August/September 2019 - Vol. 54 No. 8

A U G U S T/S E P T E M B E R 2 0 19

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

South Texas

Catholic SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

2019 Cursillo Dates/Fechas Men’s

English

Sept. 26-29

Contact

Women’s Oct. 17-20

Emma Botello (361) 853-2754

Español

Hombres Oct. 10-13

Contacto

Frank Mata

(361) 437-2292

Mujeres

Sept. 19-21

Mary Mendoza (361) 701-0034

Make a friend, Be a friend, Bring your friend to Christ

Hacer un amigo, Ser un amigo, Traer su amigo a Cristo

Talk to God about your friend before talking to your friend about God

Hable con Dios antes de hablar con su amigo de Dios

We Invite You to Come Live and Enjoy a Cursillo.

Los Invitamos a Vivir y Gozar De Un Cursillo.

What is a Cursillo? Cursillo is a short course (Cursillo) in Christianity. To many, it is the beginning of a walk with Christ. The only purpose of Cursillo is evangelization of our environment and to bring others closer to Christ.

It starts on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday evening. All attendees attend Mass daily.

It is a joyful time where all share and pray together and listen to talks (rollos) that are given by clergy and laypersons. It is a personal encounter with Christ and with oneself. Cursillo started in Spain in the early 1940’s. It has rapidly spread and is now all over the world.

2 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

¿Qué es un Cursillo? Cursillo es un corto curso en Cristiandad. Muchos empiezan andar con Cristo. El propósito de cursillo es evangelizar nuestros ambientes, y traer a otros a Cristo.

Comienza el Jueves en la tarde, y termina el Domingo en la tarde. Durante estos días, los asistentes viven y trabajan juntos. Escuchan unas charlas (rollos) sencillas presentados por sacerdotes y seglares. Asisten Misa diaria. Es un tiempo gozoso donde compartimos, y oramos.

Es un encuentro personal con Cristo y uno mismo. Cursillo empiezo en principio de 1940’s en España. Se desparramo por todo el mundo.

ON THE

VOL. 54 NO. 8 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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Zach Everett, Youth Director for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, takes a selfie with some of the Most Precious Blood youth group, from upper left, clockwise are Chloe Villarreal group leader Sister Delphine Apinjoh, SSA, Kayla Hernandez and Sarra Ramirez at Steubenville South in Alexandria, Louisiana on June 21-23.

COVER

Zach Everett for South Texas Catholic

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Theological Consultant Ben Nguyen, JD/JCL. BNguyen@diocesecc.org Office Manager Adel Sauceda ARivera@diocesecc.org

El espíritu de comunión define la fiesta. Los presos miran tras las ventanas de la cárcel del condado de Nueces.

STC Support Staff Madelyn Galindo Correspondents Jesse DeLeon and Rebecca Esparza Translator Gloria Romero Photographers Ervey Martinez and David Mendez

Manage Subscriptions If you or someone you know would like to receive the South Texas Catholic Contact us at (361) 882-6191 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi TX 78401-0824 stc@diocesecc.org or to subscribe, unsubscribe or submit a change of address go online at: southtexascatholic.com/subscribe

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Submit your announcements by using our online form, e-mail, mail or drop it off at the Chancery office. Only announcements for the month of publication will be included in the print edition, if space permits. All other calendar items will appear on the magazine or diocesan websites.

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Madelyn Galindo, South Texas Catholic

FROM THE BISHOP 4 MESSAGE Become a witness to God’s love NEWS BRIEFS 7 The diocese welcomes four new seminarians VOCATIONS 9 Seminarians’ summer assignment immerses them in new cultural experiences

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NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE Tender loving care from a nurse with a heart

YEARS LATER 13 TWO Progress being made two years after Hurricane Harvey

31

FORMATION Augustine Institute professor to speak about family formation

LIFE ISSUES 33 Pro-life women deliver semi-truck full of supplies, $72,000 to the border

Keep up with the faith at www.SouthTexasCatholic.com

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 3

MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP

I

n seeing what is happening all around us, we may wonder where God is. There have been moments throughout history that make that question even more present. In 1956, Pope Pius XXII invoked the name of God crying out: “God, God, God! as he witnessed the invasion of Hungary. That cry for God then mobilized many Catholics to commit themselves to live the Gospel wherever they were, thus offering God the possibility to “return” into society. To strive to live like the first Christians, witnessing the living presence of God. This cry “God, God, God” is resonating also today, strongly calling all of us to become missionaries, who with our lives can bring back God everywhere, in hospitals, police precincts, schools, farm fields, factories, corporate offices, homes and military bases.

In his Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium,” Pope Francis shared his profound desire: “I dream of a missionary Church.” I share in the same dream.

As your bishop, I call everyone to be missionary today. That is to become witnesses of God’s love and presence to the world surrounding us. We can all do it: once we have become children of God, we are also asked to bring his love to everyone. We are all called to be “missionary,” on a special mission, sent out. The vocation of every Christian is first to be deeply rooted in a life with God, to go out towards other people, seeing in them brothers and sisters in Christ, and announce the good news of the Gospel with our lives and actions, and if necessary, with words too.

But how can we do so, you may ask?

We become witnesses when we make Jesus’ lifestyle our own – having an attitude of acceptance and sharing with the people we meet every day; in our family or at work when studying or relaxing. It means having at heart the plan of God for all people — to live as one family. We are here, to be “missionary” addressing the errors that abound among us through our witness. We are also called to go beyond the mentality of comfort in our clubs, groups, associations and organizations. We are called to go beyond ourselves. We are invited to go out to those who don’t come and sit with us at Sunday Mass. They too thirst for truth and meaning; they also are calling out for God. During the Solemnity of Corpus Christi this year we had an opportunity to do so. It is still vivid in my mind – the faces of the homeless who made the sign of the cross as we “walked” with Jesus in the Eucharist through our city. The image of the prisoners at the county jail who enthusiastically banged on their windows to make us know that they too were present and wanting to receive God’s blessing and our love in prayers.

We realized the power of unity among us and unity in God. We saw how strong we are when we are together, helping one another, praying for one another. That night we had confirmation that united in the Eucharist a small amount of leaven can be effective on the streets of a city.

4 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

MENSAJE DEL OBISPO

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l ver lo que está sucediendo a nuestro alrededor, quizás nos preguntemos ¿dónde está Dios? Ha habido momentos a lo largo de la historia que hacen que esta pregunta esté aún más presente. En 1956, el Papa Pío XII invocó el nombre de Dios gritando: “¡Dios, Dios, Dios! Al mismo tiempo que testificaba la invasión de Hungría. Ese clamor por Dios movilizó a muchos católicos a comprometerse a vivir el Evangelio dondequiera que estuvieran, ofreciéndole a Dios la posibilidad de “regresar” a una sociedad. Para luchar y vivir como los primeros cristianos, siendo testigos de la presencia viva de Dios.

Este grito por “Dios, Dios, Dios” también resuena hoy en día, nos llama intensamente a todos, a convertirnos en misioneros, quienes con nuestras vidas podemos llevar de nuevo a Dios a todas partes, a hospitales, recintos policiacos, escuelas, campos de cultivo, fábricas, oficinas corporativas, hogares y a bases militares.

En su Exhortación apostólica “Evangelii Gaudium”, el Papa Francisco compartió su profundo deseo: “Sueño con una Iglesia misionera”. Yo comparto ese mismo sueño.

Como su obispo, les hago un llamado para que se conviertan en misioneros hoy. Eso significa ser testigos del amor y la presencia de Dios en el mundo que nos rodea. Todos podemos hacerlo: ya que al convertirnos en hijos de Dios, también se nos ha pedido que llevemos su amor a cada uno de nuestros semejantes.

Todos estamos llamados a ser “misioneros”, se nos ha enviado a una misión especial. La vocación de cada cristiano, es primero estar profundamente arraigado en una vida con Dios, después, salir y dirigirnos hacia otras personas, viendo en ellas a nuestros hermanos y hermanas en Cristo para anunciarles la buena nueva del Evangelio con nuestras vidas y acciones, y si es necesario, con palabras también.

Pero ¿cómo podemos hacerlo?, quizás se pregunten.

Nos convertimos en testigos cuando hacemos que el estilo de vida de Jesús sea nuestro propio estilo: teniendo una actitud de aceptación, compartiendo con cada persona que conocemos cada día; bien sea en nuestra familia o en el trabajo, cuando estudiamos o cuando nos relajamos. Esto significa; tener en el corazón y en la mente el plan de Dios para toda la gente:- vivir como una sola familia- . Estamos aquí, para ser “misioneros” y corregir los errores que abundan entre nosotros a través de nuestro testimonio. También estamos llamados a ir más allá de la mentalidad de comodidad en nuestros clubes, grupos, asociaciones y organizaciones. Estamos llamados a ir más allá de nosotros mismos. Estamos invitados a salir y buscar a aquellos que no se sientan en misa con nosotros los domingos. Ellos también tienen sed de verdad y deseos de darle sentido a sus vidas, ellos también están buscando a Dios.

Durante la solemnidad de Corpus Christi este año tuvimos la oportunidad de hacerlo. Todavía está vivo en mi mente, el recuerdo de los rostros de las personas sin hogar, que hicieron la señal de la cruz mientras “caminábamos” con Jesús en la Eucaristía a través de nuestra ciudad. La imagen de los prisioneros en la cárcel del condado que golpeaban con entusiasmo sus ventanas para hacernos saber que ellos también estaban presentes y querían recibir la bendición de Dios y nuestro amor en las oraciones.

Nos dimos cuenta del poder de la unidad entre nosotros en unidad con Dios. Vimos lo fuertes que somos cuando estamos juntos, ayudándonos unos a otros, orando los unos por los otros. Esa noche tuvimos la confirmación de que unidos en la Eucaristía un pequeño trozo de levadura puede ser muy efectivo en las calles de una ciudad.

+Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 5

†† NEWS BRIEFS

Parishioners recognized for joyful and humble service Fifty-seven honorees from parishes throughout the Diocese of Corpus Christi received recognition at the Fifth Annual Evangelii Gaudium Recognition Ceremony on July 18 at Corpus Christi Cathedral.

Bishop Michael Mulvey said it makes him happy to give out these awards. “This is one of those moments that I am with the people of God," he said.

He presented plaques to individuals and couples who were nominated by their pastors in parishes and missions throughout the diocese.

Pastors were asked to identify those who exemplify the Joy of the Gospel, which is Pope Francis’ first encyclical.

“It’s a pleasure to be with you and recognize you for the great mission you do throughout the diocese,” Bishop Mulvey said.

Individuals and couples who received the 2019 Evangelii Gaudium recognition were David Rosse from St. Getrude Parish in Kingsville, Hortensia Brooks from St. George Parish in George West, Emma Ramos from St. Martin Parish in Kingsville, Gilberto Martinez and Benjamin Mendoza from Our Lady of Pilar Parish, Ernest Espino from Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Melissa Riojas from Holy Family Parish, Jose and Ilda Sauceda from St. Joseph Parish in Kingsville, Charlie and Kimberly Nelson from Immaculate Conception Parish in

Skidmore, Gilbert and Sylvia Ozuna from St. Elizabeth Parish in Alice, Gloria Nunez from St. Andrew by the Sea Parish, Gilbert and Lamarr Graves from Most Precious Blood, Juan and Sandra Juarez from Nuestra Senora de San Juan Parish, Pedro and Sandra Trevino from Christ the King, Richard and Paula Smith from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Rey and Susie Castaneda from St. Anthony Parish in Robstown, Encarnacion and Cecilia Gamboa from St. Mary Mission, Antonio and Naida Rios from Immaculate Conception Parish, Alfred and Lucille Snapka from St. Anthony in Violet, Robert and Elizabeth Conces from St. Joseph Parish in Port Aransas, Rita Moreno Arce and Aurora Cantu from St. Mary Parish in Freer, Martha Cuellar, St. James Parish in Beeville, Domingo and Herminia Reyna from Our Lady of Victory Parish in Beeville, James and Pat Staples from Sacred Heart Mission in Pettus, Tony and Sandra Gaglieno from Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Michael and Jennifer Valenzuela from Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Riviera, Jonelle LeMaire from Sacred Heart Parish in Sinton, Mina Valdez from St. Helena of the True Cross of Jesus Parish, Erma Gonzales from Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Eugene and Blanca Gonzalez from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Ciriaco and Nere Villarreal from Sacred Heart Parish in Mathis, Deacon Vic and Maggie Benys from Our

Bishop Mulvey presents a plaque to Naida, left, and Antonio Rios for their exemplorary service at Immaculate Conception Parish in Gregory. To view and download photos go to SouthTexasCatholic/news/EG2019.

Madelyn Galindo, South Texas Catholic 6 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Geronimo Jaramillo from St. Therese Parish in Woodsboro, Ben and Christine Lara from St. James the Apostle Parish in Refugio, Albert and Stephanie Rivera from St. John the Baptist Parish, JoFern Thomas from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Dora Salinas from St. Joseph Parish, Miguel and Cristina Briseno from Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Annie Gonzales and Eva Ruiz from Sacred Heart in Three Rivers Parish, Bobby and Mary DeLeon from Our Lady of Guadalupe in Pawnee, Darwin and Theresa Baucum from St. Patrick Mission in San Patricio, John and Annette Freeman, St. Thomas The Apostle Parish, Yvonne Youngblood from St. Patrick Parish, Douglas and Anna Bracken from St. Paul the Apostle, Eleuterio and Enedelia Saenz from Sacred Heart Mission in Ricardo, Frederick Jr. and Elizabeth Yaklin from Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Vattmann, Carol Griffith from St. Paul Mission in St. Paul, Gregory Meyer from St. Pius X Mission in Sandia, Dalio Benavides from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Manuel and Amelia Venegas from Sacred Heart Parish, Ofilia Jimenez from St. Francis Xavier Mission in Tynan, Alfredo and Juana Deleon from St. Mary Mission in Calallen, Evelyn Martini from St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Parish, David and Karlene Lewis from Corpus Christi Cathedral and Nilda Ramirez from Our Lady of Refuge in Refugio.

†† NEWS BRIEFS

Seminarians at a Mariopolis Retreat in Kerrville. The diocese welcomes these four new seminarians, from left, Jim Craig, Mark Valdez, Matthew (Matty) Kyle and Javier Palacios, Jr. Bob Cummings for South Texas Catholic

The diocese welcomes four new seminarians Four young men from the Diocese of Corpus Christi will begin their journey of discernment for vocation to the priesthood.

Entering seminary in the fall are Jim Craig, Mark Valdez, Matthew Kyle and Javier Palacios, Jr. Craig was born in Skidmore, and moved to Robstown at age seven. He received a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is one of six siblings, one of whom is a sister with

the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. He will begin Pre-Theology I at St. Joseph Seminary in the fall.

Valdez was born and raised in Beeville and has one brother. He has done course work at Coastal Bend College in Beeville and was very active at the Newman Center. He will begin College I at St. Joseph Seminary in the fall.

Kyle was born in Houston and has two brothers. He was attending Texas A&M

University-Corpus Christi and felt called to the priesthood through his involvement with the Newman Center. He will begin College I at St. Joseph Seminary in the fall.

Palacios, Jr. was born in Corpus Christi and has two sisters. He has been a longtime parishioner at Most Precious Blood Church and has received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He will begin Pre-Theology I in the fall at Holy Trinity Seminary.

An organ finds a home at OLCC chapel Sister Mary of Holy Hope, a sister with the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity and members of the SOLT community celebrated the installation of an 1874 Hutchings-Plaisted Opus 42 organ at its permanent home, Our Lady of Corpus Christi Perpetual Adoration Chapel. The celebration included an organ blessing and dedication recital on July 15.

Sister Holy Hope, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree of Church Music with organ emphasis at the University of Kansas, played “O Lux Beata Trinitas” (by Michael Praetorius); “Ave Maria” (by Johann Sebastian Bach/Charles Gounod) with Brother David Snow on Violin as well as many other favorites.

For Sister Holy Hope the dream of finding an organ for the chapel, which has “perfect acoustics” had begun in 2010 when she was then a novice. After much research she found out that a new organ, even an electronic organ, was priced at $60,000 on up.

Through her many contacts in Kansas, a rescued organ was found and through the efforts of Mark Pichowicz who dismantled the organ, drove it from Massachusetts to Corpus Christi, and along with many volunteers rebuilt the organ and restored it to its former glory. Pichowicz, of Marcus Organs, specializes in rescuing organs.

To see full story and more photos visit SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/OLCCorgan.

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 7

†† VOCATIONS

Two members of the SOLT community profess final vows

B

South Texas Catholic

rother Daniel Tozzi and Sister Maria of Merciful Love from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) made their Perpetual Profession on July 16 and July 18, respectively. Bishop Michael Mulvey presided over the Masses of Religious Profession at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

Brother Daniel entered formation with the SOLTs in 2011. He made First Promises as a religious brother in 2013 and has been “very happy and very privileged to be serving Jesus and Mary full-time.” He was born and raised in Picayune, Mississippi and graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology, where he also completed the Army ROTC program.

He served in the U.S. Army National Guard for 11 years, mostly as a Field Artillery Officer. He was also the safety and environmental coordinator for a company that builds refinery equipment in Beaumont for about 20 years. His hobbies included flying airplanes, snow skiing and tennis. He is currently assigned to Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Detroit, Michigan.

Sister Maria of Merciful Love, SOLT was born in Kingsville and raised in Premont. Her given name is Maria de Los Angeles

8 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

Medina. St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church had become her second home. “Father John Ouellette had such strong support and love for the youth and that really moved me,” she said. “In many ways, he met me where I was at, and at that time, I really struggled to believe that God was real, and he helped me grow to know and love God.” In 2009, she went on a diocesan Vocation Retreat and met a SOLT sister for the first time. “I remember the first time I visited the community for a Mass and brunch. I was so moved to see all the vocations, priests, sisters, brothers, and laity, all together. They were so joyful, and they all had a great love for God and Our Blessed Mother. I knew I was home,” she said.

Sister Maria of Merciful Love began her journey with the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity in 2010, professed first vows in 2014, and has served in SOLT missions in Missouri, Arizona and New Mexico. She is currently serving in Belize in Central America.

In the photos below Brother Daniel Tozzi, SOLT at left, and Sister Maria of Merciful Love, SOLT at right, profess final vows.

Sarah Kessler for South Texas Catholic

†† VOCATIONS

Seminarians’ summer assignment immerses them in new cultural experiences

By Jesse De Leon

W

Correspondent

hen most people think of taking a summer vacation, lazy afternoons in the sun, splashing in the pool, or traveling to an exotic location are usually what come to mind. However, for Thomas Swierc, Daniel Flores and Raymond Pendleton, three seminarians from the Diocese of Corpus Christi, the summer offers an extraordinary opportunity to learn and grow by immersing themselves in different languages, cultures and traditions.

For San Antonio native Thomas Swierc, the road to the seminary began when he was still in high school. His family moved to College Station, and he grew up as a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish before his family moved to the Corpus Christi area and became members of St. Gertrude Parish, where he was an altar server

and enthusiastically helped with various parish events and fundraisers. It wasn’t until he started college that he began to consider his vocation to the priesthood seriously.

“I started working on my spiritual life in college, and that got things moving internally,” he said. “At the start of my second year in college, I suddenly had an intense burning within me, and I knew I could not put off the seminary any longer.”

Being on fire with the Holy Spirit was also the driving force behind Daniel Flores’ decision to enter the seminary. Flores, who was born and raised in Alice and grew up attending St. Joseph Church, said he felt drawn to the priesthood at a young age. Despite that early awareness of his vocation, he was both prayerful and patient as he went through an extended discernment process.

“I remember deciding that I wanted to be a priest when I was eight years old,” recalls Flores.

“Ten years later, after working to develop my

Seminarians from the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Thomas Swierc, from left, and Daniel Flores are spending the summer in Mexico, immersing themselves in the Spanish language.

The other men in the group are seminarian Zachary Muldrow from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Padre Enrique from the Diocese of Tehuacán in Mexico, and also from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, seminarian Christopher Wuenscher, Deacon Mark Herbert and Matthew Krusleski.

Contributed photo

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 9

†† VOCATIONS

spiritual life, I made a verbal commitment to join Fellow seminarian Raymond Pendleton is also the seminary.” He was 15 and attending St. John experiencing a cultural immersion, but his is one Paul II High School at the time. that required him to travel across the Atlantic to For both Swierc and Flores their commitment spend time learning about parish life and pastoral to their vocation as seminarians has led them to a ministry in Ireland. His time at University Cork six-week journey to a little town in Puebla, Mexhas given him the chance to embrace Latin and ico called Mariapolís El Diamante. They along learn its vital role in the liturgy. with other seminarians from the Archdiocese of “Latin is the language by which the Church has Galveston-Houston, will hone their skills in Spanofficially declared the great truths of our Catholic ish, hopefully mastering enough of the language faith,” says Pendleton. “I have been blessed to to help bridge communication gaps with future study the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas, and parishioners.

I have been inspired by this great doctor of the Their learning process goes far beyond classChurch to continue my studies of Latin because room lectures and homework. These seminarians Raymond Pendleton for me, learning Latin is not just an academic have been given the unique opportunity to learn pursuit; rather, it’s ultimately about answering Spanish through the process of immersion. More specifically, God’s call to holiness.” they have been able to immerse themselves in Mexican culture, Pendleton is a product of Santa Rosa de Lima Parish in Benaresulting in some surprising but highly rewarding moments. vides, and even though he is far from home, he is learning what “The faith of the locals here in Puebla is incredible,” says will undoubtedly equip him for the duties and responsibilities Swierc. “I got to be a part of the Feast of Corpus Christi, and he will face after he is ordained. the procession was over a mile long. The number of people who Language lessons, new surroundings, local interaction and come to Mass on a daily basis is just incredible.” participating in several parish activities are for these three sem“Being here in Puebla is such a mind-blowing experience,” inarians from the Diocese of Corpus Christi all part of this adds Flores. “It is amazing to see such a welcoming community. highly rewarding process of learning through immersion. Clearly, And, because we are seminarians, we are not only received with Thomas Swierc, Daniel Flores and Raymond Pendleton have joy by the people here, but we also hope to inspire more vocations shown their steadfast commitment to learning about different to the priesthood.” languages and cultures on their journey to becoming priests.

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†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Licensed Vocational Nurse Charlotte Stovall prepares medications for children at The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter recently. Stovall said her work at the shelter is more than just a job, it’s a labor of love caring for children who have been rescued from neglectful situations at the hands of their parents or guardians.

Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

Tender loving care from a nurse with a heart

By Rebecca Esparza

C Correspondent

harlotte Stovall has seen it all during her 16 years at The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth. As a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), she is one of the first staff members to encounter a new child at the center.

“We’ve had children come in wearing a full body cast, suffering from multiple fractures, burns and even gun shot wounds,” Stovall said. “Some children are born with not only one drug, but multiple

drugs in their system. By the time we get them, the withdrawals they experience create multiple other medical problems.”

But Stovall makes it a priority to ensure all the children at The Ark receive love, attention, hugs and everything else needed to help them forget the neglect that brought them to the center in the first place.

“It’s amazing what soap, water, food, rest and love can cure. I love my job. It’s not easy, but nothing worthwhile is,” she said. “It truly takes a village to raise a child. The Ark is that village: the staff,

team leaders, executive director and board of directors…all of us make The Ark.” Stovall has been a nurse since 1984 and started her work at Calallen Independent School District as an elementary school nurse. It was there she first encountered children who were neglected at home. As the nurse, she was on the frontlines when it came to making a report about abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services.

“We had one child who would wear the same red shirt everyday. Through some investigating, I found out his mother would beat him when he tried to wear

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 11

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

something else, so I made sure he had multiple shirts he could change into while at school. He was a completely different child when he wore the shirts we provided him.

He walked taller and prouder. Sometimes the littlest things can make a huge difference to someone,” she recalled.

For Stovall, watching children blossom after receiving the proper care and attention makes her work rewarding. Married for 47 years, she and her husband have four grown children and 11 grandchildren. Being a nurturing caregiver comes naturally to her.

“Simple things we take for granted, these kids have never experienced. I’ll never forget one young girl who told me she felt like a princess simply because she ate until she was full, took a shower, had on new pajamas we gave her and a bed all to herself,” she said. “It took everything in me not to cry in front of her. She was so happy to have her basic needs met.”

Anita Rivera, a team leader at The Ark, said she feels more at ease knowing Stovall is always available at a moments notice if the children need something. Even if she is not physically around, Stovall stays on-call

Charlotte Stovall, a Licensed Vocational Nurse at The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter, has been with the center for 16 years. Stovall is not only on-call for medical emergencies, but also accompanies the children on routine doctor’s visits when needed.

Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

for emergencies.

“The children really love her and are not as scared when she is here. She is very tender when working with them, making a deep connection with these children on a personal level,” she said. “She goes the extra mile for our kids and we are blessed to have her with us.”

Helping children replace the anger and hurt they have experienced in the past and replacing it with dancing, singing, trust and love is what makes all her hard work and dedication worthwhile. For Stovall, it is all about the children.

SEPT. 7-8

Preparing the next generation of leaders for our Church and nation. Visit collection.cua.edu

12 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

“Children are our purpose for being here. All children are a gift from God and deserve the best. I’m happy to do my part in making sure they are healthy and happy while they are with us,” she said.

The 20th Annual Ark Gala will be on Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. at Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds (1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd.) in Robstown. The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth is always seeking donations and volunteers For more information call (361) 241-6566 or dtrejo@ark4kids.com or Visit Ark4Kids.com.

†† TWO YEARS LATER

St. Joseph Church in Port Aransas is seeing fruition of the public assistance claim. Architects and contractors have evaluated the floor preparing it for polished concrete with patterns from the narthex to the altar, in lieu of vinyl composite tile and carpet, which is what was previously laid inside the church.

South Texas Catholic

Progress being made two years after harvey

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South Texas Catholic

n late August of 2017, Hurricane Harvey, the second-largest natural disaster in U.S. history hit the Texas Gulf Coast. In its aftermath, Bishop Michael Mulvey saw the devastation left in its wake and knew the road to recovery was not going to be an easy one. It would forever change the lives of people along the coast.

His first priority was to make sure aid was given to those in need. Food, water, cleaning supplies and lumber were distributed via Catholic Charities along with organizations such as the Knights of Columbus. In the days following the storm, churches were visited; assessments of damages and inspections of the stabilization of buildings had begun.

Due to the magnitude of the devastation, the diocese contracted a disaster recovery firm, The Sulzer Group, to help coordinate the Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA) public assistance grants program and provide project/construction management and grant administration support. The Sulzer Group is assisting the Diocese of Victoria who was also impacted by Hurricane Harvey. With the firms help, the diocese is pursuing public assistance grants for all eligible structures damaged by the hurricane.

“The Diocese of Corpus Christi is one of the single largest private nonprofit organizations in Texas to file FEMA assistance in repairing catastrophic damages from Hurricane Harvey,” said Deacon Arnold, Disaster Relief Coordinator for the diocese. “There are currently 310 damaged structures on church properties in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.”

Developing a public assistance claim is no easy undertaking. It takes time and expertise. The process, though a lengthy one, involves identifying facilities eligible

for FEMA funding and developing damage descriptions; detailing the dimensions of said damages and the corresponding scope of work to repair or replace those damages. The diocesan construction team performs onsite preliminary inspections, and the team then goes back with FEMA personnel to verify those damages on a Site Inspection Report (SIR). A detailed examination with the FEMA critical infrastructure team is then necessary to determine the repair or replacement of each damaged facility, not to mention providing FEMA with countless Essential Elements of Information (EEI’s) in support of each damaged facility.

When Hurricane Harvey reached the Gulf Coast the brunt of the storm’s impact hit Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, Rockport, Lamar and Fulton. Then as the storm continued inland, it caused major damage to Ingleside, Refugio, Bayside, Woodsboro and many places throughout

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 13

†† TWO YEARS LATER

Major upgrades have been made at St. Anthony of Padua Mission in Austwell. The church has a new roof, all new insulation, drywall, and the altar was redesigned. A new bell tower was installed as well as new floors.

Rose Wind for South Texas Catholic

the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

St. Peter Church in Fulton, which received significant damage, is one of the top priority projects underway. Demolition of the Church is in the works and rebuild will soon follow. The new facilities will be built to the latest building and safety code with materials that will sustain hurricane-force winds and a windstorm certified roof. Currently, the parish is using a facility in Rockport for Masses and various parish activities located at 1010 Palmetto Ave. Matt and Rina Dysarz began attending St. Peter Church several years ago and came to know many Vietnamese people in the community. “They talk about St. Peter’s as being the first Vietnamese church in the United States. A lot of them came from a town called Rockport in Vietnam,” Matt Dysarz said. “For years now, when we have the Oysterfest, everyone talks about going to St. Peter’s booth for good food.

So, the Vietnamese people are ingrained into our town.

“Our town is not just a church, but a whole culture of people and the hurricane has galvanized us. It made us an even

stronger – one body in Christ. I believe that when it’s all done, St. Peter’s is going to be much bigger and better than before.

Even the kids who went through the hurricane will have something to look back on. It’ll be a focal point in their history,” he said.

Unlike St. Peter, Sacred Heart in Rockport still has a church, but the rest of the campus suffered major damage. The diocese has built an entire temporary campus for classrooms and offices. The rectory received a new roof, a new fence and some windows were replaced. The parish hall still has extensive damage and is pending a FEMA claim repair.

The demolition of St. Peter Church and Sacred Heart Parish in Rockport is next on the agenda. “We are currently getting bids for demolition,” said Orlando Zepeda, Construction Manager for the diocese.

St. Joseph in Port Aransas, another heavy hit area has also begun to see the fruition of the public assistance claim.

Architects and contractors have evaluated the floor preparing it for polished concrete with patterns from the narthex to the altar, in lieu of vinyl composite tile and carpet,

14 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

which is what was previously laid inside the church. “The altar is being tiled and the windows are being resealed,” Zepeda said.

Roofs have been repaired or replaced at St. Theresa of the Little Flower in Woodsboro, St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Our Lady of Refuge and St. James in Refugio, but there is still extensive interior and some exterior damages awaiting FEMA approval.

For St. Anthony of Padua Mission in Austwell, “major required upgrades were made,” said Rose Wind, Construction Manager for the Diocese of Corpus Christi. The church has a new roof, all new insulation, drywall, and the altar was redesigned. A new bell tower was installed as well as new floors. “We paid close attention to detail because our plan was to rebuild with the goal of using new techniques, that will minimize damage from any future disasters” Sixteen parishes have “Recovery Team Meetings.” The purpose of these teams is not only to keep parishioners informed of the rebuild process but to give the parish communities input in the recovery and how the structures can serve them more efficiently to better suit their needs.

†† TWO YEARS LATER

Agape for Hurricane Harvey Victims

By Deacon Richard Longoria

N

Contributor

“

ever a complaint.

Totally enthusiastic and energetic for their work and all done with excitement, and with respect for those they are helping." These the words spoken by Jim Flanagan, youth leader from St. Elizabeth-St. Isadore parish in the Boston Archdiocese. He was describing the 75 high school students and chaperones from various parishes in the Boston area he brought to our diocese last month to help and engage with south

Texas victims of Hurricane Harvey, the second most powerful hurricane to ever hit the United States.

This was Jim’s fourth trip to the Coastal Bend for Harvey victims. And half of the youth were making a return trip, having worked for Harvey victims last summer.

He said the youth paid their own way through fundraisers they held during the year and through their own parent’s donations.

During the week of June 23-29, they spilt up into small groups, tackling projects in Ingleside, Gregory, Sinton, Aransas Pass,

Rockport and Corpus Christi. They coordinated their work through the Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group (CBDRG), one of several volunteer organizations working for Harvey victims in our diocese. Under the direction of skilled craftsmen from the CBDRG at each location they and their chaperones laid flooring, repaired damaged structures, worked with dry wall, caulked, painted, cut lumber, and did various sorts of carpentry and most importantly, they engaged in basic Christian charity, we call “agape,” the action of love, wanting nothing but the best for God’s people.

Deacon Richard Longoria and Zach Everett from the Diocese of Corpus Christi greet chaperones from the Archdiocese of Boston who, along with high school students, stayed at St. John Paul II High School. The chaperones in the back row, from left, are Steve Doucette, Jim Papalia, Allan Jussaume, Amy Jussaume and Chloe Watson. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Jim Flanagan, Father Will Sexton, Cristina Pinto, Sarah Burianek, Marie Hoff, Sheila Bauer and Carolyn Dee. Contributed photo

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 15

†† TWO YEARS LATER

Youth from the Archdiocese of Boston Caroline Roche, from left, Michael Chudik (kneeling), Sean Tobin, group leader Jim Flanagan and chaperone Carolyn Dee lay flooring at a house of one resident in Gregory whose home was affected

by Hurricane Harvey.

Contributed photo

Filling up two large buses and several rental vehicles, the youth and leaders arrived at St. John Paul II High School to board for the week and spirits were high as they bounded from the buses with enthusiasm and smiling faces. Father Peter Martinez, president of the school, graciously offered them room and board at the diocesan high school.

Every morning they woke early and before heading out to their projects, they attended 7 a.m. Mass celebrated by Father Will Sexton from the Boston Archdiocese who accompanied the teens. Bishop Michael Mulvey concelebrated Mass with Father Sexton for the youth on their final work day and he conveyed his deepest thanks to the teens for their generosity and sacrifice for Harvey victims who live more than two thousand miles from the Boston area.

The groups stationed at the sites worked with unbridled joy and remained joyful, smiling even as perspiration dripped from their faces. They had the smile of Christ along with the 16 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

Lord’s determination to bring joy where there is sadness, hope where there is despair, and relief where there is pain. Their working hands were His hands and Christ laughed, when they were joyful. The Sacred Heart of Jesus beat with grandeur and magnificence for the charity they bestowed on the people in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

In the past year there have been several groups of high school and college students from Corpus Christi and other areas who have given up some of their free time or Spring Break to labor in the Harvey fields of south Texas. College students from Iowa State University spent part of their Spring Break moving a Catholic Charities client and her children to her new home in March. Her old home had been mold infested after a tree fell on top of her trailer. She had received much damage from a compromised roof and rising flood waters.

Connect, a youth group from Holy Family Parish in Corpus Christi, dedicated a weekend in February to prayer and service,

†† TWO YEARS LATER

clearing away debris from the former VFW building and a local park in Port Aransas. Some students from the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Newman Center spent a Saturday sharing their physical and spiritual energy with their neighbors in Rockport, cleaning debris from one of the sites affected by the hurricane.

Students from University of Texas Arlington Newman Center gave up their Spring Break to labor for those whose lives have been turned upside down by the hurricane and high school students from St. Dominic Savio in Austin and Bishop Gorman High School students in Tyler gave up their Spring Breaks two years in a row to help south Texans.

All these efforts by these unselfish youth and adults give insights into our early apostolic church where small clusters

of believers, instructed by the apostles, banded around the Eucharistic feast to bring the love of Christ to all peoples and nations, to bring healing and joy by working together in union with the Body of Christ. If this is the future of our Church, we are in good hands.

The two-year anniversary of Harvey’s landfall will be on August 25. The storm was so large, so powerful, so destructive, that victims are still trying to put their lives back together. In 2017, you could see the piles of debris, the remnants of people’s lives and households, in great mounds along Highway 35, in Port Aransas and on Highway 181 near Gregory. The work is not over. Help is still needed. Christian charity is in demand.

For more information on how you can help call (361) 446-2291 or email rlongoria@diocesecc.org.

High school students from Austin spending their spring break moving client, Corina Espinoza, out of her home in preparation for her Mobile Home Unit (MHU) delivery.

Kristofer Morgan for South Texas Catholic

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 17

†† TWO YEARS LATER

The Ybarra family, from left, Christopher, Ellie, Anna and Petey displaced from their Rockport home because of Hurricane Harvey, lost everything they owned. After many months of commuting from various cities across Texas trying to get back home, they were able to return thanks to assistance from Catholic Charities newly formed Disaster Response Services Department.

Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

Catholic Charities sustains hope and faith for hurricane survivors

By Rebecca Esparza

P

Correspondent

etey and Ellie Ybarra had no plans to leave Rockport before Hurricane Harvey ripped through the Coastal Bend two years ago in August. At the last minute, they decided to evacuate their family from their home, located just down the road from Aransas Bay. Nothing could prepare them for what devastation they would encounter upon their return to their Rockport home.

“We pretty much lost everything we owned in the world,” recalled Ellie Ybarra. “There was significant water and wind damage. You really don’t know what you have until it’s gone. It has been a tremendous struggle and a test of our faith.”

Ybarra and her husband are most thankful for the assistance from Catholic Charities’ newly formed Disaster Response Services Department.

“Before the hurricane, we had an informal agreement with the property owner regarding the land, so Catholic Charities could not assist us with housing until we could get the deed

18 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

in our name. Our caseworker at Catholic Charities helped us straighten that out,” she added. “After the deed was settled, they purchased a mobile home for us, including some furniture.”

The Ybarras agree that without Catholic Charities, their lives would be dramatically different today.

Catholic Charities Disaster Response Services Department not only offers services to those affected by Hurricane Harvey, but they also assist victims of any natural disaster, as well as provide disaster preparation efforts and disaster training for the entire Coastal Bend area.

“With the funding, we have available now, the plan is to stay until 2021, but we are currently seeking additional funding so our department can remain a permanent part of Catholic Charities,” said Sasha Christensen, director of the Disaster Response Services Department.

Two main grants are keeping the department open and continuing to serve the 12-county area serviced by Catholic Charities. The National Voluntary Organizations Active in

†† TWO YEARS LATER

Disaster (NVOAD) awarded $1.3 million toward Hurricane Harvey relief to fund operating expenses.

“Through that grant, we have been able to serve 252 households. Over the next six months, we anticipate serving an additional 50-75 households. This grant ends on February 2020,” Christensen said.

With $1.4 million in funding from Catholic Charities of the USA, the local Catholic Charities office anticipates assisting at least 200 more households affected by Hurricane Harvey from now until March of 2021, she added.

“We have even assisted recent victims of other natural disasters, such as the people in Kingsville affected by the storm that caused major damage back in early June,” Christensen said. “We were able to give out gift cards so residents throughout Kleberg County could replace spoiled food due to the power outages. It was a huge success. This is why we want to have a permanent disaster department. We can now mobilize quickly and cover all 12 counties more efficiently.”

Education will be an important element of the disaster response department, including educating the community on the importance of flood insurance and other ways to protect their homes and property.

“We want to talk to individuals on fixed incomes who think flood insurance is not feasible for them and help them with their options. We also want to help safeguard everyone from more extensive damage in the future,” she said.

Another outreach project for the department includes the creation and distribution of Disaster Kits for parents of young children, which contain activity books, glow sticks, a stuffed animal and some food items in a backpack.

“These will be useful for parents in the event another evacuation is needed. They can just grab the backpack and go, allowing them to help keep the child calm and occupied while the parents get to safety,” Christensen said. “We also included waterproof bags to be used for important documents, along with a list of important items to take when evacuating from an impending hurricane.”

Hurricane Harvey was a huge learning experience for many individuals, families, non-profits and small businesses. And it’s for that exact reason Christensen said it’s important the department becomes a permanent fixture within Catholic Charities.

“We’ve learned so much about the process of managing donations, volunteers, and supplies due to Hurricane Harvey.

Thankfully, we will be so much better prepared for the next major hurricane. We now have a disaster operations plan for Catholic Charities, which includes having our key staff ride out

the hurricane so we can mobilize throughout the community as soon as we are given clearance it is safe to do so,” said Christensen.

Two years after Hurricane Harvey, there are still people throughout the Coastal Bend who have not had the opportunity to repair their homes. Christensen said it’s a common misconception that just because two years have passed, there is no one around who still needs assistance.

“You might be surprised how long it takes to gather all the right documentation when you start the process of rebuilding.

Verifying ownership of a property needs to be completed before you start to rebuild a home. Property taxes need to be up to date, and you need to find reputable contractors to do the work.

There are so many factors that contribute to delaying needed repairs,” she added.

There are still people living in unsafe, unsanitary conditions due to Hurricane Harvey.

“We are still completing screenings and opening new cases.

For whatever reason, they just fall through the cracks. We have a lot of disabled and elderly people who are not sure where to go and how to get started,” Christensen said.

Also, she added, some people automatically think they don’t qualify.

“Our program does not disqualify anyone based on their income level, so we encourage everyone to apply. Our caseworkers will evaluate the situation and make a determination. We can’t help every single person, but you never know until you apply,” she said.

Meanwhile, for the Ybarra family, life has gone on. But some things will never be the same.

“The current tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico has my kids worried we’ll be hit again. One of my girls went into a severe depression after Hurricane Harvey. We will be dealing with the emotional effects for years to come. But we feel so blessed not to worry about a home anymore,” said Ellie Ybarra.

The Disaster Response Services Department of Catholic Charities is still accepting applications for assistance with Hurricane Harvey related repairs. For more information call (361) 8814043 or go to catholiccharities-cc.org/disaster-response.

Corina Espinoza (right) receiving the keys to her new home from case manager Joya Williams, from Catholic Charities Disaster Response Services, after full installation.

Corina is happy to finally be in a safe, sanitary, and secure home with her children after being in a mold-infested home since Aug. 2017. A tree fell on the side of her old home, and the house received much water damage from a compromised roof and rising flood waters.

Kristofer Morgan for South Texas Catholic August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 19

†† PARISH LIFE

2019 Steubenville Youth Conferenc

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South Texas Catholic

“See what love the Father has bestowed on us, that we may be called children of God” (1 John 3:1).

n the Diocese of Corpus Christi alone, about 300 lives and hearts were forever changed by attending three of 24 Steubenville Youth Conference this summer. Youth and chaperones from eleven parishes in the diocese traveled by bus to Irving, Texas, Alexandria, Louisiana or Houma, Louisiana. The conferences included speakers, Christian music, adoration with procession, liturgy and Mass.

Youth attended workshops on dating, eternity and friendship.

– The Bible verse used for Every summer the Franciscan University of Steubenville partners “Belonging the theme of the 2019 with a Catholic youth ministry (in Irving it was LifeTeen and Lift 3:16 is at the core of in Houma), along with area dioceses to bring Christ to over 50,000 Steubenville Conferences our beautiful human high school age youth to any of the different locations spread across existence, the desire for love, the United States. authenticity, intentionality, and “Belong” was this year’s central theme of all Steubenville meaningful relationships are enduring, Conferences held throughout the nation. The convention but our true identity and peace is found was a reminder of God’s faithfulness and overwhelmonly in Christ’s love for us.” ing love and mercy for all God’s children. It was an – Danyelle Coe, St. Philip the opportunity to experience freedom from despair, Apostle chaperone isolation and sin and youth were reminded of who God says, we are — His sons and daughters.

“

“

This year’s conference had a huge impact on how I view myself and others. During the women’s talk, the speaker talked about being enough for ourselves and for others. She taught us to be kind to each other because we are all fighting a battle within ourselves and we need all the support we can get.”

– Lindsay Saenz, St. Patrick youth

Life changing.”

- Eliana Villarreal, St. Anthony of Padua youth It was an amazing opportunity for our youth to experience God in a natural/supernatural way. To hear them say that Adoration was the best part is so worth the time and money spent.

Experiencing adoration with so many youth from different places is personally enriching and hope giving as an adult chaperon.”

– Marian Swetish, St. Patrick chaperone

“

“The

Steubenville Conference allowed me to be more open-minded about my relationship with God.”

– Victoria Martinez, St. Patrick youth

20 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

“

I really enjoyed this year’s conference. I encourage anyone who has never been to a conference to go. It is a great experience!”

– Rico Salas, St. Patrick youth

t c

“

†† PARISH LIFE

ce Rocks!

I had an amazing reconciliation experience. There were 12 priests available to hear confessions that day at the conference. My experience was life changing and I’m looking forward to not only going to the next conference, but also helping to start the youth group in the parish.”

– Jessica Ortiz, St. John of the Cross youth

“

I came home on fire, I wish that I could share my love for Jesus with others and tell people how it’s okay to share your faith and not to feel like you have to hide it.

I rate the conference as a 12 out of 10! My favorite parts were adoration and the relationships I built with others. I am ready to grow in my faith.”

–Karyna Posada, St. John of the Cross youth

“

10 out of 10 and would not change a thing about it! I’m ready to attend another conference next summer!”

–Vincent Ochoa St. John of the Cross youth

“

Our youth look forward to the Steubenville Conference every year.

They love the music, the praise and worship, the inspirational talks, but most of all they love adoration. As youth minister, I look forward each year to bring our youth to the Steubenville Conference.”

“The – Deneise Thompson, experience of St. Patrick youth Steubenville South minister was one like no other.

“

I had a really fun time and it was a great experience.”

– Angelica Duke, St. Patrick youth

To witness the Holy Spirit come down and fill the hearts of thousands of teens as they praised and worshiped God was amazing. The experience truly illustrates God’s This overwhelming power and love was my 2nd God is so for us.” –Daniel Garza, time going to a Good! I had an St. Paul the Apostle conference and it was amazing time with youth really enjoyable. I can’t wait to my new found family!” go again.”

– Brandon Solano, –Jose Duke, St. Patrick youth St. Philip the Apostle youth

“

“

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 21

†† PARISH LIFE

These evangelistic conferences are meant to both encourage and inspire individual youth and youth groups to deepen their love of the Church while nurturing and strengthening a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Many of the chaperones experienced real joy seeing the beauty of God’s love and faithfulness to the Church through the youth in attendance.

“The theme, ‘Belong,’ emphasizes the importance of relationships and how relationships either build us up or tear us down.

While acknowledging that belonging is at the core of our beautiful human existence, the desire for love, authenticity, intentionality, and meaningful relationships are enduring, but our true identity and peace is found “ only in Christ’s love for us,” said Danyelle Coe, a During parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle and chapone of the talks, erone to 35 members of the youth group. the speaker said, ‘We During Saturday Adoration and go on a treadmill twice Eucharistic Procession, Coe said as fast only to stay in the same she witnessed many of the youth place.’ That quote struck me because receive spiritual healing. it made me realize that if we rely only on “During small group sesourselves and not on God, we will not get sions the majority of our “ anywhere.” youth entered into a Christ – Sofia S. Aguirre, St. Anthony time of sharing and is alive and of Padua youth leader prayer where I doing great things saw youth in His Church! It was and adults a true blessing being able to experience my 3rd Lonestar prayConference while serving our high school ing

youth. It was a breath of fresh air to see over 3,000 students come together to pursue and worship the Lord—my soul is smiling at the profound beauty and universality and that is the Church!”

What I expe- Danyelle Coe, St. really liked riences Philip the Apostle about the trip was being shared. chaperone that my relationship The Holy Spirit with God grew closer. was incredibly presDuring adoration, I really felt ent within the commuGod with me. I always love going to nity and in the fellowships the Steubenville Conferences because I that were cultivated. always have fun with my friends and “This year’s message could just knowing that it will be a great be seen in the spirit of recently I felt such experience every time.” celebrated Pentecost, with a reminder a connection - Irma Pimentel, Christ to take this love and faith we have back with everyone there the King youth home to share with others and those and to see so many kids throughout the world,” Coe said. living out their Faith was an “The youth group at St. John of the Cross has incredible sight to behold. As we been dormant for a few years,” said Anna Perez, headed back home, we asked the kids to youth group leader at St. John of the Cross in Orange recap their experiences and I was blown away Grove.

“This trip was our first activity in an attempt to with each and everyone one of them. relaunch it and we left Steubenville with a fire in us to get an Their comments and feedback were official youth group started.

The experience we had in Houma so moving and inspiring.” was so moving, watching the kids be inspired in different ways – Manny Camarillo, (adoration, confession and worship) and hearing them share their Christ the King stories was amazing.” chaperone

“

“

Lindsay Saenz, a member of the youth group at St. Patrick, said this year’s conference had a huge impact on how she viewed herself

22 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

†† PARISH LIFE

and others. “During the women’s talk, the speaker talked about “Each and every one of those talks spoke to me directly and being enough for ourselves and for others. In today’s society, gave me exactly what I needed for the situations I had been dealing women put each other down and we compare ourselves to other with. I was able to go to confession and really lay it all out and girls because we want to be “perfect.” She taught us to be kind it felt so good. Adoration was also such a powerful part of this to each other because we are all fighting a battle within ourselves conference and to see our kids praise and worship was so amazing,” and we need all the support we can get,” Saenz said.

Camarillo said. “I felt such a connection with everyone there and Chaperones and youth ministers witnessed their youth seeing so many kids living out their faith was an incredible “ experiencing real forgiveness, freedom, comfort, a convic- Going sight to behold.” to tion of heart and love. “The Steubenville Conference Steubenville “As we headed back home, we asked the kids to recap is an amazing opportunity for our youth to experi- Lonestar this year their experiences, and I was blown away with each ence God in a natural/supernatural way. To hear definitely changed my way and everyone one of them. Their comments and them say that adoration was the best part is of life for the better. I got to feedback were so moving and inspiring. I came sooo worth the time and money spent. experience something different and I back so renewed and ready to take on the Experiencing adoration with so many was able to get so much closer to God in a world so to speak. I can’t wait for the young people from different places is next one,” Camarillo said. way I had no idea was even possible.” personally enriching and hope-giving,” St. Anthony of Padua, St. Thomas - Marie Bueno Villa, the Apostle in Robstown and St. Philip said Marian Swetish, an adult chaperone St. Anthony of Padua youth the Apostle in Corpus Christi attended Steufrom St. Patrick Parish.

At first Manny Camarillo, a chaperone from benville Lone Star in Irving on June 21-23. Our Christ the King Parish, said the bus ride to Houma Lady of Mount Carmel in Portland, Sacred Heart scared her a little, and she prayed and asked God to help in Rockport, St. Paul the Apostle in Corpus Christi and her be present and available to the youth. “What I wasn’t Most Precious Blood in Corpus Christi attended Steubenprepared for was the way that God was going to answer my ville South in Alexandria, Louisiana on June 21-23. Christ the prayers,” she said. “This conference not only made me present King and St. Patrick in Corpus Christi, St. John of the Cross in and available, but God filled me up until I overflowed with His Orange Grove and Sacred Heart in Mathis attended Steubenville love and mercy.

On the Bayou in Houma, Louisiana on June 14-16.

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August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 23

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

By Gloria Romero

A

Correspondent

liturgical feast, a diocese and a city with the same name defined the evening of June 20 as over 900 Catholics joined Bishop Michael Mulvey for the celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. The event exceeded all expectations, it lifted hearts

and united people as one body. The mystical and spiritual identity of a people as children of God was revealed at the solemn, but joyful celebration.

The evening began with a liturgical service inside the Cathedral as people, some with banners and flags, filled pews and aisles, and with the program in hand participated in the devotion. “This is a feast of love, celebrating both the love of Christ for us and what we are, as his body,” the bishop said.

Once outside, most of the people gathered behind the bishop who lovingly held the Eucharist, encased in the monstrance. Children who had received their first Communion this year walked

Joseph Gulding, age 7, at left, was happy to be invited to walk in the procession. He said dropping the rose petals was lots of fun, but receiving his first Communion was “super exciting!

You only have one first Communion,” he said. “When you receive the Eucharist, you are receiving God!” Joseph Gulding, de 7 años, a la izquierda, estaba feliz de ser invitado a caminar en la procesión. Dijo que dejar caer los pétalos de rosa fue muy divertido, pero recibir su primera Comunión fue “¡súper emocionante! Sólo tienes una primera comunión “, dijo. “¡Cuando recibes la Eucaristía, estás recibiendo a Dios!”

Ervey Martinez for South Texas Catholic

24 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

MADELYN GALINDO, SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC

SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

in front of the bishop, and lightly decorated the street with rose petals paving the way for Jesus to pass. Members of the Church including priests, deacons, altar servers, Knights of Columbus, Guadalupanas, Matachines, children, and adults of all ages walked with their pastor, praying the rosary and singing.

Like other children who received their first Communion this year, Joseph Gulding, age 7, was happy to be invited to walk in the procession. He said dropping the rose petals was lots of fun but receiving his first Communion was “super exciting! You only have one first Communion,” he said. “When you receive the Eucharist, you are receiving God!” In a prayerful procession Catholics from different cultures

and parishes proceeded down city streets to one of three altar stations previously set up for this solemn occasion. The first altar, prepared with great delicacy, featured the image of St. Teresa of Calcutta set up outside the Mother Teresa Day Shelter run by the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament who serve the homeless and people in need. A Filipino choir sang before a reading from the Book of Matthew (26: 17-19 26-29) which recounted the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper of Jesus with his apostles. Bishop Mulvey prayed and blessed people who frequented the shelter.

The procession proceeded towards the second altar at Sacred Heart Church, a place of great devotion for many Hispanics and

Mother Teresa

Bishop Mulvey prays at the first altar, featuring the image of St. Teresa of Calcutta set up outside the Mother Teresa Day Shelter. The shelter is run by the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, who serve the homeless and people in need.

El obispo Mulvey reza frente al primer altar, con la imagen de Santa Teresa de Calcuta que se encontraba afuera del Refugio del Día de la Madre Teresa. El refugio está dirigido por las Hermanas de la Adoración del Santísimo Sacramento, que sirven tanto a las personas sin hogar como a muchos necesitados.

All photos on this page are from Ervey Martinez for South Texas Catholic

Sacred Heart

The procession proceeds to the second altar at Sacred Heart Church, a place of great devotion for many Hispanics and for the whole community. An altar, honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was beautifully arranged as a chorus of volunteers strummed their guitars and sang “Bendito, Bendito” in Spanish.

La procesión se detiene frente al segundo altar, en el exterior de la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón, un lugar de gran devoción para muchos hispanos y para toda la comunidad. Un altar, en honor al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, estaba hermosamente arreglado y un coro de voluntarios tocaba sus guitarras y cantaban “Bendito, Bendito” en español.

Jail

The pilgrimage that stopped at the third and last altar station in front of the county jail was said to be the most moving part of the procession. A Vietnamese choir sang in front of the image of St. Maximilian Kolby and people were moved to tears as the silhouettes of prisoners appeared in the windows of the jail.

Se dijo. que cuando la procesión se detuvo en la tercera y última estación frente a la cárcel del condado la gente se conmovió mucho. Un coro vietnamita cantó frente a la imagen de San Maximiliano Kolby y la gente se emocionó hasta las lagrimas, mientras las siluetas de los prisioneros aparecían tras las ventanas de la cárcel.

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 25

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

for the whole community. An altar, honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was beautifully arranged as a chorus of volunteers strummed their guitars and sang “Bendito, Bendito” in Spanish. A reading from the Book of Mark (8: 1-9) was read.

The pilgrimage that stopped at the third and last altar station in front of the county jail was said to be the most moving part of the procession. A Vietnamese choir sang in front of the image of St. Maximilian Kolby and people were moved to tears as the silhouettes of prisoners appeared in the windows of the jail.

A soft knocking was heard from the people praying outside.

Greg, who wouldn’t give his last name, was a prisoner at Nueces County Jail that night. Looking out his window, “I saw people dressed in costumes, like Indians and other dresses that looked beautiful and all the people stopped in front of the jail. I was one of those people banging. When I saw someone praying for us with something in his hand [Bishop Mulvey], I stopped banging for a moment, and everyone else also stopped. I felt at the moment, a beautiful feeling. It was perfect!” Crying he added, “Seeing so many people outside – it looked big and seeing the police escorting the group – it just looked amazing! I hope you do it again next year. Everyone was talking about it the next day. Of course, we got in trouble afterward for banging on the windows, but it was worth it.”

Luisa Scolari, who leads a study and prayer group called “Walking in Faith” at Saint Philip the Apostle Parish, said she got chills when she heard the prisoners beating the windows to get their

attention. “They covered and uncovered lights and made signs of the cross, shaking their rosaries. It will always be in my memory.

They have a need to receive the Word of God, but above all to know they are loved by God. As Catholics, it is our duty to make them feel the love of God through us, while also fulfilling one of the Works of Mercy; ‘Visit the prisoners.’” Scolari said.

Romelia Torres from Nuestra Señora de San Juan de Los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia Parish was also impressed to be in front of the jail. “We let them know that God has a wonderful plan of mercy for their lives,” she said. “We are a community with desires of unity, and with this convocation, we know that the diocese thinks and acts to maintain that unity of races and languages.

No matter what parish you come from, we are one body. We are Corpus Christi.”

Ninety-one-year-old Mickey Hardigree was very impressed with the route, organization, prayers, participation, music, and food throughout the evening. She recalled Feast of Corpus Christi processions long ago when her children were young. “It started on the bayfront and ended at the Cathedral. Since then, every year I prayed they would celebrate this procession again. The three stops we made were very moving. Seeing the homeless people and inmates made the route even more special. Knowing that you could see your flock in the reflection of the Body of Christ was your gift for making this effort,” she wrote Bishop Mulvey.

“I look forward to next year’s celebration, and I hope to go on this pilgrimage again.”

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

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

Todas las investigaciones serán tradas inmediatamente y discretamente.

Personas que llamen tienen el derecho de mantenerse anónimas.

Llamada 1-877-571-9748 Obispo Michael Mulvey y el personal de la Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia se comprometen a ayudar en el proceso de curación de las víctimas y sobrevivientes de abuso.

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

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

26 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

“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

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Catholics join Bishop Michael Mulvey for the celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. The event exceeded all expectations, it lifted hearts and united people as one body.

El espíritu de comunión define la fiesta Gloria Romero

U Corresponsal

na fiesta litúrgica, una diócesis y una ciudad con el mismo nombre Los católicos se definieron la tarde del 20 de junio unen al obispo cuando más de 900 católicos se unieMichael Mulvey para ron al obispo Michael Mulvey para la celebración de la celebración de la solemnidad del la solemnidad del Santísimo Cuerpo y Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo. El evento superó sangre de Cristo. El todas las expectativas, levantó corazones y unió a las evento superó todas personas como un solo cuerpo. La identidad mística y las expectativas, espiritual de un pueblo como hijos de Dios se reveló levantó corazones y en la solemne pero gozosa celebración. unió a las personas La velada comenzó con un servicio litúrgico dentro como un solo de la Catedral mientras las personas, algunas de ellas cuerpo. con estandartes y banderas, llenaban bancas y pasillos, y Chloe Rodriguez for con el programa en mano participaron en la devoción.

South Texas Catholic “Esta es una fiesta de amor, celebrando tanto el amor de Cristo por nosotros como lo que somos, como su cuerpo”, dijo el obispo.

Una vez afuera, la mayoría de las personas se reunieron

detrás del obispo que amorosamente llevaba la Eucaristía, encerrada en la custodia. Los niños y niñas que acababan de recibir su primera comunión caminaban delante del obispo y decoraban la calle ligeramente con pétalos de rosa que allanaban el camino para que Jesús pasara. Miembros de la Iglesia, incluidos sacerdotes, diáconos, monaguillos, Caballeros de Colón, Guadalupanas, Matachines, niños y adultos de todas las edades, caminaban con su pastor, rezando el rosario y cantando.

Al igual que otros niños que recibieron su primera comunión este año, Joseph Gulding, de 7 años, estaba feliz de ser invitado a caminar en la procesión. Dijo que dejar caer los pétalos de rosa fue muy divertido, pero recibir su primera Comunión fue “¡súper emocionante!

Sólo tienes una primera comunión “, dijo. “¡Cuando recibes la Eucaristía, estás recibiendo a Dios!”

En una procesión de oración, los católicos de diferentes culturas y parroquias avanzaron por las calles de la ciudad hasta una de las tres estaciones de altares August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 27

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Children who had just received their first Communion walk behind the Matachines and lightly decorated the street with rose petals paving the way for Jesus to pass.

establecidas previamente para esta solemne ocasión.

El primer altar, preparado con gran delicadeza, mostraba la imagen de Santa Teresa de Calcutta, se encontraba en el exterior del Refugio del Día de la Madre Teresa, dirigido por las Hermanas de la Adoración del Santísimo Sacramento, que sirven a las personas sin hogar y a los necesitados. Un Los niños y niñas que coro filipino cantó antes de una lectura del Libro acababan de recibir su de San Mateo (26: 17-19 26-29) que relataba la primera comunión caminaban institución de la Eucaristía en la Última Cena de delante del obispo tirando Jesús con sus apóstoles. El obispo Mulvey rezó y pétalos de rosas que allanaban el camino para que bendijo a las personas que frecuentaban el refugio.

La procesión avanzó hacia el segundo altar frente Jesús pasara. a la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón, un lugar de gran Ervey Martinez devoción para muchos hispanos y para toda la for South Texas Catholic comunidad. Un altar, en honor al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, estaba hermosamente arreglado y un coro de voluntarios tocaba sus guitarras y cantaba “Bendito, Bendito” en español. Se leyó el Evangelio del Libro de San Marcos (8: 1-9).

Se dijo que cuando la procesíon se detuvo en la tercera y última estación del altar frente a la cárcel del condado fue la parte más conmovedora. Un coro vietnamita cantó frente a la imagen de San Maximiliano Kolby y la gente se emocionó hasta las lagrimas, mientras las siluetas de los prisioneros aparecían tras las ventanas de la cárcel.

28 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

Se escuchaba un golpeteo de ventanas mientras la gente rezaba afuera. Greg, quien no quiso dar su apellido, estaba preso en la cárcel del condado Nueces esa noche. “Mirando por la ventana, vi a personas vestidas con trajes, como indios y otros vestidos que se veían hermosos y todas las personas se detuvieron frente a la cárcel. Yo era una de esas personas que golpeaban. Cuando vi a alguien rezando por nosotros con algo en su mano [Obispo Mulvey], dejé de golpear por un momento, y todos los demás también se detuvieron. En ese momento, tuve una sensación hermosa. ¡Fue perfecto! “, Gritaba y agregó:” Al ver a tanta gente afuera, y al ver a la policía escoltando al grupo, ¡se veía increíble!

Espero que el año proximo lo hagan de nuevo.

Todo mundo hablaba de ello al día siguiente. Por supuesto, luego nos metimos en problemas por golpear las ventanas, pero valió la pena”.

Luisa Scolari, quien dirige un grupo de estudio y oración llamado “Caminando en la fe” en la parroquia de San Felipe Apóstol, dijo que sintió escalofríos cuando escuchó a los prisioneros golpear las ventanas para llamar su atención. “Cubrieron y descubrieron luces e hicieron señales de la cruz, agitando sus rosarios. Siempre estará en mi memoria. Tienen la necesidad de recibir la Palabra de Dios, pero sobre todo saber que son amados por

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Dios. Como católicos, es nuestro deber hacerles sentir el amor de Dios a través de nosotros, al mismo tiempo cumplimos con una de las Obras de Misericordia; “Visita a los prisioneros”, dijo Scolari.

Romelia Torres, de la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia, también se impresionó al estar frente a la cárcel. “Les dejamos saber que Dios tiene un maravilloso plan de misericordia para sus vidas”, dijo. “Somos una comunidad con deseos de unidad, y con esta convocatoria, sabemos que la diócesis piensa y actúa para mantener esa unidad de razas e idiomas. No importa de qué parroquia vengas, somos un solo cuerpo. Somos Corpus Christi”.

Mickey Hardigree, de 90 años estaba muy impresionada con la ruta, la organización, las oraciones, la participación, la musica y la comida al concluir la tarde.

Recuerda que hace mucho tiempo, cuando sus hijos eran pequeños, “la procesión de la Fiesta de Corppus Christi, empezaba frente a la bahía y terminaba en la catedral.

Desde ese entonces, cada año, he rezado por que se realice de nuevo esa proseción.

Las tres estaciones donde nos detuvimos fueron muy con conmovedoras. Ver a los desampara- dos y a los prisioneros hizo la ruta aún más especial”.

“El saber que usted puede ver a su gente, como el reflejo del Cuerpo de Cristo, fue su regalo, por haber hecho semejante esfuerzo,” ella le escribió al obispo Mulvey.

“Espero con ansias la celebración del próximo año, y espero poder particiar en el peregrinaje.

Centerpieces of grapes and bread decorated the tables set up in the cathedral courtyard.

Originales centros compuestos de uvas, pan y espigas de trigo, decoraban las mesas instaladas en el patio de la catedral.

Ervey Martinez for South Texas Catholic

Catholics share a meal and fellowship in the cathedral courtyard after the procession.

Muchos se alinearon para deleitarse con los bocadillos preparados por Hester’s Cafe.

Ervey Martinez for South Texas Catholic

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 29

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

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

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Beth Nguyen

P Contributor

rofessor Douglas Bushman of the Augustine Institute has been invited to speak at two events in the Diocese of Corpus Christi Sept. 13-14.

Bushman is Director of the Center for Theological Renewal and Pope St. John Paul II Chair of Theology for the New Evangelization at the Augustine Institute in Denver, CO. His invitation to speak was a joint effort by diocesan offices Evangelization and Catechesis and Laity, Family and Life that grew out of a recognition to provide training for family faith formation.

The first scheduled event is a Friday men’s evening of reflection that will engage an apostolic letter to men, “Into the Breach.”

The second event is a day-long formation entitled, “The Family, the First School of Discipleship.” As part of the preparation for these events, Bushman was able to provide a preview of what he will be addressing.

When asked what stands out in his mind as the central theme that binds together men’s formation and family catechesis, Bushman provided a simple response: Jesus Christ.

“Jesus Christ will be the central theme, and because love is the central theme of His life and mission, my reflections will focus on the depths of the riches of God’s love,” Bushman said. “The popes of the last forty years — John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis — keep inviting us to discover what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The frequency of this exhortation leaves me with the impression that in their judgment, the lack of a personal relationship with Christ is the source of a crisis in the Church.

“Many Catholics today seem to think that they have to choose between a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, on the one hand, or a traditionally understood life of Catholic faith based on solid catechesis and participation in the liturgy,” explained Bushman.

Bushman’s common observation is that the tendency to pull apart elements of faith and set them in opposition to one another

weakens the Church. It’s a time in history when “cultural decline in North America is resulting in widespread misery, the Parable of the Prodigal Son is playing out on a gigantic scale as more people are pursuing a fulfillment that is based on the enjoyment of material goods,” he added.

Bushman said that his presentations will highlight the fact that the “Church has a witness to give.”

“It is a witness of fulfillment in Christ, a witness of joy and happiness that depend on relationships, with God and with others, relationships that do not depend on ‘this world that is passing away,’ as St. Paul put it. My message will be a challenge to ‘those who have ears to hear’ to build up the Church, and the family, as the house of God, where all of God’s prodigal children can return and experience his joy over their conversion.”

The men’s night of reflection, “Entering Into the Breach,” will take place at the Diaconate Formation Center at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Campus from 6-10 p.m. It will include a free dinner, a talk by Professor Bushman, and an opportunity to encounter Christ in the sacrament of reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration. Bushman said that a man who takes time out of his regular Friday night schedule “can expect to have the best and deepest of his masculine and Christian aspirations and convictions affirmed.”

“He can expect to be challenged to go further and deeper in his vocation in response to Christ’s call, ‘Follow me!’ He can expect to discover new depths in which Jesus means when he says, to each one, personally: ‘I call you, friend.’ For Jesus, a friend is a coworker, a partner, an associate in the greatest of all missions, the mission that the father entrusts to his son. What does it mean to be a Christian man? It means to take Jesus’ relationship with his Father as the source for knowing my vocation, my mission in life, as husband, father, worker and citizen. Those who attend will rediscover that to be a man means to be a son of God in Christ.”

The following day, Saturday, Sept. 14, parish faith educators and anyone else who

Professor Douglas Bushman

would like to learn more about the role of family and family catechesis in the life of the Church are invited to attend the workshop, “The Family, the First School of Discipleship” at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The day will begin with Mass at 8 a.m. The sessions will take place in the parish hall.

For the faith educator workshop, Bushman refers to the Canaanite woman who pleaded to Jesus for her daughter to illustrate the love and responsibility that parents demonstrate when they approach the Church to have their children baptized.

“Parents assume responsibility for the new life of grace as they assume responsibility for biological life. The family is the domestic Church in which one generation of believers passes the faith on to the next generation. And parents will serve their children well if they catechize them by keeping the love of God fully revealed in Jesus Christ at the center. Parents are God’s first representatives to their children. Since God is love, this means that they are ambassadors of Love.”

Both events are open to any local Catholics who would like to attend. Registration for the men’s night of reflection is free and can be accessed on the diocesan website at diocesecc.org/mensnight/. A link to register for the Faith Educators’ Workshop is available at diocesecc.org/faitheducatorsworkshop.

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 31

†† FORMATION

Augustine Institute professor to speak about family formation

Mansion Royal, August 29th 7 PM Honored Guest Speaker, Dr. Anthony and Mrs. Cecelia Levatino

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Lord Teach Me To Pray I G N AT I A N P R AY E R S E R I E S Saturday, Oct. 26 • 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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Dr. Anthony Levatino and his wife Cecelia will share their unique perspective about why a physician who has been trained to give life would take it away. The story of their conversion to pro-life has educated and motivated audiences worldwide. Dr. Levatino, portrayed the abortionist in Abby Johnson’s movie “Unplanned”.

•Birthright •The Gabriel Project •Corpus Christi Hope House

Mrs. Carol Weiler at carolweiler@cox.net or (504) 439-5933 Father Marty Gleeson, OP at mgleesonop@gmail.com or (504) 717-8770

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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32 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

Help those Affected by Natural Disasters SEPT. 14-15

Disaster Relief Collection Your Support Makes a Difference

†† LIFE ISSUES

Teams with And Then There Were None and New Wave Feminists deliver supplies in McAllen.

Kristina Hernandez via Flickr

Pro-life women deliver semi-truck full of supplies, $72,000 to the border

By Mary Farrow

T

Catholic News Agency

he heat index in McAllen, Texas was 125 degrees on July 13, but that did not stop members of the prolife movement from delivering a semi-truck full of supplies and thousands of dollars in aid to respite centers at the border of the United States and Mexico.

The #BottlestotheBorder campaign, launched by New Wave Feminists in partnership with And Then There Were None (ATTWN), collected more than $120,000 worth of supplies and donated more than

$70,000 in aid funding to multiple respite centers, where migrants who are legally in the U.S. are temporarily housed and cared for while they connect with family members and figure out their next steps.

Abby Johnson, a former abortion clinic worker who is now a pro-life advocate and the head of a ministry that helps employees leave the abortion industry, spoke to Catholic News Agency (CNA) about the experience.

“We were unloading what feels like a million cases of water, and it’s heavy and it’s hot and it’s exhausting, but you look at

these families, and especially the children in this center, and you just realize that it’s worth it,” Johnson told CNA, “and you can’t even complain about how hot it is or how tired you are or how sore your arms are going to be, because these children, they need this food, they need these diapers, they need these wipes.”

According to numbers from New Wave Feminists, led by Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa, the groups were able to deliver 121,072 diapers, 30,700 pairs of shoelaces, 13,230 bottles of water, 6,660 pullups, 3,100 backpacks, 16,172 ounces of

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 33

†† LIFE ISSUES

formula, 9,720 maxi pads, 750 rosaries, and $72,000 of funds to respite centers in Texas over the weekend.

Johnson said that the material items were donated to Catholic Charities in McAllen, Texas, which has a warehouse large enough to store the donated items. The monetary donations went to other respite centers in the area that are in need but do not have the storage space to handle large amounts of items at one time.

A fellow church-goer of one of ATTWN staff members had heard about the initiative and, as the owner of a trucking company, offered to drive an 18-wheeler to the border for the group, Johnson said. The catch: the truck had to be full.

“We did the first registry and filled that up in a couple of days, like in 48 hours it was full,” Johnson said. The first registry filled about half of the truck, so New Wave Feminists and ATTWN launched another registry.

“By the end it was completely packed full of supplies,” Johnson said.

While Johnson could not complain about the hard work that it took to unload thousands of boxes of supplies in the searing Texas heat, there was one frustrating part of the day, before the unloading even got started, she added. A press conference of about a dozen members of Congress had closed down the streets around the center, delaying the unloading of supplies.

“And it was really infuriating for me because here we are with no cameras, we weren’t like, ‘Hey media, come watch us unload this truck,’ because it wasn’t about us. It was about getting these supplies to these people,” Johnson said.

Johnson “busted up” the press conference and invited the members of Congress to help unload the truck instead of just doing a photo-op at the center.

“I said, ‘You know we’ve got an 18-wheeler full of supplies that will be here in 20 minutes, and if you really want to help these migrants and their families, you’ll stick around and help us unload this truck.’”

“And they smirked at me and rolled their eyes and said, ‘Well we only have 10 minutes, we can only give you 10 minutes, because we have another press opportunity that we need to get to.”

“So you just see how these people (migrants) are being used by our government, by these Congress people,” Johnson said.

The politics behind the border crisis are frustrating to Johnson, she said, because they often dehumanize migrants and distract people from doing something concrete to help the situation.

She said people have asked her if her efforts to bring supplies to migrants means that she supports an open-border policy. She doesn’t.

“No I don’t support lawlessness, I don’t support an open border, I support legal immigration, doing it the right way, but the bottom line is I don’t have the answer, I don’t know the answer,” she said, “but I can deliver these wipes so that babies’ butts are clean and they’re not getting infections. And I know how to make sure that a baby can get fed, and that’s really what this is about.

And that’s what it is to be the Church, to meet the needs that are right in front of us.”

Johnson converted to Catholicism several years after leaving the abortion industry in 2009.

Another frustrating aspect of the weekend was that on the same 34 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

day that Johnson, Herndon-De La Rosa and their team were unloading their supplies, TruthOut.org published an opinion piece entitled: “The ‘Pro-Life’ Movement Is Silent About Children Dying at the Border.”

“It came out the same day that we were in McAllen, and I was like really? Pro-life people don’t care about people at the border? Tell me more about that, you know, as I’m sweating and disgusting and hot and gross,” Johnson said.

The author has since reached out to Johnson and Herndon-De La Rosa for follow-up interviews, and admitted on Twitter that she had not heard of the #Bottles2TheBorder campaign when she wrote the piece.

But Johnson said that the pro-life movement, at least in some circles, still has a problem with the way they speak about the issue of immigration. She said that sometimes on social media, she will get comments from people in ultra-conservative groups who use “dehumanizing language” when discussing migrants.

“I don’t know if they identify strongly as pro-life, but they are conservative, and they’re coming on my page saying, ‘Well we need to help Americans first, and Americans need to take priority,’” she recalled.

“And I’m thinking, well why can’t we just work to help everybody? Why do we have to pick and choose? Because when God creates all of us, he doesn’t create Americans with more dignity and worth than he does Mexicans,” she said. “We’re all created in the likeness of Christ, we’re all created with that same inherent dignity and worth at the moment of conception.”

Johnson said the border crisis presents an opportunity to the pro-life movement to step up and prove that they are supportive of life from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death.

“This is an opportunity to make that known and to show it, and to actually be that pro-life. There are respite centers all along the border that are providing respite to immigrants who have come through a port of entry legally, and they need support, they need rest, they need a shower, they need clean diapers, they need food, and this is an opportunity for us to provide that,” she said.

While the current #Bottles2TheBorder campaign has ended, the campaign’s website includes a link to a list of respite centers along the border to which people can donate directly.

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August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 35

August Liturgical Calendar 1 | Thu | Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Ex 40:16-21, 34-38/ Mt 13:47-53 (404) 2 | Fri | Weekday | green/white/white [Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop; Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Priest] Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37/Mt 13:5458 (405) 3 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] Lv 25:1, 8-17/Mt 14:1-12 (406) 4 | SUN | EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23/Col 3:1-5, 9-11/Lk 12:13-21 (114) Pss II 5 | Mon | Weekday | green/white [The Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major] Nm 11:4b-15/Mt 14:13-21 (407) 6 | Tue | The Transfiguration of the Lord | white | Feast | Dn 7:9-10, 13-14/2 Pt 1:16-19/Lk 9:28b-36 (614) Pss Prop 7 | Wed | Weekday | green/red/ white [Saint Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, Martyrs; Saint Cajetan, Priest] Nm 13:1-2, 25—14:1, 26-29a, 34-35/Mt 15:21-28 (409)

8 | Thu | Saint Dominic, Priest | white | Memorial | Nm 20:1-13/Mt 16:13-23 (410) 9 | Fri | Weekday | green/red [Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr] Dt 4:32-40/Mt 16:24-28 (411) 10 | Sat | Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr | red | Feast | 2 Cor 9:6-10/ Jn 12:24-26 (618) Pss Prop

| Solemnity | [Holyday of Obligation] Vigil: 1 Chr 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2/1 Cor 15:54b-57/Lk 11:27-28 (621) Day: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/1 Cor 15:20-27/ Lk 1:39-56 (622) Pss Prop 16 | Fri | Weekday | green/white [Saint Stephen of Hungary] Jos 24:1-13/Mt 19:3-12 (417) 17 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] Jos 24:14-29/Mt 19:13-15 (418)

11 | SUN | NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Wis 18:6-9/ Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12/Lk 12:32-48 or 12:35-40 (117) Pss III

18 | SUN | TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Jer 38:4-6, 8-10/Heb 12:1-4/Lk 12:49-53 (120) Pss IV

12 | Mon | Weekday | green/white [Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Religious] Dt 10:12-22/Mt 17:22-27 (413)

19 | Mon | Weekday | green/white [Saint John Eudes, Priest] Jgs 2:11-19/ Mt 19:16-22 (419)

13 | Tue | Weekday | green/red [Saints Pontian, Pope, and Hippolytus, Priest, Martyrs] Dt 31:1-8/Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 (414) 14 | Wed | Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr | red | Memorial | Dt 34:1-12/Mt 18:15-20 (415) 15 | Thu | THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY | white

20 | Tue | Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Jgs 6:11-24a/Mt 19:23-30 (420) 21 | Wed | Saint Pius X, Pope | white | Memorial | Jgs 9:6-15/Mt 20:1-16 (421) 22 | Thu | The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary | white | Memorial | Jgs 11:29-39a/Mt 22:1-14 (422)

23 | Fri | Weekday | green/white [Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin] Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b16, 22/Mt 22:34-40 (423) 24 | Sat | Saint Bartholomew, Apostle | red | Feast | Rv 21:9b-14/Jn 1:45-51 (629) Pss Prop 25 | SUN | TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Is 66:1821/Heb 12:5-7, 11-13/Lk 13:22-30 (123) Pss I 26 | Mon | Weekday | green | 1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10/Mt 23:13-22 (425) 27 | Tue | Saint Monica | white | Memorial | 1 Thes 2:1-8/Mt 23:23-26 (426) 28 | Wed | Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | 1 Thes 2:9-13/Mt 23:27-32 (427) 29 | Thu | The Passion of Saint John the Baptist | red | Memorial | 1 Thes 3:7-13 (428)/Mk 6:17-29 (634) Pss Prop 30 | Fri | Weekday | green | 1 Thes 4:1-8/Mt 25:1-13 (429) 31 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] 1 Thes 4:9-11/Mt 25:14-30 (430)

September Liturgical Calendar 1 | SUN | TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Sir 3:1718, 20, 28-29/Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a/Lk 14:1, 7-14 (126) Pss II 2 | Mon | Weekday | green | 1 Thes 4:13-18/Lk 4:16-30 (431) 3 | Tue | Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | 1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11/ Lk 4:31-37 (432) 4 | Wed | Weekday | green | Col 1:1-8/ Lk 4:38-44 (433) 5 | Thu | Weekday | green | Col 1:9-14/ Lk 5:1-11 (434) 6 | Fri | Weekday | green | Col 1:15-20/ Lk 5:33-39 (435) 7 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] Col 1:21-23/Lk 6:1-5 (436) 8 | SUN | TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Wis 9:13-18b/Phlm 9-10, 12-17/Lk 14:25-33 (129) Pss III 9 | Mon | USA: Saint Peter Claver,

Priest | white | Memorial | Col 1:24—2:3/Lk 6:6-11 (437) 10 | Tue | Weekday | green | Col 2:615/Lk 6:12-19 (438) 11 | Wed | Weekday | green | Col 3:1-11/ Lk 6:20-26 (439) 12 | Thu | Weekday | green/white [The Most Holy Name of Mary] Col 3:12-17/ Lk 6:27-38 (440) 13 | Fri | Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | 1 Tm 1:1-2, 12-14/Lk 6:39-42 (441) 14 | Sat | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross | red | Feast | Nm 21:4b-9/Phil 2:6-11/Jn 3:13-17 (638) Pss Prop 15 | SUN | TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Ex 32:7-11, 13-14/1 Tm 1:12-17/Lk 15:132 or 15:1-10 (132) Pss IV 16 | Mon | Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs | red | Memorial | 1 Tm 2:1-8/Lk 7:1-10 (443)

36 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

17 | Tue | Weekday | green/white [Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church] 1 Tm 3:1-13/Lk 7:11-17 (444)

24 | Tue | Weekday | green | Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20/Lk 8:19-21 (450)

18 | Wed | Weekday | green | 1 Tm 3:14-16/Lk 7:31-35 (445)

26 | Thu | Weekday | green/red [Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs] Hg 1:1-8/Lk 9:7-9 (452)

19 | Thu | Weekday | green/red [Saint Januarius, Bishop and Martyr] 1 Tm 4:12-16/Lk 7:36-50 (446) 20 | Fri | Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, | red | and Companions, Martyrs | Memorial | 1 Tm 6:2c-12/Lk 8:1-3 (447) 21 | Sat | Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist | red | Feast | Eph 4:1-7, 11-13/Mt 9:9-13 (643) Pss Prop 22 | SUN | TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Am 8:4-7/1 Tm 2:1-8/Lk 16:1-13 or 16:10-13 (135) Pss I 23 | Mon | Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest | white | Memorial | Ezr 1:1-6/Lk 8:16-18 (449)

25 | Wed | Weekday | green | Ezr 9:59/Lk 9:1-6 (451)

27 | Fri | Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest | white | Memorial | Hg 2:1-9/Lk 9:18-22 (453) 28 | Sat | Weekday | green/red/red/ white [Saint Wenceslaus, Martyr; Saint Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, Martyrs; BVM] Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a/Lk 9:43b-45 (454) 29 | SUN | TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Am 6:1a, 4-7/1 Tm 6:11-16/Lk 16:19-31 (138) Pss II 30 | Mon | Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Zec 8:1-8/Lk 9:46-50 (455)

Aug. 5 from 7:30-9:15 p.m. at Bar Under the Sun (1021 W. 14th St.) in Kingsville. Join other young adults every first Monday of the month starting in August for an opportunity to learn about your faith, hear a great speaker and talk on issues that are important to young adults today. No registration or fee, but you are encourage to bring a friend.

Check out the Young Catholic Adult Facebook or Instagram pages YCA SERVES @ycacorpuschristi.

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Not Afraid Day 10 Be Retreat: YCA Retreat

On Aug.10 the diocesan Office of Youth and Adult Ministry is hosting Be Not Afraid Retreat: Young Adult Day Retreat from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Newman Center at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (7002 Ocean Dr.) This retreat is for young adults between the ages of 18-39. Angie Windnagle, Father Sam Medley, SOLT and Heath Garcia will be joining us to help us learn more about community and enter into worship. The cost is $30, which will include lunch. For more information contact Zach Everett (361) 882-6191. Register online at

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Sept. 10 at 7:30-9:15 p.m. at the Bar Under the Sun (702 N. Chaparral St.) in Corpus Christi. All young adults are invited every second Tuesday of the month starting in September for an opportunity to hear a great speaker and discuss issues that are important to young adults today. No registration or fee, but bring a friend.

Men’s evening of reflection and guest speaker

Sept. 13 from 6-10 p.m. in the Diaconate Formation Center on Our Lady of Corpus Christi Campus (1200 Lantana) in Corpus Christi. Professor Douglas Bushman will give a talk on an apostolic letter to men, “Into the Breach.” Registration for the men’s night of reflection is free and can be accessed on the diocesan website diocesecc.org/mensnight.

Aug.16-18 join Young Adults and families from all over the country for Encounter Texas! in Grapevine at the Gaylor Resort (1501 Gaylord Trail) to hear some of the top Catholic speakers and musicians in the country. For more information, please contact Zach Everett at (361) 882-6191. Register online at diocese.org/encounter.

Diocesan Marriage Prep Weekend Retreat

Aug. 17-18 at Pax Christi Retreat Center (4601 Calallen Dr.) in Corpus Christi. Program is designed to inform couples of the spiritual and practical aspects of Catholic marriage and facilitate couple dialogue on issues including: the sacrament of holy matrimony, communication, finances, spirituality, and more.

Registrations are due one week prior to the seminar. Pre-registration required. Cost is $250 per couple.

For more information contact Beth Nguyen at (361) 882-6191. Register at diocesecc.org/weekend-retreat.

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Diocesan NFP Class

14

Faith Educators’ Workshop: Family, the First School of Discipleship

www.diocesecc.org/benotagraid.

Theology on Tap in Corpus Christi

Encounter Texas!

Aug. 17 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at 1426 Baldwin. 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

Sept.14 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles (3901 Violet Road) in Corpus Christi.

Professor Douglas Bushman of the Augustine Institute has been invited to speak to parish faith educators and anyone else who would like to learn more about the role of family and family catechesis in the life of the Church are invited to attend the workshop, “The Family: The First School of Discipleship.”

Materials, continental breakfast and lunch included. Cost is $15. Register at diocesecc.org/ faitheducatorsworkshop.

19 Cursillo de Mujeres

Se está formando un Cursillo para mujeres españoles del 19 al 21

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. For more information email enguyen@diocesecc.org or visit diocesecc.org/ natural-family-planning.

Annual Celebration for Life Banquet 29 30th

Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. at Mansion Royal (8001 SPID). Fundraising banquet proceeds benefit Birthright, The Gabriel Project and Corpus Christi Hope House. Honored guest speakers, Dr. Anthony and Cecelia Levatino. For tickets and program advertisements call (361) 852-2273 or email hopehousecc@mygrande.net.

Rosa De Lima 31 Santa 26th annual Fiesta

Aug. 31 from 11 a.m.-1 a.m. at Benavides City Park (across the street from the church at 203 Santa Rosa De Lima St.) in Benavides. Event includes live music, food, silent auction, games and raffle (including 37 prizes), mariachi, holy Mass (at 6 p.m.), car show with prizes for several categories (including street rods, custom, imports, motorcycles and low riders). On sight registration starts at 11 am. For more information call (361) 443-8867.

de septiembre, comenzando el jueves por la noche y terminando el domingo por la noche. Es un curso corto del cristianismo evangelizar su entorno y acercarlo a Cristo.

Para más información llame a Mary Mendoza (361) 701-0034.

19 The 20th Annual Ark Gala

Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. at Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds (1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd.) in Robstown.

Featured speakers will be Delma Trejo, Rene Esquivel and Sister Milagros Tormo, M.J.M.J. Attendees will be able to ask questions of the speakers. KIII TV-3 News Anchor Joe Gazin will be the master of ceremonies at the 20th annual gala.

Includes a performance by Ballet Folklorico Viva Mexico, dinner, and silent and live auctions. For more information call (361) 241-6566 or dtrejo@ark4kids.com.

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 37

†† AUG./SEPT. CALENDAR

on Tap 5 Theology in Kingsville

†† AUGUST/SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

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Diocesan NFP Class

Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. join us for Natural Family Planning at 1426 Baldwin in Corpus Christi. Learn to recognize the natural cycles of fertility and infertility that occur naturally in every woman. 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. For more information email enguyen@ diocesecc.org or visit diocesecc.org/ natural-family-planning.

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Men’s English Cursillo

Sept. 26-29 at Cursillo Center on 1200 Lantana. Christ is Counting on you. Make a friend, Be a friend and bring your friend to Christ. For more information call Emma Botello, Pre-Cursillo Chairperson at (361) 853-2754 or any Cursillo leader for information or applications.

Michael the 28 St. Archangel Fall Festival

Sept. 28 St. Michael the Archangel (4317 4th St.) in Banquete is holding their Fall Festival from 11 a.m. 11 p.m. There will be live music (Headliner: Groupo Vision) food, games, bingo, prizes (including VIP

English 6 35th Annual Czechfest 17 Women’s Cursillo Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m at St. Thomas the Apostle Church (16602 FM 624) in Robstown. In celebration of our Texas heritage, Czechfest is a fundraiser for the St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

We invite you and your family to come join our families for a day of food, fun, and fellowship. For more information contact Anna Ramos at (361) 387-1312.

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Cursillo de Hombres

Oct. 17-20 at Cursillo Center on 1200 Lantana. Christ is Counting on you. Make a friend, Be a friend and bring your friend to Christ. For more information call Emma Botello, Pre-Cursillo Chairperson at (361) 853-2754 or any Cursillo leader for information or applications.

Celebration 17 2019 of Charity

Se está formando un Cursillo para hombres españoles del 10 al 13 de octubre, comenzando el jueves por la noche y terminando el domingo por la noche. Es un curso corto del cristianismo evangelizar su entorno y acercarlo a Cristo. Para más información llame a Frank Mata (361) 437-2292.

Oct.17 at at 6 p.m. at Catholic Charities. The 2019 Celebration of Charity will benefit Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, Inc. and Mother Teresa Shelter, Inc. For more information on Sponsorships or Tickets, please call Shannette Hoelscher at (361) 884-0651, ext. 246 or shoelscher@diocesecc.org.

experience for 2 for Cowboys vs Greenbay, travel destination and $100-$500 gift cards). For raffle tickets call (361) 987-8371.

Aranzazu’s 28 Camp 11th annual ‘Zazu Fishing and Fun’

Sept. 28 at sunrise at the camp’s 104-acre facility in Rockport.

Register today and help underwrite the cost of camp for children and adults with special needs and chronic illnesses.

Teach Me To Pray 26 Lord - ‘Training-Retreat’

Oct. 26 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana St.) in Corpus Christi. If you are interested in improving your prayer life and helping others with theirs, this is for you! This FREE retreat and training will prepare you to facilitate “Lord, Teach Me to Pray” (LTMTP) Ignatian prayer groups in local parishes, or if you simply want or learn more about LTMTP and Ignatian prayer, you too are invited. To find out more about LTMTP or to register for the retreat: download the registration form at www.lordteachmetopray. com or contact Carol Weiler at carolweiler@cox.net or at (504) 439-5933.

To see more calendar events go to: SouthTexasCatholic.com/events click on Ongoing Events to the right of the screen.

38 South Texas Catholic | August/September 2019

August/September 2019 | South Texas Catholic 39

August/September 2019 Issue SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi, TX 78401-0824 (361) 882-6191

Please join us for the 2019

Benefiting

ursday, Oct. 17 from 6-9 p.m.

615 Oliver Court For over fifty years, Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and the Mother Teresa Shelter have provided help and created hope.

Your support helps us create life-changing opportunities for more than 100,000 people in twelve counties every year.

For event, ticket and sponsorship details, call Shannette Hoelscher at (361) 884-0651, Ext. 246 or email shoelscher@diocesecc.org