bishop Michael Mulvey at his commissioning. “It had a special feel to it; it was a great moment and you could really feel the presence of the Holy Spirit,” he recalled. He sees this new role reflecting the words of the parable of the wise and faithful stewards of Luke 12:48: “Much will be July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 25
✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE
required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” His goal for this position is nothing more complicated than the mission statement of CHRISTUS Spohn: “To extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.” He also is dedicated to the core values of the hospital, which include dignity, integrity, excellence, compassion and stewardship. He understands that it’s easier to say than to practice, however. “As you translate that into business, you don’t compromise any of those important core values, but you also have to be cognizant and realistic that we live in a secular world,” he admitted. His antidote for this goes back to the direction and principles of Catholic teaching: Stand for what you are and be consistent. Be transparent. Communicate and engage in the community on all levels. He wants everyone who works for and with CHRISTUS Spohn to feel that they have made the right decision by fostering their desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
It’s easy to look at the practice of medicine through this noble lens of human dignity, but the reality is that it is often difficult or frustrating to deal with the medical system as a patient. Dr. Blow said that the most important thing to look for in a doctor is someone who is going to listen to you. “I had a wonderful professor who always told me if you listen to your patients carefully enough, they will tell you what their disease is,” he said. Of course, it isn’t often possible for doctors, to spend the time that they would like with patients. “Medicine, as a business, has interfered with the business of medicine.” He recognizes that medicine is an art and that no one person is the same, so a good medical history and a physical are of the utmost importance. His goal is to keep working to find a way to allow doctors to deliver the best care to everyone who comes to them. The most important training Dr. Blow has received, however, is prayer. When he was doing his Trauma residency at
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†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION
St. John Paul II School strengthens family’s faith By Jennifer Branson
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South Texas Catholic
oann De Los Santos stood by the side of the road and her breath caught in her throat. There, humbled and burdened, carrying a cross in a slow and painful procession was her son, Justin. He had volunteered to play Jesus in the living Stations of the Cross this year. “I put myself in Mary’s position,” De Los Santos said. That afternoon, both mother and son were in tears, contemplating God’s divine plan of salvation. And what a plan he had for the De Los Santos family. Neither Joann nor her husband Thomas grew up practicing the faith. They had both been baptized, but then only attended church sporadically. When they met, fell in love, and decided to get married, they both made the decision to embrace their Catholic faith and get married in the Church. They took instruction and were confirmed and married. Thomas and Joann De Los Santos knew they wanted their marriage built on the Catholic faith, but as life continued and children came, they went to Mass when they could. It wasn’t yet a priority.
The first nudge out of complacency was the death of Joann’s brother in 2005. It was then that Joann decided to make church a priority. “We hungered for it,” she explained. When her eldest son Thomas, a 2012 graduate, was getting ready to enter high school, she and her husband offered to send him to St. John Paul II. He decided to attend public school until his senior year, when he surprised his parents and asked to go to Catholic school. Joann was torn. They hadn’t saved to send him and now she couldn’t see a way to do it. As she prayed at Mass that weekend, an announcement was made that the parish, St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, was offering a scholarship. It seemed too good to be true. Thomas wrote the essay and then the whole family prayed. He received the scholarship and even though his parents were a bit nervous at making the transition so late in his high school career, it turned out to be his best year of school. “I was amazed at how welcoming the community was,” Joann said. When it was their younger son Justin’s turn,
The De Los Santos family, from left, daughterin-law Karla, sons, Thomas and Justin and parents Joann and Thomas after attending Mass together at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Church. Contributed photo
July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 27
†† CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Justin with his parents Thomas and Joann De Los Santos at High School graduation from St. John Paul II. Justin plans to pursue a minor in Theology. Contributed photo
he decided on Catholic school beginning with his sophomore year. His experience in public school his freshman year of trying to live his faith was difficult. His mother recounts that on Ash Wednesday he made sure to get up and go to Mass early before school, but the students made fun of his ashes all day. Far from shrinking from ridicule, however, he remained cool. He found a new world of support at John Paul II High School, and really found his voice going into his junior year
28 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
at the junior retreat. “From there he just took off,” his mother recounts. The whole family felt the difference in him, and he shared everything he learned about the Catholic faith with them. “We learned so much,” said Joann De Los Santos, “things we thought we knew but we didn’t know.” High school students are still teenagers with their struggles no matter where they are, however. Of course, there are students there that just go through the motions of faith, or haven’t completely
bought into the Christian life, but that never deterred Justin. “You can see the Holy Spirit working through Justin,” De Los Santos beamed. He has been one among his friends and peers to stand firm in his faith and explain to other students why they should be living it as well. The 2019 grad plans to continue to learn and grow in his Catholic faith, even to pursue a Theology minor next year at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. As any faithful young man would, he is considering the priesthood, but is moving forward open to whatever God has in store. After all, he has learned well from his parents that when you wait on God, he reveals his amazing plan in time. Even though Justin is their youngest son, the De Los Santos’ aren’t quite ready to step away from Saint John Paul II High School yet. They are looking forward to continuing in prayer and volunteer activities to support family friends through the school. This is part of what they appreciated about the education of both their sons, “You’re not a number, you’re an individual.” De Los Santos has never regretted any of the time or money they have put into a Catholic education for her sons, stating that it was “more than worth it.” The only thing she does regret is the time and energy she spent worrying about making it happen instead of trusting God. “We stress and fret about so much, but He’s opened so many doors,” she observed.
Sister Constance Veit, LSP
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Contributor
Sister Constance Veit is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.
n June we observed the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the massive invasion in Normandy, France, that led to the Allied victory in World War II. Extensive media coverage allowed us to participate in the events surrounding this anniversary from afar. I was touched by several stories of French young people who tend the graves of the fallen at the Normandy American cemetery, as well as the story of a group of high school students in North Carolina who raised $25,000 to send two veterans to Normandy for the celebrations. I was especially struck by one of the speakers who suggested that we should honor the D-Day survivors and learn from them by listening to them and sharing with them. “A continual challenge that we must all acknowledge is that we must learn from the past,” he said. “And a great part of that is that we need to listen – to listen to those who fought, and importantly, to be continually reminded of why they fought.” Listening in order to remember and learn from the past – this is also a constant theme in the writings of Pope Francis, especially Christus Vivit, his recent letter on young people. Quoting from the Book of Proverbs he encourages young people, “‘Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.’ It is really a matter of being open to receiving a wisdom passed down from generation to generation,” he writes, “a wisdom familiar with human weakness and not deserving to vanish before the novelties” of our current culture. Pope Francis tells seniors that they should be “memory keepers.” He envisions elders “as a permanent choir of a great spiritual sanctuary, where prayers of supplication and songs of praise support the larger community that works and struggles in the field of life.” To young people Pope Francis says, “It is a good thing to let older people tell their long stories, which sometimes seem legendary or fanciful – they are the dreams of old people – yet are often full of rich experiences, of eloquent symbols, of hidden messages. These stories take time to tell, and we should be prepared to listen
patiently and let them sink in, even though they are much longer than what we are used to in the social media. We have to realize that the wisdom needed for life bursts the confines of our present-day media resources.” How well our Holy Father understands the tendency of our media-saturated culture to render us impatient and inattentive to those in whose company we find ourselves as we incessantly fix our eyes on our mobile devices! But listening is a two-way street. The pope also tells older adults that they must know how to listen to the young and offer themselves as role models! He speaks of listening and accompaniment as charisms in the Church – gifts given to an individual for the good of all. A group of delegates to last October’s Synod on Youth specified what they look for in role models. The qualities of a good mentor, they said, include: “being a faithful Christian who engages with the Church and the world; someone who constantly seeks holiness; someone who is a confidant without judgment. “Similarly, someone who actively listens to the needs of young people and responds in kind; someone deeply loving and self-aware; someone who recognizes his or her limits and knows the joys and sorrows of the spiritual journey.” The young people said that an especially important quality in mentors is the acknowledgment of their own humanity – the fact that they are human beings who make mistakes: not perfect people but forgiven sinners. “Role models should walk alongside youth,” they said, “respecting their freedom and nurturing seeds of faith, without expecting to see immediate fruits.” Finally, “a mentor should believe wholeheartedly in a young person’s ability to participate in the life of the Church.” This summer as we find ourselves gathered at picnics, vacation destinations and family reunions let’s honor this ideal of listening in order to remember and learn from the past. Let’s share our memories, experiences, hopes and dreams across the generations and celebrate our common experiences as children of one heavenly Father! July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 29
†† OUR FAITH
Learning to listen and listening to learn
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The National Catholic Bioethics Center
he Board of Directors of The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) is pleased to announce that Joseph Meaney, Ph.D., has been named as the new president of the Center upon the retirement of its current President, Dr. John M. Haas, at the end of June. Dr. Haas served as the president of the center for over twenty-two years and was involved with the Search Committee in finding his successor. During the tenure of Dr. Haas, the NCBC expanded its publications, consultations, and educational initiatives with eight Ph.D. ethicists on staff or serving as Senior Fellows and has developed the center into a foundational Catholic institution in the United States. For almost forty years the center has worked with the Knights of Columbus to provide bishops’ workshops on bioethics to the Bishops of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The last one was attended by 140 Bishops. Dr. Meaney is a native of Corpus Christi and a graduate of the University of Dallas and the University of Texas-Austin and has his Ph.D. in Bioethics from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome. His dissertation topic was Conscience and Health Care: A Bioethical Analysis. “Conscience protection is a critically important topic today both in the United States and internationally,” according to Dr. Marilyn Coors of the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a member of the board. “We are delighted our new president is so committed to this topic.” Dr. Meaney is currently director of international outreach and expansion for Human Life International (HLI) and is a leading expert on the international pro-life and family movement, having traveled to eighty-one countries on its missions. He founded the HLI Rome Office in 1998 and lived there for nine years where he collaborated closely with dicasteries of the Holy See, particularly the Pontifical Council for the Family and the Pontifical Academy for Life. He has dual citizenship in the US and France and is fluent in four languages. His family has been active in the health care and pro-life fields in Corpus Christi and France for many years. Dr. Meaney was the general editor of the English Edition and co-author with his father, Dr. Michael Meaney, of a chapter in the Pontifical Council for the Family’s “Lexicon: Ambiguous and debatable terms regarding family, life and ethical questions” and is published in several scholarly journals. He has also written many popular articles and has been interviewed by newspapers, and radio and television
Joseph Meaney, Ph.D.
in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. His popular articles have appeared in the National Catholic Register, Crux, Inside Catholic, Crisis Magazine, Inside the Vatican, and many other publications. Archbishop Gregory Aymond, Chairman of the Board, said, “We are pleased to have as our new president an individual not only accomplished in the discipline of bioethics but also one who can make the Church’s message of life appealing to a broad range of audiences. We are blessed to have him join us. I look forward to our ministry together.” Dr. Haas pointed out that he has known Dr. Meaney for many years, not only as a scholar but also as a man of deep faith. HLI President, Father Shenan Boquet, wished Dr. Meaney the very best in his new position and thanked the Lord of Life for Meaney’s significant contributions to HLI’s global mission of preaching the Gospel of Life over more than two decades. Dr. Meaney lives near Paris with his wife, Marie, and their daughter, Thérèse, and they will move to Pennsylvania this summer. For more information, please contact George Gunning, Executive Vice President, at ggunning@ncbcenter.org or (215) 871-2009 or go to www.nbcenter.org. July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 31
†† NATIONAL NEWS
Corpus Christi native, Joseph Meaney, Ph.D., named president of NCBC
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Francis emphasizes Christian unity in prayer with Romanian Orthodox By Hannah Brockhaus
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Catholic News Agency
n a meeting with the Romanian Orthodox in their new cathedral in Bucharest Friday, Pope Francis prayed for the union of Christians as demonstrated in the first words of the Pater noster. “Each time we say ‘Our Father,’ we state that the word Father cannot stand on its own, apart from ‘Our,’” Pope Francis said in a meeting with Romanian Orthodox leaders and faithful with a common recitation of the Our Father. He said, “united in Jesus’ prayer, we are also united to his experience of love and intercession, which leads us to say: ‘My Father and your Father, my God and your God.’ We are invited to make my become our, and our to become a prayer.” “Help us, Father, to take our brother or sister’s lives seriously, to make their history our history,” he prayed. The encounter took place as part of the activities of the first day of Francis’ visit to three areas of Romania May 31-June 2. Earlier in the day he met with the Romanian president and authorities. He also met privately with Romanian Orthodox Patriarch Daniel and the bishops and
metropolitans of the Holy Synod. Referring to the line of the Our Father, which asks God to provide “our daily bread,” Francis said today we ask also for the bread “of which so many people today are lacking” – love. “The Our Father is a prayer that leaves us troubled and crying out in protest against the famine of love in our time, against the individualism and indifference that profane your name, Father,” he prayed. “Help us to hunger to give freely of ourselves. Remind us, whenever we pray, that life is not about keeping ourselves comfortable but about letting ourselves be broken; not about accumulating but about sharing; not about eating to our heart’s content but about feeding others,” Pope Francis said. Going through the Our Father line-byline, the pope addressed God the Father, “who art in heaven, a heaven that embraces all and in which you make the sun rise on the good and the evil, on the just and the unjust.” He prayed for peace and harmony on earth through the intercession of those who dwell with God in heaven “after having believed, loved and suffered greatly, even
in our own days, simply for the fact that they were Christians.” “Together with them, we wish to hallow your name, placing it at the heart of all we do. May your name, Lord, and not ours, be the one that moves and awakens in us the exercise of charity,” he added. Reflecting on the desire for “your kingdom to come,” the pope criticized the “frenetic consumerism that entices with glittering but fleeting realities,” and prayed for the grace to give up the comfort of power, worldliness, and self-sufficiency. “God’s will is that all be saved,” Francis said, quoting St. John Cassian, a monk and theologian who lived during the 4th and 5th centuries, thus the prayer says: “thy will be done, not our will.” Pope Francis prayed for the “daily bread” who is Christ, and for the “bread of memory,” the grace to nurture the shared roots of our Christian identity, so indispensable in an age when humanity, and the young in particular, tend to feel rootless amid the uncertainties of life, and incapable of building their lives on a solid foundation.” “Each time we pray, we ask that our trespasses, our debts, be forgiven,” he July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 33
†† VATICAN
Pope Francis speaks with Romanian Orthodox Patriarch Daniel in Bucharest
†† VATICAN
continued, encouraging Catholics and Eastern Orthodox to find the strength of heart to forgive the trespasses of others. “And when the evil that lurks at the doorway of our heart makes us want to close in on ourselves; when we feel more strongly the temptation to turn our back on others, help us again, Father, for the essence of sin is withdrawal from you and from our neighbor,” he prayed. “Help us to recognize in every one of our brothers and sisters a source of support on our common journey to you. Inspire in us the courage to say together: Our Father.”
Unity is in the ‘DNA’ of Christian community By Hannah Brockhaus
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Bishop Michael Mulvey and the staff of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources are committed to assisting in the healing process for victims and survivors of abuse. If you or someone you know is in need of such services, call Stephanie Bonilla, Director of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources at: (361) 882-6191 for immediate assistance.
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34 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
n essential characteristic of Christian community is its unity in diversity, and the freedom this gives to Christians to come alive as witnesses of Christ, Pope Francis said Wednesday. The selection of Matthias to take Judas’ place among the Twelve Apostles, as told at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, is the “reunification of the apostolic college,” the pope said June 12. This moment “shows how in the DNA of the Christian community there is unity and freedom from oneself, which make it possible not to fear diversity, not to attach oneself to things and gifts and to become martyrs, that is, luminous witnesses of God alive and active in history,” he said. “We too,” Francis urged, “need to rediscover the beauty of witnessing to the Risen, emerging from self-referential attitudes, renouncing the withholding of the gifts of God and not yielding to mediocrity.” The pope, as part of a new series of general audience catecheses on the Acts of the Apostles, reflected on the disciples’ selection of Matthias to replace Judas as one of the Twelve Apostles. Following the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus into heaven, the disciples are praying in the Upper Room. The selection of a disciple to fill the space left by Judas is a sign of the importance of communion, Pope Francis said. With the addition of Matthias, “the body of the Twelve is reconstituted,” he said. “A sign that communion – it is communion – that wins over divisions, isolation, the mentality that absolutizes the private space, a sign that communion is the first testimony the Apostles offer.”
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Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square June 19.
Daniel Ibanez, Catholic News Agency
The Holy Spirit unites the Church, despite sin and scandal By Courtney Grogan
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Catholic News Agency
ope Francis said Wednesday that the Holy Spirit unites and grows the Church despite human limitations, sins and scandal. “The Holy Spirit is the creator of communion, the artist of reconciliation … He builds the community of believers by harmonizing the unity of the body and the multiplicity of its members,” Pope Francis said June 19 in St. Peter’s Square. The Holy Spirit “makes the Church grow by helping it to go beyond human limits, sins and any scandal,” he said. Dedicating his Wednesday catechesis to the Acts of the Apostles’ account of the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Pope Francis reflected on how the Holy Spirit transformed and strengthened St. Peter. “On the feast of Pentecost, it is Peter who speaks, the rock on which Christ chose to build his Church,” he said. “His word, weak and even capable of denying the Lord, when crossed by the fire of the Spirit gains strength and becomes capable of piercing hearts and moving to conversion.” “God in fact chooses what is weak in the world to confound
the strong,” Pope Francis said, quoting St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. “The Church is thus born of the fire of love -- of a ‘fire’ that flares up at Pentecost, which manifests the strength of the Word of the Risen One imbued with the Holy Spirit,” he said. Pope Francis explained that this fire symbolically expresses God’s work of warming, illuminating, and testing hearts, and His care in purifying and revitalizing human works. “The Spirit of God moves hearts to welcome the salvation that passes through a person, Jesus Christ, the One whom men nailed to the wood of the cross and whom God raised from the dead,” the pope said. “As Benedict XVI said, ‘This is Pentecost: Jesus, and through Him, God himself, comes to us and draws us into himself,” he added. “Let us ask the Lord to let us experience a new Pentecost, which expands our hearts and tunes our feelings with those of Christ, so that we proudly proclaim His transforming word and bear witness to the power of love that calls to life all that it encounters,” Pope Francis said. July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 35
July Liturgical Calendar 1 | Mon | Weekday | green/white [USA: Saint Junípero Serra, Priest] Gn 18:16-33/Mt 8:18-22 (377) 2 | Tue | Weekday | green | Gn 19:1529/Mt 8:23-27 (378) 3 | Wed | Saint Thomas, Apostle | red | Feast | Eph 2:19-22/Jn 20:24-29 (593) Pss Prop 4 | Thu | Weekday | green/white [USA: Independence Day] Gn 22:1b-19/Mt 9:1-8 (380) or, for Independence Day, any readings from the Lectionary for Mass (vol. IV), the Mass “For the Country or a City,” nos. 882-886, or “For Peace and Justice,” nos. 887-891 5 | Fri | Weekday | green/white/white [Saint Anthony Zaccaria, Priest; USA: Saint Elizabeth of Portugal] Gn 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67/Mt 9:9-13 (381) 6 | Sat | Weekday | green/red/white [Saint Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr; BVM] Gn 27:1-5, 15-29/Mt 9:14-17 (382) 7 | SUN | FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Is 66:10-14c/
Gal 6:14-18/Lk 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9 (102) Pss II 8 | Mon | Weekday | green | Gn 28:1022a/Mt 9:18-26 (383) 9 | Tue | Weekday | green/red [Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs] Gn 32:23-33/ Mt 9:32-38 (384) 10 | Wed | Weekday | green | Gn 41:5557; 42:5-7a, 17-24a/Mt 10:1-7 (385) 11 | Thu | Saint Benedict, Abbot | white | Memorial | Gn 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5/Mt 10:7-15 (386) 12 | Fri | Weekday | green | Gn 46:1-7, 28-30/Mt 10:16-23 (387) 13 | Sat | Weekday | green/white/ white [Saint Henry; BVM] Gn 49:29-32; 50:15-26a/Mt 10:24-33 (388) 14 | SUN | FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Dt 30:10-14/ Col 1:15-20/Lk 10:25-37 (105) Pss III 15 | Mon | Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Ex 1:8-14, 22/Mt
10:34—11:1 (389) 16 | Tue | Weekday | green/white [Our Lady of Mount Carmel] Ex 2:1-15a/Mt 11:20-24 (390) 17 | Wed | Weekday | green | Ex 3:1-6, 9-12/Mt 11:25-27 (391)
[Saint Sharbel Makhlūf, Priest] Ex 16:15, 9-15/Mt 13:1-9 (397) 25 | Thu | Saint James, Apostle | red Feast | 2 Cor 4:7-15/Mt 20:20-28 (605) Pss Prop
18 | Thu | Weekday | green/white [USA: Saint Camillus de Lellis, Priest] Ex 3:13-20/Mt 11:28-30 (392)
26 | Fri | Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary | white | Memorial | Ex 20:1-17/Mt 13:18-23 (399)
19 | Fri | Weekday | green | Ex 11:10—12:14/Mt 12:1-8 (393)
27 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] Ex 24:3-8/Mt 13:24-30 (400)
20 | Sat | Weekday | green/red/white [Saint Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr; BVM] Ex 12:37-42/Mt 12:14-21 (394)
28 | SUN | SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Gn 18:2032/Col 2:12-14/Lk 11:1-13 (111) Pss I
21 | SUN | SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Gn 18:1-10a/ Col 1:24-28/Lk 10:38-42 (108) Pss IV
29 | Mon | Saint Martha | white | Memorial | Ex 32:15-24, 30-34 (401)/Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42 (607)
22 | Mon | Saint Mary Magdalene | white | Feast | Sg 3:1-4b or 2 Cor 5:1417/Jn 20:1-2, 11-18 (603) Pss Prop
30 | Tue | Weekday | green/white [Saint Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor of the Church] Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28/Mt 13:36-43 (402)
23 | Tue | Weekday | green/white [Saint Bridget, Religious] Ex 14:21— 15:1/Mt 12:46-50 (396) 24 | Wed | Weekday | green/white
31 | Wed | Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest | white | Memorial | Ex 34:2935/Mt 13:44-46 (403)
Laying the foundation for school and life success! Parents are their child’s first and most influential teachers and we want to support you on that journey! • Free home visiting program accepting prenatal mothers, Dads, Moms, grandparents raising grandchildren and caregivers of children from 0-5 years of age, residing in Nueces County. • Personal home visits; monthly or biweekly • Child screenings
• Fun-filled group meetings for client families, and FREE monthly Parent Café’s • Resource connection to Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi services and community resources • Certified Parent Educators • Rewards closet; earn while you learn, and free children’s books
Pre-enroll today at catholiccharities-cc.org/pat-enroll or call (361) 884-0651, ext. 287 36 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
Fathers Footsteps Pilgrimage by Car
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St. Joseph 69th Anniversary & Celebration of Wedding Anniversaries
13 & 14 17
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July 5 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Schoenstatt Movement Center, (4343 Gaines) in Corpus Christi. For more information call Olivia Botello at (361) 992-9841 or email schcc@mygrande.net
July 7 at St. Joseph (710 S. 19th St.) in Corpus Christi, during the 10 a.m. Mass. Father Rogel B. (Fr. Ogie) Rosalinas, SOLT invites all persons who were married at St. Joseph’s to come and receive a special blessing.
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50th Annual Schoenstatt Boys Walk
July 13 and 14. The Schoenstatt Boys walk will begin on Saturday, July 13 at 5 a.m. at Wayside Shrine (2309 Marguerite) in Corpus Christi and end Sunday, July 14 at 6 p.m. at Confidentia Shrine (134 Front St.) in Rockport. For more information call Olivia Botello at (361) 992-9841 or email schcc@mygrande.net or see flyer at http://bit.ly/2KVUsam.
Evangelii Gaudium Awards
July 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral. Bishop Michael Mulvey will present the Evangelii Gaudium Awards. A reception will follow at St. Joseph Hall. The award recognizes and acknowledges individuals and couples for their exemplification of Gospel values at their local parish.
Diocesan Marriage Prep One Day Workshop
July 20 from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. at Holy Family Church (2509 Nogales St.). Program is designed to inform couples of the spiritual and practical aspects of Catholic marriage and
facilitate couple dialogue on issues that include the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, communication, finances and tithing, marriage spirituality and sexual intimacy. Cost is $150 ($25 additional for couples outside the diocese.) Registrations are due one week prior to the seminar. Pre-registration is required. To register go to diocesecc.org/onedayworkshop.
Director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth. Religious education coordinators will receive one copy of Echoing the Mystery for their parish. Additional copies will be available at a discounted price from the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. Participants that attend both Friday and Saturday may use this seminar for Level 2 Ministry of Catechesis or Level 3 Certification Renewal – 10 hours. Cost is $15 and includes lunch and dinner. Deadline to Register is July 22. For more information contact Nellie Serna at (361) 882-6191, ext. 634 or email nserna@diocesecc.org or to register go to diocesecc.org/ events/echoingthemystery.
Diocesan NFP Class
July 20 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at 1426 Baldwin in Corpus Christi. Learn to recognize the natural cycles of fertility and infertility that occur naturally in every woman. Natural Family Planning (NFP) allows couples to plan pregnancies while following the teachings of the Church and respecting the gift of their married love. Marriage formation couples should plan to begin NFP education no less than three months prior to wedding date. To register go to diocesecc.org/events/nfpjuly.
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Men’s Spiritual Exercises Retreat
26 & 27
Echoing the Mystery: Unlocking the Deposit of Faith in Catechesis
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July 25-28 begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana). Register deepprayer.org or call (361) 2899095, ext. 321
Friday, July 26 5:30-9 p.m. and Saturday, July 27 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. in the John Paul II High School Cafetorium (3036 Saratoga Blvd.) Workshop is presented by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. Learn the keys and practical tips to teaching the deposit of faith. Presentation and workshop sessions will include hands on lesson planning. Presenter is Marlon De La Torre, M.A. M.E.D. PhD. Candidate.
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Rachel’s Vineyard
Aug. 2-4. Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats offer a beautiful opportunity to experience the merciful, freeing and healing love of Jesus Christ for any woman or man who has struggled with the emotional, physical or spiritual pain of a past abortion. In a confidential, safe and non-judgmental environment, there is hope for healing. If you or someone you know needs to speak to someone about an abortion or would like information about future retreats, please contact Tammy Romo-Alcala by calling (361) 510-4684 or emailing ccrachelsvineyard@gmail.com. To register go to diocesecc.org/events/ rachelsvineyard.
Diocesan Marriage Prep Weekend Retreat
Aug. 17-18 from 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Pax Christi Retreat Center (4601 Calallen Dr.) Workshop. Includes Sunday Mass. An extended version of the workshop. See Diocesan Marriage Prep One Day Workshop on July 20. To register go to diocesecc.org/weekend-retreat.
Ongoing Calendar Events
Tea Time and Book Study: Father Joseph Kentenich’s Life
Mondays from 12:30-2 p.m. at Schoenstatt Movement Center in Corpus Christi. “Brushstrokes of a Father” Reading: Volume 2 Reading about Father Joseph Kentenich, Founder of the Schoenstatt Movement.
Christ the King Prayer Group
Mondays from 7-8:30 p.m. at Christ the King (3423 Rojo). Come join our prayer group for a more in-depth understanding of what God wants us to do after he heals our hearts and souls. Spanish and English. For more information call (361) 510-5802.
Alzheimer’s & General Support Group
• July 2 and every first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Elan Assisted Living & Memory Care (5441 Lipes) in Corpus Christi. • July 3 and every first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at SCC River Ridge Nursing Rehab Center located at 3922 West River Dr. (off FM 624) in Corpus Christi. • July 4 and every first Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Gulf Point Plaza
(1008 Enterprise Blvd.) in Rockport. • July 9 and every second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Woodridge Nursing & Rehab Center located at 600 So. Hillside Dr. in Beeville. • July 10 and every second Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m. at Lindale Center/Caregiver SOS located on 3133 Swantner St. in Corpus Christi. For more in Corpus Christi. • July 11 and every second Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. at Mirador Plaza (back side of facility) located at 5857
July 2019 | South Texas Catholic 37
†† JULY CALENDAR
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Timbergate Drive in Corpus Christi.
Alzheimer’s & General Support Group - Cont.
• July 16 and every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at Brookdale located at 6410 Meadow Vista in Corpus Christi. • July 17 and every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Woodridge Nursing & Rehab. Center (600 So. Hillside Dr) in Beeville. • July 18 and every third Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Ed & Hazel Richmond Public Library, located on 110 N. Lamont Street in Aransas Pass. • July 23 and every fourth Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. at Alice Public Library (401 E. Third Street) in Alice. For more information call (361) 883-3935. • July 25 and every fourth Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at Kleberg County Nursing & Rehab located on 316 General Cavazos Blvd. in Kingsville. For more information call (361) 883-3935. • July 26 and the last Friday of the month at 2 p.m. at The Viera Senior Living located at 3010 Airline Road in Corpus Christi. We offer a professionally led group for family, caregivers and other supporting people living with Alzheimer’s.
OLPH Bereavement & Grief Support Ministry
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the St. John Paul II Conference Room at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Rectory (5830 Williams Drive). These sessions are intended for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. For more information call Chaplain Ray Claveria at (361) 215-4395.
El Grupo De Oracion/ Prayer Group
Todos los miércoles de 6:30-8:30 p.m. en la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón en Corpus Christi. El Grupo de Oracion se juntan cada Miercoles en el salon de la parroquia at 1322 Comanche St. En frente de la escuela George Evans. Todos estan invitados.
Catholic Charities is offering Immigration Services
Thursdays starting at 7:30 a.m. at Catholic Charities (615 Oliver Court). There is a $25 consultation fee. For more information call (361) 884-0651, ext. 228 or 233.
Holy Hour & Healing Mass
July 4 and every first Thursday of the month at 5-6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Jesus Nazareno Chapel at Sacred Heart Church in Corpus Christi.
Ultreyas
Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe (basement), located at 540 Hiawatha in Corpus Christi. For more information call Emma Botello at (361) 8532754. The Ultreya is a reunion of fellow Cursillistas who gather to share their 4th Day
and personal Journey with Christ and each other. Open to all Cursillistas and persons interested in Cursillos of the Dioceses of Corpus Christi and beyond.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Fridays 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Helena of the True Cross of Jesus (7634 Wooldridge Rd.) in Corpus Christi.
Q&A about the Extraordinary Form of the Mass
July 6 and every first Saturday of the month Q&A about the Extraordinary Form of the Mass at St. John the Baptist Church Catholic Church (7522 Everhart Rd.) in Corpus Christi. Begins after the 8 a.m. Mass. Please join St. Michael the Archangel Latin Mass Apostolate for light refreshments and Q&A about the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Latin Mass Missals are provided.
Blue Army Mass
July 6 and every first Saturday of the month in the Jesus Nazareno Chapel at Sacred Heart in Corpus Christi.
St. Peregrine Healing Mass
July 6 and every first Sunday of each month from 5-6 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi (1200 Lantana St.) in Corpus Christi. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of people suffering from cancer, AIDS, and other illnesses. The Healing Mass on the first Sunday of each month is to pray for his intercession.
Ultreyas
July 10 and every second Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 911 Garcia St. in Robstown. The Ultreya is a reunion of fellow Cursillistas who gather to share their 4th Day and personal journey with Christ and each other. For more information call Irma Padilla at (361) 688-2064.
Healing Mass and Prayer Service
July 12 and every second Friday of the month at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church (1123 Main Drive) in Corpus Christi.
July 16 and every third Tuesday of the month at St. Joseph Hall at Pax Christi Institute (4601 Calallen Dr.) in Corpus Christi. 2018 Saints of Study: Saints that witnessed an apparition of Our Lady.
Grounded in Truth at OLCC
July 20 and every third Saturday of the month. An hour of Adoration with Praise and Worship in the OLCC Perpetual Adoration Chapel 7-8 p.m., followed by music and fellowship in Cafe Veritas (attached to Our Lady of Corpus Christi’s Bookstore) from 8-9:30 p.m. All music led by talented local musicians.
The Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Pro-Life Mass
July 20 and every third Saturday from 8-10 a.m. the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Pro-Life Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church (710 19th Street) in Corpus Christ.
Meeting of lay apostolates of St. Dominic
July 20 and every third Saturday of each month at 3:45 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary School (next to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church), located on 2233 Waldron Road in Flour Bluff. The group is under the spiritual guidance of Sister Claudia Ongpin, O.P., of the Religious Missionary Sisters of St. Dominic.
Face to Face: Alzheimer’s Education and Support Program
July 24 and every fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Conference Center located behind the Doctor’s Regional Hospital Emergency Room, 3315 S. Alameda. Nestor H. Praderio, MD hosts an interactive learning experience for Caregivers of loved ones Alzheimer’s Disease and other related Dementia. Complimentary refreshments are sponsored by our trusted community partners.
Parent Café Support Group
Secular Franciscans in Corpus Christi Monthly Gathering
July 25 and every fourth Thursday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi (615 Oliver Court). For more information call (361) 884-0651, ext. 287. Please RSVP. Open to all parents, grandparents and caregivers raising children.
Family Rosary
Grandparents and other Relatives Raising Children Support Group
July 13, then in August continue first Saturday of each month from 9:30 p.m.-12 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral Room 4. July 13 and every second Saturday of the month in the Emmanuel Chapel (505 N Upper Broadway) after 12:05 Mass. Cathedral Knights of Columbus Council #11107, is inviting all Parish Families and community to participate in the Family Rosary. All participants are encouraged to bring their own rosaries. For those who do not have one, the Knights will provide finger rosaries, along with instructions on how to properly pray the rosary.
Tuesday Tea with the Saints
• July 25 and the last Thursday of each month from 6-7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (900 South Shoreline Blvd.) in Corpus Christi (2nd floor–Rm #216 / parking and entrance behind church). Facilitated and presented by MCH Family Outreach. Please call if you bring your grandchild(ren). Classes for all ages. • July 30 and the last Tuesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. at Greenwood Senior Center (4040 Greenwood Drive).
To see more calendar events go to: SouthTexasCatholic.com/events 38 South Texas Catholic | July 2019
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July 2019 Issue SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi, TX 78401-0824 (361) 882-6191
July 20-21
Copyright © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: BSIP SA / Alamy Stock Photo.
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