OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
MARIAN STORIES YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW
Recounting inspiring stories of the Blessed Mother
Jesuit priest stays in Jerusalem amid violence ▪ SEE PAGE 14
▪ SEE PAGE 13
OCTOBER 24, 2023
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BEING ‘LIGHTHOUSE OF HOPE’
Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 1964
VOL. 60, NO. 9
ALL YOU PETS, BLESS THE LORD
A PROCESSION LIKE NO OTHER
Spring-area parishes to host multi-day Eucharistic processions to celebrate Christ the King ▪ SEE PAGE 8
MINISTRY
‘Beauty in faith’: Asian Mass set for Oct. 29
All Souls Day Masses at Catholic Cemeteries bring peace in grieving
HOUSTON — The annual Asian Mass celebrates the diversity of Asian Catholics in the Archdiocese. Seven Asian cultures — Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Korean and Vietnamese — will gather together to worship and give thanks to God for the blessing of faith. Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, will celebrate the Mass at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, at Christ the Incarnate Word Catholic Church, located at 8503 S. Kirkwood Rd. in Houston. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Harmony in Diversity Through Christ,” taken from the U.S. Conference
DICKINSON — “Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them ALL rest from their labors,” recites one of SOULS the prayers for the dead. Praying for the souls of the DAY departed to be blessed with eternal life in Heaven is the main point of All Souls Day that always lands on Nov. 2. This year, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will celebrate All Souls Day Masses with four Masses at three different cemeteries. Mount Olivet Cemetery and Mausoleum, 7801 Gulf Fwy. at Hughes Rd. in Dickinson, will host two Masses. Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, will celebrate the first Mass at 10 a.m. Then at 6 p.m., Father Larry Wilson, pastor of Shrine of the True Cross in Dickinson, will celebrate an evening candlelight Mass. Father Jude Ezuma, pastor of Holy Family Parish of
See ASIAN MASS, page 4
See ALL SOULS, page 3
PHOTO BY ASHLEY SORIANO/ST. JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC CHURCH
Father Joseph White, at left, who is parochial vicar at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston, blesses a cat during a pet blessing ceremony to honor the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 5.
SPIRITUALITY
BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald
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A new replica of Michelangelo’s “Pieta” is seen at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson on Sept. 22 following its dedication. Mount Olivet will join two other cemeteries in hosting Masses for All Souls Day on Thursday, Nov. 2.
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El Cardenal Daniel DiNardo comparte su columna en línea en español. Visite www.archgh.org para leer su artículo en línea. Publishing since 1964 (USPS 936-480)
A Shepherd’s Message On Oct. 9, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo issued this statement on the Israel/Gaza conflict: I wish to express my deep sadness at the recent terrorist attack on the people of Israel. I also wish to express my support and prayers for the many families and friends of the victims, some of whom may live in the city of Houston. Though this is an extremely DANIEL difficult time, by faith, we know that CARDINAL the God of peace can bring hope to DINARDO any situation. I join with the Holy Father in praying for the restoration of lasting peace in the Holy Land. I would also like to call your attention to the statement of Bishop David J. Malloy, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, which he shared on Oct. 7 in response to the continued tensions and violence that erupted into warfare between Gaza and Israel to call for prayers for peace in the Holy Land. The statement follows: On Oct. 7, the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary, the world watched the operation launched from Gaza and the rapid call to arms from Israel that ensued. Almost 50 years to
THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
NEWSDESK
the day of the launch of the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, once again, war is spilling out in the Holy Land. With it brings the mounting casualties and hostilities unfolding on all sides and increased threats to the Status Quo of the Holy Places among Jews, Muslims and Christians, further dimming any hope for peace. The world is once again shocked and horrified by the outbreak of ferocious violence in the Holy Land. Reports have surfaced indicating large numbers of wounded and dead, including many civilians. I join with Pope Francis in his call for peace and his condemnation of this widespread outbreak of violence. As he stated in his Sunday, Oct. 8 audience, “May the attacks and weaponry cease. Please! And let it be understood that terrorism and war do not lead to any resolutions, but only to the death and suffering of so many innocent people. Let us pray that there be peace in Israel and in Palestine.” May all who love the Holy Land seek to bring about among all the parties engaged in the fighting a cessation of violence, respect for civilian populations and the release of hostages. As we pray urgently for peace, we recall especially all the families and individuals suffering from these events. We call on the faithful and all people of goodwill to not grow weary and to continue to pray for peace in the land Our Lord, the Prince of Peace, called home. †
A CALL TO RESPECT THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
On Oct. 5, Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, auxiliary bishop of Galveston-Houston, shared this message encouraging support for an upcoming bond proposal for Harris Health. I am writing to ask you to affirmed that “every person join me in supporting the has a right to adequate Harris Health Bond healthcare.” They added that Proposal that will appear on “this flows from the sanctity the November Harris of life and the dignity that County ballot. If this bond belongs to all human election is approved, Harris persons, who are made in Health, our public safety net the image of God.” system, would have $2.5 Both of our public safety billion to expand access to net hospitals, Ben Taub and BISHOP ITALO healthcare and mental LBJ Hospitals, were opened DELL’ORO, CRS health services for the 1.2 over 30 years ago, and in million residents of Harris that time, the population of County who do not have health Harris County has grown by nearly 2 insurance. million people. Thirty years ago, in “A Framework Ben Taub and LBJ are now for Comprehensive Healthcare constantly at or over capacity. Harris Reform,” the U.S. Catholic Bishops Health is proposing to use these funds
to expand our hospitals, build new community clinics in underserved areas of Harris County, upgrade technology and equipment to better serve patients, and attract quality doctors, nurses and healthcare workers to meet the needs of families. Please take the opportunity during October and November to learn more about Harris County Proposition A. For help identifying educational resources about the Harris Health Bond Proposal, contact Blanca Cruz in the Secretariat for Social Concerns at bcruz@archgh.org. Thank you in advance for your attention to this critical bond election. †
You make the ministry of our future Priests possible. Nearly 50 men are currently in formation to become the next generations of priests at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. These men spend anywhere from 5 to 7 years preparing for their Ordination to the Priesthood. St. Mary’s Seminary 9845 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77024
To read more about our seminarians and how you can support them, visit www.smseminary.com.
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ads@archgh.org • 713-652-4407 Daniel Cardinal DiNardo Archbishop, President & Publisher Jonah Dycus Communications Director & Executive Editor Rebecca Torrellas Managing Editor James Ramos Designer & Photo-Journalist Catherine Viola Advertising Manager Kerry McGuire and Jo Ann Zuñiga Contributors
The Texas Catholic Herald, an awardwinning member of The Catholic Media Association, is published semi-monthly on Tuesdays, with one issue in June, July and August, by The Texas Catholic Herald Publishing Co., Inc., 1700 San Jacinto St., Houston, TX 77002. Periodical postage paid at Houston, TX and other distribution points. Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 907, Houston, TX 77001 Subscription rate: $15 per year; $20 outside Texas; $35 out of U.S. TCH publishing schedule Issue date: November 14 Deadline: Noon on October 17 Issue date: November 28 Deadline: Noon on November 7 (Eucharistic Procession photo on Page 1 by Michelle Eisterhold)
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OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
THE FIRST WORD ‘IN THE HANDS OF GOD’
BRIEFS
Registration open for Silver Anniversary Mass
HOUSTON — The 2023 Wedding Anniversary Jubilee Mass honoring couples celebrating their Silver (25th) Anniversary of marriage in the Catholic Church is open for registration. The Silver Anniversary Mass is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in downtown Houston. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo will be the celebrant. Couples can receive special recognition whether they attend the ceremony or not. Registration for the Silver Anniversary Mass is $40 per couple. The price includes an Archdiocesan certificate, a special issue worship aid and a commemorative pin. For more information and to register, visit www.archgh. org/flmevents. † PHOTOS BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD
Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, blesses a 12,000-pound replica statue of Michelangelo’s “Pieta” at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson on Sept. 22. Mount Olivet will join two other cemeteries in hosting Masses for All Souls Day on Wednesday, Nov. 2.
New ‘Pieta’ statue welcomes visitors to Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson
DICKINSON — On Sept. 22, Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, blessed and dedicated a new 1:1 life-size replica of Michelangelo’s “Pieta” statue at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson that was a gift of Mary Ellen and Charles T. Doyle. The 12,000-pound statue, which gleams brightly in the sun, is located right at the entrance of the cemetery and is visible from the Gulf Freeway. The replica also honors the pastors of two nearby parishes, League City’s St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal and Queen of Peace in La Marque. A trio of crosses stand tall behind the elevated art, which Bishop Dell’Oro said he hopes would “accompany those who come with sorrow and grief.” †
Red Mass for Houston’s judicial community follows Election Day
HOUSTON — The annual Red Mass is set for Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 6:15 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in downtown Houston. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo will be the principal celebrant of the Mass. Red Mass marks the beginning of the judicial year. The local judiciary typically follows the calendar term of the U.S. Supreme Court, which begins to hear cases on the first Monday of October. Judges, attorneys, law students and professors, and other government officials are invited to participate in this centuries-old tradition, invoking the blessings of the Holy Spirit. The Mass will be followed by a paid optional dinner at the Cathedral Centre, 1701 San Jacinto St., Houston. Dinner seating is limited. For more information and to register for the dinner, visit www. archgh.org/redmass. †
ALL SOULS, from page 1 Galveston-Bolivar, will celebrate a 10 a.m. Mass at Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum, located at 2506 65th St. in Galveston. Father Joseph Limanni is set to celebrate a 10 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, located at 3502 North Main St. in Houston. All Souls’ Day was first instituted at a French monastery in Cluny in 993 AD and quickly spread throughout the Christian world. It was St. Odilo, the abbot of Cluny in France, who in the 10th century, proposed that the day after All Saints’ Day be set aside to honor the departed, particularly those whose souls were still in purgatory. On All Souls Day, the souls of the faithful departed are commemorated. For more, visit www.ccadgh.org or call 281-337-1641. †
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DSF annual appeal to support Archdiocesan ministries continues
GO PAPERLESS!
HOUSTON — This year, the theme of the annual Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) appeal is “God is the Strength of My Heart.” The annual campaign to support 64 Archdiocese-wide ministries is underway, 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 the Catholic faith; providing support and preparation for clergy; teaching, evangelizing, worshiping and outreach to the incarcerated, aging, poor and sick; and programming to strengthen Christian families, among many others. To pledge online or see a full list of the ministries supported, visit www.archgh.org/dsf. †
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Around the Archdiocese
Parishes in the Archdiocese are gearing up for fall festivals and bazaars. Look for events near you! ▪ SEE PAGE 19
One Mass, one faith unites seven Asian cultures ASIAN MASS, from page 1
HERALD FILE PHOTO
Asian Mass offers a glimpse into the life of the Catholic Church in Asia. The annual Asian Mass is set for 2 p.m. on Oct. 29 at Christ the Incarnate Word Catholic Church in Houston.
of Catholic Bishops Conference 2018 document titled “Encountering Christ in Harmony: A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers and Sisters.” In its 27th year, the Mass reflects the languages of the many Asian cultures in the Archdiocese, with participants encouraged to wear their traditional garb for the festivities. A reception featuring samples of Asian food along with performances of traditional music and dance will follow. While an auxiliary bishop in Houston, Bishop Curtis Guillory, now bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Beaumont, originally proposed the annual Asian Mass to express unity in Christ by Asian Catholics in the Archdiocese, according to past reports. Today, Bishop Dell’Oro continues the tradition carried by his predecessors, late Auxiliary Bishops Vincent Rizzotto and George Sheltz. Bishop Dell’Oro said he finds the annual Mass to be an enriching experience that inspires a “beauty in faith.” “It’s a very beautiful Mass to see them all as members of the Archdiocese, that they feel at home,” he said. “It is an opportunity to see the beauty of the Church.” Ahead of the Oct. 29 Asian Mass, Bishop Dell’Oro, who is on the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs, regularly met with a group of diverse leaders from the seven Asian ethnic groups from parishes around the Archdiocese. At the meetings, he led the leaders through a reflection of the U.S. bishops’ pastoral document, offering the Catholics time to set aside and reflect on what it means to be an Asian Catholic living in the Archdiocese. The document, according to it’s introduction, reflects on “the cultural, social, and ethnic diversity found in many Asian and Pacific Island communities while recognizing and celebrating the range of gifts and values common to most of these communities.” Participants shared positive reflections, noting that they appreciated having the opportunity to meet with Catholics from other ethnicities who share the same beliefs. Several of them said that because they are heavily involved in their ministries, they find it difficult to get to know other Catholics
WANT TO GO?
27th annual Asian Mass
with Catholics from Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Korean and Vietnamese communities WHEN WHERE
CELEBRANT
Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. Christ the Incarnate Word Catholic Church 8503 S Kirkwood Rd. Houston, TX 77099 Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS
Attendees are encouraged to wear cultural attire. A reception with cultural entertainment and ethnic cuisine follows in the parish hall. from other parishes and ministries, let alone others from another Asian country. They said they were motivated by hearing the testimonies of faith from other Catholics who come from other Asian countries. One remarked how, though they may speak different languages, they had similar experiences in immigration and faith as part of the Asian diaspora. Bishop Dell’Oro said he found meeting with the leaders from GalvestonHouston’s Asian community to be inspiring and a direct reflection of the reality of the Archdiocese. With many immigrants and their descendants making their homes in the Archdiocese in the 1970s and 80s, today, more than 590,000 people in the Houston – The Woodlands – Sugar Land metropolitan area are identified as Asian, according to data from the 2020 Census. Of that roughly half-million, more than 150,000 were reported as Vietnamese, comprising the secondlargest Vietnamese in the nation. More than 90,000 identify as Catholic, according to estimates from the several Asian ethnic ministries that serve Vietnamese, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Indian and Indonesian Catholics. Bishop Dell’Oro was invited to join the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs by current committee chairman Bishop Larry Silva of Honolulu, Hawaii. Also in the group is Bishop Oscar Solis, the past Subcommittee chairman and bishop of Salt Lake City, Utah, who is also the first Filipino bishop in the U.S. †
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“Let us follow the example of “Let“Let us follow example of us follow theand example of St. Francis oftheAssisi take care St. Francis of Assisi and take care St.ofFrancis of Assisi take care ourour common home.”and of common home.” Pope Francis of–our – common Pope Francishome.” – Pope Francis
OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
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‘ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING’ Parishes mark feast of St. Francis of Assisi with annual pet blessings HOUSTON — Catholics across the Archdiocese turned out at their parishes with their pet animals in tow to celebrate the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of creation and animals. Many parishes, including St. John Vianney, St. Mary Magdalene in Humble, Shrine of the True Cross in Dickinson, Sts. Simon and Jude in The Woodlands and Sts. Peter and Paul in Bellville joined others to mark the special occasion. The annual celebration unites parishioners and their pets. Parishioners brought many animals, including chickens, lizards, guinea pigs, turtles, birds, as well as cats and dogs. For more photos, visit www.archgh.org/petblessing23. †
ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA - THE WOODLANDS
TRUE CROSS SCHOOL - DICKINSON
ST. MARY MAGDALENE - HUMBLE
MARY QUEEN - FRIENDSWOOD
STS. PETER & PAUL - BELLVILLE
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300-plus altar servers to be honored at Bishop George Sheltz Archdiocesan Appreciation Mass BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Hundreds of altar servers, both boys and girls, will be honored at the Annual Bishop George Sheltz Altar Servers Appreciation Mass on Nov. 4 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston. With the numbers of priests and other vocations declining in recent years, the Serra Club — an international organization that encourages young people to consider becoming priests, religious sisters and brothers — began these appreciation Masses to highlight altar servers. This is the third such local event and will begin at 10 a.m. that Saturday, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS. “Praise God, so far, we have 342 altar servers who have served five years or longer attending this Mass,” said Candice Tyrrell, a member of the Serra U.S. Council. She added, “We are in a crisis for more priests. Without priests, no Church, no Eucharist. We need to have priests and seminarians speak more from the pulpit to the young about opening their hearts to hear God, who may be calling them. A majority of priests were altar servers in
A DEEPER LOOK REMEMBERING BISHOP GEORGE A. SHELTZ
PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD
An altar server carries the processional cross during a Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. The Annual Bishop George Sheltz Altar Servers Appreciation Mass is set for Nov. 4 at the Co-Cathedral.
their youth.” Such a call is how Hector Rivera, now
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15, decided to dedicate himself to serving his parish, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. “When I was a little kid, I liked to watch the altar servers to see what part they played in the Mass,” Rivera said. “Then, a few years ago, I had a feeling that God was calling me to serve.” His mother, Ana Magadan, is also a member of the newly formed Serra Hispanic Club of North Houston, which encourages young people to consider vocations. Mayra Meza Suarez, president of that Serra Hispanic Club, said both Rivera and his mother are devoted parishioners. “Hector loves serving Mass, and every Sunday, he is willing to be there all day, serving at 10:30 a.m. English Mass, as well as noon and 2 p.m. Spanish Masses. Sometimes, we have to ask him to give others a chance to serve,” Suarez said. “Recently, our pastor, Father Jesus Lizalde, asked our Serra Club to take over the training for our servers since we have several catechists as members. We also have resources to ask priests and seminarians to give their testimonies to the servers on why they are serving and who they are serving.” Another sponsor of the upcoming Mass is the Scanlan Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the Roman Catholic Church of Texas and its ministries. Scanlan President Larry W. Massey Jr. said, “The Scanlan Foundation and Serra Clubs are proud to host this beautiful event, which highlights altar servers from the many parishes.” Massey added, “Servers are very important as they help the priests during the time we celebrate the Eucharist. As an acolyte, I can personally attest to the value of well-trained altar servers for a beautiful Mass experience. This appreciation Mass is our way of saying thank you to all of them for a job well done.” The servers will also receive certificates, prayer books and religious
The Serra Club named its annual Mass for altar servers the Bishop George Sheltz Archdiocesan Altar Server Appreciation Mass after the late retired bishop. Bishop George A. Sheltz died on Dec. 21, 2021, shortly after his retirement in June of that same year. He was 75. “I’m very humbled they did that. The Serra Club continues to encourage young men and women to go into vocations. Hopefully, by becoming altar servers, they consider going to the seminary and into religious life,” Bishop Sheltz said. He said he remembered receiving the Altar Server of the Year award in his childhood when he served at Annunciation Catholic Church in downtown Houston. “Being an altar server gives you participation in the Liturgy, and you are BISHOP actively involved, GEORGE not just a A. SHELTZ spectator,” Bishop Sheltz said. His vocation may have been a case of being pre-ordained in more ways than one coming from a family who followed their vocations. His uncle, Monsignor Anton Frank, was the first native Houstonian ordained for the diocese in 1933 and became pastor at Annunciation. Bishop’s father, George Sheltz Sr., was ordained a permanent deacon, and his brother Anton also became a priest. By fifth grade, Bishop Sheltz said he recalled dressing as a server to help his deacon father with benedictions and novenas at Annunciation. Then, through eighth grade, he continued to assist his uncle with Masses as well. Bishop Sheltz was ordained a priest on May 15, 1971 , and installed as a bishop on May 2, 2012. †
medals. While Catholic priests in the U.S. have seen a drastic decline in numbers since 1965 from nearly 60,000 to about 37,000 currently, the number of Catholics in the U.S. has increased. Catholics in the U.S. jumped from 48 million in 1965 to more than 70 million, not counting the 30 million lapsed Catholics, according to surveys. The Catholic Church is larger than any other single religious institution in the U.S., with over 17,000 parishes that serve a large and diverse population. About 23% of the U.S. population is Roman Catholic compared to a combined 48.9% of Americans who are Protestants of varying denominations. An annual ordination report from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) showed at least 73% of priests served as altar servers before entering the seminary. Half served as readers and 50% as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. †
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STRAKE JESUIT
OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | 7PM
THE ADMISSIONS APPLIC ATION DEADLINE IS JANUARY 16, 2024
CURA PERSONALIS At Strake Jesuit, we have been successfully building Men for Others for over 60 years. A key to that success is the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis — the care for the individual. This core value translates into a personal care and attention for each Jesuit student. It also means that we concern ourselves with the education of the whole person. Students at Jesuit learn much more than math and science — they learn about community service, about their faith, and about their responsibilities to the world around them. At Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, we do much more than prepare our students for college — we prepare them for life as men of God and Men for Others. Learn all about Strake Jesuit at our annual Open House. Don’t miss your chance to get a tour of the campus, hear from school leaders, learn about life at Jesuit from the student perspective, ask questions about your favorite subjects or extra-curricular activities, and more! To register or to learn more, visit www.strakejesuit.org/openhouse.
H E A R T, M I N D , B O D Y & S O U L
1540
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MEN FOR OTHERS
| 1960
8 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL IN BRIEF Don’t get tricked! Get an early bird treat and register for Steps for Students by Halloween
ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • OCTOBER 24, 2023
RESPECT LIFE MONTH
HOUSTON — More than 12,000 participants are expected to gather downtown on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for the 18th Annual Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk. The event raises funds and awareness for the network of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. 5K Timed is currently $17, 5K Untimed is currently $15, and Family 1K is also $15. Prices will increase after Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. The event will start with Mass at 7 a.m., followed by the presentation of the David Guite Spirit Award. The timed 5K race will begin at 8:30 a.m.; a post-race party will follow the event along with the Catholic School Village. To register, visit www.steps4students.org. †
Eucharistic procession to be held in Spring area for the Solemnity of Christ the King SPRING — A Eucharistic procession spanning four days, four parishes and a Catholic school, from Nov. 27 to Nov. 30, will take place in Northwest Houston and Spring in the days following the Solemnity of Christ the King: • Monday, Nov. 27: Confessions will be heard at 5 p.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, located at 19222 TX-249 in Houston, followed by a bilingual Mass at 7 p.m. with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the night. • Tuesday, Nov. 28: A bilingual Mass will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a Eucharistic Procession from Prince of Peace to St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, located at 7810 Cypresswood Dr. in Spring. At the church, there will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day. Confessions will be heard at 5 p.m., followed by a bilingual Mass at 7 p.m. with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the night. • Wednesday, Nov. 29: A bilingual Mass will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a Eucharistic Procession from St. Ignatius of Loyola to Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, located at 18511 Klein Church Rd. in Spring. At the church, there will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day. Confession will be held at 5 p.m., followed by a bilingual Mass at 7 p.m., with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the night. • Thursday, Nov. 30: A bilingual Mass will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a Eucharistic Procession from Christ the Good Shepherd, stopping at Frassati Catholic High School at 22151 Frassati Way in Spring, and continuing to St. Edward Catholic Church, located at 2601 Spring Stuebner Rd. in Spring. Once at the church, there will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day. Confession will be held at 5 p.m., followed by a bilingual Mass at 7 p.m. For more information and to sign up to be part of the processions or for a Holy Hour, visit www.ignatiusloyola.org/eucharistic-procession. †
PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. HYACINTH CATHOLIC CHURCH, DEER PARK
Father Reginald Samuels, at far left, pastor of St. Hyacinth Parish in Deer Park, led a group of parishioners in prayer during the parish’s Oct. 1 pro-life “Life Chain” prayer vigil in Deer Park. Since 1973, the Catholic Church in the U.S. has observed October as “Respect Life Month,” and the first Sunday of October is designated as Respect Life Sunday. This year, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities, invites Catholics to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Respect Life Month by embracing “radical solidarity” with women facing difficult or challenging pregnancies.
OCTOBER 2023 WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/PROLIFE
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OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
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Empowering the deaf Catholic community: A journey of faith, inclusion BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent
HOUSTON — In Houston’s Medical Center, St. Dominic Center for the Deaf stands as a beacon of hope and belonging for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the Archdiocese. With a mission to provide a “home” where these individuals feel accepted, cherished and empowered to fully live their Catholic faith, the center’s journey for over 40 years has been one of unwavering commitment and dedication. Father Len Broniak, C.Ss.R., chaplain and program director of St. Dominic Center, has been a driving force behind the ministry’s initiatives for over two decades. He remains steadfast in his commitment to furthering the ministry’s goals, particularly in training and empowering more deaf lay leadership within the deaf Catholic community. “We have been recently blessed with the ordination of a deaf deacon, Bruce Flagg,” Father Broniak said. “We also are hosting this year’s National Catholic Office for the Deaf Pastoral Week, where we hope to encourage more people to become active leaders in the faith.” Currently, approximately 1,000 deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals benefit annually from the center’s services. While the ministry did face challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a slight dip in attendance, there has been a recent positive shift. “We were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and our attendance is a little down,” Father Broniak said. “But recently, we have had new families joining our community when they find us on Facebook and through a Google search.” St. Dominic Center offers a range of services to the deaf, hard of hearing and their families, including a weekly Mass in American Sign Language (ASL) every Sunday at 11:15 a.m. in the Warren Chapel. A voice interpreter is available for hearing family members, and deaf members actively participate as lectors, ushers and Eucharistic ministers. The
archgh.org/dsf The 2023 Diocesan Services Fund theme is “God is the Strength of My Heart.” DSF operates in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston each year to help the Church carry out the ministries of teaching and sanctifying. DSF brings the needed financial resources to carry out 64 ministries. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ST. DOMINIC CENTER FOR THE DEAF
Every year, the St. Dominic Center for the Deaf sponsors a “Lunch with Santa” for the children in their program. The event features a Santa Claus that knows sign language and meets with families.
ministry also offers hospital visitation and home visiting for the sick and shutins, provides classes for deaf couples on marriage and Baptism preparation, and provides interpreters for Baptisms, weddings, funerals and church events at other parishes. “Because we serve a culturally diverse population, we are always trying to find new leadership that reflects that reality,” Father Broniak said. “We offer a quarterly Mass in Spanish to encourage Hispanic families to be involved. And we are grooming our young deaf members to be catechists and future leaders.” One individual who has made St. Dominic Center her faith home is Mary Ann Ryba. She is grateful for the Masses provided by St. Dominic Center because she feels isolated in the “hearing churches.” “I appreciate that we have a deaf church, so now I can see the words of God and homily in sign language/ASL,”
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Ryba said. “I feel closer to God in a deaf church than in a hearing church. I can participate, as well as help the deaf community by serving.” As one of 60 ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), Father Broniak said he 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. If more DSF monies were available, Father Broniak acknowledged the resource challenges the ministry faces. “To be able to pray and worship in your own language is truly a blessing that is not found in many dioceses throughout the U.S.,” Father Broniak said. “We currently post our Mass on YouTube each
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week, but there is so much more we could do if we had the technical equipment and know-how. Another wish is training opportunities; there are various programs offered to help train lay leaders, but time and funding are always a challenge.” To learn more about St. Dominic Center for the Deaf, go to archgh.org/officesministries/clergy-formation-chaplaincyservices/deaf-ministry/ or Facebook, Houston-Galveston Archdiocese Deaf Community or YouTube, St. Dominic Deaf Church. To donate to the DSF, go to www. archgh.org/DSF. The DSF supports each of these ministries, whether direct service or education, which require this critical funding to remain in operation. Out of each gift given to DSF, 100% of every dollar goes directly to supporting these ministries. †
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10 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL IN MEMORIA
OBITUARIES Maria de Jesus Cantú (Durón)
Pray for the following priests whose anniversaries of death are during the month of November.
HOUSTON — Maria de Jesus Cantú (Durón), the mother of Bishop Oscar Cantú of the Diocese of San José, California, formerly of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and grandmother of Father Nicolas Ramirez and Father Jacob Ramirez, died Sept. 18. A funeral Mass was held at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Sept. 23. Interment is in Forest Park Lawndale. †
Father Eugene Cañas, OMI
SAN ANTONIO — Father Eugene Cañas, OMI, died Sept. 21. He was 85 years old. In 1998, he assumed the directorship of the Christian Renewal Center in Dickinson. He was then director of the Cursillo Movement for the then-Diocese of Galveston-Houston. A funeral Mass was held Sept. 28 at Immaculate Conception Memorial Chapel in San Antonio. Interment is in Oblate Cemetery in San Antonio. †
Patricia Josephine ‘PJ’ Kemp Jackson
HOUSTON — Patricia Josephine “PJ” Kemp Jackson, who was principal at St. Jerome Catholic School for several years, died Sept. 24 after a long battle with cancer. She was 56 years old. A Memorial Mass was held on Oct. 6 at St. Jerome Catholic Church. †
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+ ALL SOULS DAY MASSES + Come and join the celebration of our loved ones. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Catholic Cemeteries All Soul’s Day Mass schedule for Wednesday, November 2, is as follows:
• Mount Olivet Cemetery & Mausoleum - 7801 Gulf Frwy. SB at Hughes Road, Dickinson. Mass at 10 a.m. with Most Rev. Italo Dell’Oro, celebrant. • Calvary Cemetery & Mausoleum - 2506 65th St., Galveston. Mass at 10 a.m. with Rev. Jude Ezuma, celebrant. • Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum - 3502 North Main St., Houston. Mass at 10 a.m. with Rev. Joseph Limanni, celebrant. • Mount Olivet Candlelight Mass - 7801 Gulf Frwy. SB at Hughes Road, Dickinson. Mass at 6 p.m. with Rev. Larry Wilson, celebrant.
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Nov. 1, 1915 Nov. 1, 1950 Nov. 1, 1977 Nov. 3, 2013 Nov. 4, 1967 Nov. 4, 2015 Nov. 5, 2012 Nov. 5, 2019 Nov. 7, 1957 Nov. 8, 1907 Nov. 9, 2021 Nov. 10, 1940 Nov. 10, 1967 Nov. 10, 2002 Nov. 10, 2015 Nov. 14, 1983 Nov. 14, 2003 Nov. 17, 1963 Nov. 17, 1969 Nov. 17, 1982 Nov. 17, 1989 Nov. 18, 1957 Nov. 18, 1987 Nov. 18, 2015 Nov. 19, 1913
Rev. Anthony Truchard Msgr. Thomas A. Carney Rev. Joseph I. Reardon, OP Rev. Joseph Konkel, OP Rev. Henry T. Schroeder Rev. Gabe T. Adhana Rev. Armando Rodriguez Rev. Edward Randall Rev. F.B. Hardy Rev. Anthony Kripajitis Rev. Roosevelt Martin Rev. Daniel Leahy Rev. William A. Sheehan, CSB Rev. Henry J. Planinsek, CSSp Rev. Nils F. Thompson, OFM Msgr. A.L. O’Connell Rev. Richard J. Schiefen, CSB Msgr. James T. Fleming Msgr. John J. Ruddy Msgr. Anton J. Frank Msgr. Teodoro de la Torre Msgr. Marius S. Chataignon Msgr. J.J. Roach Rev. Joseph Kalladan Rev. Thomas Hennessy
Nov. 19, 1966 Nov. 20, 1967 Nov. 20, 1976 Nov. 20, 2006 Nov. 21, 2013 Nov. 22, 1969 Nov. 22, 1985 Nov. 22, 2002 Nov. 23, 1935 Nov. 23, 2004 Nov. 24, 1992 Nov. 25, 1858 Nov. 25, 1933 Nov. 25, 1982 Nov. 25, 1992 Nov. 25, 2007 Nov. 25, 2018 Nov. 26, 1934 Nov. 27, 1967 Nov. 27, 2009 Nov. 28, 2002 Nov. 28, 2014 Nov. 29, 1934 Nov. 30, 1941 Nov. 30, 1947
Rev. George B. Black Rev. Edward J. Sullivan, CSB Rev. William H. Wood, MM Rev. David J. Cardenas Rev. Blas Herrador Rev. L.A. Sampson Rev. Francis Knobloch Rev. John J. Ward, OMI Rev. Patrick J. Walsh, SSJ Msgr. Thomas A. Donovan Rev. Lionel LaCasse, MS Rev. Edward Clare Msgr. George T. Walsh Msgr. John D. Connolly Rev. Joseph G. Alvarez Msgr. William P. Robertson Rev. William Sheehan, CSB Rev. Henry F. Rops Rev. Francis Duffy, OMI Msgr. Lawrence Lee Rev. Daniel McKenna, OMI Rev. Antonio T.J. Martinez, SJ Rev. Paul Puigserver, TOR Rev. Joseph F. Hanek Rev. Narcise P. Denis, SSJ
Expand and deepen our hearts . . . Please pray for all victims of violence everywhere and their families. Pray for those being executed in Texas and their families:
November 9: Brent Brewer November 16: David Renteria
texas catholic herald 11
OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
EDUCATION EAGLE SCOUT REVIVES ST. LAURENCE SCHOOL MEMORIAL GARDEN
A STUDENTS’ STAR-SPANGLED BANNER
St. Anthony Choir sings National Anthem at Astros game PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LASALA FAMILY
Paul Lasala, an eighth-grade student at St. Laurence Catholic School in Sugar Land, revived the school’s memorial garden as part of his Eagle Scout project with Troop 828. His effort saw almost 80 adults and youth volunteers who contributed more than 70 service hours to improve the school’s garden that honors school staff and students who have passed away. The project included redirecting irrigation systems, new lighting and plants, granite pavers and crushed granite along a renovated rosary path that features the names of St. Laurence students and staff. St. Laurence’s parochial vicar, Father Truong Son, presided over a rededication and blessing on Aug. 14.
HOUSTON — The St. Anthony Choir, a local vocal ensemble at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School in The Woodlands under the direction of choir directors Jenny Lienhard and Rebecca McDowell, took center field at a Sept. 22 Houston Astros game at Minute Maid Park to perform the National Anthem. “We are deeply honored to have had the opportunity to perform,” Lienhard said. “Music has the special ability to touch the soul and foster a sense of togetherness, and we are thrilled to have shared that experience with the Astros’ passionate fan base.” The choir is comprised of students in third through eighth grade who sing weekly at Mass or participate in the school’s fine arts programs. Several alumni students were also in attendance. †
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12 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • OCTOBER 24, 2023
YOUTH Reaching teens on the fringes There is a generation of young people and teens we often miss or forget. They’re not showing up regularly at Mass or youth groups, so, understandably, they go unnoticed, but it’s unacceptable to continue doing so. I am speaking about teens on the fringes. The ones who may be considered at-risk or dealing with problems the average teen doesn’t seem to. However, the truth is the definition of “a teen on the fringes” is much broader than before, and the problems they face are growing more common in this generation of young people. Our mission remains the same, but how we accomplish it changes, and hopefully, this article can help you identify and reach those teens. Today’s teens on the fringes include the materially, socially and spiritually poor. Most of us are familiar with the materially poor; they come from lowincome families with limited resources. They’re not able to attend retreats or events because of the cost. Sometimes, they can’t attend youth group due to transportation limitations. These teens struggle with fulfilling their basic needs. How about the socially poor? These are the teens that don’t socialize well.
Maybe they are hyperfocused on being “online” and struggle to detach themselves from their phones or social media. They might come from families where they aren’t receiving regular love and care; by their interactions with ALEJANDRO people seem to come QUIÑONESwith strings attached. TIRONE They struggle to trust people and be vulnerable. Let us not forget our spiritually poor teens, either. The familiar example would be the teen who has grown up hearing the Gospel but never experiencing it. These teens are familiar with Church culture but not God. They can also come from the opposite end of the spectrum. They’ve never heard the Gospel before or feel it has no bearing on their life; it doesn’t seem to be relevant to who they are. All these teens are “on the fringes” and deserve to receive the Gospel. In sharing it, we need to be prepared to listen and remain consistent in our efforts. Listening is vital to reaching teens on
“My faith is absolutely crucial to me as a college student and is the basis for my academic achievement this year. My faith keeps me grounded, making it easier for me to balance my coursework, extracurricular activities, and the flurry of distractions that are present both on and off campus.” – Melody K., Texas Southern University “My Catholic faith keeps me grounded on campus, and true to my beliefs. Campus life can be challenging academically and socially. My faith is necessary to navigate these challenges.” – Damaris N., Junior, Texas Southern University
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the fringes because it proves two things: First, that we care about them, and second, that we’re aware of their concerns. All teens desire to be loved, to be seen and known and accepted unconditionally. When we listen to them and show this by remembering what they’ve told us, we prove that we care about them, are invested in their wellbeing and aren’t solely interested in converting them. The other reason listening is important is because it’s how we can identify their immediate needs. Whether those needs are material, social or spiritual, they are roadblocks to the teens receiving the Gospel. Our willingness to help clear those barriers opens up the conversation to possibly receiving Jesus. This is where consistency comes into play. I remember doing an internship in college with Vagabond Missions and feeling frustrated with my small group because, for two months, I had been trying to talk about something more than basketball and video games. When I went to get advice, my team leader reminded me that our group was the only safe place for these teens to be themselves. The burden is on us to be
patient and offer them a haven where they can open up at their own pace. Isn’t that what Jesus does for each of us? He remains consistent, patient in our slowness and available even when we aren’t. Our teens deserve that same grace, and we are God’s vessels of it. Lastly, it is a reminder that the impact of reaching these teens extends throughout the entire body of Christ. The presence of young people is a sign of fruitfulness. Their energy, enthusiasm and drive when they’re invested in something is contagious and reinvigorates all parts of what they’re involved with. Pursuing teens on the fringes motivates us to intentionally connect with the youth and discover a variety of avenues to reach them. The mission of evangelizing them urges us, the body of Christ, to move in new ways and continue fulfilling our apostolic mission as His Church. Allow yourself to be part of that urgency and help make a positive change in our Church. † Alejandro Quiñones-Tirone is a former director of youth ministry with St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church and a public speaker.
texas catholic herald 13
OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
COLUMNISTS Hospice Care: Dignified care for the end-of-life Conversations about death and dying seem to make most people uncomfortable. Yet how we prepare for this experience can make a world of difference, whether it is one of consolation or desolation. I discovered this with the loss of my own father, who, at age 63, mired in a state of depression, remorse and loneliness, resigned himself to death. The final stage of our earthly journey towards eternal life is often not easy. Our Catholic tradition reassures us that we do not have to suffer alone. As Catholic believers, we possess the grace and the spirit that comes from God to be able to attend to the dying with love and mercy, always trying to bring peace to both the person who will die and their loved ones. Jesus called on His beloved disciples to watch and pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Communion of Saints, living and deceased, is ready to accompany us with the angels through the process of dying
into eternal life. Suffering, in itself, is not redemptive. The Catholic Church is clear: Nobody should suffer unnecessarily; all patients deserve appropriate pain management and by palliative care (CCC: OLGA 2279). When medical NAJAR treatment options are no longer life-sustaining, or a person becomes weary of the wear and tear of such care, it presents an opportunity to talk with loved ones and a medical team regarding one’s care wishes. It also offers the chance to discuss hospice care, a type of palliative care. Palliative therapy and education by the medical community can help us understand and respond with dignity to physical and emotional pain, as well as the final stages that accompany dying.
Palliative care can help manage pain for those2022 with chronic medical such DSF_14x4.625_generic final.pdf conditions 1 1/10/22 1:43 PM as cancer, Parkinson’s and other illnesses. When a person no longer chooses life-sustaining treatments, hospice care teams consisting of medical providers, chaplains and social workers/therapists can offer a holistic approach to manage the physical symptoms of suffering, help ease anxiety, offer comfort, recall loving memories and provide a peaceful closure to life. In this way, hospice care can enhance a person’s quality of life. In addition, it can help their loved ones manage the grief process through various support services, including after the death of their loved one. Hospice care can provide hope for those facing death by reinforcing the Church’s message that God has created each person for eternal life and that life is God’s precious gift. God never abandons His children; He comforts and strengthens us in times of sadness and pain. Palliative and hospice
“The Communion of Saints is ready to accompany us with the angels through the process of dying into eternal life.” care helps remove the stigma that death is terrifying, undesirable, or lonely, elevating the dignity of human life. Please consider hospice care as a viable means for your end-of-life transition into eternal glory. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away” (Rev 21:4). †
Olga Najar is an associate director in the Office of Aging Ministry.
Saying ‘I love you’ never gets old The greatest joy and happiness for mothers is to hear their children say, “I love you.” Similarly, the Blessed Virgin Mary smiles down from heaven when we pray the Rosary. As we honor her in doing so, each and every Hail Mary we utter declares our love for her. October is one month of the year when we are reminded to pray the Rosary. Many inspirational stories over the years have recounted the torrent of graces granted to individuals due to their devotion to this form of prayer. Our Lady revealed to St. Dominic (11701221) and later, Blessed Alan de la Roche (15th century), Fifteen Promises of the Rosary. The following narratives give examples of three of those promises: Against evil bondage Bartolo Longo (1841-1926) of Italy fell away from the faith, practiced spiritualism and the occult, and became a priest of Satan. Eventually, he experienced substantial spiritual, psychological and emotional problems, which led him to seek help. Fortunately, he met Father Alberto Radente, a devout Dominican priest, who introduced Bartolo to the Rosary. With the power of the holy Rosary, the bondage of Satan was broken forever. As a result, Bartolo started promoting the Rosary and established the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary in
Pompeii, Italy. He was beatified by then-pope St. John Paul II as Blessed Bartolo Longo on Oct. 26, 1980.
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Special protection from harm A young college by woman in Tallahassee, SISTER Florida, was saved from MARIA being raped and killed GORETTI NGUYEN, OP by the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy on the evening of Jan. 15, 1978. Before his execution in 1989, Bundy admitted that he broke into a sorority house and brutally assaulted and killed two co-eds, except one. As he approached the third young woman’s room, a mysterious force prevented him from entering her dorm room. Police records filed a decade before confirmed his death-row confession: The woman testified to police on the scene that she was awakened by Bundy, and yet only saw him standing in her doorway before he fled. Asking to speak to a priest soon after the horrible event, the woman also told Monsignor William Kerr that Bundy suddenly dropped his weapon and ran. She was then reminded that before she left home for college, she had promised her mother to pray a Rosary every night before going to bed. That particular night, while she was praying
OCTOBER 29
First Reading: Ex 22:20-26
NOVEMBER 5 NOVEMBER 12
K
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 18:2-4, 47, 51
So whether you eat or
committed. Before receiving God’s drink orjoy whatever you do, “The greatest and happiness judgment, the Blessed Mother entered do it all for the his dream and requested a pair of scales for mothers is to hearof theirGod. to be brought forth. Placing the king’s glory sins on one side and his large rosary, 1 Corinthians children say, ‘I love you.’ 10:31 along with the prayers by his courtiers, on the other, the Rosary prayers far Similarly, the Blessed Virgin outweighed his sins. Looking at him with great kindness, Mary smiles down from heaven our Blessed Mother said, “As a reward for the little service you did for me in wearing my rosary, I have obtained a when we pray the Rosary.” her Rosary, she had fallen asleep with the rosary in her hands, which protected her from harm. Family
Life grace of conversion Obtaining great Ministry St. Louis de Montfort narrates that Wedding King Alphonsus Jubilee (1171-1230) of Leon and Masswore a large rosary on Galicia always his belt, but unfortunately, he never prayed it himself. By wearing it, however, his courtiers were encouraged to pray the Rosary. One day, the king fell seriously ill. He had a vision where he saw many devils accusing him of all the sins he had ever
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great grace for you from my Son. Your life will be spared for a few more years. Spend these years wisely and do penance.” When the king regained consciousness, he cried out, “Blessed be the Rosary of the most holy Virgin Mary, by which I have been delivered from eternal damnation.” He spent the rest of his life committed to praying the Rosary faithfully every day. †
Sister Maria Goretti Thuy Nguyen, OP, is an associate director with the Archdiocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
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What is the Eucharistic Revival? Learn more online at eucharisticrevival.org
Second Reading: 1 Thess 1:5-10
Gospel: Mt 22:34-40
First Reading: Mal 1:14-2:2, 8-10 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 131:1-3
Second Reading: 1 Thess 2:7-9, 13
Gospel: Mt 23:1-12
First Reading: Wis 6:12-16
Second Reading: 1 Thess 4:13-18 or 1 Thess 4:13-14
Gospel: Mt 25:1-13
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 63:2-8
14 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • OCTOBER 24, 2023
WORLD
‘War traumatizes everybody’ and ‘deep-seated peace’ is needed, says Jesuit priest working in Jerusalem (OSV News) — A Jesuit priest who directs an ecumenical institute in Jerusalem told OSV News he feels “a deep sense of compassion for what Israelis and Palestinians” are experiencing amid a war that has so far killed at least 4,400. Father John Paul, rector of the Tantur Ecumenical Institute, spoke with OSV News Oct. 11, four days after Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip stormed into approximately 22 locations in Israel, gunning down civilians and taking some 100 to 150 hostages, including infants, the elderly and people with disabilities. The coordinated attack took place on a Sabbath that marked the final day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which celebrates the gathering of the harvest and the divine protection of the ancient Israelites as they escaped from slavery in Egypt. Israel declared war on Hamas Oct. 8, placing Gaza under siege and pounding the region with airstrikes. Hamas has continued to launch strikes against Israel. By Oct. 17, 1,400 people in Israel and at least 3,000 people in Gaza have been killed, according to reports. At Tantur — part of the University of
IN BRIEF
Church embraces, cares for those seeking ‘home,’ safety, pope says
OSV NEWS PHOTO
People mourn at the graveside of Eden Guez during her funeral in Ashkelon, Israel, on Oct. 10. She was killed while attending a festival that was attacked by Hamas gunmen from Gaza.
Notre Dame and located on a 40-acre hilltop campus between Bethlehem and Jerusalem — about 25 to 30 students and staff spent more than seven hours
ခရစ်တော်၌ ကွဲ ပြားပခင်းများအကကား စည်းလု ံ းညီ ညွ ေ်ပခင်း။
Hiệp Nhất trong Đức Kitô, dù chúng ta Khác Biệt.
ക്രിസ്തുവിലൂടെ നാനാതവത്തിൽ ഐരയം
Kay Kristo, Tayo'y Magkasundo kahit Magkaiba
그리스도를 통하여 하나되는 다양한 우리
Bhinneka Tunggal Ika dalam Kristus
和諧共融於基督內
sheltering when the attacks began, said Father Paul. He said that “one missile landed about a mile and a half to the west of Tantur, between a Palestinian city and a Jewish settlement.” As Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system countered Hamas’ strikes, “throughout the day, we could hear these overhead explosions where the rockets were being destroyed in midair.” For the institute’s students and continuing education participants, the time spent sheltering was “a very, very new experience,” said Father Paul — but for Tantur’s largely Israeli and Palestinian staff, “it was a realization that this was not just a repeat of the Gaza conflict two years ago, but something very different,” he said. The University of Notre Dame evacuated its students on Oct. 10, relocating them to the university’s London Global Gateway campus, he said. But many of the staff who were able to return home — either to Bethlehem or the nearby towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour, all in Palestinian territory — “were unable to return (to Tantur) because the borders are closed,” said Father Paul. A few staff have remained at the institute, he said. “Everyone here, both Israeli and Palestinian, is very traumatized by all of this,” said Father Paul. “There’s a great deal of stress [and] tension. There’s a lot of insecurity because of not knowing what’s actually going to happen from here on out.” The institute’s Palestinian workers suffer from “a very high anxiety level because many of them lived through the first and second intifadas,” he said, referring to two Palestinian uprisings that took place from 1987 to 1993 and from 2000 to 2004, respectively.
VATICAN CITY (OSV News) — The Catholic Church is open and maternal to everyone, especially migrants seeking a home and safe harbor, Pope Francis said. “Migrating is not a pleasant pilgrimage in communion; it is often an ordeal,” he told members of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo, also known as the Scalabrinians, a religious order dedicated to ministering, materially and spiritually, to migrants and refugees. “And this is precisely where your spirituality comes in: How do you dispose your heart toward these brothers and sisters? With the support of which spiritual path?” the pope asked during an audience at the Vatican Oct. 14. The destination of those on the move is always the same: “Jerusalem, the city of peace, the Church, the home of all peoples, where the life of each is sacred and precious,” he said. For St. Scalabrini, “This Jerusalem is the Catholic, that is, universal, Church; and she is such because she is ‘mother,’ because she is a city open to anyone seeking a home and a safe harbor,” he added. † Israeli staff have “lived now with the realization, ‘We too are under threat. We too live under a great deal of fear. We’re not as safe and secure as we thought we were,’” said Father Paul. “So, really, both sides are traumatized by all of this.” “Violence only perpetuates more violence,” he said. “War traumatizes everybody. And war only deepens fear. It deepens suspicions. It deepens hatred.” Father Paul said he looks for “a deepseated peace,” one that is not simply a cessation of hostilities but that “really gets to the heart, to the deeper issues that have not been dealt with over the years.” That task is a mission for the global community itself, he added. “The solution of those deeper issues and problems is not just between the Israelis and the Palestinians. It’s not just between the U.S. and Israel and the various Arab nations around here,” he said. “The whole world has to step in to assist in bringing about a faith that’s rooted in justice that really allows everyone in this Middle East to be feeling much more at peace and secure.” Tantur — initiated by Pope St. Paul VI and committed to fostering both ecumenical and interfaith encounters — can serve as a “lighthouse of hope” that illuminates the way to “build bridges of greater understanding and communication,” said Father Paul. †
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texas catholic herald 15
OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
NATION
Mass highlights what Catholics can do to support victims of domestic violence, recognize abuse WASHINGTON (OSV News) — About 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner every minute in the U.S. This comes out to more than 10 million women and men a year, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The group Catholics for Family Peace Education and Research on Domestic Abuse organized a Mass on Oct. 7 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, observed every October. During the Mass, it was emphasized that efforts within the Catholic Church can play a crucial role in raising awareness among community members in need about the resources accessible to them through local and national organizations. Monsignor Charles Antonicelli, pastor at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in the Washington suburb of Potomac, Maryland, and judicial vicar of the Archdiocese of Washington, celebrated the Mass. In his homily, he addressed abuse, which he said can come in the form of “physical, sexual, mental, emotional, verbal or spiritual abuse between spouses or siblings or parent and child.” “In the face of this evil that touches individuals and families in all sectors of society, we come together to raise awareness and to pray for and help those who are affected by it to find peace and security, healing and hope. We want to break the silence, break the cycle, begin the healing,” the priest said. Monsignor Antonicelli was among the priests delivering homilies and hosting information resource tables at their parishes during the awareness month. Catholics for Family Peace offers a “pastor packet” on its website — catholicsforfamilypeace.org — that includes tips on how to address domestic violence in their homilies, along with
OSV NEWS PHOTO
Young women pray during the National Mass for Domestic Violence Awareness on Oct. 7 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.
bulletin notices, prayers and social media posts. “Jesus encountered the socially marginalized Samaritan woman at the well whose own experience with marriage and family was a most unhappy one. At this solemn Mass dedicated to domestic violence awareness, we are similarly confronted with the tragic reality of what should be ‘very good’ in the words of God being replaced with something very wrong,” Monsignor Antonicelli said. Abusive partners may minimize or blame their victims by “making light of the abuse and not taking (his/her) concerns about it seriously,” the priest said, emphasizing that victims are not at fault for what they endure. “Those who are subjected to abuse may even blame themselves while perpetrators may seem to justify it. But let us be clear on this: Neither case is true. Domestic violence can never be justified, and its victims never deserve it,” Monsignor Antonicelli said. Father Chuck Dahm, the director of the Domestic Violence Outreach program for the Archdiocese of Chicago, works on getting domestic violence training to members of the clergy to identify abuse in their communities. “Clergy are generally not trained, unfortunately. Seminaries do not talk about this. We got it into the seminary in Chicago,” the priest said in a phone interview. “It was never talked about until I brought it into the seminary and insisted that they talk about it.” Father Dahm said it is important to ask those questions to the individuals separately and that “if you ask those questions, you will discover that it (domestic violence) is very prevalent in your parish.” †
IN BRIEF Experts say Church can contribute much to mental health conversation, offer hope, healing BLOOMINGTON, Minnesota (OSV News) — Catholic mental health experts and ministries are welcoming the U.S. bishops’ National Catholic Mental Health Campaign to raise awareness around mental health amid a nationwide crisis. “Conversations about mental health have been occurring in secular circles for many years, and the Church has something of eternal value to contribute to the discussion,” said Kenna Millea, a licensed marriage and family therapist who serves as clinical director and co-founder at the Martin Center for Integration in Bloomington, Minnesota. She and other experts echoed many of the themes addressed by the bishops: That mental health affects everyone, particularly young people, and that the Church’s participation is needed. “About 20% of us live with a mental health condition, and over our lifetime, about 50% will experience some type of disorder,” said Deacon Ed Shoener, president of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. “If you don’t experience a mental health challenge yourself, you know and love someone who does.” The Church offers hope and love for all Catholics struggling with mental health, experts emphasized. “You are not alone, and you have never been abandoned,” Millea said she wants Catholics to know. “The Lord loves you perfectly and completely, and His Church sees you in your need.” †
For full descriptions of each position, visit www.archgh.org/ employment Catholic Schools Office: Superintendent of Catholic Schools Human Resources: Pension Specialist Internal Audit: Senior Internal Auditor Staff Internal Auditor I Parish Accounting Services: Staff Accountant I Staff Accountant II Finance Department: Staff Accountant Vocations: Administrative Assistant Archives and Records: Digitization Technician Development Department: Development Coordinator Tribunal: Secretary/Notary Office of Aging: Director Family Life Ministry: Associate Director of Innovation Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization: Associate Director Mt. Olivet Cemetery: Family Services Associate Circle Lake Retreat Center: Facility Coordinator 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.
16 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • OCTOBER 24, 2023
STATE
Dallas cathedral named nation’s newest shrine North Texas is now home to the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, pictured Sept. 29, will now be known as The National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe after being designated as a national shrine by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Dallas Bishop Edward J. Burns announced the new status on Oct. 3.
DALLAS (OSV News) — The Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, located in the heart of downtown Dallas, has long been known as a landmark in the Diocese of Dallas for its enduring cultural and faith-filled significance, drawing pilgrims from across north Texas and beyond. Now, the long-beloved diocesan landmark is also a national shrine. On behalf of the Diocese of Dallas, Bishop Edward J. Burns officially announced on Oct. 3 that the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe has been granted the significant designation of a national shrine by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). “The Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe has stood as a beacon of faith and history in Dallas for generations,” said Bishop Burns as he expressed his profound gratitude and enthusiasm for the milestone. “This elevation to national shrine status is a testament to our community and parishioners’ enduring devotion, the cultural richness the cathedral embodies, and its role as a place of solace and reflection for all. “We are immensely proud of this recognition and what it signifies. This elevation to national shrine status brings even greater dignity to our sacred space, encourages us to continue to grow and improve not only the physical plant of the cathedral but also encourages the growth of the entire downtown neighborhood,” Bishop Burns said.“This is a tremendously positive national spotlight pointed right
many as the greatest Victorian architect Texas has ever known. A shrine is considered “a place where divine grace is manifested in a very special way — a place where the human and divine world intersect,” according to USCCB, which is responsible for determining what churches receive the designation. The designation has several requirements, including that a shrine must be dedicated “to promoting the faith of the pilgrims by centering on a mystery of the Catholic faith, a devotion based on authentic Church tradition, revelations recognized by the Church, or the lives of those in the Church’s calendar of saints.” In Dallas, the cathedral shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Americas, and welcomes visitors to experience its beauty and spiritual solace. The Dallas cathedral has a long history of being a place of pilgrimage for Catholics, not only from the Diocese of Dallas and throughout north Texas but especially for Catholics from Mexico and Latin America. For many Catholics, and especially those from these regions, the Dec. 12 feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe holds profound significance as it commemorates the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531, symbolizing her maternal love and care for all humanity. Tens of thousands of people make the pilgrimage to Dallas every year on Dec. 11 and 12. †
OSV NEWS PHOTO
to our diocese and our city.” A special Mass is planned on Dec. 12 to celebrate the national shrine status of the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which will now be known as The National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It’s a designation Father Jesús Belmontes called befitting of the cathedral’s impact on Catholics within the diocese, around the nation and throughout Central and Latin America. “This cathedral has been a sanctuary for countless souls, a place of worship and a center for spiritual growth,” said Father Belmontes, the cathedral’s rector. “Its architecture and history serve as an architectural analog of God’s grace as it continues the mission to serve the needs of its parishioners, the diocese, and the community at large. We are committed
to continuing our service, faith and community mission, and this recognition will inspire us to do even more for our parishioners and the city.” The cornerstone for the cathedral was laid on June 17, 1898. The cathedral’s pastor at the time, Father Jeffrey A. Hartnett, did not live to see the construction completed. Father Hartnett died ministering to the faithful during the 1899 smallpox epidemic, contracting the disease while attending to the spiritual needs of patients in the city’s infirmary. On Oct. 26, 1902, Bishop Edward J. Dunne, second bishop of Dallas, formally dedicated the cathedral. Constructed out of red brick and limestone and featuring many stained-glass windows, the cathedral was designed by architect Nicholas J. Clayton, who is regarded by
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PASTORAL SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE In a continuing effort to provide pastoral care to victims of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo would like to remind the faithful of the Archdiocese of the availability of the Victims Assistance Coordinator. Anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel is encouraged to call Diane Vines at 713-654-5799. Please keep in daily prayers the healing of victims of abuse and all who suffer in any way.
texas catholic herald 17
OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
MUNDO CATÓLICO Cuidado de Hospicio: Atención digna para el final de la vida Las conversaciones sobre la muerte parecen incómodos a la mayoría de las personas. Sin embargo, la forma en que nos preparamos para esta experiencia puede hacer un mundo de diferencia, ya sea de consuelo o desolación. Descubrí esto con la pérdida de mi propio padre, quien, a los 63 años, sumido en un estado de depresión, remordimiento y soledad, se resignó a la muerte. La etapa final de nuestro viaje terrenal hacia la vida eterna a menudo no es fácil. Nuestra tradición Católica nos asegura que no tenemos que sufrir solos. Como creyentes Católicos, poseemos la gracia y el espíritu que viene de Dios para poder atender a los moribundos con amor y misericordia, siempre tratando de traer paz a la persona que morirá y a sus seres queridos. Jesús llamó a sus amados
discípulos a mirar y rezar con Él en el jardín de Getsemaní. La comunión de los santos, vivos y fallecidos, está lista para acompañarnos con los ángeles a través del proceso de morir en la vida eterna. El sufrimiento, en sí mismo, no es redentor. La Iglesia Católica es clara al declarar: nadie debería sufrir innecesariamente. Todos los pacientes merecen un manejo apropiado del dolor y cuidados paliativos (CCC: 2279). Cuando las opciones de tratamiento médico ya no están soportando la vida, o una persona se cansa del desgaste de tal atención, presenta la oportunidad de hablar con sus seres queridos y un equipo médico con respecto a los deseos de atención. También ofrece la oportunidad de discutir el cuidado de hospicio, y/o un tipo de cuidados paliativos.
FOTO DE OSV NEWS
La Catedral Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe en Dallas, en una foto sin fecha, ahora será conocida como la Catedral Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe después de haber sido designada como un santuario nacional por la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos. El obispo de Dallas, Edward J. Burns, anunció el nuevo estatus el 3 de octubre.
Programas de radio hispano de la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston
La estación de radio KYST 920 AM Transmite los domingos 6 a.m – 7 a.m. & 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
APOYO PASTORAL A VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSO SEXUAL DEL CLERO En un continuo esfuerzo por facilitar atención pastoral a las victimas de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, el Cardenal DiNardo gustaría recordar a los fieles de la Arquidiócesis la disponibilidad del Coordinador de Ayuda a Víctimas. Si alguien ha sido victim de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, se les anima llamar a la Diane Vines al 713-654-5799. Por favor rece por la sanación de las víctimas del abuso y por todos los que sufren de alguna manera.
La terapia y la educación paliativa de la comunidad médica pueden ayudarnos a comprender y responder con dignidad al dolor físico y emocional, así como a las etapas finales que acompañan por la muerte. Los cuidados paliativos pueden OLGA ayudar a manejar el NAJAR dolor para aquellos con afecciones médicas crónicas como el cáncer, el Parkinson y otras enfermedades. Cuando una persona ya no elige tratamientos que mantienen la vida, los equipos de cuidado de hospicio que consisten en proveedores médicos, capellanes y trabajadores sociales/ terapeutas pueden ofrecer un enfoque holístico para controlar los síntomas físicos del sufrimiento, ayudar a aliviar la ansiedad, ofrecer comodidad, recordar recuerdos amorosos, y proporcionar un cierre pacífico a la vida. De esta manera, el cuidado de hospicio puede mejorar la calidad de vida de una persona. Además,
puede ayudar a sus seres queridos a administrar el proceso de duelo a través de varios servicios de apoyo, incluso después de la muerte de su ser querido. El cuidado de hospicio puede proporcionar esperanza a quienes enfrentan la muerte reforzando el mensaje de la Iglesia de que Dios ha creado a cada persona para la vida eterna y que la vida es el precioso regalo de Dios. Dios nunca abandona a Sus hijos; Él nos consuela y nos fortalece en tiempos de tristeza y dolor. El cuidado paliativo y de hospicio ayuda a eliminar el estigma de que la muerte es aterradora, indeseable o solitaria, elevando la dignidad de la vida humana. Considere la atención de hospicio como un medio viable para su transición de fin de vida a la gloria eterna. “Llegará cada lágrima de sus ojos, y no habrá más muerte o duelo, gemir o dolor, [porque] el viejo orden ha fallecido” (Apoc 21:4). † Olga Najar es directora asociada en la Oficina del Ministerio de Envejecimiento.
18 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • OCTOBER 24, 2023
WITHIN THE ARTS
Author and her Broadway star sister talk books, sing songs at Illinois Catholic school AURORA, Illinois (OSV News) — Persistence paid off in a big way for students at Aurora-area Catholic grade schools in the Rockford Diocese, thanks to the efforts of Holy Angels School librarian Diane Rodriguez. Rodriguez was instrumental in bringing Tony award-winning Broadway star Idina Menzel and her sister, acclaimed writer and teacher Cara Mentzel, to Holy Angels School on Sept. 15 for a once-in-a-lifetime presentation. The sisters visited the school as part of a tour promoting their latest book, “Proud Mouse: How a Little Sister Found Her Own Way.” “We are so blessed by the efforts of Mrs. Rodriguez in arranging this visit by Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel,” Holy Angels School Principal Tonya Forbes told The Observer, Rockford’s diocesan newspaper. “We invited students from our neighboring Catholic elementary schools — Pope St. John Paul II Catholic Academy, Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Rita of Cascia — for this unique opportunity because we wanted to share the message of their book and the experience of seeing these two talented women in person.” A long-standing relationship with
Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville set the stage for the visit. “We do our school book fairs through Anderson’s, and they send us a list of authors coming to the area for book signings,” Rodriguez explained. “When I saw that Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel were on the list, I bid on having them come to Holy Angels. I kept emailing the bookshop, telling them we wanted to be ‘Team Proud Mouse’ and have this fantastic opportunity for our students.” Rodriguez discovered that Holy Angels was selected this summer and set up the program while batting COVID-19. “I wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of having the students hear ‘Proud Mouse’ read by its authors. It’s a perfect way to start off our school year,” she said. Students gathered in the gym and listened to the sisters read their book. The sisters answered questions and led a sing-a-long with students. Mentzel played the ukulele and sang “I’m Just Going to be Me,” a song from the book. When she made a slight mistake during the performance, both sisters shared a laugh, and Menzel used it as a teachable moment. “You made a mistake and learned something about yourself. Now everyone gets to see your
OSV NEWS PHOTO
Writer and teacher Cara Mentzel and her sister, Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel, share their book, “Proud Mouse: How a Little Sister Found Her Own Way,” and sing for students at Holy Angels School in Aurora, Ill., on Sept. 15.
vulnerability and desire to be human.” Menzel’s comments reflect the theme of “Proud Mouse,” a lyrical autobiographical story about two sisters discovering their unique talents and gifts. The sisters shared stories of their childhood and how they each discovered their vocation in life. “Growing up, I was always singing,” Menzel said. “My grandfather saw the performer in me, and we would make up songs and plays together. He would introduce me by saying, ‘Ladies and Germs, please welcome to the living room, Miss Idina!’ Then, I would pop up from behind the couch and perform. He was my inspiration. Growing up in Manhattan, my parents often brought me to Broadway shows.” Born Idina Mentzel, Menzel changed the spelling of her surname to “Menzel” to better reflect the pronunciation that the Mentzel family had adopted in the U.S. Mentzel, a teacher and writer, credits her sons for helping her discover a career path in life. “Two of my little boys had very different learning styles. Sometimes, they had difficulty in school and making friends,” she said. “It became clear when they were in kindergarten that I could better help them if I had some education training. So, I went to school and became an advocate
for my sons and then an advocate for all children, which was pretty awesome.” “I was the older sister who always wanted to sing and perform,” Menzel said. “But when I saw Cara teaching in front of an audience of college students, I could see how intrigued and curious they were about what she was saying. That’s when I knew her talent was teaching.” The highlight of the sisters’ presentation came when Menzel, best known for her role as Elsa in the movie “Frozen,” asked the students, “Do you want to build a snowman? Can Olaf give us some warm hugs today? Who does that sound like?” As the students erupted into cheers and applause, Menzel led a sing-along of the Grammy-award-winning song “Let It Go,” which she sang in the movie. Holy Angels fifth-grader Charlotte Meyer was most interested in asking the sisters what inspired them to write the “Proud Mouse” book. “We read the book in music class, and I like how the book’s message is about finding your own voice and talents.” †
MOVIE RATINGS By OSV News
How to submit events for Around the Archdiocese E-mail your parish or school event details to tch@archgh.org for possible inclusion in the Around the Archdiocese calendar.
Around the Archdiocese
There is no charge for listings but space is limited.
A-I – SUITABLE FOR ALL • Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (PG) A-II – SUITABLE FOR OLDER CHILDREN • A Million Miles Away (PG) • The Hill (PG)
A-III – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS • A Haunting in Venice (PG-13) • Killers of the Flower Moon (R) • My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (PG-13) • Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (PG-13) • The Creator (PG-13)
L – LIMITED MATURE AUDIENCE • Dumb Money (R) • The Nun II (R)
O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE • Expend4bles (R) • Deliver Us (R) • Saw X (R) • Strays (R) • The Equalizer 3 (R) • The Exorcist: Believer (R) To read full movie reviews, visit osvnews.com/category/reviews
texas catholic herald 19
OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE ► FOR SUBMISSION DETAILS AND MORE LISTINGS, VISIT WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA.
OCT. 26
41st Annual Mums & Mistletoe Holiday Market features 50 vendors, bake sale and the Market Cafe with sandwiches, baked goods and cheese soup. wosmlj@yahoo.com.
N. Wayside Dr., Houston). Event includes food, sweets, games, raffle, DJ and a live Zydeco Band. $5 entry fee per person (15 years and older). parishoffice@stpeterclaverhouston.com.
OCT. 27-28
SPEAKER SERIES, St. Laurence Ave Maria Parish Life Center (3103 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land). Friday at 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday at 9 to 11:30 a.m. Theologian John Bergsma hosts four sessions on the Eucharist. Cost: $30 per person, includes all four talks and a light breakfast on Saturday. Register: stlaurence.org/bergsma. 281-265-5774; jfrato@stlaurence.org.
PRESENTATION, 8:30 a.m., St. Paul the Apostle (18223 Point Lookout Dr., Nassau Bay). Bay Area Deanery Council of Catholic Women hosts an 8:30 a.m. Mass, brunch and 10 a.m. presentation by Rich May called “The Amazing New Discoveries and Mysteries of Our Lady of Guadalupe.” 713-412-8559.
GALA, 6 to 9 p.m., Chateau Crystale (2517 South Gessner Rd., Houston). Emmaus Spirituality Center hosts “Coming Together for a Beautiful World” gala with keynote speaker Laurence J. Payne, recognition to Lloyd Guerin and Dr. Lee Mountain, live auction, raffle and banquet. Cost: $125. emmausspiritualitycenter.com. FESTIVAL, Sts. Simon and Jude (26777 Glen Lock Dr., The Woodlands). Friday at 6 p.m., and Saturday at 11 a.m. The “Happy Days” 50s-themed event includes Bingo, live auction, petting zoo, costume contest, barbecue, trackless train, obstacle course, balloon twister and more.
OCT. 28
WORKSHOP, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Emmaus Spirituality Center (12211 Memorial Dr., Houston). “A Time to Nurture the Mind and Spirit” explores how to create and sustain a healthy mind and spirit, identify stressors and how to respond. Cost: $40. emmausspiritualitycenter.com. PRESENTATION, 10 a.m. to noon, St. Angela Merici (9009 Sienna Ranch Rd., Missouri City). “You’re a Better Parent Than You Think!” will foster self-confidence, peace of mind and put authority where it belongs. Cost: $25 adults, $10 ages 11 to 17. Childcare available for ages 2 to 7. Must register for limited space. adultff@ stamericigh.com. CRAFT MARKET, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (6646 Addicks Satsuma Rd., Houston). St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Ladies Auxiliary hosts its 30th annual craft show rebranded Bags of Joy Market (formerly Gingerbread Village Holiday Market). Free admission. hrachw42@yahoo.com. RETREAT, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Laurence Guardian Angels Hall (3103 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land). Father Martin Ekeh, MSP, hosts a retreat “Signs of God’s Presence in Seemingly Hopeless Situations” for teens and adults. After the Vigil Mass, a reception with African food and music follows in the parish hall. Cost: $20 per person, includes breakfast and lunch. Registration required: www.stlaurence.org/african-catholiccommunity.
OCT. 29
TRUNK OR TREAT, 3 to 7 p.m., Our Lady Star of the Sea (1401 Fidelity St., Houston). Event includes games, costume contest and food. 832-2949527. HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School (10114 Hwy 6, Hitchcock). Event includes a costume contest, new games, prizes, haunted house, vendors, turkey legs, carnival foods, cake wheel and more. 409-925-3224; ololcs.org.
NOV. 4
CRAFT MARKET, 1 to 7 p.m., St. Laurence Ave Maria Parish Life Center (3103 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land). Event includes over 60 vendors selling seasonal gifts, home décor, toys, jewelry, food items and more. Free admission. Food, drinks and desserts are available for purchase. stlaurence.org/shop-til-u-drop.
NOV. 3-5
CHRISTMAS MARKET, St. Michael the Archangel Room PLC-A (1801 Sage Rd., Houston). Friday: 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday VIP ticketed access only ($20 presale, $25 at the door) to be first to shop 40 quality vendors, with beverages and hors d’oeuvres included. Event features raffles, free parking,
MARRIAGE WEEKEND, 7 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Sunday, DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Westchase Hotel (10609 Westpark Dr., Houston). Worldwide Marriage Encounter is an experience for married couples who desire a richer, fuller life together. Couples learn the tools needed to keep their marriage strong. $200 application fee. houstonme.org; btlittle2@me.org.
NOV. 9
CARITAS DAY, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (816 Park Dr., La Porte). Bay Area Deanery Council of Catholic Women sponsor a St. Vincent de Paul Society service day, with sorting, cleaning and preparing for the Christmas season. Bring sack lunch. 281-402-5401.
NOV. 10
GOLF TOURNAMENT, High Meadow Ranch Golf Club (37300 Golf Club Trl., Magnolia). St. Matthias the Apostle Golf Tournament starts with 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. check-in, then Tee-off at 9 a.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Individual Player: $175; Team of Four: $600. Sponsorships available. Sponsor and register at st-matthias.net/golf-tournament.
NOV. 11
BAZAAR, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (816 Park Dr., La Porte). Event includes games, food and live music. Free entry. 281-471-2000; stmaryslpcc@ sbcglobal.net. CHILI COOK-OFF, 6 p.m., Christ the Redeemer (11507 Huffmeister Rd., Houston). Event includes chili, hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, kids’ zone, drinks and more. carrie.taylor@ctrcc.com.
NOV. 2
NOV. 3
SUPER BINGO, 6 to 8 p.m., St. Peter Claver (6005 N. Wayside Dr., Houston). Event features sweets, barbecue and boudin. parishoffice@ stpeterclaverhouston.com.
EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL NIGHT, 7 p.m., St. Angela Merici (9009 Sienna Ranch Rd., Missouri City). Event includes music, guest speakers and Eucharistic Adoration.
NOV. 3-4
HOLIDAY MARKET, St. Michael the Archangel (100 Oak Dr. South, Lake Jackson). Friday at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
NOV. 16
GARAGE SALE, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. James the Apostle (22800 Aldine Westfield Rd., Spring). Catholic Daughters of The Americas Court 2308 hosts a garage sale of clothes, appliances and household items (no books or magazines). Drop off items from your kitchen, drawers attic and garage on Nov. 3 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. 281210-8010; cmkdestouet@gmail.com.
QUILT SHOW, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Columbus Hall (22892 Mack Washington Rd., Hempstead). Knights of Columbus of Hempstead sponsor day with live and silent auction, door prizes, chicken fried steak dinner and over 30 vendors. kcbenefitquiltshow.com; 713-816-1923.
ALL SOULS DAY MASS, 8:30 a.m., Forest Park Lawndale (6900 Lawndale St., Houston). Father Justin Cormie, Mass celebrant. 713-366-9960.
NOV. 15
NOV. 12
FESTIVAL, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., St. Frances Cabrini (10727 Hartsook St., Houston). Event includes music, food, raffle and family fun. Free admission. Food and game tickets start at $1 per ticket. 713-946-5768; cabrinihouston.org. BAZAAR, noon to 8 p.m., St. Peter Claver (6005
NOV. 17-18
free admission for kids 12 and under, and entertainment from the children’s choir. stmichaelchurch.net/catholic-daughters-ofamerica; rocketlews11@hotmail.com.
NOV. 18
CRAFT MARKET, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Francis de Sales (8200 Roos Rd., Houston). Free admission, sale includes crafts, food and more. sfdsholidaymarket@yahoo.com.
NOV. 19
ADVENT WREATH WORKSHOP, 1 to 3 p.m., Emmaus Spirituality Center (12211 Memorial Dr., Houston). Houston Country Club florist Susie Miller and Christian author Joy Hilley host an advent wreath class. Cost: $75, includes all materials, including fresh greens. Register by Nov. 6 at emmausspiritualitycenter.com.
NOV. 29 - DEC. 1
RETREAT, 7 to 9 p.m., St. Jerome (8825 Kempwood Dr., Houston). Father Matthew Linn, SJ, hosts “Letting Christmas Change your Life” three-day Advent mission. church@ stjeromehou.org; 713-468-9555. ••• To find additional listings online, visit the website at WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA.
20 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
MILESTONES FOUR DOMINICAN SISTERS CELEBRATE 60TH JUBILEE
ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • OCTOBER 24, 2023
Do you have a photo you’d like to share? To submit a photo of a place, group or event that you would like to see in the Herald, email it to tch@archgh.org
► AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE VIDEO SPOTLIGHT
PHOTO BY MARCUS NORWOOD/OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS PHOTO BY SISTER WANDA JINKS, OP
Dominican Sisters of Houston Sisters (left to right) Anna Marie Flusche, OP, Lavergne Schwender, OP, Patricia Casey, OP, and Ann Huffstetter, OP, are celebrating their 60-year Jubilee. Prioress Donna Pollard, OP, thanked the Jubilarians for their combined 240 years of ministry and service to God, the Church, and the Dominican community.
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Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, at center, cuts a ceremonial ribbon at the opening dedication of San José Clinic’s new pharmacy on Sept. 22 in Rosenberg, while Margo Melchor-Hernandez, San José Clinic CEO and president, at left, looks on.
Filling the gap for Fort Bend County patients ROSENBERG — A new pharmacy, located at 117 Lane Dr., Ste. 31 in Rosenberg, is serving Fort Bend County patients of San José Clinic who often fall between the cracks of healthcare services. It is the second pharmacy location for patients of underserved communities and populations with limited access to care at a low or no cost. To learn more about San José Clinic, visit sansjoseclinic.org. To watch the video, scan the QR code at the right or watch on the website at WWW. ARCHGH.ORG/ATAVIDEO.
SCAN CODE TO WATCH