Catholic Spirit, Volume 38, Number 5

May 2020, Vol. 38, No. 5

 The official publication of the Diocese of Austin 

En Español: Páginas 19-22

Parishes get creative to engage parishioners during pandemic

By Alfredo E. Cardenas | Correspondent

When historians write about the COVID-19 pandemic, the term “social distancing” will be remembered as the strategy that saved countless lives. In the history of the Catholic Church, the operative term may well be “creative ministering.”

In fact, Pope Francis recently prayed for and praised “the creativity of priests” as they ministered during the pandemic.

The challenge Father Charlie Garza, pastor at St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin, and his brother priests around the globe faced was how to administer the sacraments within the guidelines of social distancing. That challenge required creativity, so Father Garza called upon the Holy Spirit for help.

He also relied on a leadership team that included his associate pastor Father Paul-Michael Piega, Deacon David Ochoa, Ericko Yokohama and others.

Father Charlie Garza, pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin, offers the sacrament of reconciliation in the parish driveway so that people do not have to get out of their vehicle to receive the sacrament. (Photo by Alfredo E. Cardenas)

Throughout the Diocese of Austin, other parish leaders did the same.

Many parishes began livestreaming Sunday Mass on their websites, Facebook, YouTube and other available means.

Some, like St. Albert the Great, also began to livestream Perpetual Adoration. But the bigger questions included how do we hear confessions and how do we anoint the sick from six feet away, Father Garza said.

When Bishop Joe Vásquez, in keeping with community health concerns, suspended public Masses; required limiting attendance at funerals and weddings to close family and friends; and curtailed homebound ministries for holy Communion, he also encouraged parishes to build spiritual communities “through social media and small Christian groups.”

While “observing public health advisories regarding social distancing,” Bishop Vásquez directed pastors to keep churches open during normal hours for private prayer and devotionals.

He also asked priests to remain available for the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, to keep parish offices open with essential staff during normal business hours, and to continue parish ministries. He encouraged pastors to use “prudential judgment in these matters.”

This new reality of ministry was a challenge to both priests and the

laity. Priests encouraged their parishioners to attend Mass online, on television or on the radio. Parishioners were encouraged to pray for spiritual communion at the moment they normally went up to receive the Eucharist. However, many parishioners do not have access to the internet, others are at an age where they do not fully grasp the intricacies of social media, and still others did not have the required bandwidth to receive the Mass.

While a person might confess their sins over the telephone or the internet, church law says one cannot receive absolution via the internet or the telephone.

Moreover, Father Garza said there is always the risk that the electronic conversation can be compromised, violating the sanctity of the sacrament.

Some parishes continued to offer confessions with safeguards for social distancing. Father Uche Obikwelu, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Kingsland, encouraged penitents to observe social distancing in the church narthex, while the glass doors between the entrance doors and the church were closed. He sat in a pew while the peni-

When public Masses were suspended, St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin asked parishioners to e-mail photos of themselves. The photos were printed and placed in the parish pews. On Palm Sunday palms were distributed to each photo in the pews, and the photos were blessed on Easter Sunday. (Photo courtesy Father Paul-Michael Piega)

tent sat at a permissible distance. No one in the narthex was able to hear them.

At St. Mary Cathedral in Austin, the parish set up a system where penitents made an appointment and confessions were held in the school with portable confessionals set up in a way that ensured social distancing.

Cathedral parishioner Ed Check said he appreciated the work the Cathedral has done to offer the sacraments.

“I very much appreciate the efforts Father Daniel Liu has made to keep connected with his parishioners, including scheduling confession times when the appropriate guidelines can be maintained,” he said.

See MINISTRY on Page 3

Bishop’s Interview

Learning from home

Easter message

Español

Bishop hopes church pews will soon be filled with parishioners.

Catholic schools shift to online learning during pandemic.

Pope calls for hope, peace and care for the poor.

PAGE 14

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Cuidando la salud mental y espiritual durante una pandemia. PAGE 21

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VOICES

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

THE MISSION OF THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

A PERSONAL REFLECTION

As the official newspaper for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin, the Catholic Spirit is dedicated to providing information, education and formation for the Catholic community of Central Texas. This mission calls for the newspaper: • to provide readers with an understanding of our Catholic faith and traditions; • to be a primary source of information on Catholic issues relevant to the community; • to be a unifying element for faith communities, both rural and urban, throughout Central Texas; • to show respect for and appreciation of all cultural groups and traditions; • to emphasize topics affirming the Catholic community and life, while acknowledging the humanity of the community and examining, with courage, topics that challenge and encourage growth in the faith.

Sharing the joy of Christ, personally and digitally

HOW TO SUBMIT INFORMATION Deadline for submission of articles or information for the Catholic Spirit is the 10th of the month for publication in the following month’s edition. Deadline for the June issue is May 10.

Submit material in one of the following ways: • E-mail to catholic-spirit@austindiocese.org.

• Mail to Catholic Spirit, 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB, Austin, TX 78723 Catholic Spirit has unrestricted editing rights.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE Subscription rates are $12 for one year. To subscribe, send a check payable to Catholic Spirit to Catholic Spirit, 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB, Austin, TX 78723. Members of a parish in the Austin Diocese may receive the newspaper for a reduced rate. Contact your parish staff for more information.

ADDRESS CHANGES Send all address changes to Catholic Spirit, 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB, Austin, TX 78723. Please include your parish’s name and city. If receiving duplicate copies of the Catholic Spirit, call (512) 949-2443 or e-mail catholicspirit@austindiocese.org.

STAFF Publisher: Bishop Joe S. Vásquez Editor: Shelley Metcalf Assistant Editor: Christian R. González Advertising: Shelley Metcalf Spanish translation: Gina Dominguez Columnists: Father Paul-Michael Piega, Mary Lou Gibson and Father Jonathan Raia Correspondents: Alfredo E. Cardenas, Ricardo Gandara, Enedelia J. Obregón and Mary P. Walker Catholic Spirit subscribes to Catholic News Service (CNS) and is a member of the Catholic Press Association. Catholic Spirit cannot be held liable or responsible for the content of any advertisment appearing within these pages. Advertisements are solely the responsibility of each advertiser.

Misleading advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints regarding advertising should be directed to the advertiser or to the Better Business Bureau.

Copyright 2020 by the Austin Diocese. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any editorial content, photograph, art or design is prohibited without written permission of the publisher Catholic Spirit (ISSN 0896-2715) is published 11 times annually (monthly except one issue in July/August) by the Austin Diocese.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez (publisher) 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB Austin, TX 78723

By Christian R. González | Assistant Editor

I’ve spent the last few years studying theology and communications in graduate school. One of the things I studied was how the church can use social and digital media to evangelize and grow.

Forty years ago, if a person was not in the phone book, it was almost as if they didn’t exist. Now the same is said for a website, Facebook, Twitter and other social media. As a result of the pandemic, those who considered themselves non-techies probably know much more about YouTube, Vimeo and Zoom now.

In my research I discovered that digital evangelization through social media is not one of those things that works on the principle of “if you build it, they will come.” Just because a Facebook page is created doesn’t mean the world is going to see it.

Some stats indicate only 5% of a page’s Facebook followers may actually see a post. People typically don’t see Catholic content on their devices unless they’re specifically searching for it. A single tweet is not going to be the sole cause of someone’s conversion to Catholicism.

Yes, having a presence on social media is important for our parishes and diocese. We need to be present, available and responsive in the digital world, but just being there isn’t enough.

Parish and diocesan digital ministry are best focused on those we currently serve, which in a way, means “preaching to the choir.” By doing that, and doing it well, we are building digital communion.

When those who are not currently part of our faith communities, search us out and see what a dynamic and loving community we have online, they will instinctively know that our physical communities have the same properties. Our hope is that this digital communion leads to physical communion. This is how we evangelize online.

Christian R. González is the director of Communications for the Austin Diocese. He is a parishioner of Santa Cruz Parish in Buda. He can be reached at (512) 949-2456 or christiangonzalez@austindiocese.org.

FROM BISHOP VÁSQUEZ • Father Greg Gerhart has been appointed Vocation Director and Director of Seminarians for the Diocese of Austin effective July 1.

• Father Jonathan Raia has been appointed chaplain of the University Catholic Center (UCC) at the University of Texas in Austin effective July 1.

OBITUARIES Father Greg Romanski, a Catholic priest for 43 years, died on April 10 in Austin. He was 71. Born on Feb. 10, 1949, in Alma, Michigan, he attended Villanova University and Washington Theology University. He was ordained a Paulist priest on May 14, 1977, and served in parishes in New York City and Greensboro, North Carolina before coming to Austin. He was incardinated in the Diocese of Austin on May 20, 1999. Father Romanski served at St. Theresa Parish in Austin, then at St. Martin de Porres Parish in Dripping Springs, and as chaplain for the Catholic Physicians Guild of Central Texas. He retired in August 2009. Father Romanski is survived by his brother, James Romanski of Elgin. Funeral arrangements are yet to be made due to COVID-19.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Catholic Spirit 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB Austin, Texas 78723

Evangelization is best when it is experienced one-on-one. It’s how the early Christians did it. We are called to live a Christian life in a secular world and to share the joy of Gospel. What we do and say stands out to our friends, co-workers, and everyone we meet. How do we share the light of Christ with others?

Sometimes conversion happens instantly, other times it may take years. Nevertheless, the more we share our joy with others, the more seeds we plant in the hearts of those around us. In some cases, faith may take root without us ever knowing. Read the 13th chapter of Matthew for more on that.

This is why digital ministry is important not just for our parishes and diocese, but also for individual Catholics. Almost two-thirds of Catholics on social media do not self-identify as Catholic. I encourage everyone to add “Catholic” to their profile information on social media accounts. I also encourage all to follow the diocese and their parish and to share their posts. And when watching a Catholic livestream, hit the share button or, better yet, host a watching party.

As the director of communications for the diocese, I am proud of the work our diocese and parishes have done to offer digital ministries and digital evangelization opportunities. Some of our parishes went from having no digital presence to launching a website and livestreaming in a matter of a week or two.

Please get online and take advantage of the resources that are available. And, most of all, share them. Share the joy of the Gospel digitally!

Father Peter McCabe

Father Greg Romanski

Father Peter McCabe, 81, died April 23 in Mexia. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Austin on May 30, 1970. He served at parishes in Taylor, Bellmead, Cameron, Lockhart, Temple, College Station, Austin, Manor, Mason, Pflugerville and Dime Box. In 1977-78, he did mission work in India where he worked with St. Theresa of Calcutta. The funeral Mass was to be celebrated May 4 at St. Mary Parish in Mexia. Father McCabe will be buried in his hometown in New York.

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Parishes quickly figure out how to do ministry in spite of social distancing MINISTRY continued from Page 1 Father Garza’s leadership team decided to also take appointments and the priests heard confessions in the parish’s driveway. The penitent remained in their vehicle and Father Garza or Father Piega sat behind a confessional draped with a dark cloth. A large poster with the Act of Contrition printed in both English and Spanish hung on the confessional directly in front of the driver’s side window.

For the faithful who cannot avail themselves of these opportunities for reconciliation, Pope Francis suggested, they “speak directly with God, your father, and tell him the truth. Say, ‘Lord, I did this, this, this. Forgive me,’ and ask for pardon with all your heart.” He said the penitent must make an act of contrition and promise God, “’I will go to confession afterward, but forgive me now.’ And immediately you will return to a state of grace with God.” Parishes have also faced the challenge of maintaining the fiscal operations of the church with a reduction in contributions because of the lack of weekend collections. Before the pandemic, St. Albert the Great was receiving 80 percent of its contributions at Masses and 20 percent online. Parish leaders have been contacting parishioners to check on them and to encourage them to contin-

ue to give online. Online contributions increased to 50%, but they are still only collecting 65% of what the parish usually receives weekly.

Eloy and Irene Sifuentes, parishioners at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pflugerville, have realized the importance of continuing to support their parish.

“We normally use the weekly envelope,” Irene Sifuentes said. “The first week or so, I forgot all about it, and it wasn’t until the second or third week while viewing the last published bulletin online that I noticed the decline in the amount of the weekly donations. I was shocked and realized there must be several parishioners who, like myself, were caught up in the chaos of the pandemic and forgot their monetary contribution to the church. Luckily, I saw the donate button on the website and have been using it.”

Donations to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and other church charitable arms are also down, but the demand to provide help for those in need is even greater. Monetary donations are being accepted by parish St. Vincent de Paul Societies as well as the diocesan Society of St. Vincent de Paul at www.ssvdp.org.

Before the pandemic, the Knights of Columbus Council at St. William Parish in Round Rock had begun its annual Lenten Food Drive to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, bringing

in nearly 3,000 pounds of food. Knight Frank Alvarez said this was well short of the 10,000 to 13,000 pounds donated in the prior three years. Alvarez said the council also donated $3,000 to the Food Pantry and $20,000 to the parish.

The pandemic does not only present a challenge of faith, but it is also a real threat to peoples’ livelihood. Not being able to participate in Sunday Mass and receive the Body of Christ “is a very difficult jolt to their lives,” said Father Howard Goertz, pastor at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Luling.

He pointed out that “small-town folks

Bishop blesses sacramental oils during private Chrism Mass On Tuesday of Holy Week, Bishop Joe Vásquez celebrated the Chrism Mass at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin. This year the Mass was livestreamed, and less than 10 people were actually present for the Mass. During the Mass, the bishop blessed the oils, which will be used to administer the sacraments throughout the diocese for the next year. Also during the Mass, the bishop asked the priests of the diocese to renew their priestly promises. Later that day, the holy oils for each parish were distributed to the deaneries and then to the parishes within that deanery. (Screen captures by Shelley Metcalf)

Sean Schiavolin assists with the behindthe-scenes efforts to livestream Mass at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin. Many parishes in the Diocese of Austin have made Masses available via social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parishes are also offering other ministries online, such as Bible studies and prayer groups.(Photo courtesy St. Mary Cathedral)

take quarantines and social distancing in stride,” but what places a “heavy burden on people is losing their income because they can’t work.”

Father Goertz said he has been serving the isolated and the sick while practicing safe social distancing.

“I had two funerals since this social distancing began, and it was gut-wrenching to … hear and see the pain of accepting the new rules while also dealing with the grief of losing a loved one,” Father Goertz said.

Father Garza has been going to hospitals to administer last rites, but the hospitals do not allow him to touch the patient or administer the holy oils. He has to pray with patients via a television monitor. Relatives are with the priest, and the patient is alone. It is not very satisfactory, but the family is comforted to know that their loved one is in God’s hands, Father Garza said.

Irene Sifuentes said this pandemic has been a scary and unsettling time.

“Given the circumstances, the church’s efforts have been good. It has been a learning experience for us all,” she said.

Father Goertz knows the Lord is with clergy and laity alike as they work their way through the pandemic.

“The Holy Spirit will provide and guide us through this dark valley,” Father Goertz said.

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CATHOLIC SPIRIT

A letter to the faithful from Bishop Joe Vásquez Diocese of Austin

Office of the Bishop

6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB · Austin, TX 78723-1025 (512) 949-2415 · www.austindiocese.org

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Weeks have now passed since we last gathered with our faith families at our parishes and schools. For many of us, the sadness accompanying the suspension of public Masses peaked on Easter Sunday when we celebrated the Resurrection of Christ away from our spiritual homes.

Although we may feel lonely during these uncertain times, we are truly never alone. I assure you that Christ is always with us on our journey through these difficult and dark days.

Social distancing does not mean we have to spiritually distance from each other. My brother priests and I are keeping you in our prayers and doing our best to stay connected with you through livestreamed Masses and online ministries.

Please celebrate with us and pray for us. We are all making sacrifices to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in our communities.

Brothers and sisters, many of us are feeling anxious and vulnerable. Christ’s teaching reminds us to care for one another, “… whatever you did for one of these least brothers [and sisters] of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40).

I want to thank those of you who are continuing to support your parish with weekly offertory contributions through online giving or other means. Our churches may be empty, but financial obligations remain. Our financial generosity, even in these difficult circumstances, ensures that our priests and parishes can continue to provide essential ministries and programs to meet our spiritual needs.

Please join me in praying for God’s grace and mercy for the faithful in our diocese and the entire world. May God bless us all.

In Christ,

Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez Bishop of Austin

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Parishes see large loss in offertory gifts due to pandemic

By Darci Swisher | Correspondent

With public Masses suspended across the Diocese of Austin, many parishes are experiencing a lack of funding when demand for ministries is high.

“With pews temporarily empty, we are seeing a significant drop in contributions to Sunday offertory collections,” said Scott Whitaker, diocesan director Stewardship and Development.

“Our spiritual homes have many of the same bills as we have in our own homes, such as mortgages, insurance and utility payments, along with expenses associated with essential ministries and community outreach and salaries for pastors and staff members,” Whitaker said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic,

pastors and parish ministers are working hard to meet the spiritual needs of their communities. Many are — on the fly — exploring, learning and instituting new and innovative ways to reach parishioners as they practice social distancing. Many parishes are offering livestreamed Masses and prayer services, and they are continuing ministries online, such as Bible studies, religious education and Confirmation preparation. This may require purchasing new technology, subscription software and other materials.

Pastors are also meeting with parishioners in person when appropriate and ensuring their parishes are providing services to the poor through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Charities of Central Texas.

Christian stewards are called to support

the church with their time and resources.

Whitaker encouraged parishioners who rely on traditional offertory envelopes to consider mailing their weekly contributions to the parish or transitioning to online giving during this time. Electronic giving has gained popularity over the last several years for parishioners. Scheduled contributions especially provide parishes with a source of dependable income, Whitaker said.

“While younger people are considered more apt to give online, people of all ages have told me that they enjoy the benefits of e-giving,” he said. “Not only does their parish receive their contributions on those Sundays when they’re out of town and unable to attend Mass, they’re also able to easily budget in their tithe.”

More than 80 percent of the diocese’s 127 parishes and missions are set up to ac-

cept online gifts. For those lacking websites or electronic giving options, the diocese is now accepting online gifts on their behalf. These gifts can be made at www. austindiocese.org/donate. In addition, a complete list of all of the parishes and missions along with mailing addresses and websites can be found below.

The envelope inserted into this edition of the Catholic Spirit can be used to support any parish. Donations made online or with the envelope will go directly to the intended parish, just like an envelope placed in the collection basket would, and all gifts are greatly appreciated, Whitaker said.

“In times of crisis, it is natural for people to turn to Christ and his church,” Whitaker said. “Generous contributions ensure our parishes can be there for them.

Always.”

Parishes/missions in the Diocese of Austin All of the parishes/missions in the Diocese of Austin are listed below by name and then city along with their mailing address and website.

Ascension Parish, 905 Water St., Bastrop 78602; www.ascensionbastrop.com Blessed Virgin Mary Mission, PO Box 485, Washington 77880; No website Christ the King Parish, 210 E. 24th Ave., Belton 76513; www.ctkbelton.org Church of the Visitation, 144 County Rd. 3000, Lott 76656; www.churchofthevisitation.org Cristo Rey Parish, 2208 E. Second St., Austin 78702; www.austincristorey.org Dolores Parish, 1111 Montopolis Dr., Austin 78741; No website Emmaus Parish, 1718 Lohmans Crossing, Lakeway 78734; www.emmausparish.org Good Shepherd Mission, c/o St. Mary Parish, 701 N. Key Ave., Lampasas 76550; www.stmarycatholic.faith Good Shepherd Mission, c/o St. Ferdinand Parish, 25 Main St., Blanco 78606; www.goodshepherdjctx.org Holy Cross Mission, c/o Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, 507 Buchanan Dr., Burnet 78611; www.omoscc.com Holy Cross Parish, 1610 E. 11th St., Austin 78702; www.holycrossaustin.org Holy Family Parish, 1001 Georgetown Rd., Copperas Cove 76522; www.hf-cc.org Holy Family Mission, PO Box 541, Lexington 78947; www.holyfamilylex.org Holy Rosary Mission, c/o St. Mary Parish, 500 W. OSR, Caldwell 77836; www.holyrosaryfrenstat.com Holy Trinity Parish, 8626 FM 1105, Jarrell 76537; www.holytrinityofcornhill.org Holy Trinity Parish, PO Box 698, Llano 78643; No website Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Parish, 1107 E. Yager Ln., Austin 78753; www.hvmcc.org Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, PO Box 117, Martindale 78655; www.ihmmartindale.org Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 1206 E. 9th St., Austin 78702; www.olgaustin.org Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 111 W. Rio Grande St., Taylor 76574; www.ologtaylor.org Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 707 S. Sixth St., Temple 76504; www.olgtemple.org Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1108 W. Main St., Gatesville 76528; No website Our Lady of San Juan Mission, c/o St. Eugene Parish, 207 N. Johnson Ave., McGregor 76657; No website Our Lady of the Lake Mission, c/o St. Charles Borromeo Parish, PO Box 1748, Kingsland 78639; No website Our Lady of Wisdom University Parish, 100 Concho St., San Marcos 78666; www.txstatecatholic.org Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, 507 Buchanan Dr., Burnet 78611; www.omoscc.com Sacred Heart Mission, PO Box 371, Marlin 76661; No website Sacred Heart Parish, 5909 Reicher Dr., Austin 78723; www.sacredheartchurchaustin.org Sacred Heart Parish, 4045 FM 535, Bastrop 78602; catholic.rocknetx.com/cgi-bin/site.cgi Sacred Heart Parish, 302 W. 11th, Elgin 78621; www.sacredheartofelgin.org Sacred Heart Parish, PO Box 548, La Grange 78945; www.sacredheartlagrange.org Sacred Heart Parish, 2621 Bagby Ave., Waco 76711; www.sacredheartwaco.com San Francisco Javier Parish, 9110 US Hwy. 183 S., Austin 78747; www.sfjccaustin.org San José Parish, 2435 Oak Crest Ave., Austin 78704; www.sanjosechurch.org San Juan Diego Mission, c/o San Francisco Javier Parish, 9110 US Hwy. 183 S., Austin 78747; www.sfjccaustin.org San Salvador Mission, 401 S. Parker, Bryan 77803; No website Santa Barbara Parish, 13713 FM 969, Austin 78724; www.santabarbaracatholicchurch.org Santa Cruz Parish, PO Box 187, Buda 78610; www.santacruzcc.org Santa Rosa Parish, 6571 FM 970, Florence 76527; www.srdl-cc.org

Santa Teresa Parish, 1212 Lucky, Bryan 77803; www.santateresabryan.com St. Albert the Great Parish, 12041 Bittern Hollow, Austin 78758; www.saintalbert.org St. Andrew Kim Parish, 6523 Emerald Forest Dr., Austin 78745; www.kcc-austin.org/web St. Ann Parish, c/o St. Michael Parish, 85 Church Ave., Burlington 76519; No website St. Ann Parish, PO Box 99, Somerville 77879; www.saintann-somerville.org St. Anthony Marie de Claret Parish, PO Box 268, Kyle 78640; www.samckyle.org St. Anthony Parish, 401 S. Parker, Bryan 77803; www.saintanthonys.org St. Austin Parish, 2026 Guadalupe St., Austin 78705; www.staustin.org St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 4800 Convict Hill Rd., Austin 78749; www.stcatherine-austin.org St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 1927 W RR 1431, Kingsland 78639; www.stcharleskingslandtx.com St. Edward Campus Ministry, 3001 S. Congress Ave., Austin 78704; www.stedwards.edu/campus-ministry St. Elizabeth Parish, 1520 N. Railroad Ave., Pflugerville 78660; www.stelizabethpf.org St. Eugene Parish, 207 N. Johnson Dr., McGregor 76657; www.steugenemcgregor.com St. Ferdinand Parish, 25 Main St., Blanco 78606; www.stferdinandblanco.org St. Francis of Assisi Parish, PO Box 543, Franklin 77856; www.stfrancisofassisiparish.org St. Francis on the Brazos Parish, 315 Jefferson Ave., Waco 76701; www.stfrancistorwaco.org St. Helen Parish, 2700 E. University Ave., Georgetown 78626; www.sainthelens.org St. Ignatius Martyr Parish, 2309 Euclid Ave., Austin 78704; www.st-ignatius.org St. Jerome Parish, 9820 Chapel Rd., Waco 76712; www.stjeromewaco.org St. John Neumann Parish, 5455 Bee Cave Rd., Austin 78746; www.sjnaustin.org St. John the Baptist Parish, PO Box 57, Fayetteville 78940; www.stjohnfayetteville.com St. John the Baptist Parish, PO Box 585, Waco 76703; No website St. John the Evangelist Parish, 500 E. Travis St., Luling 78648; www.stjohnluling.com St. John the Evangelist Parish, 105 Hwy. 1431 East, Marble Falls 78654; www.stjohnsmarblefalls.org St. John the Evangelist Parish, 624 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos 78666; www.sanmarcoscatholic.org St. John Vianney Parish, 3201 Sunrise Rd., Round Rock 78665; www.sjvroundrock.org St. Joseph Mission, PO Box 972, Mason 76856; No website St. Joseph Mission, c/o St. Martin Parish, 301 St. Martins Church Rd., West 76691; No website St. Joseph Parish, 507 E. 26th St., Bryan 77803; www.stjosephbcs.org St. Joseph Parish, 20120 FM 485, Burlington 76519; www.stjcyclone.org St. Joseph Parish, 8282 FM 141, Dime Box 77853; www.stjosephdimeboxtx.com St. Joseph Parish, 2903 E. Rancier Ave., Killeen 76543; www.stjosephkilleen.org St. Joseph Parish, PO Box 389, Manor 78653; www.stjosephscatholicchurch-manor.org St. Joseph Parish, PO Box 371, Marlin 76661; No website St. Joseph Parish, PO Box 548, Rockdale 76567; www.stjosephrockdale.org St. Joseph Parish, 1011 Boston St., Waco 76705; No website St. Julia Parish, 3010 Lyons Rd., Austin 78702; www.stjuliacatholicchurch.org St. Louis Parish, 7601 Burnet Rd., Austin 78757; www.st-louis.org St. Louis Parish, PO Box 5040, Waco 76708; www.stlouiswaco.com St. Luke Parish, 2807 Oakdale Dr., Temple 76502; www.slparish.com St. Margaret Parish, 485 S. Leon St., Giddings 78942; www.stmargaretgiddings.org

This list continues on Page 6

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List of parishes/missions (continued from Page 5) St. Margaret Mary Parish, 1101 W. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park 78613; www.stmargaretmary.com St. Martin de Porres Parish, PO Box 1062, Dripping Springs 78620; www.stmartindp.org St. Martin Parish, 301 St. Martins Church Rd., West 76691; No website St. Mary Cathedral, 203 E. 10th St., Austin 78701; www.smcaustin.org St. Mary Catholic Center, 603 Church Ave., College Station 77840; www.aggiecatholic.org St. Mary Mission, c/o St. John Parish, PO Box 57, Fayetteville 78940; www.stmaryellinger.com St. Mary Mission, c/o St. Margaret Parish, 485 S. Leon St., Giddings 78942; www.stmargaretgiddings.org/st-mary-pin-oak St. Mary of the Assumption Mission, c/o Sacred Heart Parish, 4045 FM 535, Bastrop 78602; www.stmarysp.church St. Mary, Our Lady of the Lake Parish, 6100 Lohman Ford Rd., Lago Vista 78645; www.stmaryourlady.org St. Mary Parish, 715 N. Main St., Bremond 76629; www.catholicbremond.us St. Mary Parish, 701 Church St., Brenham 77833; www.stmarysbrenham.org St. Mary Parish, 500 W. OSR, Caldwell 77836; www.stmaryscaldwell.com St. Mary Parish, 402 W. First St., Hearne 77859; www.stmaryhearne.org St. Mary Parish, 701 N. Key Ave., Lampasas 76550; www.stmarycatholic.faith St. Mary Parish, 205 W. Pecan, Lockhart 78644; www.smvl.org St. Mary Parish, 606 N. Bonham St., Mexia 76667; www.stmarysmexia.org St. Mary Parish, 504 W. Wallace, San Saba 76877; www.stmaryssansaba.org St. Mary Parish, 408 Washburn, Taylor 76574; www.smtaylor.org St. Mary Parish, 1018 S. Seventh St., Temple 76504; www.stmarytempletx.org St. Mary Parish, 1401 Washington Ave., Waco 76701; www.stmarys-waco.org St. Mary Parish, PO Box 276, West 76691; www.assumptionwest.org St. Mary Parish, 14711 RR 12, Wimberley 78676; www.smwimberley.org St. Matthew Mission, c/o Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 707 S. Sixth St., Temple 76504; www.olgtemple.org/saint-matthew-catholic-church

St. Michael Mission, 85 Church Ave., Burlington 76519; No website St. Michael Parish, 80 S. Old Spanish Trl., Uhland 78640; St. Monica Parish, 306 S. Nolan Ave., Cameron 76520; www.saintmonicatx.org St. Patrick Parish, 2500 Limmer Loop, Hutto 78634; www.stpatrickhutto.org St. Paul Chong Hasang Parish, PO Box 2414, Harker Heights 76548; www.stpaulchonghasang.org St. Paul Parish, 10000 David Moore Dr., Austin 78748; www.saintpaulaustin.org St. Paul Parish, 204 Mills St., Smithville 78957; www.stpaulsmithville.org St. Paul the Apostle Parish, PO Box 8019, Horseshoe Bay 78657; www.stpaulshorseshoebay.org St. Peter Catholic Student Center, PO Box 6060, Waco 76706; www.baylorcatholic.org St. Peter Mission, PO Box 352, Goldthwaite 76844; No website St. Peter the Apostle Parish, PO Box 17575, Austin 78760; www.stpetersaustin.org St. Philip Mission, PO Box 430, China Spring 76633; www.stphilipcs.com St. Stanislaus Parish, 9175 FM 1371, Chappell Hill 77426; www.ststanislauschappellhill.com St. Stephen Parish, PO Box 662, Salado 76571; www.saintstephenchurch.org St. Theresa Parish, 4311 Small Dr., Austin 78731; www.sttaustin.org St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 2541 Earl Rudder Frwy. S., College Station 77845; www.stabcs.org St. Thomas More Parish, 10205 N. FM 620, Austin 78726; www.stmaustin.org St. Thomas Parish, 843 N. Nicholson, Hamilton 76531; No website St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 9500 Neenah Ave., Austin 78717; www.svdpparish.org St. William Parish, 620 Round Rock West Dr., Round Rock 78681; www.st-william.org Sts. Cyril and Methodius Mission, c/o St. Joseph Parish, 20120 FM 485, Burlington 76519; www.marakchurch.org Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, PO Box 608, Granger 76530; www.sscmchurch.org University Catholic Center, 2010 University Ave., Austin 78705; www.utcatholic.org

Mass is available through several television, internet, radio and subscription outlets in the Diocese of Austin. All times are Central.

Television, Cable, Satellite

Radio: Air, Satellite

Web

Check local listings for channel number.

EWTN: SiriusXM, Ch. 130 & streaming online Daily: 7 a.m.

Check the individual websites for updated times and schedules.

EWTN Weekdays: 7 & 11 a.m., 3:30, 6 & 11 p.m.

Sundays: 7 & 11 a.m., 11 p.m.

EWTN En Español Weekdays: 7 a.m., 3 p.m.

Sundays: 7 & 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m.

KNVA Sundays: 8:30 a.m.

KWTX-TV: CBS-Waco, from St. Louis Parish, Waco Sundays: 9:30 a.m.

Relevant Radio: Austin-970 AM Daily: Noon Weekdays: 7:30 p.m.

Sundays: 9 a.m.

Radio Encuentro: Austin-1560 AM Daily: 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.

KEDC: FM 88.5 - Bryan-College Station Weekdays: Noon and 9 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays: 7 & 11 a.m.

www.watchthemass.com/ http://ewtn.com http://ewtn.com/espanol/ http://relevantradio.com/ http://redcradio.org/

KYAR: FM 98.3-Waco/Central Texas Weekdays: 9 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays: 7 & 11 a.m.

KBMD: FM 88.5 - Marble Falls Guadalupe Radio Network Weekdays: 7 a.m.

Sundays: 7 a.m., 11 a.m.

Go to www.austindiocese.org/mass-on-the-air to see the latest updates to this list.

www.catholictv.org/masses/catholictv-mass

KOOV: FM 106.9 - Copperas Cove Daily: 7 a.m.

Many parishes in the Diocese of Austin are livestreaming Masses via Facebook and their websites.

Visit www.austindiocese.org/mass-on-the-air for specific information and more details.

MAY 2020

CENTRAL TEXAS

7

ProjectYM Live brings teens together from a distance

By Ricardo Gandara | Correspondent

Recently on Sunday evenings, teenager Emily Lindsey dresses in her Sunday clothes, like always when she attends a youth group gathering at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Cedar Park. Lately, however, she is chilling on the couch watching an online gathering with thousands of other young people from across the U.S. ProjectYM Live gives her and many others the opportunity to have a weekly youth night and to experience the celebration of their faith even as parishes are closed.

“I miss church and youth group,” said Lindsey, a sophomore at Glenn High School in Leander. “I’m also in the choir; I get confirmed this year. I like ProjectYM because it’s my way of staying connected.”

ProjectYM Live is an online Catholic youth night offered Sundays at 7 p.m. at live.projectym.com. The project began on One of the ways Emily Lindsey, a sophomore in high school and parishioner of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Cedar Park, stays connected to her faith during the pandemic is through ProjectYM Live.

(Photo courtesy Kimberly Lindsey)

March 22, and it is already a resounding success, said Chris Bartlett, the director of Next Level Ministry, a national group that builds youth ministry leaders. He is also the youth ministry director at St. William Parish in Round Rock.

“Fifty parishes signed up in the first 20 minutes. Now, we have 1,700 parishes participating nationwide,” Bartlett said.

“People desire community now more than ever.”

Bartlett credits the early success to ProjectYM Live being a collaborative effort of organizations and parishes. The format is simple. Hosts Michael and Crystal Marchand, a Catholic couple from Chattanooga, Tennessee, begin with prayer, then games, a Catholic musician leads praise and worship, then there is a different featured speaker each evening. Youth ministers from throughout the country have interactive capability to make comments and give shout-outs to their groups.

Bartlett and Michael Marchand of ProjectYM and Ablaze Ministries are the founders of the idea. As the COVID-19 pandemic gained a foothold in March and Masses and gatherings were suspended across the country, the pair knew it was im-

perative to find an activity for homebound youth. And for many teens like Lindsey and Emma Claire Bischoff, who attends St. Thomas More Parish, ProjectYM Live has been a Godsend.

“It was different. It had amazing Christian music,” said Emma Claire, a sophomore at Vandegrift High School in Austin.

The Bischoff household includes mom and dad and four kids. “Yeah, it can get loud but surprisingly, it was super relaxing.

I liked the games,” she said.

Emily Bischoff, Emma Claire’s mother, said watching ProjectYM Live brought her family together. “And it was something wholesome. I even got some non-denominational friends to watch. Speaking for our family, the kids got a sense of community because teens from around the country were also watching,” Emily said.

Paul J. Kim, a Catholic speaker who is popular with youth and young adults, was a hit on the first Sunday. Kim’s message resonated with Adan Montes, a freshman who attends St. Margaret Mary Parish.

“Kim is a cool guy. He made me think about how we’re all focused on ourselves.

Now, I’m thinking more of others,” he said.

“I’m taking time to get to know my friends better and talk about the struggles in their lives. We’re learning to help each other.”

Father Jared Cooke, the associate pastor at St. Thomas More Parish in Austin, said Kim challenged teens to give their cell phones a break.

“He told them to find a way to engage with God. Don’t squander this time God has given us,” Father Cooke said.

Following the first presentation, Father Cooke had an online discussion with members of his parish youth group because

Michael and Crystal Marchand, a Catholic couple from Chattanooga, Tennessee, host ProjectYM Live, which is an online youth night. The project was founded by Chris Bartlett, the youth ministy director of St. William Parish in Round Rock, and Michael Marchand.

(Photo by Shelley Metcalf)

these are uncertain times when fear can set in.

“We talked about fear not coming from God and not to give way to fear …

The devil is the king of fear, and a way to boldly reject fear is to calmly and boldly embrace their trust in God. I gave them tips on how to push back,” Father Cooke said. “The Lord can take something bad and leverage it to something good. It’s important for us to be able to meet online.

Thank God we have the internet.”

Logan Mayes, the youth minister at St. Thomas More Parish, is all too familiar with the boredom and idleness teens are experiencing.

“Paul J. Kim told them to turn their heart to heaven … God is inviting us to join in something unique and to do more,” he said.

“Kim’s message was to serve others around us. Instead of ‘me’ focus it should be the ‘we’ focus. Love God and your neighbor,” Mayes said.

To view the program, go to www. projectym.com. A parent must register to get access. Log in about five minutes prior to 7 p.m. Teens can watch on their cell phones or laptops. Some families transfer the program to a television screen and watch it together. Search ProjectYM Live on Facebook to comment or to find more information.

CENTRAL TEXAS

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CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Taking stock of spiritual, mental health during a pandemic

By Enedelia J. Obregón | Senior Correspondent

COVID-19 has led to shuttered houses of worship and has isolated families at home for their own safety. Isolation can affect mental health. As Mental Health Awareness Month is observed in May, society has begun to recognize the importance of mental wellbeing during this pandemic, said Renee Brown, a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor at Catholic Charities of Central Texas.

“Typically, when people feel they are in crisis, mental health gets put on the back burner,” Brown said. “It needs to be on the front burner. It needs to be one of the first things we talk about. Good mental health sustains us during challenging times.”

The key to sustaining mental health is identifying negative changes in our daily lives such as too much or too little sleeping or eating.

It is not necessary to drink alcohol during the virtual happy hours that have become so popular, she said.

“Increasing our intake of alcohol or smoking are indicators of stress,” Brown said. “We are feeling isolated, confused and emotionally down or tired, even agitated.”

She recommended taking breaks when working from home and spending time reading, listening to music, meditating or praying. In addition, get plenty of sleep, eat healthy and exercise regularly, she said.

Experts also advise not watching or listening to the news all day long, instead tune into the news for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening.

Children and teenagers will also react to the stress of being unable to be with friends and staying at home. They may also struggle with school at home.

“Younger children will be more impacted,” Brown said. “They will cry easily and perhaps revert to bed wetting. They are scared.”

If parents are anxious, children will sense that, she said.

“Many kids feed off that energy,” Brown said. “It’s important to remind them they are safe. They need lots of reassurance.”

She stressed the importance of maintaining routines: Get up at a regular time, shower or bathe, do classwork and eat on a regular schedule.

Many families also have parents or grandparents they cannot see in person during this time. Keep in touch — and get children involved — by calling them or using Skype or FaceTime. Write letters

CCCTX receives $1.6 million grant

Catholic Charities of Central Texas was given $1.6 million in funds from the city of Austin’s RISE (Relief in a State of Emergency) Fund. This funding is available to Austin/Travis County residents who are impacted by COVID-19 and are ineligible for CARES Act assistance. The funds will provide assistance with mortgages, rent, utilities and car payments for the most vulnerable Austin residents experiencing financial instability due to COVID-19. Since March 16, CCCTX has seen a 180% increase in demand for services. All CCCTX services continue to be provided remotely to protect the health and safety of the community. Visit www.ccctx.org for details on how to get help. (Photo courtesy CCCTX)

Mental health resources for those who are struggling • CCCTX offers counseling services on a sliding-scale fee.

Services include virtual therapy, CCCTX counselors are available by calling (512) 651-6150 or (979) 822-9340 or visit www.ccctx.org/ counseling-services.html.

• CCCTX also offers financial stability help, immigration legal services, help for families expecting a baby or who have a child from newborn to 36 months, help for veterans and disaster assistance for those affected by natural disasters. Call (512) 651-6100 or visit www. ccctx.org.

• Those experiencing domestic violence, should call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-779-SAFE (7233) or 9-1-1.

• For mental health resources, call NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Central Texas at (512) 420-9810 or NAMI Brazos Valley at 1-800-273-8255.

• Texas Health and Human Services has established the toll-free COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at 833-986-1919. Call to get the help of a mental health professional in dealing with stress and other emotions that arise during the pandemic. and include children’s drawings to cheer up older folks who are also feeling isolated, she said.

Brown encouraged those who regularly see a counselor or therapist to continue to do so. Counseling can be done over the telephone or another medium.

Tele-medicine is covered under the HIPPA Laws. It is also important for those dealing with mental illness to continue taking their medications.

Physical separation, or social distancing, does not mean the end of one’s spiritual life, Brown said.

“We need to make sure our faith rules our hearts and emotions — not fear,” Brown said. “It’s important not to isolate ourselves from the body of Christ.”

She encouraged attending Sunday Mass and daily Mass via social media, television, radio and/or online, see the box on Page 6. Many parish groups are also meeting online. If you are part of a group that does not have an online presence, then create one, Brown said.

Now is also a good time to catch up on reading Catholic books and periodicals that may stack up during the busy times of life. A bit of social media is also helpful, but don’t overdo it, she said.

Brown recently started following Pope Francis on Twitter.

“That can be a very positive part of prayer,” she said. She found great comfort in this recent quote from Pope Francis, “In the face of life’s difficulties let us ask the Lord for the strength to remain joyful witnesses to our faith.”

Brown also noted the traditions of praying the rosary or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy are good for those who struggle to focus.

“God has unlimited power,” she said.

“He remains faithful.”

Serving others is another important way to practice our faith.

“You can offer to teach an online class or pray for others,” she said. “We can focus on practicing compassion. Call or write letters to parents or others who are homebound. They were always the strong ones, but now they may need support.

Offer to buy groceries for those who can’t go out.”

Brown recently noticed one of her irises bloomed, so she took a photo and shared it.

“Sheltering in place does not mean you always have to stay inside,” she said.

“You can walk — just stay six feet from others. You can experience joy by just going to your patio.”

Sadly, child abuse and domestic abuse rose during February and March, according to national reports. Those who are experiencing abuse should call 9-1-1. Emergency shelters for victims of abuse are open and ready to help. Brown encouraged people to have a safety plan in place before abuse occurs. Pack an emergency bag and have children’s birth certificates and Social Security cards readily available.

Brown said it is important to seek community at this time and to help build community. “We need to remember we are not alone,” she said.

MAY 2020

CENTRAL TEXAS

9

Catholic school education continues as families stay home

By Mary P. Walker | Senior Correspondent

Back in late February and early March, when national attention was just beginning to focus on the COVID-19 virus, diocesan Catholic schools began to plan for what was then unthinkable — an extended period of school closure. Although there have been challenges in implementing these plans, feedback from teachers, students, parents and school administrators has been both positive and enthusiastic.

Misty Poe, superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin, explained that schools created plans for students to continue their academic course work and faith formation. Technology and the know-how to use it were necessary for classes to move outside of the buildings and into a virtual environment.

To make sure all students would have access, the schools took a family-by-family inventory, said Erika Sammon principal of St. Mary’s Catholic School in West.

“We were able to consolidate that information, help the families, and make sure each student had a way to enter into the classes from home,” she said.

Families that did not have the needed equipment were issued tablets or other technology so they could participate, she said.

Although there was not much time to prepare, spring break gave schools a short window to adjust, train the teachers on the technology, and equip parents for their expanded role in the education process. Everyone realized this was an imperfect process and that some education experiences cannot be duplicated outside of the classroom. However, all were committed to doing the best they could, Poe said.

St. Joseph School in Bryan serves 330 students in pre-K through 12th grades.

During the week of spring break (March 9-13), the school administration met to implement their plan. School president Jim Rike said the team recognized they were in an unprecedented situation.

They decided on four core values moving forward: patience, kindness, flexibility and forgiveness.

“We are going to get the end result we want by keeping up with these values,” Rike said.

Some teachers were already using an online tool for creating, distributing and grading assignments. They worked together to bring this knowledge to

other teachers. The Monday after spring break, teachers had an in-service day to plan and train. School then moved to a virtual environment and is progressing well. The administration team and teachers meet online frequently to address issues, solve problems and share what works.

Sammon said communication among the school, parents, teachers and students is key.

“We are all in it together. We are all going to have to work together and communicate with each other,” she said.

During the time of social distancing, when students and their families are not able to attend Mass or receive the sacraments, faith formation is even more crucial. Religious education classes are continuing, and schools are creatively bringing the community of faith together online.

At St. Mary’s Catholic School in Temple, students pray along with a video of daily Mass celebrated by their pastor, Father Kurtis Wiedenfeld. They are assigned a reflection project on the homily.

At St. Mary’s in West, the eighth graders created a recorded version of the Stations of the Cross, and families were

Renata Leach, a third grade teacher at Sacred Heart Catholic School in La Grange, talks with her students via an online meeting platform. As the COVID-19 pandemic had families throughout Texas sheltering-in-place, Catholic schools created plans for students to continue their academic work and faith formation online. (Photo courtesy Sacred Heart Catholic School in La Grange)

and teaching techniques will continue to benefit students after the crisis is over, she said.

School principals expressed their appreciation to the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools for its foresight, leadership and support during these challenges. Another benefit has been

“This challenging time has given us an opportunity to think outside the box. We have seen many opportunities come out of the challenges COVID-19 has posed. We look forward to what lies ahead for our Catholic schools.”

–– Misty Poe, superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin challenged to pray them together during Lent.

Although everybody is looking forward to the day when school is back in session on campus, school personnel, teachers and parents report that adapting to distance learning has brought some blessings, too.

“Teachers come to the job with different levels of comfort and enthusiasm for using technology in the classroom.

Their skill level has now grown,” said Theresa Wyles, principal of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Temple. These skills

a growing collaborative relationship among the principals, sharing ideas and helping each other. In addition, principals have observed a tremendous amount of creativity and enthusiasm

from the teachers. Parents report they have a greater appreciation for the hard work of teachers and are finding ways to enjoy working with their children in the virtual school setting, Poe said.

She believes the sharing of resources and expertise, as well as parental involvement, will foster even more creativity.

“This challenging time has given us an opportunity to think outside the box,” she said. “We have seen many opportunities come out of the challenges COVID-19 has posed. We look forward to what lies ahead for our Catholic schools.”

Catholic schools are still open online and enrolling students for the next school year.

Visit www. csdatx.org for more information on the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin.

For up-to-date information from the Diocese of Austin, visit us online On the Internet at www.austindiocese.org On Facebook search “Diocese of Austin” On Twitter, go to @AustinDiocese

Tagline Available in 10

CENTRAL TEXAS

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Waco mystery: Who in the world is Tony Brunner?

By Ricardo Gandara | Correspondent

The framed woodcarving of a young and handsome black man with captivating hazel eyes has gnawed at David Gradel on and off for nearly two decades.

Gradel knows it’s Tony Brunner because it says so in gold letters on a nameplate. But much beyond that is a mystery.

“The eyes get you, that’s what I first noticed,” said Gradel, a retired Waco printer, “and I have this spiritual calling to find out who he is.”

While Gradel first met Tony Brunner in 2001 after a friend bought the damaged and weathered woodcarving at a church garage sale, it was not until 2018, that Gradel bought the five-anda-half-by-four-foot piece. What ensued through the years is an international search to find the origin of the museum-worthy piece that he now has stored in a warehouse.

Tony Brunner appears to be in his 30s. “In memory of Tony Brunner. Pray for him,” reads a caption in a letterbox at the bottom of the artwork.

In this modern-day mystery, Gradel does know a few things for sure. Someone thought enough of Tony to remember him in such a way. A master carver named Vicenzo Mussner made the sculpture in 1960 in a studio in Ortisei, a town in northern Italy. It ended up in the old rectory of St. John the Baptist Parish in Waco. Gradel’s friend bought the piece at a garage sale held in the parish rectory.

The friend called Gradel the following day.

“It grabbed me,” Gradel said. “My first impression was, wow. The eyes.

He’s praying to God or seeking guidance.”

So the journey began. Gradel and his friend removed the carving from the back of the frame to reveal the artist’s signature. Gradel told his friend not to sell it so he could do some digging.

In 2002, using the internet, Gradel traced the piece to Mussner’s studio in Italy.

“They do all kinds of religious carvings, statues and crucifixes,” he said.

Gradel fired off an email seeking help.

Greg Mussner, the grandson of Vicenzo responded. Vicenzo Mussner, now in his 80s, recalled working on the piece with his father about 1960. Greg Mussner found a photo of Vicenzo, about 20

years old at the time, with the woodcarving of Tony. The older Mussner still works at the studio.

“But Vicenzo didn’t recall who commissioned it,” Gradel said.

The original cost was about $5,000.

Gradel was compelled to ship the piece back to the studio for restoration because of his curiosity and a “calling.” He got the restored piece back in 2019.

Gradel has Googled Tony a hundred times to find out more about him. He has followed every lead to no avail. The last name is common, possibly of German descent.

“When I started all this, I wanted to find out what it was worth. And when I found out it was done by a master carver, I knew it had some value,” Gradel said. “And I know it has some history.

Somewhere.”

And the speculation is endless. Did it hang in a church? How did it end up in a Waco Catholic church? Church history suggests the rectory where Tony was found was once a plantation home in the 1800s and could have been used to auction slaves, Gradel said. Was Tony a slave? Did he meet a tragic or unfortunate death at a young age?

So many questions keep Gradel up at night.

Even though he knew about the woodcarving back in 2001, it was not until 2016 when Gradel started attending and volunteering at St. John Parish that the interest peaked again.

“That’s when I got this calling to go get the carving. The fact my friend still had it after all these years reinforced everything,” Gradel said.

Now, he is at a crossroads. He has contacted two galleries in Waco, but no one has gotten back to him. He would like to share the art, but he is unsure of Tony’s future. He said he may reach out to museums in Dallas and Austin and African American museums.

“I’m the facilitator in a way but I don’t know what’s going to come of Tony. Maybe we don’t need all the answers,” he said.

Gradel has contacted the Diocese of Austin’s archive department for names of all priests that have served at St. John Parish up until 2001.

“Miracles happen; maybe that will open some doors,” he said.

To get more clues about Tony, Gradel has set up a Facebook page; search “Tony Brunner Waco, Texas.” Gradel can also be contacted via email at tonybrunner2020@gmail.com.

Chinese Simplified

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David Gradel (left) is trying to figure out the story behind the man in the woodcarving above. The artwork was found in the rectory of St. John Parish in Waco. It has “In memory of Tony Brunner. Pray for him” etched at the bottom. (Photo by Ricardo Portuguese Russian Gandara)

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Tagalog

As people of faith, we believe in the dignity of every person When we participate in the Census we declare that we are part of “we the people” and we refuse to be excluded from the critical resources and political representation that we deserve. Everyone counts in the eyes of God, and so we must work to ensure that everyone is counted by our government.

Diocese of Austin

Secretariat of Life, Charity and Justice

MAY 2020

IN OU R W ORLD

11

Pope calls for a ‘contagion’ of Easter hope, peace, care for poor tomb was proclaimed both in Latin and in Greek.

In a clear sign of continuing prayers In an Easter celebration like no other, to God for the end of the pandemic, Pope Francis prayed that Christ, “who has the sanctuary around the altar again was already defeated death and opened for us dominated by symbols of Romans’ faith in the way to eternal salvation,” would “dispel divine intervention: the icon “Salus Populi the darkness of our suffering humanity Romani” (health of the Roman people) and lead us into the light of his glorious and the “Miraculous Crucifix,” both of day, a day that knows no end.” which were carried through the city centuThe pope’s traditional Easter message ries ago in times of plague. before his blessing “urbi et orbi” (to As is customary, Pope Francis did not the city and the world) still mentioned give a homily during the Mass but offered countries yearning for peace, migrants and his reflections before the “urbi et orbi” refugees in need of a welcoming home and blessing. the poor deserving of assistance.

Instead of standing on the central But his Easter prayers April 12 were balcony of the basilica overlooking the mostly in the context of the suffering and square, he delivered the address from the death caused by the coronavirus and the gates leading to the tomb of St. Peter economic difficulties the pandemic already under the basilica’s main altar. has triggered.

The Easter proclamation “Jesus Christ The pope’s Easter morning Mass was is risen! He is truly risen!” goes forth from unique; missing were dozens of cardinals “the night of a world already faced with concelebrating and tens of thousands of epochal challenges and now oppressed by pilgrims from around the world packing a pandemic severely testing our whole huSt. Peter’s Square. Instead one cardinal — man family,” the pope said. “In this night, Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of the church’s voice rings out: ‘Christ, my St. Peter’s Basilica — and a dozen faithful hope, is risen!’“ sat inside, one in each pew, before the AlThe proclamation of hope, new life and tar of the Chair where the pope celebrated victory over death, he said, should be “a the liturgy. different ‘contagion,’ a message transmitAlso missing were the more than 50,000 ted from heart to heart, for every human tulips, daffodils and flowering shrubs that heart awaits this good news,” he said. growers in the Netherlands donate each “This is no magic formula that makes year to turn into a garden the steps leading problems vanish,” the pope said. “No, up to the basilica. the resurrection of Christ is not that.

Yet millions followed on television, Instead, it is the victory of love over the by radio and by livestream as the Easter root of evil, a victory that does not bypass “Alleluia” was repeated and the Gospel suffering and death, but passes through account of the disciples finding the empty them, opening a path in the abyss, transBy Cindy Wooden | Catholic News Service

forming evil into good: this is the unique hallmark of the power of God.” The risen Jesus, he said, came forth from the grave still bearing the marks of his crucifixion, he said. “Let us turn our gaze to him that he may heal the wounds of an afflicted humanity.”

Pope Francis prayed first of all for those directly affected by the coronavirus, especially the sick, those who have died and those mourning loved ones after not being able to say goodbye.

“May the Lord of life welcome the departed into his kingdom and grant comfort and hope to those still suffering, especially the elderly and those who are alone,” he said. “May he never withdraw his consolation and help from those who are especially vulnerable, such as persons who work in nursing homes or live in barracks and prisons.”

Pope Francis also prayed for those suffering from solitude because of the pandemic, for those who have lost their jobs, for doctors and nurses treating the sick and for members of law enforcement,

Pope Francis celebrates Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 12. In the background is the “Miraculous Crucifix” from the Church of St. Marcellus in Rome. The Mass was celebrated without the presence of the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(CNS photo/Vatican Media)

who are helping keep people safe.

“In these weeks, the lives of millions of people have suddenly changed,” he said.

Some people have found it an opportunity to slow down, reflect and spend time with their families.

But, he said, for many others “this is also a time of worry about an uncertain future, about jobs that are at risk and about other consequences of the current crisis.”

Pope composes prayers to Mary for end of pandemic

By Cindy Wooden | Catholic News Service

Pope Francis asked Catholics to make a special effort in May to pray the rosary, knowing that by doing so they will be united with believers around the world in asking for Mary’s intercession to stop the coronavirus pandemic.

“Contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary, our mother, will make us even more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this time of trial,” the pope said in a letter addressed to all Catholics and released by the Vatican April 25.

The month of May is traditionally devoted to Mary and many Catholics already are in the habit of praying the rosary at home during the month, he noted. “The restrictions of the pandemic have made

us come to appreciate all the more this ‘family’ aspect, also from a spiritual point of view.”

“You can decide according to your own situations” whether to pray individually or in groups, he said, noting that “it is easy also on the internet to find good models of prayers to follow.”

Pope Francis wrote two prayers to Mary that can be recited at the end of the rosary, prayers he said he would be reciting “in spiritual union with all of you.”

Both prayers acknowledge Mary’s closeness to her son’s followers and ask for her protection and for her intercession just as she interceded with Jesus on behalf of the newlyweds at Cana who had run out of wine for their wedding feast.

“We know that you will provide, so that, as at Cana in Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this time of

trial,” one of the prayers read.

Pope Francis’ prayers also include specific intentions for those who are sick, for those who care for them, for those who have died and those who mourn for them, for scientists seeking cures and vaccines and for government leaders who must find a way to protect their people.

“Mary Most Holy, stir our consciences, so that the enormous funds invested in developing and stockpiling arms will instead be spent on promoting effective research on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future,” one of the prayers said.

“Beloved Mother, help us realize that we are all members of one great family and to recognize the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need,” it contin-

ued. “Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer.”

The text of the letter and prayers can be found at w2.vatican.va.

CONSECRATION TO MARY The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reconsecrated the U.S. to the care of the Blessed Mother under the title “Mary, Mother of the Church” on May 1.

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the reconsecration gives the church the occasion to pray for Our Lady’s continued protection of the vulnerable, healing of the unwell and wisdom for those who work to cure this terrible virus.

The reconsecration affirms previous consecrations to the Blessed Mother in 1792, 1846 and 1959.

IN OU R W ORLD

12

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

World needs stories of truth, peace, inspiration, pope says

By Carol Glatz | Catholic News Service

With fake news becoming ever more sophisticated, people need the wisdom, courage and patience to discern and embrace constructive stories, Pope Francis said.

“We need stories that reveal who we truly are, also in the untold heroism of everyday life,” Pope Francis wrote in his message for World Communications Day 2020.

World Communications Day will be celebrated May 24 at the Vatican and in most dioceses. The papal message was released at the Vatican Jan. 24, the feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists.

The message for 2020 was based on the theme, “‘That you may tell your children and grandchildren’: Life becomes history.”

The passage, drawn from the Book of Exodus, highlights the importance of sharing “knowledge of the Lord” and meaningful memories, stories and experiences, so that they may transform people’s lives, he wrote.

Jesus, who is “the quintessential

storyteller — the Word,” he said in the message, spoke of God “not with abstract concepts, but with parables, brief stories taken from everyday life” so that “the story becomes part of the life of those who listen to it, and it changes them.”

“God has become personally woven into our humanity, and so has given us a new way of weaving our stories,” he said.

“Stories influence our lives, whether in the form of fairy tales, novels, films, songs, news, even if we do not always realize it,” he said, and people often decide “what is right or wrong based on characters and stories we have made our own.”

So many stories throughout history share a common “thread” in which heroes, including everyday heroes, follow a dream and “confront difficult situations and combat evil, driven by a force that makes them courageous — the force of love,” the pope said.

These kinds of stories can give people both the example and reasons “to heroically face the challenges of life,” to grow, be enriched and to discover themselves better.

However, the pope warned, “our story

has been threatened” by the temptation of evil that entices with false promises and uses the power of storytelling “for purposes of exploitation.” “How many stories serve to lull us, convincing us that to be happy we continually need to gain, possess and consume. We may not even realize how greedy we have become for chatter and gossip, or how much violence and falsehood we are consuming,” he said.

“Instead of constructive stories, which serve to strengthen social ties and the cultural fabric,” he said, “we find destructive and provocative stories that wear down and break the fragile threads binding us together as a society.”

Such stories, he said, piece together scraps of “unverified information,” repeat “banal and deceptively persuasive arguments” and send out “strident and hateful messages,” which serve only to strip others of their dignity.

At a time “when falsification is increasingly sophisticated, reaching exponential levels — as in deep fake — we need wisdom to be able to welcome and create beautiful, true and good stories,” Pope Francis wrote. “We need courage to reject

Retreats at Cedarbrake

false and evil stories. We need patience and discernment to rediscover stories that help us not to lose the thread amid today’s many troubles. We need stories that reveal who we truly are, also in the untold heroism of everyday life.”

A good story stands the test of time, too, because it nourishes and renews life.

The Scriptures and the stories of the saints are just some of those good stories, he said. As they always “shed light on the human heart and its beauty, the Holy Spirit is free to write in our hearts, reviving our memory of what we are in God’s eyes.”

“When we remember the love that created and saved us, when we make love a part of our daily stories, when we weave the tapestry of our days with mercy, we are turning another page,” the pope wrote.

“We no longer remain tied to regrets and sadness, bound to an unhealthy memory that burdens our hearts.”

With God, “we can reweave the fabric of life, darning its rips and tears,” and realize that “no one is an extra on the world stage, and everyone’s story is open to possible change,” he said.

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The Daughter Returns, June 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Daughter Returns retreat at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Temple on June 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a chance to look at the parable of the Prodigal Son from a woman’s perspective, as well as our image of the femininity of God. Beverly Collin, assistant director, will facilitate this retreat. The cost is $45 and includes lunch. To register or for more information, call (254) 780-2436.

The Six Great Catholic Spiritualities, July 10-12 The Six Great Catholic Spiritualties retreat at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton July 10-12 is based upon the first semester of our School of Contemplative Living.

The retreat will help participants discern which of the six spiritualties (Benedictine, Carmelite, Cistercian, Dominican, Franciscan and Jesuit) fits them best. Participants will watch the DVD series featuring Franciscan Father Albert Haase, Cedarbrake’s chaplain, and discuss aspects of each spirituality with him. The cost is $250 for a single room, $200 per person for a shared room and $100 for commuters.

To register or for more information, call (254) 780-2436.

The retreat schedule is dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.

Let Go and Let God, July 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Let Go and Let God retreat at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Temple July 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a day of exploring what “letting go and letting God” means. Cindy Isaacson will explain what keeps us from letting go and instead clinging to things or situations that bring us sadness or harm. Isaacson has presented retreats for the last 15 years for ACTS parish groups around the Diocese of Austin. The cost is $45 and includes lunch.

To register or for more information, call (254) 780-2436.

Online registration will be available soon.

Five Day Guided Retreat by the Spirit, Aug. 9-14

The Guided by the Spirit Retreat at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Temple from Aug. 9-14 is a five-night, six-day silent retreat offering the opportunity to meet with the same spiritual director each day to discern your spiritual walk with God. The week will include daily Mass, adoration and sacrament of reconciliation. The cost is $650 for a private room, which includes meals and time with a spiritual director. A minimum of 12 retreatants and a maximum of 18 retreatants are needed for this retreat. To register or for more information, call (254) 780-2436.

To register, call the Cedarbrake office at (254) 780-2436. www.cedarbrake.org  cedarbrake@austindiocese.org

MAY 2020

IN OU R W ORLD

13

On Earth Day, pope says creation is a sacred gift

By Carol Glatz | Catholic News Service

Humanity has failed to take care of the earth and its inhabitants, sinning against God and his gift of creation, Pope Francis said.

Celebrating Earth Day let us pledge to love and esteem the beautiful gift of the earth, our common home, and to care for all members of our human family,” he said during his livestreamed weekly general audience from the Vatican.

The pope dedicated his catechesis April 22 to a reflection on the human and Christian responsibility to care for the earth, humanity’s common home.

The day marked the 50th Earth Day, which was established in 1970 to raise public awareness and concern for the environment and its impact on people’s health and all life. This year also marks the fifth anniversary of the pope’s encyclical, “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home.”

In his catechesis, the pope said Earth Day was “an occasion for renewing our commitment to love and care for our common home and for the weaker

members of our human family.”

“As the tragic coronavirus pandemic has taught us, we can overcome global challenges only by showing solidarity with one another and embracing the most vulnerable in our midst,” he said.

As the Book of Genesis relates, he said, “we live in this common home as one human family in biodiversity with God’s other creatures,” and God has called on humanity to care for and respect his creation and “to offer love and compassion to our brothers and sisters, especially the most vulnerable among us, in imitation of God’s love for us, manifested in his son Jesus.”

God is good and always forgives, the pope said, however, “The earth never forgives: if we have despoiled the earth, the response will be very bad.”

“Because of our selfishness, we have failed in our responsibility to be guardians and stewards of the earth,” the pope said. “We have polluted and despoiled it, endangering our very lives.”

The pope expressed his deep appreciation for the many international and local movements and initiatives that have been created in an effort to raise awareness and stir people’s consciences

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and he said it will still be necessary “for our children to take to the streets to teach us the obvious: we have no future if we destroy the very environment that sustains us.”

“We have failed to care for the earth, our garden-home; we have failed to care for our brothers and sisters. We have sinned against the earth, against our neighbors and ultimately against the Creator, the benevolent father who provides for everyone and desires us to live in communion and flourish together,” he said.

It is imperative that people restore “a harmonious relationship” with the earth and with the rest of humanity, he said.

It requires a new way of looking at the earth, not as a “storehouse of resources for us to exploit,” but as a sacred gift for sustaining all of humanity.

The pope said so many natural tragedies “are the earth’s response to our mistreatment.”

“If I ask the Lord now what he thinks, I don’t think he will tell me something very good. We are the ones who have ruined the work of the Lord!” the pope said.

“In today’s celebration of Earth Day, we are called to renew our sense of sacred respect for the earth, for it is not just our home but also God’s home.

This should make us all the more aware that we stand on holy ground!” Pope Francis said.

An “ecological conversion,” which stems from a loving and respectful contemplation of the earth’s beauty and leads to concrete action is needed, he said.

Because the world and all its people

A butterfly rests on a flower in Maryland.

Earth Day, observed April 22 every year, marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. (CNS photo/Octavio Duran)

are interdependent, the pope said, the whole international community must cooperate in the protection “of our common home.”

For this reason, the pope urged leaders to “guide the preparations for two important international conferences” — the COP15 on biological diversity to be held in Kunming, China, and the COP26 on climate change in Glasgow, Scotland, both of which have been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The pope said he supported the many forms of cooperative action on national and local levels.

“It will help if people at all levels of society come together to create a popular movement” from the grassroots, much the same way Earth Day was founded, he said.

The pope’s online audience was just one of countless contributions to Earth Day celebrations, which took to the digital landscape because of the global pandemic.

While the Earth Day Network at earthday.org coordinated global initiatives, the Focolare Movement was part of organizing a #OnePeopleOnePlanet “multimedia marathon” in Italian online, on television and radio. Also supporting the Italian Earth Day events were the Vatican dicasteries for Communication and Promoting Integral Human Development as well as the Congregation for Catholic Education and the Pontifical Council for Culture.

GOOD NEWS

14

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

BISHOP’S INTERVIEW

Christ is with us in our isolation and in our struggles Bishop Joe S. Vásquez is the fifth bishop of the Austin Diocese, which is home to more than 610,000 Catholics.

Editor: Bishop, as we continue through this Easter season, we also continue to experience the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us have struggled as we have had to stay at home. What are some ways we can maintain our hope during this time?

Bishop Vásquez: Easter Sunday and the Easter season are the pinnacle of the liturgical year, and unfortunately, this year our celebration of Easter has been challenged by COVID-19. Our churches have been empty for weeks, and most of us have been homebound for quite a while. How do we maintain our faith?

We do this by placing all of our hope and aspirations in Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. We must not take our eyes off the Lord.

Remember that beautiful example from Scripture of Jesus walking on the water toward his disciples who are on a boat in the midst of a storm. They are frightened by the storm. Peter says to Jesus, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus does so, and Peter starts walking across the water. As long as he keeps his eyes fixed on the Lord, he is able to do what seems impossible. But when he focuses on the wind, the waves and the storm around him, Peter literally begins to sink.

Finally, he cries out, “Lord, save me.”

And Jesus takes him by the arm, pulls him up, and they both go into the boat.

Jesus says, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

In these uncertain times, it is easy to take our eyes off the Lord and become distracted with other things. However, now, more than ever, we are called to turn toward Jesus, to trust in his goodness and mercy. We need the Easter message of hope and joy probably more now than in any time in our recent history. We need to hear those wonderful encounters with the risen Lord as he appeared to the disciples, how he nurtured their faith, how he calmed their fears.

Jesus triumphed over sin and death.

He is risen from the dead. He rose not for himself, but for us. As Christians, we look forward to the day when we will

also rise in glory with all the saints and be with our Lord forever.

Editor: For those who are suffering from despair or anxiety or loneliness, how do we trust in the Lord?

Bishop Vásquez: If there is one person to turn to, it is our Blessed Mother Mary. She was there through the passion of our Lord, there at the foot of the cross as he was dying, there to receive Jesus’ body as he was taken from the cross and she helped lay him in the tomb. She understands despair, suffering, pain and hurt.

Mother Mary consoles and comforts us in a special way. She lets us know that we are not alone. And through her

we prepare ourselves to receive Jesus once again?

Bishop Vásquez: I know our people are ready to get back to Mass. When I suspended the public celebration of the Mass in March, my heart was so heavy. I tried to keep our churches open and the services available to our people until the last possible moment. The celebration of the Eucharist unites us with Christ and keeps us together as a church. The Mass celebrates the whole act of sacrifice of Jesus Christ, an act of redemption and salvation for the whole world.

Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection are celebrated at every Mass, which gives us hope and life.

Many of our people have expressed to me a deep hunger, appreciation, love and devotion for our Lord in the Eucharist and to be reconnected with the body of Christ, the people of God. I believe this hunger is a blessing because it comes from God. I look forward to the day when we come together with our family and our friends around the altar of God and give thanks for the wonderful gift of holy Eucharist. prayers, she brings us closer to her son, Jesus Christ.

I have spoken with a few mental health professionals, and they shared some very practical ways that we can defeat despair, anxiety and loneliness.

We can limit our exposure to the news –– don’t watch it all day. We can make sure we are eating, sleeping and exercising regularly. We should not try to numb emotions with food, alcohol or other distractions. We can reach out to others via phone, social media, email or hand-written letters –– talk to them, catch up with them, pray with them.

We can also pray for others and give thanks to God for each of our family members. Every day we can pick a person to hold in prayer throughout the day, asking God to watch over them and bless them abundantly. Finally, we can seek help if we find ourselves too deep in despair. Counselors can offer help via tele-therapy or we can reach out to our parish and ask to talk to a priest or deacon. Though we may not be able to be physically together, there are ways we can get help one another.

Editor: When this interview is published, Mass will have been suspended for nearly two months.

Hopefully, we will be able to celebrate public Masses soon. How do

As the body of Christ, the Mass unites us. Many of our people have expressed to me a deep hunger, appreciation, love and devotion for our Lord in the Eucharist and to be reconnected with the body of Christ, the people of God. I believe this hunger is a blessing because it comes from God. I look forward to the day when we come together with our family and our friends around the altar of God and give thanks for the wonderful gift of holy Eucharist.

As we have been away from Mass, many have filled their longing for Christ with spiritual communion. We know this is not ideal, but this does not mean God’s grace and love are not reaching out and pouring into our hearts even right now in the midst of our suffering, pain, isolation and separation. The Lord is working in our lives. Would we rather be around the altar of God? Of course!

Would we rather be celebrating the sacraments? Of course! We are a sacramental people, but that does not mean we give in to despair.

Editor: Hundreds of people in our diocese were planning to enter the church at Easter. When will they be welcomed?

Bishop Vásquez: Welcoming our catechumens this year is going to take some time because we know this virus is

not affecting our diocese equally. Some counties and cities may normalize more quickly than others depending on how many are infected by COVID-10. However, I am hopeful that we will soon be celebrating the Easter sacraments in all of our parishes.

We want to be particularly mindful of the elect who have been waiting and yearning to become part of the Catholic Church. We are also mindful of the elect who are waiting to be brought into full communion with the church. We must keep encouraging them, praying for them and supporting them; we know eventually they will be fully united with us. In many ways they are already united with us in a very spiritual way, a very beautiful way.

Editor: Many of our parishes are struggling right now. How can we help them recover?

Bishop Vásquez: Many of our parishes are struggling not only financially, but also socially because the people have not been able to come together for activities and ministries such as religious education, Bible studies, adoration and Mass.

Though our diocese consists of 127 parishes, we are one body of Christ.

We are united as a diocese; thus, we are mindful in caring for all parts of the diocese. If a particular parish suffers, we all suffer. As one particular part of the diocese rejoices, all of us rejoice. We need to look at how to strengthen one another and how to support one another during this time. We may need to share resources; we may need to ask for help.

Even as we are not able to attend Mass, we must remember to tithe. Everything we have is a gift from Almighty God. As stewards of those gifts, we are called to return a portion of our time, talent and treasure in gratitude for God’s great bounty. Please continue to give to your parish and when life normalizes once again, offer your time and talents more so than ever before.

Editor: What is your prayer for our nation as we recover from the devastating effects of this pandemic?

Bishop Vásquez: I pray that as a nation our faith in God will be reawakened and renewed. May we look to God as the source of all good things. We are not alone or abandoned. The Risen Christ will lead us through this dark night and terrible storm. I pray we will see the bright light of hope and the newness of life that Christ shares with all of us.

Alleluia, Christ is risen! Let us rejoice and be glad!

MAY 2020

GOOD NEWS

15

A PERSONAL REFLECTION

Keep Austin faithful: Living the faith during crisis

By Father Paul-Michael Piega, S.T.L. | Columnist

Earlier this year I was excited and so looking forward to celebrating Holy Week at my first parish assignment –– St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin.

We were planning meticulously for the Triduum, but during the first week of March, our lives changed in an instant.

Suddenly, Lent, Holy Week, the Triduum and Easter season became very different as most of us in the Diocese of Austin were asked to stay at home and public Masses and gatherings were suspended.

I was ordained a priest of the Austin Diocese in 2018. I studied in Rome for six years (five years prior to my ordination and one year after), in the summer of 2019, I was assigned as parochial vicar of St. Albert the Great. I am grateful to have experienced the universal church and to have experienced the politics, culture and events in Italy for those six years. As COVID-19 began to spread, the call to prudent preparation kept coming up in my life in general and particularly in my prayer life.

When Italy was struck hard and basically shut down by the pandemic, I checked on my friends there. As Italian Father Paul-Michael Piega, the associate pastor at St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin, used Legos to re-create many of the scenes found in the readings during Holy Week. Below is the scene he created for Palm Sunday.

(Photo by Father Paul-Michael Piega)

churches closed, my heart sunk knowing that the people of God were unable to receive Jesus, and I also began to realize the U.S. was not far behind.

No one could have expected the sudden fluidity of orders from the state of Texas and the Diocese of Austin, but we as priests knew we had to implement the various restrictions and precautions and ultimately continue to keep the faith with holy docility. Therefore, Father Charlie Garza, the pastor of St. Albert the Great, and I began to discern, pray and think of creative ways to keep our parishioners faithful to God and active in their faith. Many times over the last two months, I have experienced the miraculous faithfulness of our loving God! I firmly believe that if we simply put our trust in God, he will always provide.

The Holy Spirit helped us find many creative ways to help our parishioners: drive-through confessions, livestreamed Masses on our social media platforms, our #fillthepews selfie campaign, check-in with the collars livestream chat, prayer podcasts of the rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, #LegoHolyWeekATX, Zoom talks and our livestream Easter blessings. These are just a few of the ways we are trying to keep Austin faithful with God working through us.

Last year I was blessed with the opportunity to celebrate Holy Week in the Holy Land and relive the sacred liturgy in the holy sites themselves. I walked with Jesus as he entered Jerusalem

from the East; I remained with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on Holy Thursday, stood on Calvary, the Place of the Skull, on Good Friday, and finally experienced the joy of the Easter Vigil in the Holy Sepulcher, the actual tomb where our Lord Jesus Christ conquered death and rose again, just as he promised. What a difference a year makes!

This year Holy Week was quite strange and stupendous at the same time. I never expected my first Holy Week in a parish would be without the people of God in the pews.

On Palm Sunday, we waved our palms and tree branches virtually, welcoming the King of Kings and Lord of Lords into our own mini-Jerusalem and temples, namely our homes, the literal domestic church. Then during the Chrism Mass, my brother priests and I renewed our promises with Bishop Joe Vásquez digitally. Next, we journeyed with Jesus and his disciples on Holy Thursday, washing each other’s feet in our own upper rooms, recognizing we are called to serve God first and then one another, namely our own families.

Afterwards we adored Jesus in the tabernacles throughout the world, watching and waiting with him via livestream. Usually on Good Friday, tabernacles are kept empty as we commemorate the emptiness of life without God, but this year Jesus was still present due to the adjustments made to this year’s Good Friday service. Jesus has persistently remained with us throughout this crisis, I thought as I contemplated the wood of the cross on which our savior died for all of us.

The Easter Vigil marked the end of

Father Paul-Michael Piega works behind the scenes to bring the Mass to parishioners of St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin. (Photo courtesy Father Paul-Michael Piega)

our Lenten journey. Finally, on Easter via livestream we celebrated Christ’s triumphant conquering of death and we proclaimed “Alleluia, Christ is risen.”

In a time where the future is unknown and many of us do not have control over our own lives, we are left to ponder, question and think about the meaning of our life and the true meaning of being a Christian in our world today. For many of us, we are learning to let go of things and release control.

We are learning to put our trust in God who ultimately intends only good for each and every one of us.

Currently we are living in solidarity with the first Christians who did not know their future and did not know that Jesus would rise again and yet, he did. How beautiful it is for all of us to seize this opportunity to grow in greater friendship and intimacy with the One who knew us before we were born and promises hope in the resurrection of our own bodies if we simply say yes to him each and every day. Even now in this crazy time, we must persevere in faith for we are an Easter people and alleluia is our anthem!

Father Paul-Michael Piega currently serves as the associate pastor at St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin. Ordained a diocesan priest in 2018, Father Piega holds a Licentiate in Sacred Theology.

GOOD NEWS

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CATHOLIC SPIRIT

VOCATIONS

Pray for the men discerning at the Borromeo House, Austin

By Father Jonathan Raia | Guest Columnist

One of the best-kept secrets in the Diocese of Austin, in my opinion, is the St. Charles Borromeo House of Discernment. Named for the Counter-Reformation-era archbishop of Milan who pioneered the modern seminary system, the Borromeo House is a house of discernment and formation in Christian holiness operated by the Diocese of Austin. Residents seek to grow in holiness and personal maturity and to support one another in their discernment of their vocation.

The residents pay a modest monthly rent and are expected to be studying and/ or working while living at the house. They pledge themselves to a rule of life that provides a pre-seminary type of environment and includes a daily morning holy hour and Mass, a weekly community night of fellowship and formation, regular spiritual direction, and involvement in a ministry or service of some kind. As a concrete expression of their commitment to discerning a celibate vocation (diocesan or religious), they commit to abstain from dating while living at the house.

The current property, situated just a few blocks north of the UT campus, makes it especially suited to UT students.

This, in fact, was the desire of then-Bishop Gregory Aymond, who dedicated funds from the previous capital campaign to the purchase of the property, which includes two connected houses. The discernment house offers bedrooms for six men along with a kitchen, living space and a chapel. Another house, connected by a bridge, provides ample room for the diocesan Vocation Director as well as Father Kevin Rai, who provides formation as well as spiritual direction to the residents and to other discerners who come to the house once a month for discernment dinners hosted by the Vocation Office.

The men who choose to live at Borromeo fall along a spectrum of vocational discernment. Some simply desire an intentional environment to help them discern their vocation; others are seriously considering applying to seminary/ religious formation and want to take a definitive next step; and others are already hoping to apply for seminary/religious formation and would like to begin transitioning to an environment more conducive to that formation. At times

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Borromeo has also housed international seminarians who are getting to know the diocese and/or studying English.

A good number of these men make the decision to begin application for seminary while they are living in the house.

For some of our younger residents, the house has been their first experience living away from home and a valuable stepping-stone before seminary. And for men who have recently moved to our diocese, it provides me an accelerated way to get to know them and decide if they are suitable for the application process.

Of the 32 residents in the past six years, 15 have entered (or soon will) seminary for our diocese; one has entered for another diocese; and three have entered formation for religious communities.

Of course, the men who leave have also gained valuable experience and formation; I have celebrated two weddings already for a couple of the men from my first year, and they still remember fondly their time in the house and how it helped form them as men and solidified their discernment of the married vocation.

The house also hosts seminarians during the summer, whether doing hospital chaplaincy, working at the diocesan

Father Kevin Rai (right) enjoys breakfast with residents at the St. Charles Borromeo House of Discernment in Austin. Father Rai provides formation and spiritual direction for the residents as they discern their call to the priesthood or another vocation. (Photo by Aaron Hannie)

Pastoral Center, or preparing to enter seminary. The community is a great benefit to the men, and it also gives me a better knowledge of them and their level of human formation.

I routinely get inquiries from other dioceses looking to start houses of discernment. The Borromeo House has been a tremendous help to me in my ministry as Vocation Director and is a valuable gift to those discerning a call to priesthood in our diocese. I am most grateful to Bishop Joe Vásquez for his continued support of the house and for the financial support of the people of the diocese, which enables us to offer this invaluable experience.

Father Jonathan Raia is a diocesan priest who was ordained in 2009.

He serves as the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Austin. He can be reached at (512) 9492405 or fr-jonathan-raia@ austindiocese.org.

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GOOD NEWS

MAY 2020

17

SAINTS FOR OUR TIMES

Sts. Roch and Sebastian, pray for us during this pandemic

By Mary Lou Gibson | Columnist

It was in the latter half of the 14th century that Europe was devastated by a plague that later came to be known as the Black Death. There are many legends and stories of how people were affected by this illness. Roch, also known as Rocco and Rock, was a hermit around whom many of these legends developed.

He was born in Montpellier, France, in about 1350 into a wealthy family. His

father was the governor.

When he was about 20, he lost his parents and soon afterwards gave away his fortune to the poor and handed over to his uncle the government of Montpellier. He set out for Rome dressed as a mendicant pilgrim. When he stopped at Aquapendente, which was stricken by the plague, he devoted himself to the sick. An account in the “Catholic Encyclopedia” states he cured plague-stricken people with the Sign of the Cross.

Everywhere he traveled, the terrible

The Austin Chapter of the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association appreciates the following donors and sponsors of the 12th annual golf tournament at Plum Creek in Kyle. The tournament was the most successful ever and benefited the students from the Austin area that attend St. Mary’s University. The chapter is grateful to the following supporters of the 2019 tournament. $1000+: Sponsors, Merchandise Donors Southwest Chiropractic, Dr. David Alvarado Waterstone Mortgage $500+: Hole Sponsors, Cash, Merchandise Donors Carabba’s Italian Grill Tristan Castenada, BA Class of 1985, MPIA Class of 1988 $200+: Hole Sponsors, Cash, Merchandise Donors Austin Shoe Hospital Capitol Wright Distribution St. Catherine of Sienna Knights of Columbus Council 8156 Cobblestone Shoe Hospital, San Antonio Crossroads BBQ, San Antonio Jorge Herrera, Frank Herrera Law Offices Nelson Leland Amy Lefkowitz, Attorney at Law, School of Law 2011 Pat Murray, Class of 1984 Gina Panatex, In Memory of Robert G. Pacheco, Class of 1964 Laura Rodriguez, Class of 1990 Gene Sekula, Class of 1971 Smoky Mo’s BBQ, Parmer @ McNeil Rd. St. Mary’s University Office of Alumni Relations

Merchandise and Cash Donations: Alamo Draught House Best Western Plus Bill Miller Barbecue Ed Boyle, Class of 1971 Brown Distributing Carraba’s Italian Grill Circle Brewery John Figuero, Class of 2004 Forest Creek Golf Club Grey Rock Golf and Tennis Club Hyatt Regency, Hill Country Golf Club Plum Creek Golf Course Last Stand Brewery Mel’s Lone Star Lanes, Georgetown North by Northwest Restaurant and Brewery Onion Creek Golf Club Panera Bread Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union Round Rock Express Rodney Ruiz, School of Law 2001 Sam’s Boat Starbucks, Kyle, Texas Steve Radacinski, Class of 1970 Taco Cabana, Kyle, Texas Threadgill’s Twin Liquors 24-Hour Fitness Hole in One Sponsor: Golf Ranch, Georgetown

Due to the uncertainty of the pandemic and its health and economic impact on participants and supporters, the 2020 golf tournament has been canceled. The Austin chapter appreciates the many alumni, friends, and supporters who have helped out through the years. We look forward to seeing you in June 2021!

scourge disappeared before his miraculous power.

Editor Michael Walsh writes in “Butler’s Lives of Patron Saints” that it was at Piacenza that Roch became infected. He did not wish to be a burden on any hospital, so he dragged himself into the woods to die.

Legend says he was miraculously fed there by a dog who kept taking bread off his master’s table and running away with it. The master became curious as to Sts. Roch (eft) and Sebastian are often invoked to stop the spread of plagues. (Photos courtesy catholic.org) where the dog went, so he followed the animal, found Roch and looked after him.

Roch was a little over 30 when he imprisoned for refusing to make public returned to his native country. Omer sacrifices to the Roman gods.

Englebert writes in “Lives of the Saints” Sebastian was a secret Christian and that his sufferings had disfigured him shared his faith in Jesus’ teachings with so much that his surviving uncle did not those he met. He encouraged Marcus recognize him. Some biographers state and Marcellian to remain firm in their he was taken for a spy in the disguise of faith. Tom Cowan writes in “The Way a pilgrim and imprisoned for five years of the Saints” that Sebastian converted by order of his uncle, the governor. many but eventually was discovered by After he died in prison, he was idenRoman authorities. He was captured tified as the former governor’s son by and sentenced to be executed by Roman a birth mark in the form of a cross on archers. his chest and a document found in his Diocletian ordered Sebastian to be possession. In “The Book of Saints” killed by having him tied to a stake on a editor Dom Basil Watkins writes that training field and used as target practice, this account of his death is alleged and according to www.catholic.org. Archers probably not true. riddled his body with arrows and he was David Farmer writing in “The Oxford left for dead. A holy woman discovered Dictionary of Saints” cites another him still living and nursed him back to tradition that Roch died at Angleria in health.

Lombardy where he had been imprisSebastian later confronted Diocletian oned as a suspect spy. Numerous miraand rebuked him for his persecution cles were claimed there at his tomb. of Christians. The surprised emperor The “Catholic Encyclopedia” reports ordered Sebastian to be beaten to death. it was during the Council of Constance Richard McBrien writes in “Lives of the in 1414 that a plague broke out in that Saints” that he was buried on the Appicity and the Fathers of the Council an Way close to the site of where a baordered public prayers and processions silica was erected in his honor, possibly in honor of St. Roch. Immediately the by emperor Constantine. He is appealed plague ceased. to as protection against plague.

St. Roch’s intercession was again inCatholic.org states Sebastian defendvoked when a plague struck Germany in ed the city of Rome against the plague the 15th century. St. Roch is invoked in in 680. His association with the plague is all countries against contagious diseases thought to be because he survived being of men and animals, Englebert wrote. shot full of arrows. In pagan belief, His feast day is Aug. 17. pestilence was delivered by arrows shot Sebastian was a professional soldier by the gods above. His feast day is Jan. who served as captain in the Praetorian 20 in the West.

Guard in Rome to protect Emperor Diocletian in about 283. He was born at Narbonne in Gaul, though his parents Mary Lou Gibson is a freelance writer had come from Milan. While serving and a member of St. Austin Parish in as a guard, Sebastian met twin brothAustin. ers, Marcus and Marcellian, who were

GOOD NEWS

18

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

SPECIAL COLLECTION

Retired Clergy and Religious The special collection for Retired Clergy and Religious was taken up Dec. 7-8. The collection supports priests and religious sisters and brothers who have retired. For more information, visit www.retiredreligious.org. To report an error, contact the diocesan Finance Office at (512) 949-2423.

PARISH TOTALS

PARISH TOTALS

PARISH TOTALS

PARISH TOTALS

AUSTIN CENTRAL DEANERY Austin, Holy Cross Austin, Our Lady of Guadalupe Austin, Sacred Heart Austin, San Jose Austin, Santa Barbara Austin, St. Austin Austin, St. Ignatius Austin, St. Julia Austin, St. Mary Cathedral Austin Central Deanery Total AUSTIN NORTH DEANERY Austin, Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Austin, St. Albert the Great Austin, St. Louis Austin, St. Theresa Austin, St. Thomas More Austin, St. Vincent de Paul Cedar Park, St. Margaret Mary Lago Vista, Our Lady of the Lake Austin North Deanery Total AUSTIN SOUTH DEANERY Austin, Dolores Austin, St. Andrew Kim Austin, St. Catherine of Siena Austin, St. John Neumann Austin, St. Paul Austin, St. Peter the Apostle Lakeway, Emmaus Austin South Deanery Total BASTROP/LOCKHART DEANERY Bastrop, Ascension Elgin, Sacred Heart Lockhart, St. Mary of the Visitation Luling, St. John Rockne, Sacred Heart

Smithville, St. Paul $1,462.00 String Prairie, Assumption $241.00 Uhland, St.Michael $604.31 Bastrop/Lockhart Deanery Total $10,311.27 BRENHAM/LA GRANGE DEANERY Brenham, St. Mary $1,749.00 Chappell Hill, St. Stanislaus $402.00 Dime Box, St. Joseph $467.50 Ellinger/Hostyn Hill, St. Mary $984.00 Fayetteville, St. John $1,507.00 Giddings, St. Margaret $279.00 La Grange, Sacred Heart $1,625.00 Lexington, Holy Family $345.00 Old Washington on the Brazos, St. Mary $58.00 Pin Oak, St. Mary $99.00 Rockdale, St. Joseph $835.00 Somerville, St. Ann $350.00 Brenham/La Grange Deanery Total $8,700.50 BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION DEANERY Bremond, St. Mary $725.00 Bryan, Santa Teresa $2,077.00 Bryan, St. Anthony $1,768.96 Bryan, St. Joseph $1,295.00 Caldwell, St. Mary $1,513.76 College Station, St. Mary $1,704.00 College Station, St. Thomas Aquinas $6,972.87 Franklin, St. Francis of Assisi $598.00 Frenstat, Holy Rosary $898.00 Hearne, St. Mary $856.00 Bryan/College Station Deanery Total $18,408.59 GEORGETOWN/ROUND ROCK DEANERY Andice, Santa Rosa $4,371.01 Corn Hill, Holy Trinity $2,818.50 Georgetown, St. Helen $7,858.00 Granger, Sts. Cyril and Methodius $1,312.00 Hutto, St. Patrick $2,425.70

Manor, St. Joseph $779.00 Pflugerville, St. Elizabeth $4,239.00 Round Rock, St. John Vianney $3,652.05 Round Rock, St. William $12,522.00 Taylor, Our Lady of Guadalupe $670.15 Taylor, St. Mary of the Assumption $2,443.65 Georgetown/Round Rock Deanery $43,091.06 KILLEEN/TEMPLE DEANERY Belton, Christ the King $2,404.58 Burlington, St. Michael $181.00 Cameron, St. Monica $325.00 Copperas Cove, Holy Family $4,444.08 Cyclone, St. Joseph $1,055.00 Harker Heights, St. Paul Chong Hasang $5,364.89 Killeen, St. Joseph $4,247.18 Marak, Sts. Cyril and Methodius $353.00 Rogers, St. Matthew $438.00 Rosebud, St. Ann $899.25 Salado, St. Stephen $478.00 Temple, Our Lady of Guadalupe $3,183.72 Temple, St. Luke $2,688.00 Temple, St. Mary $2,547.66 Westphalia, Visitation $485.00 Killeen/Temple Deanery Total $29,094.36 LAMPASAS/MARBLE FALLS DEANERY Burnet, Our Mother of Sorrows $1,011.00 Goldthwaite, St. Peter $195.00 Horseshoe Bay, St. Paul the Apostle $1,391.00 Kingsland, St. Charles Borromeo $909.00 Lampasas, St. Mary $732.51 Llano, Holy Trinity $660.77 Lometa, Good Shepherd $250.00 Marble Falls, St. John $1,406.95 Mason, St. Joseph $317.78 San Saba, St. Mary $419.00 Sunrise Beach, Our Lady of the Lake $212.50 Lampasas/Marble Falls Deanery Total $7,505.51

SAN MARCOS DEANERY Blanco, St. Ferdinand Buda, Santa Cruz Dripping Springs, St. Martin de Porres Johnson City, Good Shepherd Kyle, St. Anthony Marie de Claret San Marcos, St. John San Marcos,Our Lady of Wisdom Wimberley, St. Mary San Marcos Deanery Total WACO DEANERY China Spring, St. Phillip Elk, St. Joseph Gatesville, Our Lady of Lourdes Hamilton, St. Thomas Lott, Sacred Heart Marlin, St. Joseph McGregor, St. Eugene Mexia, St. Mary Moody, Our Lady of San Juan Tours, St. Martin Waco (Bellmead), St. Joseph Waco (Hewitt), St. Jerome Waco, Sacred Heart Waco, St. Francis on the Brazos Waco, St. John the Baptist Waco, St. Louis Waco, St. Mary of the Assumption Waco, St. Peter Catholic Center West, Church of the Assumption Waco Deanery Total

$700.00 $832.65 $2,969.00 $954.00 $1,089.90 $4,401.70 $4,310.53 $311.60 $3,671.38 $19,240.76 $5,068.00 $1,464.00 $3,461.75 $7,449.43 $12,262.93 $6,143.07 $6,388.75 $1,790.00 $44,027.93 $1,182.00 $148.00 $10,104.99 $7,787.96 $3,748.57 $2,137.00 $3,676.26 $28,784.78 $2,332.03 $1,196.76 $1,877.36 $716.41 $1,881.40

$1,006.50 $3,322.59 $4,064.89 $378.25 $3,124.17 $1,722.00 $1,025.85 $2,214.40 $16,858.65 $532.00 $266.00 $624.68 $222.00 $188.00 $141.00 $453.57 $557.38 $157.00 $899.65 $865.34 $5,648.98 $1,165.17 $1,096.00 $672.70 $4,137.40 $1,423.83 $380.00 $2,627.00 $22,057.70

Miscellaneous $700.00

GRAND TOTAL

$248,781.11

EIM WORKSHOP

EIM Policies require all clergy, religious, seminarians, employees and adult volunteers serving in a ministry requiring EIM compliance to submit an EIM Application for Ministry (one-time only) and attend an EIM Workshop at least once every three years. No new EIM Applications are being accepted/submitted during this time of COVID-19 and all in-person EIM Workshops have been postponed. However, the EIM Office has created a Temporary Online EIM Training to fulfill the compliance requirement for those who already have an EIM account and are due or past due to attend an EIM Workshop. Go to www.austindiocese.org/workshop to complete the temporary online EIM training. For more information, call (512) 949-2447.

HAVE YOU, OR HAS SOMEONE YOU KNOW, EXPERIENCED ABUSE?

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez and the Diocese of Austin are committed to providing compassionate care to persons who have experienced abuse, particularly if committed by clergy or a church representative. If you have or if someone you know has experienced such abuse, contact the diocesan Coordinator of Victim Assistance and Pastoral Support at ileana-hinojosa@austindioce. org or (512) 949-2400.

REPORT ABUSE

Report abuse of a minor, elderly adult or an adult with a disability to local law enforcement or to the Texas Abuse Hotline at www.txabusehotline.org or (800) 252-5400 and to the diocese at www.austindiocese.org/report-abuse or (512) 949-2447.

REPORT UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR

Report unethical behavior by a person serving in ministry to the diocese at www.austindiocese.org/other-concerns or (512) 949-2447.

TALLER DE EIM

Las políticas de EIM requieren que todos los miembros del clero, seminaristas, empleados y adultos voluntarios sirviendo en un ministerio que requiera el cumplimiento con EIM, entreguen una Aplicación de EIM para el Ministerio (una sola vez) y asistan a un Taller de EIM al menos una vez cada tres años. No se están aceptando/entregando nuevas Aplicaciones de EIM durante este tiempo de COVID-19 y todos los Talleres de EIM en persona han sido pospuestos. Sin embargo, la Oficina de EIM ha creado un Entrenamiento Temporal de EIM en Línea para cumplir con los requerimientos de cumplimiento para aquellos que ya tienen una cuenta de EIM y les ha llegado la fecha, o ya se ha pasado la fecha en que deberían de atender un Taller de EIM. Vaya a www.austindiocese.org/workshop para completar el entrenamiento temporal de EIM en línea. Para mayor información, llame al (512) 949-2447.

¿Ha usted, o alguien que usted conoce, experimentado abuso?

El Obispo José Vásquez y la Diócesis de Austin están comprometidos a proveer de cuidado compasivo a personas que hayan experimentado abuso, particularmente si éste fue cometido por clero o un representante de la iglesia. Si usted, o alguien que usted conocer ha experimentado dicho abuso, contacte a la Coordinadora diocesana de Asistencia a las Víctimas y Apoyo Pastoral, escribiendo a ileana-hinojosa@austindioce.org o llame al (512) 949-2400.

REPORTE EL ABUSO

Reporte el abuso de un menor, un adulto mayor o un adulto con una discapacidad a las autoridades locales del cumplimiento de la ley o a la Línea Directa del Abuso de Texas en www. txabusehotline.org o llamando al (800) 252-5400 y a la diócesis de Austin en www.austindiocese.org/report-abuse o llamando al (512) 949-2447.

REPORTE COMPORTAMIENTO NO ÉTICO

Reporte comportamiento no ético por parte de una paersona sirviendo en ministerio a la diócesis en www.austindiocese.org/other-concerns o llamando al (512) 949-2447.

ESPAÑOL

MAY 2020

19

ENTREVISTA AL SEÑOR OBISPO

Cristo está con nosotros en nuestro aislamiento y en nuestras luchas El Obispo José S. Vásquez es el quinto obispo de la Diócesis de Austin, que es el hogar de más de 610,000 Católicos.

Editora: Señor obispo, mientras continuamos atravesando esta temporada de Pascua, también continuamos experimentando la pandemia del COVID-19. Muchos de nosotros estamos luchando mientras nos refugiamos en donde estamos ¿Cuáles son algunas maneras en las que podemos mantener nuestra esperanza durante este tiempo?

Obispo Vásquez: El domingo de Pascua y la temporada de Pascua son el pináculo del año litúrgico, y desafortunadamente, este año nuestra celebración de la Pascua ha sido retada por el COVID-19.

Nuestras iglesias han estado vacías por semanas, y la mayoría de nosotros ha estado en casa por un buen rato ¿Cómo mantenemos nuestra fe? Lo hacemos poniendo nuestra esperanza y aspiraciones en Jesucristo, nuestro Señor resucitado. No debemos de quitar nuestra vista del Señor.

Recuerden el bello ejemplo de la Escritura de Jesús caminando sobre el agua hacia sus discípulos que están en un bote en medio de una tormenta. Ellos están asustados por la tormenta. Pedro dice a Jesús, “Señor, si eres tú, manda que yo vaya a ti sobre las aguas”. Jesús lo hace así, y Pedro comienza a caminar sobre las aguas. Mientras que mantiene sus hijos fijos en el Señor, es capaz de hacer esto que parece imposible. Pero cuando se enfoca en el viento, las olas y la tormenta a su alrededor, Pedro literalmente comienza a hundirse. Finalmente, grita, “Señor, sálvame”. Y Jesús lo toma por el brazo, lo jala y ambos entran al bote. Jesús dice, “¡Hombre de poca fe, ¿por qué dudaste?”

En estos tiempos inciertos, es fácil quitar nuestra vista del Señor y distraernos con otras cosas. Sin embargo, ahora más que nunca, estamos llamados a voltear hacia Jesús, a confiar en su bondad y misericordia. Necesitamos el mensaje de Pascua de esperanza y gozo probablemente más ahora que en ningún otro momento de nuestra historia reciente. Necesitamos escuchar sobre esos maravillosos encuentros con el Señor resucitado tal como se apareció a los discípulos, cómo Él nutrió su fe, cómo calmó sus miedos.

Jesús triunfó sobre el pecado y la muerte. Él resucitó de la muerte. Él resu-

citó no para Él mismo, sino por nosotros.

Como Cristianos, esperamos con ansias el día en el que también resucitaremos en la gloria con todos los santos y estaremos con nuestro Señor para siempre.

Editora: Para aquellos que están sufriendo desesperación, ansiedad o soledad ¿Cómo confiamos en el Señor?

Obispo Vásquez: Si existe una persona hacia la cual voltear, es nuestra Santísima Madre María. Ella estuvo ahí a lo largo de la pasión de nuestro Señor, ahí, al pie de la cruz mientras que Él moría, ahí para recibir el cuerpo de Jesús cuando fue bajado de la cruz y ayudó a ponerlo en la tumba. Ella entiende la desesperación, el sufrimiento, el dolor y las heridas. María

publicada, la Misa habrá sido suspendida ya por casi dos meses. Con suerte, pronto podremos celebrar Misa ¿Cómo nos preparamos para recibir a Jesús otra vez?

Obispo Vásquez: Sé que nuestra gente está lista para volver a Misa. Cuando suspendí la celebración pública de la Misa en marzo, mi corazón estaba muy triste. Traté de mantener nuestras iglesias abiertas y los servicios disponibles para nuestra gente hasta el último momento posible. La celebración de la Eucaristía nos une con Cristo y nos mantiene unidos como una iglesia. La Misa celebra el acto total de sacrificio de Jesucristo, y un acto de redención y salvación para todo el

Mucha de nuestra gente me ha expresado un hambre profunda, apreciación y devoción por nuestro Señor en la Eucaristía y por reconectar con el Cuerpo de Cristo, la gente de Dios.

Creo que esta hambre es una bendición por que viene de Dios.

Espero con ansia el día en que nos reunamos con nuestra familia y amigos alrededor del altar de Dios y demos gracias por el maravilloso regalo de la Santa Eucaristía. madre nos consuela y conforta de una manera especial. Ella nos dice que no estamos solos. Y a través de sus oraciones, nos acerca a su hijo, Jesucristo.

He hablado con algunos profesionales de la salud mental, y ellos me han compartido algunas maneras muy prácticas con las que podemos conquistar la desesperanza, la ansiedad y la tristeza.

Podemos limitar nuestra exposición a las noticias – no verlas todo el día. Podemos asegurarnos de que estamos comiendo, durmiendo y ejercitándonos regularmente.

No debemos tratar de entumecer emociones con comida o alcohol u otras distracciones. Podemos conectar con otros vía telefónica, medios sociales, correo electrónico o cartas escritas a mano – hablar con ellos, ponernos al corriente, orar con ellos.

Podemos también orar por otros y dar gracias a Dios por cada uno de los miembros de nuestra familia. Cada día podemos escoger a una persona por la cual orar a lo largo del día, pidiendo a Dios que la cuide y bendiga abundantemente.

Finalmente, podemos buscar ayuda si nos encontramos profundamente desesperados. Los terapeutas pueden ofrecer ayuda vía tele-terapia o podemos llamar a nuestra parroquia y pedir hablar con un sacerdote o diácono. Aunque no podamos estar físicamente juntos, hay maneras en las que podemos ayudarnos.

Editora: Cuando esta entrevista sea

mundo. La pasión de Jesús, su muerte y resurrección son celebradas en cada Misa, lo que nos da esperanza y vida.

Como el Cuerpo de Cristo, la Misa nos une. Mucha de nuestra gente me ha expresado un hambre profunda, apreciación y devoción por nuestro Señor en la Eucaristía y por reconectar con el Cuerpo de Cristo, la gente de Dios. Creo que esta hambre es una bendición por que viene de Dios. Espero con ansia el día en que nos reunamos con nuestra familia y amigos alrededor del altar de Dios y demos gracias por el maravilloso regalo de la Santa Eucaristía.

Mientras hemos estado lejos de la Misa, muchos han llenado sus ansias por Cristo con la comunión espiritual. Sabemos que esto no es ideal, pero esto no significa que la gracia y el amor de Dios no nos están alcanzando y derramándose en nuestros corazones incluso ahora en medio de nuestro sufrimiento, dolor, aislamiento y separación. El Señor está trabajando en nuestras vida ¿Preferiríamos estar alrededor del altar de Dios? ¡Por supuesto! ¿Preferiríamos estar celebrando los sacramentos? ¡Por supuesto! Somos gente sacramental, pero eso no significa que nos entreguemos a la desesperanza.

Editora: Cientos de personas en nuestra diócesis estaban planeando entrar a la iglesia en la Pascua ¿Cuándo serán bienvenidos?

Obispo Vásquez: Dar la bienvenida

a nuestros catecúmenos este año llevará algo de tiempo por que sabemos que el virus no está afectando a nuestra diócesis de la misma manera. Algunos condados y ciudades podrán normalizarse más rápidamente que otros dependiendo de cuántos estén infectados por el COVID-19. Sin embargo, Tengo la esperanza de que podremos pronto celebrar los sacramentos Pascuales en todas nuestras parroquias.

Queremos tener en mente particularmente a los electos que han estado esperando y deseando convertirse en parte de la Iglesia Católica. También tenemos en mente a los electos que han estado esperando tener una comunión completa en la iglesia. Debemos seguir animándolos, orando por ellos y apoyándolos; sabemos que eventualmente estarán completamente unidos a nosotros.

De muchas maneras, ellos ya están unidos a nosotros de una manera espiritual, que es una hermosa manera.

Aunque nuestra diócesis consiste de 127 parroquias, somos un solo cuerpo de Cristo. Estamos unidos como una diócesis; por lo tanto, tenemos en mente el cuidado de todas las partes de la diócesis.

Si una parroquia en particular sufre, todos sufrimos. Cuando una parte particular de la diócesis se regocija, todos nos regocijamos. Necesitamos buscar cómo fortalecernos unos a otros y cómo apoyarnos unos a otros durante este tiempo. Puede que necesitemos compartir recursos; puede que necesitemos pedir ayuda.

Aunque no podamos asistir a Misa, debemos recordar dar el diezmo. Todo lo que tenemos es un regalo de Dios Todopoderoso. Como protectores de esos dones, estamos llamados a regresar una porción de nuestro tiempo, talento y tesoro en gratitud por el gran botín de Dios. Por favor continúen dando a su parroquia y cuando la vida se normalice otra vez, ofrezcan su tiempo y talentos más que nunca antes.

Editora: ¿Cuál es su oración por nuestra nación mientras nos recuperamos de los devastadores efectos de esta pandemia?

Obispo Vásquez: Oro que como nación, nuestra fe en Dios despierte de nuevo y sea renovada. Por que miremos a Dios como una fuente de todo lo bueno.

No estamos solos o abandonados. El Cristo Resucitado nos guiará a través de esta noche oscura y de esta terrible tormenta. Oro por que veamos la luz clara de la esperanza y la renovación de la vida que Cristo comparte con todos nosotros. ¡Aleluya, Cristo ha resucitado! ¡Regocijémonos!

ESPAÑOL

20

CATHOLIC SPIRIT

La pandemia causa a parroquias grandes pérdidas en donaciones de ofertorio Por Darci Swisher | Corresponsal

Con las Misas públicas suspendidas a lo largo de la Diócesis de Austin, muchas parroquias están experimentando una falta de fondos en un momento en el que la demanda de ministerios es alta.

“Con las bancas temporalmente vacías, estamos viendo una baja significativa en contribuciones a la colectas del ofertorio del domingo,” dijo Scott Whitaker, director diocesano de Corresponsabilidad y Desarrollo.

“Nuestras casas espirituales tienen muchos de los mismos gastos que tenemos en nuestras propias casas, tales como hipotecas, seguro y el pago de utilidades, junto con los gastos asociados a los ministerios esenciales y el alcance a la comunidad, y salarios de pastores y miembros del personal,” dijo Whitaker.

Durante la pandemia COVID-19, los pastores y ministros están trabajando duro para cubrir las necesidades espirituales de sus comunidades. Muchas están –– en el camino -- explorando, aprendiendo e instituyendo nuevas e innovadoras maneras de alcanzar a parroquianos mientras que practican el distanciamiento social.

Muchas parroquias están ofreciendo transmisiones en vivo de Misas y servicios de oración, y están continuando los ministerios en línea, tales como estudios bíblicos, educación religiosa y preparación para la Confirmación. Esto puede que requiera la compra de nueva tecnología, subscripción a software y otros materiales.

Los pastores también se están reuniendo con parroquianos en persona cuando es apropiado asegurando que sus parroquias estén proveyendo de servicios a los pobres a través de la Society of St. Vincent de Paul y Catholic Charities of Central Texas.

Los corresponsables Cristianos estamos llamados a apoyar a la iglesia con nuestro tiempo y recursos. Whitaker animó a los parroquianos que confían en los sobres tradicionales del ofertorio a considerar enviar por correo sus contribuciones semanales a la parroquia o cambiar a dar en línea durante este tiempo. El dar electrónicamente ha ganado popularidad durante los últimos años entre parroquianos. Contribuciones programadas especialmente, proveen a las parroquias de una fuente de ingreso del que pueden depender.

Whitaker dijo.

“Aunque la gente joven es considerada más apta para dar en línea, gente de todas las edades me han dicho que

disfrutan los beneficios de dar en línea,” dijo. “No solo las parroquias reciben sus contribuciones durante esos domingos cuando ellos no están en la ciudad o no pueden asistir a Misa, sino que también pueden hacer fácilmente un presupuesto sobre sus donaciones”.

Más de 80 por ciento de las 127 parroquias de la diócesis y misiones están organizadas para aceptar donaciones en línea.

Para aquellas que no tienen sitios

web u opciones para donar electrónicas, la diócesis está ahora aceptando donaciones en línea en su nombre. Estas donaciones pueden hacerse en www.austiondiocese.org/donate.

Además, el sobre adjunto en esta edición del Catholic Spirit puede ser usado para apoyar cualquier parroquia.

Las donaciones hechas en línea o con el sobre irán directamente a la parroquia elegida, tal como cualquier sobre puesto

en la canasta de la colecta, y todas las donaciones son grandemente apreciadas, dijo Whitaker.

“En tiempos de crisis, es natural que la gente voltee hacia Cristo y su iglesia,” dijo Whitaker. “Contribuciones generosas aseguran que nuestras parroquias estén ahí para ellos. Siempre”.

Una lista completa de las parroquias, con sus direcciones y sitios web, puede encontrarse en las páginas 5 y 6.

Carta a los fieles de parte del Obispo Vásquez Diócesis de Austin

Oficina de el Obispo

6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB · Austin, TX 78723-1025 (512) 949-2415 · www.austindiocese.org

Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas en Cristo: Han pasado varias semanas desde la última vez que nos reunimos con nuestras familias de fe en nuestras parroquias y escuelas. Para muchos de nosotros, la tristeza que acompaña a la suspensión de las Misas públicas culminó el domingo de Pascua cuando celebramos la Resurrección de Cristo lejos de nuestros hogares espirituales.

Aunque podemos sentirnos solos durante estos tiempos inciertos, realmente nunca estamos solos.

Les aseguro que Cristo siempre está con nosotros en nuestra jornada durante estos días difíciles y oscuros.

El distanciamiento social no significa que tengamos que distanciarnos espiritualmente el uno del otro. Mis hermanos sacerdotes y yo los mantenemos en nuestras oraciones y hacemos todo lo posible para mantenernos conectados con ustedes a través de Misas trasmitidas en vivo y ministerios en línea.

Por favor celebren con nosotros y oren por nosotros. Todos estamos haciendo sacrificios para mitigar los efectos de COVID-19 en nuestras comunidades.

Hermanos y hermanas, muchos de nosotros nos sentimos ansiosos y vulnerables. La enseñanza de Cristo nos recuerda que debemos cuidarnos unos a otros, “…cuando lo hicieron con alguno de los más pequeños de estos mis hermanos [y hermanas], me lo hicieron a mí” (Mt 25:40).

Quiero agradecer a aquellos de ustedes que continúan apoyando a su parroquia con contribuciones a las colectas semanales a través de donaciones en línea u otros medios. Nuestras iglesias están vacías, pero las obligaciones financieras siguen. Nuestra generosidad financiera, aún en estas circunstancias difíciles, asegura que nuestros sacerdotes y parroquias puedan continuar proporcionando ministerios y programas esenciales para satisfacer nuestras necesidades espirituales. Únanse a mí para orar por la gracia y la misericordia de Dios para los fieles en nuestra diócesis y en todo el mundo. Que Dios nos bendiga a todos.

En Cristo,

Monseñor José S. Vásquez Obispo de Austin

MAY 2020

ESPAÑOL

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Cuidando la salud mental y espiritual durante una pandemia Por Enedelia J. Obregón | Corresponsal

COVID-19 ha llevado al cierre de las casas de culto y ha aislado a familias en su casa por su propia seguridad.

El aislamiento puede afectar la salud mental. Como el Mes de la Concientización de la Salud Mental es observado en mayo, la sociedad ha comenzado a reconocer la importancia del bienestar mental durante esta pandemia, dijo Renee Brown, terapeuta profesional con licencia y supervisora clínica en Catholic Charities of Central Texas.

“Típicamente, cuando la gente siente que está en crisis, la salud mental es puesta a un lado,” dijo Brown. “Necesita ponerse al frente. Necesita ser una de las primeras cosas de las que hablemos.

Una buena salud mental nos sostiene durante un tiempo retador”.

La clave para mantener la salud mental es identificar los cambios negativos en nuestras vidas diarias tales como dormir o comer demasiado, o demasiado poco.

No es necesario tomar alcohol durante las horas felices virtuales que se han vuelto tan populares, dijo.

“Incrementar nuestra toma de alcohol o de fumar son indicadores de estrés,” dijo Brown. “Nos estamos sintiendo aislados, confundidos y emocionalmente bajos o cansados, incluso agitados”.

Ella recomienda tomar descansos

cuando se trabaje desde casa y pasar tiempo leyendo, escuchando música, meditando u orando. Además, dormir lo suficiente, comer saludablemente y ejercitarse regularmente, dijo.

Los expertos también recomiendan no mirar o escuchar las noticias todo el día, en lugar de eso, sintonizar las noticias 30 minutos en la mañana y 30

de mantener rutinas: Que se levanten a la hora regular, se bañen, hagan trabajo escolar y coman en su horario regular.

Muchas familias también tienen padres o abuelos que no pueden ver en persona durante este tiempo.

Manténganse en contacto — y que los niños se involucren — llamándoles por Skype o FaceTime. Escriban cartas

“Típicamente, cuando la gente siente que está en crisis, la salud mental es puesta a un lado. Necesita ponerse al frente. Necesita ser una de las primeras cosas de las que hablemos. Una buena salud mental nos sostiene durante un tiempo retador”.

–– Renee Brown, terapeuta profesional con licencia y supervisora clínica en Catholic Charities of Central Texas minutos en la noche.

Los niños y adolescentes también reaccionarán al estrés de no poder estar con amigos y quedarse en casa.

También puede que batallen con la escuela en casa.

“Los niños más jóvenes serán más impactados,” dijo Brown. “Llorarán con facilidad y tal vez vuelvan a mojar la cama. Están asustados”.

Si los padres están ansiosos, los niños lo sentirán, dijo.

“Muchos niños se alimentan de esa energía,” dijo Brown. “Es importante recordarles que están a salvo. Necesitan que se les asegure mucho”.

Ella puso énfasis en la importancia

Recursos para aquellos que están luchando • CCCTX está disponible para ofrecer servicios en una escala de tarifa movible. Los servicios incluyen tele-terapia, ayuda para la estabilización financiera, servicios legales de inmigración, ayuda para familias esperando un bebé o que tienen un niño de edad recién nacido a 36 meses, ayuda para veteranos y asistencia para desastres para aquellos afectados por los desastres naturales.

• Terapeutas de CCCTX están disponibles llamado al (512) 6516150 o al (281) 954-4326, o visite www.ccctx.org/counselingservices.html.

• Aquellos experimentando violencia doméstica, deben llamar a la línea Directa de Violencia Doméstica Nacional al 1-800-779-SAFE (7233) o al 9-1-1.

• Para obtener recursos de salud mental, llame a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness por sus siglas en inglés), la Alianza Nacional de la Enfermedad Mental, en Central Texas al (512) 4209810 o a NAMI Brazos Valley at 1-800-273-8255.

• Los Servicios de Salud y Humanos de Texas han establecido la línea de apoyo de la Salud Mental del COVID-19, totalmente gratuita en el 833-986-1919. Llame para obtener ayuda de un profesional de la salud mental sobre cómo lidiar con el estrés y otras emociones que se presenten durante la pandemia.

e incluyan dibujos de los niños para alegrar a personas mayores que también se están sintiendo aisladas, dijo.

Brown animó a aquellos que regularmente ven a un consejero o terapista a seguir haciéndolo. La terapia puede llevarse a cabo por teléfono u otro medio. La Telemedicina está cubierta por las leyes de HIPPA (de privacidad). También es importante para aquellos lidiando con enfermedades mentales continuar tomando sus medicamentos.

La separación física o el distanciamiento social no significa el final de la vida espiritual de uno, dijo Brown.

“Necesitamos asegurarnos de que nuestra fe reine en nuestros corazones y emociones — no el miedo,” dijo Brown.

“Es importante no aislarnos a nosotros mismos del Cuerpo de Cristo”.

Ella animó a la gente a atender la Misa dominical y la Misa diaria vía medios sociales, televisión, radio y/o en línea, ver el cuadro en la página 6.

Muchos grupos parroquiales también se están reuniendo en línea. Si usted es parte de un grupo que no tiene una presencia en línea, entonces cree uno, dijo Brown.

Ahora también es un buen momento para ponerse al día en la lectura de libros Católicos y publicaciones periódicas que se pueden haber acumulado durante los momentos ocupados de la vida. Un poco de medios sociales es también útil, pero no demasiado, dijo.

Brown comenzó a seguir al Papa Francisco en Twitter recientemente.

“Eso puede ser una manera muy positiva de oración,” dijo. Ella encontró un gran consuelo en esta cita reciente del Papa Francisco, “Frente a las difi-

cultades de la vida, pidamos al Señor la fuerza para permanecer siendo testigos gozosos de nuestra fe”.

Brown también notó que las tradiciones de orar el rosario o la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia son buenas para aquellos que batallan con permanecer enfocados.

“Dios tiene poder ilimitado,” dijo. “Él permanece fiel”.

Servir a otros es otra manera importante de practicar nuestra fe.

“Puede ofrecer enseñar clases en línea u orar por otros,” dijo. “Podemos enfocarnos en practicar la compasión.

Llamar o escribir cartas a los padres u a otros que no puedan salir de casa.

Ellos siempre fueron los fuertes, pero ahora necesitan nuestro apoyo. Ofrezca comprar abarrotes para aquellos que no pueden salir”.

Brown notó recientemente que uno de sus irises floreció, así que tomó una foto y la compartió.

“Resguardarse en donde está no significa que siempre tiene que estar adentro,” dijo. “Pueden caminar – nada más permanezcan a seis pies de los demás. Pueden experimentar gozo sólo con salir a su patio”.

Tristemente, el abuso infantil y doméstico se elevó durante febrero y marzo, de acuerdo a los reportes nacionales. Aquellos experimentando abuso deben llamar al 9-1-1. Albergues de emergencia para víctimas de abuso están abiertos y listos para ayudar. Brown animó a la gente a que tenga un plan de seguridad antes de que ocurra el abuso.

Empaque una bolsa de emergencia y tenga los certificados de nacimiento de los niños y las tarjetas de Seguro Social listas y disponibles.

Brown dijo que es importante buscar comunidad en este momento y ayudar a construir comunidad. “Necesitamos recordar que no estamos solos,” dijo.

Catholic Charities recibió $1.6 millones del Fondo RISE (Alivio en un Estado de Emergencia) de la Ciudad de Austin. Esta financiación está disponible para los residentes del condado de Austin/Travis que se ven afectados por COVID-19 y no son elegibles para recibir asistencia de la Ley CARES. Para información, visite www.ccctx.org/rise-fund.html.

Tagline Available in Multiple Languages ESPAÑOL

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CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Papa pide ‘contagio’ de la esperanza de Pascua, paz, cuidado de los pobres de peregrinos de todo el mundo que llenan la Plaza de San Pedro.

En cambio, un cardenal, Angelo Chinese Traditional Chinese Simplified Arabic En una celebración de Pascua como Comastri, arcipreste de la basílica ninguna otra, el Papa Francisco rezó de San Pedro, y una docena de por que Cristo, “que ya venció la fieles se sentaron adentro de ella, muerte abriéndonos el camino de la uno en cada banco, ante el altar salvación eterna, disipe las tinieblas de la silla donde el papa celebró la de nuestra pobre humanidad y nos liturgia. introduzca en su día glorioso que no Millones escucharon su menFrench Haitian Creole conoce ocaso”. saje por televisión, radio y por la El tradicional mensaje de Pascua transmisión en vivo mientras se del papa antes de su bendición “urbi repetía el “Aleluya” de Pascua y se et orbi” (para la ciudad y el mundo) proclamaba el relato evangélico de todavía mencionó a países que anhelan los discípulos que encontraron la paz, a los migrantes y refugiados que tumba vacía. El Papa Francisco no necesitan un hogar acogedor y a los pronunció una homilía durante la pobres que merecen ayuda. Pero sus Misa, sino que ofreció sus oraciones de Pascua del 12 de abril ref lexiones antes de la bendición Polish Japanese Korean se enfocaron principalmente en el “urbi et orbi”. contexto del sufrimiento y la muerte En vez de pararse en el balcón causados por el coronavirus y las difi- central de la basílica con vista a cultades económicas que la pandemia la plaza, pronunció la dirección ha provocado. desde las puertas que conducen a La Misa del papa en la mañana de la tumba de San Pedro debajo del El Papa Francisco celebra la Misa de Pascua fue única; no asistieron las altar principal de la basílica. resucitado!” sale de “la noche de un Pascua en la Basílica de San Pedro en docenas de cardenales que concelebran La proclamación de Pascua “¡ Jesu-Russian mundo que enfrentaba ya desafíos el Vaticano, el 12 de abril del 2020. En Portuguese el fondo se encuentra el “Crucifijo Milanormalmente, ni las decenas de miles cristo ha resucitado! ¡Realmente ha cruciales y que ahora se encuentra groso” de la Iglesia de San Marcelo en abrumado por la pandemia, que soRoma. La Misa fue celebrada sin la premete a nuestra gran familia humana a sencia del público debido a la panuna dura prueba,” dijo el papa, y “en demia del Coronavirus. (Foto por CNS/ esta noche, la voz de la iglesia suena: Vatican Media) ‘¡Cristo, mi esperanza, ha resucitado!’”

La proclamación de esperanza, vida y victoria sobre la muerte, dijo, deestán atravesando la prueba, especialSpanish Tagalog Vietnamese bería ser un “contagio” diferente, “que mente a los ancianos y a las personas se transmite de corazón a corazón, que están solas,” dijo. “Que conceda porque todo corazón humano espera su consolación y las gracias necesarias esta Buena Noticia”. a quienes se encuentran en condi“No se trata de una fórmula mágica ciones de particular vulnerabilidad, que hace desaparecer los problemas,” como también a quienes trabajan en dijo el papa. “No, no es eso la resurrlos centros de salud, o viven en los ección de Cristo, sino la victoria cuarteles y en las cárceles”. del amor sobre la raíz del mal, una El Papa Francisco también oró por victoria que no ‘pasa por encima’ del aquellos que sufren soledad debido sufrimiento y la muerte, sino que los a la pandemia, por aquellos que han traspasa, abriendo un camino en el perdido sus trabajos, por los médicos abismo, transformando el mal en bien, y enfermeras que cuidan a los enferCuando participamos en el Censo declaramos signo distintivo del poder de Dios”. mos y por los miembros de la policía, que somos parte de la comunidad y nos negamos Dijo que el Jesús resucitado salió que están ayudando a mantener a las de la tumba con las marcas de su personas seguras. a ser excluidos de recursos importantes y la crucifixión. “A Él dirigimos nuestra “En estas semanas, la vida de representación política que merecemos. Todos mirada para que sane las heridas de la millones de personas cambió repenhumanidad desolada,” dijo. tinamente,” dijo. Algunas personas contamos a los ojos de Dios, por lo que debemos El Papa Francisco rezó en primer han encontrado una oportunidad para trabajar para garantizar que todos seamos lugar por aquellos directamente afecta- bajar la velocidad, ref lexionar y pasar dos por el coronavirus, especialmente tiempo con sus familias. contados por el gobierno. los enfermos, los que han muerto y Pero para otros, es “un tiempo de los que lloran por sus seres queridos preocupación por el futuro que se predespués de no poder despedirse. senta incierto, por el trabajo que corre Diócesis de Austin “Que el Señor de la vida acoja el riesgo de perderse y por las demás Secretaría de Vida, Caridad, y Justicia consigo en su reino a los difuntos, y consecuencias que la crisis actual trae dé consuelo y esperanza a quienes aún consigo”.

Por Cindy Wooden | Catholic News Service

Como gente de fe, creemos en la dignidad de toda persona

MAY 2020

SIGHTINGS

Billy and Sandy King, parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish in Llano, decorated the outside of the church to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection and to lift the hopes of all those who could not worship together in their church on Easter Sunday. (Photos courtesy Jamey Smrekar)

On Feb. 8, the Knights of Columbus at Emmaus Parish in Lakeway held its second annual Wine Tasting. They raised $10,000 for the The Ladies of Charity in Lakeway. In addition, $5,000 was donated to the council’s Youth Scholarship award. (Photo courtesy Lee Malkowski)

Holy Trinity Parish in Corn Hill hosted international speaker and filmmaker Tom Dunn (second from right in photo above) in January. Dunn is an authority on the assisted suicide movement that has swept parts of Europe and is now gaining traction in the U.S. The event was attended by about 150 people, and it was co-sponsored by Holy Trinity Parish and Armor of God Catholic Radio. Dunn stressed the importance of a wellformed conscience rooted in rational faith and reason to combat the false compassion offered by proponents of assisted suicide. Not only does physician assisted suicide fundamentally change the relationship between the doctor and the patient, but it also redefines how society measures the value of each person’s very existence, he said. (Photos courtesy Chris Garlasco )

Parishioners from St. Ignatius Martyr Parish in Austin participated in a Parish Service Day on March 7.

Parishioners painted, landscaped, cleaned, made cards for people in prison and more. (Photos courtesy Michelle Fontana)

Send photos by the 10th of the month to catholic-spirit@austindiocese.org.

Publication is not guaranteed.

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Ori Boucvalt, a junior at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, and friend Austyn Harrelson from Lake Travis High School recently raised $255,320 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They wrote letters and emails to people in their respective networks to garner support. As a result of their hard work, they were named “Students of the Year” by the Austin Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. (Photo courtesy Laura Duggan)

The first-year confirmation students along with the Columbiettes of Sacred Heart Parish in Waco participated in the third annual Souper Bowl of Caring Feb. 1-2. They collected $1,354 for the St. Francis Food Pantry, St. Mary’s Sack Lunch Program and Fueled

by Faith at Sacred Heart, all of which are Catholic ministries in Waco. (Photo courtesy Sylvia Carrizales)

Mario Saldaña and his family, parishioners of San José Parish in Austin, created a space in their home with religious items and a large screen where they could watch Mass as they followed the state mandate to stay at home. They made palm arrangements for Palm Sunday and shared them with friends and family. They also prayed together as a family and read Scripture together.

And they created a YouTube channel to teach their First Communion religious education students. (Photos courtesy Mario Saldaña) Missionary of St. Paul Father Basil Aguzie led a pilgrimage to the Holy Land last November. Most attendees on the pilgrimage were parishioners of Holy Cross Parish in Austin.

(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Brooks)

Several Boy Scouts from St. Ignatius Martyr Parish in Austin earned the Pope Pius XII Religious Emblem Medal. (Photo courtesy Irene Rivers)

SIGHTINGS

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Austin Diocese 6225 Hwy. 290 East Austin, Texas 78723

The St. Ignatius Martyr Food Pantry in Austin was awarded a $20,000 grant to continue its ministry of feeding the hungry during COVID-19 challenges. The grant was from the All Together ATX Fund on behalf of United Way for Greater Austin and Austin Community Foundation. (Photo courtesy Michelle Fontana)

Cathy King and her daughter, parishioners of St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin, have sewn about 300 masks at their dining room table. They have generously given the masks to many of their friends and family members. (Photo courtesy Cathy King)

Students from St. Louis Catholic School in Austin have stayed united as a community and embrace distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The school families, teachers, staff and clergy are looking forward to when they can all be together again. (Photo courtesy Carrie Vernieuw)

CATHOLIC SPIRIT Periodical Postage Paid at Austin, Texas

Members of the Prayer Blanket Ministry from St. Martin de Porres Parish in Dripping Springs are making face masks from their supplies at home.

Their motto is “When the going gets tough, the tough get sewing.” They are also continuing to make prayer blankets from their homes.

The ministry is grateful to the Dripping Springs Tiger Volleyball Team for the no-sew blankets and to Boy Scout Diego Ryza (at right) for earning a community service badge by donating 25 masks to the community. (Photos courtesy Laura Zordilla)

In collaboration with the Central Texas Food Bank, volunteers from St. Anthony Marie de Claret Parish in Kyle worked in the church hall to assemble food boxes to distribute to needy families. They assembled about 500 boxes each day all while wearing face masks and working at least six feet apart. (Photo courtesy Esther Diaz)

The Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums sponsored a presentation on Feb. 29 by Legionary of Christ Father Kevin Lixey, the International Director of the Patrons. He described the current restoration projects which the Texas Chapter of the Patrons are funding for the “Year of Raphael,” the 500th anniversary of the Renaissance artist’s death.

The presentation contained images of famous artworks in the Vatican, especially works the Texas chapter helped restore. For more information on the Texas chapter, visit www.texasvaticanpatrons.org. (Photos courtesy Mia Samaniego)

Franciscan Sister Marie Angele Sanchez will celebrate her 50th Jubilee in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 27. She worked in ministry in Austin for many years. (Photo courtesy Sr. Regina Strassburger, OSF) Send photos by the 10th of the month to catholic-spirit@austindiocese.org. Publication is not guaranteed.