Winter 2021 - Vol. 56 No. 4 by South Texas Catholic

SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

South Texas

Catholic W W W. S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C . C O M • W I N T E R 2 0 21

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

WINTER 2021

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

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WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

HELP WANTED

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Keep up with the faith at

southtexascatholic.com VOL. 56 NO. 4

Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD Director of Communications Julie Stark jstark@diocesecc.org Managing Editor Mary Cottingham

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mcottingham@diocesecc.org

Theological Consultant Ben Nguyen, MTS, JCL/JD, D.Min (ABD) bnguyen@diocesecc.org Communications Specialist Elizabeth Morales and Adel Sauceda emorales@diocesecc.org asauceda@diocesecc.org Broadcast Technical Director Richard Luna rluna@diocesecc.org

Correspondents Jesse De Leon and Rebecca Esparza Translator/Correspondent Gloria Romero Contributors: Thank you! Father Brady Williams, SOLT Sister Annette Wagner, IWBS Manage Subscriptions If you or someone you know would like to receive the South Texas Catholic Contact us at (361) 882-6191 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi TX 78401-0824 stc@diocesecc.org or to subscribe, unsubscribe or submit a change of address go online at: southtexascatholic.com/subscribe

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5 | BISHOP’S MESSAGE,

Christmas lights the way of synodality.

9 | WOMAN OF STRENGTH,

Scripture snapshots of Mary trace her life from a young mother to a strong woman of mature faith borne from the realities of her life.

10 | CATHOLIC SCHOOLS,

New Enrichment Program at Bishop Garriga offers students unique learning opportunities.

13 | JESUS SAYS, Explaining

the Gospel Message: Father Brady Williams, SOLT, invites us to make a synodal journey as the shepherds did the night Christ was born.

18 | SYNODALITY, Visit of

apostolic nuncio bolsters diocesan phase of synodality.

24 | IN MEMORIAM, Rest in

Peace, Sister Agnes Marie Tengler, IWBS, Bishop Raymundo J. Peña and Sister Rose Miriam, IWBS.

25 | MARRIAGE, Avelino

and Tanya Rodriguez are witnesses, who help couples strengthen their marriages through the Couples for Christ at OLPH.

28 | VOCATIONS, Father

Richard Gutierrez and Sister Mary Aloysius, SOLT share their vocation stories.

31 | A WORD From Our Holy

Father, Pope Francis: ‘This world will pass away and only love will remain.’

16 | SPREADING THE LIGHT,

FOCUS Ministries, Ablaze missionaries and Nights of Worship making great strides at bringing youth back into the Church.

32 | NATIONAL NEWS, Former

Congressman Dan Lipinski: we must be “Catholic first.”

COVER ILLUSTRATION DEPOSIT PHOTOS

A synodal reflection of our journeying together as the shepherds and three wise men did the night Christ was born. WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

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13 | Thu | Weekday | green/white [Saint Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church] 1 Sm 4:1-11/Mk 1:40-45 (308)

16 | SUN | SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Is 62:1-5/1 Cor 12:4-11/Jn 2:1-11 (66) Pss II

28 | Tue | The Holy Innocents, Martyrs | red | Feast | 1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Mt 2:13-18 (698) Pss Prop

29 | Wed | Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord | white [Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr] 1 Jn 2:3-11/Lk 2:22-35 (202) Pss Prop

30 | Thu | Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord | white 1 Jn 2:12-17/ Lk 2:36-40 (203) Pss Prop

9 | Thu | Advent Weekday | violet/white [Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin] Is 41:13-20/Mt 11:11-15 (184)

31 | Fri | Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord | white [Saint Sylvester I, Pope] 1 Jn 2:18-21/Jn 1:1-18 (204) Pss Prop

10 | Fri | Advent Weekday | violet/white [Our Lady of Loreto] Is 48:17-19/Mt 11:1619 (185)

23 | Thu | Advent Weekday | violet [Saint John of Kanty, Priest] Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Lk 1:57-66 (199)

27 | Thu | Weekday | green/white [Saint Angela Merici, Virgin] 2 Sm 7:18-19, 24-29/ Mk 4:21-25 (320)

6 | Thu | Christmas Weekday | white/white [USA: Saint André Bessette, Religious] 1 Jn 4:19—5:4/Lk 4:14-22a (215)

7 | Fri | Christmas Weekday | white/white [Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Priest] 1 Jn 5:5-13/Lk 5:12-16 (216)

29 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17/Mk 4:35-41 (322)

11 | Tue | Weekday | green | 1 Sm 1:9-20/ Mk 1:21-28 (306)

3 | Mon | Christmas Weekday | white/white [The Most Holy Name of Jesus] 1 Jn 3:22— 4:6/Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 (212) Pss II

10 | Mon | Weekday (First Week in Ordinary Time) | green 1 Sm 1:1-8/Mk 1:14-20 (305) Pss I

22 | Wed | Advent Weekday | violet | 1 Sm 1:24-28/Lk 1:46-56 (198)

15 | Sat | Weekday | green/white [BVM] 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a/Mk 2:13-17 (310)

21 | Tue | Advent Weekday | violet [Saint Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church] Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Lk 1:39-45 (197)

14 | Fri | Weekday | green | 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a/Mk 2:1-12 (309)

8 | Sat | Christmas Weekday | white | 1 Jn 5:14-21/Jn 3:22-30 (217)

20 | Mon | Advent Weekday | violet | Is 7:1014/Lk 1:26-38 (196)

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12 | Wed | Weekday | green | 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20/Mk 1:29-39 (307)

6 | Mon | Advent Weekday | violet/white [Saint Nicholas, Bishop] Is 35:1-10/Lk 5:1726 (181)

24 | Fri | Advent Weekday | violet | Morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Lk 1:67-79 (200)

WINTER 2021

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

BISHOP’S MESSAGE Christmas and Synodality

Dear Sisters and Brothers, elieve it or not, Christmas is upon us once again, and a new year will soon dawn. The child in the manger, who is God and man, remains our light and our hope. The Gospel of John reminds us that God loves each one of us so much that He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in Him might have eternal life (Jn 3:16). Though the birth of Jesus was a historical event, the abiding presence of Emmanuel, God with us, continues until the end of the Age (Mt 28:20). He is with us today and will always be among us. He is our Way, our Truth, and our Life. This year the celebration of Christmas has highlighted a re-introduction to the ancient way of synodality. The Holy Spirit is calling the Church to be renewed (in a sense be reborn) with the spirit of synodality that characterized and sustained our earliest forebears in the faith. Journeying together and not alone points to the image of God. The synodal way is a witness to Jesus’s mission, beginning with his birth in Bethlehem of Judea. Jesus entered the world in a family (not alone) – together with Mary and Joseph. A synodal Church is faithful in embracing the Word made Flesh, a people who are in step with the Gospel of Jesus. We want to be people who together not only listen to and proclaim the Word of God but who share with one another and others what the Holy Spirit plants in our hearts and in the hearts of others. During his recent visit to the Diocese of Corpus Christi, His Excellency Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, spoke on the beauty and challenges of synodality. He stated, “The New Testament, especially the Annunciation (Lk 1:26-38), recounts the Incarnation as a Trinitarian action –a journeying together: The Father sends the Spirit to overshadow the Virgin so that the

Eternal Word of the Father might become incarnate. In the Trinity, there is communion and reciprocity among the persons and an outpouring of love toward humanity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit journey together in harmony toward all of humanity.” In my October 24 letter, which helped usher in the diocesan phase of the Synod on Synodality, I wrote that Bartimaeus, who in the Gospel of Mark continued to call out to Jesus, “Son of David, have pity on me” and despite the disapproval of others, Jesus took time to listen to Bartimaeus, without judgment – giving him his full attention. Synodality is an invitation to walk together and to journey united in Jesus as His disciples did at the beginning of the Church. We are called to seek out the lost, to listen to those who have turned away from the Church. Those on the periphery of society should be heard as well as people who question their relationship with God and the Church. It is time for us to cease commenting about what is wrong with the Church and to participate in “washing the feet” of our brothers and sisters. A modern method of “washing feet” is to walk alongside others and accompany them in their need. In a world marked by disharmony and the confusion of a plethora of voices competing for our attention, our ability to listen, discern and understand the Holy Spirit and the will of the Father is weakened. For that reason, the gift of synodality is needed and welcomed.

Bishop Michael Mulvey and the staff of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources are committed to assisting those who have faced abuse of any kind. For immediate assistance, support and referral information, please call Victim Assistance Coordinator Stephanie Bonilla at (361) 693-6686.

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

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BISHOP’S MESSAGE Christmas and Synodality

Queridos hermanos y hermanas, Archbishop Pierre explained, “Listening affirms each person’s dignity and expresses respect for the voices, legitimate desires, problems and sufferings of the people of God. The process of listening begins with the people of God, who in virtue of their baptism, share in the prophetic office of Christ.” As a diocesan family we will have opportunities in the coming months to come together and share moments of faith through listening to one another. Learning to listen will bring renewal to families, parishes, school communities, and within neighborhoods. Sisters and brothers, I invite all of us to do what God himself did through his Incarnate Son, to listen and be in tune with the will of the Father, to participate with others in fulfilling God’s plan, to discern our common mission and to fulfill our mission to evangelize with love and compassion for all we meet. May this beautiful Christmas season serve as a reminder of God’s synodality – His journeying with us. Together may we become imitators of Christ, walking with our neighbors in their struggles and in their joys. May the joy and peace of Christmas remain with us throughout the year, allowing the Holy Spirit to enliven our encounters and help us find the path toward synodality. May Mary, Mother of the Church and Seat of Wisdom, be our companion on this synodal journey.

Merry

Christmas H N Y !

and

appy

ear

+Wm. Michael Mulvey Bishop of Corpus Christi

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o crea o no, la Navidad está sobre nosotros una vez más, y pronto amanecerá un nuevo año. El niño en el pesebre, que es Dios y hombre, sigue siendo nuestra luz y nuestra esperanza. El evangelio de San Juan nos recuerda que Dios nos ama tanto a cada uno de nosotros que dio a su único Hijo para que todo el que crea en él tenga vida eterna (Jn 3:16). Aunque el nacimiento de Jesús fue un evento histórico, la presencia permanente de Emmanuel, Dios con nosotros, continúa hasta el fin de los tiempos (Mt 28:20). Él está hoy con nosotros y estará siempre entre nosotros. Él es nuestro Camino, nuestra Verdad y nuestra Vida. En la celebración de Navidad de este año, se destaca una reintroducción a la antigua forma de sinodalidad. El Espíritu Santo está llamando a la Iglesia a renovarse (en cierto sentido a renacer) con el espíritu de sinodalidad que caracterizó y sostuvo a nuestros primeros antepasados en la fe. El caminar juntos y no solos habla de la imagen de Dios. El camino sinodal, es un testimonio de la misión de Jesús, comenzando con su nacimiento en Belén de Judea. Jesús vino al mundo dentro de una familia (no solo), sino junto a María y a José. Una Iglesia sinodal es fiel en abrazar al Verbo hecho Carne; es un pueblo que está en sintonía con el Evangelio de Jesús. Queremos ser personas que juntas no solo escuchemos y proclamemos la Palabra de Dios, sino que compartamos entre sí y con los demás lo que el Espíritu Santo siembra en nuestros corazones y en los corazones de los demás. Durante su reciente visita a la Diócesis de Corpus Christi, Su Excelencia el Arzobispo Christophe Pierre, Nuncio Apostólico en los Estados Unidos, habló sobre la belleza y los desafíos de la sinodalidad. Afirmó: “El Nuevo Testamento, especialmente la Anunciación (Lk 1: 26-38), relata la Encarnación como una acción trinitaria, un caminar juntos: El Padre envía al Espíritu a cubrir con su sombra a la Virgen para que el Verbo Eterno del Padre se encarne. En la Trinidad existe comunión y reciprocidad entre las personas asi como una efusión de amor hacia la humanidad. El Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo viajan juntos en armonía hacia toda la humanidad ”.

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

MENSAJE DEL OBISPO Sinodalidad

En mi carta del 24 de octubre de 2021, que ayudó a marcar el comienzo de la fase diocesana del Sínodo sobre el significado de Sinodalidad, escribí que Bartimeo, quien en el Evangelio de Marcos, clamaba continuamente por la atencion de Jesús y gritaba: “Hijo de David, ten piedad de mí”. Y a pesar de la desaprobación de los demás, Jesús se tomó el tiempo para escuchar a Bartimeo, sin juzgarlo, prestándole toda su atención. La sinodalidad es una invitación a caminar juntos y a caminar unidos en Jesús como lo hicieron sus discípulos al comienzo de la Iglesia. Estamos llamados a buscar a los que hemos perdido, a escuchar a los que se han apartado de la Iglesia. Se debe escuchar a los que están en la periferia de la sociedad, así como a las personas que cuestionan su relación con Dios y con la Iglesia. Es hora de que dejemos de comentar lo que está mal en la Iglesia y participemos en “lavar los pies” de nuestros hermanos y hermanas. Un método moderno de “lavar los pies” es caminar al lado de otros y acompañarlos en su necesidad. En un mundo marcado por la discordia y la confusión de una plétora de voces compitiendo por nuestra atención; nuestra capacidad para escuchar, discernir y comprender al Espíritu Santo y a la voluntad del Padre, se debilita. Por eso, el don de la sinodalidad es necesario y bienvenido. El arzobispo Pierre explicó: “Escuchar afirma la dignidad de cada persona y expresa respeto por las voces, los deseos legítimos, los problemas y los sufrimientos del pueblo de Dios. El proceso de escucha comienza con el pueblo de Dios, que en virtud de su bautismo, comparte el oficio profético de Cristo ”. En los próximos meses, tendremos oportunidad de reunirnos como familia diocesana y compartir

momentos de fe, escuchándonos los unos a los otros. Aprender a escuchar traerá renovación a las familias, parroquias, comunidades escolares y entre nuestro prójimo. Hermanas y hermanos, los invito a todos a hacer lo que Dios mismo hizo a través de su Hijo Encarnado, a escucharnos y sintonizarnos con la voluntad del Padre, a participar con los demás en el cumplimiento del plan de Dios, a discernir nuestra misión común y a cumplir. nuestra misión de evangelizar con amor y compasión a todos los que nos encontremos. Que esta hermosa temporada navideña sirva como un recordatorio de la sinodalidad de Dios: De Su viajar con nosotros. Que juntos seamos imitadores de Cristo, caminando con nuestro prójimo en sus luchas y en sus alegrías. Que la alegría y la paz de la Navidad permanezcan con nosotros durante todo el año, permitiendo que el Espíritu Santo avive nuestros encuentros y nos ayude a encontrar el camino hacia la sinodalidad. Que María, Madre de la Iglesia y Trono de la Sabiduría, sea nuestra compañera en este camino sinodal.

¡Feliz Navidad

Próspero Año Nuevo! + Wm. Michael Mulvey Obispo de Corpus Christi

El obispo Michael Mulvey y el personal de la Oficina del Medio Ambiente Seguridad y Recursos para Niños y Familias están comprometidos a ayudar a aquellos que han sufrido abusos de cualquier tipo. Para asistencia inmediata, apoyo e información de referencia, llame al Coordinador de Asistencia a Víctimas Stephanie Bonilla al (361) 693-6686. SOMOS EL CUERPO DE CRISTO

INVIERNO 2021

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Winter 2021-2022

Collections RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS Sister Dorothy Anhaiser is a sister with the congregation of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. She is a native Texan. She held so many positions that the list is dazzling. One of her last official roles was as archivist for the Congregational Archives. Your gift helps provide prescription medications, nursing care, and more. Please be generous. More than 93 percent of donations aid senior religious. Please give to those who have given a lifetime. More than 93 percent of donations aid senior religious. For more information visit retiredreligious.org.

CHURCH IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE Years after the fall of communism, though some countries are now a part of the European Union and serve as examples of positive changes, a majority of the countries are lagging behind and still struggling to overcome the legacy and destruction left by the communist system; and the Catholics of these regions continue to need our help. For more information visit usccb.org/committees/ church-central-eastern-europe.

DECEMBER 11-12, 2021

MARCH 1-2, 2022

CHURCH IN LATIN AMERICA

BLACK AND INDIAN MISSIONS

For over 50 years, Catholics in the United States have expressed solidarity with the Church from Mexico to the Caribbean, to the southern tip of South America through the Collection. Por más de 50 años, a través de la Colecta, los católicos en Estados Unidos han expresado su solidaridad con la Iglesia desde México hasta el Caribe y hasta el extremo sur de Sudamérica. For more information visit usccb.org/committees/church-latin-america.

The Black and Indian Mission Collection exists to help local African American and Native American

Diocesan Communities throughout the United States spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and respond to real and pressing needs on the ground. For more information visit blackandindianmission.org.

JANUARY 22-23, 2022

MARCH 5-6, 2022

We are humbled and grateful for those who continue to give during this time of uncertainty. Thank you! We are the many parts of the Body of Christ. Because of you, we are better able to serve the needs of our brothers and sisters. We understand that some may not be able to give. However, if you are able and can continue to give to your parish, please also consider giving to these worthy causes. 8

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WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

WOMAN OF STRENGTH Mary

‘A picture is worth a thousand words’

SISTER ANNETTE WAGNER, IWBS wo of the most well-known traditional pictures of Mary may be “Madonna and child” and “the Assumption.” “Madonna and child” – a perfectly groomed almost-girl holding a chubby, often sleeping, baby. “Assumption” – a woman moving upwards through clouds surrounded by child-like angels. These and other pictures inspired by Scripture’s snapshots focus on very few but very significant moments of Mary’s faith journey. Reflecting on these seminal moments invites an appreciation of this strong woman honored through the ages and a recognition that this process still continues in others today. Her question, “How can this be?” – demonstrated her clear thinking. She recognized the future hazard of being seen as somewhat immoral—being with a child during her betrothal. Even after her eventual return to Nazareth, was she still haunted by a bit of a shadow? Did she worry about her Son’s welcome into synagogue school or his treatment by authority? May Mary add her unbreakable determination to those today who choose to give or nurture life while dealing with society’s uninformed judgments. Mary’s experience of giving birth deserves more than sentimental nostalgia. How did she deal with childbirth while being refused hospitality? What were the real conditions of her surroundings? Did she enjoy a woman’s help during her struggle to bring life into the world? May Mary share her courage with those who find themselves alone during life and death moments. Awareness of a real threat to their child’s safety moved Mary and Joseph to seek refuge in another land. What terror did Mary experience as she hurriedly packed necessities for their abrupt departure from everything familiar? What dangers did she face on her trek into the unknown? What prejudices did she endure in the land she hoped would be her sanctuary? How did she handle

DEPOSIT PHOTOS

Contributor

these challenges while dealing with all the “firsts” of her child? How difficult was it (as refugees) to provide a sense of “normalcy” for Him in their living conditions? May Mary shower her endurance on all who seek “more” for their children. Not much is recorded about Mary’s experience of a maturing Son except her panic and heartache during His step toward independence at the age of twelve. Was she confused about the dynamics of his vocation? How did she know when it was time to let her Son go? What did she feel at Cana when—some might say—she pushed Him out of the nest? Was she confident in the nurturing and guidance He received at home? May Mary infuse her patient wisdom on all those dealing with the explorations of teenagers. And may she fortify them to know when and how to launch those under their care into the world that awaits them. The fruit of Mary’s choice was an “empty nest” combined with probable widowhood. Thus, she found herself living in a society built around men with no man in her household. What steps did she take to deal with this patriarchy? What support system had she built to sustain her in this lonely situation? May Mary guide women in isolating situations to live with an untroubled sense of dignity in relationships with others.

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WOMAN OF STRENGTH Mary

About the Author Sister Annette Wagner is Superior General of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. She holds the following degrees and post-graduate certificates: Bachelor of Arts in English, Our Lady of the Lake University (San Antonio); Master of Arts in Theology, Saint Mary University (San Antonio); Institute in Effective Group Leadership, Webster College (Webster Groves, MO); Certificate in Pastoral Counseling, Emmanuel College (Boston, MA) Certificate in Spiritual Direction (St. Peter Upon the Water, San Antonio Archdiocese). 10

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New Enrichment P offers students uni

REBECCA ESPARZA | FOR STC

Watching her Son as he pursued His public career and hearing remarks about Him – both positive and negative – could not have been easy, possibly even confusing. Hearing talk of His possible madness, eventually of His arrest, witnessing the results of His torture, being present at his execution – all with the knowledge of His innocence. Did she ever have second thoughts? How did she deal with the unnaturalness of a parent burying a child? What held her trust in God during this blatant political maneuvering? What was her attitude toward the religious leaders who manipulated facts and factions for their own benefit? May Mary lavish her firmness of faith and peace generated by hope – even in the midst of excruciating pain – on women whose longings for their children have ended abruptly through violence or injustice. Scripture’ snapshots of Mary trace her life from a young mother to a strong woman of mature faith borne from the realities of her life. A strong woman whose holiness and wisdom must have radiated from her during her mature years and now does so from heaven. As is hinted by the mention of her presence in the upper room with others awaiting the Holy Spirit, Mary has always shared herself with those in need. Focusing beyond herself, her strength also came from beyond herself. Yes, Mary can help us answer our challenges with the same faith, strength and perseverance with which she faced hers.

BY REBECCA ESPARZA

Correspondent

welve-year-old Samantha Lee never imagined she had any talent for sewing. But just a few weeks into her new sewing class at Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School, she is already making plans to elevate her skills. “I found out I’m really pretty good at this,” Samantha said with a beaming smile. “I’m looking forward to making clothes for my family and maybe a scarf for myself someday.” The sewing class is just one of several new options for students through their new Enrichment and Excellence Program. Other offerings include guitar, choir, journalism, drama, chess, robotics and engineering. Norma Castañeda, principal at Bishop Garriga, said the teachers at the school decided to add this program to create a new niche for the school. “Also, many students could not attend the after school

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Faith • Knowledge • Service

REBECCA ESPARZA | FOR STC

rogram at Bishop Garriga que learning opportunities

Photo at left, Emilio Escobar, 13, is contemplating his next move during chess class at Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School. Photo at right, Teacher Divina LaGrange helps Bishop Garriga student Samantha Lee, 12, with a teddy bear she is sewing for children in foster care.

clubs since it interfered with their athletic practices, so we decided to include these enrichment opportunities during the school day,” she said. The school day is extended by 30 minutes to accommodate the extra time needed for the program. Castañeda said the overall goals are to provide classes that are fun and create a fun and positive atmosphere. All three grade levels will participate in the program, and the students can choose their own areas of interest. Students can also switch to a new class after the first quarter. “Our teachers are excited to end the day with a class where students learn a new skill or talent while creating new friendships along the way,” Castañeda said. “We hope to eventually showcase these talents through choir or band concerts, robotic or chess competitions, presenting a play or making rosaries.”

In her 13th year at the school, sewing instructor Divina LaGrange recognizes sewing has become a lost art. “Sewing can be a helpful and a useful skill to know,” she said. “It can also lead to a long-lasting hobby or even a career. We begin with the basics of hand sewing, and then we’ll hopefully move on to embroidery and eventually working with sewing machines.” LaGrange added she is seeking donations of sewing machines for the students and has already received donations of material. “Throughout the year, the students sew gifts for those in need. Right now, we are working on sewing teddy bears for children in the foster care system,” she said. Jennifer Barrientes, a third-year teacher at Bishop Garriga, chose to host a book club for the Enrichment Program.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

REBECCA ESPARZA | FOR STC

Faith • Knowledge • Service

Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School 6th grader Patrick Ayarzagoitia,11, plays a game of chess with his teacher, Andrea Hiracheta during a recent Enrichment Program class. See more photos at southtexascatholic.com/news/bgenrichment.

“I decided to offer a book club because of my love of books,” she said. “I’ve been an avid reader my entire life and wanted to share this love with my students here at Bishop Garriga.” Barrientes plans on having different discussions over various books and genres. “We’ll read books together, as well as independently,” she said. “I love incorporating crafts that are related to books, such as making bookmarks. I also want to introduce my students to journaling about the books they have read. Eventually, I hope to invite authors to talk to my students about their books and writing

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process.” LaGrange added the Enrichment Program is just one of many reasons why the school will always have a special place in her heart. “My favorite part of teaching here is that we have a good time while we teach. We try to bring joy to our students’ lives, and we want them to know we are happy they are here. When students walk into our school, we want them to feel a presence of the Holy Spirit and feel we are all family,” she said. For more information about Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School, visit their website at bgmps.org.

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

JESUS SAYS

Explaining the Gospel message

‘Let us go to Bethlehem …’

BY FATHER BRADY WILLIAMS, SOLT n Rome there is a tradition during the Christmas season to make a ‘pilgrimage’ to the local parishes in the city to view the various crèches or nativity scenes. Many of them have an elaborate diorama with twinkling lights, animated figures and a unique Roman flavor complete with ancient crumbling columns and arches. Always especially featured are the shepherds with their sheep who were the first responders to come adore the Lord in Bethlehem. Whether we gaze upon the simplest or the more elaborate nativity scene this Christmas, it invites us to make a journey with the shepherds. It is not well known that the Christmas Mass at Dawn, celebrated early in the morning, is traditionally called the “The Shepherd’s Mass.” The Gospel for this special Mass commemorates the moment when the shepherds, who have already heard the message of the angel and have seen the great multitude of the heavenly hosts set out for Bethlehem. The angels having thus returned to their celestial realm, the shepherds are once again left in the dark. We can imagine that after seeing the glorious and yet f rightening celestial spectacle, the shepherds must have felt quite shoddily dressed and were even relieved to be left in the familiar dark and quiet surroundings. Yet each shepherd carried within himself the glorious glow of that tremendous decree. Still awestruck, they met together to share what they had seen and heard and then set off in search for the sign that had been told to them. Like them, the grace of the Christmas proclamation in the Liturgy of the Word needs to continue to glow in our hearts as we journey together in the darkness of this world. Transeamus usque ad Bethlehem, et videamus hoc verbum, quod factum est. “Let us go to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us” (Lk 2:15). When translating the Bible from Greek to Latin, St. Jerome rendered the word “thing”

DEPOSIT PHOTOS

Contributor

with verbum, “word” (the Greek ῥῆμα means ‘utterance’) and not without good reason. He recognized that St. Luke was discreetly alluding to the Incarnation, the “Word made flesh” in the ‘sign’ that the shepherds are told to seek – literally, the ‘Word that has happened.” In fact, they did not encounter a sign, but rather the True Presence, lying in a trough in Bethlehem (which means House of Bread) – no doubt a prefiguring of Jesus in the Eucharist. The scene must have been crudely ordinary with nothing of the aura of a Hallmark card. Still, the shepherds discerned and recognized they had found the fulfillment of the angel’s message and announced to all around them the wonders that had been told to them (Lk 2:20). There is an interesting parallel to the journey of the shepherds with that of the Incarnation Himself. The Eternal Word (Logos) left behind His glory in order to enter into the darkness of our world, taking on the weakness of our human nature, and set out on a journey toward us in order to take us back with Him. For us, the encounter with the True Presence of Jesus in Word and Sacrament (the Word made flesh) impels us to go out to seek those who have not heard the Good News and to proclaim the glorious works of God. “Let us go to Bethlehem ...” These words touch upon a significant theme in the Church today:

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JESUS SAYS

Explaining the Gospel message synodality (journeying together). In receiving the glorious proclamation of the Word, we are called like the shepherds were on Christmas night in communion to discern together the “signs of the times” by listening to the Holy Spirit, who points out the way and sends us out in mission into the darkness to be light in the world. “We learn how to hear God’s voice by meditating on Scripture, especially the Gospel, by celebrating the sacraments, above all the Eucharist, and by welcoming our brothers and sisters, especially the poor…. The Eucharistic liturgy is the paradigm of community discernment: before listening to each other, disciples must listen to the Word.” (International Theological Commission, Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church, n. 109, c.) The journey of the shepherds reflects our own synodal journey as the Pilgrim People of God. When we gaze upon the shepherds in the various nativity scenes we encounter this Christmas, let us, like them, rejoice at the glorious proclamation of the Christmas mystery and with that same glow in our hearts, set out together into the darkness with God. The concluding verse of a 15th century English carol beckons us: Then leave we all this worldy mirth, And follow we this joyful birth: Transeamus. (Let us go) – Author Unknown

About the Author

Father Brady Williams is a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT). He completed his theological studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome in 2003 and was ordained to the priesthood in Corpus Christi in 2004. In 2008 he completed his Licentiate degree in liturgical theology at the Pontifical Atheneum Sant’Anselmo in Rome and was appointed as the Rector of the SOLT House of Studies (2008 – 2012). Currently, Father Williams serves as the SOLT General Secretary and as the Novice Servant. 14

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‘Vayamos a Bel

POR EL PADRE BRADY WILLIAMS, SOLT Contribuyente

xiste una tradición en Roma durante la temporada navideña, en donde la gente acostumbra hacer un recorrido, una “peregrinación” y visitar las parroquias locales de la ciudad, para ver las diversas escenas del nacimiento del niño Dios o belenes. Muchos de ellos tienen un elaborado diorama con luces parpadeantes, figuras animadas, complementados con arcos y columnas antiguas que parecen desmoronarse y le dan un sabor romano único. Se destacan muy especialmente, los pastores con sus ovejas porque ellos fueron los primeros en acudir a adorar al Señor en Belén. Ya sea que contemplemos el belén más sencillo o el más elaborado esta Navidad, nos invita a hacer un viaje con los pastores. No se sabe mucho a cerca de la tradicional Misa de Navidad al alba, celebrada en las primeras horas de la mañana, a la que se le llama la “Misa del Pastor”. El Evangelio de esta Misa especial conmemora el momento en que los pastores, que ya han escuchado el mensaje del ángel y han visto a la multitud del cortejo celestial, señalándoles el camino hacia Belén. Se quedan de nuevo en la oscuridad de la noche, mientras que los ángeles regresan a su reino celestial. Podemos imaginar que después de haber visto el espectáculo celestial tan glorioso como aterrador, los pastores se sintieron sorprendidos, mal vestidos y que al quedarse nuevamente en su entorno familiar oscuro y tranquilo, sintieron alivio. Sin embargo, cada pastor llevaba dentro de sí el glorioso resplandor de ese tremendo anuncio, decreto. Todavía asombrados, se reunieron para compartir lo que habían visto y oído y luego partieron en busca de la señal que les habían dicho. Como ellos, la gracia de la proclamación de la Navidad en la Liturgia de la Palabra debe seguir brillando en nuestros corazones mientras caminamos juntos en la oscuridad de este mundo. Transeamus usque ad Bethlehem, et videamus

|W S YE SNOA OM R DO EASLT IH ETL EY C BU OEDRYPO OF DCEHC RR I SI ST T O

JESUS DIJO

Explicando el mensaje del evangelio

én ... ’

DEPOSIT PHOTOS

hoc verbum, quod factum est. “Vayamos a Belén para ver esto que ha sucedido y que el Señor nos ha dado a conocer” (Lk 2:15). Al traducir la Biblia del griego al latín, San Jerónimo tradujo la palabra “cosa” con verbum, “palabra” (el griego ῥῆμα significa “expresión”) y no sin una buena razón. Reconoció que San Lucas aludía discretamente a la Encarnación, el “Verbo hecho carne” en la “señal” que se les dice a los pastores que busquen, literalmente, la “palabra que ha sucedido”. De hecho, no encontraron un signo, sino la Verdadera Presencia, que yacía en un abrevadero en Belén (que significa Casa del Pan), sin duda una prefiguración de Jesús en la Eucaristía. La escena debe haber sido crudamente ordinaria sin nada del aura de una carta de Hallmark. Aún así, los pastores discernieron y reconocieron que habían encontrado el cumplimiento del mensaje del ángel y anunciaron a todos a su alrededor las maravillas que les habían sido contadas (Lk 2:20). Existe un interesante paralelismo entre el viaje de los pastores y el de la Encarnación misma. El Verbo Eterno (Logos) dejó Su Gloria para adentrarse en las tinieblas de nuestro mundo, asumiendo la debilidad de nuestra naturaleza humana para emprender un camino hacia nosotros, con el fin de llevarnos de regreso con Él. Para nosotros, el encuentro con la Verdadera Presencia de Jesús en la Palabra y en el Sacramento (el Verbo hecho carne) nos impulsa a salir a buscar a aquellos que no han escuchado la Buena Nueva y a proclamar las gloriosas obras de Dios. “Vayamos a Belén ...” Estas palabras tocan un tema significativo en la Iglesia de hoy: la Sinodalidad (caminando juntos). Al recibir el anuncio glorioso de la Palabra, somos llamados, como los pastores en la noche de Navidad en comunión, a discernir juntos los “signos de los tiempos” escuchando al Espíritu Santo, que señala el camino y nos envía

en misión a la oscuridad para ser luz en el mundo. “Aprendemos a escuchar la voz de Dios meditando sobre las Escrituras, especialmente el Evangelio, celebrando los sacramentos, sobre todo la Eucaristía, y acogiendo a nuestros hermanos y hermanas, especialmente a los pobres…. La liturgia Eucarística es el paradigma del discernimiento comunitario: antes de escucharse los unos a los otros, los discípulos deben escuchar la Palabra”. (Comisión Teológica Internacional, Sinodalidad en la vida y misión de la Iglesia, n. 109, c.) El camino de los pastores refleja nuestro propio camino sinodal como Pueblo Peregrino de Dios. Cuando contemplemos a los pastores en los diversos nacimientos o belenes que encontramos en esta Navidad, regocijémonos, como ellos, ante el anuncio glorioso del misterio navideño y, con ese mismo resplandor en el corazón, partamos juntos hacia la oscuridad con Dios. El verso final de un villancico inglés del siglo XV nos convoca: Entonces dejemos toda esta alegría mundana, Y sigamos este alegre nacimiento: Transeamus. (Déjanos ir)

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SPREADING THE LIGHT Holy friendships

Adoration and ministry making strides in the diocese

BY JULIE STARK

South Texas Catholic

ver the last several years, articles from Pew Research Center (Aug. 8, 2018), America Magazine: The Jesuit Review (March 21, 2019), and popular secular publications like Time Magazine (March 12, 2012) and even The New Yorker have written articles analyzing the rise of the “nones” especially in youth and young adults. They also write about how religion for this particular group “is more culture than belief.” The term “nones” refers to those who do not identify with any religion, and their number seems to be on the rise at an alarming rate. All over the world, we see that youth and young adults are leaving the Church because they feel they are not being listened to, although they still hunger for spirituality, often turning to new age philosophies. While we wrestle with how to bring them back into the fold, we should take comfort in knowing that Catholic groups from the same demographic are sowing seeds of faith among their peers. Groups like: Fellowship

of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), Ablaze Ministries, and Newman Centers across the United States all have one thing in mind, and that is to inspire, teach and accompany youth and young adults to a better understanding of their faith so that they can become disciples and missionaries. In the 2020 Annual Report for FOCUS, we see that this ministry has touched thousands of university students across the nations and abroad. In February 2021, tens of thousands of people came together from around the globe for FOCUS’ first immersive, live broadcast event: SEEK21. More than 13,000 youth and young adults were in attendance. The numbers are refreshing because we continually hear of the youth we are losing, but rarely hear about the youth on fire for Christ. Ablaze Ministries is “young” focused. On their website, we see the words, “Rethink Youth Ministry.” Their approach is to “build disciples by serving youth,

MARY COTTINGHAM | STC

Dylan Browning, an Ablaze missionary, talks to young campus adults and members of the Catholic community at an event entitled, “Jericho,” which was held at St. Martin of Tours in Kingsville. See story and photos online at southtexascatholic.com/news/jericho. Father Alfredo Villareal presided over the event.

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SPREADING THE LIGHT

ADEL SAUCEDA | STC

Holy friendships

Students, teachers and staff from St. John Paul High School, their families and members of the community spend time with our Lord at the Centurion Night of Worship on the high school campus. Father Peter Martinez, president of JPII presided over this recent event.

ministers, and parents.” The Newman Centers are residence and Catholic ministry centers at non-Catholic universities across the world. In 2021, there were 57,704 Connections – that is, young adults who are about to enter college who went onto the Newman Center website and created an account to get “connected” with a campus. It is heartening, and it is inspiring. Last year’s survey (taken from July 10-Aug. 16, 2020), from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), showed that six out of ten young adults, ages 18-35, in the United States participate in a faith-related group outside of attending Mass at their parish. Locally, we have youth and young adult groups that lead and encourage teens to follow Christ. At St. John Paul II High School (JPII) in Corpus Christi, the Night of Worship has begun to gather more and more high school students, their families and the community. The night highlights prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. “I loved that families came together tonight to adore Our Lord, who is the love and the peace that all of us need,” said John McFarland, a Theology professor at St. JPII, after their most recent Night of Worship. Ilyana Garcia, a student at St. JPII, loved hearing about St. John Paul II and how she could apply what she learned to her life. Zach Reddick, another JPII student, says he loves the experience of praying with his family, going to confession, and fully living out the calling of family life.

Many other families and students present all gave testimony to being able to adore Jesus together. Another example in the Diocese of Corpus Christi is the Jericho night of worship at St. Martin of Tours Church in Kingsville by Ablaze Ministries. The event was sponsored by Texas A&M UniversityKingsville Newman Center. The campus Director Daniel Rosa says that “a culture of invitation has begun to take root” at the University. “These invitations come from a desire for every student and community member to know, love, and serve God and neighbor. At Jericho, Night of Worship, Ablaze Ministries shared Thursday Lunch with over 100 students. The FOCUS and Ablaze missionaries, the volunteers, the student interns, and Jim Craig, our local seminarian, took time to meet students and invite them to Jericho. That night about 50 students and community members came to Jericho. It was a powerful gathering in which walls were torn down in each of the attendees just like at the battle of Jericho,” Rosa said. Great strides are being made, and although there is more to be done to bring the youth and young adults back home to the Church, it is fitting – that we celebrate – the ones who are making a difference in the lives of teens and young adults through their ministries that reach out and invite. Every young life they touch has the potential to achieve great things for God. Every young person who participates is a torchbearer, the one who will hand on the faith to their friends and family and serve as a witness of God’s love.

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COMMUNION • PARTICIPATION • MISSION Living as a Synodal Church

Visit of apostolic nuncio bolsters diocesan phase of synodality

South Texas Catholic

arlier this year, Pope Francis announced a three-year synodal journey in three phases: diocesan, continental, and universal. Consultation and discernment will take place in each particular Church of the five continents. Bishop Michael Mulvey officially opened the first phase (diocesan) of the Synod in the Diocese of Corpus Christi with a Mass celebrated on Oct. 24. In his letter to the diocese, Bishop Mulvey said the synodal process is an invitation to walk together and to journey together, as Jesus’s disciples did at the beginning of the Church. “Communion, participation and mission are all essential elements of a Synodal Church – being the Body of Christ together. I invite you, brothers and sisters, to be a part of this journey of faith in order to experience being a family in Christ,” he said. In his homily at the opening of the diocesan phase, Bishop Mulvey wants the faithful to understand synodality. “Listening to the spirit is stopping to hear one another. It also prepares us not just internally in a parish or in the family, but also beyond,” Bishop Mulvey said. Listen to

Bishop Mulvey’s entire homily at diocesecc.org/synod. Preceding the opening of the Synod in Rome, the Diocese of Corpus Christi was honored to be the first diocese to welcome Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States since Pope Francis formally opened the synodal process on Oct. 10 with a solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. Archbishop Pierre concelebrated Mass with Bishop Mulvey and gave a talk on Synodality on Oct. 11 at Corpus Christi Cathedral. After Mass, Archbishop Pierre took questions from students from St. John Paul II High School. Later he spoke to priests, deacons, religious, and diocesan staff on the topic of synodality. Bishop Mulvey has appointed the synodal team in the diocese. Ray and Dorothy Garza will lead the local listening phase. Other members of the team include Father Alfredo Villareal, pastor of St. Martin of Tours in Kingsville; Father Pete Elizardo, rector of Corpus Christi Cathedral and pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Corpus Christi; Father Richard Libby, pastor of St. Helena of the True Cross of

ADEL RIVERA | STC

Archbishop Pierre speaks to priests, deacons, religious and diocesan staff on the topic of synodality.

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COMMUNION • PARTICIPATION • MISSION Jesus; Father Hanh Van Pham, pastor of St. Andrew by the Sea; Dr. Rosemary Henry; Carlos and Janida De La Rosa; Scott and Merci McCoy; Lonnie and Monica Gatlin; and Marc and Lisa Cervantes. The team is also the liaison between the diocese and parishes, as well as between the diocese and the episcopal conference. Local Churches are asked to provide their responses to their episcopal conference to enable aggregation of ideas prior to the deadline of April 2022, where dioceses in the U.S. will have already sent their ideas to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. During the priests convocation on Nov. 10, Bishop Brendan Leahy from the Diocese of Limerick, Ireland gave a talk and a PowerPoint presentation to diocesan priests regarding the “diocesan phase” of the synodal mission of the Church.

MARY COTTINGHAM | STC

Living as a Synodal Church

Bishop Mulvey introduces Dorothy Garza to Archbishop Pierre. Dorothy and her husband, Ray, will lead the local listening process.

To learn more, download the following documents at diocesecc.org/synod: • Preparatory Document • Vademecum • Order Form for Prayer Card • Letter from Bishop Michael Mulvey on Synodality in English • Letter from Bishop Michael Mulvey on Synodality en Español

Essential takeaways from the Preparatory Document and the Vademecum:

While recent Synods have examined themes such as the new evangelization, the family, young people, and the Amazon, the present Synod focuses on the topic of synodality itself. The theme of the Synod is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” the vital pillars of a Synodal Church. In this listening phase we encourage people to gather, respond to stimulus questions/images/scenarios together, listen to each other, and provide individual and group feedback, ideas, reactions, and suggestions. Stimulus questions are suggested in the Questionnaire (in Part 5 of the Vademecum) to initiate and facilitate this experience of sharing and listening. The aim is not to

answer all of the questions, but to choose those that are most relevant in your local context. You can also ask other questions, and we encourage you to do so. As a general guide, give more emphasis to the types of questions that evoke personal stories and real-life experiences rather than “doctrinal” statements. See Part 5 for some examples. What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together”? (PD, 26 – means Preparatory Document for the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, 07.09.2021.) In responding to this question, we are invited to: • Recall our experiences: What experiences of our local Church does this question call to mind? • Re-read these experiences in greater depth: What joys did they bring? What difficulties and obstacles have they encountered? What wounds did they reveal? What insights have they elicited? • Gather the fruits to share: Where in these experiences does the voice of the Holy Spirit resound? What is the Spirit asking of us? What are the points to be confirmed, the prospects for change, the steps to be taken? Where do we register a consensus? What paths are opening up for our local Church?

Purpose:

• Synodality will invite a fuller involvement of all its members • It will create a “different Church”

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SS. CYRIL & METHODIUS

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COMUNIÓN • PARTICIPACIÓN • MISIÓN Viviendo Como Una Iglesia Sinodal

La visita del Nuncio Apostólico refuerza la fase diocesana de la Sinodalidad

South Texas Catholic

MARY COTTINGHAM | STC

principios de este año, el Papa Francisco anunció un proceso sinodal de tres años en tres fases: diocesana, continental y universal. La consulta y el discernimiento en el camino sinodal, se llevará a cabo en cada iglesia particular de los cinco continentes. El Obispo Michael Mulvey inauguró oficialmente la primera fase (diocesana) en la Diócesis de Corpus Christi con una Misa celebrada el 24 de octubre. En su carta a la diócesis, el obispo Mulvey dijo que el proceso sinodal es una invitación a caminar juntos, a viajar juntos, como lo hicieron los discípulos de Jesús en los principios de la Iglesia. “La comunión, la participación y la misión son elementos esenciales de una Iglesia sinodal: ‘siendo el Cuerpo de Cristo juntos’. Los invito, hermanos y hermanas, a ser parte de este camino de fe para vivir la experiencia de ser una familia en Cristo ”, dijo. En su homilía de apertura, en lo que respecta a la fase diocesana, el obispo Mulvey quiere que los fieles comprendan El Arzobispo Pierre concelebró la Misa con el Obispo Mulvey y la Sinodalidad y dijo: “Escuchar al espíritu dio una charla sobre la Sinodalidad el 11 de octubre en la catedral de Corpus Christi. es detenerse para escucharse los unos a los otros. Ese escucharse, nos prepara no solo Misa solemne en la Basílica de San Pedro. internamente, en lo que respecta a una parroquia o a El 11 de octubre, el Arzobispo Pierre concelebró la una familia, sino que va más allá”. misa con el obispo Mulvey y dio una charla sobre la Escuche la homilía completa del obispo Mulvey en Sinodalidad en la catedral de Corpus Christi. Después diocesecc.org/synod. de la Misa, el Arzobispo Pierre respondió a las preguntas Antes de la apertura del Sínodo en Roma, la Diócesis de de los estudiantes de la escuela secundaria St. John Corpus Christi tuvo el honor de ser la primera diócesis en Paul II. Posteriormente habló con sacerdotes, diáconos, recibir al Arzobispo Christophe Pierre, Nuncio Apostólico religiosos y personal diocesano sobre el tema de la en los Estados Unidos desde que el Papa Francisco abrió Sinodalidad. formalmente el proceso sinodal, el 10 de octubre con una SOMOS EL CUERPO DE CRISTO

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ADEL RIVERA | STC

Viviendo Como Una Iglesia Sinodal

El Arzobispo Pierre habla con sacerdotes, diáconos, religiosos y personal diocesano sobre el tema de la Sinodalidad.

El Obispo Mulvey ha designado al equipo sinodal de la diócesis. Ray y Dorothy Garza liderarán la fase de escucha local. Otros miembros del equipo incluyen al Padre Alfredo Villareal, párroco de St. Martin of Tours en Kingsville; El padre Pete Elizardo, rector de la catedral de Corpus Christi y párroco de la parroquia del Sagrado Corazón en Corpus Christi; El Padre Richard Libby, párroco de Santa Elena de la Verdadera Cruz de Jesús; El padre Hanh Van Pham, párroco de St. Andrew by the Sea; Dra. Rosemary Henry; Carlos y Janida De La Rosa; y Scott y Merci McCoy; Monica y Lonnie Gatlin; y Marc y Lisa Cervantes. El equipo también es el enlace entre la diócesis y las parroquias, así como entre la diócesis y la conferencia episcopal. Se pide a las iglesias locales que proporcionen sus respuestas a su Conferencia Episcopal para que ello permita agregar las ideas a considerar, antes de la fecha límite de abril de 2022, que es también la fecha límite para todas las diócesis de los EE. UU. En que deberán enviar sus ideas a la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB). 22

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Durante la convocatoria de los sacerdotes del 10 de noviembre, el Obispo Brendan Leahy de la diócesis de Limerick, Irlanda, dio una charla y una presentación en PowerPoint a los sacerdotes diocesanos sobre la “fase diocesana” de la misión sinodal de la Iglesia. Para obtener más información, descargue los siguientes documentos en diocesecc.org/synod: • Documento preparatorio • Vademécum • Formas para ordenar pedidos de tarjetas de oración en inglés o en español • Carta del obispo Michael Mulvey sobre Sinodalidad en inglés • Carta del obispo Michael Mulvey sobre Synodality en Español

Conclusiones esenciales del documento preparatorio y el Vademécum: Si bien los sínodos recientes han examinado temas como la nueva evangelización, la familia, los jóvenes y

SOMOS EL CUERPO DE CRISTO

COMUNIÓN • PARTICIPACIÓN • MISIÓN Viviendo Como Una Iglesia Sinodal

la Amazonía, el presente Sínodo se centra en el tema de la Sinodalidad en sí. El tema del Sínodo es “Por una Iglesia Sinodal: Comunión, Participación y Misión”, pilares vitales de una Iglesia Sinodal. En esta fase de escucha, animamos a las personas a que se reúnan, respondan juntas a preguntas / imágenes / escenarios de estímulo, se escuchen entre sí y proporcionen comentarios, ideas, reacciones y sugerencias individuales y grupales. Para iniciar y facilitar esta experiencia de compartir y escuchar, se sugieren preguntas de estímulo que están en el Cuestionario (en la Parte 5 del Vademécum). El objetivo no es responder a todas las preguntas, sino elegir aquellas que sean más relevantes a su contexto local. También puede hacer otras preguntas y le recomendamos que lo haga. Como guía general, dé más énfasis a los tipos de preguntas que evocan historias personales y experiencias de la vida real en lugar de declaraciones “doctrinales”. Consulte la Parte 5 para ver algunos ejemplos. ¿Qué pasos nos invita a dar el Espíritu para crecer en nuestro “caminar juntos”? (PD, 26 - significa Documento

Preparatorio para la 16a Asamblea General Ordinaria del Sínodo de los Obispos, 07.09.2021.) Al responder esta pregunta, se nos está invitando a: • Recuerde nuestras experiencias: ¿Qué experiencias de nuestra Iglesia local nos evoca esta pregunta? • Vuelva a leer estas experiencias con mayor profundidad: ¿Qué alegrías trajeron? ¿Qué dificultades y obstáculos se han encontrado? ¿Qué heridas revelaron? ¿Qué conocimientos se han obtenido? • Recolecta los frutos para compartir: ¿Dónde resuena la voz del Espíritu Santo en estas experiencias? ¿Qué nos pide el Espíritu? ¿Cuáles son los puntos por confirmar, las perspectivas de cambio, los pasos a seguir? ¿Dónde registramos un consenso? ¿Qué caminos se abren para nuestra Iglesia local?

Objetivo:

• La Sinodalidad invitará a una mayor participación de todos sus miembros • Creará una “Iglesia diferente”

Plata y Oro

Misa de Celebración de Aniversario de Bodas Las parejas bendecidas por celebrar en el año 2022, 25 o 50 años de matrimonio sacramental, están invitadas a una Misa especial de aniversario de bodas de plata y oro, precedida por el Obispo Michel Mulvey.

DOMINGO 13 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LA 9:30 A.M. Catedral de Corpus Christi | 505 N. Upper Broadway A continuación se ofrecerá una pequeña recepción en el Salón San José de la Catedral. Las parejas que se registren antes de la fecha limite recibirán un certificado (de manos) del Obispo Mulvey del Obispo Mulvey reconociendo su aniversario de plata o de oro. La inscripción está abierta a cualquier pareja válidamente casada que celebre 25 o 50 años de matrimonio en 2022. Para recibir un Certificado de aniversario, envíe el registro antes del 1 de febrero de 2022

Registro en línea: http://diocesecc.org/anniversarymassregistration o RSVP antes del 1 de febrero a Heath García con la Oficina de Vida Familiar al 361-882-6191 ext. 687

SOMOS EL CUERPO DE CRISTO

INVIERNO 2021

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IN MEMORIAM Rest in Peace

Sister Agnes Marie Tengler, IWBS

Bishop Raymundo J. Peña

Sister Rose Miriam Gansle, IWBS

Oct.22, 1926 ~ Oct. 7, 2021

Feb. 19, 1934 ~ Sept. 24 2021

June 6, 1942 ~ Aug. 18, 2021

Sister Agnes Marie Tengler (Margaret Christine), a Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament died on Oct. 7, 2021. Born on Oct. 22, 1926, she received her formal training from the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament and graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in 1944. Sister Agnes Marie then entered the convent and made first profession of vows in 1945 and perpetual profession in 1948. In 1952, Sister earned a Bachelor’s degree from Incarnate Word College, San Antonio, and a Master’s degree in 1956 from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, which she proudly claimed as her Alma Mater. She was principal of Incarnate Word Academy from 1962-1968, then again from 1984-1992. She has served as superior general, assistant general, treasurer general of the congregation and local treasurer until she retired in 2017. Sister Agnes Marie was a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Center Commission and of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. In 1984, she was honored for outstanding service to the Church, receiving the Papal medal, Pro-Ecclesia Et Pontifice.

Bishop Emeritus Raymundo J. Peña died peacefully at the San Juan Nursing Home near the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle on Sept. 24, 2021. Born in 1934 in Robstown, Texas, he was ordained a priest in 1957 in Corpus Christi. He served 19 years as a priest in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, which included the Rio Grande Valley until the Diocese of Brownsville was created in 1965. Father Peña became assistant editor of the Texas Gulf Coast Register (now South Texas Catholic). Then took over as editor and began publishing locally as the Texas Gulf Coast Catholic. He remained as editor until October 1975. In 1976 he was named auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of San Antonio. In 1980, Bishop Peña was appointed the fourth bishop of the Diocese of El Paso, serving for 15 years there until his installation as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville in August 1995. His motto as bishop was “Haz todo con amor” - “To do all things in love of Christ” (1 Cor 16:14). Bishop Peña led the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville for 14 years before retiring in 2009.

Sister Rose Miriam Gansle, a Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament died on Aug. 18, 2021 at Incarnate Word Convent in Corpus Christi. Born in Corpus Christi on June 6, 1942, she was taught by the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament at Saint Patrick Elementary School and graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in 1960. Sister Rose Miriam entered the convent and made first profession of vows in 1963. During her formation years, she received her education at Mary Immaculate and Christopher College, and graduating from Our Lady of the Lake University. She taught at Incarnate Word Academy and at various parish schools in Corpus Christi, Brownsville, and Kingsville, Texas. Serving the evangelizing mission of the Church included teaching in the Pastoral Institute for Ministry and Adult Faith Formation in the Corpus Christi Diocese. Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament say she will be remembered for her wit, her music, her kindness, and her love of our foundress, Jeanne Chezard de Matel.

See her full obit at SouthTexasCatholic/news/Light.

See his full obit at SouthTexasCatholic/news/Amor.

See her full obit at SouthTexasCatholic/news/Hope.

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

WINTER 2021

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

MARRIAGE

REBECCA ESPARZA | FOR STC

Witnessing God’s love to one another

The Rodriguez family have many traditions that hold them together throughout the year, including gathering around the Advent wreath to say special prayers while they light each candle.

Couples for Christ Ministry saving countless marriages BY REBECCA ESPARZA

Correspondent

very morning before Avelino and Tanya Rodriguez head off to work and drop their children, A.J. and Viviana, off at school, the entire family gathers in their living room for prayer. “I think our faith in God starts with me, the man of the household. I set the tone for my family, and we all understand that without God, we are nothing,” Avelino said. “Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so we hold hands in prayer, say, “I love you,” and give each other hugs. We take this seriously and know God will bless our marriage first and then our family.”

The couple first met at work, and their relationship initially started as friends and co-workers. But soon, they both noticed a spark and realized they wanted the same things from life and wanted to experience them together. “We knew in our hearts God wanted us to be together forever,” Tanya recalled. Like most couples, Tanya and Avelino endured hardships that threatened their marriage. But they never gave up on each other – a trait lacking in many modern marriages today. “I think a lot of marriages end up failing simply due to

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

WINTER 2021

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MARRIAGE

REBECCA ESPARZA | FOR STC

Witnessing God’s love to one another

Avelino and Tanya Rodriguez are on a quest to help Catholic couples strengthen their marriages through the Couples for Christ ministry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Corpus Christi.

a lack of communication,” Tanya noted. “No matter how busy you get with work and children, you need to make time for your marriage. It all starts with communicating, no matter how small you might think something is or maybe it’s something major, no matter how difficult it might be; it needs to be shared, or someday it will eventually explode.” The couple have become leaders with the Couples for Christ ministry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Corpus Christi. The group meets every first Saturday of the month and helps couples understand how to strengthen their marriages. Avelino and Tanya understand a lot about saving marriages because they worked hard to protect their own. Avelino shared that their marriage was failing years ago until he realized only he had the power to save his marriage. “I had to lay myself at the foot of the cross and literally 26

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let the monster inside of me die who was not being respectful of my wife and my family. I told God I was tired of being this man, and little by little, here we are today,” he said, holding back tears as Tanya held his hand. Another key to a successful marriage is maintaining a healthy sense of humor, Avelino added. “Life’s too short to be a bump on the log, so I believe a sense of humor is a must for any marriage,” added Avelino. “I love to make my wife laugh, and I love who I am and who we are now with God in our lives.” Tanya said they recommend scheduling date nights away from the house and children, whether it’s a movie, dinner or time spent in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Reflection time together is integral to strengthening the marital bond. “God helps us strengthen our marriage every day. By no means do we have a perfect marriage. When we feel tension come up, we promised each other we’d stop and

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

MARRIAGE

Witnessing God’s love to one another

“I think a lot of marriages end up failing simply due to a lack of communication. No matter how busy you get with work and children, you need to make time for your marriage.” ~ Tanya Rodriguez pray together,” said Avelino. Tanya added that praying together doesn’t have to mean praying in the same room together. “Sometimes, the best thing to do is go to separate rooms and pray. Conflict will come up; there is no doubt. But you have to decide if you will fight evil with evil or rebuke it, step away and let the Holy Spirit take over,” she said. Avelino said whenever they hear of a couple going through tough times, they tell them it’s never too late,

especially with God at your side. They also keep the couple in their constant prayers. “Having a strong marriage takes God, prayer and hope, but you gotta have faith,” he said. “I can honestly say from experience: marriage is 100% better with God in our lives.” For more information on the Couples for Christ ministry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Corpus Christi, visit olphcctx.org or email couplesforchristolph@gmail.com.

Silver & Gold

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS CELEBRATION Those blessed with celebrating 25 or 50 years of Sacramental Marriage are invited to attend a special Silver & Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Mulvey

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2022 AT 9:30 A.M. Corpus Christi Cathedral | 505 N. Upper Broadway A light reception will follow in St. Joseph’s Hall at the Cathedral Couples that register before the deadline will receive a certificate from Bishop Mulvey recognizing their Silver or Golden Anniversary. Registration is open to any validly married couple celebrating 25 or 50 years of marriage in 2022. To receive an Anniversary Certificate please submit registration by February 1, 2022 Online Registration: diocesecc.org/anniversarymassregistration or RSVP by February 1 to Heath Garcia with the Family Life Office at 361-882-6191 ext. 687

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

WINTER 2021

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VOCATIONS He Said

Father Gutierrez, ‘serving God is exciting’ BY MARY COTTINGHAM

ver since he was a young boy, Father Richard Gutierrez, parochial vicar for Corpus Christi Cathedral, had been fascinated by Mass. As a young man, he began to fall in love with God and God’s people. “Whenever I went to Mass, it was almost like I was saying, ‘I love you,’ not saying the words, but it was a feeling, an emotion – something special, something I just didn’t have the words for.” He was about eight years old when he first realized he wanted to be a priest. Instead, he became an altar boy because it was one step closer to becoming “the man behind the altar who got to have the most fun, got to get up, walk around and talk to people and people would listen to him,” Father Gutierrez said. He attributes his faith to the love of three women, who have since passed away: his grandmother, Maria Garcia, who taught him how to pray; his aunt “Nana” Narcissa Gonzalez, who always took him to church; and his mother, Helen Gutierrez, who made sure he received a Catholic education. His mentor as a young man was Father James Stembler (now vicar general), who gave him a book written by the Knights of Columbus, Is God Calling You to be a Priest? “It was a small book, but it was so hard to read, and I would break out crying. Every priest I read about felt the same way I did,” he said. Despite being pulled in the direction of the priesthood, Gutierrez continued to doubt. At one point, Gutierrez asked a girl he was dating to the Body of Christ Ministry dinner. As their table began to fill to capacity, they were directed to sit in a section allocated to priests. Father Gutirrez began ignoring his date on his right and started questioning the priest on his left: “What is it like to be a priest? Tell me your story. Please help me.” “I knew that night that God was calling me to be a priest. I called my older brother, who just got home from Iraq, and he said, ‘Bro, I’ve already done my part for this

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

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ERVEY MARTINEZ | FOR STC

South Texas Catholic

Father Richard Gutierrez shares his vocation story at the 28th Annual Clergy and Religious Appreciation Banquet hosted by the Knights of Columbus on Oct. 7.

country, but if God is calling you to be a priest. Do what you need to do. I’ll take care of mom and dad.’” Our Lady of Guadalupe has also played a pivotal role in his life. Whenever he was confused about what to do, he prayed to Our Lady of Guadalupe to give him a sign to let him know if he was making the right decision. Her image would always appear – in a statue, a summer assignment, a painting or a prayer card. “God has called me to be a priest. Am I worthy of it? No. Some days I wonder what God sees in me. But I do what my mother always said, especially when I’m stressed out – give it up to Him and let the Holy Spirit guide me. I do that every day.” Comparing the priesthood to falling in love, he said, “priests share the love that God has given us – to everyone around us. That’s why I answered yes,” he said. “I get to be in the front line to the Body of Christ, and I get to see that smile on somebody’s face when they know that their sins are forgiven.” “Serving God is exciting,” Father Gutierrez said. “When you love what you do – you’ll never work again in your life. There’s always a new adventure. I remember every child I baptized. Even at funerals, I remind them that death is not goodbye – but ‘see you later’ because Christ has won eternal life for all of us when He conquered death on the cross.”

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

VOCATIONS

She Said

Sister Mary Aloysius finds herself, places God above all BY MARY COTTINGHAM

“O

South Texas Catholic

knew something was wrong. Despite her outward success, there was this overwhelming emptiness that was growing inside her. After a near-death experience, she decided to reevaluate her life and booked a 19-day Transatlantic cruise. She realized her mistake after her third day. “I was bored out of my mind,” she said. She hears on the loudspeaker that there would be a Catholic Mass on a particular deck and after the Mass was invited to breakfast by the celebrant. After about three hours of breakfast, she received the Sacrament of Confession. “It was really a graced moment. I’m a very private person, so I don’t easily share my story with people. But there was something about this priest. He was just so compassionate, and so, Christlike – I was drawn to share all my darkness, sinfulness, emptiness, and rebellion,” she said adding, “which resulted in my confession.” During the next 16 days, her cruise was no longer boring. “I would go out and watch the vast ocean, and I experienced God the Father. I experienced our Father’s great love. His

ERVEY MARTINEZ | FOR STC

ur Lady of the Rosary played a pivotal role in my life – I would not be here today without her intercession. I was once dead, and now I am alive. My story is a story of all of us, and a common thread that runs in all our lives – is God’s unrelenting pursuit of us,” said Sister Mary Aloysius Kim from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. Sister Mary Aloysius hails from Seoul, South Korea. She realized her call when she was about seven years old. Her aunt is a religious, and her family is devoutly Catholic. Her parents’ dedication to their faith made a significant impression on her. “Our house was like Grand Central Station with priests and sisters. As a child, I loved hanging out with them, and they nurtured my desire to become a religious,” she said. In her teens, Sister Mary Aloysius’s parents found out her intentions to become a religious and were devastated. “We were very close, and they did not want to lose me. My mom cried for days, and my dad ended up sick in bed.” Consequently, she acquiesced and gave up on her desire to become a sister out of respect for her parents. It would be ten years before she would speak of it again. She graduated high school and then came to the United States to attend college at the University of Kansas – not because of their academic credentials, but because of their fantastic basketball program, “yea Jayhawks!” “When I attended college, I fell away from my faith and was away from the Church for about ten years. I wanted to be “cool – I wanted to look smart, and I hung out with the wrong friends and read books that told me God was an illusion. With this kind of lifestyle. It’s not a mystery that I lost my faith very quickly. “I did not become an atheist. I still believed in God’s presence, but I became something worse. I came to despise religion. My attitude was like that of Satan, ruefully shouting, I will not serve you. And most of all, I looked down upon people, praying the rosary, those who loved Mary.” After college, her goal in life was to be successful and rich. She was hired by a pharmaceutical company, worked hard, and climbed the corporate ladder quickly, but she

Sister Mary Aloysius, SOLT at the 28th Annual Clergy and Religious Appreciation Banquet hosted by the Knights of Columbus at Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown.

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VOCATIONS She Said

Majesty, His greatness,” she said. “I now wanted to read the Bible, and I wanted to go to Mass. Our Lady of the Rosary, whom I had despised for so long, took charge of my life, and everything started to change.” At this point, it had been ten years since she had first approached her parents about discerning a religious vocation. Broaching the subject yet again, they still adamantly refused. Her mom instigated a prearranged courtship of a man she had never met. His family was very wealthy, and he was successful. After a couple of dates, she and her mother went to meet his parents. They lived in a mansion on a hill with fountains and columns, and at one point, while they were drinking tea with them, she had an image of a bird in a cage. “I felt like I was suffocating. At that moment, I realized that this would be my lot – if I chose to turn away from God again, if I compromised and just got married to this guy, I would feel trapped and suffocated for the rest of my life. “I knew I had no other choice, and I wanted to give my life to Christ as soon as possible. So, I went on a pilgrimage with my aunt and entrusted my vocation to Our Lady. Shortly after that, she (Our Lady of the Rosary) took action.”

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One cold winter night in Korea, when her dad was home alone, he began to smell a strong rose smell. Her dad, a biochemist, was not generally prone to believe in extraordinary phenomena, apparitions or miracles, and the strong smell had to be investigated. All the windows were closed; there weren’t any plants or perfumes around. He said to himself, “where is this coming from?” He goes from one room to another, and the smell is following him, even in the attic room upstairs. At this point he says to himself, “If Our Lady wants you that much, I can’t really stand in her way.” Her mom gave her blessing in a Christmas card 15 years later after Sister Mary Aloysius took her final vows. It read, “Finally, I can say that I’m proud of you.” And when I got that Christmas card, “I cried a lot,” she said. “The SOLT community is very small and hidden, so it’s not easy to encounter them, especially somebody like me. But it is Our Lady’s community, and she arranged for me to meet the Society. “What was really attractive about the SOLT Sisters was their simplicity of life. It was very evident how much they loved Jesus and Mary in their prayerfulness, and I knew when I visited our convent that I finally made it home.”

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WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

A WORD

From our Holy Father

Pope Francis: ‘This world will pass away and only love will remain’

hen one is faced with an important difficult decision, Pope Francis’ advice is to imagine standing before Christ at the “threshold of eternity” because that is what ultimately matters. Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square below, the pope urged people to reflect on whether their time is spent focusing on things that are transitory or in “the ultimate things that remain.” “Brothers and sisters, let us ask ourselves: what are we investing our lives in? On things that pass, such as money, success, appearance, physical well-being? … When our time comes ... we have to leave everything behind,” Pope Francis said in his Angelus address on Nov. 14. “The Word of God warns us today: This world will pass away and only love will remain,” he said. Pope Francis recalled Jesus’ parable in which he warned not to build one’s life on sand, but to lay a solid, deep foundation on rock. “According to Jesus, the faithful disciple is the one who founds his life on the rock, which is his Word (cf. Mt 7:2427), which does not pass away, on the firmness of the Word of Jesus: this is the foundation of the life that Jesus wants from us, and which will not pass away,” the pope said. “Those who do good are investing in eternity,” he said. “When we see a person who is generous and helpful, meek, patient, who is not envious, does not gossip, does not brag, is not puffed-up with pride, does not lack respect (cf. 1 Cor 13:4-7), this is a person who builds Heaven on earth.” Those who do good may not make headlines or receive any recognition for their good efforts, the pope acknowledged, but he underscored that “what they do will not be lost because good is never lost. Good lasts forever.” “Here then is some advice for making important choices,” Pope Francis said. “When one does not know what to do, how to make a definitive choice, an important decision, a decision that involves Jesus’ love … before deciding, let us imagine that we are standing in front of Jesus, as at the end of life, before Him who is love.”

DEPOSIT PHOTOS

Catholic News Agency

“And imagining ourselves there, in His presence, at the threshold of eternity, we make the decision for today. We must decide in this way: always looking to eternity, looking at Jesus. It may not be the easiest, it may not be the most immediate, but it will be the right one, that is sure,” he said. The pope offered a Mass for the World Day of the Poor earlier in the day in the presence of 2,000 people living in poverty and the volunteers who assist them, according to the Vatican. “The cry of the poor, united with the cry of the Earth, resounded in recent days at the United Nations Climate Change Summit COP26 in Glasgow,” Pope Francis said in the Angelus. “I encourage all those with political and economic responsibilities to act now with courage and vision; at the same time, I invite all people of good will to exercise active citizenship for the care of the common home.” Pope Francis noted that he was also praying for people with diabetes and those who care for them on World Diabetes Day. “To base one’s life on the Word of God … is not an escape from history, but an immersion into earthly realities in order to make them solid, to transform them with love, imprinting on them the sign of eternity, the sign of God,” Pope Francis said. “May Our Lady help us to make the important choices in life as she did: according to love, according to God,” he said.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Highlights, Upcoming Events and Briefs

Former Congressman Dan Lipinski: we must be “Catholic first”

Catholic News Agency

ormer Congressman Dan Lipinski has urged faithful to be “Catholics first” in the public square, putting their faith above an excessive loyalty to party, personal comfort, or fear. In an address at the University of Notre Dame’s de Nicola Fall Conference on Nov. 12, Lipinski said that the recent decline in practicing religion among the electorate has moved politics into a God-like position in the hearts and minds of people. He said this shift has intensified the practice of politics to a zero-sum game with no option of compromise, with devastating effects for both political institutions and people. According to Lipinski, sectarian voters have emerged on both the left and the right— voters who are motivated more by their political party than by any other values— though he conceded that this is “more common” and arguably more dangerous among the left. Among the sectarian left, Lipinski asserted that muted “echoes of the French Revolution” can be heard. Citing research from 2019 in the American Journal of Political Science, Lipinsksi said that for sectarian voters, affiliation with a political party takes such precedence that it can “determine or change not just policy preferences but also their self-identified religion, class, or sexual orientation.” Reportedly held together by “contempt for the other side,” Lipinski pointed to trends within the groups that make them function more like religions which require total adherence or members face banishment as a “heretic.” Lipinski has personal experience with expulsion from a group over nonconformity. The last of a number of prolife Democrats elected in the early 2000’s, Lipinski was primaried every election after becoming a pro-life leader among the Democratic party, until he was defeated in 2021 by pro-abortion Democrat Marie Newman. “For sixteen years, with God’s grace, I tried however imperfectly to play my part as a Catholic in Congress,” Lipinski said. “I went to Congress knowing that I would face challenges within my party on some non-negotiable issues. I forthrightly proclaimed my position on these issues and said that I would not change.” “This caused consternation among the sectarian

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partisans in my party, who viewed me with suspicion and saw my refusal to always follow the party line as betrayal,” he said. “I was committed to being a Catholic first, before being a Democrat, and people recognized that. I had more than one constituent come up to me and say…’You vote Catholic.’” Mary Hallan FioRito, the Cardinal Francis George Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, also weighed in. “All Dan had to do to keep his seat was to say, ‘I’ll throw a pro-abortion vote or two your way,’” she said in her introductory remarks about the former Congressman. “Dan knew it could likely cause him his seat and it did.” Lipinski said politicians “cannot just pick and choose which we like” among the guidelines of Catholic Social Teaching.

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

NATIONAL NEWS

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PUBLIC DOMAIN

Much of Catholic Social Teaching does it’s now rooted in people’s social not instruct politicians how to vote, but identities.” gives principles to discern how to vote. Lipinski was quick to point out Issues related to human life are the that not all who affiliate with a exception, he said. political party are sectarian, and “One theme has a clear line to a also suggested that there was particular policy: life, the dignity of the “something different going on the human person, arising from the Imago left” although the sectarian right Dei,” he said. “This is non-negotiable, and struggles with what he diagnosed as policies that directly flow from this are a sort of Trump messianism. non-negotiable.” “On the sectarian left we have Lipinski became the Democratic pro-life a rejection of organized religion, leader and co-chair of the Congressional especially Christianity, and a Dan Lipinski Pro-Life Caucus after he voted against the rejection of the biblical assumptions Affordable Care Act because of its abortion provisions. about the human person that have been a critical He said his vote made him “a political leper” in the foundation of America since the beginning,” he said. Democratic party. Five presidential candidates endorsed Citing scholar Roger Scruton, Lipinski noted that his opponent and he ultimately lost the 2021 primary there is similarity between the dogma of French by a slim margin just before the coronavirus pandemic. revolutionaries and today’s sectarian left. The dogma “But, I was proud to be Catholic first,” he said. “I have of the French revolutionaries, he said, “was not a system no regrets about that.” of belief but of unbelief. It demanded amorphous, Lipinski said a shift toward sectarianism in the United unattainable ideals whose purpose was simply to States deepened in 2016 with the presidential election delegitimize rival powers. of Donald Trump. This sectarianism, he said, “adds “If we look at what is going on in our country today, tension and bitterness to everyday life, it eliminates the terms equity, antiracism setup such ideals and serve real discussion and debate from the public square” and as cudgels to tear down institutions, organizations, and bypasses the structure of the government which was set individuals. up to “force deliberation and compromise. “What is the Catholic answer? We all need to have “Americans are very concerned about the divide in our the courage to enter the public square and be Catholic country,” he said. “Now why does it seem so dangerous? first...If we want a country that respects human dignity We’ve had these same two political parties for about we need to get into the public square, we need to get 160 years and they battle each other in election after out there, we need to bring God’s message, we need to election: democrats and republicans.” bring Jesus into the public square. And we can do this The answer, he said, is that “there’s been an elemental by putting our Catholic faith above partisanship, above change in the nature of partisanship for many Americans: personal comfort, and above fears.”

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It’s time for a conversation about justice, top Catholic scholar says

Catholic News Agency

amed ethicist Alasdair MacIntyre called upon academia and other Catholics and intellectuals to invest in the “expensive conversation” about justice, and to sharpen their understanding of what constitutes human dignity. MacIntyre, whose teaching career spans 70 years and includes some of the most important books on virtue ethics such as “After Virtue” and “Dependent Rational Animal,” gave a reflection entitled “Human Dignity: A Puzzling and Possibly Dangerous Idea?” at the University of Notre Dame’s de Nicola Fall Conference Nov. 12. During the presentation, he argued that the modern term “human dignity” is doing the work that justice should be doing and that the current definition of human dignity and its implications have puzzling limitations. He analyzed the limits of the modern conception of human dignity, which differs starkly from the Thomistic understandings of “dignitas” advanced by the Belgian Thomist Charles De Koninck. According to this view, which MacIntyre asserted was a more accurate understanding of the term, human beings have dignity in virtue of what they can become--not because of the simple fact that they are persons. Accordingly, this means that human beings can also lose their dignity through sin. “A bad human being is worse than a bad animal,” he said. It also means that in order to live a dignified life, in addition to having access to basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, human beings must be given the chance to exercise virtues which ennoble their nature and bring it to its highest level of flourishing, MacIntyre said, adding that this requires a social restoration of the common good.

MacIntyre critiqued pervasive individualist ethics, which often focus on negative prohibitions rather than the common good. He gave the example of a state that outlaws slavery, but does nothing other than allow them to live in “miserable freedom.” The elimination of evil did not ennoble the former slaves in the way it should, he argued, which is a problem of conceptualizing and seeking the common good. “One cannot have a care for human dignitas if we ascribe to political and social individualism,” he decried. MacIntyre also argued that a state that outlaws abortion, but then fails to provide basic medical and maternity care as well as economic provisions, exemplifies this same individualist ethos centered on eliminating negative prohibitions but not aimed at achieving the common good. His remarks come as the Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments in one of the most significant challenges to Roe v. Wade since its inception— Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Many believe Dobbs will overturn Roe. During a Q&A Nov. 12, several participants questioned MacIntyre’s assertion that human dignity be recognized in its potential form rather than by virtue of the fact that a human being is a human being, citing concerns for the implications on moral arguments against embryonic stem cell research. MacIntyre responded that too many are attempting to make the modern term human dignity— widely used in United Nations documents and constitutions in the postwar period because it allowed fighting political, religious, and philosophical factions to bridge unsurmountable gaps because of its lack of definition— to do the work that properly belongs to understanding the virtue of justice.

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