Texas Catholic Herald - Sept. 14, 2021 by Texas Catholic Herald

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

SHARING CHRIST WITH OTHERS

Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Gathering unites groups, ministers

Deaf ministry brings Light of Christ to all ▪ SEE PAGE 10

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

texas catholic herald

CHARITY IN SERVICE

▪ SEE PAGE 11

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

‘YOU ARE MY REFUGE AND SHIELD, IN YOUR WORD I HOPE’

VOL. 58, NO. 7

SERVICE

Catholic Charities brings hope to Afghan refugees Special to the Herald HOUSTON — Afghan refugee Samira*, now a Refugee Resettlement case manager for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, was 6 years old when the Taliban first came to her town in Afghanistan. Her father was selling car parts in his shop when Taliban members grabbed him and beat him so badly that the family fled to Pakistan until Samira was 12. “We returned to Afghanistan at that time because we thought we could have a normal life after living as refugees in Pakistan,” Samira said. “After I graduated from high school, I worked four years in information technology for a U.S. corporation that had a contract with the See REFUGEES, page 5

MINISTRIES PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX

Bishop Shelton Fabre of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux surveys damage to a church structure at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Larose, Louisiana. Larose was one of many small communities that beared the brunt of Hurricane Ida, a category 4 storm that devastated millions in Louisiana.

Houston Catholics step up to help Louisiana neighbors still struggling after Ida BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — As soon as the wreckage from Hurricane Ida cleared, Houston parishioners rushed to the aid of struggling neighbors across the Sabine River. They went individually and in groups, sharing relief aid with Louisiana evacuees who fled to Houston when the Category 4 storm pushed into the Cajun Gulf Coast. It was often by chance, a meeting at a gas station, bumping carts at the grocery store or just even noticing the Louisiana license plates in a McDonald’s parking lot. Houstonians opened their hearts and led with faith, just as many Louisiana natives did for Texans

when Hurricane Harvey flooded Texas in 2017. A Rosharon family who attends St. Angela Merici Catholic Church raised more than $2,500 to fill up their animal trailer with relief items. With the goal to reach the hardest-hit communities, they made their way past Houma and arrived in LaPlace, where they saw hundreds of snapped power poles, downed trees and shattered buildings. Catholic parishes mobilized to support Louisiana evacuees, welcoming many at weekend Masses, offering

HURRICANE IDA RELIEF

A SHEPHERD’S MESSAGE † 2

Catholic Chaplain Corps responds to the sick, dying when family can’t BY SEAN O’DRISCOLL Texas Catholic Herald

goods and resources for those families homebound after the storm left. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston quickly opened a fund to support Louisiana evacuees, which offered $50 payments to Louisiana residents who were affected by Hurricane Ida. In the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Bishop Shelton Fabre celebrated an outdoor Mass for communities along the furthest bayous. In Larose, he surveyed damaged church structures, many that housed hundreds of parish prayer vigils, gatherings and events for years. Now those buildings were reduced to piles of brick, concrete and metal.

HOUSTON — As Father Ryan Stawaisz lay dying of cancer in a hospital bed, the young priest and his family were ministered to by members of the Catholic Chaplain Corps. “MD Anderson [Cancer Center] was not allowing anyone in,” said Denise Foose, director of the Catholic Chaplain Corps. “However, Father Arnel B. Barrameda was on-site, and he did accompany Father Ryan, had long conversations with him and talked to his parents.” Having battled cancer before, Father Stawaisz’s latest diagnosis came in April 2019 as he was preparing for his ordination to the priesthood. “For me to have that news right at the time of my ordination, right when I felt like my life was really picking up, when I was really going to be able to do

See IDA, page 4

See CHAPLAINS, page 6

COLUMNISTS † 13 - 14

ESPAÑOL † 17 - 18 |

MILESTONES † 20

2 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD A SHEPHERD’S MESSAGE

To all Priests and Deacons, and to All the Lay Faithful of Galveston-Houston, The Liturgy is not only the gathering point into unity of all that is scattered, but also the summons home to the Father through the action of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in that gathering, thus creating harmony from among diverse and even occasionally discordant voices. There, grace is given to all the members of the liturgical assembly to go forth and to sanctify the world in which they live. On July 16 of this year, Pope Francis published a motu proprio letter, Traditionis Custodes, and accompanied it with another letter by which he enacts certain reforms for the celebration of the Holy Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962. This form of the Roman Rite has also been known as the Extraordinary Form or the Tridentine Form of the Mass. The Holy Father’s motu proprio ends the permissions and directions that had been promulgated by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in the 2007 directive Summorum Pontificum, which eased previous restrictions and allowed great latitude in celebrating the Tridentine Form of the Mass. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI hoped that allowing more freedom for priests to celebrate the Tridentine Form of the Mass would bring about greater unity and concord in the Church, and a mutual respect of the two forms of the Roman Rite. Pope Francis has written that such unity has not taken place. He has decided to restrict and modify the Tridentine observance of the Roman Rite. The Holy Father now leaves it to the diocesan bishop to moderate the celebration of Holy Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962. With this letter I formally convey the manner by which I am implementing the directives of Traditionis Custodes within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston: 1. For over 40 years, Annunciation Parish in downtown Houston has observed a schedule of weekly Masses celebrated according to the Roman Missal of 1962 (along with weekly Masses according to the Roman Missal of 1970). In light of this longstanding custom at Annunciation Parish, there will be no change to the celebration of Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962 at that parish. 2. On July 5, 2013, I established Regina Caeli Parish in northwest Houston to give pastoral and sacramental care to the faithful who are accustomed to the celebration of Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962. Regina Caeli is a non-territorial parish, and is therefore the proper parish of any Catholic within

El Cardenal Daniel DiNardo comparte su columna en línea y en pagina 17 en español. Galveston-Houston who desires the frequent celebration of Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal. At Regina Caeli Parish there will be no change to the celebration of Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962, nor will there be any change to the celebration of the other Sacraments at Regina Caeli Parish. 3. More recently, St. Theresa Parish in Sugar Land, St. Bartholomew Parish in Katy, and Prince of Peace Parish in northwest Houston have initiated the celebration of Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962. Although a number of the faithful are drawn to these Masses, these liturgical celebrations are not longstanding customs in those parishes. Therefore, at St. Theresa Parish in Sugar Land and at St. Bartholomew Parish, Mass may be celebrated according to the Roman Missal of 1962 twice a month, on weekdays. 4. I am abrogating the celebration of the Mass according the Roman Missal of 1962 at Prince of Peace Parish. The faithful who have become accustomed to attending this Mass at Prince of Peace

IN BRIEF HOUSTON — The recently-enacted Texas Heartbeat Law (SB 8) which prohibits abortion after a child’s heartbeat is detected, marks an important step toward recognizing the innate human dignity of our unborn brothers and sisters. Whatever the ultimate fate of this statute, which is currently subject to multiple legal challenges, we as Catholics must never forget that this legislation, for us, represents only half the battle. Those women who might previously, in trying circumstances, have sought abortion, will increasingly be in need of our love and support during and after pregnancy. We must therefore not only continue to fight abortion but also work to expand our assistance to mothers experiencing difficult pregnancies and raising young children. At this time especially, I encourage Catholics and all persons of faith to redouble efforts, as individuals and parish communities, to reach out to and to accompany pregnant and parenting women. Consider donating to or volunteering with the Gabriel Project or a neighborhood crisis pregnancy center. Begin a Walking with Moms in Need team at your parish. Each of us has an opportunity, now more than ever, to be the hands and feet of Christ to mothers in need. I encourage each of you to seize this opportunity. For more information about pregnancy and parenting resources, contact the Office of Pro-Life Activities at 713.741.8728 or jkfritsch@archgh.org. †

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

Church are now directed to Regina Caeli Church, where it is celebrated five times every Sunday. Regina Caeli Church is approximately nine miles from Prince of Peace Church. 5. With regard to Masses on Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation, these liturgies celebrated according to the Roman Missal of 1962 are now permitted at Regina Caeli Parish and at Annunciation Parish only. At all other parish churches within GalvestonHouston, Mass on Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation is to be celebrated according to the current edition of the Roman Missal of 1970. 6. Some of the faithful may occasionally request the celebration of nuptial liturgies, Baptisms, and other Sacraments in the manner commonly known as the Extraordinary Form. Those who desire this form of the celebration of the Sacraments are to direct their requests to the clergy of Regina Caeli Parish. The aforementioned directives for the implementation of Traditionis Custodes within the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston take effect on September 30, 2021. I would now like to turn my attention again to the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy in general, as a follow-up to what I wrote in the opening paragraph of this letter. The clergy and those being formed for Holy Orders should cultivate a love for the Liturgy which manifests itself in a fidelity to the liturgical rubrics, decorum, sound preaching, and a sense of reverent confidence when celebrating the Liturgy. This holds true for the celebration of all the Sacraments, as well as sacramentals. We should take care that our personalities and individual preferences do not dominate our manner of liturgical celebration. The rubrics of the Roman Missal of 1962 are not to be added to the celebration of Mass according to the current edition of the Roman Missal of 1970. Likewise, anything unbecoming or foreign to the celebration of the Mass as it is prescribed in the Roman Missal is to be avoided. Private devotions or acts of popular piety are praiseworthy and help to deepen one’s love for Almighty God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints. However, private devotions by their nature are to be kept separate from the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. Ritual actions, gestures and prayers not prescribed in the Roman Missal are not to be included in the celebration of Mass. Acts of popular piety and private devotion may be carried out after the Mass is concluded. From time to time we ought to review the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and the rubrics within the Missal, including the rubrics governing liturgical preaching. The Scriptures and prayers of the day are the source material of liturgical preaching. Priests and deacons should try to be clear and succinct in their preaching, and homilies should be short. We are to draw out the spiritual meaning of the appointed texts in light of the particular mysteries being celebrated, and with an appreciation of the needs of the faithful gathered for the Eucharist. With my gratitude to all the clergy of this local Church for your pastoral ministry, and with assurances of my prayers for all the faithful, I am Sincerely yours in Christ, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo Archbishop of Galveston-Houston

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THE FIRST WORD PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS

HONORING THOSE WHO PROTECT AND SERVE

Effective August 5 Father Linh Nguyen, Pastor, St. Rose of Lima Father Michael Applegate Administrator, St. John of the Cross, New Caney Effective September 1 Monsignor James Anderson Pastor Queen of Peace, La Marque Father Jesse Garcia Pastor, St. Anthony of Padua, The Woodlands Father Jose Luis Gutierrez Administrator, St. John Fisher, Richmond Effective September 3 Father Santy Kurian, MSFS Parochial Vicar, Prince of Peace Effective September 4 Father Thomas Frank, SSJ Pastor, Our Lady Star of the Sea Effective September 9 Father Juan Pineda Parochial Vicar, St. Theresa, Sugar Land Effective October 1 Father Ambrose Akinwande, MSP Pastor, St. Nicholas

IN BRIEF HERALD FILE PHOTOS

The annual Blue Mass, which honors Houston’s law enforcement communities, is set for Sept. 25 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Annual Blue Mass returns Sept. 25 to honor law enforcement officers, personnel BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Blue Mass will be celebrated on behalf of civilian and classified law enforcement employees, police officers, their families and public supporters, the first one since 2019 because of COVID-19. The Sept. 25 liturgy will be held at 5 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in downtown Houston with Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro as celebrant. “We have not celebrated the Blue Mass since the one in September 2019… like everything else, COVID-19 took its toll on that celebration too,” said Deacon Alvin Lovelady, director of the Archdiocese’s Office of Correctional Ministries. “We

come together to honor and show our support for the officers who stand when no one else will, who walk or run into other people’s chaos.” He added, “We lift up these men and women to God with the expectation that He will hear our prayers and keep them and their families protected. So please help us help them by supporting our Blue Mass this year either by being present at the Mass or through prayer.” Officers and deputies are encouraged to wear dress uniforms without the hat. Agencies are encouraged to bring equipment for the public to see and to be blessed after the Mass. For more information, email BlueMass@archgh.org or call 713-741-8745. †

Annual Red Mass for legal professions set for Oct. 19

HOUSTON — The 2021 Red Mass for members of the legal professions is set for Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 6:15 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in Houston. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.archgh.org/live for those unable to attend in person. An optional dinner program will be held following the Mass. For more information about the 2021 Red Mass, visit www.archgh. org/redmass. †

DSF annual appeal to support Archdiocesan ministries continues

HOUSTON — This year, the theme of the annual Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) appeal is “Walk in the Light of Christ.” The annual campaign to support more than 60 Archdiocese-wide ministries is under way and the local Church is asking parishioners to continue their generous giving to DSF. The fund supports a variety of ministries, such as those forming youth in Catholic faith; providing support and preparation for clergy; teaching, evangelizing, worshipping, and outreach to the incarcerated, aging, poor and sick; and programming to strengthen Christian families, among many others. A full list of the ministries supported can be found at www.archgh.org/dsf. The Archdiocese counts on DSF funds to help meet the needs of people struggling throughout our region. To pledge online, visit www.archgh.org/dsf. For more information about DSF and the ministries it supports, call 713-652-4417. †

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

COUPLE WEDS DESPITE HURRICANE’S ARRIVAL

Louisiana evacuees marry in Houston after Ida ruins their New Orleans wedding plans ▪ SEE PAGE 8

Pope: ‘May the Lord sustain those suffering’ from Ida IDA, from page 1 Still, even without a physical roof, the Catholic faithful gathered for worship and Liturgy. At the height of the power outages, government officials said an estimated 1 to 2 million were without electricity in the region. Many remained without cellphone service, and at least 26 deaths had been confirmed by Sept. 8. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said the damage was “catastrophic” as news outlets showed flooded and destroyed homes, torn roofs and water running through Louisiana streets like a rushing river. Though the hurricane had torn through much of Louisiana as a Category 4 storm on Aug. 29, the remnants of Hurricane Ida later struck the northeastern United States, causing an estimated 50 deaths and flooding roads in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Connecticut. As levees in Louisiana seemed to have stood up to Ida’s wrath, many on social media urged the public to keep in mind that help would be needed in small agricultural towns, not just for damage to New Orleans. Catholic dioceses and organizations soon were mobilizing to help. Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana in Lake Charles offered

HOW TO HELP Many agencies are leading the way in providing Hurricane Ida relief. Several have Amazon wishlists and are accepting financial donations. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston www.catholiccharities.org Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux www.catholiccharitiesht.org Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans www.ccano.org PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX

Bishop Shelton Fabre of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux greets parishioners at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cutoff, Louisiana. Just miles from the Gulf of Mexico, the parish is one of several “down the bayou” communities, located off Bayou Lafourche, that became a distribution point for relief aid for many who were recovering from Huricane Ida in south Louisiana.

thousands of hot meals for Hurricane Ida evacuees, remembering how they, too, had been helped by neighboring states during last year’s hurricane season. Bishop David L. Toups, bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont, which suffered damage from Hurricane Laura in late August 2020, said, “[The diocese] has

invited all of our priests and faithful ... to pray and intercede for our brothers and sisters in Louisiana. We stand with them in prayer during the storm and will stay by them to assist in recovery.” Power utility linemen were a welcome sight for millions who were without power. An estimated 290,000 were still without power on Sept. 8, nearly two weeks after Ida made landfall near Port Fouchon, Louisiana. Across the many bayous, at St. Eloi Catholic Church in Theriot, Lousiana, the winds pushed through the church’s large stained glass window, knocking down the brick wall that held up a statue of the Resurrected Christ. Just the head of the statue was visible among the brick rubble. At several parishes, Bishop Fabre joined ministers and parishioners in distributing relief goods, like hot meals, toiletries, water, gas and tarps. Many in the community depend on the Gulf for income, in fishing and oil and gas industries. Many Masses had been suspended in the region as residents prepared to ride out the storm or had evacuated. Eventually with the assistance of Bishop Fabre and local clergy, daily Masses resumed outdoors and wherever appropriate on church grounds.

Catholic Charities of Acadiana www.catholiccharitiesacadiana.org The day after the hurricane, Lady of the Sea General Hospital in Galliano, Louisiana, reported that part of its roof had been ripped off by Ida’s winds. A highway collapsed in Mississippi as the storm made its way north. “As the storm moves inland, it continues to hit communities in several states and causing damage” affecting multiple dioceses, said Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, in an Aug. 31 statement. “We entrust all our brothers and sisters in harm’s way to our Blessed Mother, and we ask for her continued protection and for her intercession in comforting those who are suffering,” he added. Pope prays for those affected by Ida Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims and families affected by Hurricane Ida. “I assure my prayers for the people of the United States of America who have been hit by a strong hurricane in recent days,” the pope told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square Sept. 5 during his Sunday Angelus address. “May the Lord receive the souls of the deceased and sustain those suffering from this calamity,” the pope said. – Catholic News Service contributed to this story.

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SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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‘Welcoming the stranger’ is core to Scripture and Catholic social teaching, Catholic Charities leader says REFUGEES, from page 1 Defense Department.” However, after a bomb blast near a U.S. Army base destroyed her company offices in 2013, she began receiving death threats, pushing her to apply for a special immigrant visa (SIV) to come to the United States. Samira’s story reflects many of the experiences shared by refugees who receive assistance through Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement program. Refugee resettlement is a high priority for Catholic Charities. “Welcoming the stranger is a core message of Scripture and central to Catholic Social Teaching,” said Cynthia 2021 CC_FEST 706_3_r2.pdf 1 N. Colbert, MSW, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. “We want to show God’s love to refugees from around the world, including recently arrived Afghani families, by helping them make a smooth transition into our city and our country.” In the coming months, Catholic Charities expects to receive hundreds of Afghans who have been evacuated or managed to otherwise flee from Afghanistan. These families all require assistance from privately funded efforts to fill gaps in government programs. Catholic Charities is currently taking donations from generous, welcoming friends through its website at catholiccharities.org. Samira received her SIV in 2015 and came to the U.S. alone in 2016 at age 23. She followed a co-worker, living with them for a couple of weeks, then moving in with other friends for a while. Because women generally do not drive in Afghanistan, Samira first relied on Houston’s public transportation, but she pushed herself to quickly get a driver’s license so she could search for jobs. After a few negative work situations, Samira applied for a job at Catholic Charities 2021 helping families CC_FESTAfghan 706_3_r2.pdf 1 because she knew both Dari, the Afghan language, and Farsi, the Iranian langage.

2/11/21

3:01 PM

CNS PHOTO

Abdul Aman Sediqi, an Afghan who holds a U.S. Special Immigrant Visa, holds his son in Houston Aug. 26, as his family prepares to sign a lease on a new apartment following their evacuation from Afghanistan. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is working to support Afghan refugees who fled the war-torn country.

INNER CITY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TRANSFORM THEIR COMMUNITIES

“You cannot return to the life you left; it is lost to us. Here, we have new opportunities to make a good life. But for my family trapped in Afghanistan, I don’t know what will happen to them. I hope every day they will be fine, but I am so scared.”

She also understood the challenges of adjusting to a new country, especially as a woman. Today, she works with arriving families from many nations. Samira said she knew well the challenges facing Afghani families moving to the area. “They don’t speak the language, the culture is different, most women have never learned to drive, and their professional credentials often mean nothing,” Samira said. “They leave everything behind and flee. New families are very grateful for resettlement agencies that help them get processed so they can work hard and rebuild their lives.” A few months after arriving in the U.S., Samira with an Afghan 2/11/21 3:01 reconnected PM man she had worked with in Kabul. They were engaged in 2018 and married in

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April 2021. Though Samira, now 28, lives in safely with her husband in their Sugar Land home, she said she constantly worries about her family in Afghanistan. “My father and mother, a brother, two sisters and my grandmother are still in Kabul,” Samira said. “They are in a bad situation, and I am desperate to help them. I encouraged my parents to travel to a neighboring country to get out, but escape routes are closed right now.” Samira is especially concerned for her teenage brother, who faces an ongoing threat from Taliban forces, who are known to conscript young males into service. And her two sisters face

suppression as females. “Living as a woman under Taliban rule is like being a bird in a cage,” she said. “You cannot return to the life you left; it is lost to us,” Samira said. “Here, we have new opportunities to make a good life. But for my family trapped in Afghanistan, I don’t know what will happen to them. I hope every day they will be fine, but I am so scared.” Tens of thousands of Afghan families like Samira’s need help. To help them build a new life in Houston after fleeing danger, please make a donation at catholiccharities.org/ afghanistan. † *Samira’s name has been changed to protect her and her family’s identity in Afghanistan.

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Father Stawaisz: As Catholics, we embrace suffering, adversity ‘with the grace of God’ CHAPLAINS, from page 1 the things that I had wanted to do, that I have been preparing to do for so long, was quite a blow,” said Father Stawaisz in a video recorded in 2020 for the Office of Vocations. In his Apostolic Letter Salvifici Doloris, St. John Paul II noted that suffering is a trial, but it is through that trial that faith, hope and love continue. Through that suffering, an individual can find their own identity and their identity in Christ. “The process of going through that, of taking that to prayer, realizing that this might not be completely contrary to God’s will in my life,” said Father Stawaisz. “As mysterious as that is, Lord, maybe this experience is forming me, in a unique way, for the mission that you have for me.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that “illness and suffering have always been among the gravest problems confronted in human life. In illness, man experiences his powerlessness, his limitations and his finitude.” Yet Father Stawaisz found the strength

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Father Ryan Stawaisz greets his parents at the conclusion of his first Mass at St. Anne Catholic Church in Tomball in June of 2019. Father Stawaisz died on June 21, 2021 after battling cancer. “As Catholics, adversity and hardship are not something to shy away or run from, but to face it and embrace it with the grace of God,” he said.

WHITE MASS AND RECEPTION

Annual Mass honors health care professionals, with reception and talk follow with Father Tad Pacholczyk, PhD, National Catholic Bioethics Center. Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston Daniel Cardinal DiNardo is the celebrant. Register at: www.cvent.com/d/hmqz8t. to face his suffering within his Catholic faith. “As Catholics, adversity and hardship are not something to shy away from,” said Father Stawaisz. “It’s not something to

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2900 Louisiana Street • Houston, Texas 77006

run away from, but to face it and embrace it with the grace of God.” Father Stawaisz passed away on June 21, 2021. Father Derlis Garcia, a priest of the Diocese of Brownsville and a close friend of Father Stawaisz, gave the homily at his funeral Mass. “There is no easy way to explain suffering, especially to one who suffers,” said Father Garcia. “That is why we can only point to Christ, the suffering servant. Jesus decided to come and suffer with us, transforming suffering itself. No longer is suffering empty, but it is full of redemptive value.” Staff and volunteers of the Catholic Chaplain Corps are trained to minister to and accompany the sick. “They are there to empathically connect and be a sign of transparent hope in the midst of suffering,” said Foose. For the Archdiocese, that is no small task. The Texas Medical Center alone consists of over 11,000 patient beds and employs over 106,000 healthcare professionals and support staff. Moreover, there are more than 80 hospitals in Harris County, which is only one of 10 counties within the Archdiocese. “In the Texas Medical Center alone, each of those hospitals has a daily census of 130 to 150 people who identify as Catholic,” said Foose. “In other hospitals, 18% to 24% of patients identify as Catholic.” On Sunday, Aug. 30, the Catholic Chaplain Corps held a virtual commissioning ceremony for their pastoral visitors. These spiritual care volunteers provide emotional and spiritual support and augment the sacramental ministry of Catholic Chaplain Corps priests.

“We have about 200 volunteers who recommitted or committed for the first time this year,” said Foose. For the patients, providing a listening ear is often just as needed as the prayers and Sacraments. “The beauty of Catholicism is that we have pastoral and we have sacramental,” said Foose. “It’s two sides of the same coin. And one shouldn’t be without the other.” Pastoral visitors are trained in empathic listening and being present to the patients. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, pastoral visitors would use an office at the hospital to call patients in their rooms to offer prayer, support and a listening ear. “We teach our volunteers that active listening is so important,” said Foose. “Listening can be difficult for a family member or spouse of a patient because they know they can’t fix anything. We tell our volunteers that no one can listen to [the patient’s] story as intently as they can.” The Chaplain Corps has worked closely with hospitals to develop relationships with the staff, as well as the patients they serve. “Because our volunteers and chaplains are so integrated into the hospitals… [during COVID-19], we were the only denomination allowed on-site.” The Chaplain Corps has prepared care bags for hospital staff, consisting of items such as Chapstick, mints, aromatherapy and a handwritten card from a pastoral visitor. They have delivered over 10,000 care bags to hospitals in the Texas Medical Center and the Woodlands/ Conroe area. To learn more about the Catholic Chaplain Corps online, visit www.archgh. org/chaplaincorps. †

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 1801 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056, 713-621-4370

CURRENT OPENING FOR COORDINATOR OF YOUTH FAITH FORMATION! Encourage our youth to live as disciples of Jesus by providing spiritual support and direction. This position plays a key role in implementing the parish catechetical formation of junior high and high school youth and in managing preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Interested applicants are invited to visit the website of St. Michael the Archangel for the full job description and details on how to apply. https://stmichaelchurch.net/

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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Houston native Father Rafferty appointed vicar for Clergy, Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy director HOUSTON — On Aug. 8, Father Thomas “Tom” Rafferty was appointed Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and director of the Secretariat for Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Born and raised in Houston, Father Rafferty proudly identifies with the Bayou City — from supporting its sometimes fanchallenged pro sports teams to offering advice on where to find the best-kept- FR. TOM RAFFERTY secret eateries in town. He knows Houston, and many in Houston know him. “I was named after a priest, Father Thomas Francis O’Sullivan. At the time, he was the pastor of my home parish, All Saints Church (in Houston),” Father Rafferty, 64, said. “I have always been a parish priest, and a big piece of my vocation was knowing so many really good priests, from my childhood up

to my time at St. Thomas High School and throughout my own discernment. Houston is my life, and it is home.” Father Rafferty was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston in 1983. His most recent ministry assignment was as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church in The Woodlands. Outside of his dedicated service on the parish level, Father Rafferty served as the dean of the San Jacinto Deanery and is a past Chairman of the Presbyteral Council. Father Rafferty also was a founding member of the New Priests Orientation Committee. In his new role with the Archdiocese, Father Rafferty said his priority is assisting young men and women “from the time of serious discernment, getting them to the seminary or a profession and helping them have a happy and fulfilling ministry life. In other words, from the time they enter the convent or seminary to the time they retire and then, in retirement.” The Secretariat for Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services offers oversight, coordination and support to the departments engaged in the initial and ongoing formation of clergy: The Vocations Office, St. Mary’s Seminary;

the Permanent Diaconate, the Ongoing Formation Committee and the Ministry to Priests. The office offers similar assistance to chaplaincy ministry in hospitals, prisons, the ports of Houston and Galveston and the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. In addition, the secretariat operates as a resource and connecting point with other departments of the Archdiocese in matters pertaining to the priesthood. As vicar for Clergy, Father Rafferty assists Daniel Cardinal DiNardo in priest personnel affairs. Father Rafferty replaces recently ordained Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, who was

appointed chancellor and Moderator of the Curia. Ultimately, Father Rafferty said the goal of his new post is very basic. “I’m here to help priests,” he said. “One way is to be a cheerleader for them and constantly remind them and affirm them of the Church’s mission in serving Jesus Christ. I also want to be a connection for them, to help them use the resources at the chancery for their parish. I want to make sure they have what they need to be successful and satisfied in their mission and in their work.” †

THE HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS — FOR SEPTEMBER PRAYER INTENTION: AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE We pray that we all will make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, rejoicing in our young people who are resolutely committed to this.

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Stormy start to a march down the aisle BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Bride Janella Jett and her groom Byron Perrilliat planned to marry Sept. 3 in a New Orleans church where they grew up, but Hurricane Ida had different plans when it barreled into NOLA on Aug. 29. The couple, along with their families including six children, headed to Houston with her wedding gown intact. “Byron and I have been friends throughout the years since going to school and church together. But it’s just been the past few years that we realized we were on the same spiritual level,” Jett said. Both in their 40s, they decided to get married by the church in their neighborhood until “a big hurricane started coming that way,” she said. So when they evacuated to Houston along with a line of traffic, they called the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to ask if they could still get married on Sept. 3. Victoria Fontana Smith, administrative assistant for the Secretariat for Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services, connected several priests to the case to make sure the marriage documents were in order and even called the bishop of New Orleans to confirm. Father Tom Rafferty, new Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and director of the Secretariat, and Sister Gina Iadanza, associate director for the office, checked

with priests who could officiate over the wedding on such short notice. Smith also checked with St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and ultimately Father Thuc Nguyen was tapped for the wedding Mass. “Obviously, this was a special circumstance because of the hurricane. It was really a diocesan effort,” Smith said. Jett’s family attended, but his mother couldn’t make it, so she witnessed it livestreaming on Facebook. Even then, it was a close call in hot, humid Houston. The couple was caught unaware in a flash flood on their wedding day. “After all that, we were almost stuck in a flood on the outskirts of Houston. I prayed to God and said, ‘please don’t be joking with us,’” Jett said. “But we made it to the church on time!” They celebrated with a brief honeymoon in Houston and then Atlanta before returning to New Orleans by Sept. 7 to review the damage to their homes. “We have foundation and roof damage. There’s still no power and long lines for everything from resources to ice and even running out of gas. But I can’t complain,” she said. Byron is a contractor by trade, so he will be working on the repairs. “The church was so beautiful, and Father Thuc was so nice. We couldn’t have asked for better. It was a perfect church wedding,” she said. †

PHOTO COURTESY OF JANELLA AND BYRON PERRILLIAT

Bride Janella Jett and her groom Byron Perrilliat, pictured with Victoria Fontana Smith, administrative assistant for the Secretariat for Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services, married at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Sept. 3 after Ida destroyed their original wedding plans.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

WALK IN LOVE

Open Position Director of Liturgy St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church exists to spread the good news that God loved us first, so we seek to do His will. We believe that ultimately His will is the salvation of our souls, to live in perfect beatitude. We are sent, therefore, to make intentional sacramental disciples. GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION The Director of Liturgy for St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church serves the role of directing all liturgical activities of the parish. This involves coordinating ministers and volunteers and continuing to advance the dignity, beauty, and integrity of the liturgy. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

FILE PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Two wedding rings are shown intertwined in a stained glass window at St. Anne Catholic Church in Houston. Two upcoming Masses, celebrated by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, will honor the 50th and 25th wedding anniversaries of couples from around the Archdiocese.

Masses to honor 50th and 25th wedding anniversaries BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — If there is any question on whether single young adults church groups create solid marriages, Frances and Dennis Jasek, with their 50-year wedding anniversary, are living proof. Starting off as friends when they met at St. Anne’s Catholic Church singles group on Westheimer, Dennis said he was impressed by Frances’s volleyball skills and “her beautiful brown eyes.” She said his soft-spoken and compassionate nature drew her closer. Coming from the small farming community of Moulton, Dennis moved to Houston to attend what was then South Texas College in 1968 and now the University of Houston-Downtown. Frances said, “I was a working girl as a secretary downtown, so we met for lunch, and from there, our love grew.” Because of Frances’s traditional Sicilian upbringing, Dennis first asked her father for permission to marry his daughter before proposing to her at dinner. They married on June 27, 1971, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. After moving to Huntsville, he continued his education at Sam Houston State University in marketing while she became secretary to County Judge Amos Gates. The Jaseks said they are blessed with two daughters and now four grandchildren. They hope most of the family will be able to attend the 3 p.m. Sept. 26 Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart celebrated by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo for the 50th Wedding Anniversary Jubilee. With the ups and downs of most marriages, Frances said she is now eight years cancer-free after battling breast cancer with radiation. “Dennis was very caring and compassionate with me, the same attributes that first attracted me to him. Now with God’s help, we’re here together,” she said. Dennis carries on that compassion at his part-time job at Klein Funeral Home after retiring from CenterPoint with 43

years in procurement. Now active members of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, the couple recommends those younger who are considering marriage to pray together and attend church together. “It’s important to have similar moral standards and expectations. Calm and patient two-way communication helps to make a good marriage even better,” Dennis said. Compared to being in Texas most of one’s life together, Deacon Alfonso and Florida Chicas met in 1969 at City Hall in San Salvador. Alfonso said when he glanced up from a meeting in the office and saw Florida standing at the doorway with a letter of recommendation in hand looking for a job, “it was love at first sight” for him. For her, it took a bit more convincing. “He was always so nice to me and talking with me,” she said. A few months later, after she had broken up with a boyfriend she had at the time, Alfonso and Florida attended a party with their work colleagues and got to know each other better. “I told him that I already had plans to go to the United States,” she said. “And I prayed to God, saying I did not have the right to block her, but to please help me decide what to do,” he said. So in January 1970, with visa in hand, she flew to New Jersey where she had friends and lined up a job that she worked for a year and a half. “He wrote me letters every day,” she said. Chicas waited for her to return and visited her family accompanied by his godfather, who was the priest of the area cathedral. They were suitably impressed with the priest’s recommendation and requested for permission for Alfonso to marry their daughter. So the couple married on Nov. 20, 1971, at the San Jose de la Montana Catholic Church in San Salvador. They came together to the United States, where he was ordained a deacon with the See ANNIVERSARIES, page 14

LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION: Supervises, collaborates with, and supports Liturgy Task Force at regular meetings for liturgies throughout the year. Recruits, trains, and supports the liturgical volunteers and ministers in their respective roles. Acts as a resource to the staff on matters relating to the liturgy. Updates staff on developments in the liturgy and how these affect their areas of responsibility. Determines the liturgical needs of the parish in cooperation with the pastor. Prepares and submits a liturgy budget annually. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT: Assists parish staff in liturgical and sacramental preparation. Assists clergy and Director of Music in funeral planning and in preparing worship aids for funerals. Schedules and implements training for all liturgical volunteers and ministers. Maintains current knowledge of liturgical norms and documents. FACILITATION AND COORDINATION: Coordinates rites and liturgical services in conjunction with RCIA team, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, and other parish organizations as deemed necessary by the pastor. Serves as liaison between parish and funeral homes and/or families to schedule times for relevant liturgies. Meets with family members and/or friends of deceased to assist with preparations for relevant liturgies. Coordinates with wedding coordinator for nuptial liturgies. Meets with wedding couples to assist with preparation for liturgical celebrations. Facilitates the worship life of the parish and prepares Mass scripts for Masses and other liturgies, particularly the Triduum. Coordinates the scheduling and preparation of special activities when needed. ADMINISTRATION: Ensures an adequate supply of liturgical items (altar bread, wine, incense, etc.). Ensures timely ordering of liturgical books. Ensures there is an adequate supply of clean liturgical linen. Orders and purchases all necessary liturgical materials within planned budget. Requests maintenance/repair of parish sound and video systems. OPPORTUNITY FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Supports and empowers the spiritual growth of volunteers and ministers. MINOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Attends and contributes at regular staff meetings. Participates in staff events, such as workshops, retreats, lunches, and planning. Participates in calendar planning. Follows policies and procedures of the parish and archdiocese. Under supervision of and in collaboration with the pastor, performs other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the pastor or his delegate. Engages proactively in professional development and spiritual growth to strive towards excellence and service. QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB EDUCATION: Must hold at least a bachelor's degree in Catholic theology and/or a degree related to Catholic theology and/or liturgy. Must be knowledgeable of Catholic liturgy, including liturgical documents and music resources. EXPERIENCE: Must have 5+ years of experience leading liturgical ministry in a Catholic parish. OTHER: Must be knowledgeable of Roman Missal, Lectionary, General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Sacrosanctum Concilium, and Musicam Sacram. Must be enthusiastically motivated to promote a liturgy that truly follows the teachings and liturgical norms of the Catholic Church as written by the fathers of Vatican II, following the "hermeneutic of continuity" as taught and promoted by Pope Benedict XVI. Must demonstrate the ability of serving collaboratively with other members of parish staff. Must have exemplary communication skills, working well with adults and children, coordinating with the whole community, including Spanish-speaking Hispanics. Fluency in Spanish is recommended though not required. KEY COMPETENCIES Effective communication with ministers. Ability to recruit & train ministers. Ability to relate to people of various cultures and points of view. CONTACT: For further information please contact or submit resume & cover letter to Fr. Christopher Plant at: cplant@st-bart.org.

10 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

Breaking down barriers for the deaf, hard of hearing to live the faith fully BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent HOUSTON — Providing the deaf and hard of hearing persons with a “home” where they feel accepted, cherished and empowered to fully live their Catholic faith has been the mission of St. Dominic Center for the Deaf for over 50 years. With 90% of deaf and hard of hearing children born to hearing parents, breaking down language barriers to help strengthen the family unit is key. According to Father Len Broniak, C.Ss.R., chaplain and program director of St. Dominic Center, approximately 6,000 deaf and hard of hearing persons are served annually in the Archdiocese. “Our ministry works to bridge the gap by providing services in sign language with voice interpreters, so children and adults can participate in the Mass and Sacraments in their own language,” said Father Broniak. “Through our ministry, deaf Catholic adults become role models for the children and their parents by serving as lectors, ushers, and extraordinary Eucharistic ministers.” Father Broniak said a role model includes Deacon Bruce Flagg, who is deaf and has been at St. Dominic Center for the past 18 years. Before finding St. Dominic Center,

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ST. DOMINIC CENTER FOR THE DEAF

The St. Dominic Center for the Deaf serves approximately 6,000 deaf and hard of hearing persons annually in the Archdiocese.

Deacon Flagg said he and his wife, who is hearing “church hopped” for many years in search of a parish where they felt comfortable worshipping in. “Not only did we find at St. Dominic Center a welcoming environment, but also a unique place where deaf and hearing persons, as well as those that are Spanish speaking, can worship together,” said Deacon Flagg. “St. Dominic Center has strengthened our faith as a married couple and ultimately lead us to the Archdiocesan Permanent Diaconate Ministry.” Father Broniak said St. Dominic Center gives deaf and hard of

175th Anniversary Apparition of Our Lady of La Salette September 1846-2021

Please join Mary Queen Catholic Church Saturday, September 11—Sunday, September 19 Nine days of Novena Friday, September 17, 7:00 p.m. Multi-lingual Rosary and Benediction

At the end of the apparition, the children were told to “make this message known.” Over the years, the message has been shared by La Salette Missionaries in many languages all around the world. We invite people to join us in person at Mary Queen or via livestreaming either at the Mary Queen Facebook page or Adult Faith Formation at Mary Queen Church YouTube n, the children channel were told messagepraying known.” Over the years, for to this“make uniquethis international of the rosary.

ared by La Salette Missionaries in many languages all around the world. s in person at Mary Queen or viaSeptember livestreaming the Mary Queen Sunday, 19, either 11:30 at a.m. Faith Formation atThe Mary Queen Church YouTube channel for this unique Solemn Feast of Our Lady of La Salette e rosary.

We invite you to celebrate with the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, the 175th Anniversary of Our Lady’s Apparition on the holy mountain La Salette, France. The Italo of with the Missionaries of OurofLady of La Salette, the Most 175thReverend Anniversary Dell’Oro, CRS, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Galvestonn the holy mountain of La Salette, France. The Most Reverend Italo will be the celebrant of the feast Bishop of theHouston Archdiocese of principal Galveston-Houston will beday theMass. principal

hearing Catholics and their families the opportunity to practice and to participate in their faith through the “language of their hearts.” “They can receive the Eucharist, go to confession, get married, and have their children baptized and be confirmed, all in a language that they can understand and fully participate,” said Father Broniak. “Deaf adults also share their experiences and frustrations of growing up in a hearing world with the hearing parents, so they can be more sensitive to the needs of their children.” In addition to Mass, Sacraments and faith formation classes taught by deaf catechists, St. Dominic Center offers American Sign Language (ASL) classes to teach parents and those interested in the language and culture of the deaf community. Maria De Refugio Puron Sereno took advantage of these sign language classes 14 years ago so she could communicate with her deaf son, Pablo. Today, she teaches a basic sign language class herself and is grateful that the ministry has helped her family in many ways. “St. Dominic Center helped bring my son out of his shell and provided a place where he had the freedom to be himself and be able to communicate with people just like him,” said Sereno. “We’ve had the opportunity to meet such amazing people and learn a new language.” Sereno said that as her sign language skills developed over the years, she is able to help others that are deaf outside the community. “Because many like me have Spanish as their first language, we’re very thankful to have Father Len, who is able to speak three languages (English, Spanish and ASL),” said Sereno. “He is such a blessing because he can break down those language barriers.”

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As one of 60 ministries supported the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), Father Broniak believes it is important for the faithful to support the annual campaign so St. Dominic Center can continue to fulfill its mission to serve the deaf and hard of hearing and their families. “Supporting the DSF helps us to continue the mission of Jesus, the mission of the Church: To bring the Good news of Salvation to everyone,” said Father Broniak. “We must reach out to those that are forgotten or overlooked. Without the DSF, deaf Catholics would once again be isolated and marginalized.” Deacon Flagg agrees that St. Dominic Center brings God’s message of hope and love to the deaf and hard of hearing community. “To be able to minister with my wife to a couple preparing for marriage, baptizing those entering our Church, and assisting in funeral rites in a language that the deaf community understands, as well as from a member of their own community, is a priceless gift that DSF has given to all the members of St. Dominic Center,” said Deacon Flagg. Sereno said the DSF is very important because many families like hers rely on ministries like St. Dominic Center that exist because the fund supports them. “There are many deaf people that need the Sacraments and other services provided by St. Dominic Center, so without the Archdiocese’s support, we can’t continue to expand our services,” said Sereno. “People need to know that we exist, so we can help those that are looking but don’t know where to go.” †

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Cardinal DiNardo: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul makes the world ‘more Eucharistic’ with each act of service BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Some 60 local members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Houston, known as Vincentians, joined more than 600 others from across the nation for the service organization’s national assembly in downtown Houston Aug. 25 to 29. For Anne Schorno, executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Archdiocese, seeing the conference come to fruition was a joy and a dream, especially with so many local Vincentians attending from as far as Navasota. It was the national organization’s first in-person gathering since the pandemic began in early 2020. “It’s been two years since we’ve gathered, and our ministry is about person to person,” she said. “And so missing that element, you just miss the friendship and the sharing of ideas that we’re able to do.” Schorno drew inspiration from a session led by Father Dennis Holtschneider, the president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, who focused on how Jesus’s ministry was often interrupted, much like how the pandemic interrupted the services of many social agencies, including the society, forcing them to pivot to new ways of outreach. “I’ve been really impressed with how everybody has come to new creative ways to do things,” Schorno said. When initial balking of “We are way too old, we can’t do that” became “Yes, we did it,” many Vincentians stepped up to the challenge, despite barriers prompted by a pandemic like social distancing and masking. “I think the hardest part for us was just not being together… we really missed that,” she said. “We missed that personal touch with the people we serve. And with the three essential values of the society: spirituality, friendship and service, all three need to be in balance to be able to achieve what we need to do.” Ann Hong, who attends St. Faustina Catholic Church in Fulshear and is a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conference at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Houston, saw these three values come to life in the young people she met during the week. As the youth and young adult liaison for the Society’s Houston gathering, Hong helped coordinate the youth track of the conference. Activities included a day-long service trip at the Vincentian Service Center in Gulfgate and an afternoon visit to Space Center Houston at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Hong said she was inspired by the energy of 22 young people, who hit the

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo preaches the homily during a vigil Mass at the 2021 Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Assembly in Houston on Aug. 29. 60 local members joined 600 others from around the country for the national gathering.

ground running on a warm Saturday morning at the service center, distributing food packages and organizing clothing drives and donations. High school and college students, who are part of the local Society of St. Vincent de Paul groups across the nation, are the “future of our Church,” Hong said. “They continue to bring hope and light, especially during this difficult time.” The young people understood that the “love of Christ brings us all together from around the world, and that really doing His work, there is no limit,” she said. “Even the pandemic can’t limit us.” The spirit of the society overcame those limits, Schorno said. “I think of the society is not (only about) what we do, but in what spirit we do,” she said. “And so that was hard losing some of that ... being able to sit with somebody and just talk and hear their story and be able to have that conversation without mask and phone or something like that. It can feel impersonal.” Still, Schorno saw the silver linings: “We were blessed. And that’s what we say; the more you give, the more you share, the more you get.” Schorno said the Liturgies held throughout the week were a major highlight for many Vincentians. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo celebrated the final Liturgy and presided over the vigil Mass on Aug. 29. In his homily, Cardinal DiNardo reflected on his experiences with the society both as a child and as a young priest. At his first parish in south Pittsburgh, Cardinal DiNardo witnessed the society personally serve many people

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Finished reading your Texas Catholic Herald? Enjoy theit Good Pass itelse! on! Recycle or pass itNews? on to someone Enjoy the Good News? Pass ityour on!Texas Catholic Herald? Finished reading Finished reading your Texas Catholic“Let Herald? us follow the example of it or pass Recycle it or passRecycle it on to someone else!it on to someone else!

St. Francis of Assisi and take care “Let us follow the example of common home.”of “Letof usour follow the example

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of our common home.” – Pope Francis

with physical and emotional needs. By being a “doer of the Word” of God, the society continues to increase the Word in action on behalf of Jesus, he said. “And doing it, you are making the world, a little step at a time, Eucharistic,” he said. “I’ve always thought that sanctioned people would be close to the

Eucharist because they are always close to everyday people with their need. And you assess it... It is like they are bringing a certain aspect of the gift of the Eucharist to the people. It is beautiful.” Reflecting on the day’s reading about the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, Cardinal DiNardo said, “Jesus feeds us so we can feed others.” “We are all supposed to become holy, depending on whatever it is we do in our vocation,” he said. “And in doing that, you are holy. And that is why we take comfort in the altar, give thanks to God through His Son, Jesus, at every Mass, and receive that very gift we heard about last week through the Gospel, His very body and blood. That sets us in motion to try again next week. To make His body real to the world in which we live.” Other celebrants included Father Martins Emeh, administrator of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes; Bishop Michael Mulvey of Corpus Christi; and Bishop Donald Hying of Madison, the society’s national episcopal advisor. Liturgical worship was also led by the Catholic African American Mass Choir, the Incarnate Word Academy Choir, as well as the Archdiocesan Choir. In Galveston-Houston, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been serving others since 1871 and is marking its 150 anniversary in 2021. To learn more and to get involved, visit www.svdphouston.org or contact your parish conference. †

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

EDUCATION Archdiocesan teachers honored with Kinder Award HOUSTON — Two teachers, one in an elementary school and one in a high school, were honored with the prestigious Kinder Excellence Award for the Archdiocese. Gema Velazco Espinosa, prekindergarten teacher at Holy Ghost School, was surprised with the honor at a school rally. The teacher was presented with a $25,000 Kinder Foundation in Teaching Award, funded by the Kinder Foundation. Ann Tate, the instructional specialist at Holy Ghost School, said Espinosa exemplifies positive qualities for the pre-K students and the whole Holy Ghost School community. “She brings her incredible talents to our pre-K students and gives them a great foundation for learning,” she said. “Gema receiving the Kinder Excellence Award will mean amazing exposure for our pre-K program and for Holy Ghost School.” The other award went to Dr. Steve Liparulo, English teacher at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory.The teacher, who has been at the school for four years, was surprised during a morning assembly with the award. Nominated by Cristo Rey Jesuit leaders, he was selected for being a positive student motivator, and for showing academic growth in his students. †

Houston developer donates a million dollars to Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE

Gema Velazco Espinosa (above), pre-kindergarten teacher at Holy Ghost School and Dr. Steve Liparulo (below), English teacher at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory, were honored with the Kinder Excellence Award.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STRAKE JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY

Kendall and Cindy Miller have donation one million dollars to Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. The check was presented during halftime of the school’s season opening home football game on Friday, Aug. 27.

HOUSTON — Strake Jesuit College Preparatory has received one of the largest one-time gifts in the school’s history from Houston philanthropist and developer in support of the school’s longterm vision. Kendall and Cindy Miller, parents of three alumni, joined Father Jeff Johnson, S.J., president of Strake Jesuit, during halftime of the school’s season opening home football game on Friday, Aug. 27, to announce the gift. Father Johnson said this leadership gift sets the school’s vision for the future upon a firm foundation. “Sometimes leaders step up and make significant financial contributions that help us take the next step,” he said. “The Miller family has been part of

our community for 10 years. From the beginning of our strategic planning, Kendall and Cindy have been intimately involved in helping us respond to God’s invitation.” In the history of the school, there have only been two other lump sum cash gifts of this size. “Cindy and I are grateful for the opportunity to support the Strake Jesuit College Preparatory mission and it’s our hope that the great formation our sons received here will continue to be shared by many fine young men in the future,” remarked Kendall Miller as a ceremonial check was received by three current students during the announcement ceremony. †

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YOUTH Obedience requires humility and trust “Look both ways before you cross the street.” “Eat your vegetables.” “Clean your room.” “Do your homework.” Many of us have heard these commands either said to us or to someone else. It is safe to believe that the person saying these commands is saying them out of love. Obedience is a word that carries with it a certain level of formality and requires an incredible amount of humility. This is why obedience can be so difficult for the human person regardless of their age; it forces the person to recognize that they are in need of guidance throughout their lives, despite their stage in life. A young child needs the repetition of these commands and the patient reinforcement to obey. An older adolescent, who is in the midst of discovering who they are and who they are meant to be, may find obedience restricting and still be very much in need of patient reinforcement to obey. An adult out in the world may think of obedience as something that would restrain them from complete freedom and still needs patient reinforcement to obey. Many Catholics have felt that some of

the teachings of the Church are hard to follow, difficult to embrace, and therefore not worth their obedience. The reality of it all is that obedience provides for us the freedom we by seek. It allows us to ANNETTE discover who we are, to O’DRISCOLL make decisions that empower us to stand in the truth, and to place our trust in God’s will for our lives and for His kingdom. Obedience is the key to growing in holiness and finding true peace and freedom. St. John Bosco once said: “Be obedient, and you will become a saint.” Do you want to be a saint? Do your daily life and choices reflect a complete trust in God’s will for you? Do you work at obeying God’s commands? Do you aim at discerning God’s will for you and your life? Saints are not expected to be perfect, rather they are invited to be faithful, and when we take St. John Bosco’s advice seriously, saints are asked to be obedient. When we exercise obedience in our lives, God uses that to help us grow in trust, faith, and love. Trust is key in any relationship, and most definitely, trust is the key to establishing a healthy and loving

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relationship with God. When we look at Next time you find yourself resisting Adam and Eve and their choice to eat obeying God’s will for you and your life, the fruit (Gen 3), it is evident trust was take a moment to bring it to prayer. replaced by doubt, and doubt led to the Allow yourself the time to consider how choice to disobey. trusting God could lead you to freedom. When we choose to obey God’s Finally, remember that everything that command, no matter how difficult it may God asks of us is out of love. Everything seem at the time, our trust in the Lord that God demands from us is for love. increases, our relationship with Him Obedience to his guidance and deepens, and our relationship with our commands is a response rooted in love neighbor improves. and leads to true freedom. † Obeying encourages trust. As for faith, the Catechism of the Annette O’Driscoll is the director of Catholic Church reminds us that “to obey Evangelization and Catechesis at St. in faith is to submit freely to the word Edward Catholic Church. that has been heard because its truth is guaranteed by God, who is Truth itself.” (CCC, 144) Love is the visible fruit that blooms from the relationship the disciple has with Jesus Christ. Our Lord and Savior is the perfect witness of obedience. He trusted, he remained faithful, and ultimately, he loved us through everything he said and did. In prayer, spend time looking at Jesus Christ on a crucifix and ponder how his

obedience has given you freedom and life. It is here, through the love Jesus Christ showed us on Good Friday, that Archdiocesan Office the disciple can see how obedience to 713-741-8732 the will of God and His commands lead us to an increase of trust, faith and love. archgh.org/correctionalministries Is this not freedom?

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Meet your local campus ministers Father Charles Johnson, O.P., Chaplain and Director University of Houston Main Campus Catholic Newman Center 713-748-2529 johnson.c@aghclergy.org

Father Ray Cook, O.M.I., Chaplain and Director Rice University and Schools of TMC St. Mary’s Chapel and Catholic Student Center 713-526-3809 chaplain@catholics.rice.edu

Claire McMullin, Campus Minister University of Houston Main Campus Catholic Newman Center 713-748-2529 c.mcmullin2003@gmail.com

Mimi Tran, Campus Minister Rice University Catholic Student Center 713-526-3809 mimi.ricecm@gmail.com

Doris Barrow, Campus Minister Texas Southern University Catholic Newman Center 713-747-7595 tsunewman@gmail.com

Father Paul English, C.S.B., Chaplain University of St. Thomas - Houston 713-525-3589 englishp@stthom.edu

Carl Erickson, Campus Minister Galveston Newman Center: Serving UTMB/Galveston College, Texas A&M University, and College of the Mainland 409-740-3797 gal.newmancenterum@gmail.com

Nicole Labadie, Director of Campus Ministry University of St. Thomas - Houston 713-525-3129 labadin@stthom.edu stthom.edu/campusministry

Catholic Student Center at Sam Houston State University 1310 17th St., Huntsville 936-291-2620 • shsu-catholic.org info.shsucatholic@gmail.com

The Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry seeks to provide a home for young adults within the Catholic Church and accompany young adults in their journey with Christ through their late teens, 20s, and 30s. The office seeks to bring a Catholic presence to the colleges and universities located within the archdiocese. Through Catholic Newman Centers, we seek to create environments where Catholic students can find community, encounter Christ in prayer, and be formed as disciples of Jesus. We also seek to evangelize the entire academic community and invite others into the joy, fulfillment, and truth of living the Gospel. For more information, contact the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry at 713-741-8778, yacm@archgh.org, or go to www.archgh.org/yacm

YOUNG ADULT & CAMPUS MINISTRY OFFICE STAFF Angela Pometto, Director Monica Duran, Administrative Assistant

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

COLUMNISTS Freely choosing not to exercise a right In St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he addresses issues specific to that community, including one that today seems outdated. However, Paul’s response is grounded in a theology that is general and wide-reaching, which I believe we need to hear today. Beginning in Chapter 8, Paul addresses two concerns regarding the eating of meat. On the one hand, some social events are apparently taking place within the sanctuaries of the pagan gods, perhaps even in the context of pagan religious festivals. On the other hand, even the meat sold in the marketplace for use in private homes seems to have at least nominally been associated with sacrifice to the pagan gods, associating nearly all meat to pagan worship. The basic question is whether a Christian can partake in such meals. Within the community, there are those who came down on both sides. The argument put forward by those who believe it permissible is sophisticated: the true Christian knows that there is no god in all the world except the Lord, who is the one true God

and Father of all. Therefore, the idols contained in the pagan sanctuaries are nothing more than pieces of wood and stone. Sacrifices “offered” to them are ultimately meaningless by and do not, in reality, BRIAN change anything. GARCIATherefore, the Christian LUENSE can in clear conscience partake, for the meat is only meat. Paul concedes this point and concludes that one can, in fact, “eat anything sold in the market, without raising questions of conscience, for the earth and its fullness are the Lord’s” (10:25-26). He does not, however, leave the matter there. He is concerned with the good of the entire community. “Make sure this liberty of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block for the weak” (8:9). For even as he acknowledges the correctness of the conclusion, he recognizes that there are those of less

†

understanding who, seeing Christians seeming to participate in pagan worship, are shaken in their faith. For this reason, Christians have a responsibility to modify their legitimate behavior for the good of others. To further emphasize this, Paul gives another example in Chapter 9. He claims that he has the right to be supported financially by the community to whom he is dedicating his ministry (9:3-12). He then points out that he has freely chosen not to exercise this right, instead choosing to support himself and endure hardship and sacrifice. He writes that he does so to “win over as many as possible” (9:19). The implication is that were he to accept financial support from the Corinthian community, which he has a right to do, there might be some who would question Paul’s motivations to the hindrance of their conversion. Based on this example, Paul counsels the Corinthians that though they are, in fact, free to eat whatever they want, this freedom is not unconditional. “Everything is lawful, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is lawful, but

not everything builds up. No one should seek his own advantage, but that of his neighbor” (10:23-24). This is the challenging point for us to hear today. Christians have a responsibility to temper the exercise of their rights in light of the needs of others. This is challenging because the dominant cultural ethos in Texas today presupposes that individual rights are very nearly absolute. Suggestions that an individual not exercise a right are perceived to be a curtailment of the right itself. Yet this is precisely what Paul advises. We have a responsibility to think about the needs of others and to work for the common good, even if it means voluntarily forgoing something legitimate. As we live our lives, let us always remember that as Christians, we have a responsibility to ask not only “What should I do that is best for me?” but rather “What is best for us and how do I best work for the common good?” † Brian Garcia-Luense is an associate director with the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

Celebrating birthdays in the liturgical calendar Did you know that three feast days in the Church’s calendar celebrate the birth of someone? We all know that we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Dec. 25, but people are often stumped to come up with the other two. The first is the Nativity of John the Baptist, which we celebrate in June. The second is celebrated on Sept. 8 — the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These three births are commemorated in a special way because of the important role that each plays in salvation history. The birth of the Blessed Virgin, according to St. Peter Damian, “is the beginning of salvation, the origin of every feast, for behold, the Mother of the Bridegroom is born.” Mary’s humble birth is a moment of hope because it puts into motion the journey toward Christ’s own birth, and eventually, His passion, death and resurrection. The liturgical celebration of the birth of Mary began at least as early as the seventh century in Rome and perhaps as early as the fifth century in Jerusalem. That makes it one of the most ancient Marian feast days on our calendar! In Rome, the feast was commemorated with processions to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, culminating in a Mass celebrated by the Pope. Beginning in the 13th century, the Nativity of Mary was given an octave, a full eight-day period where the celebration of the feast is continued. This indicated the importance

that it held in the liturgical calendar since octaves are such a rare part of our liturgical life. This celebration of the octave of the Nativity continued until the middle of the 20th by century. CHRIS Another Marian feast LABADIE is celebrated at the end of this octave — the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. In our current calendar, it is celebrated on Sept. 15, which marks the end of the unofficial Marian octave. This feast commemorates a title of Mary, which reflects the words of Simeon during the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, “and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”The devotion to the heart of Mary, pierced by the seven swords, is an ancient monastic devotion that calls us to meditate on the moments in Mary’s life when she was struck by deep sorrow. These seven sorrows are Simeon’s prophecy, the flight into Egypt, the loss of the child Jesus in the Temple, Mary meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary, the Crucifixion, Mary receiving the body of Jesus, and the burial of Jesus. The closeness of these two feasts on the liturgical calendar helps us to understand that the Blessed Virgin’s

†

entire life is a sign pointing us toward her Son and the cross. In moments of doubt or pain, the sorrows of our own lives, we are called to remember the hope that was born with the Blessed Virgin — the hope that our salvation is

ANNIVERSARIES, from page 9 Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in 2011 for St. James Catholic Church and is now retired at 74. They were blessed with five children, but the sudden death of their 36-year-old daughter was one of the most difficult tragedies for the couple. “She had a terrible headache and drove to our house with her two children, a boy and girl, who were only three and four years old at the time,” Florida said. “She was always the happy one, the smiling one and healthy, but it was a brain aneurysm. She made it to our driveway and collapsed in my arms,” the mother said, her voice still cracking. They are helping to raise their two grandchildren, now 9 and 10 years old, who live with them and attend Catholic school in Spring. “Keep praying and sharing your living faith,” Alfonso said of how they survived such difficulties. “Primero

quick at hand and that the Lord will never leave us. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us! † Chris Labadie is the director of the Office of Worship.

Dios, God first.” Florida added, “Love each other and your children. Be good examples.” After attending the 50th Wedding Anniversary Jubilee Mass at the CoCathedral Sept. 26, they also plan to fly back to San Salvador to commemorate their anniversary. “We are going to celebrate with Mass at the same church, on the same date and same time,” she said. In reviewing their half-century together, Alfonso said, “We don’t count years; we count experiences together.” The Archdiocese’s Family Life Ministry is organizing both the 50th wedding anniversary Sept. 26 and the 25th wedding anniversary Oct. 24. The cost is $25 per couple, and once registered online at www.archgh.org/ weddingjubilee, a copy of the wedding certificate is needed. Couples will be provided with an Archdiocesan certificate of their anniversary, a special issue worship aid with vows and a commemorative pin. †

SUNDAY MASS READINGS SEPTEMBER 19

First Reading: Wis 2:12, 17-20

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 54:3-8

Second Reading: Jms 3:16-4:3

Gospel: Mk 9:30-37

SEPTEMBER 26

First Reading: Num 11:25-29

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 19:8, 10, 12-14

Second Reading: Jms 5:1-6

Gospel: Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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WORLD

Pope: Euthanasia legislation in Europe is sign of ‘throwaway culture’ VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Increasing calls to legalize euthanasia in several European countries, as well as the disregard for vulnerable people and the unborn, are signs of a “throwaway culture” that is gaining ground across the continent, Pope Francis said. “What is (deemed) useless is discarded. Old people are disposable material; they are a nuisance. Not all of them, but of course, in the collective subconscious of the throwaway culture, the old, the terminally ill, and unwanted children, too; they are returned to the sender before they are born,” the pope said in an interview with COPE, the radio station owned by the Spanish bishops’ conference, broadcast Sept. 1. “This throwaway culture has marked us. And it marks the young and the old. It has a strong influence on one of the tragedies of today’s European culture,” he said. In March, Spain’s parliament passed a law legalizing euthanasia in the country, making it the fourth European country to legalize physician-assisted suicide after Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Other European countries, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland and Norway, allow for what is known as “passive euthanasia,” in which patients, under strict circumstances, can elect to not receive treatments, such as nutrition or hydration, that would prolong their lives. Recently, in Italy, 750,000 people signed a petition to abolish a clause in the Italian criminal code that makes assisted suicide punishable by five to 12 years in prison. Supporters of euthanasia, the pope said, often use “the idea of compassion, ‘that this person may not suffer.’ But what the church is asking is to help people to die with dignity. This has always been done.” Pope Francis also lamented “the demographic winter” in Europe, particularly due to increased cases of abortion. The pope said that while he does “not

CNS PHOTO

A woman protests against a law to legalize euthanasia as the Spanish Parliament votes to approve it in Madrid March 18. Her sign reads “Killing is not progressive, stop euthanasia.” Increasing calls to legalize euthanasia in several European countries, as well as the disregard for vulnerable people and the unborn, are signs of a “throwaway culture” that is gaining ground across the continent, Pope Francis said in an interview.

like to enter into discussions” on whether abortions are “possible up to here or whether it is not possible up to there,” what is indisputable is the existence of human life. “Any embryology manual given to a student in medical school says that by the third week of conception, sometimes before the mother realizes (that she is pregnant), all the organs in the embryo are already outlined, even the DNA. It is a life, a human life. “Some say, ‘It’s not a person.’ It is a human life!” he continued. “So, in front of a human life, I ask myself two questions: Is it licit to eliminate a human life to solve a problem, is it fair to eliminate a human life to solve a problem? Second question: Is it fair to hire an assassin to solve a problem?” During the interview, the pope was also asked by COPE about the migration crisis in Europe and what approach should be taken by countries skeptical of welcoming those who cross into their borders. Pope Francis emphasized the need for countries, especially in Europe, to

IN BRIEF Eucharist is source of joy, God’s presence, speakers tell global congress

BUDAPEST, Hungary (CNS) — The ultimate purpose of the Eucharist is mission, Mary Healy, a professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, told the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress. More than 60 participants from nearly 40 countries on five continents were in Budapest for the Sept. 5 to 12 congress, which was set to close with a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis. In the United States, some churches “have signs posted at the exits to the parking lot, so that you see them every time you leave the church on Sunday morning: ‘You are now entering mission territory,’” Healy said in her Sept. 6 address. “They have the right idea. In the Eucharist, the whole pattern of Christ’s redemption is made present to us.” Healy is a member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, a body of scholars that engages in research for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. At the Congress’ opening Mass Sept. 5 in Heroes Square, Angelo Cardinal Bagnasco, president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, said the Eucharist “goes beyond all loneliness, all distance and all indifference.” †

“welcome, protect, promote and integrate” migrants.

Citing the 2016 terrorist attack in Zaventem, Belgium, the pope noted that those who committed the attack were Belgian-born “children of immigrants who were not integrated” into society. He also highlighted the need for “dialogue between nations” and that countries must be “honest with themselves” and see how many migrants they can accept into their territory. “And then there is also a reality regarding migrants — I have already referred to it, but I’ll repeat it — the reality of the demographic winter. Italy has almost empty villages,” Pope Francis said. †

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NATION & STATE

Bill honoring abolitionist aims to expand human trafficking prevention

CNS PHOTO

A suspected victim of human trafficking to India who returned to Kenya with the help of the International Organization for Migration is seen in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 4, 2020.

CLEVELAND (CNS) — Two members of Congress have introduced a bill to expand successful trafficking prevention efforts in schools and businesses. Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Karen Bass (D-Calif.) introduced the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection and Reauthorization Act of 2021 in the House of Representatives Sept. 3. “During COVID ... the exploitation of children has risen substantially, mostly online, and there is kind of like a pentup demand to exploit, it’s lingering there,” Smith said during a livestreamed news conference prior to the bill’s introduction. “As COVID further diminishes, we’re going to see people who feel they’re entitled to exploit young women or boys and we have to make sure we have all the tools arrayed against them,” he said. The date the bill was introduced is significant because it is the day in 1838 that the 20-year-old Douglass selfemancipated himself in Baltimore and, disguised as a sailor, made his way via steamship and train to New York. He subsequently played a leading role as an abolitionist, social reformer, speaker and writer. Smith, who is Catholic, has been a longtime supporter of federal antitrafficking efforts, having authored legislation that dates to 2000. The new bill would expand on measures enacted by passage of a 2018 bill that also carried Douglass’ name. Bass’s collaboration with Smith has focused on children within public welfare systems to ensure they have adequate support, including housing, to limit potentially falling victim to traffickers or being exploited again. The bill includes a measure to provide $35 million for housing assistance grants to trafficking victims. Kenneth B. Morris Jr., great-greatgreat-grandson of Douglass and greatgreat grandson of educator Booker T. Washington, told the news conference the

reauthorization bill is needed to continue the progress made on human trafficking prevention. The current law’s support for ageappropriate prevention programs in elementary and secondary schools has enabled more children and teachers to recognize the signs of exploitation and to develop the skills to step in to help, said Morris, president of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, an anti-trafficking organization based in Rochester, New York. The organization has introduced the PROTECT trafficking prevention program in partnership with two California-based nonprofit organizations and has reached 500,000 students and 60,000 adults, according to the program’s website. Smith told Catholic News Service that private schools are equally as eligible as public schools to receive funding for anti-trafficking education through grants administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. One section of the bill would reauthorize and enhance International Megan’s Law to track convicted sex offenders living abroad who return to the U.S. Other provisions include bolstering protections for victims and witnesses during trafficking investigations; establishing restitution for trafficking survivors; adding accountability for the U.S. and foreign governments, hotels, and airlines through anti-trafficking training and codes of conduct; and introducing stricter sanctions for traffickers and “Tier 3” countries that do not meet minimum standards to address or eliminate trafficking. Smith said he hopes Congress acts quickly on the bill. Funding for programs under the 2018 law ends Sept. 30, the end of the federal government’s current fiscal year. If not passed by the deadline, Smith anticipates Congress will pass a continuing resolution so programs do not end. †

IN BRIEF

U.S. bishops launch initiative to unite a polarized nation

CLEVELAND (CNS) — Polarization across society has prompted the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to launch an initiative that looks to bring people together to serve the common good. Called “Civilize It: A Better Kind of Politics,” the initiative is designed to “move forward the kind of conversations that we need to be having to overcome our divisions,” said Jill Rauh, director of education and outreach in the USCCB’s Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development, which is coordinating the effort. The USCCB introduced the initiative Sept. 7. The effort draws heavily from the teachings of Pope Francis, particularly his call in the third encyclical of his papacy, “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship.” “We are in a situation where both in society and the Church we are experiencing a lot of division and polarization,” Rauh told Catholic News Service (CNS). “In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis specifically is calling Catholics and all people of goodwill to build a better kind of politics, one at the service of the common good.” The Civilize It initiative is meant not just for political leaders but for all people, Rauh added. A special webpage for the initiative, CivilizeIt.org, has links to a tool kit with resources to help parishes, small groups and individuals address polarization of any kind. “Pope Francis is very clear in ‘Fratelli Tutti’ and the bishops have been clear in ‘Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship’ that we are called to engage in the public sphere and to do so year-round, to be working together and to try to identify ways to work for the common good,” Rauh said. †

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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MUNDO CATÓLICO

Una carta del cardenal DiNardo sobre la implementación de Traditionis Custodes A todos los Sacerdotes y Diáconos, y a todos Los fieles laicos de GalvestonHouston, La Liturgia no es solo el punto de encuentro en la unidad de todo lo que está esparcido, sino también el llamado al hogar del Padre a través de la acción de Jesucristo y la obra del Espíritu Santo en ese encuentro, creando así armonía entre diversos e incluso ocasionalmente voces discordantes. Allí se da la gracia a todos los miembros de la asamblea litúrgica para que salgan y santifiquen el mundo en el que viven. El 16 de julio de este año, el Papa Francisco publicó una carta motu proprio, Traditionis Custodes, y la acompañó de otra carta en la que promulga ciertas reformas para la celebración de la Santa Misa según el Misal Romano de 1962. Esta forma del Rito Romano también ha sido conocida como la Forma Extraordinaria o la Forma Tridentina de la Misa. El motu proprio del Santo Padre pone fin a los permisos y direcciones que había sido promulgado por su predecesor, el Papa Benedicto XVI, en la directiva de 2007 Summorum Pontificum, que redujo las restricciones anteriores y permitió una gran libertad en la celebración de la Forma Tridentina de la Misa. Tanto el Papa Juan Pablo II como el Papa Benedicto XVI esperaban que permitir más libertad a los sacerdotes para celebrar la Forma Tridentina de la Misa traería consigo una mayor unidad y concordia en la Iglesia, y un respeto mutuo de las dos formas del Rito Romano. El Papa Francisco ha escrito que tal unidad no ha tenido lugar. Ha decidido restringir y modificar la observancia Tridentina del Rito Romano. El Santo Padre deja ahora al obispo diocesano la moderación de la celebración de la Santa Misa de acuerdo con el Misal Romano de 1962. Con esta carta transmito formalmente la manera en que estoy implementando las directivas de Traditionis Custodes dentro de la Arquidiócesis de GalvestonHouston: 1. Durante más de 40 años, la parroquia Annunciation en el centro de Houston ha observado un programa de misas semanales celebradas según el Misal Romano de 1962 (junto con las Misas semanales según el Misal Romano de 1970). Debido a esta antigua costumbre en la parroquia de Annunciation, no habrá cambios en la celebración de la Misa de acuerdo con el Misal Romano de 1962 en dicha parroquia. 2. El 5 de julio de 2013, establecí la parroquia Regina Caeli en el noroeste de Houston para dar atención pastoral y sacramental a los fieles que están acostumbrados a la celebración de la Misa según el Misal Romano de 1962. Regina Caeli es una parroquia no territorial, y por lo tanto es la parroquia propia de cualquier católico dentro de Galveston-Houston que desee la celebración frecuente de la Misa de acuerdo con el Misal Romano de 1962.

The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Full job descriptions for each position are available online: www.archgh.org/employment Downtown Chancery | 1700 San Jacinto | Houston, TX 77002

Development Associate Director of Development Development Coordinator Office of Vocations Program Coordinator Parish Accounting Services Staff Accountant St. Dominic Chancery | 2403 Holcombe Blvd. | Houston, TX 77021

Clergy Pastoral Outreach Secretary En la parroquia Regina Caeli no habrá cambios en la celebración de la Misa según el Misal Romano de 1962, ni habrá ningún cambio en la celebración de los otros sacramentos en dicha parroquia. 3. Más recientemente, la parroquia St. Theresa en Sugar Land, la parroquia St. Bartholomew en Katy y la parroquia Prince of Peace en el noroeste de Houston han iniciado la celebración de la Misa de acuerdo con el Misal Romano de 1962. Estas celebraciones litúrgicas no son costumbres antiguas en esas parroquias. Por lo tanto, en la parroquia de St.Theresa en Sugar Land y en la parroquia de St. Bartholomew, se puede celebrar la misa de acuerdo con el Misal Romano de 1962 dos veces al mes, los días de semana. 4. Estoy abrogando la celebración de la Misa según el Misal Romano de 1962 en la parroquia Prince of Peace. Los fieles que se han acostumbrado a asistir a esta Misa en la iglesia Prince of Peace ahora se dirigen a la iglesia Regina Caeli, donde se celebra 5 veces cada domingo. La iglesia Regina Caeli está aproximadamente a 9 millas de la iglesia Prince of Peace. 5. Con respecto a las Misas del domingo y los días de precepto, estas Liturgias celebradas de acuerdo con el Misal Romano de 1962 ahora están permitidas en la parroquia Regina Caeli y en la parroquia Annunciation solamente. En todas las demás iglesias parroquiales dentro de Galveston-Houston, se celebrará la Misa los domingos y los días de precepto de acuerdo con la edición actual del Misal Romano de 1970. 6. De vez en cuando los fieles solicitan la celebración de Liturgias nupciales, Bautismos y otros Sacramentos en la forma corrientemente conocida como la Forma Extraordinaria. Quienes deseen esta forma de celebración de los Sacramentos deben dirigir sus solicitudes al clero de la parroquia Regina Caeli. Las directivas antes mencionadas para la implementación de Traditionis Custodes dentro de la Arquidiócesis Vea CARTA, pagina 18

Construction and Preventive Maintenance Associate Director - Construction Project Manager Family Life Ministry Hospitality Manager, Circle Lake Retreat Center Office of Evangelization and Catechesis Associate Director of Catechetical Formation for Persons with Disabilities Office of Worship Associate Director for Liturgical Formation Young Adult and Campus Ministry Associate Director University of Houston

Administrative Assistant University of Houston, Catholic Newman Center Dickinson

Director of Catholic Cemeteries Mt. Olivet Cemetery Galveston and Texas City

Catholic Port Chaplain Apostleship of the Sea Plantersville

Instructor/Summer Programming Team Member Camp Kappe School of Environmental Education (S.E.E.) 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.

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18 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD MUNDO CATOLICO

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

Laica asume un cargo alto en la comisión de América Latina del Vaticano VATICANO (CNS) — El papa Francisco nombró a la teóloga argentina Emilce Cuda como la nueva jefa de oficina de la Comisión Pontificia para América Latina, cargo que asume el 1 de septiembre. Cuda, laica y madre de dos hijos, trabajará con el nuevo secretario, Rodrigo Guerra López, un mexicano también laico y profesor de filosofía. La nominación de Cuda fue vista en el país sudamericano como una señal de la lucha continua del Santo Padre contra el clericalismo y como un paso importante para aumentar la presencia de las mujeres en la jerarquía de la iglesia. “Considero histórica su nominación. Normalmente, las altas posiciones en la Curia son ocupadas por miembros del clero”, expresó Carlos Custer, ex embajador argentino en el Vaticano. Cuda es profesora de teología y ciencias políticas en la Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, quien también trabaja en la Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche — una universidad estatal — algo poco común CARTA, de pagina 17 de Galveston-Houston entrarán en vigencia el 30 de septiembre de 2021. Ahora quisiera volver mi atención a la celebración de la Sagrada Liturgia en general, como continuación de lo que escribí en el párrafo inicial de esta carta. El clero y los que se están formando para las sagradas órdenes deben cultivar un amor por la Liturgia que se manifiesta en la fidelidad a las rúbricas litúrgicas, el decoro, la predicación eficaz y un reverente sentido de confianza al celebrar la Liturgia. Esto es válido para la celebración de todos los Sacramentos, así como de los sacramentales. Debemos tener cuidado de que nuestras personalidades y preferencias individuales no dominen nuestra forma de celebración litúrgica. Las rúbricas del Misal Romano de 1962 no deben agregarse a la celebración de la Misa según la edición actual del Misal Romano de 1970. Asimismo, cualquier cosa impropia o ajena a la celebración de la Misa según lo prescrito en el Misal Romano debe evitarse. Las devociones privadas o los actos de piedad popular son dignos de alabanza y ayudan a profundizar el amor por Dios, la Santísima Virgen María y los santos. Sin embargo, las devociones privadas deben mantenerse separadas de la celebración de la

FOTO DE CNS

El papa Francisco designó al teólogo argentino Emilice Cuda como nuevo jefe de la Comisión Pontificia para América Latina, cargo que asume el 1 de septiembre. La foto es Cuda con el papa en el Vaticano el 17 del marzo de 2017.

entre los teólogos de América Latina. Ella ha sido profesora invitada en la Universidad de Buenos Aires y en varias instituciones estadounidenses, incluyendo la Universidad de St. Thomas y Boston College. Sagrada Liturgia. Las acciones rituales, los gestos y las oraciones no prescritas en el Misal Romano no deben incluirse en la celebración de la Misa. Los actos de piedad popular y devoción privada pueden llevarse a cabo después de concluir la Misa. De vez en cuando deberíamos repasar la Institución General del Misal Romano y las rúbricas dentro del Misal, incluidas las rúbricas que gobiernan la predicación litúrgica. Las escrituras y las oraciones del día son el material fuente de la predicación litúrgica. Los sacerdotes y diáconos deben tratar de ser claros y concisos en su predicación, y las homilías deben ser breves. Debemos extraer el significado espiritual de los asignados textos a la luz de los misterios particulares que se celebran y con una apreciación de las necesidades de los fieles reunidos para la Eucaristía. Con mi gratitud a todo el clero de esta Iglesia local por su ministerio pastoral, y con la seguridad de mis oraciones por todos los fieles, soy Sinceramente en Cristo,

Daniel Cardenal DiNardo Arzobispo de Galveston-Houston

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.

Custer, un dirigente sindical y activista político, señaló que Cuda “es una mujer muy fuerte e importante intelectualmente y está muy cercana a los movimientos sociales y sindicales”. “El movimiento sindical argentino ha tenido una influencia muy fuerte de la doctrina social de la iglesia. Hay un pensamiento cristiano humanista muy profundo en el pueblo trabajador. Emilce Cuda es una académica, pero también es muy cercana a los movimientos sociales y sindicales”, Custer manifestó a CNS. Custer conoció a Cuda hace años durante una reunión anual del ministerio social de los obispos, donde ella fue una de las oradoras. Muchos sindicatos y movimientos populares la invitan a compartir sus visiones políticas y teológicas, acotó. Uno de ellos es el movimiento latinoamericano de Comunidades Eclesiales de Base, conocido en portugués y español por las siglas CEBs. Francisco Bosch, un teólogo argentino y activista de las Comunidades de Base, asistió a su conferencia regional en Ecuador en marzo de 2020, solo unos días antes del brote de COVID-19. “Emilce ha dicho para los participantes venidos de varias partes de América Latina que es fundamental reencantar el mundo con el encuentro de fe y política desde nuestra perspectiva latinoamericana. Eso ha sido muy significativo en el momento y es muy significativo ahora”, Bosch dijo a CNS. Bosch describe a Cuda como una “constructora de puentes”, una mujer con el don de promover el diálogo, y una organizadora que siempre intenta “estructurar un espíritu de colectivismo”. Sus ideas han surgido en el contexto particular del catolicismo argentino, muy influenciadas no solo por el movimiento obrero sino también por la llamada teología del pueblo — una corriente teológica relacionada con la teología de la liberación y centrada en el pueblo como sujeto histórico-cultural. “Emilce Cuda fue muy cercana a (el padre jesuita y teólogo Juan Carlos) Scannone, uno de los principales pensadores de la teología del pueblo. Sin embargo, ella desarrolló su propio

tipo de teología política”, explicó Maria Clara Bingemer, profesora de teología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Rio de Janeiro. Bingemer, quien se ha encontrado con Cuda en varios congresos académicos a lo largo de los años y se ha convertido en su amiga, dijo que uno de los desafíos de la nueva jefa de oficina de la Comisión Pontificia para América Latina será incrementar el “diálogo entre el Norte Global y el Sur Global”. Bingemer señaló que Cuda probablemente se encuentra en una posición particularmente favorable para hacerlo ya que, casada con un estadounidense, pasa parte del año en Arizona. “Creo que es muy importante que se haya designado una mujer casada, una madre. América Latina todavía tiene una mentalidad misógina y clericalista”, agregó Bingemer. Guerra, el nuevo secretario, enfatizó que su nominación y la de Cuda son parte del “proceso de transformación de las estructuras de la iglesia por parte del papa Francisco”. “El clericalismo es una enfermedad que muchas veces nosotros atribuimos a los padres y obispos. Pero en realidad ella afecta a todos, a los laicos también”, él expreso a CNS. Al nombrar a hombres y mujeres laicos para que ocupen cargos altos, el papa le está mostrando a la gente que una transformación profunda debe tener lugar entre los católicos, tanto en el clero como en los feligreses, dijo. No es una coincidencia que una laica y no un miembro del clero haya escrito una de las obras más completas sobre el pensamiento del papa Francisco. Cuda es autora de “Para Leer a Francisco: Teología, ética y política”, en el que analiza los elementos centrales de sus ideas y las relaciona con el contexto teológico argentino y latinoamericano. “Así he conocido a Emilce Cuda, leyendo su libro. En él, los pobres aparecen como sujetos centrales de la historia”, dijo a CNS el obispo auxiliar Gustavo Carrara de Buenos Aires. El obispo Carrara dijo que la síntesis de Cuda del pensamiento del papa Francisco enfatiza las relaciones de la iglesia con el mundo laboral, incluidas las personas que han sido excluidas de él por el neoliberalismo. “Eso era lo que Angelelli (un obispo argentino y miembro del movimiento de teología del pueblo) profesaba: un oído al Evangelio de Cristo, un oído al pueblo”, añadió. Durante los últimos años, Cuda ha sido asesora del consejo de obispos latinoamericanos, lo que le dio la oportunidad de aprender más sobre los desafíos de la iglesia en toda la región. Ahora, ella y Guerra serán los intermediarios entre el Vaticano y la iglesia latinoamericana, dijo Custer. “El trabajo del papa en América Latina será mediado por ellos y ellos llevarán al papa las necesidades de la iglesia latinoamericana,” acotó. †

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WITHIN THE ARTS UST’s Kutarna chosen for prestigious Ratzinger Foundation Grant Study Award HOUSTON — Only five individuals in the world are chosen to receive a Ratzinger Foundation grant each year. Ph.D candidate Alexis Kutarna, an instructor of sacred music at the University of St. Thomas (UST), was selected for 2021-2022. Kutarna, who also serves as an assistant principal and music director at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School in Houston, was surprised to learn the news. “When I read the acceptance email, I let out a big gasp of surprise,” Kutarna recalled.“I was overjoyed, as it represents a scholarly acknowledgment of my work, and it will support the remainder of my Ph.D.” UST colleague and associate professor

of English, Clinton A. Brand, Ph.D, said, “A grant from the Ratzinger Foundation is one of the most prestigious awards available for pioneering work in Catholic scholarship. Alexis is both passionate and shrewdly perceptive about the evangelizing capacity of the Church’s tradition of sacred music fully integrated with the liturgy as a transformative work of grace.” For her dissertation, Kutarna is writing about Joseph Ratzinger’s (Pope Benedict XVI) theology of music. “It is the intersection of the study of sacred music and sacramental theology,” she explained. “Ratzinger’s theological writings on music are centered on the importance of the Word. There is an

‘THE CHOSEN’ CREATORS MEET THE POPE

especially beautiful phrase from his work: with the Catholic Church. the ‘musification of the Word,’ meaning “Ultimately, my goal is to teach others that the Word is given life in a about the beauty of sacred music particular way when sung — and to come to know Christ that, ‘When man comes into more deeply through sacred contact with God, mere speech Liturgy.” is not enough.’ This is why the At UST, Kutarna teaches highest form of the Mass is one several courses for the Master that is fully sung!” of Sacred Music program. In Kutarna also is writing a addition, she teaches studies in case study focusing on how Liturgy and Sacraments for the this theology can help establish permanent diaconate programs a Word-centered method of in the Graduate School of ALEXIS adapting Gregorian chant Theology. Kutarna will offer a KUTARNA into English for use in the graduate course in the History Ordinariates established by and Spirituality of Gregorian Pope Benedict XVI for communities of Chant (called “Chant” in the catalog) in former Anglicans now in full communion the spring 2022 session.†

MOVIE RATINGS By Catholic News Service A-I – GENERAL PATRONAGE

• PAW Patrol: The Movie (G)

A-II – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS

• Resurrection (PG-13) • Space Jam: A New Legacy (PG)

A-III – ADULTS

• Black Widow (PG-13) • CODA (PG-13)

CNS PHOTO

Catholic actor Jonathan Roumie and director Dallas Jenkins of the series “The Chosen,” share a light moment with Pope Francis during his general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall Aug. 11. Roumie portrays Jesus in the massively popular online TV show.

LOCAL CATHOLIC NEWS.

WHERE YOU WANT IT. WHEN YOU WANT IT.

• Dark Waters (PG-13) • Escape Room: Tournament of Champions (PG-13) • Free Guy (PG-13) • Jungle Cruise (PG-13) • Old (PG-13) • Reminiscence (PG-13) • Respect (PG-13) • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (PG-13) • Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (PG-13)

• Stillwater (R) • The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (R) • The Green Knight (R) • The Night House (R)

L – LIMITED ADULT AUDIENCE • Joe Bell (R)

O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE • Candyman (R) • The Protege (R) • The Suicide Squad (R)

Need Help? If you or a loved one is in need of help, contact these Archdiocesan social services:

Catholic Charities

Food, clothing, emergency financial assistance, counseling, immigration assistance, veterans assistance, disaster recovery, refugees services, senior services and more.

catholiccharities.org/need-help or 713-526-4611

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Home visits, food network, disaster relief, clothing and furniture.

svdphouston.org/get-help or 713-741-8234

San José Clinic

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

WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/DIGITALEDITIONS

sanjoseclinic.org or 713-228-9411

20 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

MILESTONES AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE Editor’s Note: Contact event organizers for the latest updates and information. For deadline/submission details and other listing, visit www.archgh.org/ata.

SEPTEMBER 17

MULTI-LINGUAL ROSARY AND BENEDICTION, 7 p.m., at Mary Queen Catholic Church (606 Cedarwood Drive, Friendswood). 175th anniversary of the Apparition of Our Lady of La Salette. Join in-person at Mary Queen or via livestreaming at the Mary Queen Facebook page or Adult Faith Formation at Mary Queen Church YouTube channel for praying of the Rosary.

SEPTEMBER 19

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, 11:30 a.m., The Solemn Feast of Our Lady of La Salette Mass, at Mary Queen Catholic Church (606 Cedarwood Drive, Friendswood). Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, is celebrant.

SEPTEMBER 25

BLUE MASS, 5 p.m., at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston). Annual Mass honors law enforcement community.

SEPTEMBER 26

BAZAAR AND HOMECOMING, at Sealy Columbus Club Hall (1390 Hwy. 90 West, Sealy). Immaculate Conception hosts a parish bazaar and homecoming with $12 barbecue plates (pork, sausage, chicken served from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., dine-in or drive-thru available). Features live music by Kovandas Czech Band at 10:30 a.m., Mexican food, auction from 1 to 3 p.m., cake walk, gift card booth, country store, kids activities and raffle. Online auction runs Sept. 24 to Oct. 3. More info: 979-885-3868. BAZAAR, at Christ Our Light (9677 Hwy 6, Navasota). Barbecue dinners served at 11:30 a.m.; activities for all ages, food booths, silent auction and raffle. Live Auction starts at 1 p.m.

OCTOBER 1

MINISTRY GALA, 6 p.m. to midnight, at Prince of Peace Discipleship Center (19222 Tomball Pkwy., Houston). Live band, dancing, dinner, fellowship and auction. Benefits parish Mercy Ministry. Purchase tickets online at: www.pophouston.org/golfandgala. PARISH FESTIVAL, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., St. Faustina Festival (28102 FM 1093, Fulshear). Silent and live auction, games, inflatables, photo booth, face painting, raffle, live entertainment and more. More info: saintfaustinachurch.org/parish-festival.

OCTOBER 1-3

POLISH FESTIVAL, at Our Lady of Częstochowa (1731 Blalock Rd., Houston). Annual “Dozynki” Harvest Festival features food, drinks, dances and lively folk music.

OCTOBER 8

GOLF TOURNAMENT, at High Meadow Ranch Club (37300 Golf Club Trail, Magnolia) 7:30 a.m. registration and breakfast, 9 a.m. shotgun start. Prince of Peace Mercy Ministry Golf Classic benefits parish Mercy Ministry and includes lunch, range balls and gift. Tickets online at: www.pophouston.

org/golfandgala. $150 per golfer or $600 per team. sgaworecki@comcast.net.

The Dominican Sisters celebrate Diamond Jubilee

OCTOBER 8-9

GARAGE SALE, Friday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at St. Francis de Sales Family Life Center (8200 Roos Rd., Houston). Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court SFDS #2647 hosts a parish wide garage sale.

OCTOBER 9

GALA, Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center (430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston) hosts third annual gala. 713-464-0211, musyc2003@ yahoo.com, holynameretreatcenter.com.

OCTOBER 10

JUBILEE MASS AND RECEPTION, 3:30 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church (2140 Westheimer Rd., Houston). Annual Archdiocesan celebration recognizes Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee in 2020 and 2021.

OCTOBER 17

FIREFIGHTERS MASS, 11 a.m. at the CoCathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston). Annual Mass honors firefighters. OKTOBERFEST, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at St. Thomas More, (10330 Hillcroft St., Houston). International foods, games, Bingo, music and entertainment. More info: contact kprado@stmorenews.com. TURKEY DINNER AND BAZAAR, 11 a.m., at Columbus Club Hall (20632 N Hwy 36, Brazoria). Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sweeny and St. John the Apostle, West Columbia host the annual turkey dinner and bazaar. $12 meal includes turkey, dressing, buttered potatoes, green beans, dessert and tea. Drive-thru takeout available. Features a homemade pastry booth, live music, Mexican food booth, a country store, raffle, live and silent auctions, dunking booth and children’s activities. 979548-2020, olphsjaoffice@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 19

PHOTO BY SISTER WANDA JINKS, OP

On Sunday, Aug. 8, after a year’s postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dominican Sisters of Houston celebrated the 60th jubilee of (pictured left to right) Sisters Barbara Ann Cernosek, OP, Mary Laura Rembold, OP, Mignonne Konecny, OP, Mary Jean Olsovsky, OP and Josephine Marie Godinich, OP. Father William D. Bartniski and Father Dan Warden presided over the Eucharistic Liturgy, which was held in the chapel at St. Dominic Villa. Prioress Donna Pollard, OP, thanked the jubilarians for their years of ministry and service to God, the Church and to the Dominican community. Immediately following the Liturgy, the congregation continued the celebration with lunch at the Villa.

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 6:15 p.m.

Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston, Texas Principal Celebrant His Eminence, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston Following Holy Mass, there is an optional Red Mass Dinner Cathedral Centre, 1701 San Jacinto, Houston, Texas Dinner program: “Open Wide Our Hearts - The U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter Against Racism,” a panel discussion featuring:

RED MASS, 6:15 p.m. Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston). Annual Mass honors lawyers and members of Houston’s legal community.

OCTOBER 21

LUNCHEON, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westin Houston Medical Center (1709 Dryden Rd., Houston). San José Clinic’s 11th Annual Fall Speaker Series Luncheon features speaker Dr. Stephen Hahn, former commissioner of Food & Drugs, FDA. Rice University President David Leebron will moderate. Sponsorship opportunities available. More info: www.sanjoseclinic. org/2021fallspeakerseries.

OCTOBER 23

WHITE MASS AND RECEPTION, 5 p.m., CoCathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston). Mass honors health care professionals. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo is the celebrant. Reception and talk follow with Father Tad Pacholczyk, PhD, National Catholic Bioethics Center. Register at: www. cvent.com/d/hmqz8t.

Most Rev. Brendan J. Cahill, Bishop of Victoria

Most. Rev. Curtis J. Guillory, Bishop Emeritus of Beaumont

Rev. Reginald Samuels, Vicar for Catholics of African Descent, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Dinner seating will be more limited than usual to accommodate appropriate distancing; individual and table seating options are available. Deadline to register for best pricing is October 5.

For more information or to register, visit www.archgh.org/redmass