Texas Catholic Herald - Nov. 9, 2021 by Texas Catholic Herald

NOVEMBER 9, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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FUTURE SAINTS

SPEAKING TOGETHER

Workshops explore African American saints for Black Catholic History Month

Cardinal DiNardo celebrates Opening Mass of the Synod in Houston ▪ SEE PAGE 2

▪ SEE PAGE 8

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

NOVEMBER 9, 2021

A GOOD HABIT TO HAVE

VOL. 58, NO. 11

CCHD AT 50

CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT MARKS 50 YEARS OF JUSTICE ▪ SEE PAGE 3

CHURCH PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHER MICHAEL EARTHMAN/ST. MARY’S SEMINARY

Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province watch Game 2 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves on Oct. 27. Two Dominican sisters threw out the ceremonial first pitch in the Americal League Championship Series and the World Series.

Rally nuns pitch vocations at World Series Beloved ‘Rally Nuns’ shift spotlight to consecrated life during the Houston Astros’ spectacular World Series run BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — There might have been angels in the outfield, but in the Space City, the Houston Astros had Dominicans in the stands. And in a sea of orange and blue, their bright white Dominican habits and black veils stood out. And it wasn’t just Dominicans, but consecrated (and to be consecrated) men and women religious from multiple congregations turned out for several games of the World Series and the American League Championship in Houston in late October.

But it was the Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province, a growing Vietnamese consecrated women’s religious congregation located in Houston, who were dubbed the “Rally Nuns” and became a viral sensation when they filled a prominent section of Minute Maid Park. The sisters, alongside a group of priests, seminarians and other women religious, witnessed the Astros take on the Atlanta Braves after the hometown team beat the Boston Red Sox to punch their ticket to the World Series. Despite the unfortunate See RALLY NUNS, page 4

THE FIRST WORD † 3

CNS PHOTO

Sister Mary Augustine Pham, OP, throws the ceremonial first pitch before Game six of the 2021 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park in Houston Nov. 2.

COLUMNISTS † 14

Red Mass panel explores race relations in the U.S. BY REBECCA TORRELLAS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — The annual Red Mass gathered members of the legal profession for a night of prayer and discussion over racism. The Mass was held on Oct. 19 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston. Afterward, attendees walked over to the Cathedral Centre, where Bishop Emeritus Curtis John Guillory, S.V.D., of the Diocese of Beaumont and Bishop Brendan Cahill of the Diocese of Victoria sat down to discuss the topic of race relations in the U.S. Bishop Guillory, one of 10 AfricanAmerican Catholic bishops, was the first African-American bishop to head a diocese in Texas. Bishop Cahill holds a Master of Theology degree with a specialization in African-American Catholic Studies from Xavier University in New Orleans. The discussion was moderated by Father Reginald Samuels, vicar for the Catholics of African Descent and pastor See RED MASS, page 6

ESPAÑOL † 18 | AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE † 20

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 9, 2021

El Cardenal Daniel DiNardo comparte su columna en línea en español. Visite www.archgh.org para leer su artículo en línea.

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On Oct. 20, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo formally marked the beginning of the local Synod process with an Opening Mass of the Synod at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. The following is an excerpt of his homily from that Mass:

know it if we just talk alone. We have to speak together because the Spirit is the relationship, the string that holds us together. As we seek to encounter the Lord, you don’t have to go across the sea. You don’t have to look up or down. Jesus is right with you, in your minds and hearts, if we are attentive to His The Archdiocese of Galvestonword before we start any conversation Houston is the United Nations. It and then just see what happens. I’d is the world in miniature, and it is, prefer that disclosure than anything therefore, the Universal Church in else. miniature. Look at all the people Are we going to reach conclusions? even here tonight; you’re from every Pope Francis has told us, don’t worry nation. Look at our priests and about reaching conclusions. That’s deacons; they’re from many, many not what you do two years before the nations — probably from every nation synod in Rome. The synod in Rome in the world. We’re from all over. It’s will probably reach conclusions. And what makes us so magnificent and For more information and additional just like any human-divine operation, why a synod should be easy for us. resources about the Synod process in the the synod in Rome in two years will A synod is a conversation about Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, visit be an interesting phenomenon of God who and what we are and what our the official online website at working in the midst of human voices. experiences are. And that’s what WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/SYNOD. But what comes out, interestingly we’re going to try to do in some enough, as the Holy Father has said, is intelligent, methodical form in the that if we discern, genuinely discern, next few months. The goal is not solving a problem. That’s not what synods first starting at the level of local churches, then getting larger do. And that’s what Pope Francis has told us. He wants us and larger, we’ll find out God is speaking to His Church. The to talk together, and he wants us to disclose, not just to give Lord Jesus is helping His Church to understand His life and answers, but to disclose who we are. And we’re not going to our life for the life of the world. †

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Extreme exhaustion, depression, and anxiety are some of the most common illnesses in today’s world. Often, “sadness, apathy, and spiritual tiredness end up dominating people’s lives, which are overloaded due to the rhythm of life today.” What can we do to help people suffering from these situations? Be at their side, accompany them, and remind them that “together with the indispensable guidance of a psychologist, which is useful and effective, Jesus’ words also help.” Let us pray that pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.”

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THE FIRST WORD Nov. 20 and 21 CCHD Collection serves ‘least and vulnerable among us’ HOUSTON — The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) provides members of the Archdiocesan community the opportunity to participate in the Gospel call to serve the least and vulnerable. The 50th annual parish collection, scheduled for Galveston-Houston parishes on Nov. 21 and 22, provides funding for grants to local efforts which address issues of poverty, housing, worker rights, public safety and community engagement. The collection is a tangible aspect of Catholic social teaching, which is the foundation of the Catholic faith. It allows the opportunity to put into practice Catholic teachings and beliefs regarding the dignity of the human person, the gift of and care for all of creation, economic justice and the common good. Pope Francis said, “Before all else, the Gospel invites us to respond to the God of love who saves us, to see God in others and to go forth from ourselves to seek the good of others.” As the global pandemic and economic suffering that has accompanied the pandemic continue, it is more important than ever for members of the faith community to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ “to bring good news to the poor, liberty to captives, new sight to the blind and to set the oppressed free” (Lk 4:18). †

LEARN MORE For more information and additional resources about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and the ministries that benefit, visit the website at WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/CCHD.

Our Lady of Guadalupe for Justice

ost merciful mother, you came to tell us of your compassion through St. Juan Diego, whom you called the littlest and dearest of your sons. Give your strength and protection to all who live in poverty today, especially the young, elderly, and vulnerable. Plead for them to the Father, that they might experience the Divine Love tangibly in their daily lives, and that all who work for justice on behalf of the poor might grow in fortitude and humility. In these ways, manifest your charity and concern in our lives, that the weeping of humanity may be heard, and all our suffering, pain, and misfortune may be filled with divine comfort and healing. May we always know the peace of being in the cradle of your arms, and bring us safely home to your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Working on the Margins www.usccb.org/cchd

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 in our region. To pledge online, visit www.archgh.org/dsf. For more information about DSF and the ministries it supports, call 713-652-4417. †

The Church celebrates the Solemnity of Christ the King on Nov. 21. Join others in praying a A Novena to Christ the King on Nov. 12 to 20, the nine days preceding the Solemnity as an offering of prayers to Christ the King for the freedom of the Church. To learn more, and for the prayers, visit www.usccb.org/ christtheking.

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IN MEMORIA RETURNS

12th annual Archdiocesan Choir concert returns Nov. 21 after 2-year hiatus. ▪ SEE PAGE 19

No small Hail Mary: Faith flies high in Houston PHOTO COURTESY OF SISTER MARIE THERESE, OP

RALLY NUNS, from page 1 outcome of the World Series, vocations and faith moved into the national spotlight, thanks to Houston legend Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and the sisters’ engaging spirit. Two sisters stepped up to the pitcher’s mound and threw the ceremonial first pitch for two games at Minute Maid Park. First, Sister Mary Catherine Do, OP, who previously taught at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School in Houston and now teaches in Shiner, Texas, threw the first pitch of Game 6 of the ALCS. Though she isn’t the first sister to go viral for her throw — that goes to fellow Dominican Sister Mary Jo Sobieck, OP — Sister Mary Catherine stepped into the limelight to remind the Astros that “this is our time!” Wearing a custom jersey with “RALLY NUNS” declared on the back (it also matched her white habit perfectly), Sister Mary Catherine took to the field, her black Rosary beads swinging with each jovial step. Crossing near home plate, she pointed a finger heavenward. A few long steps shy of the pitcher’s mound, she turned around and faced the catcher and, after a brief pause (maybe a quick Memorare?), she

The “Rally Nuns” pose for a photo with Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale during Game 6 of the American League Championship Series in Houston Oct. 22. McIngvale gave the Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province 55 tickets to the Oct. 26 World Series game between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves.

gave the ball some heat for a successful floating first pitch. Then, in a quick sequence that only a consecrated religious woman could do, Sister Mary Catherine raised her glove and pitching arm in celebration, pointed to her wrist in a tongue-in-cheek

reference to Astros’ shortstop Carlos Correa’s “It’s Time” move, flipped her veil over her shoulder, then pointed at her congregation in the stands behind her near where Tal’s Hill once stood. Finally pointing again heavenward, as the crowds cheered, she slowly made her way down the baseline to greet Orbit the Astros mascot as Red Sox and Astros staff slowly filled their dugouts. Sister Mary Catherine’s congregation is well-known throughout the Archdiocese, active in many catechetical roles and teaching positions at parishes and Catholic schools in the region. Sister Mary Catherine teaches at St. Paul Catholic High School in Shiner about two hours from the downtown Houston stadium.

Explaining her post-pitch watchpointing celebration move, Sister Mary Catherine told the Houston Chronicle that she “did that, because this is the Astros time, this is our time, this is it.” Also wearing the ‘“RALLY NUNS” jersey, Sister Mary Augustine Pham, OP, was the Dominicans’ closing pitcher. She took their new Rally Nuns name to heart when she threw the first pitch at Game 6 of the World Series, hoping to inspire the crowd and the hometown team before the do-or-die game for the Astros, who were fighting a losing deficit. Just as Sister Mary Catherine featured a little showmanship, Sister Mary Augustine flashed a great smile and accented her mound visit with her version of the “Tucker Stretch,” made popular by Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker. She was joined by Sister Mary Catherine and McIngvale, and even stepped onto the pitcher’s mound before inching closer to home plate. With a deft throw, Sister Mary Catherine threw to Astros’ outfielder Chas McCormick. Both sisters join an elite list of Galveston-Houston Catholics who have taken to the mound, including Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza and a number of Catholic school teachers and superintendents. McIngvale gifted tickets to both Game 1 and Game 6 of the ALCS, as well as the

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three home games of the World Series. A longtime parishioner of Assumption Catholic Church off Airline Boulevard in Houston, the Gallery Furniture maven has been an outspoken advocate for Catholic education and his faith. He has supported many Catholic schools and the University of St. Thomas, and credited his faith for his actions during Hurricanes Harvey, Katrina and Houston’s other weather storms. The World Series isn’t the first collaboration between McIngvale and the Dominicans. He donated mattresses to the congregation when they opened a new convent. The Vietnamese Dominicans also have a small classroom at McIngvale’s Gallery Furniture store in Houston, according to KPRC. There, once a week, a sister visits with young children, teaching children’s lessons and sharing Bible stories. Dominicans, founded by St. Dominic in the 13th century in France, are known as the Order of Preachers, a charism well-known by many in the Church. Dominicans are found throughout the Archdiocese, teaching in schools and parish communities, as well as leading social justice efforts. “Our motto is to praise, bless and preach the good news,” Sister Maria Theresa Nguyen, provincial superior, said to the Chronicle. Fellow Dominican Sister Maria Goretti Thuy Nguyen, associate director with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, told the Chronicle that she prays for the

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PAGE 16 • BENEDICTINE ABBEY IN MISSOURI DRAWS GROWING NUMBER OF YOUNG WOMEN

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Members of Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province cheer as they run towards the finish line at the Steps for Students 5K Race and Walk in February 2020.

players and the fans. “We show up and play hard; hopefully we also pray hard in our daily lives,” she said. “This is not about who wins or loses. It’s about fun and coming together as a big family.” Like other teachers and sisters, they

run alongside their students at the annual Steps for Students 5K Race and Walk, which is set for Feb. 12, 2022. “I never thought I’d have the opportunity to throw out the first pitch,” Sister Mary Catherine told ABC 13. “This is not just a regular game. A playoff

game!” A number of Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation, who teach at Frassati Catholic High School, were also at Game 6 to root for the Astros. Clergy, faculty and seminarians from St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston also attended the games. Across from Minute Maid Park, Annunciation Catholic Church parishioners celebrated the Astros World Series run alongside Father Paul Felix. He was often seen outside the church, greeting fans as they streamed past the historic church. A large sign welcomed visitors, offering a moment of quiet before the raucousness of a baseball game. These communities join the faithful Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, the congregation that runs Incarnate Word Academy across the street from Minute Maid and next to Annunciation Catholic Church. The sisters are also well-known for their devotion and support of the Astros. Sister Damien Kuhn, CVI, had a permanent season ticket for seat 31 in row 35 of Section 116. Though she died in 2010 at age 90, Sister Kuhn is a ally sister in heaven, cheering for the Astros, alongside the Dominican Sisters down below in Minute Maid Park, who wave their rally towels with their Rosary beads swaying at the hip, ready for the next Hail Mary. †

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Conversion at ‘heart’ of USCCB document on racism RED MASS, from page 1

SEE RELATED STORY

of St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Deer Park. Speaking about the pastoral letter written by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in 2018, “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love,” Father Samuels said, “We are here to explore what it means to have God’s love in our society.” Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, who was president of the USCCB when the document was written, said that when drafting the letter, there was a lot of anger between staff and the experts that helped develop the letter. “The first draft of the letter was so angry — really angry — that we practically had to call a truce,” he said. “We had to go back. And one of the things they decided to add — intensely — is confronting one another with the truth and occasionally with some uncomfortable things.” Cardinal DiNardo said that at the same time, the letter expanded on Scriptures and the importance of Jesus Christ in all of the issues. “As that happened, the second draft of the letter fell into place pretty well,” he said. “These are tough issues.” Bishop Guillory said that, while it may seem to some that continuing to talk

PAGE 8 • PRESENTATIONS SHARE STORIES OF THE CHURCH’S AFRICAN AMERICAN SAINTS

PHOTO BY REBECCA TORRELLAS/HERALD

The annual Red Mass, held Oct. 19, gathered members of the legal profession for a night of prayer and discussion over racism with Bishop Emeritus Curtis John Guillory, S.V.D., of the Diocese of Beaumont and Bishop Brendan Cahill of the Diocese of Victoria. Father Reginald Samuels, vicar for the Catholics of African Descent, moderated the session.

about race reconciliation may be divisive, current issues such as cases of the police brutality in George Floyd’s death, anger is still expressed. He added these incidents cause mistrust between police and some minority communities. “Police have a tough job,” he said. “And some of them do not make the force proud.” Bishop Guillory said these issues still

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affect the community, “They are part of us.” He said the goal of the pastoral letter is in line with the Church’s mission to teach. “Unfortunately today, for too many Christians, their conscience is informed and transformed not by the Christian teaching, but rather by political affiliation,” he said. “So this letter... is an attempt on the part of the bishops to give us some guidance by which we might deal with these issues and hopefully help bring about, first, a change within ourselves, and then bring about a change in society.” Bishop Guillory said the letter defines racism as a conscious or unconscious belief in racial superiority. “Acts that violate justice, and ignorance of the fundamental truth that we are all created equal in the image of God,” he quoted. He said the letter addresses different races, including African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic, and “talks about what we can do.” “The heart of it is conversion,” Bishop Guillory said. Addressing the lawyers, judges and people of the law in attendance, he said laws can help towards conversion, but it “may not take us there.” “Racial reconciliation — reconciliation in general — is a matter of the heart,” Bishop Guillory said. He said that while a lot of progress has been made, there has to be a continuous renewal and humbling. “We have to examine ourselves,” he said. “How do I look upon someone from a different culture or at someone who is not as educated as I am.” He said it is essential to “know each others’ history.” He added people need to talk to each other, even though it is painful to bring about conversion, not blaming each other, but with an open heart.

“Go deeper. Our humanity is deeper than culture or customs,” Bishop Guillory said. Bishop Cahill said bishops could help bring about change by having events such as the Red Mass to discuss the topic. “Whatever the events are can bring people together (to listen),” he said. In the Diocese of Victoria, which has just over 65,000 Catholics people, Bishop Cahill said they brought in a play about the first African-American priest, Father Augustus Tolton. The play “Tolton: From Slave to Priest” was performed in several Catholic schools around the diocese. At the conclusion of the performance, the students discussed the racism the priest encountered in his studies and his vocation as a priest. “We had a discussion about the racism of that time, which led to a discussion of what is going on today,” Bishop Cahill said. “You have people talk about the reality of racism historically... in a sense, it helps acknowledge the present by acknowledging the history.” Bishop Cahill said dioceses should also have groups that are open to having “uncomfortable conversations,” such as a group started in St. Ignatius of Loyola in Spring. He added discussions are what bring about conversion. “It’s hard to talk about race,” he said. “It takes a long time to build that kind of relationship.” Bishop Guillory said Catholics are blessed to be a faith representative of different cultures and racial groups. “Every culture has an opportunity to make a contribution,” he said. “(We need to promote) unity and diversity of the one faith as brothers and sisters.” Bishop Guillory said it is a duty of every Catholic to speak out when there is injustice and to educate others to “help people be informed and form their consciences from a Christian perspective.” “What we really need to do today — in a group such as this and in our own parishes — is to work with and get our people involved,” he said. “We have to get over this fear of one another. And some of it is understandable.” Bishop Guillory said we have to be “honest with ourselves and our own history.” “In the same way, we have to be honest about the history of our own country; the history of the Church,” he said. “Even the Church was not always in a good place. Be honest with the history. Don’t cover it up.” To read the document “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love” online, visit www.usccb.org/racism. †

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Presentations share story, future of the Church’s African American saints BY REBECCA TORRELLAS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — To commemorate Black Catholic History Month, the Vicar for Catholics of African Descent is presenting “Black Catholic History Month - On The Road To Sainthood.” There is no cost to attend. Sessions continue the rest of the month with two presentations. The first is on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary of the Purification Parish, located at 3006 Rosedale Ave. in Houston.

The last one is on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, located 4600 Reed Rd. in Houston. Father Reginald Samuels, vicar for the Ministry for Catholics of African American Descent and pastor at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Deer Park, said the presentations are for “All those who have a love of Catholic Church history, and those who want to further advance the cause of sainthood for the lives those who will be presented.” On Nov. 13, Servant God Julia Greeley and Servant of God Thea Bowman will

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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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PAGE 6 • RED MASS PANEL EXPLORES RACE RELATIONS IN THE U.S. be discussed, with a presentation led by Father Manual Williams, C.R. He has served as director of Resurrection Catholic Missions of the South, Inc., and pastor of Resurrection Catholic Church in Montgomery, Alabama, since July of 1990. Born in Aliceville, Alabama, and raised in Montgomery, he professed his first vows on May 30, 1982. He was ordained on May 23, 1987, as a member of the Congregation of the Resurrection. Father Williams has served on the boards of several national and local organizations, including the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus among others. On Nov. 20, the Venerable Augustus Tolton and Servant of God Mary Lange will be discussed, with a presentation led by Father Canon A. Gerard Jordan. Despite a different path towards the religious life, having served in the U.S. Marines, worked in the business sector for 20 years, and having previously married with children, Father Jordan was ordained a priest on July 9, 2016, in Philadelphia. He currently lives in Chicago, where in 2013, he was appointed special assistant to the bishop and Diocesan Postulator for the Cause of the Canonization for Servant of God, Father Augustus Tolton. In November 2014, the Tolton Ambassador Initiative was created, which is Phase Two of the Cause, and he was elevated to the Promoter of the Cause for the Tolton Ambassador Programs around the U.S. by the Petitioner of the Cause, Francis Cardinal George, and the Postulator of the Cause, Bishop Joseph N. Perry. Members of the Archdiocese’s Nation Black Catholic Congress XII team and committee members of the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver and the Sisters in the Spirit Inc. organizations will assist in the presentation sessions. Father Samuels said the Nation Black Catholic Congress of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops in their 2017 pastoral plan of action challenged every diocese of the U.S. to “teach the lives of the Black Catholic holy women and men who are being considered for sainthood.” The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops designated November as Black Catholic History Month on Jul. 24, 1990. Bishop Joseph L. Howze, then

VENERABLE AUGUSTUS TOLTON

SERVANT OF GOD THEA BOWMAN retired bishop of the Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, wrote, “The struggles of African American Catholics in the United States are recorded in historical documents. Despite the social conditions of segregation and discrimination, African American Catholics have held steadfast in the practice of their faith. As disciples of Jesus Christ, they have taken up their cross to follow Jesus. This is a mark of true discipleship.” “We are all called to learn the rich history of the African American Catholic experience here in the United States,” Father Samuels said. “The study of African American Catholic History is an integral part of the American religious tradition. From the early 15th century to the present day, African and African American Catholics have had continuous active participation in the Church. African American Catholic history is Catholic history.” Registration is required for a lunch count. To register, visit https://archgh.cventevents.com/ OntheRoadtoSainthood. †

BLACK CATHOLIC HISTORY MONTH

NOVEMBER 9, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

LOCAL

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ROUNDUP: ST. MARY’S SEMINARY HOUSTON — Seminarians and faculty from St. Mary’s Seminary attended a Mass in the Malankara Rite at St. Peter Malankara Catholic Church in Stafford on Oct. 31, at the invitation of St. Peter Pastor, Father Binny Philip. The Mass is celebrated in the Antiochian Liturgical tradition at St. Peter. That same weekend, the seminarians trekked to Dallas to take on Assumption Seminary for the annual

Archbishop’s Cup. Despite winning the basketball game, St. Mary’s Seminary left without the Archbishop’s Cup this year. A large group of seminarians and clergy also attended Games 1 and 2 of the World series. St. Mary’s is also hosting a Eucharistic Procession and Solemn Vespers at 5 p.m. on Christ the King Sunday, Nov. 21, at St. Mary’s Seminary, located at 9845 Memorial Dr. in Houston †

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 9, 2021

Ministry ensures prayer, priestly fraternity will ‘never run on empty’ in the local Church BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent HOUSTON — When it comes to supporting the ongoing spiritual, fraternal and pastoral development of priests, the Ministry to Priests ensures that prayer and priestly fraternity will “never run on empty” in the local Church of Galveston-Houston. “Priests are called and sent into the communities of faith to act in persona Christi, and do not minister solely by themselves nor from their own gifts and capacities, but within the Body of Christ,” said Father Phil “Skip” Negley, M.S., director of the Ministry to Priests of the Archdiocese.“Within this flock, according to Matthew Chapter 25, priests feed, nourish, give drink, clothe, forgive and sustain, as they, too, are fed, nourished and sustained. The Ministry to Priests is one of the many unseen columns of support and spiritual reinforcement that ensures prayer and priestly fraternity will never run on empty.” Father Negley said the Ministry to Priests provides resources for spiritual direction, sacramental reconciliation, priests support groups, the mentoring of new and recently ordained priests, the visitation of elderly and infirm priests, and the acculturation process for international missionary priests.

The 2021 Diocesan Services Fund theme draws from a hope: “Walk in the Light of Christ.” DSF operates in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston each year to help the Church carry out the ministries of teaching and sanctifying. DSF brings the needed financial resources to carry out 60-plus ministries.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MINISTRY TO PRIESTS

Ministry to Priests Office organizes an annual retreat for priests.

Ongoing support includes organizing days of prayer and annual retreats, consultation to the Priests Personnel Committee and the Ongoing Formation of Priests Committee, and inviting fraternity and hospitality to all priests serving in the Archdiocese. Father Martins Emeh, J.C.L., is a priest

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

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that has benefited from the Ministry to Priests and support from Father Negley since he first joined the Archdiocese as an extern priest five years ago. He attended an orientation program for new priests and first-time pastors when he first met Father Negley and was impressed because this ministry was not offered to priests in his previous diocese. “In the following months after the orientation, Father Skip would actively seek me out, eager to ensure that I felt welcomed in the Archdiocese and was settling in well,” said Father Emeh. “On about two or three occasions during that first year, I met with Father Skip over lunch to discuss some challenges relative to my priestly assignment at that time and to receive his counsel. He also has tried to help me build fraternity and support with other priests through the dinners and get-togethers he would organize from time to time.” Father Emeh said he has served as a mentor in the mentoring program for recently ordained priests, which has been very impactful, as well as the annual retreats he has attended. The Ministry to Priests is one of 60plus ministries supported by the Diocesan

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Services Fund (DSF). Father Negley is grateful for the support of the faithful in the Archdiocese through their generous giving to the DSF, which ensures that the good works and support provided to priests may continue. “The Archdiocese prepares, promises and provides a presbyterate in Christlike service to the people of southeast Texas who strive to serve Our Lord and his Church as holy, healthy and joyfilled priests,” said Father Negley. “The DSF enables these priests to be the ‘best of priests’ by their solidarity with one another and by the fraternal collaboration with the Ministry to Priests.” Father Emeh agrees that the DSF support enables this invaluable care and service to priests throughout the Archdiocese to continue, which is especially important when the needs of parishes increase and the number of priests available to serve decreases. “I certainly hope that the faithful in the Archdiocese will continue to support the DSF so that ministries, such as Ministry to Priests, may continue unhindered,” said Father Emeh. “This ministry is truly exceptional, considering the good it does. I could not have assimilated as quickly into the presbyterium of the Archdiocese if it were not for the truly exceptional work of Father Skip and the Ministry to Priests.” †

NOVEMBER 9, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

LOCAL

FOR THOSE WHO SERVE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HOUSTON PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

On Oct. 17, the Archdiocese thanked and prayed for all firefighters from departments and volunteers at the annual Archdiocesan Firefighters Mass sponsored by the St. Florian Society of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. It was held at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston. CoCathedral Rector, Father Jeff Bame, celebrated the Mass. At top, firefighters raise their ladders to place a U.S. flag near the Co-Cathedral. Above, a memorial bell is tolled in memory of the firefighters who were lost in the line of duty, while their names are read in the Co-Cathedral.

ASIAN MASS 2021

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASIAN MASS VOLUNTEERS

Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro celebrated the annual Asian Mass at Christ the Incarnate Word Catholic Church in west Houston on Oct. 31. After a year-long hiatus, the annual Mass returned to unite and celebrate Asian and Southeast Asian cultures found in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston’s diverse faithful Catholics. At top, Bishop Dell’Oro concelebrates Mass with several priests from the Archdiocese’s various ethnic ministries. Above, women in traditional Korean clothing prepare an afternoon snack service following the Mass.

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12 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 9, 2021

EDUCATION For The H: Catholic schools ‘orange out’ for Astros INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY

ST. AGNES

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE

Schools around the Archdiocese proudly wore their Astros colors, cheering on Houston’s baseball team as they battled the Atlanta Braves in the World Series.

ST. AMBROSE

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NOVEMBER 9, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

EDUCATION

TASKFORCE TOURS ICCS SCHOOLS AHEAD OF NAME CHANGE

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE

Inner City Catholic School (ICCS) Taskforce member, member of the St. Mary of the Purification school board and Houston entrepreneur Alan Bergeron and Principal of Assumption Catholic school John Bates tour the computer lab at St Christopher Catholic School. The Taskforce is touring all eight campuses to assess the needs and strengths of each campus. The ICCS will be changing its group name this fall. Parents recently voted on the new name.

IN BRIEF

Regis appoints fourth head of school HOUSTON — The Regis School board of directors has appointed Steven R. Turner Jr. to serve as Regis’ fourth head of school beginning July 2022, succeeding Dennis Phillips after eight years of leadership. Turner currently serves as the associate head of school at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta. He is a veteran educator with experience working at five schools in three states. He attended Regis High School in New York, graduated summa cum laude from Duke University, and obtained a master’s degree in Latin from the University of Georgia. He also holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Seton Hall. He taught at the Dalton School in New York for three years. His first role as an administrator was at the Convent of the STEVEN Sacred Heart - 91st Street in New York City, where he first became TURNER JR. acquainted with the Sacred Heart Network. He then served as the associate head of school for Notre Dame de Sion School in Kansas City, Missouri, for three years before moving to Atlanta for his current position. During his visit to Regis in October, Turner loved what he saw at the school and garnered the support of the Regis community through various meetings and an all-community town hall. The Regis board of directors said they were confident he is well suited for the position. †

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CRISTO REY JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School students meet with Paul Posoli, former president of the Houston school community.

Cristo Rey Jesuit’s gala raises record $2.7 million for scholarship fund

HOUSTON — At its “Viva Together” gala at the Hilton Americas-Houston in downtown Houston, Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School raised a record-breaking $2.7 million to benefit the school student scholarship fund. Many school supporters, like Joy and Paul Posoli, who were given the Father T.J. Martinez Legacy Award, joined Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza for the event, the first since its last gala in 2019. The school enrolls 500 students from low-income families in Houston using a unique corporate work-study program that places students in Houston area businesses and nonprofits, where they earn up to 50% of their tuition, while taking challenging coursework. At least 800 alumni have graduated from the school, which marked its 10th anniversary in 2018. To learn more about Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School, visit www.cristoreyjesuit.org. †

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14 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 9, 2021

COLUMNISTS Attitude of gratitude in the middle of a pandemic As I sit here thinking about the coming Thanksgiving holiday, it comes to mind that this is the third Thanksgiving since our introduction to COVID-19. At a time we set aside to give thanks, this year, gratitude might be a virtue that will take more work than usual. Thoughts of those affected by this pandemic, concerns over masks, vaccines and trying to determine whether to have a family gathering can interfere with feelings of gratitude.Yet, our gratefulness is very much needed, especially during this time of COVID-19. Why is gratitude important? Scientists have known for years that it changes the brain. Research has found that gratitude can change one’s well-being, increase resilience, reduce stress, improve our immune system, lower our blood pressure and strengthen our relationships. As Christians, we have a double benefit from gratitude. Not only does it benefit our health and make us happier, but gratitude strengthens our relationship with God. What is gratitude? The secular

understanding of gratitude involves acknowledgment that something meaningful has been done for us. From a Christian perspective, gratitude involves noticing God’s by goodness in the world. It DEBORAH does not mean one must look through rose color JONES glasses by being oblivious to the evil in the work or ignoring the tough messes we experience from time to time. It is choosing to look at the good despite the bad times. Christians believe that gratitude is a special gift God has given us. However, health experts have discovered that expressing gratitude is beneficial to us even if God is not involved. Scientifically, when the brain feels gratitude, it activates the ventral and dorsal medial prefrontal cortex of the brain. These areas of the brain involve the reward

†

feelings. But for us Christians, expressing gratitude is much more than that. It involves entering a deeper relationship with our creator. St. Paul tells us in Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God created us to be grateful and joyous. It is programmed in our brains to be so. Is it easy to find gratitude amid hard times? I would venture to say “no.” Many of us struggle with gratitude. The past years of the pandemic have been a huge struggle. There has been so much confusion, so many illnesses and death. This is where having a faith life comes in handy. We know that God is with us. We believe when Jesus said He would send his paraclete, He meant it. The strength of his Holy Spirit helps us to develop our grateful attitude. The good news is that we are all capable of developing an attitude of gratitude, but it takes practice. Taking the time to recognize what God has done and expressing our gratitude is important for our physical, mental, and

“As Christians, we have a double benefit from gratitude. Not only does it benefit our health and make us happier, but it strengthens our relationship with God.” spiritual health. So, as you experience our third pandemic Thanksgiving, exercise your gratitude. Thank our loving creator for all that is good in your life. † Deborah Jones is an associate director with the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

The nudge to evangelize on a college campus Several weeks ago, I received a nudge from Jesus that I didn’t know I needed. That nudge came in the form of the Evangelization Training Conference (ETC) retreat offered to Houston-area Catholic college students from Sept. 10 to 12. The retreat, sponsored by the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry, was a chance to gather with other Catholic student leaders from other local universities. As a small group leader at the University of Houston Newman Center, I try to walk with my group so we can all find Christ together. Of course, we find Him in the Sacraments and our community, but sometimes it is difficult to find Jesus outside the Catholic Center walls, especially at a secular university. It’s easy to compartmentalize faith life to only our friends at the Newman. However, we are called to so much more than that. Jesus calls all of us to bring others back to Him through evangelization and friendship. The ETC was an intensive crash course on how to do just that. We talked about what it means to evangelize and the importance of evangelizing on campus. The term “evangelization” roughly means “good-news-ization.” If this good news has blessed and changed my entire life for the better, I should share it!

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF YOUNG ADULT AND CAMPUS MINISTRY

The Evangelization Training Conference retreat is offered to Houston-area Catholic college students to gather with other Catholic student leaders from other local universities.

Fantastic speakers came and told us personal experiences of friendships that shaped their lives. We learned techniques to draw people into the richness of our faith, and we practiced telling our story of how God has transformed our lives. We talked about specific saints and their tips about

becoming effective disciples, and we even discussed different approaches to take with people depending on where they are in their walk with God. I had two favorite aspects of the retreat. First, the community filled with Christ-centered friendships helped

encourage me to realize that I am not alone in my walk toward heaven. We laughed, joked and shared deeply. It’s so wonderful to have friends you know you can count on. But more importantly, we had time for prayer, which was incredibly fruitful. The entire retreat helped cultivate the energy and love we all have for Jesus, and it showed us how we can use that to bring more souls to Jesus. The nudge from Jesus that I saw in prayer was about comfort. I think I was too comfortable with being comfortable. Staying quiet and not talking about my faith and my relationship with God (in classes, with classmates, and even with my small group) is always going to be easier, but I need to learn to be okay with being uncomfortable. Evangelizing can be uncomfortable and scary, but this retreat helped me see that it is more attainable and doable than I thought. The retreat helped renew and strengthen my conviction for sharing my faith, and it highlighted the desperate need the world has for disciples. † Clau Ibañez is a junior at the University of Houston who is majoring in public relations. She has been involved with the Catholic Newman Center on Campus for three years.

SUNDAY MASS READINGS NOVEMBER 14 First Reading: Dan 12:1-3 NOVEMBER 21 First Reading: Dan 7:13-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 16:5, 8-11

Second Reading: Heb 10:11-14,18

Gospel: Mk 13:24-32

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 93:1-2,5

Second Reading: Rev 1:5-8

Gospel: Jn 18:33-37

NOVEMBER 9, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

WORLD

Pope urges leaders at COP26 to be courageous in tackling climate change VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Education, a change in lifestyles and a model of development focused “on fraternity and on the covenant between human beings and the natural environment” are urgently needed to slow climate change and care for its victims, Pope Francis said in a message to world leaders at the COP26 summit. Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Vatican secretary of state and head of the Holy See delegation to the U.N. climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, read portions of the pope’s message to the assembly on Nov. 2. The cardinal was one of more than 50 speakers, most of whom were heads of state or government leaders, delivering three-minute “national statements” during the high-level segment of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The high-level segment will resume Nov. 9-10, and negotiations will close Nov. 12. The Vatican released the full text of the pope’s message, which was submitted as part of the official record of the summit. Like other leaders who spoke of the concrete commitments their governments were making, Pope Francis briefly explained the action the Vatican had adopted; the first is to achieve netzero carbon emissions by 2050. But the Holy See, with its influence over parishes, schools and universities around the globe, also is committed, he said, to promoting “education in integral ecology,” meaning a focus on both the needs of the earth and on the needs of the people who inhabit it. “These commitments have given rise to thousands of initiatives worldwide,” the pope wrote.

CNS PHOTO

Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, is pictured with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during arrivals at the U.N. Climate Change Conference, COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland, Nov. 1.

The “vital task” of the Glasgow meeting, he said, is to show the world that “there really exists a political will to devote — with honesty, responsibility and courage — greater human, financial and technological resources to mitigating the negative effects of climate change and assisting the poorer and more vulnerable nations most affected by it.” The wealthier nations must lead the way, he said, not just because they have the resources but also because they owe an “ecological debt” to the poorer countries whose resources they have long exploited.

IN BRIEF Pope blesses bells that peal proclamation of sacredness of life

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With the sign of the cross and a tug of a rope, Pope Francis blessed bells for parishes in Ukraine and Ecuador, praying that their peals would proclaim the sacredness of all human life. The one-ton bells, engraved with pro-life messages, were commissioned by the Polish group, “Yes to life,” which is slowly distributing them to parishes beyond the Polish borders. After he blessed the bells on Oct. 27, Pope Francis spoke about them at his weekly general audience, saying he hoped they would be “a sign of commitment to the defense of human life from conception until natural death. May their sound proclaim to the world the ‘Gospel of Life,’ awaken human consciences and recall the unborn,” he said. “I entrust to your prayers every conceived child, whose life is sacred and inviolable.” †

Faith cannot be reduced to suffocating ‘bureaucracy,’ pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The beauty of faith comes from opening one’s heart to love and not fixating on following rules and regulations, Pope Francis said. Similarly, the desire to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit, especially in the Sacraments, “cannot be suffocated by a bureaucracy that prevents access to the grace of the Spirit, the initiator of conversion of heart,” the pope said Oct. 27 during his weekly general audience. “How many times we ourselves, priests or bishops, create so much bureaucracy to give a Sacrament, to welcome people, that people say: ‘No, I do not like this,’ and they leave, and often they do not see in us the power of the Spirit who regenerates, who makes us new,” he said. Pope Francis continued his series of talks on St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, focusing on the fruits of the Spirit which the apostle said were “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” †

“The wounds inflicted on our human family by the COVID-19 pandemic and the phenomenon of climate change are comparable to those resulting from a global conflict,” Pope Francis said. “Today, as in the aftermath of the Second World War, the international community as a whole needs to set as a priority the implementation of collegial, solidary and

farsighted actions.” The pope assured the world leaders that the majority of their people, no matter their religious belief, see protecting the environment as a moral and spiritual issue that must be faced. At a meeting at the Vatican in early October, he said, “we listened to the voices of representatives of many faiths and spiritual traditions, many cultures and scientific fields.” They were “very different voices, with very different sensitivities,” the pope wrote. But, he wrote, there was “a remarkable convergence on the urgent need for a change of direction, a decisive resolve to pass from the ‘throwaway culture’ prevalent in our societies to a ‘culture of care’ for our common home and its inhabitants, now and in the future.” “Humanity possesses the wherewithal to effect this change,” Pope Francis insisted. Special attention must be paid to the impact climate-change mitigation efforts will have on the labor market and on the world’s poorest people, he said. “Sadly, we must acknowledge how far we remain from achieving the goals set for tackling climate change,” he said. “We need to be honest: This cannot continue!” “Now is the time to act urgently, courageously and responsibly,” he told the leaders. “The young, who in recent years have strongly urged us to act, will only inherit the planet we choose to leave to them, based on the concrete choices we make today.” †

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.

sanjoseclinic.org or 713-228-9411

16 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 9, 2021

NATION & STATE

Benedictine abbey in rural Missouri draws growing number of young women

CNS PHOTO

Mother Cecilia, center, prioress of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles in Gower, Mo., and her sisters listen to the playback of her recording session for “Christ the King at Ephesus,” inside the monastery Sept. 23. This is the nuns’ first album in three years.

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GOWER, Missouri (CNS) — Breaking the silence, the sisters breathed deeply. Then with ever so much control, they started singing in perfect unison. Without a word being spoken, the sisters intuitively knew what Mother Cecilia, their prioress, was calling forth from them. Sweet harmonies filled the church as these Benedictine nuns recorded their latest album. The hand-painted arches of their church resonated with the sound so beautifully that it fell gently on a listener’s ears. These are not just any singing nuns. These nuns are recording artists. These are chart-topping nuns, and it’s been more than three years since their last album. The new CD, which is their 10th, was released on Oct. 26. They have had four albums that topped the charts so far, said Sister Scholastica — “Advent,” “Angels and Saints,” “Lent” and “Easter.” We were also the first nuns to win Billboard’s Classical Artist of the Year Award in 2013.” Every sister at the Abbey of Our Lady of Ephesus learns to sing. It is an integral part of life for the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, a cloistered order of nuns living by the ancient Rule of St. Benedict in Gower in rural Missouri. The lifestyle here may date from medieval times, but young women are flocking to this monastery. Candidates seeking a life of union with God, in prayer, are between 17 and 30 and they come from all over America. Foreign candidates have been unable to obtain their visas. They leave behind a world driven by pop culture and enter a world guided by the wisdom of St. Benedict. It also is a humble life. These young girls spend time in a lovely orchard — filled with fruits and nuts. They milk cows by hand, gather eggs, make cheese and pull potatoes from the dirt. Selfsustainability is an ideal passed down from St. Benedict. They believe farm work keeps you dependent on God and that such work is conducive to simple prayer. Sister Scholastica added that as

the grounds they work become more cultivated and civilized, they are literally working out their salvation. “We hope the ground of our own soul also becomes more cultivated and something beautiful for God.” The chanting and the musical life inside the monastery are a large draw.The monastery has grown so fast that they’ve had to split up and expand. “When the family grows large enough that we begin to lose sense of the family, it is time for some “repotting,” transferring portions to new soil, Sister Scholastica explained. So, some of the sisters have moved and have established another community in Ava, Missouri, where they have purchased 350 acres. Catholic families wanting to live near the monastery have already purchased property from the sisters. Next spring, the Benedictines of Mary plan to break ground on a new large monastery and a church. Eleven young women are new to the Gower abbey, hailing from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Texas, Idaho, New Jersey, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina, Kansas and Missouri. Two of the young women already have blood sisters at the abbey, which will bring them up to six sets of sister-sisters. The three who are entering at Ava are from Vermont, Kentucky and Minnesota. They will bring their numbers up to 60 total in both houses. A few “pre-postulants” have been visiting recently and are now studying their life more closely with the possibility of staying. If, after further observation, the community decides they are a good fit, they become postulants, take on the black dress and short veil, and then they address them as “Sister.” “We draw our strength from being set apart from the world with God and the sisterly support of one another,” said Sister Scholastica, “the music seems to be a perfect means to reach out to the world that we are always holding up in prayer. There is no compromise of our life, but we can share what we have, and we are happy to do so.” †

NOVEMBER 9, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

NATION & STATE

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New federation focuses on Hispanic family ministry issues WASHINGTON (CNS) — A new CNS, Bishop Rodriguez said he’d noted federation to focus on issues surrounding the deficiencies in Hispanic family Hispanic family ministry has been formed ministry over the years in his own by the National Association of Catholic ordained ministry. Family Life Ministers (NACFLM). “One of them is the transmission of our Called the Federation for Hispanic faith, no? I see that we have a very strong Family Ministry, it won’t be spun off Catholic faith, that’s true, but that’s not from the parent organization. happening in the following Rather, it will stay as part of generations,” he said. “They the association that founded it. don’t share our strong faith.” “The association provides He gave a case in point: this wealth of resources” that “For us Hispanics, Our Lady those in Hispanic ministry can of Guadalupe, the mother of access, said Mike Day, family our Lord, is an important part life director for the Diocese of of our life. When you see the St. Augustine, Florida, in an young guys ... they don’t feel Oct. 27 phone interview with the same way. They love Mary,” Catholic News Service (CNS). Bishop Rodriguez said, “but it’s Day was NACFLM president not integrated” with the faith. when the idea for a Hispanic “Most people are supposed MIKE offshoot was developed. to be serving Hispanics because DAY “It’s been quite a while” they’re all over the country,” since he first felt the lack Samour said. “What is there to of an outreach to Hispanic families in help single mothers? Is there something the United States, said Jake Samour, to help those who are divorced? Marriage marriage and family life director for the prep? Family history?” he asked. Diocese of Wichita, Kansas, and the first “There’s some stuff out there. You president of the new federation. know what happens. People come here, “I think it was obviously the V and they bring the (religious) movements Encuentro process” that got the ball they had back in Latin America. That rolling to create a structure that catered feels like home,” he told CNS. “But not to Hispanics, he told CNS in a separate every single Hispanic in this country was Oct. 27 phone interview. born in Latin America. They were born Talking to people at the Encuentro here” in the U.S., so those movements’ and elsewhere, Samour said, the big efficacy is limited for them. questions that emerged were, “What is The new federation, which will the reality? What is the see-judge-act? have representation in every aspect One thing that kept coming to me when it of NACFLM, is “not just for Spanish comes to family ministry to Hispanics is speakers,” Day said. “The association we’re not very organized.” provides this wealth of resources. It’s “There was no big plan to address meant to be a resource for everyone, not the needs of Hispanic families from a just the Spanish-speaking population.” national perspective. That’s when I came As episcopal liaison, it will be Bishop to Mike,” Samour said. “He was prudent Rodriguez’s job to notify his fellow in saying let’s form a committee, let’s ask bishops about the new federation. He sees other people who not part of NACFLM, much potential in the new organization. on how to go about this.” “What if we get all the Hispanics, “Demographically, the Hispanic talking about the Hispanic work, family population in the Catholic Church is life ministries all around, get more technically not a minority,” Day said, integrated into family life ministry in “though we treat it that way.” this generation with the Anglos, so we NACFLM asked Auxiliary Bishop don’t have a silo,” Bishop Rodriguez Jorge Rodriguez of Denver to be its said. “There are different Hispanic episcopal liaison. With that role came a family life ministries. There is a great second one as the episcopal liaison for potential for networking, sharing the Hispanic federation. resources, getting to know each other, In an Oct. 28 phone interview with sharing experiences.” †

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IN BRIEF Death-row spiritual advisers weigh in on Supreme Court case from Texas

WASHINGTON (CNS) — A case before the Supreme Court Nov. 9 argues that death-row chaplains should have the final word. Specifically, they should be able to pray aloud with inmates and place their hands on them in prayer during executions, which is what John Ramirez, a Texas death-row inmate, is seeking. Ramirez, 37, was sentenced to death for the murder of a convenience store clerk in 2004. Just hours before his scheduled execution in early September of this year, the Supreme Court stopped it and agreed to hear his case. He had asked that his Southern Baptist pastor be able to lay hands on him and pray aloud with him during his execution. When the Texas prison system rejected this, Ramirez challenged it in court, saying the state was violating his religious beliefs. The lower courts sided with the state, saying the prison system has a compelling interest to keep executions safe and orderly. But the Supreme Court is willing to take a closer look. It sounds somewhat familiar because the nation’s high court has looked at spiritual advisers accompanying inmates during executions four times in recent years with differing opinions. In February 2019, the court permitted Alabama to execute a Muslim man, Domineque Ray, after the state refused to allow Ray to have an imam at his side in the execution chamber, even though the state at that time allowed a Christian chaplain in the chamber. In its brief order, the court said Ray had sought relief only 10 days before his scheduled execution. In March 2019, the Supreme Court prohibited Texas from executing a Buddhist prisoner, Patrick Murphy, unless he was allowed to have a Buddhist priest at his side. In an opinion agreeing with this decision, Justice Brett Kavanaugh pointed out that the state’s policy allowed Muslim and Christian inmates to have spiritual advisers with them in the execution chamber, but inmates of other faiths could not have their faith leaders with them. He said if the state wished to limit access to the execution chamber, it should exclude all spiritual advisers. And after that order, Texas did just that: It adopted a new policy banning all spiritual advisers from the execution chamber. †

Catholic leaders speak up against Oklahoma’s first execution since 2015

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Catholic leaders spoke out against the execution of John Grant Oct. 28 in Oklahoma — the first execution carried out by the state in six years. A reporter’s account of the execution said Grant’s body repeatedly convulsed, and he vomited multiple times before he was declared unconscious at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. “Oklahoma’s lethal-injection protocol causes immense suffering. This will not be covered up,” tweeted Sister Helen Prejean, a longtime opponent of the death penalty. “There is no humane way to kill a conscious, imaginative human being. We need to end the death penalty.” Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, executive director of Catholic Mobilizing Network, said, “The excessive pain and suffering experienced by John Grant during his execution last night warrants an immediate halt to the six pending execution dates in Oklahoma.” Grant was sentenced to death in 2000 for killing a prison cafeteria worker in 1998 with a homemade knife while he was serving a prison sentence for several armed robberies, according to The Associated Press. †

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 9, 2021

MUNDO CATÓLICO

Papa: Jesús quiere discípulos que sirvan, no que dominen a otros CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — Jesús mostró que la grandeza se encuentra en servir a los demás, dijo el papa Francisco. Jesús se opone “a esta lógica mundana, Jesús contrapone la suya: en vez de elevarse por encima de los demás, bajar del pedestal para servirlos; en vez de emerger sobre los otros, sumergirse en la vida de los otros “, dijo. Con tantas personas necesitadas, especialmente después de la pandemia, hay que “mirar y abajarse en el servicio, y no tratar de trepar para la propia gloria”, dijo el papa, hablando a las personas reunidas en la Plaza de San Pedro para su discurso del Ángelus el 17 de octubre. El papa dijo que la lectura del Evangelio del día muestra a Jesús enseñando a sus discípulos que “la verdadera gloria no se obtiene elevándose sobre los otros, sino viviendo el mismo bautismo que Él recibirá, dentro de poco tiempo, en Jerusalén, es decir, la cruz”. El bautismo significa inmersión, dijo el papa, y Jesús, a través de su pasión, “se sumergió en la muerte, ofreciendo su vida para salvarnos”. “Por tanto, su gloria, la gloria de Dios, es amor que se hace servicio, no poder

FOTO DE CNS

El papa Francisco saluda a la multitud mientras reza el Ángelus desde la ventana de su estudio con vista a la Plaza de San Pedro en el Vaticano el 17 de octubre.

que aspira a la dominación”, dijo. La gente siempre está tentada a usar todo, incluidas las relaciones, para “alimentar nuestra ambición, para subir

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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.

los peldaños del éxito, para alcanzar puestos importantes”, dijo. “La búsqueda del prestigio personal se puede convertir en una enfermedad del espíritu, incluso disfrazándose detrás de buenas intenciones”, dijo. Por tanto, las

personas siempre deben cuestionar sus verdaderas intenciones y preguntarse: “¿ Por qué llevo adelante este trabajo, esta responsabilidad? ¿Para ofrecer un servicio o para hacerme notar, ser alabado y recibir cumplidos?”. En cambio, Jesús pide “sumergirse en la vida de los otros”, con compasión en la vida de otras personas, dijo el papa. Por ejemplo, “¿Pensamos con compasión en el hambre de tanta gente? Cuando estamos delante de la comida, que es una gracia de Dios y que nosotros podemos comer, hay mucha gente que trabaja y no logra tener la comida suficiente para todo el mes. ¿Pensamos en esto? Sumergirse con compasión, tener compasión” por la gente detrás de las estadísticas, dijo. Dios “no se ha quedado allí arriba en los cielos, a mirarnos de arriba a abajo, sino que se ha abajado a lavarnos los pies”, dijo el papa. “Dios es amor y el amor es humilde, no se eleva, sino que desciende, como la lluvia que cae sobre la tierra y trae vida”. Dijo que servir como Cristo requiere dedicación y la fuerza del bautismo, “esa inmersión en Jesús que todos nosotros hemos recibido por gracia y que nos dirige, nos impulsa a seguirlo, a no buscar nuestro interés sino a ponernos al servicio”. †

EN BREVE Entrenamiento para facilitadores del Sínodo

HOUSTON — El público está invitado a involúcrarse en el Entrenamiento para Facilitadores para conducir Sesiones de Escucha para la parroquia o comunidad. El entrenamiento es el sabado 13 de Noviembre en la Parroquia de St. John Neumann. localizada en 2730 Nelwood Dr. en Houston. Bienvenida y hospitalidad es a la 1 p.m., y el entrenamiento empieza a 1:30 p.m. En esta sesión presencial de tres horas, se cubrirá los principios de sinodalidad, experimentarán el proceso de primera mano y revisarán las necesidades prácticas para facilitar sesiones de escucha. Al completár el entrenamiento, el participante tendrá un certificado y una guia del facilitador. El evento no tiene costo, pero se requiere registración. Para registrarse, visite http:// bit.ly/EntrenamientoSinodoGH. †

Aplicación ayuda a fieles rezar por el sínodo y con el papa

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — El cardenal Mario Grech, secretario general del Sínodo de los Obispos, dijo que en el proceso de crear una Iglesia más sinodal, en la que todos los miembros contribuyen y todos se escuchen, “estamos tocando algo divino, y la oración es esencial”. La oficina del sínodo, la Red Mundial de Oración del Papa y la Unión Internacional de Superioras Generales (UISG) se han unido, no solo para alentar las oraciones, sino para recopilarlas, compartirlas y construir una comunidad global de personas que oran por el sínodo. Sus esfuerzos se basan en dos plataformas principales: una versión actualizada de Click to Pray, una aplicación y un sitio web administrado por la red de oración, y www. prayforthesynod.va. Ambos fueron presentados el 19 de octubre en una conferencia de prensa en el Vaticano. Los superiores generales están solicitando oraciones para el sínodo y su proceso de preparación a miembros de monasterios de mujeres y hombres y comunidades contemplativas. A partir del 1 de noviembre, cualquiera puede enviar una oración, dijo Patrizia Morgante, oficial de comunicaciones de la UISG. Las oraciones se publicarán en la aplicación Click to Pray 2.0 y se pueden agregar a los sitios web de órdenes religiosas, parroquias o diócesis con un canal RSS. Además de las oraciones para el sínodo, especialmente durante la fase preparatoria que comenzó a principios de octubre, la aplicación Click to Pray actualizada ha agregado funciones, incluidas notificaciones para que las personas puedan configurarlas para recordarles que deben orar a la hora que elijan cada mañana, mediodía y noche. †

NOVEMBER 9, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

WITHIN THE ARTS Songs for Others: In Memoria returns 12th annual concert to be held at the Co-Cathedral Nov. 21 BY REBECCA TORRELLAS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — On Sunday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m., the Archdiocesan Choir, under the direction of Dr. Richard Lopez of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston’s Office of Worship, is returning after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 to the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for their 12th annual In Memoria concert. The Office of Worship of the Archdiocese invites the public to attend“A Concert of Hope and Consolation,” which will feature the entire 60-voice choir, chamber orchestra, organ and soloists in a special performance of “Requiem for the Living” by American composer Dan Forrest. There are no COVID-19 protocols required to attend the concert. Lopez said the decision to proceed with the concert “live” was difficult. “Last summer in June or so, the question came as we approached the fiscal year-end, and budget discussions were taking place. At that time, this pandemic, infections, etc., were slowing down, and it seemed things were finally returning to some normalcy. So, the decision then was to plan on it for November,” he said. However, as summer approached, due to the new COVID-19 strains resurfacing, he had to re-evaluate. “What encouraged me to continue with the concert was the clear re-opening of the performing arts in Houston and around the country this fall,” he said. “It was time to get back, or at least attempt to get back to the joy of the most unique and engaging art form of music: singing! We needed to do it. People need to hear it and experience it again.” Forrest describes his five-movement work as: “a narrative just as much for the living, and their own struggle with pain and sorrow, as for the dead.” The opening movement sets the traditional Introit and Kyrie texts — pleas for rest and mercy — on a simple threenote descending motive. Instead of the traditional Dies Irae, the second movement

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The 12th annual “In Memoria” concerts will honor and remember all those who died in the last two years.

sets Scriptural “Ecclesiastes” texts that speak of the turmoil and sorrow that humanity faces while invoking musical and textual allusions to the traditional Dies Irae. This movement juxtaposes aggressive rhythmic gestures with long, floating melodic lines, including quotes of the Kyrie from the first movement. The Agnus Dei is next (a departure from the usual liturgical order) as a plea for deliverance and peace; the Sanctus, following it, becomes a response to this redemption. The Sanctus offers three different glimpses of the “heavens and earth, full of Thy glory,” all of which develop the same musical motive: an ethereal opening section inspired by images of space from the Hubble Space Telescope, a stirring middle section inspired by images of our planet as viewed from the International

Space Station, and a closing section which brings the listener down to Earth. The Lux Aeterna, which then closes the work, portrays light, peace and rest — for both the deceased and the living. Lopez said he heard this piece not long after its premiere in 2015 and immediately loved many aspects of the composer’s compositional style. “I remember a music review that compared his style of composition as ‘Cinematic’ comparing him to the great movie score composers like Ennio Morricone, Hans Zimmer and John Williams,” he said. “In addition, I liked the idea that he, a non-Catholic, uses the ‘Requiem Mass,’ our Latin’ Mass for the Dead,’ as the foundation of the text.” Lopez said that, most importantly, he needed to do this piece for the overall

tone it reflects. “It starts with a sense of consolation, reflection (for those souls we have lost),” he said. “But very soon, you feel a sense of Hope. Hope that there is ‘Light,’ as the composer in the final movement ‘Lux Aeterna’ so brilliantly expresses.” Lopez said that when he heard the piece, he knew he would share it someday. “This is the day. For me, for us, today, we need to hear and feel as much Hope as possible. This piece is 40 minutes of Hope!” he said. The Office of Worship is grateful for the generous financial support of the Scanlan Foundation and its president, Larry Massey Jr., and for making this performance possible. Visit www.archgh.org/inmemoria for tickets and sponsorship information. †

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

A-II – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS • Mass (PG-13) • Resurrection (PG-13) • The Addams Family 2 (PG)

A-III – ADULTS • Cinderella (PG)

• Cry Macho (PG-13) • Dark Waters (PG-13) • Dear Evan Hansen (PG-13) • Dune (PG-13) • Eternals (PG-13) • No Time to Die (PG-13) • The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (R) • Venom: Let There Be Carnage (PG-13)

L – LIMITED ADULT AUDIENCE • • • •

Antlers (R) Copshop (R) Last Night in Soho (R) The Last Duel (R)

O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE • Halloween Kills (R) • Malignant (R) • The Many Saints of Newark (R)

20 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 9, 2021

► VIEW MORE LISTINGS ONLINE AT WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA

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.

NOVEMBER 13

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, 8 a.m., New Waverly City Hall (200 Gibbs St., City Hall). The Polish American Council of Texas celebrates their 10th anniversary at the 152-year-old Polish, St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Waverly. Procession from City Hall to St. Joseph (101 Elmore St.) for Mass at 11 a.m, followed by barbecue and Polish entertainment. BLACK CATHOLIC HISTORY MONTH, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Mary of the Purification Parish, (3006

Rosedale Ave., Houston). Vicar for Catholics of African Descent presents “Black Catholic History Month - On The Road To Sainthood.” Free. Registration required for a lunch count. Register: https://archgh.cventevents.com/ OntheRoadtoSainthood.

NOVEMBER 17

LADIES BUNCO, 9:30 a.m. to Noon, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (816 Park Dr., La Porte). Sponsored by Bay Area Deanery of Catholic Women. $5 per person. Prizes, raffles and snacks. RSVP by Nov. 15: terrykelley91@hotmail.com or 281-827-4232.

NOVEMBER 20

BLACK CATHOLIC HISTORY MONTH, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., St.

Francis Xavier Parish (4600 Reed Rd., Houston). Vicar for Catholics of African Descent presents “Black Catholic History Month - On The Road To Sainthood.” Free. Registration required for a lunch count. Register: https://archgh. cventevents.com/OntheRoadtoSainthood.

DECEMBER 2

CONCERT, 7 p.m., Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church (26777 Glenloch Dr., The Woodlands). Catholic singer-songwriter David Kauffman hosts Advent concert benefits Moving Waters, an organization providing mobile showers to people experiencing homelessness. Free. Sponsorships: liz@movingwaters-houston. org. More info: 832-475-9597, movingwatershouston.org; www.goodforthesoulmusic.com.

DECEMBER 3-4

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BAZAAR, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mary Queen Catholic Church (606 Cedarwood Dr., Friendswood). 51st Annual Christmas Bazaar & Tea Room Luncheon Bazaar; Luncheon 11

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a.m. to 2 p.m. Over 50 vendors with a variety of handmade crafts/gifts: jewelry, pottery, salsa, holiday snacks, quilts, woodwork and more Free. More info: 281-482-1391.

DECEMBER 11

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE FESTIVAL, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., St. Francis de Sales Church (8200 Roos Rd., Houston). 8:30 a.m. Procession with mariachis, 9 a.m. Mañanitas, 10 a.m. Mass, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. festival with kids games, train ride, music, food and a visit from Santa. Raffle drawing at 4:30 p.m. More info: sfds-houston.org, 713-774-7475.

DECEMBER 12-16

PARISH MISSION, 6:30 pm-7:45 p.m., St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, (816 Park Dr., La Porte) for five nights with Father Peter Schavitz, C.Ss.R., Redemptorist Missionary priest from St. Louis. Theme: Reigniting Our Faith. Refreshments to follow. Babysitting and transportation provided. More Info: 281-4712000.

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