Texas Catholic Herald - May 24, 2022

MAY 24, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND 2021 IMPACT REPORT ▪ SEE CENTER SECTION

Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 1964

MAY 24, 2022

MINISTRY

Catholic Chaplain Corps helps bring Jesus’ presence to 100,000-plus

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VOL. 59, NO. 2

‘SEND FORTH YOUR HOLY SPIRIT UPON THEM’

BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent HOUSTON — During Jesus’s ministry, whether He was preaching and teaching or healing and performing miracles, He always freely and generously offered His merciful love in a deeply personal way. The Church continues to bring forth Jesus’s unconditional compassion and care to others in need in this way, especially to the poor, sick and suffering.

Through the efforts of trained clergy and laity, the ministry of the Archdiocese that is a source of hope and consolation for the infirmed, imprisoned, aged and

DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

With many friends and family to witness, Deacon Matthew Krusleski, Deacon Zachary Muldrow and Deacon J Serrato were ordained to the transitional diaconate by Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart May 14. They are now in their final year at St. Mary’s Seminary before their ordination to the priesthood. SEE STORY AND PHOTOS ON PAGE 3 FOR MORE.

See CHAPLAIN, page 8

‘HUMBLED BY THE CALLING’

Meet the three men set to be ordained as priests June 4

BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald

FROM THE SPIRITUAL HEART OF GALVESTON

From St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica in Galveston, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo invites everyone to join in marking the Archdiocese’s 175th anniversary ▪ SEE PAGE 2

Jesuit priest to vest him at his ordination.

The second time came amid attending Texas A&M University while seriously HOUSTON — Deacons Christopher dating a young lady.

Meyer, Luis Garcia and Jacob Ramirez “I was in a very good relationship,” the — after years of academic and spiritual 32-year-old said. “But I kept experiencing challenges — are set to be ordained as God calling me back to those first priests by Daniel Cardinal thoughts of the priesthood.

DiNardo on June 4 for the That tugging stopped the Archdiocese. moment I was formally A JOURNEY Deacon Meyer’s first “a-ha” accepted to the Archdiocese.

OF moment when he felt God’s It was replaced by peace and calling came in high school consolation.”

VOCATIONS during a freshman Scripture For Deacon Garcia, class at Strake Jesuit. who grew up in northwest “I remember being Houston near Spring, his convinced I was learning about route was not as direct, the truth and moved by (Father although he was very active Mark Thibodeaux, SJ) who had dedicated in his home parish of Prince of Peace. his life to that truth — to Christ and His “I was involved in various ministries Church,” Deacon Meyer said. At the end from serving at Mass, teaching as a of the year, he told Father Thibodeaux catechist and co-leading mission trips,” he was considering the priesthood. Now See PRIESTHOOD, page 4 years later, Deacon Meyer asked the

THE FIRST WORD † 3

| YOUTH † 10

|

ESPAÑOL † 15 |

A PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

Gracious and loving God, we thank your for the gift of our priests. Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your people. Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Allow them to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to become instruments of your divine grace. Amen.

MILESTONES † 16

2 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • MAY 24, 2022

‘WHILE WE CELEBRATE AND HONOR OUR PAST THE WORK OF THIS LOCAL CHURCH CONTINUES’

THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON

Publishing since 1964 (USPS 936-480)

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CELEBRATING 175 YEARS

The courage of a few brave souls brought the Catholic Church to Texas, which planted the seeds of faith that eventually grew to become the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston.

In a special video recorded at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica in Galveston that was released in early May, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo invited everyone to join the Archdiocese in commemorating its 175th anniversary. The following is the text from that special anniversary video:

“In 1847, with the founding of what was then the Diocese of Galveston, God filled Bishop Jean Marie Odin — the first bishop in Texas — with strength to face the challenges of preaching the Gospel and bringing the Sacraments to those living in the frontier land of Texas.

With him were the Ursuline Sisters who made it their mission to educate Catholic children and to form them in the faith. Together, they built upon the foundation laid by Franciscan missionaries and others who had been ministering in Texas since the 17th Century.

As Pope Francis would remind us, they brought the Lord Jesus to the people on the peripheries.

Today, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston continues to preach the Good News of Jesus

WATCH CARDINAL DINARDO’S INVITATION

Scan the QR code with your phone’s camera to watch Cardinal DiNardo’s special 175th anniversary video Christ to a flock of more than 1.7 million faithful in 10 counties.

Starting this month, the Archdiocese will be commemorating its 175th anniversary. While we celebrate and honor our past, the work of this local Church continues.

Throughout the anniversary year, I invite you to read the Texas Catholic Herald, follow us on social media and visit our website for content celebrating our history as we look ahead.

Thank you, and may God bless this 175th anniversary year of the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston.” †

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Daniel Cardinal DiNardo Archbishop, President & Publisher Jonah Dycus Executive Editor Rebecca Torrellas Managing Editor James Ramos Designer & Photo-Journalist Catherine Viola Graphic Designer & Ad Manager Kerry McGuire and Jo Ann Zuñiga Contributors

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Mail to Archdiocese of Galveston – Houston, P. O. Box 4817, Houston, Texas 77210-4817

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MAY 24, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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THE FIRST WORD ‘YOU ARE MY FRIENDS, SAYS THE LORD’

PHOTOS BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS Effective April 23 Father Won-chul Lee Pastor – St. Andrew Kim Parish Effective May 1 Father Warren Broussard, SJ Ministry – Strake Jesuit and Cristo Rey Schools Effective June 1 Father Rafael Querobin, SCJ Administrator to pastor – Our Lady of Guadalupe, Houston Effective July 1 Father Elias Lopez Pastor – All Saints Parish

► SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE

To see an ordination photo slideshow, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/DIACONATE22

Father Vincente Agila Pastor – Notre Dame Parish

IN BRIEF

Three take next step towards the priesthood Deacons Matthew Krusleski, Zachary Muldrow and J Serrato ordained to the transitional diaconate May 14 HOUSTON — As the Paschal candle flame flickered nearby, Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro placed his hands on the heads of three men, bringing three men to the next step in their journey to the priesthood.

At the Mass of Ordination of Transitional Deacons, held May 14 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Deacons Matthew Krusleski, Zachary Muldrow and J DEACON Serrato were ordained to the Sacred Order of the MATTHEW Diaconate through the imposition of hands and the KRUSLESKI invocation of the Holy Spirit by Bishop Dell’Oro. The tradition of laying of the hands has been handed down from the Apostles so that, through sacramental grace, they may effectively fulfill their ministry.

“Sisters and brothers, we come together with a great sense of joy and humility as we are called to contemplate the mighty deeds of God,” said Bishop Dell’Oro. Today God calls us “to see how three young men have been chosen to be the servants within the Church, and from the Church to our people, sisters and brothers.”

At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Dell’Oro reminded to never forget their true love for the Liturgy like a spouse, just as a husband loves his wife. At the end of the Mass, the three newly ordained deacons joined Bishop Dell’Oro in kissing the altar for the first time, a visible act of love and reverence for the Liturgy.

Their ordination as transitional deacons is one of their final steps before being ordained to the priesthood. †

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Priesthood ordinations set for June 4 DEACON ZACHARY MULDROW

DEACON J SERRATO

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HOUSTON — Catholics across the Archdiocese are invited to attend the priestly ordination on Saturday, June 4, at 10 a.m. Deacons to be ordained as priests are Deacon Luis Garcia, Deacon Christopher Meyer and Deacon Jacob Ramirez.

The ordination will take place at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1111 St. Joseph Parkway in Houston and will be livestreamed online at www.archgh.org/live. †

AYC registration underway

HOUSTON — The 2022 Archdiocesan Youth Conference (AYC), set for July 29 to 31 at the Hilton Americas Hotel, gathers participants — both youth and adults — from all over the local Church.

This year’s theme is “Everlasting Mercy,” based on the Scripture reference Luke 49-50. Major presenters include Catholic illusionist and youth speaker Danny Ray; Father David Michael Moses and Sister Josephine Garrett, CSFN. To register, visit www.archgh.org/oace. †

Catholic Charities’ food distributions continue at three locations

HOUSTON — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston offers food assistance at three locations pantries that are open for drive-thru food distribution.

In Houston, drive-thru distributions at the Guadalupe Center, at 326 S. Jensen St. in Houston, are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. No appointment needed.

The Beacon of Hope Center, located at 4700 Broadway, Suite F-103 in Galveston, hosts drive-thru distributions on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, starting at 9 a.m. The next three dates are May 25, June 8 and June 22. No appointment is required. Call 409-762-2064 for more information.

In Fort Bend, The Mamie George Community Center, located at 1111 Collins Rd. in Richmond, is a Houston Food Bank super distribution site. Register by texting "HFBPS" to 855-788-3663, then select "Catholic Charities — Richmond."

Drive-thru distributions are on Tuesdays, from 5 to 7 p.m., and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Center also hosts monthly food fairs, with upcoming dates on May 28 and June 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For help, call 281-202-6200.

For hours and addresses, visit www.catholiccharities.org/ food or call the Catholic Charities COVID Assistance Line at 713-874-6521. †

4 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

LOCAL

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • MAY 24, 2022

Head of School at St. Agnes retires Sister Jane Meyer, O.P., retires after 40 years of service to the school. ▪ SEE PAGE 9

One vocation, three unique journeys to the priesthood PRIESTHOOD, from page 1

us to Catholic school, and they have always been incredibly supportive of my vocation,” he said.

As part of their ministries, the transitional deacons served at parishes prior to their ordination to the priesthood.

Deacon Ramirez served at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in the Second Ward, where he preached and served at Masses.

Deacon Meyer served at Sacred Heart in Conroe, which was a“great opportunity to serve Mass, to preach, to baptize, and to minister to the people of God.”

he said.

Although he was born in Mexico as the middle child of Lorenzo and Maria Garcia, he was raised in Houston since he was five years old. But a church mission trip to Guatemala opened his eyes to his blessings. There a “real intimate experience of God in the poor” led him on his road to the priesthood.

The 33-year-old acknowledged, “The idea of priesthood was never in my mind and was never something that I ever thought of doing. Having received so many graces from (that) mission trip really opened my eyes and heart to the gift God had given me.”

But that discernment also took a few turns. Deacon Garcia said he earlier attended the seminary before this time around and needed to take a break. He then worked at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church in Spring for two years helping with Liturgy and Sacraments.

“I worked at the parish during the break and realized there that God’s call was irrevocable,” Deacon Garcia said. He returned to the seminary.

A FAMILY OF VOCATIONS In the case of Deacon Ramirez, following a priestly vocation was almost an inherited family tradition. Deacon Ramirez is nephew to Bishop Oscar Cantu of San Jose, California. His brother is Father Nicolas Ramirez, pastor at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in southeast Houston. Both brothers also credit their devout parents, Manuel and Leticia.

“I remember praying the Rosary as a family in Spanish when I was a child with my grandmother, who didn’t speak English,” Deacon Ramirez said.

Although inspired by his family and growing up in a home where prayer and faith played important roles, it was his senior year of college at Texas Tech University that Deacon Ramirez opened

DEACON LUIS GARCIA

DEACON CHRIS MEYER

to the idea of priesthood.

Deacon Ramirez said a priest there “planted the seed” of his vocation during the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The 34-year-old said he was surprised about his personal calling and began teaching at Catholic schools, including two years of Spanish classes at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Houston.

He continued his discernment, through prayer, clergy counsel and a spiritual director, eventually applying to the seminary in 2015.

“I realized how blessed I am because I’ve grown closer to God and have come to a better understanding of myself,” Deacon Ramirez said.

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Keeping up with their seminary studies, prayers, individual and spiritual development while still balancing their personal life has not been easy.

Deacon Meyer said, “It’s always a struggle. But it is important not to view any of these things as competing with one another. I am so thankful for every person that God has put into my life.”

A VOCATIONAL BOOST A positive improvement for this group was being among the first seminarians to live in the new residence halls at St. Mary’s Seminary on Memorial Drive.

Donations replaced decades-old facilities that were cold in the winter and steamy in the summer.

Deacon Meyer called it an upgrade, as the dorms were more spacious allowing for more fellowship and deepening friendships “to have those great conversations.”

Growing up Catholic and raised in Sugar Land, Deacon Meyer, along with his identical twin brother Kevin and younger sister Kate, attended Mass every Sunday with their parents, Dave and Eilis Meyer.

“I am very thankful that my parents raised us to understand our commitment.

They made great sacrifices to send

A FAITHFUL FUTURE Starting on the day of their ordination to their priesthood beyond, the three young men are excited but also realistic.

They are scheduled to celebrate their first Mass as priests the day after ordination.

Deacon Meyer will celebrate an 11 a.m.

English Mass on June 5 at St. Laurence in Sugar Land, while both Deacon Garcia at 3 p.m. and Deacon Ramirez at 11 a.m. will celebrate Spanish Masses at Prince of Peace.

“A priestly ordination is always a beautiful gift for the Church,” Deacon Meyer said, recalling how moved he was when he first attended one in college.

“It is going to be surreal to be one of the men being ordained, I am humbled by the calling and moved by the support that I constantly receive from priests and the entire faithful.”

After June 4, the three will celebrate Masses, hear confessions and minister in a whole new way, something Deacon Meyer said he has “been waiting so long for.”

“As many priests have told me, it will be the most memorable day of my life.

But the real gift is the new ways I will be able to participate in the life of Christ,” he said.

Deacon Garcia served as a transitional deacon at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston.

Deacon Garcia said, “A desire for service was born from this encounter, and with the help of the Blessed Mother and Holy Mother Church, I hope to be of service to the people by sharing in the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ.

I commend myself to your prayers, and please be assured of mine for you all.”

And Deacon Ramirez, along with his family of many vocations, hopes to continue helping countless souls.

“Confession is very dear to me considering I received my call during that Sacrament itself,” Deacon Ramirez said.

“Our society needs reminding of how good, how loving, and how merciful our God is.” †

MAY 24, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

LOCAL

A FEW CZECHS STOP IN TEXAS

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES DEGHELDER

Three transitional deacons from the Czech Republic visited Texas received their chalices from the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus on May 1 at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church in Houston. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Father Peter Thang Nguyen, parochial vicar of St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church, deacons Lukáš Gelnar, František Šary and Pavel Fiala, Father Paul Chovanec, pastor at St. Justin Martyr, and Deacon Dale Steffes of St. John Vianney Parish.

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Three Czech deacons tour the Archdiocese and find the ‘big, open heart’ of Texas faith Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Three transitional deacons from the Czech Republic visited Texas, taking in both the local culture and liturgies during the Spring season.

Deacons Lukáš Gelnar, František Šary and Pavel Fiala, all from the Archdiocese of Olomouc in the Czech Republic, received their chalices from the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus from Galveston-Houston on May 1.

Father Paul Chovanec, the pastor of St. Justin Martyr Church in Houston, helped facilitate their visit to GalvestonHouston.

Of their visit, Deacon Šary said that in Texas he sees more parishioner involvement in parish activities, openness and sense of common cause.

“I was most impressed by the space everywhere, the cordiality of the people and the terribly cold drinks,” he said.

Deacon Gelnar said there is definitely more room for lay ministry in parishes in

Texas. Especially with teaching religion, but also staff in parishes. “Only a few of the largest parishes in our country can afford staff,” he said. “I was impressed by the great hospitality and the generous and open heart of the people.”

Deacon Fiala joked, “There are definitely people with big hearts in Texas because almost everyone here has a big car!”

Since 1999, Texas has welcomed a group of Czech deacons, which have in the past visited other Texas dioceses, and even Louisiana.

A Czech contingent in Texas worked to bring transitional deacons to the Lone Star State as a way to connect people who unite in the Catholic faith. Czech people first arrived to Texas as early as 1823, with growing settlements in Austin, Fayette, Lavaca and Washington counties as Galveston became a popular point of entry. As many as 90% were thought to be Catholic, according to the Handbook of Texas. †

IN BRIEF Catholic Communications Campaign collection set for Memorial Day weekend

HOUSTON — The annual collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign will be taken in the Archdiocese on Memorial Day weekend, May 28 to 29. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Catholic Communication Campaign works to spread the Gospel through the media in all its forms.

Half of all donations to the Catholic Communication Campaign collected in Archdiocese stay in the Archdiocese to support local communications needs, such as radio and digital programming and diocesan publications like the Texas Catholic Herald. The other half support national projects in the U.S. and around the world. In 2021, the Catholic Communication Campaign awarded more than $3 million.

Other initiatives supported include evangelization, creating digital resources that help the faithful better understand the richness of Catholic teaching, producing documentaries and videos on the lives of exemplary modern-day Catholics on the path to beatification, and preserving Church history.

“Communicating the Gospel message is at the heart of evangelization. Through your gift, the Church is able to spread the faith, hope, and love of Jesus Christ, and of His Church, both here at home and abroad to people and places where the word of God is needed most,” said Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv., of Atlanta, chairman of the USCCB Communication Committee’s Subcommittee on the Catholic Communication Campaign.

To learn more about the Catholic Communication Campaign and the projects it supports, visit www.usccb.org/ccc. †

12211 Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77024 281 241-9678

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Scan the QR code or contact us at 281 241-9678 during the hours of 10 - 3 for questions

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • MAY 24, 2022

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TO SEE A MAY CROWNING PHOTO SLIDESHOW, VISIT WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/CROWNING22

THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WINDOW AT VILLA DE MATEL, HOUSTON

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A PENTECOST REFLECTION

On the first day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles and upon Mary and filled them with his power. Today we remember that moment and we open ourselves again to the gift of that same Holy Spirit.

In that Spirit, we are baptized. In that Spirit, we are confirmed.

In that Spirit, we are called to share in the mission of Christ.

In that Spirit, we shall indeed become the People of Pentecost, the apostles of our time. “Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.”

- ST. JOHN PAUL II ON PENTECOST, MAY 30, 1982 -

MAY 24, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

LOCAL

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OBITUARIES

IN MEMORIA

Theophil ‘Phil’ Foltyn

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

HALLETTSVILLE — Theophil “Phil” Foltyn, father of Father Paul Foltyn, pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, died April 28. A funeral Mass was celebrated May 6 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Interment is in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Hallettsville. †

Deacon Edward ‘Tom’ Thomas Lewis

LA PORTE — Deacon Edward “Tom” Thomas Lewis died April 18 in Sylvan Shores Nursing Home in La Porte. He was 90 years old. A funeral Mass was celebrated April 23 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in La Porte. †

Father Louis ‘Lou’ Sikorski

ANDERSON — Father Louis “Lou” Sikorski died May 12. He was 89 years old.

He was ordained on May 30, 1964, and received his first priestly assignment at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Church in Texas City. Father Sikorski served in many churches in the Archdiocese as assistant pastor including St. Charles Borromeo, St. Christopher, All Saints and Assumption. He became Pastor of St. Stanislaus in Anderson in August 1981 and after many years of priestly ministry, he retired in 2007.

A funeral Mass was celebrated May 18 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Interment is in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Anderson. †

IN BRIEF Holy Rosary hosts May 31 Mass to honor veterans

HOUSTON — Holy Rosary Catholic Church, located at 3617 Milam St. in Houston's Midtown neighborhood, will host a speical Mass on Tuesday, May 31, at 5 p.m. The Mass will be celebrated the day after Memorial Day to kick off the church’s new ministry to Veterans and Veteran families.

The Mass is open to the public, especially all veteran families, past and present, as well as current veterans and their supporters. The principal celebrant and homilist will be retired Colonel Father Robert Ippolito, M.S. A 30-year veteran U.S. Air Force chaplain. Father Ippolito said his his ministering to the Army at the U.S. military base “Salerno” gave him “the greatest satisfaction.”

Also present will be the Semper Fi #3 US Marine Corps memorial detail. Semper Fi #3 will present the flag to the altar at 5 p.m., prior to the Mass. In addition, Semper Fi #3 will present a sword salute for the Mass recessional. A light reception will follow the Mass in the adjoining parish hall. The Mass will be livestreamed on Holy Rosary's YouTube channel.

For more information, call 713-529-4854 or visit www.holyrosaryparish.org. †

June 1911 June 1, 1949 June 1, 1974 June 1, 1981 June 2, 1999 June 2, 2005 June 2, 2014 June 4, 1920 June 4, 1950 June 6, 1957 June 7, 1947 June 7, 1982 June 8, 1972 June 9, 1952 June 9, 1988 June 10, 1959 June 10, 2021 June 11, 1964 June 11, 1979 June 12, 1985 June 12, 2011 June 13, 1938 June 14, 1964 June 14, 1982 June 14, 1993

Rev. Anthony Maury Rev. James P. McCarthy Rev. William Creamer, O’Carm Rev. Francis Dynan, SSJ Rev. Norbert Reuss, CSB Rev. Kevin C. Thissen, OP Rev. Rivers Patout Rev. Joseph Ignatius Klein Rev. Lawrence B. Kramer Rev. Hugh Kearns Rev. J.T. Moriarty Rev. James L. Moore Msgr. Thomas J. Prendergast Rev. Francis A. Walsh, CSB Rev. James J. White, CSSp Rev. Ralph J. Diefenbach Rev. Peter Ferguson Rev. Dunstan McGuigan, OCarm Rev. Bernard J. O’Neill Rev. Richard Gieselman, CM Rev. Gabriel Camilo Morales, m.j.

Rev. John J. Lyons, SSJ Rev. Francis Plavcan, MS Rev. Mark M. Barron, OP Rev. James E. Daley, CSB

June 15, 1938 June 16, 1989 June 16, 2009 June 16, 2016 June 17, 1936 June 18, 1999 June 20, 1977 June 20, 1991 June 21, 1892 June 21, 2021 June 22, 2003 June 23, 1939 June 23, 1990 June 24, 1986 June 24, 2008 June 24, 2012 June 25, 1873 June 26, 1961 June 26, 1965 June 27, 1999 June 27, 2008 June 27, 2016 June 29, 2004 June 30, 1952

Rev. David M. Ortez Rev. Robert Hall, CSB Rev. Victor B. Brezik, CSB Rev. Patrick Braden, CSB Rev. Martin F. Collins Rev. Larry Leonard, CM Rev. Louis Hahn, SJ Rev. Paul F. Kent, OCSO Rev. Claude Jacquet Rev. Ryan Stawaisz Rev. Charles Banet, CPPS Rev. George Apel Rev. Joseph Kennelly, OMI Rev. Joseph K. Schneider Rev. Alfred E. Greenwald Rev. John “Jack” R. Whitley, CSB Rev. John B. Bellaclos Msgr. Frank J. Dubias Rev. Joseph Schmultz, SSJ Rev. Michael J. Fritzen, SVD Rev. John J. Walsh, CSSP Rev. Kenneth E. Mikulik Rev. Ladislav Danek Rev. Manuel F. Munive, OMI

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In 1866, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word arrived in Galveston with a mission to heal “the sick and infirm of every kind.” In 1887, they expanded their reach with St. Joseph’s Infirmary, Houston’s first general hospital.

It started with a call to care for the underserved, and over 150 years later the mission continues.

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of our mission, scan the QR code.

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8 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • MAY 24, 2022

Chaplains bring ‘message of hope’ to patients, families CHAPLAIN, from page 1 dying is the Catholic Chaplain Corps (CCC). In collaboration with parishes, the ministry offers education, training and support to ministers that bring Christ’s compassion and love through kindness, joy, prayer and a listening presence.

Currently, the CCC serves almost every hospital in the Texas Medical Center, as well as throughout the region.

A LISTENING PRESENCE “During the pandemic, many of those we serve felt the pain of isolation, especially those within institutions,” said Nannette Coons, interim director and lay chaplain for the CCC. “As restrictions lift, more than ever, we need to provide pastoral visitation [at] these institutions.

The CCC continues to bring the healing ministry of the Church through our quiet, listening presence as well as through the Sacraments.”

Coons said in 2021, the CCC offered pastoral ministry and Sacraments to over 100,000 patients, senior residents, and their caregivers despite the pandemic, which mostly involved telephone visits until October when social distancing measures changed. She said having an in-person, face-to-face pastoral presence increases the sense of true companionship, especially with individuals in senior

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN CORPS

Father Jojo Cal-Ortiz offers a blessing to health care staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to bring spiritual support to health care workers.

care facilities who experience increased feelings of isolation.

A GOAL TO GROW “While we have a high level of retention on behalf of our trained ministers, the need is still great to increase our ranks by recruiting and training more Pastoral Visitors serving in these facilities, as well as in our parishes,” said Coons. “We need to focus on renewing and building our teams and provide opportunities to enhance their skills to deepen the

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connection with those in their care. This includes training non-Catholic Spiritual Care staff to serve the needs of the sick within hospitals, along with the development of resources.”

As one of more than 60 ministries supported by the Diocesan Service Fund, the majority of the CCC’s operations, including ministry and administrative functions, staff and training, are entirely dependent on DSF, Coon said. If additional funding was available, there are several items on the CCC’s wish list.

Additional funding would increase salaries for more lay chaplains that support clergy. They offer ongoing inperson support for patients, senior residents, caregivers, and staff, as well as recruiting, training, and mentoring pastoral visitors.

Because pastoral visitors often want to continue their personal development and spiritual life, Coons said additional funding would also allow for more inperson enrichment with presenters from the field, as well as leadership formation.

TAKING A LEAP OF FAITH “In their entry interview for pastoral visitation, every person we speak with claims that they desire to give back what God has given to them,”said Coons.“Many of us recognize that deep calling to ‘give to God what is God’s.’ Financial resources help us to increase our outreach, develop and increase ministry, as well as sustain those who give their time and talents to this ministry.”

Coons also hoped to create an app for their community to easily use with sacramental needs, prayer, and end-oflife care.

Sharon Brown, a pastoral visitor with the CCC for close to two years, began visits with a local nursing home in Conroe in October 2021 when quarantine was lifted. She felt it was important for parishes to give to the DSF to support the ministry’s ability to provide in-depth training programs for pastoral visitors.

“CCC’s training taught me how to listen and give the residents the opportunity to tell their story,” Brown said. “What a difference this ministry makes in people’s lives that are homebound, in a nursing home or a hospital. I encourage anyone interested in this type of ministry to take

The 2022 Diocesan Services Fund theme draws from 1 Corinthians: “All For the Glory of God.” 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 60-plus ministries. that leap of faith; you will not regret it.”

CHAPLAIN CORPS ‘IS ALWAYS THERE’ Sheila Yepsen, a pastoral visitor at HCA Houston Healthcare - Kingwood since 2007, said although she already had some helpful skills, like being a good listener and being prayerful, she felt she didn’t have the confidence for volunteer work if not for the CCC training. She said volunteers like her cannot grow if they do not continue to stretch themselves and learn.

“The team of chaplains challenges me with scenarios that help me to grow, such as ministering to different cultures, medical and family crisis, and the death and dying,” said Yepsen. “Christ commands us to minister to the sick, those in prison and the dying, and this ministry is one of the most rewarding ways to serve our Lord. Yet, without proper training, there can be pitfalls, and it is easy to become discouraged; I know that the Chaplain Corps is always there to help me.”

‘THERE IS HOPE’ With St. Faustina’s Grief Support Ministry in Katy, Ralph Ambuehl recommended pastoral visitor formation for anyone looking to expand their skill.

He said the formation program prepared him to work with diverse populations, from prisons, hospice to hospitals and more. Ambuehl said he witnessed many people come to believe that they can handle what they first thought was impossible.

“They begin to believe that God has not abandoned them, and there is hope,” said Ambuehl. “When everything is going well, everyone wants to be your friend.

When your life is a mess, you need someone who can help you process your feelings and remind you of God’s love.”

For more information about how to assist the CCC by giving to the 2022 Annual DSF Appeal, visit archgh.org/ dsf. The fund supports over 60 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. †

SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS?

Have questions about subscriptions, delivery or circulation?

Call 713-652-4444 or email TDIELI@ARCHGH.ORG for help.

Visit ARCHGH.ORG/SUBSCRIBE for more information.

Diocesan Services Fund

IMPACT REPORT 2021

How you make a difference

www.archgh.org/dsf

PAGE 2

2021 DSF Annual Report

A NOTE from CARDINAL DiNARDO Brothers and Sisters: I want to take this opportunity to thank you for responding with enthusiasm to the call of our local Church. Because of your selflessness, the Archdiocese was able to meet the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) goal for 2021, raising $14,550,649.31 (106%).

Your support of the 2021 Diocesan Services Fund appeal has a significant and lasting effect on the lives of others. It is because of your generosity and your prayers that we, as one Archdiocesan family, are able to provide over 60 ministries that makes Christ known in our communities.

These ministries are done in your name. They are representative of our collective effort to spread the Gospel

message far and wide—to evangelize, to educate and to serve hundreds-of-thousands each year throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

I encourage you to read this report closely—to learn about all the good that you help accomplish through DSF. Above all else, I invite you to pray for those engaged in the ministry in our local Church. With my gratitude, and assurances of my prayers for you, I remain, Sincerely yours in Christ, +Daniel Cardinal DiNardo Archbishop of Galveston-Houston

2021 GOAL VS. RAISED

THE MISSION OF DSF

$14,550,649.31

$14.5 million

The Diocesan Services Fund is the principal means by which the over 60 ministries of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston receive financial support.

DSF is an invitation to each of us: to share in and support the mission of the Catholic Church; to provide a network of education, ministry and service throughout the Archdiocese; and to keep the Gospel of Christ alive in our communities.

The Diocesan Services Fund is a singular way in which the People of God in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston can come together to accomplish so much to the benefit of hundreds-of-thousands each year—to become the face and hands of Christ.

$13,764,000

$13.25 million

$12 million

GOAL

RAISED

* $1.4 million raised was returned to parishes through rebates.

HOW DSF FUNDS ARE ALLOCATED:

30% Teaching, Evangelizing & Worship

15% Ministering to the Poor, the Sick and the Incarcerated

24% Nurturing & Strengthening Families

11% Rebates to Parishes

20% Promoting, Preparing & Supporting the Clergy

.1%

Special Grants

*These percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number, and the total may exceed 100%

2021 DSF Annual Report

PAGE 3

DSF 2021: BY THE NUMBERS

NUMBER OF DONORS

NEW DONORS

AVERAGE GIFT

PARISHES OVER GOAL

33,664

(9.7% of all donors)

$432

96

TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED: $14,550,649.31

3,341

(106% OF GOAL)

PARISH REBATES

PARISH REBATES

This is the total amount returned directly back to parish communities throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston through DSF rebates.

$1,410,455

Through these rebates, numerous parishes throughout the Archdiocese receive money back that allows them to fund social and liturgical ministries, serve their communities, support their schools and conduct much needed maintenance on parish buildings.

A gift to DSF helps to ensure that each parish has the opportunity to receive additional funds to support their community.

The DSF rebate had a significant impact on our parish facilities. The funds raised above the goal have been refunded to the parish and used in different projects. One of them has been for building maintenance.

St. Charles Borromeo parish, established in 1962, has facilities that date back to its foundation. The parish hall is continuously used for gatherings, evangelization, and charitable activities. Every Wednesday, the food pantry serves approximately 350 families with food

provided by the Houston Food Bank. Having that significant traffic of people, the restrooms in the parish hall have taken a tremendous toll.

The money we received back from the Diocesan Services Fund was a great help to replace three air conditioning units in the parish hall.

Next year, we are looking forward to the DSF rebate to apply to the evangelization program.

MAKE AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT Donate Online Today

It is the most secure, easiest and fastest way to support the ministries of the Archdiocese.

Father Miguel Solorzano Pastor, St. Charles Borromeo

Scan here to read the full Impact Report

HOW TO MAKE AN ONLINE GIFT • VISIT THE DSF WEBSITE www.archgh.org/dsf • SELECT YOUR GIFT Select your gift amount or choose a custom amount, and then choose your number of payments.

• CHOOSE YOUR PARISH Choose your parish from the online drop-down menu.

• DONATE Enter your billing and credit card information, then click “Process.”

Once your gift is processed, you will receive an email notification acknowledging your generous contribution.

*Special Note* If you choose to make a recurring gift each month, it is an easy and affordable way to make a lasting contribution to the flourishing of our local Church.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED GENEROSITY!

The DSF Impact Report of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is produced by the Development Office and designed by the Secretariat for Communications, with support from the Secretariat for Finance.

Photos: James Ramos/Texas Catholic Herald DSF Archive Photos TCH Archive Photos

PAGE 4 PARISH NAME # DONORS TOTAL GIVEN GOAL % GOAL VICARIATE

All Saints - Houston 115 66,450.00 65,000.00 102% C Annunciation - Houston 69 65,077.90 45,000.00 145% C Ascension Chinese Mission - Alief 61 26,452.00 17,000.00 156% W Assumption - Houston 154 38,548.85 60,000.00 64% C Blessed Sacrament - Houston 51 16,236.50 27,000.00 60% C Catholic Charismatic Center- Houston 58 18,228.00 27,500.00 66% C Christ Our Light - Navasota 63 26,251.27 25,000.00 105% N Christ The Good Shepherd - Spring 365 272,951.05 243,000.00 112% N Christ The Incarnate Word - Houston 633 114,391.00 88,000.00 130% W Christ The King - Houston 70 118,601.00 50,000.00 237% C Christ The Redeemer - Houston 790 325,225.21 305,000.00 107% W Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart - Houston 263 158,275.10 135,000.00 117% C Corpus Christi - Houston 207 84,069.00 75,000.00 112% W Epiphany of the Lord - Katy 533 314,832.00 300,000.00 105% W Guardian Angel - Wallis 103 27,985.00 33,000.00 85% W Holy Family - Galveston 310 90,558.69 83,000.00 109% S Holy Family - McNair/Baytown 73 21,830.00 20,000.00 109% N Holy Family - Missouri City 337 112,090.43 122,000.00 92% W Holy Ghost - Houston 161 61,896.00 70,000.00 88% W Holy Name - Houston 50 16,033.00 21,000.00 76% C Holy Rosary - Houston 122 97,986.49 139,000.00 70% C Holy Rosary - Rosenberg 197 58,430.00 80,000.00 73% W Immaculate Conception - Houston 96 34,389.90 32,000.00 107% C Immaculate Conception - Sealy 147 46,600.00 46,000.00 101% W Immaculate Conception Mission - Bellville 41 16,100.00 8,500.00 189% W Immaculate Heart of Mary - Houston 102 22,933.39 36,000.00 64% C Mary Queen - Friendswood 461 186,782.33 170,000.00 110% S Most Holy Trinity - Angleton 155 68,815.25 65,000.00 106% S Notre Dame - Houston 339 88,647.00 100,000.00 89% W Our Lady of Czestochowa - Houston 81 28,712.75 20,000.00 144% W Our Lady of Fatima - Galena Park 86 11,705.75 26,500.00 44% C Our Lady of Grace - South Houston 139 20,280.00 18,000.00 113% C Our Lady of Guadalupe - Baytown 85 17,123.00 48,000.00 36% N Our Lady of Guadalupe - Houston 84 36,617.54 36,000.00 102% C Our Lady of Guadalupe - Rosenberg 229 30,398.75 40,000.00 76% W Our Lady of Lavang - Houston 123 63,667.00 56,000.00 114% N Our Lady of Lourdes - Hitchcock 167 49,961.08 50,000.00 100% S Our Lady of Lourdes - Houston 100 46,374.00 40,000.00 116% W Our Lady of Mount Carmel - Houston 50 18,418.00 32,500.00 57% C Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Sweeny 44 12,280.00 9,500.00 129% S Our Lady of Sorrows - Houston 33 8,147.00 9,000.00 91% C Our Lady of St. John - Houston 89 34,978.40 28,500.00 123% C Our Lady Star of the Sea - Houston 32 5,751.00 9,000.00 64% C Our Mother of Mercy - Houston 220 63,002.00 62,000.00 102% C Prince of Peace - Houston 709 433,432.38 450,000.00 96% N Queen of Peace - Houston 124 52,018.55 51,000.00 102% C Queen of Peace - La Marque 102 25,954.00 30,000.00 87% S Regina Caeli - Houston 45 20,230.00 15,000.00 135% W Resurrection - Houston 143 20,290.00 31,000.00 65% C Sacred Heart - Conroe 460 151,705.13 200,000.00 76% N Sacred Heart - Crosby 103 34,592.50 36,000.00 96% N Sacred Heart - Pattison 77 17,712.02 17,000.00 104% W Sacred Heart - Richmond 315 136,328.91 150,000.00 91% W Sacred Heart of Jesus - Manvel 223 78,309.33 100,000.00 78% S Shrine of the True Cross - Dickinson 208 95,018.33 90,000.00 106% S St. Albert of Trapani - Houston 194 84,363.90 80,000.00 105% W St. Alphonsus - Houston 38 9,880.05 22,000.00 45% C St. Ambrose - Houston 153 64,953.60 74,000.00 88% W St. Andrew - Channelview 241 50,835.28 72,000.00 71% N St. Andrew Kim - Houston 70 24,625.00 31,000.00 79% W St. Angela Merici - Missouri City 137 47,351.81 41,000.00 115% W St. Anne - Houston 452 337,043.22 362,000.00 93% W St. Anne - Tomball 187 82,380.25 100,000.00 82% N St. Anne de Beaupre - Houston 28 7,810.00 6,500.00 120% C St. Anthony de Padua - Danbury 70 25,487.00 25,000.00 102% S St. Anthony of Padua - The Woodlands 535 367,031.21 350,000.00 105% N St. Augustine - Houston 83 32,353.00 30,000.00 108% C St. Bartholomew the Apostle - Katy 332 130,120.87 169,000.00 77% W St. Benedict the Abbott - Houston 123 29,671.00 35,000.00 85% W St. Bernadette Soubirous - Houston 381 166,204.45 180,000.00 92% S St. Catherine of Siena - Houston 119 54,621.00 55,000.00 99% W St. Cecilia - Houston 624 392,083.45 330,000.00 119% W St. Charles Borromeo - Houston 807 88,594.20 75,000.00 118% C St. Christopher - Houston 112 27,957.00 50,000.00 56% C St. Clare of Assisi - Houston 297 190,478.71 160,000.00 119% S St. Cyril of Alexandria - Houston 321 177,693.36 150,000.00 118% W St. Dominic - Houston 123 26,523.00 34,000.00 78% N St. Edith Stein - Katy 295 151,304.01 140,000.00 108% W St. Edward - Spring 313 181,985.00 170,000.00 107% N St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Houston 459 165,286.66 235,500.00 70% W

NOTES: † These numbers reflect donations received as of December 31, 2021. Parishes that have not met their goal by December 31, 2021 are billed for any DSF deficit, which is not reflected in this report.

2021 DSF Annual Report PARISH NAME

# DONORS

TOTAL GIVEN

GOAL

St. Faustina - Fulshear St. Frances Cabrini - Houston St. Francis de Sales - Houston St. Francis of Assisi - Houston St. Francis Xavier - Houston St. Gregory the Great - Houston St. Helen - Pearland St. Hyacinth - Deer Park St. Ignatius Loyola - Spring St. James the Apostle - Spring St. Jerome - Clute St. Jerome - Houston St. John Fisher - Richmond St. John Neumann - Houston St. John of the Cross - New Caney St. John the Apostle Mission - Sweeny St. John the Baptist - Alvin St. John the Evangelist - Baytown St. John Vianney - Houston St. Joseph - Baytown St. Joseph - Houston St. Joseph - New Waverly St. Joseph Mission - Plantersville St. Joseph on the Brazos - Brazoria St. Juan Diego - Pasadena St. Jude Thaddeus - Highlands St. Justin Martyr - Houston St. Katharine Drexel - Hempstead St. Laurence - Sugar Land St. Leo The Great - Houston St. Luke the Evangelist - Houston St. Mark the Evangelist - Houston St. Martha - Kingwood St. Martin de Porres - Barrett Station St. Mary - Frydek/Sealy St. Mary - La Porte St. Mary - League City St. Mary - Plantersville St. Mary Magdalene - Humble St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal - Texas City St. Mary of the Purification - Houston St. Mary Star of the Sea - Freeport St. Matthew the Evangelist - Houston St. Matthias the Apostle - Magnolia St. Maximilian Kolbe - Houston St. Michael - Houston St. Michael - Lake Jackson St. Michael the Archangel - Needville St. Monica - Houston St. Nicholas - Houston St. Patrick - Houston St. Paul - Houston St. Peter Claver - Houston St. Peter the Apostle - Houston St. Philip Neri - Houston St. Philip of Jesus - Houston St. Philip the Apostle - Huffman St. Pius V - Pasadena St. Raphael the Archangel - Houston St. Rose of Lima - Houston St. Stanislaus - Anderson St. Stephen - Houston St. Stephen the Martyr Mission - Point Blank St. Theresa - Houston St. Theresa - Sugar Land St. Thomas Aquinas - Sugar Land St. Thomas More - Houston St. Thomas the Apostle - Huntsville St. Vincent de Paul - Houston St. Wenceslaus Mission - Rosenberg Sts. Cyril and Methodius - Damon Sts. Peter and Paul - Bellville Sts. Simon & Jude - The Woodlands Vietnamese Martyrs - Houston

248 342 410 98 179 77 473 216 557 184 80 462 196 267 108 26 198 149 974 86 145 90 43 26 110 69 310 144 977 247 416 221 626 46 72 114 419 284 254 144 137 72 185 226 430 463 257 123 164 36 162 217 78 87 62 351 87 125 40 247 71 30 22 251 420 238 359 112 438 23 42 60 406 341

149,456.50 82,920.88 142,162.35 22,795.00 50,537.17 22,833.57 199,002.28 88,296.05 337,817.27 86,231.20 22,370.00 120,594.00 48,959.71 71,733.43 35,324.38 8,445.00 70,697.25 50,769.00 582,252.40 27,257.00 42,339.57 17,205.00 12,755.00 8,760.00 51,063.00 18,005.00 116,773.96 60,822.00 567,739.13 61,281.73 148,240.62 34,975.88 328,340.10 24,055.00 16,670.00 42,507.77 150,728.30 129,945.62 126,048.56 68,170.00 39,192.00 25,074.75 64,202.66 74,939.50 185,919.06 497,839.90 118,575.21 41,490.00 35,160.44 8,505.00 55,438.02 141,955.58 19,845.75 18,311.00 18,548.69 18,404.00 45,210.00 44,299.75 5,980.00 93,361.00 24,831.25 5,203.00 13,250.00 231,052.62 200,181.78 85,352.04 174,244.80 40,400.01 400,057.91 5,292.50 9,140.00 25,910.00 227,113.45 97,147.00

154,000.00 77,500.00 142,000.00 20,000.00 62,000.00 21,000.00 225,000.00 80,000.00 305,000.00 89,000.00 25,000.00 124,000.00 39,000.00 70,000.00 32,000.00 5,000.00 61,000.00 39,000.00 440,000.00 24,000.00 24,500.00 17,000.00 10,000.00 22,500.00 51,000.00 24,000.00 110,000.00 60,000.00 475,000.00 60,000.00 140,000.00 38,000.00 314,000.00 22,000.00 25,000.00 52,000.00 154,000.00 90,000.00 150,000.00 65,000.00 64,000.00 25,000.00 60,000.00 66,000.00 138,000.00 405,000.00 115,000.00 39,000.00 47,000.00 8,500.00 45,000.00 130,000.00 17,000.00 18,000.00 28,000.00 40,000.00 30,000.00 40,000.00 31,000.00 96,000.00 21,500.00 3,500.00 3,000.00 124,000.00 200,000.00 80,000.00 150,000.00 38,000.00 300,000.00 3,000.00 9,000.00 26,000.00 225,000.00 80,000.00

Office of the Archbishop - Houston Holy Cross Chapel - Houston La Divina Providencia - Houston Newman Center - Galveston Newman Center - Rice/TMC Newman Center - Texas Southern University Newman Center - University of Houston Newman Center - University of St. Thomas Warren Chapel - Houston

498 1 2 1 15 1 6 0 0

172,510.82 2,200.00 175.00 8.33 6,925.00 250.00 3,960.00 0.00 0.00

TOTAL

% GOAL VICARIATE 97% 107% 100% 114% 82% 109% 88% 110% 111% 97% 89% 97% 126% 102% 110% 169% 116% 130% 132% 114% 173% 101% 128% 39% 100% 75% 106% 101% 120% 102% 106% 92% 105% 109% 67% 82% 98% 144% 84% 105% 61% 100% 107% 114% 135% 123% 103% 106% 75% 100% 123% 109% 117% 102% 66% 46% 151% 111% 19% 97% 115% 149% 442% 186% 100% 107% 116% 106% 133% 176% 102% 100% 101% 121%

W S W C C C S S N N S W W N N S S N W N C N N S C N W W W C S W N N W S S N N S C S W N W W S W W C C S C C C C N C W W N C N W W W W N W W W W N C

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

33,664 14,550,649.31 13,764,000.00

MAY 24, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

9

EDUCATION

More than 970 graduate at UST commencement celebrations

UST’s 75th anniversary gala raises a record $2.4 million to support tuition assistance, programs HOUSTON — Hundreds of University of St. Thomas graduates celebrated the completion of their academic journey with prayer and reflection when Daniel Cardinal DiNardo celebrated the school’s annual baccalaureate Mass at the CoCathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston on May 13.

Wearing flowing black graduation gowns adorned with special stoles and cords for achievements and honors, UST’s newest graduating class processed down the aisle of the Co-Cathedral.

Cardinal DiNardo was joined by a number of concelebrating priests from UST’s clergy community.

UST President Richard Ludwick, who, in a brief address at the conclusion of the Mass, encouraged the students to “go out and change the world,” also attended with a contingent of the school’s faculty leadership.

In his homily, Cardinal DiNardo encouraged the students to “do good” and to “crease the world.” The students must “engage in action on behalf of human beings” and with UST’s Catholic identity in mind, to ultimately act for God, he said.

“I ask you graduates: make a beginning, I ask you to be grateful,” Cardinal DiNardo said. If you put two things like that together, you’d be surprised how, years from now, you will see the world changed because you made a beginning.”

Cardinal DiNardo also congratulated the many students, alongside their families and friends, for their landmark educational achievement.

NEARLY 1,000 GRADUATES WALK THE STAGE TO CELEBRATE The next day, on May 14, 531 undergraduate students and 444 graduate students walked the stage at NRG Stadium in Houston in celebration

PHOTOS BY DAVE ROSSMAN AND JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

At left, Cardinal DiNardo accepts the offertory from graduating UST students, Cristhel Gutierrez and Christopher Trinh, at a baccalaureate Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on May 13. More than 970 students graduated from UST, which is marking its 75th anniversary. At right, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, with UST President Richard Ludwick and Archbishop J. Michael Miller, attends the University of St. Thomas 75th Anniversary Gala “A Million Dreams” in Houston on May 7.

of their academic milestone.

Many wore mortar board caps that sparkled during the ceremony that featured Grammy Awardwinning soprano Ana María Martínez as commencement speaker.

The commencement student speaker was Michaella Maniscalo, and the university also honored Dr. Herbert P. Edmundson Jr. with an honorary doctorate.

joined by a host committee, planned the gala, which included a private concert by R&B legends Boyz II Men. Cardinal DiNardo, who is on UST’s board of directors, joined UST President Richard Ludwick to recognize Archbishop Miller of Vancouver, Canada, for his leadership and service as UST’s seventh president. Archbishop Miller led UST through a capital campaign that

completed the Academic Mall.

President Ludwick also recognized donors for their gifts of scholarships, which unlock the doors to transformational paths for students, he said. A Paddles Up appeal supported student scholarships and was matched by a $100,000 gift from the Hildebrand Foundation. The university marked its 75th anniversary with a series of events. †

A CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER AND HONOR A LEGACY OF 75 YEARS Cardinal DiNardo was also on hand to recognize Archbishop J. Michael Miller as UST’s 75th anniversary gala honoree on May 7 at the Hilton of the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston, where a record thousand attendees raised more than $2.4 million to benefit student scholarships and programs.

Galveston-Houston Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro and Laredo’s Bishop James Tamayo joined Cardinal DiNardo for the event, which united UST’s community of faculty, staff, alumni, friends and benefactors. “A Million Dreams” 75th Anniversary Gala ChairTrini Mendenhall,

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP Sr. Jane Meyer, OP, retires from St. Agnes Academy HOUSTON — Sister Jane Meyer, O.P., 71, the head of St. Agnes Academy, will be retiring at the end of the school year after 41 years of service to the school.

A native Houstonian, Sister Meyer attended St. Anne Catholic School and St. Agnes Academy (the Fannin Street location). She entered the convent of the Dominican Sisters of Houston in September 1957, the fall after she graduated from high school, and professed her final vows on Aug. 15, 1964.

A life-long learner, she received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in business, followed by two master’s degrees and countless courses, workshops and webinars. Sister’s teaching career began in 1960. Her first teaching assignments were in Houston (Holy Rosary School and St. Pius X High School). In 1965, she transferred to Kelly High School in Beaumont, where she served as principal from 1971 to 1981.

St. Peter Catholic: A Career and Technical High School

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. AGNES ACADEMY

Author, alumnae parent,and special guest Brené Brown welcomed Sister Jane Meyer, O.P., head of St. Agnes Academy.

For over 40 years, Sister Meyer has been a teacher, mentor, mother figure, and friend to thousands of St. Agnes graduates and their families. Founded in 1906 and rooted in Dominican tradition, St. Agnes numbers more than 10,000 graduates. †

St. Peter will offer career programs in information technology; business, marketing, and finance; education and training; architecture and construction.

Planning and fundraising are underway for construction to begin in the coming months, with a scheduled school opening in August 2023.

To partner or learn more:

713-741-8704 or stpeterhs.org

10 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • MAY 24, 2022

YOUTH A teenage prayer life I get nervous extremely often. Whether it’s before a soccer game, a track meet or a crucial test that I studied all night for, I always get butterflies in my stomach. It does not matter how many times I use the restroom, listen to music, or try to distract myself, the jitters never seem to go away.

I just get so afraid that I will not perform as well as I should, that I might make a mistake, or that something might happen out of my control. It’s a feeling that I must fight to push away. Walking to the soccer field from the locker room, I can feel the butterflies moving up and down my legs and throughout my whole body.

Walking to the starting line, my mind is rushing with thoughts. When I’m filling out the bubbles for my name, date, and school, my legs and hands are shaking with fright.

No matter how fast everything feels or seems, there is always one thing that stays still: the cross on my chest. A little silver chain with the crucifix of Jesus Christ. A reminder that Christ is fighting the fight with me. A reminder that I am not alone. A reminder to pray.

Immediately, I close my eyes, make the Sign of the Cross, and simply talk to God. I always thank Him for the day He has made. I thank Him for all the gifts and talents He has given me. I thank Him for His love, His blessings and his graces. I ask Him to guide me to do what is according to His will. I ask Him for the ability

“You are not alone. Everyone has struggles, temptations and stresses.

There are so many ways to deal with them. You can fight by yourself, or you can fight together with God.” to give my thoughts and worries fully to Him. I ask Him for help. I make the Sign of the Cross, and then everything is silent. All that is left is God and me. No more worries. No more problems. No more butterflies.

All that is left is Christ’s plan and will for me.

I’m 17 years old, and I’m a regular high schooler from Houston. My problems are small compared to the concerns of other people; my worries are trivial compared to the immense pain and struggle of other people. But there is one thing that remedies my problems: prayer. It is always prayer that makes me realize that I shouldn’t be worried about how well I need to perform. It is always prayer that eases my trouble if I make a mistake. It is always prayer that

restores my faith if something happens out of my control. It is always prayer that makes me realize I am fighting alongside Christ. It is always prayer that keeps me rooted in God’s plan.

You are not alone. Everyone has struggles, temptations and stresses. There are so many ways to deal with them. You can fight by yourself, or you can fight together with God. You can fall into temptation, or you can ask God for help. You can hold on to all your fears and concerns, or you can give them all to God. You are not alone. No matter where you are, no matter how you are feeling, God will always be there for you.

He will give you everything He has.

You just have to pray and ask Him. You are not alone. Prayer has always comforted me. It protects me from the uneasiness of the world and allows me to find peace in Christ. I pray when I am scared, when I am happy, when I don’t know what to do, when I am lost and feel that I can’t handle my problems. I pray whenever I can.

I ask you to do the same. Make one simple change and, each day, ask God for His saving grace. Pray for yourself. Pray for others. Pray to Christ. Because you are not alone, and Christ will answer your prayers. † Thomas Pham is a junior at St. Thomas High School.

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COLUMNISTS Savoring the Easter joy Over the years, Easter has become commercialized. This has spoiled the true reason of the season: the celebration of Jesus’ Passover from death to life to save mankind from their sins. While people around the world, even non-Christians, enjoy celebrating the festivities of Easter, Catholics solemnly and festively observe it as the most important feast in the liturgical calendar.

Certainly, Easter completes the joy given at Christmas. On Christmas Day, Jesus becomes man and dwells amongst us. At the Eastertide, our cause of joy is escalated and completed in the resurrection of Jesus.

In fact, our unutterable Easter joy cannot be confined to just one day: the Church has stretched it to 50 days. The eight days following Easter Sunday are known as the Easter Octave.

According to the liturgist Adolf Adam, the Easter Octave was originally for the newly baptized, or neophytes, to unfold fully the mysteries of faith, particularly the Sacraments of initiations which they just had received at the Easter Vigil.

Henceforth, the Liturgy of the Octave was slowly developed and assumed its present form.

On each day of the Easter Octave, the Liturgy dwells on the joyful mysteries of the resurrection of Christ and our own resurrection through the Sacrament of Baptism. by The encounter between SR. MARIA Mary Magdalene and Jesus outside the empty GORETTI tomb (Jn. 20:11-18) seems THUY NGUYEN, OP fascinating to me. While meditating on this scene, my mind was struck by the dynamic change in Mary Magdalene’s feelings: from sadness and sorrow to happiness and excitement because of Christ’s crucifixion to resurrection.

Mary Magdalene was not only the first to see the risen Christ, but she was also the first to bring the Easter joy to the disciples. Jesus knew the women’s testimony did not count during the first century, but He still entrusted her to share and announce the Good News to His disciples. By selecting her, Jesus ushered in a cultural change, namely, that all can meet Jesus and all are called to be bearers of the Easter joy to others.

†

“Truly, the celebration of Easter around the world is a powerful message that God is not dead as Nietzsche claimed.

Indeed, He has risen! Let us rejoice and be glad.”

On the last day of the Easter Octave, great joy and comfort were granted to me as I was reflecting on the Gospel of John 20:19-31. I found myself in that locked room along with the disciples, pervaded by fear and guilt: fear because the disciples saw Jesus’ cruel passion and death by the Jews and Romans; guilt because they ran away from Jesus’s brutal scourging. Suddenly, in a dark, quiet and gloomy place, Jesus stood in our midst.

With mercy and compassion, Jesus comforted us by saying “Shalom,” or

“Peace” in Hebrew.

For Jesus, “Shalom” means more than just a common greeting of peace; it is the gift of reconciliation. Jesus knew well how distressed and devastated the disciples were after all had happened.

All He cared for was to restore their well-being… physically, psychologically and spiritually. I found myself rejoicing with the disciples and believing that I, too, am restored from my shame and sinfulness, particularly at every Mass when Jesus’s “Shalom” is imparted through the priest, “The Peace of the Lord be with you,” right before the sign of peace moment which we offer each other. Since then, I have taken up the challenge not to miss that opportunity during future Masses, so to absorb the invaluable gift of Jesus’ true peace and forgiveness.

Truly, the celebration of Easter around the world is a powerful message that God is not dead as Nietzsche claimed. Indeed, He has risen! Let us rejoice and be glad. † Sister Maria Goretti Thuy Nguyen, OP, is an associate director with the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

May: The month for Marian consecrations Now that we’re in May, we should remember that it’s Mary’s month. May 13 is a special day as the anniversary of the Blessed Mother’s first apparition at Fatima. Thus, May becomes a special opportunity to make a consecration to her most Immaculate Heart. Consecration means to set aside or make holy or sacred. What once was is now venerable and inviolable. It is set aside for higher end, and it is now sacred. We witness this at Mass as the bread and wine are set aside to be made holy so that the priest can pray the words of institution.

Consecration is nothing new to us Christians or even ancient Israelites. In Exodus the Lord’s tent and altar are consecrated, as were Aaron and his sons as priests to the Lord. Also in Exodus, the firstborn males were consecrated.

Consecration is a very large part of our Christian lives. We can consecrate items, events and especially us sinners.

Then there is Marian consecration.

Yes, we can consecrate ourselves to Our Blessed Mother and her Immaculate Heart. I have done this 20+ times in more than 30 years. Praise God! It has dramatically changed my life as I have found out that this Mother never lets her children down. That is because she is our

heavenly mother who can do no wrong.

But why consecrate ourselves, events, or any items to Mary? The answer is bound in the very being of Mary. She is immaculately conceived by and is free from any stain of sin from the moment of CARL her conception, thus ERICKSON making a most perfect human being. There is no corruption in her, and her fiat (Latin for yes) seals and magnifies this gift by being this fullness of grace.

Mary has the capacity not only to be your mother but a heavenly mother to all humanity. This means that she has the unique gift of taking any place, event, item, and yes, people, into her Immaculate Heart for consecration! She is the only human saint (save for St. Joseph) to have this sacred capacity.

Why not other saints?

This question is very understandable but not hard to answer. Other saints were conceived in original sin, and even though it was removed, the imperfect being remained. Yes, the saints are in

heaven, with no sin, and can intercede for us, but it remains unclear to Church if they have the same capacity as Mary to take in a consecration. So, except for Mary, and the strong possibility of St. Joseph, the Church cannot say with clarity that anyone can consecrate themselves to another saint. Maybe someday, that clarity will shine forth.

There are several forms of consecration to Our Lady. My favorite is St. Louis DeMontfort’s 33 Day Preparation for Total Consecration. St. Louis is one of my favorite saints as he wrote a mighty Christian classic called, True Devotion. It’s a spiritual treasure of authentic Marian devotion and the very basis for holy consecration.

St. Maximillian Kolbe’s nine-day consecration focuses on becoming a holy knight in Mary’s Militia to defeat evil forces while the venerable Father Josef Kentenich and his Schoenstatt Movement focus their consecration on being an apparition of Mary. These three forms of consecration are fundamental and very original in their quest to make one holy.

When Mary visited the three Fatima children in 1917, she requested that, if the pope and the bishops of the world

†

consecrated Russia to her Immaculate Heart, Russia would convert from its evil atheistic communist system. Sister Lucia, the oldest of the Fatima children, who later became a Carmelite nun, lived to see Pope John Paul II consecrate and the world and Russia (implicitly) in 1984.

The visionary of Fatima stated that this fulfilled the request made at Fatima as the iron curtain fell in 1989, five years after the St. John Paul II’s consecration.

Last March, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pope Francis made another consecration. Many people both in the ministerial and common priesthood joined the consecration, including at the Galveston Newman Center.

This means that Mary can take the whole of humanity, and its events, places, and articles, and through her intercession and change the course of history! All saints have the capacity to make historical changes. Only a great transformation can come now for humanity, Ukraine, Russia, and the Church. † Carl Erickson serves as director of Catholic Campus Ministry at the Galveston Newman Center.

SUNDAY MASS READINGS MAY 29

First Reading: Acts 7:55-60

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 97:1-2, 6-7, 9

Second Reading: Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20

Gospel: Jn 17:20-26

JUNE 5

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13

Gospel: Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 14:15-16, 23b-26

12 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • MAY 24, 2022

Pope Francis and the blessings of old age How do you view old age? Do you look through the lens of weakness and fragility where elders are a burden to others, or do you see people whose wisdom and life experiences are a gift to the community? Recently, Pope Francis began his weekly Wednesday general audiences focused on old age, calling us to embrace this latter understanding of aging. The Holy Father frames this perspective within the Scriptural passage of the Prophet Joel 3:1, “Your elders shall dream dreams, your young shall see visions.”

Pope Francis uses the symbol of a tree to help us see the Body of Christ. The new branches and fruit represent the young, but the essence of their vitality flows from its strong and resilient root system: the elders. It is necessary for the Christian community to attend to the ongoing care of its roots to keep the strength, vigor and integrity of its branches.

“Old age is a gift of maturity and wisdom for every stage of life,” Pope Francis said. “Old age is just as important as the flower of being young.”

My personal identity as a Catholic growing up was rooted in and nurtured by my four Catholic grandparents who lived nearby. Their relationship with me was one that was never in by haste. They took time to listen non-judgmentally MARK CIESIELSKI to my struggles and reassure me that all would work out if I put my trust in Jesus. Having endured hardships of the Great Depression and personal losses, my grandparents had the wisdom and resiliency contained in the long view of life — with a gratitude and trust grounded in God’s faithful care. Their honesty and transparency in sharing life’s failures and regrets, as well as their successes, brought hope and encouragement as I dreamed my life’s dreams. I knew that, whether I succeeded or failed, I would still be loved by them and by God. Many young people do not enjoy a

†

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relationship with their grandparents. We read in the news of schools with young people overwhelmed by emotional and behavioral problems. There are simply not enough counselors to address the multitude of such needs. Imagine the possibilities of healing by fostering supportive encounters between the young and old. These interactions can help to stabilize and enrich each other’s lives with their visions and dreams.

Ideally, these personal encounters are face-to-face, but technology has opened the door to the use of cell phones and e-mail. Of course, there’s nothing like a good-old-fashioned letter/note that expresses: “I am thinking and praying

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When I told my parents that I wanted to go to a formation house in preparation to consecrate myself to God, my father said: “Would you at least enter a normal convent?”

“Dad, it seems like God is not calling me to that ‘normal,’” I said.

Over 25 years have passed, and I still get similar reactions from Catholics when I say that I am a lay consecrated woman. Catholics often look confused, and they tend to treat me differently from other sisters and clergy.

So, what is a lay consecrated woman?

Our life is similar to other religious sisters: living in community, living the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, etc. I am a consecrated woman within the community of the Work of Mary/ Focolare Movement. As a “focolarina” (Italian for “bearer of the flame”), I try to keep alive the fire of the love of God from which the name “focolare” (“hearth” in Italian) derives.

A friend asked me, “Why did you choose not to be a sister?” It was not a matter of choosing or not choosing it; it was a matter of God calling me to be a “focolarina.” I felt drawn by God and gave my life to Him, leaving my family, my boyfriend and everything else behind to build a “supernatural” family, where people can experience the presence of Jesus in our midst (Mt 18:20) and to contribute to the fulfillment of Jesus’s prayer: “That they may all be one” (Jn 17:21). Our charism is Unity.

People ask: “But if your life is pretty much like the life of other sisters, why don’t you wear a habit?”

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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.

Mark Ciesielski is the director of the Office of Aging.

Lay consecrated women giving their lives to God

Hospital Catholic Chaplain Corps: Director Campus Ministry

for you.”

Pope Francis named the last Sunday of July as Grandparents Day. Let us consider how we can begin to refresh our parish communities by combining the enthusiasm and creativity of youth with the wisdom and encouragement of our older adults. This is the formula for a meaningful life — to share our visions and dreams from the beginning of life to death.

To read the official text for Pope Francis’ catechesis on old age, visit www. vatican.va, then see the Audiences tab. †

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I try to imitate the life of Mary, our mother. She did not wear a habit but wore clothes that women of her culture, time and age wore. She was a Jewish woman, so she wore a veil and a long dress or tunic. If she lived by in this century, what JOELMA would she wear? I believe REGIS that she would wear similar clothes to the women of this time and culture but with good taste, dignity, modesty and simplicity. If she went to a gala dinner or was invited to a fancy place, she would put on her best dress and accessories to be in harmony with the people in that environment — she is a queen! But she referred to herself also as a servant so she would be in harmony also with poorer environments.

As a consecrated woman, my vocation is not to work only with good Catholics who are well-formed in the faith but to bring Jesus to everyone out there in the secular world. Over the years, I have experienced that I was able to “evangelize” so many young people because they felt comfortable talking with me where they live. I’ve noticed how today so many people are allergic to anything that has to do with the Catholic Church, some because of past wounds or bad experiences with people in a parish, so when they see a priest or nun they try to avoid eye contact and pass them by quickly.

In the early years of the Focolare, Chiara Lubich (our foundress) was touched by a sister who was wearing her habit while riding a bicycle to go visit the poor — she was a witness of her faith. As she passed by, Chiara wondered if we, too, should wear a habit or uniform to give witness like the sisters.

She prayed and opened the Gospel to search for an answer and found in John 13:35 “This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” She thought: When we love, we experience joy, and we bring joy to others, so she decided that joy would serve as our uniform. †

†

Joelma Regis, a consecrated woman in the Focolare Movement, is an associate director with the Office of Vocations.

MAY 24, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/DIGITALEDITIONS

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Adrian Gunner, representing the Assembly of First Nations, presents Pope Francis with snowshoes made of black ash with caribou sinew and artificial sinew in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall on April 1. The pope will meet members of Canada’s Indigenous communities in late July, visiting the cities of Edmonton, Quebec and Iqaluit in Nunavut, the country’s most northern region.

Vatican: Pope to visit Indigenous in Canada in late July VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will meet members of Canada’s Indigenous communities in late July, visiting the cities of Edmonton, Quebec and Iqaluit in Nunavut, the country’s most northern region.

“Accepting the invitation of the civil and ecclesiastical authorities and the Indigenous communities,” the pope will be in Canada July 24 to 29, returning to Rome July 30, the Vatican announced May 13. The Vatican said a detailed program would be released later.

“The pope’s visit will provide a unique opportunity for him, once again, to listen and dialogue with Indigenous peoples, to express his heartfelt closeness and to address the impact of colonization and the participation of the Catholic Church in the operation of residential schools throughout Canada,” the bishops of Canada wrote on a website — papalvisit. ca — launched for the visit.

The papal visit, the bishops said, would be “a significant step on the road to truth, understanding and healing.”

Pope Francis had promised to visit Canada during a meeting on April 1 with representatives of Canada’s Métis National Council, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Assembly of First Nations — three groups he also had met with individually.

A delegation from the Manitoba Métis Federation visited the Vatican separately on April 21 and also met with the pope.

Many of the representatives in the groups were survivors of residential schools — boarding schools the government established to educate and forcefully assimilate Indigenous children.

Many of the schools were run by Catholic religious orders or dioceses.

While survivors shared with the pope their experiences of being torn from their families and often physically or sexually abused at the schools, the elected leaders of the groups asked Pope Francis to travel to Canada to formally apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in suppressing their languages, cultures

and spiritualities and, particularly, for the Church’s role in running many of the residential schools.

“For the deplorable conduct of those members of the Catholic Church,” the pope told the representatives in April, “I ask for God’s forgiveness, and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry.”

He also had told them he would like to join them in July for their annual celebration of the feast of St. Anne, Jesus’s grandmother. A major pilgrimage is held each year at the Shrine of St. Anne, on Lac Ste. Anne, not far from Edmonton.

At a news conference broadcast online from Edmonton, Archbishop Richard Smith, the Canadian bishops’ coordinator of the visit, said the pope’s “advanced age” and “the fact that he’s severely limited in his mobility” meant that the Vatican insisted on organizing the visit to only a few cities and using them as hubs to visit Indigenous groups and “meaningful sites,” including the site of at least one former residential school and, probably, Lac St. Anne.

The Vatican, he said, was “very, very clear: When he comes to a country, he can’t get around by helicopter, he can’t be in a car for more than an hour, he cannot be in a different place every night.”

“We fully expect that the pope will reiterate the apology that he did give in Rome,” the archbishop said. “He understands, as we all do, the strong connection of Indigenous peoples to their land, the land for them culturally, spiritually, historically, in terms of their customs.”

Archbishop Smith said the trip is being planned with representatives of the Indigenous communities, and “it is clearly a priority for all of us that whatever takes place in whatever venue will feature as a priority, as a first concern, Indigenous culture, Indigenous spirituality, Indigenous ways.”

The bishops’ website provides a few notes about the three cities that were chosen. †

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STATE & NATION

Eucharistic preachers seek to inspire the faithful to encounter Jesus

CNS PHOTO

A priest holds the Eucharist. 58 priests were recently tapped to be “national Eucharistic speakers.”

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Priests soon will be fanning out to dioceses across the country to inspire deeper reflection on the gift of the Eucharist to the Church.

The National Eucharistic Preachers are part of a new initiative under the National Eucharistic Revival being organized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

In all, 58 priests make up the group of preachers, said Father Jorge Torres, a priest of the Diocese of Orlando, Florida, who is working as a specialist for the revival at the bishops’ conference.

Representing individual dioceses and religious orders, the priests are hoping to inspire people to become better aware of the Eucharist in daily life, Father Torres said.

“They will be inviting people to pray for the revival, pray that each one of us would grow closer to Jesus and the Eucharist through the revival,” he explained.

Father Torres is working on the initiative with Sister Alicia Torres, a member of the Franciscans of the Eucharist in Chicago. They are not related.

The revival is set to launch on June 19, the feast of Corpus Christi. The opening will begin two years of events and activities ahead of the USCCB National Eucharistic Congress, which is planned for July 17 to 21, 2024, in Indianapolis.

The preachers will begin to respond to invitations from dioceses to speak at clergy convocations, gatherings of diocesan and Catholic school leaders, diocesan holy hours, and youth and young adult events to help build interest stronger connections with the Eucharist and build interest in the congress.

In about a year, Father Torres said, the priests will begin speaking at parishes and smaller gatherings.

“The preachers have been asked to enter into this role because of their love for the Eucharist, their ability to communicate, their schedule for allowing flexibility,” Father Torres told Catholic News Service.

“The goal is to not only speak about

the Eucharist but to eventually share the testimonies of who Jesus in the Eucharist is to me and how that affects me whether I am a pastor at a parish or a mom on the way to the soccer game,” he explained.

Priests were chosen “because of the relationship the priest has to the Eucharist,” the priest said. Eventually, though, Father Torres said, laypeople and others entrusted by the bishop in a diocese will be speaking on the Eucharist at local gatherings in advance of the congress.

The preachers were selected by asking bishops and religious superiors to submit names of candidates, and as their names came in, they were vetted, Father Torres said. Each priest received an invitation to join the team with an explanation of their role, the time commitment and with information about a retreat during which they would be asked to discern whether to join the effort.

Interested priests gathered for the retreat from April 3 to 6 at the Mission of Our Lady of Angels, located in the West Humboldt Park, one of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods. During their time together, they heard from Blase Cardinal Cupich of Chicago, Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, and others.

Father Torres already has started the visits, completing a test run of sorts during a preaching trip to the Diocese of Savannah, Georgia, in late April.

He is planning another venture to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to speak at a priests’ conference.

He said he and the other priests plan to focus on the joy of the Eucharist “and invite us, as the psalm would say, to taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”

“I know what a consecrated host tastes like, and I know what an unconsecrated host tastes like. The difference is known in the soul, not just in the physical senses,” he said.

The USCCB will begin accepting invitations for preacher visits in June, Father Torres added. †

MOVIE RATINGS By Catholic News Service A-I – GENERAL PATRONAGE • Ron’s Gone Wrong (PG)

A-II – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS

• Morbius (PG-13) • Spider-Man: No Way Home (PG-13) • Turning Red (PG)

• Family Camp (PG) • Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) • The Bad Guys (PG)

L – LIMITED ADULT AUDIENCE

A-III – ADULTS

O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE

• Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (PG-13) • Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (PG-13) • Father Stu (R) • Firestarter (R)

Editor’s note: Our editorial partner, Catholic News Service, is ending their movie reviews on July 31.

For additional Catholic movie reviews and more, visit www.catholicnews.com.

• All the Old Knives (R) • Ambulance (R)

• The Northman (R)

MAY 24, 2022 • ARCHGH.ORG/DIGITALEDITIONS

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15

MUNDO CATÓLICO

Funcionarios condenan violencia, amenazas después de filtración sobre caso de aborto WASHINGTON (CNS) — Los funcionarios de la administración de Joe Biden emitieron una declaración contra actos violentos el 9 de mayo, después de protestas frente a las casas de dos jueces de la Corte Suprema en el área de Washington, así como vandalismo y una serie de disturbios dirigidos a lugares donde se encuentran organizaciones que se oponen al aborto. Algunos de ellos incluyen iglesias católicas.

Etiquetando la cuenta oficial de Twitter del presidente de Estados Unidos, @POTUS, la secretaria de prensa de la Casa Blanca, Jen Psaki, manifestó que el presidente Joe Biden “cree firmemente en el derecho constitucional a protestar”.

“Sin embargo, eso nunca debería incluir violencia, amenazas, o vandalismo. Los jueces desempeñan una función increíblemente importante en nuestra sociedad y deben poder hacer su trabajo sin preocuparse por su seguridad personal”, tuiteó.

La declaración se produjo después de que agencias de noticias informaran sobre protestas frente a la casa del juez Brett Kavanaugh en Chevy Chase, Maryland, y la casa cercana del presidente del Tribunal Supremo, John Roberts. Otros dijeron que otro juez y su familia tuvieron que ser llevados a un lugar no revelado debido a amenazas, pero estos rumores resultaron ser infundados.

Después de que el sitio de noticias

FOTO DE CNS

Las oficinas de Wisconsin Family Action en Madison, Wisconsin sufrieron daños tras un ataque el 8 de mayo.

en línea Politico publicara un informe a fines del 2 de mayo sobre un borrador de opinión filtrado que indica que la mayoría de los jueces de la Corte Suprema parecen dispuestos a revocar Roe v. Wade — la decisión que legalizó el aborto — los que se oponen a que se revoque han protestado. El vandalismo que muestra descontento con el fallo potencial también parece estar en aumento.

El periódico The New York Times informó el 7 de mayo que parte de la pared

de la sede de Wisconsin Family Action, en Madison, fue incendiada, dejando un grafiti que decía: “Si los abortos no son seguros, ustedes tampoco”.

En una declaración del 9 de mayo, el obispo de Madison, Donald J. Hying, calificó el vandalismo como “un acto descarado de violencia, que todos los ciudadanos deberían condenar, como un ataque al respeto y la preocupación que nos debemos unos a otros en la búsqueda del bien común”.

Funcionarios de la Oficina de Libertad Religiosa de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos indicaron que documentaron nueve incidentes similares el fin de semana posterior a la filtración, que se extendieron desde Nueva York hasta Los Ángeles.

La mayoría fueron interrupciones o destrucción de propiedad como el incidente reportado por The Denver Channel en Colorado, una filial de ABC, donde el personal de la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de María, en Boulder, tuvo que eliminar grafiti, pintura, y vidrios rotos durante el fin de semana del Día de la Madre.

Aunque el borrador filtrado no es definitivo, el presidente del tribunal, Roberts, confirmó su autenticidad y pidió una investigación. El borrador, según el informe de Politico, muestra la alineación de cinco jueces en contra de Roe v. Wade, lo suficiente como para anularlo. La decisión final del tribunal podría anunciarse en los próximos dos meses.

Las autoridades de Washington, cansadas después de lo ocurrido durante los ataques del 6 de enero de 2021 en el cercano Capitolio de Estados Unidos, han erigido cercas altas y difíciles de escalar alrededor de la Corte Suprema, donde se han producidos algunos conflictos y donde crecen las tensiones entre grupos que no están de acuerdo. †

Bajas tasas de natalidad empobrecen el futuro, dice el papa CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — La disminución constante de la tasa de natalidad en Europa y en el Occidente son signos de una nueva forma de pobreza que priva a la humanidad de un futuro, dijo el papa Francisco.

Las familias que no pueden tener hijos y jóvenes luchando con la decisión de tener una familia por dificultades económicas o por la atracción a “mediocres sustitutos” corren el riesgo de convertir la “hermosura de una familia llena de niños” en una “utopía, un sueño difícil de cumplir”, dijo el papa en un mensaje enviado el 12 de mayo a los participantes de una conferencia sobre “estados generale” de la natalidad en Italia.

“Esta es una nueva pobreza que me asusta”, dijo. “Es la pobreza generativa de quien rebaja el deseo de felicidad en su corazón, de quien se resigna a diluir sus mayores aspiraciones, de quien se contenta con poco y deja de esperar algo grande”.

Según la agencia nacional de estadísticas, ISTAT, la tasa de natalidad de Italia alcanzó un mínimo histórico con 399, 431 nacimientos en 2021 en comparación con 404,892 en 2020. Italia, Malta, España, Grecia y Luxemburgo tienen las tasas de natalidad más bajas de Europa.

La conferencia de dos días “Estado

General de las Tasas de Natalidad” indicó en su sitio web que tiene como objetivo “hacer propuestas para revertir la tendencia demográfica” en Italia que “ha empeorado por los efectos de la pandemia de COVID-19”.

En su mensaje, el papa dijo que el descenso de la natalidad es un “problema muy urgente” y que no verlo como un problema “es una actitud miope” que lleva algunos a pensar que es “demasiado complejo y que no se puede hacer nada”.

Recordando el tema de la conferencia, “Se puede hacer”, el papa dijo que es un enfoque esperanzador “contra números que inexorablemente empeoran cada año”. “’Se puede’ significa no aceptar pasivamente que las cosas no pueden cambiar”, dijo.

El papa Francisco alentó a los participantes de la conferencia a buscar nuevas formas de “revertir el curso de este frío invierno demográfico”.

“Las cosas pueden cambiar si nos comprometemos unos con otros sin miedo, yendo más allá de los intereses partidistas y las vallas ideológicas”, dijo el papa. “Los datos, las previsiones, los números ya son de todos conocidos: necesitamos concreción. Es hora de dar respuestas verdaderas a las familias y a los jóvenes. La esperanza no puede ni debe morir esperando”. †

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Hispanic Radio Programs

KYST Radio Station 920 AM Sunday broadcasts: 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. & 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

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.

16 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

MILESTONES

LEGION OF MARY CELEBRATES 80 YEARS

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • MAY 24, 2022

Do you have a photo you’d like to share? To submit a photo of a place, group or event that you would like to see in the Herald, email it to tch@archgh.org

AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE ‘Shroud of Turin’ presentations return in June

HOUSTON — Nora Creech, who is pursuing a certificate in Shroud Studies from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy, will be hosting a series of free presentations titled “Seeking the Face of Christ: How the Shroud of Turin Reveals God’s Love” at several locations in the Archdiocese in June.

The purpose of these presentations is to tell the story of the Shroud and to share the pastoral implications of its message while also informing them of a planned permanent exhibit at the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston.

Presentations will be held on these dates: June 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church (11720 Joan of Arc, Houston); June 8, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church (7810 Cypresswood Dr., Spring); June 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart - Cathedral Centre (1701 San Jacinto, Houston); June 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Faustina Catholic Church (28102 FM 1093, Fulshear); and June 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church (4918 Cochran St., Houston). † Editor’s Note: Contact event organizers for the latest updates and information. For deadline/submission details and additional listings, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA.

MAY 24

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LEGION OF MARY

Legion of Mary members and friends gathered at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Houston on April 9. The day marked the 80th anniversary of the first Legion of Mary praesidium, Our Lady Help of Christians, organized by Monsignor John D. Connolly in 1942. The day featured talks, including a presentation by Lydia Coleman, president of the Mater Ecclesiae Senatus of Houston, and the governing council of the Legion of Mary for Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico.

Need Help?

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall (607 East Whitney Dr., Houston). The Catholic Daughters, Court Christ the King #1750 annual games party and luncheon celebrates the group’s 65th anniversary with a raffle, silent auction and door prizes. Barbecue with all the trimmings will be served for $15, reservations for lunch are recommended. Lunch Reservations: Mary at 832-858-2634 or Pat at 254-2510. More info: Pat Koteras at 713-854-2321 or email patkoteras@att.net.

MAY 26

If you or a loved one is in need of help, contact our Archdiocesan social services listed below:

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

PANEL DISCUSSION, noon to 1 p.m., The Institute for Spirituality and Health is sponsoring an international Zoom presentation by Deacon Robert Hesse, Ph.D., author of a new book “Faith and Science: A Journey into God’s Mystical Love.” Registration includes a copy of his book. Register: www.spiritualityandhealth. org/events/faithandscience.

MAY 31

VETERANS MASS, 5 p.m., Holy Rosary (3617 Milam St., Houston). Mass launches church’s new veteran ministry. The principal celebrant and homilist will be retired Colonel Father Robert Ippolito, M.S. A 30-year veteran U.S. Air Force chaplain. Semper Fi #3 will present a sword salute for the Mass recessional. A light reception will follow the Mass in the parish hall. The Mass will be livestreamed on Holy Rosary’s YouTube channel. More info: 713529-4854 or visit www.holyrosaryparish.org.

JUNE 9-12

San José Clinic

Primary and specialty health care services, counseling and mental health services, dental and vision.

sanjoseclinic.org or 713-228-941

MEN’S ACTS RETREAT, 5:30 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima (3600 Brinkman St., Houston). ACTS retreat held at Circle Lake Retreat Center. Cost: $250.

More info: Matt6380@hotmail.com or call 832309-9067

JUNE 15

FAITH IN FOCUS

HAVE YOU SEEN IT YET? INTRODUCING FAITH IN FOCUS: THE TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD PHOTO BLOG

Meet ‘Faith in Focus,’ the new TCH photojournalism blog featuring high-res photos in an easy to view format. Swipe through gallery highlights from the Archdiocese and the world ― you might even see a familiar face! See it all at WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/FAITHINFOCUS

LUNCHEON, 12 p.m., Holy Family Catholic School (2601 Ursuline St., Galveston). The Ursuline Alumnae Association will celebrate 175 years of Catholic education in Galveston and in Texas itself. Brown bag/bring your own lunch. Drinks, gifts and prizes. Public is welcome. More info: 409-939-4700 or deecans2@gmail.com.

JUNE 17-19

SCAN TO VISIT

YOUNG ADULT RETREAT, Friday at 5 p.m. to Sunday at 12:30 p.m., Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center (430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston). This three-day retreat, “Set Apart,” offers a weekend with Christ while meeting other young adults.

Open to ages 18 to 29. $250, Financial Aid

available. More info: 713-464-0211 ext. 10; holynameretreatcenter.com/young-adults.

JUNE 24-25

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM CONFERENCE, Prince of Peace - St. Andrew Discipleship Center (19222 Tomball Pkwy., Houston). Two-day “Truth Under Attack” conference features speaker Father Tad Pacholczyk, Ph.D., on Friday at 7 p.m.

The event continues on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. Registration includes luncfh if registered

by June 17. Register: www.pophouston.org/ religiousfreedomconference. More info: FSchaeffer@att.net or call 281-627-0340.

JUNE 25

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Laurence Catholic Church (3100 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land). Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women hosts a Catholic Women’s Conference with Liv Harrison, Kate Mims of Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center and Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, who will attend the luncheon benefiting St. Mary’s Seminary. $30: luncheon only; $40: conference only (lunch not included). More info: https://ghcw.org

JUNE 27

GOLF TOURNAMENT, 7 a.m., Willow Fork Country Club (21055 Westheimer Pkwy., Katy). St. Bartholomew hosts its fourth annual golf tournament. 7 a.m. registration, 7:30 breakfast/ warm-up, 8:30 a.m. shotgun start, 1 p.m. awards. Team of four $550 or individual player $150. Best Ball Scramble, prizes, competitive buy-ins, raffle and silent auction. More info: kbw6803@gmail.com.

JULY 16

SHOW CHORUS CONCERT, 5 to 7 p.m., Sts. Simon and Jude (26777 Glen Loch Dr., The Woodlands). Wine and cheese event with The Woodlands Show Chorus with silent auction, bake sale, door prize and more. Doors open at 4. Cost: $25 adult, $30 reserve, $20 seniors 50+ and children 12 and under. Tickets: tickets@ thewoodlandsshowchorus.org. More info: 713688-6509.

JULY 23-24

EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES EXHIBIT, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes (10114 Hwy 6, Hitchcock).

The parish hosts a two-day display of the international Vatican Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles of the World in English and Spanish.

JULY 26

SPEAKER SERIES, 6 to 8 p.m., St. Mary’s Seminary Nold Auditorium (9845 Memorial Dr., Houston).

Stewardship Speaker Series, “How to be a Cheerful Giver” by Father T.J. Dolce. $10. Light snacks will be served. Free parking near Nold & Borski Athletic Center. Register: tinyurl.com/ stewardship22.