SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI
South Texas
Catholic
Every Life is a Blessing W W W. S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C .C OM
O C T O B E R 2 019
2019 Cursillo Dates/Fechas Men’s
English Contact
Women’s Oct. 17-20
Emma Botello (361) 853-2754
Español
Hombres Oct. 10-13
Mujeres
Contacto
Frank Mata
(361) 437-2292
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.
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¿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. 9 Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD Director of Communications Julie Stark jstark@diocesecc.org Communications Board Father Jose A. Salazar, Sister Rosa Maria Ortiz, IWBS, David Campa, Regina Garcia, Zach Everett, Shannette Hoelscher, Deacon Richard Longoria, Elizabeth Nguyen and Benjamin Nye Managing Editor Mary Cottingham MCottingham@diocesecc.org
COVER
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“every life is a blessing.”
Sister Rency Moonjely, SABS manages the day-to-day operations of the Mother Teresa Shelter. Sister Rency, who has been working at the shelter for almost nine years, said
Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
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Theological Consultant Ben Nguyen, JD/JCL. BNguyen@diocesecc.org Office Manager Adel Sauceda ARivera@diocesecc.org
Mission of Mercy, an ecumenical ministry, provides free healthcare
STC Support Staff Madelyn Galindo Correspondents Jesse De Leon and Rebecca Esparza Translator Gloria Romero Photographers Ervey Martinez and David Mendez
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FROM THE BISHOP 4 MESSAGE October is Respect Life Month NEWS BRIEFS 7 Official Assignments VOCATIONS 11 Seminarian’s time on the trail offers an opportunity for reflection
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LIFE ISSUES Students For Life: Take action on campus to save lives
NEWS 33 NATIONAL Ousted Planned Parenthood president says board violating contract on terms of exit
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VATICAN NEWS Pope Francis: ‘Canon law is essential for ecumenical dialogue’
OCTOBER CALENDAR Fall Festivals
Keep up with the faith at www.SouthTexasCatholic.com
October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 3
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
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ctober is Respect Life Month. During this month, let us contemplate how precious life is—a gift from God which needs to be respected, protected, and valued from conception to natural death. Life is always sacred; however, a child’s life is especially sacred because of the child’s defenselessness. We see the status that Jesus gives children clearly in the Gospels. Children were very important to Jesus. Throughout his life, there are a few instances in which Jesus chastised his disciples. One particular time is when he rebuked the disciples for sending the children that were gathered around him away. “Let the children come to me” (Mk 10:13-16) is one of Jesus’ strongest admonition to his disciples. Jesus continued further, “…don’t hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. And he took them in his arms and blessed them” (Mk 10:13-16). What must it have been like for these children to be welcomed by Jesus, to be taken in his arms and blessed? Surely, they must have felt the immense love of a God who is love. The evangelist Matthew points to another important moment when the disciples asked Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” To answer them, Jesus calls a child near him, puts the child in front of the crowd that was gathered and says, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me” (Mt 18:3-5). These are powerful words if we take them seriously – to welcome a child is to welcome Jesus! And, to welcome Jesus is to welcome the Father and the Holy Spirit because our God is a Trinitarian God. Jesus elevated the place of children in Jewish society with the declarations made in Matthew’s Gospel. These Gospel passages should indicate to each one of us and to our society the position that children must be elevated to, especially the most defenseless. They are to be welcomed, to be loved, and to be protected. Can we imagine how these children connected with Jesus, knowing that for him, they were the most important ones? Let’s resolve together that beginning this month which has been designated Respect Life Month, we look at each child we encounter, at home, in the hospital, at school, at the supermarket, on the plane, on the field, and on the street, and we see them as Jesus saw them, with infinite love. Let’s resolve to help and protect them from suffering, to do everything to help them feel safe and valued. There is nothing that moves a heart more, than to see tears in a child’s eyes. We need only to look around us to see that divorce, homelessness, hunger and poverty, forcible separation, illness and loss affect children in ways that can stay with them long into adulthood. Let’s imprint in our heart, mind, and soul that every time we welcome and love one of these children we welcome and love Jesus and in him the Father and the Holy Spirit. If we become like little children, obedient and dependent on the Father, we shall enter the Kingdom of God.
4 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
MENSAJE DEL OBISPO
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ctubre es el mes del respeto a la vida. Contemplemos cuán preciosa es la vida durante este mes. La vida es un regalo de Dios que debe ser respetado, protegido y valorado desde el momento de la concepción hasta la muerte natural. La vida es siempre sagrada; sin embargo, la vida de un niño es especialmente sagrada debido a lo indefenso que es el niño. Vemos claramente en los Evangelios, el lugar que Jesús le da a los niños. Los niños eran muy importantes para Jesús. A lo largo de su vida, hay momentos en que Jesús les llama la atención a sus discípulos para darles su lugar a los niños. Una vez en particular, reprendió a sus discípulos por apartar de su lado a los niños que se reunieron a su alrededor. “Dejad que los niños vengan a mí” (Mc10: 13-16) es una de las advertencias más fuertes que Jesús hace a sus discípulos; y continuó diciendo: “... no les obstaculicen el paso, porque de ellos es el Reino de Dios. En verdad os digo que quien no reciba el reino de Dios como un niño, no entrará en él. Y los tomó en sus brazos y los bendijo ” (Mc10:13-16). ¿Cómo debe haber sido para esos niños ser acogidos de esa manera por Jesús, haber sido abrazados y bendecidos por El? Seguramente, deben haber sentido el inmenso amor de un Dios que es amor. El evangelista Mateo señala otro momento importante cuando los discípulos le preguntaron a Jesús: “¿Quién es el más grande en el reino de los cielos?”. Para responderles, Jesús llama a un niño cerca de él, coloca al niño frente a la multitud reunida y les dice: “En verdad, os digo que, a menos que se vuelvan y se conviertan en niños, nunca entrarán al reino de los cielos. Aquel que es humilde como un niño es el más grande en el reino de los cielos. Quien reciba a uno de esos niños en mi nombre me recibirá a mí ” (Mt 18: 3-5). Estas son palabras poderosas si las tomamos en serio: ¡darle la bienvenida a un niño es darle la bienvenida a Jesús! Y, dar la bienvenida a Jesús es dar la bienvenida al Padre y al Espíritu Santo porque nuestro Dios es un Dios trinitario. Jesús elevó el lugar de los niños en la sociedad judía con las declaraciones hechas en el Evangelio de Mateo. Estos pasajes del Evangelio deberían indicarnos a cada uno de nosotros y a nuestra sociedad la posición a la que los niños deben ser elevados, especialmente los más indefensos. Deben ser bienvenidos, amados y protegidos. ¿Podemos imaginar cómo estos niños se conectaron con Jesús, sabiendo que para El, ellos eran los más importantes? Resolvamos juntos que a partir de este mes, designado como el Mes del Respeto a la Vida, miremos a cada niño que encontremos a nuestro paso; ya sea en casa, o en el hospital, en la escuela, o en el supermercado, en el avión o en el campo, o simplemente en la calle; los veamos como Jesús los vio, con un amor infinito. Decidamos ayudarlos y protegerlos del sufrimiento, hagamos todo cuanto es posible para ayudarlos a sentirse seguros y valorados. No hay nada más conmovedor que ver lágrimas en los ojos de un niño. Solo necesitamos mirar a nuestro alrededor para darnos cuenta que el divorcio, la falta de vivienda, el hambre y la pobreza, la separación forzada, la enfermedad y las pérdidas afectan a los niños de tal manera, que pueden permanecer con ellos hasta la edad adulta. Imprimamos en nuestro corazón, mente y alma que cada vez que damos la bienvenida y amamos a uno de estos niños, damos la bienvenida y amamos a Jesús y en él al Padre y al Espíritu Santo. Si llegamos a ser como niños pequeños, obedientes y dependientes del Padre, entraremos en el Reino de Dios.
+Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 5
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BGMPS event helps build father and son relationship
Football players from Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School bonded with their dads at a sports event entitled “Decals with Dads” at the Bishop Garriga Kenedy Center on Sept. 11. The event was held to build the father and son relationship. Players invited their dad or male role model to place a cross decal on their helmet to start the season. Father Peter Martinez, president led the players, parents, and coaches in prayer for the boys and a successful healthy season. As the year progresses, small decals will be awarded for each game and will be placed around the cross their dad placed on there helmet.
Sacred Heart School Receives Generous Donation For Books Sacred Heart School in Rockport received a grant of $5,000 from the Frankie Casseb Youth Literacy Club to purchase books for their library. The Casseb family wanted to help the school in their efforts to replace some of the 9,000 books that were lost after Hurricane Harvey devastated the school. The Frankie Casseb Youth Literacy Club was established in
memory of their daughter, Frankie, who at the age of 12, died tragically in an accident in 2007. She loved to read so the family formed this club. The club receives donations and endowments in order to promote and support literacy among middle school-aged children or younger. The funds go towards books, reading lessons, and tutors.
Newman Center students devote a day to Refugio residents The spirit of communion was present on Sept. 7 as a group of college students volunteered a “Saturday Service Day” to help their brothers and sisters in Refugio, still hurting from the effects of Hurricane Harvey.
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This group of 18 students from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) Newman Center worked with the Refugio Volunteer Center to help with ongoing efforts to rebuild the Refugio community, post-Harvey.
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The Most Rev. Wm. Michael Mulvey, Bishop of Corpus Christi, makes the following announcements: Karen Silva is appointed as Director of Stewardship and Development, effective June 3. The Reverend Prince Kuruvila, having completed his sabbatical and medical leave, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Saints Cyril & Methodius Parish, Corpus Christi, with residence at the parish rectory, effective July 20. He will also assist with jail and prison ministries in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Julie Stark is appointed as Director of
Parish Evangelization and Communications, effective Aug. 19. Deacon Arthur Provencio is released from his assignment as a deacon at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Ingleside, and is assigned as a deacon at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish, Aransas Pass, effective Aug. 24. The Reverend Christopher Becerra, while continuing as Parochial Administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Alice, and St. Peter Mission, Ben Bolt, is released as Parochial Administrator of St. Frances of Rome Parish, Agua Dulce, effective Sept. 2.
Red Mass on Oct. 2 Bishop Michael Mulvey will preside and concelebrate the Red Mass with keynote speaker Bishop Thomas Paprocki J.D. of Springfield, Illinois and priests of the Diocese of Corpus Christi on Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral. The Diocese of Corpus Christi joins many throughout the United States and the world who celebrate this tradition
The Reverend John Chavarria, Pastor of St. Michael Parish, Banquete, is also appointed Pastor of St. Frances of Rome Parish, Agua Dulce, with continued residence at the parish rectory of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Banquete, effective Sept. 2. John Patrick Serna, formerly a priest of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, has requested and has been dispensed by His Holiness Pope Francis from the obligations of Sacred Orders, including celibacy, and is thus returned to the lay state, effective Sept. 5.
annually at the opening of the judicial year. The Mass emphasizes the legal profession’s vital role in promoting justice and peace. The public is invited to join in this community-wide celebration. There will be a catered reception immediately following in the Tower II Atrium, behind the Cathedral at 555 N. Carancahua, Ste. 220.
Respect Life Sunday Mass and event on Oct. 6 Join Bishop Mulvey as he celebrates Respect Life Sunday Mass at the Corpus Christi Cathedral on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 9:30 a.m. There will be a light coffee and donut reception in St. Joseph’s Hall afterwards. Respect Life resource tables will be on display showcasing the various pro-life organizations and volunteer opportunities in our diocese. Mark your calendars and join us as we kick off this year’s theme: Christ
Our Hope in Every Season of Life. Also, Helpers of God’s Precious Infants is organizing a demonstration on Respect Life Sunday from 4-5 p.m. on Oct. 6. Groups holding life-affirming signs to show support for life “from conception until natural death” will be stationed at eight points of entry into Corpus Christi. This event is a peaceful and prayerful demonstration to encourage hope in the struggle to protect the
lives of the most vulnerable in our society. For more information call Bobby Godines at (361) 877-0953.
Celebration of Charity on Oct. 17 The 2019 Celebration of Charity takes place on Oct. 17 at Catholic Charities (615 Oliver Ct.). It 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.
October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 7
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In Memoriam
Father Thomas P. O’donovan March 12, 1942 ~Sept. 6, 2019 Father Thomas P. O’Donovan, 77, a priest with the Diocese of Corpus Christi since July 27, 1970, died on Sept. 6. He was born to Dermot and Joan O’Donovan in Clonakilty, County Cork, Ireland on March 12, 1942. Father O’Donovan studied philosophy with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Leap, County Cork
from 1961-1964. He studied theology at St. Patrick’s College, Carlow Diocesan Seminary from 1966-1970. He was ordained in the Cathedral of The Assumption in Carlow, Ireland on June 6, 1970. His first assignment was Assistant Pastor at St. Gertrude in Kingsville in 1970. He served as assistant pastor at Our Lady of Refuge in Refugio, St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles and Cathedral in Corpus Christi, St. Joseph in Beeville and St. Peter in Laredo. His last assignment was Chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Laredo. He later retired at St. John Vianney Residence for Priest.
Young adults get straight talk at Theology on Tap Young Catholic Adults (YCA) mix and mingle and discuss Church teaching with Father Joseph Lopez at Theology on Tap at the Javelina Watering Hole Brewery in Kingsville. Zachary Everett, diocesan director of Youth and Young Adult, joined forces with Michelle Trevino, coordinator of Evangelization and Catechesis from St. Gertrude Parish to host the event on Sept. 10. Theology on Tap offers a comfortable setting for young adults to hear straight talk and honest answers to questions about faith, love, work and other real-life experiences. All
young adults from ages 21-39 are welcome, Catholic or not! Young adults were asked to discuss a set of questions and talk freely among themselves. They shared an open dialogue as Father Lopez answered their questions. Theology on Tap is held every first Monday of the month at Javelina Watering Hole Brewery (1021 S.14th St.) in Kingsville and every first Tuesday of the month at BUS (702 N Chaparral St.) in Corpus Christi at 7:15 p.m. Follow Young Catholic Adults Corpus Christi on Facebook for more information and upcoming events.
Father Joseph Lopez talks to young adults at Theology on Tap in Kingsville. He introduced passions, what they are, why we have them and how to control them to become truly free. Madelyn Galindo, South Texas Catholic 8 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
Bishop Mulvey leads a prayer service at the commissioning of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice & Kleberg president. Julie Stark, South Texas Catholic
Bishop leads prayer service at commissioning in Alice The last instruction that Jesus gave the disciples was to go out and take action in the world. He told them, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-20). Just like the disciples were called to action, so too are the leaders at CHRISTUS Spohn called to action. On Aug. 27 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Alice Bishop Michael Mulvey presided over the prayer service at the commissioning of the newest member of CHRISTUS Spohn’s leadership team, Thomas McKinney, MHA FACHE. McKinney is serving as president for two hospital ministries, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice and Kleberg. Bishop Mulvey spoke of reaching out to the periphery – to those who need our help the most and those who are the most vulnerable.
The ceremony of commissioning has been part of the CHRISTUS ministry since its inception. It reminds the leaders that they are called to serve. The Bishop was able to reach out to those present with a message of love of brother and sister and of being servant leaders to those they work alongside. Deacon Richard Morin and Father Peter Elizardo assisted.
Bishop Mulvey meets the newest member of CHRISTUS Spohn’s leadership team, Thomas McKinney. McKinney is serving as president for two hospital ministries, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg. October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 9
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By Jesse De Leon
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Correspondent
mmediately after his baptism by John, Jesus retreated to the desert for forty days. The time he spent in the arid, barren surroundings presented both spiritual and physical challenges. Despite these harsh conditions, and the devil’s attempt to get him to sin, the experience prepared him to deliver his famous Sermon on the Mount.
For seminarian, Luis Lozano, Jr., a recent experience in Colorado led him to draw parallels between Jesus’ forty days and his hiking excursion on some rocky and often unforgiving hiking terrain. Even though Lozano embraced this unique opportunity for deeper reflection, contemplative prayer and newfound clarity, his time on the trail was not without a considerable number of
Lozano hikes on a trail at about 12,000 ft. in elevation and is still ascending. The paths were often narrow, and loose rocks made the journey difficult. Lozano said, crossing patches of snow along the steep mountainside made it even more difficult. Their trekking poles helped tremendously. October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 11
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Seminarian’s time on the trail offers an opportunity for reflection
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“Ultimately, my future is not about what I want to do. It’s all about what God wants for me.” rock-laden twists and unexpected turns. “Trinity COR (Catholic Outdoor Renewal) is a partnership with Wyoming Catholic College, and they do these outdoor retreats to offer seminarians like me a chance to face the challenges of nature which also provide opportunities for spiritual growth,” Lozano said. Six other seminarians from Texas and Oklahoma joined him on the trail, as well as Father Nick Sanchez from Houston. Father Sanchez celebrated Mass daily and served as a sounding board for the young men as they connected the physical demands of the hike to the spiritual growth of their impending vocations. Lozano says it proved to be as rewarding as it was challenging. While Lozano is thankful for the spiritual renewal and peaceful perspective he gained in Colorado’s brisk open air, he also recognizes how the physical challenges of the retreat offered opportunities for discernment. The often-dramatic changes in elevation resulted in drastic changes in temperature and even made it difficult to breathe. Additionally, hiking on trails strewn with rocks of all shapes and sizes underscored how the physical challenges of the journey were a stark representation of his own spiritual challenges. “It became all about remaining persistent in the face of whatever lay ahead,” Lozano reflected. “Despite feeling out of breath with every step, I was able to discover an inner joy and peace that motivated me and gave me the strength to carry on.” Lozano, who hails from Laredo, and grew up in a traditional Catholic family, says his call to the priesthood was a complex maze of academic pursuits and an eventual spiritual breakthrough. He felt drawn to the priesthood at 18 but chose instead to get a degree in biomedicine from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. After much prayer and reflection, Lozano eventually entered the seminary at 22. He says that even while he was pursuing his degree, he kept praying about which path to choose. That is why he feels the physical challenges he encountered on the trail in Colorado are the physical representations of his spiritual ones. “The richness of the experience was heightened for me because at the end of each day, we all talked about what we were going through around the campfire,” Lozano said. “Through it all, I began to realize how we were building up trust by realizing that Jesus is with us, we take our work into our prayer and our prayer into our work.” Lozano came back from his trek through the wilderness with a heightened awareness of the spiritual realm of his life as he continues navigating a sure but sometimes rocky path on his journey to the priesthood. “Ultimately, my future is not about what I want to do,” reveals Lozano. “It is all about what God wants for me.” 12 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
One seminarian readjusts a log at a water crossing. The water, which is about waist deep, has a strong current and the logs are slippery, and their backpacks cumbersome. Their packs each weigh about 60 lbs. and contain their food, tents, gear and supplies. One of the guides stands downstream as a precaution in case they fall into the water where the current could easily take them.
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El camino del seminarista ofrece un tiempo para reflexionar By Jesse De Leon
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Corresponsal
Contributed photo Un seminarista reajusta un tronco en un cruce de agua. El agua, que llega hasta la cintura, tiene una fuerte corriente y los troncos son resbaladizos y sus mochilas engorrosas. Cada mochila pesa aproximadamente 60 libras. y contienen sus alimentos, tiendas de campaña, equipo y suministros para escalar. Uno de los guías se encuentra río abajo como medida de precaución en caso de que alguno de ellos caiga al agua, donde la corriente podría llevárselos fácilmente.
nmediatamente después de su bautismo por Juan, Jesús se retiró al desierto por cuarenta días. Ese tiempo que pasó en un entorno árido y estéril, presentó desafíos tanto espirituales como físicos. Pero a pesar de esas condiciones difíciles, y del intento del diablo por hacerlo pecar, la experiencia lo preparó para entregar su famoso Sermón de la Montaña. Para el seminarista, Luis Lozano, Jr., una experiencia reciente en Colorado lo llevó a establecer paralelismos entre los cuarenta días de Jesús y su excursión por terrenos y senderos rocosos que a menudo se tornaban casi imposibles de escalar. A pesar de ello, Lozano aprovechó esta oportunidad única para la reflexión profunda y la oración contemplativa que lo llevo a descubrir una nueva claridad, ese tiempo en el curso del sendero no estuvo exento de un número considerable de curvas cargadas de rocas y giros inesperados. “Trinity COR (Catholic Outdoor Renewal) en sociedad con Wyoming Catholic College, llevan a cabo, estos retiros al aire libre para ofrecer a los seminaristas como yo, la oportunidad de enfrentar los desafíos de la naturaleza que también brindan la ocasión para el crecimiento espiritual”, dijo Lozano. Otros seis seminaristas de Texas y Oklahoma se unieron a él en el camino, así como el Padre Nick Sánchez de Houston. El padre Sánchez celebró misa todos los días y sirvió como guia para los jóvenes, ya que conectaban las demandas físicas de escalar, con el crecimiento espiritual de sus vocaciones inminentes. Lozano dice que resultó ser tan gratificante como desafiante. Si bien Lozano está agradecido por la renovación espiritual y la perspectiva pacífica que obtuvo al aire libre y energético de Colorado, también reconoce cómo los desafíos físicos del retiro ofrecieron oportunidades para el discernimiento. Los frecuentes cambios dramáticos en la elevación resultaron ser cambios drásticos en temperaturas, que incluso dificultaron la respiración. Además, escalar por senderos cubiertos de rocas de todas formas y tamaños, subrayó, fue experimentar los desafíos físicos del viaje, como una representación clara de sus propios desafíos espirituales. “Se trataba de permanecer persistente frente a lo que se avecinaba”, reflexionó Lozano. “A pesar de sentirme sin aliento con cada paso, pude descubrir una alegría y paz interior que me motivaron y me dieron la fuerza para continuar”. October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 13
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Lozano, quien es oriundo de Laredo y creció en una familia católica tradicional, dice que su llamado al sacerdocio fue un complejo laberinto de actividades académicas que lo llevaron eventualmente a un avance espiritual. Se sintió atraído por el sacerdocio a los 18 años, pero prefirió obtener un título en biomedicina de la Universidad Texas A&M - Kingsville. Después de mucha oración y reflexión, Lozano ingresó al seminario a los 22 años. Él dice que incluso mientras estaba estudiando
para obtener su título, seguía orando para decidir, qué camino elegir. Es por eso por lo que siente que los desafíos físicos que encontró en el camino en Colorado son las representaciones físicas de sus espirituales. “La riqueza de la experiencia fue mayor para mí porque al final de cada día, todos hablamos sobre lo que estábamos pasando alrededor de la fogata”, dijo Lozano. “A pesar de todo, comencé a darme cuenta de cómo estábamos construyendo confianza al darnos cuenta de que Jesús está
Marriage Retreat
con nosotros, llevamos nuestro trabajo a nuestra oración y nuestra oración a nuestro trabajo”. Lozano regresó de su viaje por el desierto con una mayor conciencia del reino espiritual de su vida mientras continúa navegando por un camino seguro pero a veces rocoso en su viaje al sacerdocio. “En última instancia, mi futuro no se trata de lo que quiero hacer”, revela Lozano. “Se trata de lo que Dios quiere para mí”.
Open 7 Days A Week Prizes now up to $750 Sponsored by:
Lost Pet Hotline, Peewee’s Pet Adoption World & Sanctuary, Inc., & Dobie Haven, Inc. Big Brothers, Big Sisters
October 11-13
9840 B Leopard Street, Corpus Christi (between Rand Morgan & McKenzie)
OurLadyofCorpusChristi.org 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.
(361) 241-8153
Semillas de Esperanza
La Diócesis de Corpus Christi ha seleccionado un tercer partido independiente, La Red, para proporcionarle a usted con una manera para reportar anónima y condencialmente el abuso nanciero e fraude. Los empleados, los parroquianos, los voluntarios, los vendedores, y otros partidos interesados estan impulsados para reportar las preocupaciones que tengan respeto a la conducta de påca ética nanciera dentro de la Diócese de Corpus Christi. Todas las investigaciones serán tradas inmediatamente y discretamente. Personas que llamen tienen el derecho de mantenerse anónimas.
Llamada 1-877-571-9748 Obispo Michael Mulvey y el personal de la Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia se comprometen a ayudar en el proceso de curación de las víctimas y sobrevivientes de abuso. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce está en necesidad de estos servicios, llame a Stephanie Bonilla, Directora de la Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia: (361) 882-6191 para asistencia inmediata.
Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia
14 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
Programa de Radio en Español en KLUX 89.5 HD-1 y “Listen Live” en KLUX.org Domingos a las 7 a.m. con los Padres Juan Fernando Gámez y José Naúl Ordóñez
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Nicholas Rabideau, from left, and Patrick O’Sullivan strategize about the formation of their new student group Students For Life on the campus of Texas A&MUniversity Corpus Christi. Rabideau, president of the local chapter of Students for Life, is looking for new students to join the organization.
Students For Life: Take action on campus to save lives By Rebecca Esparza
N Correspondent
icholas Rabideau is a young man on a mission to save lives. A junior at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC), the 21-year-old is president of a newly formed student organization whose focus is to abolish abortion. He accepted the challenge to develop a new “Students for Life” chapter Rebecca Esparza for at the University last year. South Texas Catholic “I’ve been pro-life pretty much my whole life, but it wasn’t until my high school years that I began to connect with God,” he said. “It was a youth group I attended in my sophomore year back home in the Houston area. Ever since then, it’s been a calling in my heart.” Fortunately, Rabideau did not have to start this
group on his own. He has the support of a national organization, Students for Life of America. In almost 14 years, the organization has grown a pro-life grassroots movement on over 1,200 high school and college campuses across the nation. Rabideau attended a training event in Washington, DC over the summer for young leaders in the pro-life movement. He had a firsthand opportunity to see how important his work is and believes he witnessed lives being saved. “We did sidewalk counseling, where we’re able to stand right outside the door of Planned Parenthood in Washington, DC and give people resources for making other choices besides abortion. That’s where I experienced people screaming in my face, trying to tell me we were wrong, and we were evil. Actually, the October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 15
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evil coming from them was far worse than I have ever experienced before,” he recalled. But his perseverance paid off. He and his group of 15 fellow college students were able to deter at least two or three ladies from getting an abortion that day. “I knew immediately I was doing what God wanted me to do – what He put me on earth to do,” he said. Sarah Zarr, Texas and Southern Regional Coordinator for Students for Life of America, said there is a lot at stake when students start a new chapter at a university. “It takes courage and compassion to start a group like this on campus. “Many students fear their reputation will be wrapped up in this, and they wonder what their peers will think or they worry what their professors will think and if this will impact their grades,” she said. “There are definitely obstacles to overcome, so we work with the students to embrace that controversy and be able to say: ‘This is our right to stand up and talk about pro-life issues.’” With so many societal issues to consider, students may be hesitant to join a campus pro-life group. Zarr said those issues are valid
to consider, but noted the pro-life movement is gaining momentum, especially with young people. “I remind students by joining the pro-life movement, and what we call the pro-life generation, they’re going to be on the winning side. Polls have shown that the Millennial and Generation Z are more pro-life than any generation before,” she said. “Abortion is the greatest human rights injustice of our time.” Zarr emphasized that because Planned Parenthood targets young people on college campuses across the country, it’s all the more important students get involved. “We have a message of hope, resources, and support for pregnant and parenting students on campus that needs to be shared,” she said. “The goal is to interact with as many students as possible to spark dialogue and have conversations about the issue to change hearts and minds.” TAMUCC student Patrick O’Sullivan decided to join Students for Life in August, as the organization’s treasurer. The 19-yearold Beaumont native said he recalls growing up in a Catholic household, but did not have a good grasp on what being pro-life meant
until he traveled the country for a year with other young people doing missionary work after graduating high school. “During that year, I developed a strong respect for women and learned firsthand what the pro-life movement is all about. We traveled 28,000 miles across the country in nine months and came across women who were struggling with the decision to have an abortion or not,” he explained. “The women on my team explained to me all the harm an abortion can do to a woman.” O’Sullivan said his convictions about being pro-life are strong and he’s ready to stand his ground for what he believes in, even in the face of hostility. “You have to be calm. When confronted with someone trying to start conflict, our most powerful defense is prayer,” O’Sullivan said. “I believe it’s OK for someone to believe in what they believe, but they need to understand the devastating effects of abortion. I will stand firm in my own belief and not let them sway me.” Visit www.StudentsForLife.org for more information on their goal of abolishing abortion.
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16 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
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Mission of Mercy volunteers, staff and patients gather for prayer.
Contributed photo
Mission of Mercy, an ecumenical ministry provides free healthcare By Sherry Bowers
M Contributor
ission of Mercy was founded in 1991 and launched in 1994 as a faith-based, nonprofit community organization dedicated to restoring dignity, “Healing through Love,” by providing free healthcare. They are currently located in Arizona, Maryland and Pennsylvania. On Sept. 17, 2007, the first Texas mobile clinic site was opened in Corpus Christi. Although the mission is to provide free medical care, the true product is love, not mere human love, but God’s healing love. Love is provided with medical care, a sincere smile, a hug, a kind word, a compassionate voice and an attentive ear. Every clinic begins with a group prayer in a large circle to include all patients, volunteers and staff. For the past 12 years, they have provided patients with free medical care and assistance with prescription medications to adults who do not have Medicare, Medicaid, insurance, or a Nueces County Health Card. For many of our friends and neighbors, Mission of Mercy is their last hope, having been bounced around while
in search of medical care. Due to the generous help of an anonymous donor in March 2018, a 14,000 sq. ft. Medical Center was opened in Corpus Christi which consolidated their mobile clinics into one location. They also operate a mobile clinic in the rural area of Sandia for patients in the surrounding communities where healthcare is scarce. Besides providing free medical care and prescription assistance, they educate patients about their illness and empower them to care for themselves through programs, services, classes and clinics. They offer a vision clinic, behavioral health counseling, diabetes support group, and classes in diabetes management, healthy cooking, nutrition, blood pressure management, STCH on the Faith & Finances and the Faith & Work classes. Since opening the Medical Center, Mission of Mercy has seen a 17% increase in the number of patients served in the Coastal Bend. During the past year, they saw 1,898 patients and provided 9,168 patient visits. These visits include diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care for basic illnesses to chronic diseases ranging
from diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, asthma to serious life-threatening ailments. They assist patients through many partnerships to include CHRISTUS Spohn, community churches and more. Mission of Mercy currently has 120 volunteers, including physicians, nurses, interpreters, and more who are dedicated to serving those in need. Physicians are passionate about serving the working poor and getting them back to work, back to life, and back to taking care of their loved ones at home. They do not receive any federal or state funding to operate. You can help Mission of Mercy by becoming a volunteer, donating a financial gift, securing a naming opportunity, and or taking a tour of the Medical Center. You can donate a gift at any time or during the Coastal Bend Day of Giving scheduled for Nov. 12. Also, you can attend their signature fundraising event called MASH BASH 2020 scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2020, featuring country artist Tracy Byrd. For more information, contact Sherry Bowers, Executive Director at (361) 883-5500, ext. 104 or at sbowers@amissionofmercy.org. October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 17
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Former abortionist speaks at Celebration for Life By Rebecca Esparza
D Correspondent
r. Anthony Levatino had performed 1,200 abortions at his OB-GYN practice in upstate New York until the unthinkable happened: he lost his 6-year-old daughter Heather in a tragic car accident. “What do you do after a disaster? You bury your child, take some time off and try to get back to your life. I don’t remember exactly how long it was after Heather’s death, but I started to perform a second trimester abortion…and I got sick,” he recalled. “For the first time, I didn’t see a right to choose, and I didn’t see what a wonderful doctor I was helping the patient with her problem. I didn’t even see the $800 I had made in just 15 minutes. All I could see was somebody’s son or daughter.” Levatino was the featured speaker at the 30th Annual Celebration for Life, a fundraising dinner benefiting Birthright of Corpus Christi, The Gabriel Project and Corpus Christi Hope House. But he had started having doubts about abortion when he and his wife Cecelia began having fertility problems of their own six years earlier. The waiting period for adopting a child was years long and Levatino said he slowly began to understand the irony of his situation. “It was strictly selfish. I knew the reason it was so difficult to find babies to adopt were because of people like me, who were killing them in abortions,” he confided. It didn’t happen overnight, but by 1985 he quit performing all abortions. He said the last thing he thought of doing next was become a pro-life advocate, but that is what eventually happened. Levatino has testified before Congress about the dangers of abortion and travels around the world speaking to pro-life communities about his story. Earlier in the evening, Hope House Board of Directors awarded the “Life Servant Award” to Melinda Baker, former director at Hope House and current grant administrator. While Baker was director, she assisted a pregnant woman with chronic drug abuse
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS
Dr. Anthony Levatino gives testimony of his prior life as an abortionist at the Annual Celebration for Life fundraising event. He has since become an outspoken champion of the pro-life movement. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
and eventually adopted her baby. Baker’s adopted daughter, Lauren Olson, who also received the award, is now 15 years old and plans to become a pediatric oncologist. Hope House, Birthright and the Gabriel Project provide shelter, support and compassion for women who are pregnant and have no place to turn. Visit cchope.org for more information or call (361) 852-CARE (2273). St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas
7522 Everhart Road Corpus Christi, Texas 78413
(361) 991 - 4400
Schedule of Latin Masses
Sundays at 12:15 p.m. /
First Friday Mass & Devotion at 6:30 PM /
First Saturday Mass & Devotion at 8:00 AM
Website: https://www.stjohnthebaptistcc.org
Find us on Facebook: stjohnbapt.org
18 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
CHRIST OUR
HOPE
IN EVERY SEASON OF OCT. 5-6
C om in g S o on
V
In Loving Memory of
Our Beloved Father
Another he art’s beat is filling ours with joy!
February 17, 1926 – August 8, 2019
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Please ay that my cousin s newly adopted daught , who has special needs, is wh e-heartedly welcomed in the parish community. elle Call Mich ide prov if you can the meals for ily. Smit h fam
PEACE STARTS H ERE
Please pray for my son, wh o is due in a few mo nths and is unlik ely to live for very long after birth.
PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer intentio
n you’d like others to pray for?
If you or someo ne you know is s uffering after abortion, confid ential, compassio nate help is avai lable. HopeAfterAbor tion.org Share it here.
May God bless you!
RE SPEC T LIFE
WWW.USCCB.ORG/RESPECTLIFE
Excerpt from Code of Canon Law © 1983, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Art: Carl Heinrich Bloch, Resurrection (Altarpiece), late 19th century. Courtesy of Restored Traditions. Mark Bowden/123RF. Mosaics created by Rohn Liturgical Design Studios for the Diocese of Fargo. iStock.com/kirstypargeter; iStock.com/MonicaNinker; iStock.com/vikialis; iStock.com/nevodka; iStock.com/TatianaDavidova; iStock.com/_human; iStock.com/WDnet; iStock.com/PixelEmbargo; iStock.com/Bannosuke; iStock.com/IJzendoorn; iStock.com/YsaL; iStock.com/kckate16; iStock.com/artant. Models used for illustrative purposes only. Photos used with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2019. USCCB. Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.
October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 19
The Mother Teresa Shelter, an expression of God’s love By Mary Cottingham South Texas Catholic
“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
I
Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
n the Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis calls on the entire Church to evangelize... “above all the poor and the sick, those who are usually despised and overlooked, ‘those who cannot repay you (Lk
20 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
–Mt 25:40 14:14).’ We have to state, without mincing words, that there is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor. May we never abandon them” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium). Clients who frequent the Mother
Teresa Shelter come from all walks of life. They are someone’s brother, sister, mother, father, daughter or son. Usually, they suffer from one or more conditions which only tends to exacerbate their present circumstances. Some of the
Artist Marty Medellin has been a client at the Mother Teresa Shelter for three years. He is often seen drawing pictures in his sketchbook outside, either under the new pavilion or in the Multipurpose Activity and Therapeutic Center. When he completes a drawing, he gives it away, all but his colorful rendition of Spider-Man on a skateboard – he has kept for himself.
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Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
Sean Higgins works once a week in the kitchen at the Mother Teresa Shelter. Higgins said he is able to volunteer due to his flexible work schedule. He is an American Airlines pilot. He said working at the shelter has made him realize just how “resilient and fragile life is.” He admires the sister’s leadership and is happy to be working with friends and staff. Higgins is a parishioner from St. Pius X.
Staff member, Pauline Escamilla loves her job. She is kitchen manager at the Mother Teresa Shelter.
clients are mentally ill, while others may battle some form of addiction. Others can’t afford rent and don’t have any family support. Sisters Rency Moonjely, the operations supervisor of the Mother Teresa Shelter and Sibi Varghese, are Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and manage the day-to-day operations of the day shelter. They, along with seven other staff members, including a security guard and a handful of volunteers provide more than just food and shelter to some 150 clients – they offer a temporary home. Five days a week, from 7 a.m.- 4 p.m., clients can take a shower, make a phone call, do laundry, job hunt, use their computers, eat, check their mail, store their belongings in lockers or store their medicine in the refrigerator. They can also relax, read books, draw, write, watch television and rest up from a long night on the streets. Catholic Charities Licensed
Therapist Gloria Garcia comes in once a week and offers group therapy and anger management classes. They can even participate in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings Monday-Friday at 7 a.m. Sister Rency, who has been working at the shelter for almost nine years, said most of the homeless she encounters are clinically depressed. “They are so sad, but they tell me they are fine,” she said. Sometimes they open up to her and tell her they don’t believe anyone cares for them. “It hurts my heart,” she said. Mother Teresa Shelter operates under the umbrella of Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, Inc. The only requirement for getting registered at the shelter is for clients to get tested for TB. But to get tested, they need some identification. “It’s the law,” Sister Rency said. The Health Department comes to the shelter every two weeks to test onsite; otherwise, they have to take
the bus to get tested. The shelter receives 100 ($75 worth) of token passes a month from Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), which the sisters give to clients to get them transportation to Horne Rd., where the clinic is located. The sisters have a good working relationship with the city and the Corpus Christi police officers who are stationed just across the street. At times, Sister Rency enlists the aid of an officer to help remove a disruptive client from the shelter “We still give them other chances. Usually, they are barred three times before they are permanently barred. “Even if they are barred, we still give them something to eat,” she added. Marty Medellin said being homeless is “a discipline,” He believes that God is forming him. He explained that it had taken him 50 years to trust and believe in God, and now that God has disciplined him, he is never afraid even at night, October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 21
Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
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Barbara Little, another weekly volunteer, also works in the kitchen at the Mother Teresa Shelter. Little says that Escamilla is the best kitchen manager, ever. “We wouldn’t serve anything you wouldn’t eat at home. We call it the ‘Sam Rankin Café,” Little said with a smile. She is a parishioner from St. Pius X and was once on the board of Catholic Charities.
22 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
because “when you got God on your side, nobody will touch you,” he said. Nora Morales, 43 and homeless, lives on the streets with her husband, Juan Morales. Her father, who had always looked out for her and her children, died a few years back. She has never worked in her life. She overstayed her welcome with other family members and became homeless. She has three children, twins who live with their father, and another who lives with her sister. She met Juan on the streets, and they married. Both seem to get by, but only with the help of each other and the shelter. Neither qualifies for assistance, but Juan works odd jobs to buy them what they need. Most of the time, mental illness plays a major role in why people are homeless. Two friends, who prefer to be unnamed,
are clients of the shelter. They are both well mannered, clean and their clothes have been freshly laundered thanks to the day shelter. While many of their sentences are disjointed, and their conversations seem to have no end, what they have to say is fascinating. Their minds work overtime as they try to explain their reality. To an outsider, they seem to understand, love, and depend on each other. According to one staff member at the shelter, they both qualify for disability, and one of them may even be a veteran. Both suffer a similar mental illness. If they started taking their medicine, they could find an affordable place to live, but so far, they won’t help themselves. No one knows, why – maybe the fear of being labeled, locked up in an institution, or the fear of change?
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Joe Hominic volunteers once a week at the shelter. He says that for many who are mentally ill, taking their medicine helps them feel better. Once they feel better, they don’t think they need their medication anymore. So, the vicious cycle begins all over again. He has been volunteering at the shelter for the past seven years. Before she started volunteering at the Mother Teresa Shelter, Barbara Little said she never saw the faces of the homeless. Like a lot of people, she never looked into their eyes as they lay huddled on the streets, in entryways or stood at crossroads and intersections. She sees them now and agrees with Sister Rency, “they don’t think anyone cares.” Little
has been a volunteer at the shelter for eight years. Many groups throughout the Diocese of Corpus Christi volunteer their time and talent at the Mother Teresa Shelter. A group from St. Philip the Apostle serves breakfast every first Saturday of the month. A group from Most Precious Blood serves on the third Saturday of the month. And a group from St. Thomas More serves both Saturdays and Sundays on the fourth or last weekend of the month. Other volunteers include the St. Anne Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters of America who serve on certain Saturdays. Many individuals volunteer every week. Sister Rency said that right now they need a group to volunteer
on the second Saturday of each month. Mother Teresa Shelter has many anonymous donors who are guardian angels of the shelter. Sister Rency said that one woman calls her once a month, out of the blue and asks what she needs. On a recent call, she told her they were out of bleach, and the woman delivered 42 bottles of bleach the next day. The same thing happened to Escamilla in the kitchen. She asked if there were any more turkeys left, other than the one from a donation several months ago. Before she knew it, someone delivered three more. In her book, “A Simple Path,” Mother Teresa wrote, “The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared
Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
Mother Teresa Shelter Case Manager, Irma Garza, helps Dwayne Bliss complete the document to obtain a driver’s license.
October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 23
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for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love. The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty -- it is not only a poverty of
Can you help?
loneliness but also of spirituality. There’s a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.” If you feel called to help our homeless brothers and sisters at the Mother Teresa Shelter, visit motherteresashelter.org for more information.
¿Puedes ayudar?
The Mother Teresa Shelter needs paper goods: paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, plastic utensils/cutlery, 8 oz. foam cups, and powder laundry detergent. Food donations are also needed - canned goods, coffee, and creamer, pancake mix and syrup. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Call (361) 883-7372 for more information or drop off at the Mother Teresa Shelter, 513 Sam Rankin Ave.
A $10 donation will help provide: two Health
Department cards to access medical care; 20 bowls of hot cereal.
A $25 donation will help provide: a picture
ID; laundry detergent and bleach for approximately 65 loads of laundry; once a day supplies such as disposable cups, plates, utensils, body soap, female hygiene products, disposable razors and shaving cream; a pair of pants and/or shirt for a homeless person; a change of underwear and/or socks for 6 individuals; discount bus pass for one individual to visit the VA Hospital in San Antonio; prescription medications; vegetable seeds for the horticultural garden.
A $100 donation will help provide: 100
individuals’ breakfast; snacks such as bread, peanut butter, coffee, sugar and cream for approximately five days; a 2-night stay at a local motel for a homeless family with children or a sick person who is released from a local hospital; back to work equipment such as construction tools, steel toe boots and a hard hat; purchase a one-way bus pass to reunite a homeless person with their families living out of state; disinfectants and cleaning supplies for one month; tissue paper and paper towels for one month.
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, than just feed one.” – Mother Teresa
24 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
El refugio de la Madre Teresa necesita productos de papel y desechables: toallas, pañuelos, papel higiénico, utensilios / cubiertos de plástico, vasos de espuma de 8 oz y detergente en polvo para ropa. También se necesitan donaciones de alimentos: productos enlatados, café y crema, mezcla para pancakes y jarabe. Gracias de antemano por su generosidad. Llame al (361) 883-7372 para obtener más información o déjelo en el Refugio Mother Teresa, 513 Sam Rankin Ave. Una donación de $ 10 ayudará a proporcionar: dos tarjetas del Departamento de Salud para acceder a la atención médica; o 20 tazones de cereal caliente.
Una donación de $ 10 ayudará a proporcionar: dos tarjetas del Departamento de
Salud para acceder a la atención médica; 20 tazones de cereal caliente.
Una donación de $ 25 ayudará a proporcionar: una identificación con foto;
detergente y blanqueador para aproximadamente 65 cargas de ropa; suministros para un día, como vasos desechables, platos, utensilios, jabón corporal, productos de higiene femenina, maquinillas de afeitar desechables y crema de afeitar; un pantalón y / o camisa para una persona sin hogar; un cambio de ropa interior y / o calcetines para 6 personas; o un pase de autobús con descuento para que una persona visite el Hospital VA en San Antonio; o medicamentos recetados; semillas de vegetales para el huerto.
Una donación de $ 100 ayudará a proporcionar: alimentos desayuno de 100 personas;
refrigerios como pan, mantequilla de maní, café, azúcar y crema durante aproximadamente cinco días; una estadía de 2 noches en un motel local para una familia sin hogar con niños o una persona enferma que es dada de alta de un hospital local; equipo de regreso al trabajo, como herramientas de construcción, botas con punta de acero y casco; comprar un pase de autobús de ida para reunir a una persona sin hogar con sus familias que viven fuera del estado; desinfectantes y productos de limpieza para un mes; pañuelos de papel y toallas de papel por un mes.
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El Refugio Madre Teresa, una expresión del amor de Dios Por Mary Cottingham South Texas Catholic
“Amén, te digo que lo que hiciste por uno de estos hermanos menores, lo hiciste por mí”.
n la Alegría del Evangelio, el Papa Francisco llama a toda la Iglesia a evangelizar “...sobre todo a los pobres y a los enfermos, a todos aquellos que generalmente son despreciados y pasados por alto, ‘aquellos que no te pueden pagar (Lucas 14:14)’. Tenemos que decir, sin omitir palabras, que existe un vínculo inseparable entre nuestra fe y los pobres. Ojalá que nunca los abandonemos” (Papa Francisco, (Evangelii Gaudium). Los clientes que frecuentan el refugio Madre Teresa provienen de todos los ámbitos de la vida. Ellos son el hermano, la hermana, la madre, la hija o el hijo de alguien. Por lo general, sufren de una o más condiciones que solo tienden a exacerbar sus circunstancias actuales. Algunos de los clientes tienen enfermedades mentales, mientras que otros pueden combatir alguna forma de adicción. Otros no pueden pagar el alquiler y no tienen ningún tipo de apoyo familiar. Las hermanas Rency Moonjely, supervisora de operaciones del Refugio Madre Teresa y Sibi Varghese, son Hermanas de la Adoración del Santísimo Sacramento y administran las operaciones cotidianas del refugio diurno. Ellas, junto con otros siete miembros del personal, incluido un guardia de seguridad y un puñado de voluntarios, proporcionan algo más que comida y refugio a unos 150 clientes: les ofrecen un hogar temporal. De 7 a.m. a 4 p.m. cinco días a la semana, los clientes pueden ducharse, lavar la ropa, buscar trabajo, usar computadoras, dibujar, escribir, leer, comer, revisar su correo o correo electrónico, guardar sus cosas en sus casilleros o guardar sus medicamentos en el refrigerador. Pueden leer libros, mirar televisión y descansar de una larga noche en las calles. Gloria García, terapeuta con licencia de Caridades Católicas, viene una vez por semana y ofrece terapia de grupo y clases de manejo de ira. Incluso pueden participar en reuniones de Alcohólicos Anónimos (AA) de lunes a viernes a las 7 a.m. La hermana Rency, quien ha trabajado en el refugio durante casi nueve años, dijo que la mayoría de las personas desamparadas, sin hogar, que ella encuentra, están deprimidas mentalmente. “Están muy tristes, pero me dicen que están bien”, dijo. A veces se abren con ella y le dicen que -no creen que a nadie le importen. “Me
Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
E
–Mt 25:40
Los voluntarios al frente, Sean Dinh y July Friant, ayudan a la Gerente de Cocina Pauline Escamilla, en la parte de atrás, sirven nachos a los clientes mientras entran para ser atendidos. Dinh está estudiando para ser médico.
parte el corazón”, dijo. “Mother Teresa Shelter” o el Refugio Madre Teresa, opera bajo los auspicios de Caridades Católicas de Corpus Christi, Inc. El único requisito para registrarse en el refugio es que los clientes se hagan la prueba de TB. Pero para hacerse la prueba, necesitan alguna identificación. “Es la ley”, dijo la hermana Rency. El Departamento de Salud viene al refugio cada dos semanas para realizar estas pruebas; de lo contrario, tienen que tomar el autobús para ir a la clínica localizada en Horne Rd. y hacerse la prueba. El refugio recibe 100 pases (con un valor de $ 75) al mes de la Autoridad de Transporte Regional (RTA) de Corpus Christi, que las hermanas dan a los clientes para que los lleven. Las hermanas tienen una buena relación de trabajo con la October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 25
Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
†† LIFE ISSUES
Lisa A sostiene un collar que hizo ella misma. Joe Hominic, a la izquierda, trae cuentas de los lugares que visita y enseña a las personas, cómo hacer collares, así se van con algo tangible que crearon. El es feligrés de San Juan Bautista en Calallen y también es voluntario en la Unidad McConnell en el ministerio de la prisión.
26 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
ciudad y los agentes de policía de Corpus Christi que están estacionados al otro lado de la calle. A veces, la Hermana Rency solicita la ayuda de un oficial para sacar temporalmente a algún cliente que resulte perjudicial para el refugio. “Todavía les damos otras oportunidades. Por lo general, permitimos que sucedan tres contratiempos antes de que se les prohíba la entrada permanentemente. “Incluso si están prohibidos, todavía les damos algo de comer”, agregó. Marty Medellín dijo que estar sin hogar es “una disciplina”. Él cree que Dios lo está formando. Explicó que le había llevado 50 años confiar y creer en Dios, y ahora que Dios lo ha disciplinado, él nunca tiene miedo incluso por la noche, porque “cuando tienes a Dios de tu lado, nadie te tocará”, dijo. Nora Morales, de 43 años y sin hogar, vive en la calle con su esposo, Juan Morales. Su padre, quien siempre la protegió, a ella y a sus hijos, murió hace unos años. Nunca, en su vida ha trabajado. Excedió su bienvenida con otros miembros de la familia y se
quedó sin hogar. Ella tiene tres hijos, unos gemelos que viven con su padre y otro que vive con su hermana. Conoció a Juan en la calle y se casaron. Ambos parecen salir adelante, pero solo con la ayuda del uno al otro y del refugio. Ninguno de los dos califica para recibir asistencia, pero Juan tiene trabajos ocasionales que les ayuda a comprarse lo que necesitan. La mayoría de las veces, las enfermedades mentales juegan un papel importante y son la razón del por qué las personas no tienen hogar. Dos amigos, que prefieren no ser identificados, son clientes del refugio. Ambos están bien educados, limpios y su ropa ha sido lavada recientemente gracias al refugio de día. Si bien muchas de sus oraciones están desarticuladas y sus conversaciones parecen no tener fin, lo que tienen que decir es fascinante. Sus mentes trabajan horas extras mientras intentan explicar su realidad. Para un extraño, parece que se entienden, se aman y depende el uno del otro. Según un miembro del personal del refugio, ambos califican para discapacidad,
†† LIFE ISSUES
incluso uno de ellos puede obtener beneficios de veterano. Ambos sufren una enfermedad mental similar. Si comenzaran a tomar sus medicamentos, podrían encontrar un lugar asequible para vivir, pero hasta ahora, no se ayudarán a sí mismos. Nadie sabe por qué, ¿tal vez el miedo a ser etiquetados, encerrados en una institución o el miedo al cambio? Joe Hominic es voluntario una vez por semana en el refugio. Él dice que para muchas personas con enfermedades mentales, tomar sus medicamentos les ayuda a sentirse mejor. Una vez que se sienten mejor, creen que ya no necesitan sus medicamentos. Entonces, caen en un círculo vicioso una y otra vez. Hominic ha sido voluntario en el refugio durante los últimos siete años. Antes de comenzar a trabajar como voluntaria en el Refugio Madre Teresa, Barbara Little dijo que ella nunca veía los rostros de las personas sin hogar. Al igual que mucha gente, nunca les miraba a los ojos mientras yacían acurrucados en las calles, en las entradas o en los cruces e intersecciones de caminos. Ahora los ve y está de
acuerdo con la hermana Rency, “no creen que a nadie les importan”. Little ha sido voluntaria en el refugio durante ocho años. A través de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi hay muchos grupos que ofrecen voluntariamente su tiempo y talento en el Refugio Madre Teresa. Un grupo de San Felipe Apóstol sirve el desayuno cada primer sábado del mes. Un grupo de Most Precious Blood sirve el tercer sábado del mes. Y un grupo de St. Thomas More sirve los sábados y domingos el cuarto o último fin de semana del mes. Entre otros voluntarios se incluyen la Sociedad de Altar de Santa Ana y las Hijas Católicas de América que sirven ciertos sábados. Muchas personas son voluntarias cada semana. La hermana Rency dijo que ahora necesitan un grupo para ser voluntarios el segundo sábado del mes. Mother Teresa Shelter tiene muchos donantes anónimos que son ángeles guardianes del refugio. La hermana Rency dijo que una mujer la llama una vez al mes, de la nada y le pregunta qué necesita. En una llamada reciente, ella le dijo que se habían quedado sin lejía, y la mujer entregó 42 botellas de lejía al día siguiente. Lo mismo
le sucedió a Escamilla en la cocina. Preguntó si quedaban más pavos, aparte del de una donación hace varios meses. Antes de que ella lo supiera, alguien entregó tres más. En su libro, “Un camino simple”, la Madre Teresa escribió: “La enfermedad más grande en Occidente hoy en día no es ni TB ni lepra; es ser indeseado, es el desamor, el descuido y el abandono. Podemos curar enfermedades físicas con medicamentos, pero la única cura para la soledad, la desesperación y la desesperanza es el amor. Hay muchos en el mundo que se están muriendo por un pedazo de pan, pero hay muchos más que se mueren por un poco de amor. La pobreza en Occidente es un tipo diferente de pobreza: no es solo una pobreza de soledad sino también de espiritualidad. Hay hambre de amor, como hay hambre de Dios “. Si se siente llamado a ayudar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas sin hogar en el Refugio Madre Teresa, visite motherteresashelter.org para ver cómo puede ayudar.
Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic
La Administradora de Casos del Refugio Madre Teresa, Irma Garza, visita a Nora Morales, de 43 años y sin hogar, ella vive en las calles con su esposo, Juan Morales.
October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 27
28  South Texas Catholic | October 2019
†† LIFE ISSUES
Jose Cobos hands a bill to Elsa Ortiz (right). Ortiz and Johanna Swetish (left) are tasked with managing their clients money and paying their bills to keep them from becoming homeless. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
Representative Payee Program keeps homeless numbers down By Rebecca Esparza
T Correspondent
hree years ago, Jose Cobos moved to Corpus Christi from his hometown of McAllen in search of a better life. “Corpus Christi has the programs I need to have a brighter future,” he said. “There are treatments for my ailments available here that are not available back home.” When Cobos first arrived in Corpus Christi, he was indigent, and Catholic Charities was a beacon of hope for him when he needed it the most. He receives assistance through the Representative Payee program, where Catholic Charities have managed his finances for almost three years. “They saved my life and kept me from
becoming homeless. They budget my money well and are good at what they do. Over the years I’ve grown to consider these ladies my friends and I need them every day,” Cobos said. Elsa Ortiz and Johanna Swetish administer the Representative Payee Program for Catholic Charities. They only accept cases that are referred to them by local social service agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services. “We help people manage their benefits, which they may receive from Social Security or the Veterans Administration,” Ortiz said. “Our primary responsibility is to pay monthly bills, like rent and utilities, which in turn helps prevent homelessness because
these bills are paid in a timely manner.” There are challenges involved in offering these services that revolve around handling other people’s money. Currently, the Payee Program at Catholic Charities manages the funds for 120 clients ranging in age from 15, all the way to 90. “Clients are responsible for making sure we have all the bills they owe. At the same time, sometimes clients can get frustrated; they don’t have immediate access to their money. But that’s for their own protection, to make sure they have enough money for the essentials for daily living,” adds Swetish. “If there is any money left over, we send it to the client to help pay for any incidentals or the client can choose to start a savings account.” October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 29
†† LIFE ISSUES
Other times, they have to protect the client’s money from their own family. “We’ve had some clients whose own family members were taking their benefit money and using the money for drugs. And we’ve had others who have their elderly parent with dementia sign paperwork for a new loan or open a second mortgage loan on their home. We’re here to protect that money on our client’s behalf,” Ortiz said. “A payee program helps prevent a lot of abuse.” “Some homeless people refuse to get a place to live. Mental illness has a lot to do with it,” she said. “They might have an apartment, but they choose to stay on the street. We work with them on the constant changes in their lives, but always try to keep them with a roof over their heads. It’s a dangerous life on the street.” For Swetish and Ortiz, their jobs go beyond just paying bills for their clients. They become close to their clients, and the relationship evolves into more of a caseworker role over time. “Many times, they don’t have anyone else to turn to for support, and they trust us,” Swetish said. Meanwhile, Cobos remains grateful for
the payee program and recommends it to anyone who receives benefits and may run into trouble managing finances on their own. He makes sure to give back to the local community that has given him so much over the last few years. “I was a professional pianist by the age of 14, and I’ve written over 30 Christian songs, even producing my own CD. I volunteer for local churches, treatment centers and prisons, not only with my music, but also as a mentor,” he said. “Volunteering fulfills me. Service work gives me a great sense of satisfaction.” For more information on the Payee Representative Program at Catholic Charities, call (361) 336-1023.
Jose Cobos chooses a tie from a rack at Catholic Charities. He is taking advantage of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program which partners with Men’s Warehouse to provide suits for men looking for a job.
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For more information, call St. Patrick School at (361) 852-1211 32 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
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r. Leana Wen, the former president of Planned Parenthood whom the board fired in July amid a dispute over the group’s mission, is reportedly still locked in a contract disagreement with the board over the terms of her exit. According to reports, Wen says that Planned Parenthood is refusing to give her severance pay and pay for her family’s health insurance unless she agrees to a gag clause. The New York Times reported Saturday that Wen had on Sept. 9 sent a 1,400word letter to Planned Parenthood’s Board of Directors, accusing the organization of withholding her contractually mandated health insurance and severance pay as “ransom” to pressure her to sign a confidentiality agreement. The Times has not released the full text of the letter, and Wen has expressed her disappointment that the letter leaked to the press. “There should be no dispute regarding the terms of my employment contract, which are clearly spelled out,” she said in a statement. Melanie Newman, a senior vice president for communications at Planned Parenthood, called Wen’s accusations “unfortunate, saddening, and simply untrue.” “The attorneys representing the board have made every good faith effort to amicably part from Dr. Wen and are disappointed that they have been unable to reach a suitable resolution regarding her exit package,” she said, as quoted by the Times. According to the Times, Newman stated that Wen has remained on payroll during the negotiations and will be salaried through mid-October, with health benefits through the end of that month. She said Planned Parenthood had offered Wen a full additional year of salary and health benefits. Wen took the reigns at Planned Parenthood in September 2018, following the 12-year presidency of Cecile Richards.
She was president until July 16, when she announced that the “board ended my employment at a secret meeting.” “We were engaged in good faith negotiations about my departure based on philosophical differences over the direction and future of Planned Parenthood,” she said via Twitter. Wen cited philosophical differences with the new board chairs over the direction that the organization should be moving. Wen has said she firmly believes Planned Parenthood to be a healthcare organization, not primarily a political advocacy organization. “The new Board leadership has determined that the priority of Planned Parenthood moving forward is to double down on abortion rights advocacy,” Wen said. Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion performer in the United States. In 2016, the organization performed about one out of every three abortions. Alexis McGill Johnson, a former political organizer, was named acting president after Wen’s ouster, and the organization has said that they hope to appoint a new president by the end of 2019. Wen said in her September letter, as quoted by the Times, that “there is a vocal minority” including many national staff and board members “who prefer a stridently political, abortion-first philosophy.” Wen has recently announced her new position as visiting professor at George Washington University, and also that she and her husband are expecting a baby. Former Planned Parenthood director-turned pro-life advocate Abby Johnson told CNA that Planned Parenthood is “once again showing their true loyalties” and that she hopes Wen will open up about her experience. Johnson left her position at Planned Parenthood and founded And Then There Were None, an organization that seeks to help abortion clinic workers leave the abortion industry. “Dr. Wen has been horribly betrayed by Planned Parenthood. It’s heartbreaking to
Leana Wen speaks at a press conference in Washington DC Mandel Ngan, AFP / Getty Images
watch her former employer throw her under the bus because she dared to question their commitment to actual healthcare,” Johnson said in a statement to CNA. “They don’t value their employees because they don’t value people, especially pregnant women, who they see more as dollar signs than human beings.” Johnson has been publicly reaching out to Wen on Twitter to encourage her to speak confidentially about her situation. “Dr. Wen doesn’t need to go through this ordeal alone,” Johnson said. “I sincerely hope she knows she has an ally in me, someone who went through a similar situation and who has not only excellent attorneys but also a vast network of support through And Then There Were None who would welcome Dr. Wen with open arms.” In the past decade, Planned Parenthood has seen its number of patients decline. The number of cancer screenings, contraceptives distributed, and prenatal services provided by the organization decreased as well. Abortions, however, have increased by about 10 percent since 2006, despite Planned Parenthood seeing fewer patients. October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 33
†† NATIONAL NEWS
Ousted Planned Parenthood president says board violating contract on terms of exit
The Singing For Christ Ministry is looking for a guitarist and singers to join us in bringing a little touch of Jesus to our brothers and sisters in Christ in nursing homes. Visits are once a week to a nursing home singing English and Spanish songs.
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“Well done good and Faithfull Servant your faithful Service is an offering to God.” –Matthew 25:21
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Pope Francis meets with Patriarch Bartholomew at Domus Sancta Marta, Sept. 19. Vatican Media
Pope Francis: ‘Canon law is essential for ecumenical dialogue’ By Courtney Grogan
P
Catholic News Agency
ope Francis said Thursday that canon law is essential for ecumenical dialogue with Orthodox and Oriental Churches. “Many of the theological dialogues pursued by the Catholic Church, especially with the Orthodox Church and the Oriental Churches, are of an ecclesiological nature. They have a canonical dimension too, since ecclesiology finds expression in the institutions and the law of the Churches,” Pope Francis said Sept. 19. In an audience with members of the Society for the Law of the Eastern Churches, Pope Francis said: “Canon law is essential for ecumenical dialogue,” adding that “ecumenical dialogue also enriches canon law.” Canon law is the Church’s legal
discipline, it gives expression to concepts like natural and divine law, and orders the Church as an ecclesiastical society. It explains and safeguards the rights and duties of the faithful of all orders of church life: laity, clergy, bishops, and religious. As the Society for the Law of the Eastern Churches marks its fiftieth anniversary this year, Pope Francis remarked that the society’s founder, Father Ivan Žužek, made significant contributions to the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. The pope met with Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople the day prior for lunch in Vatican City. Bartholomew, to whom Pope Francis gifted relics of St. Peter earlier this year, was the law society’s first vice president. Pope Francis said that the Church can learn from the synodal experience of the
Eastern churches. “Synodality expresses the ecumenical dimension of canon law,” Pope Francis said, explaining: “the commitment to build a synodal Church — a mission to which we are all called, each with the role entrusted him by the Lord — has significant ecumenical implications.” “How much we can learn from one another in all areas of ecclesial life: theology, the experience of spirituality and liturgy, pastoral activity and, certainly, canon law,” he said. “Based on the common canonical heritage of the first millennium, the current theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church seeks precisely a common understanding of primacy and synodality and their relationship in the service of the unity of the Church,” Pope Francis said. October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 35
October Liturgical Calendar 1 | Tue | Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Zec 8:2023/Lk 9:51-56 (456)
8 | Tue | Weekday | green | Jon 3:1-10/ Lk 10:38-42 (462)
2 | Wed | The Holy Guardian Angels | white | Memorial | Neh 2:1-8 (457)/Mt 18:1-5, 10 (650) Pss Prop
9 | Wed | Weekday | green/red/ white [Saints Denis, Bishop, and Companions, Martyrs; Saint John Leonardi, Priest] Jon 4:1-11/Lk 11:1-4 (463)
3 | Thu | Weekday | green | Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12/Lk 10:1-12 (458)
10 | Thu | Weekday | green | Mal 3:1320b/Lk 11:5-13 (464)
4 | Fri | Saint Francis of Assisi | white | Memorial | Bar 1:15-22/Lk 10:13-16 (459)
11 | Fri | Weekday | green/white | [Saint John XXIII, Pope] | Jl 1:13-15; 2:1-2/Lk 11:15-26 (465)
5 | Sat | Weekday | green/white/white [USA: Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, Priest; BVM] Bar 4:5-12, 27-29/Lk 10:1724 (460)
12 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] Jl 4:12-21/Lk 11:27-28 (466)
6 | SUN | TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Hb 1:2-3; 2:2-4/2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14/Lk 17:5-10 (141) Pss III 7 | Mon | Our Lady of the Rosary | white | Memorial | Jon 1:1—2:2, 11/Lk 10:25-37 (461) Pss Prop
13 | SUN | TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green 2 Kgs 5:1417/2 Tm 2:8-13/Lk 17:11-19 (144) Pss IV 14 | Mon | Weekday | green/red [Saint Callistus I, Pope and Martyr]Rom 1:1-7/ Lk 11:29-32 (467) 15 | Tue | Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church | white | Memorial | Rom 1:16-25/Lk
11:37-41 (468) 16 | Wed | Weekday | green/white/ white [Saint Hedwig, Religious; Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin] Rom 2:1-11/Lk 11:42-46 (469) 17 | Thu | Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr | red | Memorial | Rom 3:21-30/Lk 11:47-54 (470) 18 | Fri | Saint Luke, Evangelist | red | Feast | 2 Tm 4:10-17b/Lk 10:1-9 (661) Pss Prop 19 | Sat | USA: Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, | red | and Companions, Martyrs | Memorial | Rom 4:13, 16-18/Lk 12:8-12 (472) 20 | SUN | TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Ex 17:813/2 Tm 3:14—4:2/Lk 18:1-8 (147) Pss I 21 | Mon | Weekday | green | Rom 4:20-25/Lk 12:13-21 (473) 22 | Tue | Weekday | green/white [Saint John Paul II, Pope] Rom 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21/Lk 12:35-38 (474)
23 | Wed | Weekday | green/white [Saint John of Capistrano, Priest] Rom 6:12-18/Lk 12:39-48 (475) 24 | Thu | Weekday | green/white [Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop] Rom 6:19-23/Lk 12:49-53 (476) 25 | Fri | Weekday | green | Rom 7:1825a/Lk 12:54-59 (477) 26 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] Rom 8:1-11/Lk 13:1-9 (478) 27 | SUN | THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Sir 35:12-14, 16-18/2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18/Lk 18:9-14 (150) Pss II 28 | Mon | Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles | red | Feast | Eph 2:19-22/Lk 6:12-16 (666) Pss Prop 29 | Tue | Weekday | green | Rom 8:1825/Lk 13:18-21 (480) 30 | Wed | Weekday | green | Rom 8:26-30/Lk 13:22-30 (481) 31 | Thu | Weekday | green | Rom 8:31b-39/Lk 13:31-35 (482)
For only $10 you can purchase a barbecue plate with all the trimmings, including ice tea and dessert from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Barbecue smoked turkey legs are also available.
36 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
Begins Oct. 1 and every Tuesday until Jan. 6 (8-weeks) from 7-9 p.m. at St. Patrick Church, Our Lady of Knock Hall (the corner of S. Alameda and Rossiter Street.) Bible Study presents “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible,” presented by Jeff Cavins. For more information call the parish office at (361) 855-7391.
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4
6 10
Theology of the Body for Young Adults
Oct. 4 from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Maria Goretti Youth Center at Most Precious Blood (3502 Saratoga Blvd.) Come take part in fellowship, food and learn more about God’s unconditional love. Most Precious Blood is hosting a young adult six week series of Theology of the Body, “Men, women, and the Mystery of Love:
• English: Oct. 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Thomas More (2045 18th St.) For more information call (361) 244-1786 or email
robkathyschulz@me.com
• English: Oct. 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Philip the Apostle Church (3513 Cimarron Rd.) • Spanish: Oct. 18 from 6:308:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (5830 Williams Dr.) For more information (English or Spanish) call Lorie Villarreal at (361) 991-7891.
Cursillo de Hombres
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.
17
Women’s English Cursillo
17
2019 Celebration of Charity
11 Marriage Retreat
Oct. 11-13, begins on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday at 1:30 p.m. This retreat offers tools based on the Theology of the Body for discovering your spouse anew, the opportunity to meet with a licensed marriage counselor, time spent together in Eucharistic adoration, confession, and even a romantic evening dinner and dancing. There will also be a priest who specializes in marriage ministry. Register at ourladyofcorpuschristi.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.
Red Mass
Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral (505 N. Upper Broadway). Bishop Michael Mulvey will preside and concelebrate the Mass with priests of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. The keynote address will be given by Bishop Thomas Paprocki, bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois. A catered reception will immediately follow in the Tower II Atrium. For more information call Sandra Castellanos at (361) 693-6683 or email scastellanos@diocesecc.org.
Respect Life Sunday Mass
Virtual 14 Lourdes Pilgrimage Experience 17 in English and Spanish & 18
Oct. 6 at 9:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral (505 N. Upper Broadway). Bishop Mulvey is scheduled to be the celebrant, and Mass will be televised as usual.
Seamen’s Center Lobster Fest
Oct. 2 from 5-7 p.m. at Brewster Street Ice House (1724 N. Tancahua Street) in Corpus Christi. Benefiting the Corpus Christi International Seamen’s Center. Enjoy 1 1/4 lb. live Maine lobster steamed on-site, all the traditional New England sides, live music by Still Crazy and silent auction. All tickets are pre-sale. Tickets are $35 and are available at the Center, 1501 N. Mesquite Street in Heritage Park (open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily or on our website at corpuschristiseamenscenter.org. For more information call (361) 883-8405.
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Practical Insights from St. John Paul ll’s Love and Responsibility” written by Edward Sri. The book is a $15 donation. Please email mpbccym@gmail.com to RSVP and reserve a seat and a book or call (361) 444-3475.
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Diocesan Marriage Prep – One Day Workshop
Oct. 12 from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel (1008 Austin St.) in Portland. Cost is $150 ($175 for couples outside the diocese). The Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is designed to inform couples of the spiritual and practical aspects of Catholic marriage and facilitate couple dialogue. Registrations are due one week prior to the seminar. Pre-registration required. To register go to diocesecc.org/ onedayworkshop.
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.
Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. at Catholic Charities (615 Oliver Ct.) 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, call Shannette Hoelscher at (361) 884-0651, ext. 246 or email shoelscher@diocesecc.org.
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Healing Retreat at OLCC
Oct. 18-20, begins on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and ends Sunday at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana). Discover the ways we block God’s grace in our life and remove obstacles that prevent us from growing in our relationship with God. The weekend consists of a series of talks on healing, periods of quiet reflection asking God to reveal where we need healing, and concludes with a Healing Service. Register at ourladyofcorpuschristi.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.
October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 37
†† OCTOBER CALENDAR
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Bible Study with Jeff Cavins at St. Patrick
†† OCTOBER CALENDAR
19 Diocesan NFP Class
Oct. 19 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 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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Lord Teach Me To Pray - ‘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 to find out more about LTMTP or to register for the retreat: download the registration form at lordteachmetopray.com or contact Carol Weiler at carolweiler@cox.net or at (504) 439-5933.
31 Marian Devotion Retreat
Oct. 31-Nov. 3, beginning Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and ending on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center. Spend a quiet weekend praying with Our Lady, coming to know who she is, discovering how she can bring us closer to Jesus. Register at deepprayer.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.
To see more calendar events go to: SouthTexasCatholic.com/events click on Ongoing Events to the right of the screen.
FALL FES VALS A N D PA R I S H FU N D R A I S E RS
Oktoberfest
St. Anthony’s Church “Violet” 3918 County Rd. 61 (off Highway 44)
68th Annual
CHICKEN BAR-B-QUE OCTOBER 20, 2019
Dine-In & Plates to Go Bar-B-Que Dinner & Trimmings Serving 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Donation $10.00 per plate For information call the parish office @
(361) 387-4434
All proceeds will be used for church repairs: Country Store, Children’s Games, Clown Face Painting and Moonwalk Live Auction at 1 p.m., Drawing for Gift Certificate Visit our Historic Church/Museum Built in 1910
Some fundraising events will include a variety of food, games and entertainment fun. For complete details visit SouthTexasCatholic.com/events. Immaculate Conception 69th Annual Jamaica Festival |
Oct. 5 from 5-10 p.m. and Oct. 6 from 12-9 p.m. at 107 Church Street in Gregory. Waffle Breakfast at St. Pius X | Oct. 6 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at 5620 Golihar Rd. St. Paul’s BBQ & Crafts Fall Fest | Oct. 6 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 2233 Waldron Road in Flour Bluff. St. Thomas the Apostle 35th Annual Czechfest | Oct. 6 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 16602 FM 624 in Robstown. Corpus Christi Cathedral Rummage Sale | Oct. 11-13. On Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and ends at 2 p.m. on Sunday at St. Joseph Hall located in the basement of Cathedral. Annual BBQ Fundraiser at Holy Cross | Oct. 11 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1109 N. Staples St. St. Joseph (Alice) 19th Annual Parish Festival | Oct. 12 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at 801 South Reynolds in Alice. Christ The King Annual Fall Festival | Oct. 12 from 4-9 p.m. at 1625 Arlington Dr. St. Patrick School 57th Annual Halloween Carnival | Oct.
18 from 5:30-10:30 p.m. at 3340 South Alameda. Oktoberfest at St. Anthony’s Church | Oct. 20 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 3918 County Rd.–off Highway 44. Immaculate Conception Annual Jamaica | Oct 26 from 2-10 p.m. at 120 E. Escobedo in Taft. St. Elizabeth of Hungary 11th Annual Fall Fest Barbecue
| Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Jim Wells County Fairgrounds (3001 S. Johnson St.) in Alice.
38 South Texas Catholic | October 2019
Indulgencia Plenaria Otorgada por Decreto Papal A Plenary Indulgence by Papal Decree
Experiencia de un Peregrinaje Virtual a
Lourdes
™
Our Lady of Perpetual Help 5830 Williams Drive Corpus Christi, Texas 78412 Tel: 361-991-7891
Viernes 15 de Noviembre, 2019 A las 7:00 PM (Espaňol)
Lourdes
Virtual Pilgrimage Experience™ Thursday November 14, 2019 7:00 PM (English) Agua de Lourdes ~ Lourdes Water Piedra de la Gruta ~ Grotto Rock Bendición Eucarística ~ Eucharistic Blessing Procesión del Santo Rosario ~ Rosary Procession Hospitalidad de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes De los Voluntarios de Norteamérica Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers www.LourdesVolunteers.org
October 2019 | South Texas Catholic 39
October 2019 Issue SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi, TX 78401-0824 (361) 882-6191
Baptized and sent Bautizados y enviados
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith La Sociedad para la Propagaciรณn de la Fe
missio.org
Oct. 20