Texas Catholic Herald - April 25, 2023

WE ARE AN EASTER PEOPLE

FATHER

Embracing Easter can also mean going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When’s the last time you went to confession? ▪ SEE PAGE 7

MINISTRIES

BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald

HOUSTON (OSV News) — Since Divine Mercy Sunday, April 16, the experience of the Sacrament of Penance in the Roman rite is now slightly different, thanks to approved changes in the English translation that took effect this year.

The prayer of absolution will include three modifications so that the revised version will read as follows:

“God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son, has reconciled the world to Himself and poured out [formerly “sent”] the Holy Spirit for [previously “Holy Spirit among us for”] the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God grant [instead of “give”] you pardon and

As minor changes take effect, all sins are still ‘washed away’ by God’s mercy in confession

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Above, Father Philip Lloyd, pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Memorial Park, baptizes a woman during Easter Vigil Mass on April 8. During Holy Week at parishes and Catholic communities all around the Archdiocese, Catholics celebrated the Paschal Mystery. SEE PAGE 4 AND 5.

Vatican sends relic of true cross to Britain’s King Charles

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Britain’s King Charles III walks into Westminster Abbey for his coronation on Saturday, May 6, he will walk behind a processional cross containing a relic of Christ’s cross given to the king by Pope Francis.

While the Vatican provided no official details of the gift on April 19, an official said the two fragments in the coronation cross came from a relic preserved in the Lipsanoteca Room of the Vatican Museums and were given as “an ecumenical sign.”

The fragments are now under glass in the center of the coronation cross, which is made of recycled silver bullion.

Anglican Archbishop Andrew John of Wales blessed the cross during a service on April 19.

The Anglican Church in Wales, which refers to the cross as the Cross of Wales, said it is inscribed on the back with words, in Welsh, from the last sermon of St. David, a sixthcentury bishop and patron saint of Wales: “Be joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things.”

King Charles has given the cross to the Christians of Wales, and after the coronation it will be shared by the Anglican and Catholic churches there.

“With a sense of deep joy, we embrace this cross, kindly given by King Charles, and containing a relic of the true cross, generously gifted by the Holy See,” said Catholic Archbishop Mark O’Toole of Cardiff in a statement published on the Church in Wales website.

The cross “is not only a sign of the deep Christian roots of our nation but will, I am sure, encourage us all to model our lives on the love given by our savior, Jesus Christ,” Archbishop O’Toole said. †

Vatican to bring pope’s encyclicals to life in architecture exhibit

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Commemorating 10 years since the election of Pope Francis, the Vatican will physically represent the teachings of his encyclicals at the Venice Biennale international architecture exhibition from May 20 to Nov. 26.

The Vatican’s exhibit, titled “Social Friendship: Meeting in the Garden,” will take visitors through scenes in which person-like “figures,” holding their arms open in welcome and acting

out scenes of dialogue, convey themes inspired by the encyclical“Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship.”

The exhibit will then lead to a garden constructed of reused materials with plots growing vegetables from different parts of the world, chicken coops, seed storage facilities and rest areas. The space is intended to be one of contemplation and represent Pope Francis’ ecological encyclical “Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home.”

Part of the exhibition will feature work by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza, recipient of the 1992 Pritzker Prize, which is widely considered to be the highest honor in the field of architecture.

At a news conference presenting the exhibit April 18, José Cardinal Tolentino de Mendonca, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, said the Vatican’s involvement in the exhibition is an “extraordinary opportunity” since architecture is a “practical laboratory of the future, not far from typically spiritual questions.”

The Vatican’s exhibit is both an “intense political and poetic declaration about what a meeting between human beings can become,” he said, and it “puts all living things in architecture, making us all jointly responsible for our common home.”

“Over the 10 years of his pontificate Pope Francis has acted and spoken on involving all, without forgetting the peripheries, the poor and refugees,” said Cardinal Tolentino. “This already constitutes a great legacy for the future of all those who desire a world that is more just and less wounded by social inequalities, and that is evident in the two parts of the Holy See’s pavilion.”

The Vatican pavilion will be assembled at the Benedictine Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, which will bring visitors “closer to the daily life of a Benedictine monastery and its Rule, opening the possibility for a renewed dialogue with those emblematic spaces of the architectural tradition,” the dicastery said in a statement.

It will be the second time the Vatican has participated in the bi-yearly architecture exposition, now in its 18th edition. In 2018, it created an exhibit titled “Vatican Chapels,” in which 10 architects each built small chapels, some futuristic and others rustic, in a wooded area of Venice. †

Nearly 50 men are currently in formation to become the next generations of priests at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. These men spend anywhere from 5 to 7 years preparing for their Ordination to the Priesthood.

To read more about our seminarians and how you can support them, scan the QR code, at left, with your phone’s camera or visit www.archgh.org/smseminary.

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CNS PHOTO

A model represents the figures that are part of the Holy See’s pavilion at the 2023 Venice Biennale architecture exhibition. The figures are meant to represent the teachings of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship.”

THE FIRST WORD

CELEBRATING our CATHEDRALS’ DEDICATION ANNIVERSARIES

Following a historic renovation effort in the wake of Hurricane Ike, St. Mary Cathedral Basilica was rededicated by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo on April 13, 2014. After the basilica’s rededication, Cardinal DiNardo united the local observance of the dedication of the basilica with that of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Annually, the Cathedral Basilica and Co-Cathedral celebration of the dedication of a cathedral is a significant event. The dedication of a cathedral — the mother church of a diocese, and indeed for St. Mary’s, the mother church of Texas — is a visible, sacramental sign of Christ’s body on earth, the Church. Accordingly, for centuries, the Church has celebrated these occasions within local liturgical calendars.

Though typically observed on April 13, the observance of the solemnity of the anniversary of the dedication of the Basilica and Co-Cathedral was transferred this year to April 17 because of the Easter Octave.

The downtown Co-Cathedral was dedicated on April 14, 2018, also by Cardinal DiNardo, with several other cardinals concelebrating. Also concelebrating were local bishops, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza, who led the effort to build the new CoCathedral alongside Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Vincent M. Rizzotto, and then-Galveston-Houston Auxiliary Bishop Joe S. Vasquez. 2023 marked the Co-Cathedral’s 15th anniversary.

On Feb. 6, 1842, Father Jean Marie Odin, C.M. dedicated a small wooden-framed church in Galveston to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1847, construction began on a larger, permanent church.

Eventually, after Pope Pius IX established the Diocese of Galveston and named Father Odin as its first bishop in May of 1847, St. Mary Cathedral was dedicated on Nov. 26, 1848. 120 years later, it was named a Texas state historic landmark in 1968 and a national historic landmark in 1973. In 1979, the cathedral was elevated to the status of minor basilica by St. John Paul II. Weathering many storms since 1847, it has received several renovation efforts, the latest in 2019, which saw the renewal of the historic St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 2,500-pound cast iron statue that sits atop the Cathedral Basilica, as well as exterior and structural repairs. †

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PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS

Effective April 6

Anthony Osas Onaiwu, C.R.S. Pastor – Assumption, Houston

Effective July 1

Paul Duc Thanh Hoang, CSsR Pastor – Sacred Heart, Richmond

BRIEFS

Mass for healthcare providers

GALVESTON — A Mass for healthcare providers is set for 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 7 at Sacred Heart Church of Holy Family Parish, located at 1302 Broadway Ave. in Galveston. A special blessing will be given to doctors, nurses, therapists, assistants, technicians, support staff and those that care for loves ones at home.

For more information, call 409-762-9646. †

Café Catholica Lite set for May 11

HOUSTON — The Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministry will host the next Café Catholica Lite at St. Patrick Church, located at 1010 35th St. in Galveston, on May 11 from 7 to 8:45 p.m.

The speaker is Father Robert Murphy, SJ, vocations promoter with the Jesuits, and his talk will be “How to Make a Decision: Discerning the Ignatian Way.” The night will include light snacks, the talk, a Q&A and communal prayer. The talk will be available to view online as well at www. archgh.org/cafecatholica.

The Café Catholica program seeks to help young adults ages 18 to 39 encounter Christ and His Church. All young adults are invited to Café Catholica Lite throughout the year. For more, contact the Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministry at yacm@archgh.org or 713-741-8778. †

Registration open for 2023 AYC

HOUSTON — The 2023 Archdiocesan Youth Conference, set for July 28 to 31 at the Hilton Americas Hotel, gathers more than 1,000 participants and is one of the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization’s largest evangelizing events for youth of high school age.

Through this event, under the theme “Gift Received, Gift Shared,” young people will gather on a journey to rejuvenate their faith life, to help them get serious about life in Christ and His Church. For more information on how to register, visit archgh.swoogo.com/AYC-2023 or speak to your parish youth minister. †

REGINA CAELI

Queen of Heaven Prayer

V. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.

R. For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.

V. Has risen, as he said, alleluia.

R. Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.

R. For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

ST. MARY CATHEDRAL BASILICA 2011 CHURCH ST. - GALVESTON

CO-CATHEDRAL OF THE SACRED HEART 1111 ST. JOSEPH PKWY. - HOUSTON

BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald

HOUSTON — Like itinerant missionary priests, both Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, trekked around the Archdiocese to celebrate Liturgies during Holy Week in early April.

Parishes and Catholic communities throughout the Archdiocese also celebrated Holy Week in Liturgy and through special prayer services and worship. Priests and clergy washed the feet of hundreds of faithful — many catechumens and candidates — on Holy Thursday, followed by lengthy encounters with the Blessed Sacrament through the night.

From Galveston Island to Houston’s East End, on Good Friday, the Passion of Jesus was recalled through Living Stations of the Cross presented by both youth, young adults and adult faith communities.

Cardinal DiNardo celebrated Mass and Liturgies at St. Mary Cathedral Basilica in Galveston on Palm Sunday, April 2, and a week later on Easter Sunday, April 9. He celebrated Mass on Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Then he went north to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe, where he celebrated Good Friday Liturgy.

On Holy Saturday, April 8, right at 9:40 p.m., the bells of the Co-Cathedral’s carillon bell tower rang out and echoed throughout downtown Houston. The bells continued to ring for the next three minutes as the choir and the faithful inside the Co-Cathedral proclaimed the Gloria while acolytes rang more bells, and candles were lit throughout the sanctuary.

Then, using a special baptismal shell, he baptized 13 new Catholics at the Co-

Late young Catholic artist’s evangelizing mission in full display

Cathedral, and then confirmed 24 people whom all joined the 1,820 candidates and catechumens who fully entered the local Church at parishes throughout the Archdiocese in the Easter season.

In his Good Friday homily in Conroe, Cardinal DiNardo exhorted that Catholics call for an end to antisemitism of any kind and for the rejection of any bitterness towards the Jewish, especially as anti-Semitic incidents have increased in recent years.

Echoing his own ecumenical efforts with Jewish leaders and St. John Paul II’s message of friendship with the Jewish people, Cardinal DiNardo said the Catholic Church has — for the past

quarter century — made it clear “that antisemitism does not belong in the mouths of any Christian.”

Back at the Co-Cathedral, in his Easter Vigil homily during the Liturgy in which Cardinal DiNardo said actions speak louder than words, Cardinal DiNardo spoke to each candidate and catechumen who had vigilantly made their journey to the Church: “God is thinking about each one of you. Your name is written eternally in God’s beloved life that is eternal... God has guided you.”

Because “Christ is risen,” the Church does not celebrate a memorial service for a dead man, he said, but “we celebrate the living God in Christ Jesus who has called us to His life. ”

Bishop Dell’Oro celebrated most of his Holy Week Liturgies at Warren Chapel at St. Dominic Village. In this series of Lenten and Easter encounters with St. Dominic’s Catholic retirement community, Bishop Dell’Oro presided over Liturgies there on Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil.

He also led a Good Friday Liturgy at the Co-Cathedral that concluded a

lengthy Way of the Cross procession that began at the University of St. Thomas and ended at the Co-Cathedral. He also celebrated Easter Sunday Mass at the Co-Cathedral.

On Easter Sunday, surrounded by bright white lilies and orchids, yellow daffodils, pink and white hydrangeas and yellow and pink tulips that brightened the Co-Cathedral to signal the Easter season, Bishop Dell’Oro led the rite of renewal of baptismal promises for hundreds. Then, with Father Jeffrey Bame, Co-Cathedral rector, and the assisting deacons, sprinkled the people with holy water throughout the packed Co-Cathedral.

In his homily, he reminded Catholics to follow their heart in prayer and not rage, and to leave the judgment of people and situations to God and not to themselves, especially when they do not fully understand the situation, much like the crowds judged Jesus in His Passion.

He ended his homily with a hearty greeting and proclamation and said: “Happy Easter to all of you! Happy Easter!” †

PHOTOS BY JAMES RAMOS

At left, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo baptizes a man during Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday, April 8, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston. At right, Cardinal DiNardo confirms a woman during Easter Vigil Mass. During the Easter Vigil Mass, he baptized 13 new Catholics at the Co-Cathedral, and then confirmed 24 people whom all joined the 1,820 candidates and catechumens who fully entered the local Church at parishes throughout the Archdiocese in the Easter season. FOR MORE PHOTOS, VISIT WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/EASTER2023.

CHRIST THE REDEEMER SCHOOL

ST. MATTHIAS - MAGNOLIA

ST. MARY OF THE PURIFICATION

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL - HOUSTON

SACRED HEART - CONROE

ST. HYACINTH - DEER PARK

ST. FAUSTINA - FULSHEAR

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

PRINCE OF PEACE

ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

OUR LADY OF ST. JOHN - HOUSTON

Confession is an ‘occasion of and cause of joy’

CONFESSION,

peace. And I absolve you from your sins in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The new text was adopted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) during its Spring 2021 meeting, with the Vatican’s Dicastery (then-Congregation) for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments approving the text in April 2022. Since April 16, the Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday, the revised formula for absolution is now mandatory.

“The essential part of the absolution formula has not changed,” said Father Andrew Menke, executive director of the USCCB’s Secretariat for Divine Worship, during a 2022 webinar co-sponsored by his office and the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions.

Faithful can find a certain richness in the prayer’s change, according to Father Jonathan Moré, pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sealy.

“The imagery of ‘pouring out’ is evocative of being ‘anointed’ with the Holy Spirit whom the Church Fathers, notably St. Cyril of Jerusalem, identify with the ‘oil of gladness’ found in the Psalms,” he said. “Thus, the pouring out of the Holy Spirit is an occasion of and

cause of joy.”

Even though Lent is a well-known penitential season, Father Moré encouraged Catholics to embrace the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Easter.

“The Easter season is a fitting time to confess one’s sins as a way of participating

in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” he said. “Confession revives a soul lying dead in sin, and is thus a foretaste of the future resurrection and renewal promised by God.”

During his presentation, Father Menke admitted the bishops had debated whether the minor changes were worth undertaking. However, he said the consensus favored striving for a more accurate translation from the Latin.

Father Menke noted penitents “who can be a little scrupulous” might panic if priests — many of whom “have said this prayer literally thousands of times” — inadvertently use the old form of absolution.

“They might be concerned (that absolution) doesn’t count,” he said.

Yet he stressed that “the heart of the Sacrament” remains intact, and the absolution is still valid.

Father Moré recognized that going to confession can be intimidating for many Catholics, even for those who go regularly.

“We need to remember that the goal is reconciliation with God,” he said. “In confessing your sins, you will come face to face with the evil you have done, but it is only so that it may be washed away by the mercy of God.”

In confession, Father Moré said the physical act of speaking our sins out loud, by putting them into words, “gives them a concrete and intelligible form in a way that forces us to confront them as something existing in a reality and not just in our own memories.”

He said this applies to sins committed in secret, those of thought or intent, or sins committed against another person in passing, “only realizing the true harm upon examining our consciences.”

Father Menke noted that the updates are part of a broader effort by the Vatican to ensure accuracy in the translation of liturgical texts.

“It’s not due to anything against the Latin texts,” he said. “It’s based on the fact that the Holy See instructed the bishops of the world at the beginning of the 21st century that our translations needed to be more accurate.”

Even with these changes, Father Moré said, “We should not fear because even as we encounter our sins, God is there to take them away by pouring out His mercy and healing.”

He continued: “Confession does not only grant forgiveness. It is a source of grace for avoiding sin in the future. Do not stay far from the mercy of God. He wants to heal us, and we should be eager to let Him do so. Given that we ought to rejoice to be reconciled to God in the confessional, I think that this change was very fitting.”

Liturgical texts have been revised throughout Church history under papal direction: St. Pius V modified both the breviary and the missal in response to the Council of Trent, while St. Pius X, Pope Pius XII and St. John XXIII, who convened the Second Vatican Council, all significantly furthered such efforts. Confession is ‘encounter of love’ that fights evil, pope tells priests

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a world where “there is no shortage of hotbeds of hatred and revenge,” Pope Francis told priests and seminarians that “we confessors must multiply the ‘hotbeds of mercy,’” by making it easy for people to access the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

“We are in a supernatural struggle” with evil, the pope said, “even though we already know the final outcome will be Christ’s victory over the powers of evil. This victory truly takes place every time a penitent is absolved. Nothing drives away and defeats evil more than Divine Mercy.”

Pope Francis was speaking March 23 with priests and seminarians attending a course at the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican tribunal dealing with matters of conscience, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and indulgences, and with priests who offer confession at the major basilicas of Rome.

As ministers of the Church, he said, a priest hearing confession must have obvious “evangelical attitudes,” including: “welcoming everyone without prejudice, because only God knows what grace can work in the hearts at any time; then listening to your brother or sister with the ear of the heart, wounded like Christ’s heart; absolving penitents, generously dispensing God’s forgiveness; and accompanying the penitent’s journey without forcing it.”

As he often does, Pope Francis pleaded with the priests to be generous with the time they are available for confessions since “the church’s evangelizing mission passes in large part through the rediscovery of the gift of confession.”

Every cathedral, every shrine and every deanery or cluster of parishes should have an ample schedule of confession times, he said.

“If mercy is the mission of the church, we must facilitate the faithful’s access to this ‘encounter of love’ as much as possible,” he said, taking great care when preparing children for their first confession and, especially, when ministering to the sick and dying.

“If mercy is the mission of the church, we must facilitate the faithful’s access to this ‘encounter of love’ as much as possible,” he said, taking great care when preparing children for their first confession and, especially, when ministering to the sick and dying.”†

– Editor’s Note: Living a Life of Prayer continues a series that explores the deeper meaning, context and history of some of the Church’s greatest treasures: its prayers.

CNS PHOTO

Pope Francis hears the confession of a priest at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome in 2019. Earlier this year, the pope celebrated the opening of the “24 Hours for the Lord” Lenten prayer initiative at a parish in Rome March 17. Father Jonathan Moré, pastor at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sealy, said Easter is a fitting time to embrace the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

When was the last time you went to confession? Has it been a while? The Sacrament of Penance, also known as reconciliation or confession, may seem intimidating for many, but with some simple preparation, it can be a peaceful healing encounter with Christ and His Church. Take this guide with you to confession as a way of reflection and rediscover the Sacrament of Penance.

Reconciliation is a Sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in His love and mercy to offer sinners forgiveness for offenses committed against God. At the same time, sinners reconcile with the Church because it is also wounded by our sins.

Every time we sin, we hurt ourselves, other people and God. In Reconciliation, we acknowledge our sins before God and His Church. We express our sorrow in a meaningful way, receive the forgiveness of Christ and His Church, make reparation for what we have done, and resolve to do better in the future.

THE FOUR PARTS OF CONFESSION

• CONTRITION: a sincere sorrow for having offended God, and the most important act of the penitent. There can be no forgiveness of sin if we do not have sorrow and a firm resolve not to repeat our sin.

• CONFESSION: confronting our sins in a profound way to God by speaking about them — aloud — to the priest.

• PENANCE: an important part of our healing is the “penance” the priest imposes in reparation for our sins.

• ABSOLUTION: the priest says the words by which “God, the Father of Mercies” reconciles a sinner to Himself through the merits of the Cross.

A BRIEF EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

Adapted from Examination of Conscience based on the Ten Commandments Take a moment to reflect on how sin has damaged your relationships.

▪ Have I treated people, events, or things as more important than God?

▪ Have my words, actively or passively, put down God, the Church, or people?

▪ Do I ‘keep Holy the Sabbath’? Do I go to Mass every Sunday (or Saturday Vigil) and on Holy Days of Obligation, as is possible? Do I avoid, when possible, work that impedes worship to God, joy for the Lord’s Day, and proper relaxation of mind and body? Do I look for ways to spend time with family or in service on Sunday?

▪ Do I show my parents due respect? Do I seek to maintain good communication with my parents where possible? Do I criticize them for lacking skills I think they should have?

▪ Have I harmed another through physical, verbal, or emotional means, including gossip or manipulation of any kind?

▪ Have I respected the physical and sexual dignity of others and of myself?

▪ Have I taken or wasted time or resources that belonged to another?

▪ How do I protect and care for God’s creation, including my family, the environment and those around me?

RITE OF RECONCILIATION STEPS

▪ If it has been a while, let the priest know and he can help guide you through the steps for a good confession.

1. Priest gives a blessing or greeting.

2. Make the Sign of the Cross and say, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was [length of time] ago.”

3. Confess all of your sins to the priest. (If you are unsure or uneasy, tell him and ask for help.)

4. Say, “I am sorry for these and all of my sins.”

5. The priest gives a penance and offers advice to help you be a better Catholic.

6. Say an Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow for your sins. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, then absolves you from your sins.

AN ACT OF CONTRITION

God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of your grace to confess my sins, do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS: A GUIDE TO THE SACRAMENT

Parish gardens: Sowing, growing the seeds of Christ

BY ELESKA AUBESPIN Herald Correspondent

SUGAR LAND — Spring is here, and so is the urge to garden.

Dedicated dirt provides homes for daffodils and tulips, sprouting tomatoes and green bean vines that curl themselves around wooden stakes planted near more flowering foliage.

These beautiful garden scenes, kept alive and thriving, are found on various properties belonging to Archdiocese.

But someone has to take care of all of that.

Meet Toni Perich, one of countless volunteers who spend hours each week tending to these area church gardens.

At 7:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, members of St. Fiacre Gardening Ministry flock to the grounds of St. Theresa Catholic Church and School in Sugar Land. They pull, dig and plant, all with the intention of beautifying the property.

Perich and co-chair Roxane Gautreau have led the burgeoning gardening ministry since it began in August 2021. What started with three parishioners has grown to 16. All come prepared to work with their hands and donated tools for two to three hours, including weekends.

“There is no such thing as meetings but working with shovels and dirt,” said Perich. “As you go around the campus, the scenery changes,” she said. “We just put in an Our Lady of Grace statue and a new garden arbor with growing vines. It was started a year ago and will take another year to finish. It just takes time because we are doing this in stages.”

Oak trees, Mexican petunias, marigolds and roses are some of the foliage found among nearly 10 garden areas these church members keep up — in the name of the Lord.

“At my own house, this is my hobby, and when I saw in the church bulletin that they wanted to start a garden ministry, I said ‘Lord, are you asking me to garden?’” Perich said.

She referenced nature and gardens in the Bible and pointed out that after creation, God built the Garden of Eden.

“It is so much fun, and the gardens are beautiful by mid-summer,” Perich said. “It’s the satisfaction of you doing it for the Lord.”

At Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Spring, upwards of 25 regular volunteers plant and harvest between 7,000 and 9,000 pounds of produce per year on behalf of its garden ministry, Shepherd’s

Garden.

Volunteers meet three days per week, from 8 to 10 a.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

“Our crops consist of tomatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, broccoli, several varieties of peppers, carrots, cauliflower, squash, zucchini and some herbs, such as basil and oregano,” said Ann Zdansky, garden coordinator.

The vegetable garden produces food for those who go to area food pantries because they need help.

Food pantries in the Spring area include Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) on Kuykendahl and FM 1960, Prince of Peace Catholic Church food pantry, St.

Anne’s Catholic Church’s food pantry and the Trinity Lutheran Church food pantry.

“We are doing something for someone else,” added Zdansky. “We are serving God by helping them. Some volunteers are not even Catholic. They just like to serve the community as well.”

Volunteers include those from the Master Gardener program who lend their expertise in local gardening schedules, pest eradication, and their labor.

All ministry donations are used to buy supplies like seeds, irrigation hoses, fertilizer and ant killer.

The group is currently researching the purchase of a large shipping container to store equipment. The current shipping container is full, and two smaller, rotting wooden sheds are of limited use.

Volunteers agree that tending to these gardens is a year-round responsibility but one that comes with many benefits.

Take, for instance, high school students in need of service hours.

They arrive at Shepherd’s Garden to volunteer and get a day’s lesson on food production — nature’s way.

“It’s good education to see where the food comes from,” said Zdansky. “Some kids think it just comes from H-E-B, and when they see a carrot come out of the ground, they are like ‘whoa.’”

As is the case with any church ministry, parishioner involvement is critical to its success.

At St. Thomas More Catholic Church in southwest Houston, the Garden Club’s small volunteer force maintains property gardens despite a limited crew since it began two years ago.

“This is not a large ministry, so right now there are four of us, and we are always open to new members,” said Jane Falk, Garden Club chairperson.

Besides Falk, there is Katie Lewis, and married couple Moira and Allan Kinsey, who meet weekly during the summer. In cooler months, they meet when the weather permits.

“Our meetings are in the garden, and we really don’t sit down but work, chat and pray,” Falk said.

“I think we all have to recognize that finances are limited, even in parishes,” added Falk. “We give of ourselves financially and of ourselves physically, and to be with others with the same intention is uplifting.”

Chores include trimming bushes and pulling weeds from flowerbeds, along with the removal of anything considered an eyesore.

Granddaughter Hailey Falk, 13, who helps in the garden, said, “We do it just to make sure the church looks nice, and we don’t expect anything back.” †

Have

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC CHURCH’S SHEPHERD’S GARDEN

At Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Spring, upwards of 25 regular volunteers plant and harvest between 7,000 and 9,000 pounds of produce per year on behalf of its garden ministry, Shepherd’s Garden, to help area food pantries.

Retreat facility focuses on renewing, strengthening the faith of the young Church

BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent

PLANTERSVILLE — The Church continues to recognize challenges associated with the rising number of youth, ages 13 through young adulthood, who either stop going to Mass or choose to leave their faith behind. Finding ways for them to strengthen and renew their relationship with God and in community with one another through life-changing personal encounters is key.

Since 1981, Catholic schools and parish ministries in the Archdiocese and surrounding dioceses have turned to spiritual and educational programs and retreats offered at Camp Kappe Youth Retreat Facility. Operated as a part of the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization (OACE), Camp Kappe is situated on 130 acres of heavily wooded rolling land in Plantersville, about an hour north of Houston. Last year, Camp Kappe hosted over 1,320 retreat participants and 1,444 fifthgrade students from Catholic schools and chaperones attending its School of Environmental Education (SEE).

“Our retreat facility helps young people grow both in their formational knowledge of the faith and their personal spirituality,” said Randy Adams, executive director of Camp Kappe. “They become refreshed and renewed in their call to discipleship and are excited to continue the mission of the Church in their home parishes.”

Adams said attendance numbers for parish retreats and SEE have steadily increased over the years, which now includes more young adult ministry groups, movements and organizations using the facilities and programs. To support this growth, major renovations and expansions have taken place since OACE assumed responsibility for the facility in 2013. This includes major reconstruction of the Dennis Patrick Duffy Hall and the building of the new St. Pedro Calungsod ADA cabin, sports pavilion, Frassati Recreation Hall, Bakhita Hall and St. Jose Sanchez del Rio Chapel.

“Some of the youth whose parents attended both SEE and/or Camp Kappe retreats now attend themselves,” said Adams.

Adams said he believes Camp Kappe is a testament to the dedication and commitment of Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, former OACE director, Brian Johnson, who died in 2017, and all involved in the growth of the retreat center.

“They understand the important role this facility has played and continues to play in the spiritual and educational growth in parish and Catholic School life,” he said.

Adams said much gratitude also is owed to the families of St. Mary Church in Plantersville that began this journey over 40 years ago by purchasing the land and encouraging Bishop John Ludvik Morkovsky to build and dedicate a retreat facility for youth in the Archdiocese. He said he was also grateful to the first director of the camp, Father Ben Smaistrla, Sister Thomas Ann LeCour,

archgh.org/dsf

OP, founding director of SEE, and “Monsignor Adam McClosky, the early leader who continues to journey with his commitment to the camp today.”

Over the next year, plans are being made to expand the SEE sessions to include home-school students and parish religious education programs.

“This is a commitment that both myself and SEE director, Nathaniel Wooten, along with SEE staff, have made a priority,” said Adams. “This will allow more students to receive a hands-on experience of the importance of being good stewards of God’s creation as specified in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.”

As one of 64 ministries supported by the annual DSF appeal, if more funding was available, Adams would like to expand Camp Kappe programs to assist more youth and young adults in the Archdiocese. He said additional DSF funds could help make this goal achievable by providing new summer activity equipment, supplies, staff development opportunities and facility improvements.

Adams said another goal is to create a summer camp experience for juniorhigh ministry, as well as a retreat summer program for students with disabilities and their families. He also would like to expand and enhance the community building and leadership activities by adding low rope facilities, as well as expanding the farm and garden experience for SEE students.

“DSF provides the funding we need to make these programs possible and affordable for the participants, no matter what their economic situation may be,” said Adams. “It is one of the most affordable centers in the state, helping to enrich the lives of its students in their journey to be good disciples in their faith. It also provides a great facility for our young adult programs to be able to gather on retreat and continue to discern, explore and strengthen the faith of these young people.”

To learn more about Camp Kappe, go to archgh.org/campkappe. To donate to the DSF that supports the retreat

facility and 64 ministries, go to archgh. org/DSF. The DSF supports each of these ministries, whether direct service or education, which require this critical funding to remain in operation. Out of each gift given to DSF, 100% of every dollar goes directly to supporting these ministries. †

Full descriptions for each open position are available online: www.archgh.org/ employment

Development Department: Development Coordinator

Internal Audit: Senior Internal Auditor

Legal Department: Legal Counsel

Office of Aging: Associate Director

Special Youth Services: Administrative Assistant

Catholic Cemeteries: Family Services Associate

Office of the Permanent Diaconate: Director of Field Education

Director of Admissions and Scrutiny

St. Dominic Center: Part-Time Weekend Receptionist

St. Dominic Chancery:

Chancery Facilities Maintenance Technician II

St. Dominic Village Retirement Home: Support Specialist to Retired Priests

Interested candidates may send a cover letter, with salary requirement, and resume to resume@archgh.org with the job title on the subject line.

*Submissions that do not include the salary requirement will not be moved forward for consideration.

The 2023 Diocesan Services Fund theme is “God is the Strength of My Heart.” DSF operates in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston each year to help the Church carry out the ministries of teaching and sanctifying. DSF brings the needed financial resources to carry out 64 ministries.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF ADOLESCENT CATECHESIS AND EVANGELIZATION

Founded in 1981, Camp Kappe is situated on 130 acres of heavily wooded rolling land in Plantersville.

IN BRIEF

Parishes to partner with UST to promote awareness

HOUSTON — As the University of St. Thomas (UST) seeks to continue its growth with its new “Greater Things” initiative, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo invited parishes to partner with the Catholic institution and increase relationships between the two.

“We are blessed to have the University of St. Thomas as the only Catholic university in Houston,” Cardinal DiNardo said in a letter to priests of the Archdiocese. He welcomed the collaborations between St. Thomas and the Archdiocese’s parishes as the university looks for UST-connected volunteers to assist with such efforts at their parishes.

UST President Richard Ludwick said in a press release that “parishes are perfect places for us to connect with Catholic families since we are all part of one” Church family.” According to Ludwick, the initiative will open the door for further collaboration between local parishes and UST. The initiative will also encourage high school students to apply for UST’s parish scholarship program, which is available to undergraduate students who are parishioners in the Archdiocese.

At Ludwick’s investiture Mass as UST’s new president in 2017, Cardinal DiNardo said there are “no exclusions” in answering the call of the Gospel, especially in the university setting. Reflecting on Houston’s deep diversity, the cardinal encouraged Ludwick, who is the university’s ninth president, and the university to serve students, the city and the world.

Cardinal DiNardo called the growing number of first-generation students a hallmark of the university. “Go out and teach all nations, and in coming to this university,” Cardinal DiNardo told Ludwick. “How great it is to see that brilliant variety. But also how brilliant to see the unity that comes because this university sees the unity of faith and reason.”

For additional information or to volunteer, visit stthom.edu/parishrelations. †

OBITUARY

Joseph Benjamin Nguyen Van Binh

HOUSTON — Joseph Benjamin Nguyen Van Binh, father of Father Truong Son Nguyen, parochial vicar of St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, died March 17. He was 77 years old.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Christopher Catholic Church on April 1. †

IN MEMORIA

Pray for the following priests whose anniversaries of death are during the month of May.

May 1, 2008 Rev. Albert Moraczewski, OP

May 2, 2009 Rev. Royce Hughes

May 3, 1984 Rev. Wm. Peter Elder, OP

May 3, 1985 Rev. John F. Kiernan, SSJ

May 3, 1993 Rev. Ignatius Gutmann

May 4, 1977 Rev. Maurice Dho

May 5, 1897 Rev. Antoine Faure

May 5, 1972 Rev. Thomas H. Dailey, OP

May 5, 1991 Rev. Lawrence Fanning, OMI

May 5, 2002 Msgr. James A. Jamail

May 5, 2008 Rev. William H. Brenda, OP

May 5, 2015 Rev. Msgr. Paul Procella

May 6, 1946 Rev. Michael I Hurley

May 7, 1974 Msgr. John A. Cummings

May 7, 1981 Rev. Leo Joseph Munelly, CSB

May 7, 2004 Rev. Sylvester Heppner, OFM

May 8, 1996 Rev. Walter H. Principe, CSB

May 9, 1965 Rev. Florencio Andres, OMI

May 9, 1974 Msgr. Victor A. DiPrimeo

May 9, 2003 Rev. Anton Sheltz

May 11, 1928 Rev. Theodore Buffard

May 13, 2020 Rev. Donnell Kirchner, CSsR

May 14, 1884 Rev. Victor de Lisicki

May 14, 2017 Rev. Joseph D. Bang

May 14, 2019 Rev. Patrick Cummings

May 15, 1962 Rev. Edward A. Sheffield

May 15, 1996 Rev. Jose Barandiaran, SSS

May 16, 1986 Rev. James O’Connell, CSsR

May 21, 1895 Bishop Claude M. Dubuis

May 21, 2012 Rev. Thomas P. Warden, CSB

May 22, 1944 Rev. Innocent Raska

May 22, 2017 Rev. Isidoro Vicent, OP

May 24, 1962 Rev. Joseph P. Sullivan

May 25, 1870 Bishop Jean M. Odin, CM

May 25, 2017 Rev. Edigio Vecchio, MS

May 27, 1929 Rev. Matthew McSorley

May 28, 1934 Rev. Benedict C. Pfiffner

May 28, 1990 Rev. Rudolph G. Beranek

May 29, 1958 Rev. Authur J. Flannagan, SSJ

May 29, 2009 Rev. Joseph Luc Van Do, OP

Expand and deepen our hearts

Please pray for all victims of violence everywhere and their families. Pray for those being executed in Texas and their families:

April 26: Ivan Abner Cantu

EDUCATION

IN ACADEMICS

Sugar Land student’s essay wins national KofC writing contest

FROM GOOD FRIDAY TO RESURRECTION SUNDAY

The national board of directors of the Knights of Columbus announced Samantha Court, eighth grader at St. Theresa Catholic School in Sugar Land, is an International Winner in the Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest. Her essay was chosen from hundreds of entries by students across the nation that discussed the topic of how young Catholics could evangelize faith to families and friends who have turned away from religion and encourage them to return to the Church and embrace the Sacraments.

Eighth graders at St. Thomas More Parish School performed the Living Stations of the Cross in front of kindergarten to seventh students and eighthgrade parents on April 6 in the Monsignor Bill Young Gymnasium.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE LESTER AND JENNIFER EDMONDSON

PHOTO COURTESY OF MERIS BRIDGER Students in Pre-K 3 look for Easter Eggs at St. Francis De Sales School.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL

YOUTH

How the Church is a place of healing

I have been working full-time in youth ministry as a youth minister at a parish. A few years ago, I began a new chapter in my ministry work as I went back to school to study counseling. I have now completed a master’s in counseling, and it has been beautiful to see the healing work of Christ in the life of the parish through youth ministry and in the counseling office. In both realms, I feel like David as he stood against Goliath, as we stand against the culture and its many temptations and tragedies.

Thankfully, we have help in this battle in the form of the Church. Pope Francis said in his interview with the Jesuit magazine La Civita Cattolica, “I see clearly that the thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the Church as a field hospital after battle.” I believe and see the Catholic Church present in the midst of the battle, assessing the wounded and providing

by DAVID THIES

healing. In counseling, we create treatment plans as a pathway to follow to provide healing to those we minister to. Basically, a treatment plan includes a diagnosis of what the problem is and goals to help one heal from their distress. I believe there are preventative and healing aspects to a well-run youth ministry at a parish that can be life-giving for a teenager, just as a treatment plan can be healing within counseling. Here are three ways that a faithful and fruitful youth ministry can provide spiritual and mental healing to a teenager.

Prayer/Silence

Youth ministry should have opportunities for prayer and silence. In

his book “The Power of Silence,” Robert Cardinal Sarah writes, “Our world no longer hears God because it is constantly speaking, at a devastating speed and volume, to say nothing.

Modern civilization does not know how to be quiet. It holds forth in an unending monologue.” Time in prayer and silence is good for the soul and mind. Silence and prayer allow the mind to rest as we “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Ptr 5:7). On our high school retreat, we kindly ask that the teens turn in their phones. It is beautiful to see the teens come alive by participating in our prayer times and engaging each other because we have silenced the constant distraction of their phones.

Community Youth ministry is a community where we learn from others, share our burdens, and have hope instilled in us as we walk in faith with others. In counseling, we encourage clients to reach out for help from those whom they trust. Christian community within a youth ministry is a safe place to be vulnerable and allow ministers and friends to encourage us. As the common proverb teaches, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”The Church is a place where we find meaning by giving of ourselves and find strength by receiving help from others.

Joy/Laughter

Youth ministry is a place of joy and laughter. At many youth ministry events, there is an icebreaker, a skit, or a funny video that brings some levity to the participants. Laughter is said to be the “best medicine,” and though it may not be the “best” medicine, it does have

positive effects on our mental health. Laughter helps us connect to others by forming social bonds. Laughter contributes to the body releasing endorphins within the body, which help us to feel good (without the use of drugs or alcohol). There are also studies that indicate that laughter activates serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that is commonly used in antidepressants. So, if you are wondering why youth ministers “waste time” on icebreakers and games, there is a biological and healing intention behind these games.

In my counseling work with teenagers, I highly encourage them and their parents to get involved in the youth ministry at their parish. In many cases, there is an immediate change in the teen’s life. Sometimes it takes more time for a teen to warm up to others at their parish and feel comfortable in the rhythms of a new community. Youth ministry does not replace the need for counseling or medicinal treatments in one’s healing journey. It is appropriate and necessary to seek the services of trained doctors and mental health providers. Youth ministers and volunteers at a parish can only do what they are equipped to do, and they are not equipped to handle mental health crises. Youth ministry within the Catholic Church is another tool that can help bring about a teenager’s healing, and these days we need all the tools we can get. Our parishes are not just places of healing for teenagers. I encourage those of any age to be involved in their parish and enjoy the healing aspects of prayer, community and joy. †

David Thies is a youth minister at St. Cecilia Catholic Church.

Need Help?

Catholic Charities

Food, clothing, emergency financial assistance, counseling, immigration assistance, veterans assistance, disaster recovery, refugees services, senior services and more. catholiccharities.org/need-help or 713-526-4611

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Home visits, food network, disaster relief, clothing and furniture. svdphouston.org/get-help or 713-741-8234

San José Clinic

Primary and specialty health care services, counseling and mental health services, dental and vision. sanjoseclinic.org or 713-228-9411

COLUMNISTS

Anxiety is prevalent in us all

Anxiety is rooted in fear of perceived danger. What that means is that we’re perceiving something is going to go wrong in the future. But what Jesus tells us is to come back to the present moment. Be where your feet are because tomorrow will have enough trouble. Although it is okay to be concerned about the future, we shouldn’t be worried about it.

There is a difference between experiencing anxiety and having an anxiety disorder. Anxiety becomes a mental health concern when it starts interrupting your day-to-day functioning — when the distress is taking away from your ability to engage with people as a friend or engage in your job or role you might have.

Not all anxiety is bad. For example, if you are going to confession, you may experience some anxiety, which is normal. Negative thoughts are normal but not helpful. But just because we think something may happen or is happening does not make it fact. We have to identify and observe our thinking. We always have thoughts, but not every thought is accurate. Accepting this self-induced anxiety as reality can impact not only ourselves but also how we interact with others.

One of the most effective evangelization movements of our time, Cursillo, has many members living in spirit in the Archdiocese.

The founder of Cursillo, Eduardo Bonnín Aguiló, was born in 1917. At 18, Eduardo was drafted into Franco’s army — the Spanish Armed Forces that were in charge of the national defense and public order of the Spanish territory during the historical period when the Kingdom of Spain was under the control of General Francisco Franco. There he befriended many young soldiers, almost none of whom shared his deep faith in God. Eduardo needed a way to share the Good News of God’s love with his army buddies.

On Feb. 6, 1940, Pope Pius XII published a letter calling his priests to go out into the streets and bring back their lost sheep. He called for a careful study of these “faraway folks” and their environment. Eduardo thought that laypersons should be doing this. He and his friends began praying and studying. Eduardo developed their ideas into a practical method to make it as easy as possible for persons to live what is fundamental for being Christian.

The key is to live in friendship with a

by MELISSA ALVAREZ

Many times, self-care can be hijacked by the marketing industry, encouraging you to “treat yourself” and spend money on distractions. That is not what self-care is. It is what feeds your soul or what fuels you and gives you back energy. That depends on your personality. You might need something as simple as buying a coffee, reading a book, going fishing, exercising or taking time for selfreflection.

For others, that may be speaking to a therapist once a week. Asking yourself, “What do I need?” is selfless and important. It can be thought of as selfish, but we cannot give when we don’t receive. We cannot pour out an empty cup. It needs to be filled.

Our thoughts, therefore, impact our perspective and our emotions. In turn, our actions are affected because our emotions are lived experiences within our bodies.

What does God tell us about anxiety? Your homework is to look it up in Mt 6:25-34. Why do we not take God at His

word? God is telling us, “I will take care of you.”

Consider time with the Lord to start your day. That ultimately sets you up to feel better versus rushing in the morning — setting aside that time as a priority with no interruptions. Grounded in this reality, we are then able to encounter those difficulties. Be reminded that grace exists in the present moment.

One of the beauties of Catholicism is the grace we can encounter in the present moment. Our faith teaches us that while carrying our cross, Jesus gives us the grace to encounter difficulty. No one is happy all the time, no matter what

How Cursillo made it to Texas

permanent small group of friends (group reunion). The group reunions also gather regularly to keep the small groups alive and growing. Eduardo wrote outlines for 15 talks (rollos) to be presented and discussed over three days to present the method to new friends and generate group reunions.

Having a group reunion facilitates personal conversion through encountering oneself, Christ and one’s brothers. The joyful witness of persons simply living this method together also evangelizes others, especially the faraway. On Aug. 19 to 22, 1944, the first three days were presented as a Catholic Action Cursillo (workshop).

By the mid-1950s, Eduardo’s Cursillo had spread throughout the Spanishspeaking world. In 1957, Eduardo sent the Cursillo in Spanish to St. Francis Parish in Waco, Texas, via two Spanish Airforce pilots.

In the early 1960s, the Bishop of Amarillo, John Morkovsky, got a Franciscan priest, Father Fidelis Albrecht, to begin offering Cursillos in English in San Angelo, Texas.

Cursillo quickly spread throughout the U.S. and the English-speaking world with the common greeting “De Colores,”

of many colors. This led to many spin-off movements, including Walk to Emmaus, Kairos prison Cursillos, ACTS Missions, and many others, including Journey to Damascus.

social media or society tries to convey. Emotions are experienced all day, every day. They impact our thinking, decisionmaking, behavior, learning, creativity and performance. There is a physiological response to emotions. The more we try to get rid of emotions, the stronger they become. Being aware of our emotions helps us to be able to be more intentionally present. Emotions are meant to be indicators, and identifying your fuel is what will enable you to not run on empty.

So, in conclusion, become more aware. Identify and observe your thoughts. “Name it to tame it!” Seek helpful tools and resources and be grounded in truth.

Struggling and suffering are very real, so if you need help, reach out to a professional therapist. For more resources on mental health and for a list of Catholic counseling organizations in the Archdiocese, visit www.archgh.org/ mhresources. †

Melissa Alvarez is an assistant associate director with the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis and Ministry with Persons with Disabilities.

weekends are being held in English at Camp Lone Star Pines in Tomball. Journey to Damascus’ local president, Princess Helin, is a parishioner at St. Cyril of Alexandria.

Cursillo came to Houston in the late 1950s. There are many thousands of “Cursillistas” here.

by CHARLEY

In the 1990s, there was a large Walk to Emmaus community in Corpus Christi. Many Catholics attended the weekends.

Some of them wanted to bring more Catholics into this ecumenical movement. Working with Bishop Roberto Gonzales, then-bishop of Corpus Christi, and the Walk to Emmaus community, they started the Journey to Damascus movement. It has enjoyed the support of the bishop’s successors.

Journey to Damascus came to Houston in 2004 (more information at houstonjtd.com). Some 60 weekends have been held here with nearly 2,000 pilgrims. Upcoming weekends are May 4 to 7 and Oct. 19 to 22 for women, and Aug. 3 to 6 and Jan. 18 to 21, 2024, for men. Presently Journey to Damascus

Most Cursillo weekends are held at St. Paul Cursillo Center, located at 4000 Belk St. Several of the spin-offs, including Walk to Emmaus, also got their start here at St. Paul Cursillo Center. This year there will be four Cursillo weekends in Spanish, May 4 to 7 and Nov. 2 to 5 for women, and June 15 to 18, and Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 for men. There will be two weekends in Vietnamese, Oct. 12 to 15 for women and 19 to 22 for men.

Cursillo’s present lay director is Pedro Landaverde of San Juan de la Cruz Parish in New Caney. †

Charley Green is a Houston-area Cursillista and author of the book “Living the Gospel with Common Sense.”

“One of the beauties of Catholicism is the grace we can encounter in the present moment. Our faith teaches us that while carrying our cross, Jesus gives us the grace to encounter difficulty. ”

GREEN

WORLD People wounded in life should find welcome in the Church, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The wounds of Christ, still visible after his resurrection, are the greatest sign of God’s love and mercy, Pope Francis said on Divine Mercy Sunday.

“Let us ask ourselves, however, if in the name of this love, in the name of Jesus’ wounds, whether we are willing to open our arms to those who are wounded by life, excluding no one from God’s mercy, but welcoming everyone — each person like a brother, like a sister, like God welcomes everyone. God welcomes everyone,” he said April 16.

After reciting the midday “Regina Coeli” prayer with about 20,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis wished a happy Easter to Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar and were celebrating the resurrection that day.

He also expressed concern about Sudan, where fighting between forces loyal to two different generals has led to the deaths of hundreds of civilians since April 13.

“I am close to the Sudanese people, already so tried,” the pope said, “and I invite you to pray so that they might lay down their arms and take up the path of

peace and harmony.”

In his main address, Pope Francis spoke about the day’s Gospel reading, John 20:19-31, which recounts the story of St. Thomas doubting the other disciples’

claim that they had seen the risen Lord.

In his hesitation to believe the others, “he represents all of us a little bit,” the pope said. “Indeed, it is not always easy to believe, especially when, as in his case, he had suffered a tremendous disappointment” after following Jesus, believing in Him, and then watching Him

St. Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them the evening after the resurrection, the “He had gone away from the

Notre Dame cathedral was on fire four years ago; here

& Social Workers

In the United States alone, there are over 41 million people who are serving in caregiver roles for an elderly relative. Taking on this role, while also balancing the various aspects of day-to-day life, can be exhausting and overwhelming. Robyn Horn shares her experiences as both a caregiver and educator, and how she has drawn on her faith to help her and others through this sacred journey.

Wednesday May 3, 2023

St. Dominic Village Auditorium

Holcombe Blvd

TX 77021

For questions, contact Brad Janacek: (832) 707-2398

Cathedral will get its spire back by the end of 2023, more than four years after it was deadline of Dec. 8, 2024, the cathedral, a beloved symbol of France, needs to meet

This includes cleaning and restoration of the interior of the building; restoration of

newest statement from the “Rebuild Notre Dame” committee, “is in progress, both on

community,” he said, and the only way he could have a chance of encountering Jesus was by going back, “returning to that family he had left behind, scared and sad.”

“Thomas wants an extraordinary sign — to touch the wounds. Jesus shows them to him, but in an ordinary way, coming in front of everyone, in the community, not outside,” the pope said. “It’s as if He said to him: ‘If you want to meet me, do not look far away, remain in the community, with the others. Don’t go away. Pray with them. Break bread with them.”

Jesus says the same to His disciples today, Pope Francis said. The community of the Church “is where you will find Me; that is where I will show you the signs of the wounds impressed on My body: the signs of the love that overcomes hatred, of the pardon that disarms revenge, the signs of the life that conquers death.”

Christians should ask themselves where they look for Jesus, the pope said. Is it “in some special event, in some spectacular or amazing religious manifestation, solely at the emotional or sensational level?”

Or, he said, do they look for the Lord “in the community, in the church, accepting the challenge of staying there, even though it is not perfect?”

“Despite all its limitations and failures — which are our limitations and failings — our mother Church is the body of Christ,” the pope said. “It is there, in the body of Christ, that, now and forever, the greatest signs of his love can be found impressed.” †

Pope Francis confirms trip to Mongolia in September

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis confirmed he will travel to Mongolia in September, becoming the first pope to visit the Asian nation, which is home to a cardinal and some 1,300 Catholics. In an audience April 14 with executives and staff of ITA Airways, the airline that has taken the pope on his international trips since 2021, he said that he will visit Mongolia, a country sandwiched between Russia and China, after traveling to Hungary in late April and Marseille, France, in September.

During an airborne news conference on his return flight from South Sudan in February, the pope told journalists there was a “possibility that from Marseille I will fly to Mongolia.”

masterpiece of Gothic art that Notre Dame

To the airline workers, Pope Francis said that “God willing” he will leave for his 41st apostolic trip, traveling to Hungary April 28 to 30 “and then there will be Marseille and Mongolia, and all the others that are on the waiting list.”

In August 2022, Pope Francis named Italian Bishop Giorgio Marengo, apostolic prefect of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to be the first cardinal based in Mongolia. The cardinal, 48, is the youngest member of the College of Cardinals. †

CNS PHOTO

Pope Francis greets an estimated 20,000 visitors and pilgrims who joined him for the recitation of the “Regina Caeli” prayer April 16, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

Papal academy launches study center to evaluate Marian apparitions

ROME (CNS) — The Pontifical International Marian Academy has created a commission to study and monitor cases of alleged Marian apparitions and other mystical phenomena.

The new “observatory” or monitoring body was officially inaugurated at the academy in Rome April 15 and will study cases that have not yet received an official Church pronouncement regarding their authenticity.

Its purpose is “to provide concrete support to the study, authentication and correct disclosure of such events, always in harmony with Church teaching, relevant authorities and applicable norms of the Holy See,” Franciscan Father Stefano Cecchin, president of the Marian Academy, said April 13. It will specialize in cases such as alleged Marian apparitions, “weeping” statues of Mary, private revelations and stigmata.

“It is important to provide clarity because often presumed messages generate confusion, spread anxietyinducing apocalyptic scenarios or even accusations against the pope and the Church,”he said in a written press release.

“How could Mary, mother of the Church, undermine (the Church’s) integrity or sow fear and conflict, she who is mother of mercy and queen of peace?” he asked.

“At the same time, it is important to provide formative support because facing certain cases requires adequate

CNS PHOTO Pilgrims gather in Trevignano Romano, Italy, Aug. 3, 2020, for an alleged apparition of Mary to Gisella Cardia, who claims Mary appears to her on the third of every month.

preparation,” Father Cecchin added.

The observatory will be made up of experts from different fields, including a lawyer specializing in safeguarding people who are susceptible to criminal manipulation, fraud or deceit.

Father Cecchin said the body will set up commissions on the national and international level to “evaluate and study apparitions and mystical phenomena reported in various parts of the world” and to promote opportunities for keeping people updated and educated about the events and their “spiritual and cultural

significance.” The local commissions will also serve the local church and its bishops by acting as consultants and providing accurate information.

The new monitoring body was inaugurated just as an alleged visionary in a town 30 miles from Rome faced increased scrutiny by law enforcement and the local bishop.

Gisella Cardia, who claims she receives messages from Mary on the third day of every month, is currently under investigation by the district attorney’s office of Civitavecchia for“abuse of public credulity” or trust. A commission set up by the local bishop is also conducting its own investigation.

Cardia also claimed a statue of Mary that she bought in Medjugorje, BosniaHerzegovina, cried tears of blood. However, a private investigator recently provided evidence to law enforcement alleging that the blood came from a pig.

Cardia had been found guilty and convicted of bankruptcy fraud in a business she used to run before moving to Trevignano Romano and claiming to receive messages from Mary. Hundreds of people flock to the site the third of each month to hear the alleged messages. †

Employment Opportunity: Medical Director

The San Jose Clinic is offering an outstanding opportunity for a qualified Medical Director. We seek physician candidates interested in utilizing their proven experience providing quality health care and solid operational leadership in a setting that enables them to make a real difference.

Located in Houston, Texas and having achieved 100 years in operation, the San Jose Clinic continues to strive to live our mission “to provide healing through quality healthcare and education with respect and compassion for those with limited access to care.” Under the leadership of the Medical Director, the clinic provides medical, dental, laboratory and pharmacy services to patients in Greater Houston and Fort Bend County areas. Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited school of medicine or osteopathic school of medicine

• Completion of an accredited provider residency training program

• Certification from Family Medicine or Internal Medicine specialty boards

• License to practice medicine in Texas with no restrictions

• Experience working in a community health setting preferred

• Demonstrated ability to develop therapeutic relationships with a wide variety of patients from diverse, educational, social and cultural backgrounds

• Solid computer skills including use of practice management software and EMR applications

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

WILL YOUR FINAL WISHES BE HONORED? F O R : P E R S O N S 5 0 + Y E A R S O L D / A D U L T C H I L D R E N

CREATING AN END-OF-LIFE CARE PLAN

Qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to inquire about this position by contacting our Chief Human Resources Officer Enjoli Marchand at enjoli.marchand@sanjoseclinic.org or 713-286-6412

PASTORAL SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE

In a continuing effort to provide pastoral care to victims of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo would like to remind the faithful of the Archdiocese of the availability of the Victims Assistance Coordinator. Anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel is encouraged to call Diane Vines at 713-654-5799. Please keep in daily prayers the healing of victims of abuse and all who suffer in any way.

STATE & NATION

Steady decline of U.S. Latinos identifying as Catholics sounds alarm to ‘shift gears’

(OSV News) — The number of U.S. Latinos who identify as Catholic continues to decline steadily, with only about 43% now self-identifying as Catholic, according to a new analysis from the Pew Research Center. The percentage of Latinos who are religiously unaffiliated also has grown.

Pew’s study, released on April 13, said the percentage of Hispanic adults identifying as Catholic declined from 67% in 2010 to 43% in 2022. At the same time, U.S. Latinos who identify as religiously unaffiliated (describing themselves as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular”) increased from 10% in 2010 to 30% in 2022.

Hosffman Ospino, a Boston College professor with years of experience examining the role of Hispanic Catholics in the future of the Catholic Church in the U.S., said this decline has been “in the works” for decades and that younger generations of Latinos are less likely to identify as Catholic.

“Something to keep in mind is that the Hispanic population is growing in the U.S. And the largest source of growth for the Hispanic community is not the immigrant community as it used to be in the ‘80s and ‘90s,” Ospino said. “Now the largest source of growth of the Latino community is the U.S.-born generation, which is being raised largely by both immigrants and the U.S.-born Latino, Latinas. ... It’s a very young population, so the trends that Pew is noticing reflect the larger trends among all young people throughout the U.S. across different racial, ethnic, and cultural groups.”

U.S. Census Bureau data show the U.S. Hispanic population reached 62.6 million in mid-2021, representing 18.9% of the total population. Since the 2000s, the Pew study said, U.S. births have driven U.S. Hispanic population growth, with four in five (79%) of U.S. Latinos ages 18 to 29 being born in the U.S.

The Pew study also indicated that about half (49%) of U.S. Latinos ages 18

to 29 identified as religiously unaffiliated, while 30% identify as Catholic and 15% identify as Protestant. For comparison, only about one in five Latinos ages 50 and older are unaffiliated, with most older Latinos (56%) in this group born outside the U.S.

The survey also pointed out that U.S.born Latinos, in general, are nearly twice as likely (39%) than foreign-born Latinos (21%) to identify as religiously unaffiliated, with young Latinos driving the trend.

“What this (Pew study) reveals in many ways is that the Catholic Church somehow was banking on the large growth of immigrant Hispanics who are Catholic,” Ospino said. “Now the question is: Are we ready to face the reality that evangelization in the following decades is going to be largely focused on those children and grandchildren of immigrants from Latin America, the U.S.born generation?”

Despite the 24% decline over the last decade, Catholics remain the largest religious group among Latinos in the U.S., the Pew report said. Latinos also remain about “twice as likely as U.S. adults overall to identify as Catholic and less likely to be Protestant.”

The Pew study also indicated that “Catholicism has seen the greatest losses due to religious switching among Hispanics,” with nearly a quarter of all U.S. Hispanics being former Catholics. The survey the study was based on stated that while about two out of three Hispanic adults (65%) said they were raised Catholic, 43% are currently Catholic.

For every 23 Latinos who have left the Catholic Church, the study said, only one has converted to Catholicism. The report also said Protestantism had seen more modest growth due to religious switching. Overall, the share of Latinos identifying as Protestants — about

21% of all Hispanic adults — has been relatively stable.

Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, assistant director of the Subcommittee of Hispanic Affairs of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), spoke about the historical context for Latinos in the U.S. leaving the Catholic faith. In decades past, during what AguileraTitus described as a time of “aggressive proselytizing” from other denominations that reached out to new Hispanic immigrants, the U.S. bishops responded with the first Encuentro (Encounter) process, which helped to formulate a national pastoral plan for Hispanic ministry in 1987.

“That (1987) plan really opened wide the door for thousands of parishes to begin to engage in Hispanic ministry,” he told OSV News. “And today, we have more than 4,500 parishes with a Hispanic Latino ministry, which means that they conduct ministry in Spanish, in an adequate cultural context.”

Aguilera-Titus added that — with over 16,000 parishes in the U.S. — the effort to develop and strengthen Hispanic ministry continues. “The more parishes engage in Hispanic Latino ministry, the less necessity Hispanic Latino Catholics will have to go to other churches,” he said.

For Ospino, secularization is the biggest challenge to Catholic Christianity and Protestant Christianity. “The younger generation, particularly, does not feel that organized religion serves a purpose in their lives,” he said.

According to the Pew analysis, disaffiliation from religion is more common among U.S.-born Hispanics: About a quarter of U.S.-born Hispanics

(23%) who say they were raised within a faith are now religiously unaffiliated, compared with 16% of foreign-born Hispanics.

Overall, 52% of Latino immigrants identify as Catholic, and 21% are unaffiliated, it said.

These steady shifts could have wideranging implications in the future. Hispanic Catholics make up close to 45% of all Catholics in the country. Yet, about 60% of all Catholics younger than 18 are Hispanic. So is the case for nearly half of all young adult Catholics (roughly ages 18 to 39), Ospino said.

A recent estimate by the Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry research team, which the U.S. bishops support, estimated that in 2021, there were 31 million Hispanic Catholics. Ospino called this a “sign of hope,” but — combined with the current Pew analysis — it is also a call to “shift gears.”

“The U.S. Church as a whole, institutionally, at the pastoral level, at all levels should treasure the gift of the Hispanic community” that still selfidentifies as Roman Catholic, Ospino said.“That means immigrants, that means young people, that means U.S.-born as well, but we have to treasure and invest in the Hispanic community,” he said.

Ospino suggested trying to increase the number of young Hispanic children enrolled in Catholic schools and investing in youth ministry and parish-level programs designed to serve the U.S.born Hispanic population and the need for outreach and catechesis that is not only in Spanish but also in English and bilingual programs.

“Let’s keep investing in the immigrant Hispanic community, but also redouble the energy and resources bringing the gospel among those who are U.S.-born and try to retain them. Otherwise, we will lose them,” he said.

Aguilera-Titus agreed that it is crucial to do a better job engaging “the children of immigrants, the grandchildren of immigrants” not only for them to remain Catholic but for their Catholic identity to be strengthened.

Calling this need “an area of great concern to the bishops,” Aguilera-Titus said engaging Hispanic youth and young adults and their families in the Catholic Church is a top priority for the new Hispanic Ministry Pastoral Plan that could be launched this year. The 10year plan, which came forth from the extensive multi-year process of the Fifth National Encuentro, is on the agenda for the USCCB assembly in June, AguileraTitus said.

Like Ospino, Aguilera-Titus also spoke of the need for leadership development so Hispanic Catholics can serve the church and society. “We need to move more Hispanic Latinos from feeling welcomed in the parishes to developing a sense of belonging and then a sense of ownership,” Aguilera-Titus said. †

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Latino Catholics recite the Lord’s Prayer during Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

MUNDO CATÓLICO

¡La ansiedad, prevalente en todos nosotros!

La ansiedad tiene sus raíces en el miedo a un peligro percibido. Lo que eso significa es que estamos percibiendo que algo va a salir mal en el futuro. Pero lo que, Jesús nos dice es vuelve al momento presente. Esté donde están sus pies, porque mañana tendrá suficientes problemas propios. Aunque está bien pensar en el futuro, no deberíamos preocuparnos por ello. En cambio, debemos estar donde están nuestros pies y volver al momento presente. Hay una diferencia entre experimentar ansiedad versus tener un trastorno de ansiedad. La ansiedad se convierte en un problema de salud mental cuando comienza a interrumpir su funcionamiento diario. Cuando la angustia le está quitando su capacidad de relacionarse con las personas como amigo o participar en su trabajo o rol que pueda tener.

No toda la ansiedad es mala. Por ejemplo, si está participando en el Sacramento de la Reconciliación, puede experimentar cierta ansiedad, y eso es normal. Los pensamientos negativos son normales, pero no útiles. Solo porque pensemos algo no significa que sea verdad. Algo que queremos empezar a hacer con nuestros pensamientos es identificar y anotar el pensamiento específico y observar nuestro pensamiento. Porque muchas veces lo que sucede es que estamos teniendo pensamientos todo el tiempo y no reconocemos eso, no todos los pensamientos son verdaderos. Entonces, terminamos aceptándolos como una realidad y luego impacta nuestro día e impacta nuestro compromiso con nosotros

mismos y, a su vez, cómo interactuamos con los demás.

Muchas veces, el autocuidado puede ser secuestrado por la industria del mercado o incluso por los más cercanos a nosotros y convertirse en una campaña de “date un capricho” y cómprate todo.Y eso no es lo que es el autocuidado, aunque a veces el autocuidado puede venir en forma de tomarse un café. El cuidado personal es, en última instancia, lo que alimenta tu alma o lo que te alimenta y te devuelve energía. Eso también puede depender de tu personalidad. Podría significar que leer un buen libro o hacer algo de tiempo para la autorreflexión reagrupará esa energía. Y muchas veces nos olvidamos de nosotros mismos. Estamos muy ocupados con las relaciones y el mantenimiento de amistades y nos olvidamos de que somos una parte importante de una relación.

Preguntarse: “¿Qué necesito?”, es importante y es muy desinteresado. No es ser egoísta. Puede ser considerado como egoísta, pero en realidad, es muy desinteresado porque lo que hace, esencialmente, es llenar tu taza para que luego puedas ayudar a los demás. No podemos derramar una taza vacía. Teniendo en cuenta sus primeros frutos, podría enfocarse en darse tiempo con el Señor para comenzar su día. En última instancia, eso te prepara para sentirte mejor en lugar de apresurarte por la mañana. Establecer ese tiempo como prioridad y reservar ese tiempo sin interrupciones.

Por lo tanto, nuestros pensamientos afectan nuestra perspectiva, nuestras emociones y la forma en que nuestros

por MELISSA ALVAREZ

pensamientos afectan nuestra salud mental y cómo nos tratamos y pensamos sobre nosotros mismos porque determina cómo interactuamos y nos relacionamos con los demás. Nuestras acciones comenzarán a tomar nota porque nuestras emociones son experiencias vividas dentro de nuestro cuerpo.

¿Qué nos dice Dios acerca de la ansiedad? Tu tarea es buscarla en, Mateo 6:25-34 ¿Por qué no tomamos a Dios en su palabra? Dios nos está diciendo literalmente; Yo te cuidaré. Basados en esta realidad, somos capaces de encontrar esas dificultades. Recuerda que la gracia existe en el momento presente.

Una de las bellezas del el Catolicismo es la gracia que podemos encontrar en el momento presente. Nuestra fe nos enseña que mientras cargamos nuestra cruz, Jesús nos da la gracia de superar dificultades. No estamos descartando la ayuda profesional y compartiremos un recurso maravilloso para obtener más ayuda al final.

Estamos tomando conciencia de nuestras emociones que son normales, pero vivimos en una sociedad que está tratando de convencernos de que tenemos que ser felices todo el tiempo. Nadie es feliz todo el tiempo. Las emociones se experimentan todo el día, todos los días. Afectan su pensamiento, toma de decisiones, comportamiento, aprendizaje, creatividad y rendimiento. Hay una respuesta fisiológica a las emociones.

Cuanto más tratamos de deshacernos de las emociones, más fuertes se vuelven. Ser conscientes de nuestras emociones nos ayuda a poder estar más presentes intencionalmente. Las emociones están destinadas a ser indicadores.

Consejos para llevar:

1. Toma conciencia: Identifica y observa tus pensamientos.

2. Verbalizar: ¡Nómbralo para domesticarlo!

3. ¡Busque herramientas y recursos útiles y manténgase basado en la verdad!

“No pretendemos que la vida sea todo belleza. Somos conscientes de la oscuridad y el pecado, de la pobreza y el dolor. Pero sabemos que Jesús ha conquistado el pecado y ha pasado a través de su propio dolor a la gloria de la Resurrección.Y vivimos a la luz de su misterio pascual, el misterio de su muerte y resurrección. ¡Somos un Pueblo de Pascua y Aleluya es nuestra canción! De un discurso del Ángelus en Adelaida, Australia, durante el viaje apostólico de JPII al Lejano Oriente y Oceanía (noviembre de 1986).

La lucha y el sufrimiento son muy reales, así que, si necesita ayuda, comuníquese con un terapeuta profesional. Para obtener más recursos sobre salud mental y una lista de organizaciones católicas de asesoramiento en la Arquidiócesis, visite www.archgh.org/ mhresources. †

Melissa Álvarez es directora asociada asistente de la Oficina de Evangelización y Catequesis y Ministerio con Personas con Discapacidades.

Las personas heridas por la vida deben encontrar acogida en la Iglesia, dice el Papa

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — Las llagas de Cristo, aún visibles después de su resurrección, son el mayor signo del amor y la misericordia de Dios, dijo el Papa Francisco el Domingo de la Divina Misericordia.

“Pero, preguntémonos si, en nombre de este amor, en nombre de las llagas de Jesús, estamos dispuestos a abrir los brazos a quien está herido por la vida, sin excluir a nadie de la misericordia de Dios, sino acogiendo a todos; a cada uno como un hermano, como una hermana. Dios acoge a todos, Dios acoge a todos”, dijo el 16 de abril.

Después de recitar la oración del mediodía “Regina Coeli” con unas 20,000 personas reunidas en la Plaza de San Pedro, el Papa Francisco deseó una feliz Pascua a los cristianos orientales católicos y ortodoxos que siguen el calendario juliano y celebraban la Resurrección ese día.

También expresó su preocupación por Sudán, donde los combates entre fuerzas leales a dos generales diferentes han provocado la muerte de cientos de civiles desde el 13 de abril. “Estoy cerca del pueblo sudanés, que ha pasado por tantas pruebas”, dijo el Papa, “e invito a

rezar para que se depongan las armas y prevalezca el diálogo, para retomar juntos el camino de la paz y de la concordia”.

En su discurso principal, el Papa Francisco habló sobre la lectura del Evangelio del día, Juan 20:19-31, que narra la historia de Santo Tomás dudando de la afirmación de los otros discípulos de que habían visto al Señor resucitado.

Al dudar de creer a los demás, “nos representa un poco a todos nosotros”, dijo el Papa. “ De hecho, no siempre es fácil creer, especialmente cuando, como en su caso, se ha sufrido una gran decepción. Después de una gran decepción es difícil creer,” después de seguir a Jesús, creer en él y luego verle morir en la cruz.

Santo Tomás no estaba con los otros discípulos cuando Jesús se les apareció la tarde después de la resurrección, señaló el Papa.

“Se había alejado de la comunidad”, dijo, y la única forma que tenía de tener la oportunidad de encontrarse con Jesús era volviendo atrás, “volviendo allí, en esa familia que ha dejado asustada y triste”.

“Tomás quiere una señal extraordinaria: tocar las llagas. Jesús se las muestra, pero de forma ordinaria, presentándose ante de todos, en la comunidad, no fuera”, dijo

el Papa. “Como diciéndole: si tú quieres encontrarme no busques lejos, quédate en la comunidad, con los otros; y no te vayas, reza con ellos, parte con ellos el pan”.

Jesús dice lo mismo a sus discípulos de hoy, dijo el Papa Francisco. La comunidad de la Iglesia “es donde puedes encontrarme; es ahí que te mostraré, impresas en mi cuerpo, las señales de las llagas: las señales del Amor que vence el odio, del Perdón que desarma la venganza, las señales de la Vida que derrota la muerte”.

Los cristianos deberían preguntarse dónde buscan a Jesús Resucitado, dijo

el Papa. ¿Está “en algún evento especial, en alguna manifestación religiosa espectacular o sorprendente, únicamente en nuestras emociones o sensaciones”?

O, dijo, ¿buscan al Señor “en la comunidad, en la Iglesia, aceptando el desafío de quedarnos, aunque no sea perfecta?”

“No obstante todos sus límites y sus caídas, que son nuestros límites y nuestras caídas, nuestra Madre Iglesia es el Cuerpo de Cristo”, dijo el Papa. “Es ahí, en el Cuerpo de Cristo, que se encuentran impresas, aún y para siempre, las señales más grandes de su amor”. †

APOYO PASTORAL A VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSO SEXUAL DEL CLERO

En un continuo esfuerzo por facilitar atención pastoral a las victimas de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, el Cardenal DiNardo gustaría recordar a los fieles de la Arquidiócesis la disponibilidad del Coordinador de Ayuda a Víctimas. Si alguien ha sido victim de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, se les anima llamar a la Diane Vines al 713-654-5799. Por favor rece por la sanación de las víctimas del abuso y por todos los que sufren de alguna manera.

WITHIN THE ARTS

Late young Catholic artist’s evangelizing

mission seen

in newly dedicated college chapel overlooking Shenandoah Valley

FRONT ROYAL, Va. (OSV News) — In March 2021, artist and alumna Mandy Hain was perched, brush in hand, on a cramped crane platform more than 100 feet above the floor of Christendom College’s Christ the King Chapel.

Decorating the brilliant cerulean blue heaven of its crossing tower with polychrome-winged angels hovering amidst eight-pointed shining gold stars, she was prayerfully concentrating on her work, not the cancer that would take her life at age 41, just a little less than two years later and before the official opening of the new cathedral-size church in Front Royal.

But at the April 15 dedication Mass of Christ the King Chapel, Mandy’s own sister — Sister Benedicta Marie of the Sister Servants of the Eternal Word in Birmingham, Alabama — was certain of her nearness.

“I know she’s present with us. I felt her presence very strongly in here when I came in right after her death,” Sister Benedicta Marie told OSV News. “I can remember that sense of her presence.”

Sister Benedicta Marie, who offered the second reading during the April 15

Mass, reflected that had Mandy survived her illness to see the chapel dedication, she surely would have felt “an immense joy.”

“She poured herself into this work for the glory of God and to build up his kingdom,” Sister Benedicta Marie said.

“All of her work was deeply immersed in prayer,” Sister Benedicta Marie explained of Mandy’s artistry, which is visible not only in the crossing tower ceiling of Christ the King Chapel — but also in the several-foot-high Celtic calligraphy that wraps around its perimeter, including the ancient invocation from the Book of Revelation of God’s triune holiness: “Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus.” A plaque memorializing Mandy’s creations will be installed at a later date.

“She really worked from her contemplative spirit in order to make God known,” Sister Benedicta Maria emphasized, “because she really believed that beauty is a revelation of God, to bring others to Him; to reveal Him to the world who is so much in need of Him.”

A quote from Mandy — reproduced on the reverse of the holy card from her February 2023 visitation and funeral Mass

— summarizes both her artistic and work philosophy: “To make things beautiful, or to make a beautiful thing, is to make Him known.”

That same beauty also was visible in the dedication Mass, marking the official liturgical opening of Christ the King Chapel.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, whose Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, includes Christendom College within its boundaries — was principal celebrant. Francis Cardinal Arinze, a longtime friend of Christendom College, also was on hand, along with 24 Christendom alumni now ordained as priests — whose graduations stretched from 1981 to 2017 — who concelebrated while EWTN carried the event live.

“There is a theological insight that when we seek to transform the world around us through art, culture and society, we re-create the world according to the image of God that is within us,” Bishop Burbidge shared in his homily.“We see the very image of God reflecting in the beauty of this chapel.”

Christ the King Chapel is a living testament to the sublime aesthetics of

MOVIE RATINGS By OSV News

A-I – SUITABLE FOR ALL

• Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG)

A-II – SUITABLE FOR OLDER CHILDREN

• In Viaggio: The Travels of Pope Francis (NR)

• On a Wing and a Prayer (PG)

• The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)

A-III – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS

• 65 (PG-13)

• Air (R)

• Champions (PG-13)

traditional ecclesial art — 114 stainedglass windows and a dozen pealing bells, intricate stone and woodwork, sophisticated masonry and painting and a gloriously thunderous 2,850 pipe organ. A total of 540 worshippers can be seated in its pews, and a relic of St. Thomas Aquinas — the patron saint of universities and scholars — was sealed in the altar during the dedication Mass. When the late Pope Benedict XVI, who blessed the cornerstone, first saw the chapel plans in 2008, he is said to have remarked, “It is beautiful!”

Christendom’s chapel fundraising began in 2016. The campaign concluded in 2018, with a groundbreaking a year later. Founded in 1977 — and celebrating its 45th anniversary with the chapel dedication and an accompanying tented gala on the grounds — Christendom College is a fouryear, coeducational Roman Catholic liberal arts college offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Its mission statement is “to provide a truly Catholic education in fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and thereby to prepare students for their role as lay apostles to restore all things in Christ.” †

• Creed III (PG-13)

• Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13)

• Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (R)

• Shazam! Fury of the Gods (PG-13)

• The Pale Blue Eye (R)

L – LIMITED MATURE AUDIENCE

• The Pope’s Exorcist (R)

O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE

• John Wick: Chapter 4 (R)

• Renfield (R)

• Scream VI (R)

For more reviews, visit osvnews.com/category/reviews

OSV PHOTO

Catholic artist Mandy Hain paints Christendom College’s Christ the King Chapel crosstower ceiling in this undated photo. Hain, known for living her motto “To make things beautiful, or to make a beautiful thing, is to make Him known,” passed away suddenly from cancer at 41, a couple months before the chapel’s April 15 dedication.

AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE

Editor’s Note: Contact event organizers for the latest updates. For deadline details and more listings, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA.

APRIL 26

WORKSHOP, 9:30 to 4:30 p.m., Emmaus Spirituality Center (12211 Memorial Dr., Houston). A day retreat of prayer, worship, and painting. Cost: $40. info@ emmausspiritualitycenter.com; 281-241-9678; www.emmausspiritualitycenter.com.

APRIL 27

EXHIBIT, 5:30 p.m., The National Museum of Funeral History (415 Barren Springs Dr., Houston). Museum opens a permanent “The Most Famous Burial of All Time: The Shroud of Turin” exhibit, featuring a replica of the Holy Shroud printed on linen that was produced using authentic first century techniques and gifted to the Archdiocese by the Center for International Shroud Studies in Turin, Italy. Tickets: $12 - $15. www.nmfh.org.

APRIL 29

DAY OF PRAYER, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Center (12627 W. Bellfort Ave., Sugar Land). Family Life Ministry leaders host a day for married couples and individuals to rekindle love with a day of praise, reflection and conversation: “See How They Love One Another.” Registration: $35-$60. drtruc@yahoo. com, hiepster88@gmail.com.

MUSIC WORKSHOP, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Emmaus Spirituality Center (12211 Memorial Dr., Houston). Music workshop explores healing songs, peaceful instrumental sounds, and songs about life, love and observations of the human experience with God. Cost: $30. 281241-9678; emmausspiritualitycenter.com.

FESTIVAL AND CRAWFISH BOIL, 3 to 8 p.m., St. Jerome Parish Activity Center (2759 Hollister Rd., Houston). Event features crawfish boil, drinks, music, marketplace, games, raffle and food trucks. Festival entrance is free. Tickets for the all you can eat crawfish boil are $40 online and $50 at the door. Online tickets: bit.ly/3GIyp1E. 713-468-7946; lvinasco@ stjeromecs.org.

APRIL 29-30

FESTIVAL, Christ the Redeemer (11507 Huffmeister Rd., Houston). 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Event features food, music, children’s games, auctions, Bingo and more. ctrcc.com/festival.

APRIL 30

GROTTO FESTIVAL, 11 a.m., St. Mary (10471 Grotto Rd., Sealy). Homemade sausage, beef, chicken and kolaches. Plates for dine-in or to-go. Event features live bands, dancing, games for all ages, kids rides and a raffle. stmarysfrydek.org.

MAY 1

GOLF TOURNAMENT, 10 a.m., Willow Fork Country Club ( 21055 Westheimer Pkwy., Katy). Epiphany of the Lord Parish ACTS Ministry sponsors third annual golf tournament fundraiser with prizes and meals. $150/golfer, $550/foursome. Register: epiphanycatholic. org/epiphany-golf-tournament. Sponsorships available. 713 502-1564.

MAY 4

LUNCHEON, 12 to 2 p.m., Houston Country Club (1 Potomac Dr., Houston). 2023 Catholic Charities Spirit of Charity luncheon honors The Anna Marie and Harold Hidalgo Family. nrivera@CatholicCharities.org; 713-874-6629.

SESQUICENTENNIAL MASS, 6:30 p.m., Annunciation (1618 Texas St., Houston). Incarnate Word Academy celebrates its 150th anniversary

with Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS. Reception to follow at Incarnate Word Academy.

MAY 5-6

BAZAAR, St. Matthias (302 FM 1774, Magnolia). Saturday at noon, crawfish and shrimp boil (recommend pre-order) and gumbo cookoff (pre-registration required), and barn dance with live music by Lonely Road Band at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at 10:30 a.m. are games, inflatables, a live and silent auction, a barbecue dinner, live music and more. 281-356-2000; www.st-matthias.net/bazaar.

MAY 6

CRAWFISH BOIL AND PIE CONTEST, 6 p.m., St. Francis de Sales (8200 Roos Rd., Houston). Live music, margaritas, beer and all-you-caneat crawfish and a pie contest. Tickets: $40 presale or $45 at the door, kids under 12 are $5. Crawfish to go is $10 per pound. Hamburgers and hot dogs also available for $5. Tickets: sfdshouston.org. 713-774-7475.

MAY 7

BAZAAR, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., St. Bartholomew (5356 11th St., Katy). Food, games and vendors for all ages.

FESTIVAL, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., St. Rose of Lima (3600 Brinkman, Houston). The Telstars are back for live music at parish spring festival. stroseoflima.org.

BAZAAR, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes (10114 Hwy 6, Hitchcock). Live music, fried chicken dinners, Mexican dinners, live auction, silent auction, bingo, kids and adult booths and a Houston Texans cheerleaders appearance. Free admission and parking. ololchurch.org/bazaar; 713-202-9495.

BAZAAR, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., St. Francis de Sales (8200 Roos, Houston). Ethnic food and drinks, children’s rides and games, live music, live auction, Bingo and raffle. Free. sfds-houston. org; 713-774-7475.

PICNIC-BAZAAR, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Anthony de Padua Picnic at Skrabanek Park (1800 Main St., Danbury). Barbecue brisket and sausage with homemade trimmings, desserts (kolaches, tea rings and more). Live auction at 12:30 p.m., silent auction, raffle, country store, kids games and more. 979-922-1240; st1523@sbcglobal. net.

MAY 10

WORKSHOP, 9:30 to 12 p.m., Emmaus Spirituality

Center (12211 Memorial Dr., Houston). Maureen Bacchi hosts a spiritual directors’ development day on the insights and gifts of Father Pierre Teilhard de Chardin for a better understanding of growing and becoming love through God’s grace. Cost: $40. info@ emmausspiritualitycenter.com; 281-241-9678; www.emmausspiritualitycenter.com.

BUS TRIP, St. Bernadette (15500 El Camino Real, Houston). Bay Area Council of Catholic Women host a trip for men and women 50 and older to the National Museum of Funeral History and Adriatic Cafe Italian Grill for lunch. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at the church. Cost: $15/person; food is on your own. RSVP by May 5 to Susie Balfour: 713254-2815; sbalfour2009@gmail.com.

MAY 13

OUR LADY OF FATIMA SCHOOL GALA, 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Mainland City Centre (10000 Emmett F. Lowry Exwy., Texas City). Fiesta de Fatima Gala at the Marquee benefits Our Lady of Fatima School and includes mercado market, Mariachi reception, fiesta dinner, drinks, music and dance. 409-766-0498; 409-933-2560.

WORKSHOP, 9:30 a.m., Emmaus Spirituality Center (12211 Memorial Dr., Houston). “Resurrection in Moment, Resurrection in Movement” will deepen your understanding of Easter as God’s resurrection moment and Pentecost as God’s resurrection movement. info@emmausspiritualitycenter.com; 281-2419678; www.emmausspiritualitycenter.com.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA MASS, 9:30 a.m., Notre

Dame (7720 Boone Dr., Houston). “Our Lady of Fatima Mass/Hijos and Hijas Consecration.” A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. followed by a bilingual (English and Spanish) Mass at 10 a.m.

MAY 26-28

ENCOUNTER WEEKEND, Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center (430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston). Time away from the distractions of everyday life for a married couple to reconnect and revitalize their marriage by focusing on each other and learning new ways to communicate more effectively in a private, positive atmosphere. $200 application fee. Apply at www.houstonme.org. 713-482-1791; flores@ welovewwme.com.

JUNE 16-18

YOUNG ADULT RETREAT, Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center, 430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston). Three-day retreat includes the celebration of the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, multiple conferences, group discussions, spiritual direction and time for private prayer. Accommodations include individual private room with private bath. Meals also included. Cost is $265 per person. Financial aid is available. 832-462-4440; deborahaharlan@gmail.com.

JUNE 21

URSULINE ACADEMY ALUMNAE LUNCHEON, 12 p.m., St. Patrick Cafetorium at Holy Family Parish (1010 35th St., Galveston). All alumnae, friends and family are invited to an afternoon of renewing old friendships, school girl memories and fun. 409-762-0834; martorellces@yahoo. com.