Texas Catholic Herald - Nov. 14, 2023

NOVEMBER 14, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

A FAITHFUL PODCAST

New ‘Around the Archdiocese’ podcast highlights stories of evangelization, faith ▪ SEE PAGE 4

NOVEMBER 14, 2023

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SERVING OUR PRIESTS

Enhancing clergy retirement by caring for physical, emotional and spiritual needs ▪ SEE PAGES 2 & 9

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

VOL. 60, NO. 10

SCHOOLS

‘ENCOUNTERING CHRIST IN HARMONY’

Education leads to ‘remarkable transformations’ The Cardinal’s Circle provides opportunities for academic success despite financial challenges

BY REBECCA TORRELLAS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — The mission of The Cardinal’s Circle is to help the CROSS Academies maintain a standard of academic excellence in curriculum and staff and provide tuition assistance required by a large portion of their student population.

Through an annual contribution of $5,000, members invest in the lives of students at the CROSS Academies, which provide opportunities for urban children and their families faced with incredible financial challenges to attain a Catholic See CIRCLE, page 6 PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, celebrates the annual Asian Mass at Christ the Incarnate Word Catholic Church in Houston on Oct. 29. The annual Mass unites Galveston-Houston’s seven major Asian cultures — Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Korean and Vietnamese — for a day of prayer and fellowship. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 3.

Synod encourages pastoral care while upholding Church teachings VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A voting members — 365 counting report summarizing discussions Pope Francis — met in working at the assembly of the Synod of sessions six days a week from Bishops said the Church may Oct. 4 to 28 after a three-day need more welcoming retreat outside of pastoral approaches, Rome. They were SYNOD especially to people scheduled to join who feel excluded, but the pope on Oct. 29 OF also acknowledged for the assembly’s fears of betraying closing Mass.

BISHOPS traditional Church After the voting teachings and on the synthesis practices. concluded, the pope Among the topics said he wanted to addressed in the remind everyone that report were clerical sexual “the protagonist of the synod abuse, women’s roles in the is the Holy Spirit.” He briefly Church, outreach to the poor and thanked the synod officers and the concept of “synodality” itself.

See SYNOD, page 8 The assembly, with 364

THE FIRST WORD † 3

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CNS PHOTO

Pope Francis prays with participants in the assembly of the Synod of Bishops before making a rare speech to the gathering on Oct. 25 in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican.

COLUMNISTS † 12 - 13

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ESPAÑOL † 16

MINISTRY

Exploring faith through authentic conversations in new ‘Around the Archdiocese’ podcast

BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent HOUSTON — In the ever-evolving world of technology and media, the Office of Communications of the Archdiocese is pioneering a new way to engage with its community — the “Around the Archdiocese” podcast. Launched in early October, this popular platform seeks to foster authentic conversations about the Catholic faith, the local Church and its profound impact on people’s lives.

“The podcast is designed to share information, stories and insights about our Catholic faith here in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston,” said Sean O’Driscoll, senior communications manager and the host and producer of the podcast. “It is an opportunity to See PODCAST, page 4

| AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE † 18

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 14, 2023

CARDINAL DINARDO CELEBRATES MASS, MEETS WITH RETIRED PRIESTS

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/ HERALD

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, at right, greets Monsignor Michael Jamail, at left, and Father Francis Conroy, at center, after celebrating Mass with several retired diocesan priests at the Warren Chapel of St. Dominic Village. Several retired priests joined Cardinal DiNardo to concelebrate the Mass.

During his annual fall gathering with retired priests, Cardinal DiNardo met with the priests and shared with them his thoughts on the ministry of priests.

Pope encourages children to speak up, work for peace VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a celebration of life, peace, joy and harmony, thousands of children representing young people on every continent greeted Pope Francis during an afternoon event in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall.

Children from different parts of the world, such as the Amazon and favelas of Brazil, sang on stage, and Italian pop star Mr. Rain performed his hit single, “Super Heroes.”

The event on Nov. 6 was sponsored by the Dicastery for Culture and Education and was attended by over 6,000 children from different parts of Italy and other parts of the world.

Dedicated to the importance of peace, fraternity and respect for others and creation, the event was titled “Let Us Learn from Boys and Girls” to focus attention on children’s simple and sincere desires for peace and harmony in the world.

“There is much to learn from you,” the pope said. “I am always happy when I meet you because you teach me something new every time. For example, you remind me how beautiful life is in its simplicity and how beautiful it is to be together!”

“Two big gifts God has given us,” he said, are life and being together with simplicity.

CNS PHOTO

Pope Francis gestures as he speaks to children from different parts of the world at an event called “Let Us Learn from Boys and Girls” in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican Nov. 6.

The pope encouraged the kids to embrace their adolescence, which is “a wonderful age,” and to make their thoughts, feelings and experiences heard by adults.

He asked the children to remember all the other kids their age who are suffering from war, hunger, climate disasters and poverty.

“You know there are bad people

who do bad things; they make war and destroy. Do you want to do bad things?” the pope asked. After the children yelled, “No!” he asked, “Do you want to help?” to which they replied with enthusiasm, “Yes!” The pope cut short his prepared speech to dedicate more time to questions from the children, who asked him questions about climate change, wars, his friends, his work habits and what he dreams about at night.

“I don’t know what I dream because I am asleep!” he joked as the kids laughed. Sometimes, he said, he dreams about things he remembers when he was a child. “Dreaming is beautiful,” he said because it shows something alive is stirring inside.

With each question, the pope had a tidbit of wisdom for the kids to remember, making them repeat each phrase several times.

His words of advice included: “Whoever destroys the earth, destroys us.” “Take care of nature because nature takes care of us.” “Work gives us dignity.” “Do not waste food.” “Let’s work for peace.” “Peace is made with the heart and an outstretched hand.”

“Children’s voices are needed” because “kids are messengers of peace.”“When you are angry, drink a glass of water before you respond.” †

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NOVEMBER 14, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

THE FIRST WORD 2023 ASIAN MASS

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS Effective October 13 Father Sahaya Stanly Francis, SAC Archdiocesan Tribunal Effective October 15 Father David Brittner, C.S.B. In Residence, St. Anne Parish - Houston Effective October 25 Father Jesus Alfonso Fuentes Mora, C.P. In Residence, Holy Name Parish - Houston

BRIEFS Eucharistic procession to be held in Spring area for the Solemnity of Christ the King

PHOTOS BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, celebrates the annual Asian Mass at Christ the Incarnate Word Catholic Church in Houston on Oct. 29. To see a video recap of Asian Mass and to see more pictures, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ASIANMASS23 online or scan the QR code below.

Annual Asian Mass unites seven cultures in one faith HOUSTON — As Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, presided over the annual Asian Mass, a variety of voices and instruments from seven of the Archdiocese’s major Asian cultures — Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Korean and Vietnamese — came together to lead a congregation of more than 1,000 in worship at Christ the Incarnate Word Catholic Church near Asiatown in southwest Houston.

In his homily, Bishop Dell’Oro encouraged the congregation to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and His Church and reflected on this year’s theme, “Harmony in Diversity Through Christ,” taken from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Conference 2018 document titled “Encountering Christ in Harmony: A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers and Sisters.”

He highlighted the wide diversity found in the Asian communities of Houston, pointing out the importance of harmony in Asian cultures and how it allows the Gospel to enter into each unique community and bring the peace and love of Christ as the Gospel calls VIDEO RECAP Catholics to do.

Almost 20 priests, including a Burmese priest visiting from the Austin Diocese, concelebrated the Mass. After the Mass, a variety show highlighted different performances from each culture while unique delicacies were served. †

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.

On 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.

Then, on 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.

Next, on 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.

Finally, on 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. †

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe set for Dec. 9 in downtown Houston

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HOUSTON — Downtown Houston will be filled with the music and festivities of ancient Mexican tradition to celebrate the anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s appearance to a humble Mexican peasant, St. Juan Diego, in 1531.

The event, the 51st annual procession and Mass honoring the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 1700 Bell St. and end in front of the downtown Chancery at 1700 San Jacinto St. A Mass will begin at 10 a.m. at the CoCathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy.

Traditional dancing and singing to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe will begin at 12 p.m. The Mass will be livestreamed online at www.archgh.org/live. †

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 14, 2023

‘Journey to Bethlehem’

New “Journey to Bethlehem” movie musical aimed at children and teens. ▪ SEE PAGE 17

New podcast is an easy listen, a way to grow in faith PODCAST, from page 1 discuss a broad range of topics while providing a format that allows us to dive more deeply into areas that will help the faithful grow in their understanding of the local Church, her teachings, and how the faith is lived day-to-day.”

O’Driscoll said that almost half of all Americans, ages 18 to 54, have listened to a podcast in the last month. Whether they are driving in their car, working out or simply doing chores around the house, podcasts have become a common way for people to access engaging and entertaining content. The primary target audience for this podcast extends to anyone looking to learn more about the Catholic Church in Galveston-Houston.

“The local Church works hard to bring Jesus Christ to our area through our ministries, our services and in our daily lives,” O’Driscoll said. “We want to offer information, tools and encouragement to those who want to deepen their understanding of our faith and its impact on our community.”

The official launch of the Around the Archdiocese podcast included two episodes covering the preparation for the World Youth Day celebration this past summer in Portugal. A recap of their

WANT TO LISTEN? AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE PODCAST Find new episodes, released every Monday, on most major podcast platforms or listen on the website at WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/PODCASTS.

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Sean O’Driscoll, at right, interviews members of the Office of Vocations for an upcoming podcast episode of Around the Archdiocese, a new podcast produced by the Office of Communications.

youth’s journey with Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, and Angie Pometto, the director of the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry, followed.

“We have had amazing conversations about a variety of topics,” O’Driscoll said.

“We spoke about the new St. Joseph Foster Care Ministry with the Office of Pro-Life Activities. We talked about catechesis and sacramental preparation for persons with disabilities with staff from the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. And I had a great discussion about the misconceptions regarding divorce and annulments with Father Luke Millette from the Metropolitan Tribunal.”

New episodes of the Around the Archdiocese podcast are released every Monday, and each episode is approximately 45 minutes long. The podcast can be found on the Archdiocesan website at archgh.org/podcasts and is promoted weekly through various social media channels.

“Like all the great evangelizers throughout history have modeled for us, we need to go out to where the people are,” O’Driscoll said. “For us, this is an opportunity to share the Gospel through a new medium that reaches people who may not read the Texas Catholic Herald or visit our website.”

O’Driscoll’s journey toward the mission of effective communication and evangelization began in high school when he chose St. Paul as his Confirmation name. He believes that God had a plan for him even back then.

“I attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a degree in public relations,” O’Driscoll said. “In short, how to get the right message to the right people in a way that they will

respond to it. To me, that is the goal and the challenge of evangelization.”

O’Driscoll has worked for the Church for more than 20 years in the Archdiocese of New York and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, having served in both parish and diocesan roles.

About a year ago, he was given the new title of senior communications manager, a role that reflects his commitment to spreading the Gospel message through innovative means.

O’Driscoll has a particular affinity for the medium, especially during his daily commute to downtown Houston. He has been a podcast listener since the early 2000s and currently subscribes to over 100 podcasts.

“The ability to listen while doing something else allows me to be more productive,” O’Driscoll said. “The unscripted nature of shows like Around the Archdiocese podcast allows for more genuine and honest conversations. You get to hear the passion, their energy and their love for Christ and His people.”

O’Driscoll said the first season of episodes will focus on introducing the various ministries and offices of the Archdiocese.

“In talking about the work that they do, we hope to share the impact of the Church in our local communities, as well as discuss issues and answer questions that we often receive at the chancery,” O’Driscoll said.

For additional details about the Around the Archdiocese podcast and to listen to the most recent podcasts, visit www.archgh.org/podcasts.

To share podcast ideas that can enhance the understanding of the local Church, its teachings, and daily faith, contact Sean O’Driscoll via email at sodriscoll@archgh.org. †

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CCHD empowers those living in crisis to make lasting changes

BY REBECCA TORRELLAS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — For more than 50 years since its inception, the Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has embodied the principles of Catholic social teaching by addressing the root causes of poverty.

On Nov. 18 and 19, there will be a second collection at Masses in the Archdiocese to support the CCHD, which allocates funds to community projects that promote the mission and vision of CCHD while adhering to the moral and social teachings of the Catholic Church.

Sister Maureen O’Connell, OP, director for the Secretariat of Social Concerns, said engaging community members, local government, and business leaders to improve and expand housing opportunities, job readiness training and second chances for individuals and families who are in need, the campaign invites all to participate as stewards of God’s generosity.

“This collection supports the U.S. bishops’ anti-poverty efforts but also engages members of the local community to collaborate in addressing issues impacting their community,” she said. “In this Archdiocese, we have a committee of parishioners who assist in visiting and evaluating groups who apply for funding from CCHD and make recommendations to Cardinal.The committee also maintains contact with the grantees throughout the funding cycle.”

“It is important to note that our collection remains one of the largest in the U.S., and fortunately, we did not experience a drastic drop due to COVID-19,” Sister O’Connell said.

According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the CCHD collection empowers local community members to work with their civic, business and religious leaders to make housing, jobs, education and other opportunities and services responsive to the needs of low-income people.

The organizations funded by CCHD do not necessarily have to be Churchaffiliated. The collection awards grants to partners and organizations that actively listen to their members and strategize to address injustices in their communities.

The USCCB stated that organizations supported by CCHD, such as the Gulf Coast Leadership Council (GCLC), which provides leadership training and organizing support to the congregations and community organizations that

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA MARIA HOSTEL

The main campus of Santa Maria Hostel is the Bonita House, where they offer long-term housing, recovery support, residential and outpatient treatment to women and their children.

collaborate with them on issues of common concern. These leaders know the issues of greatest priority in the community and develop the skills to work for solutions that make a lasting, positive impact.

In 2017, local CCHD funds were allocated to several charities in Galveston-Houston to help with recovery and rebuilding from Hurricane Harvey, including GCLC. More recently, GCLC leaders are collaborating with local officials to improve relations between law enforcement and immigrant communities, advocate for improved flood control and illegal dumping reduction in low-income neighborhoods, and address eviction and other housing issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sister O’Connell said CCHD funding has been instrumental in helping GCLC expand its reach into the suburban communities outside Houston.

“NestQuest,” a program assisting lowincome families to access quality housing in performing school districts, is another that received a national grant. The CCHD also provided local grants to the Santa Maria Hostel, San José Clinic, Living Hope Wheelchair Assoc. and Justice Forward,” she said.

Justice Forward breaks the cycle of incarceration and funds essential programs for individuals in the Specialty Courts of Harris, Galveston, and Fort Bend Counties to help them become independent and productive members of our community.

Santa Maria Hostel is a multi-site residential and outpatient substance use disorder treatment center for women and one of very few that offers continued services for women in any stage of motherhood.

Rachael Wright, chief development and communications officer, said the mission of Santa Maria Hostel is to empower women and their families to lead healthy, successful, productive, and self-fulfilling lives.

“Santa Maria provides a full continuum of services to meet each woman or family where they are on their recovery journey, from community-based prevention and intervention services for children and families to residential and outpatient substance use treatment for women and women and their children, to long-term housing and recovery support,” Wright

said. “Santa Maria is one of Texas’ largest providers of substance use treatment services for women and one of the only programs in the state where a mother may bring her children with her into treatment.”

She said the organization serves more than 6,000 women, children, and family members each year to help them achieve long-term health and wellness and reach their full potential in life.

“Funding from the CCHD supports Santa Maria’s program for mothers in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system who are pregnant so they may keep their babies with them after delivery,” she said. “Mothers can serve the remainder of their sentence at Santa Maria, receiving recovery support, parenting coaching, and other vital services and life skills to ensure longterm family wellness and stability. This program addresses the root causes of incarceration and reduces recidivism.”

Wright said community support is vital to fulfilling Santa Maria’s mission.

“Funding from CCHD allows both mother and baby to bond in a comfortable environment and receive the vital services needed for long-term family wellness and stability,” she said.

To learn more about the collection for the CCHD, visit www.usccb.org/cchd/ collection. †

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Catholic education is the ‘strongest foundation,’ donor says CIRCLE, from page 1 education, which includes intellectual, moral and spiritual values.

On Nov. 17, members and those interested in learning more about The Cardinal’s Circle are invited to visit St. Mary of the Purification Catholic School, one of the eight CROSS Academies, located at 3006 Rosedale in Houston, at 9 a.m. During the visit, attendees will have an in-person tour, witness a special performance by the students, and see how The Cardinal’s Circle impacts the life of a Catholic school.

Deena Wolf, principal of the school, said The Cardinal’s Circle has provided generous tuition assistance to families who cannot pay the actual cost of educating a child at their school.

“Many of our families would not have the opportunity to access a quality Catholic education without their support,” she said. “We have witnessed remarkable transformations in the lives of our students who are not only growing academically but spiritually as well. The Cardinal’s Circle has been a beacon of hope and progress. We are immensely grateful for their continued support.”

The Cardinal Circle funds have been instrumental in enhancing the growth and effectiveness of the CROSS Academies.

“With these funds, each school is able to intentionally maximize the true essence of Catholic identity, along with integrating a robust learning environment,” Dr. Christopher Pichon, assistant superintendent of Operational Vitality, said. “St. Mary of the Purification Catholic School is filling its classrooms with eager students and transforming their educational experiences with technological upgrades, interactive learning panels and decorative glass bulletin boards to elevate student engagement.”

Catie Watso, advancement director at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School, spoke about the school’s gratitude for the continued support of The Cardinal’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Through The Cardinal’s Circle, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School was able to supply students with flexible seating so students have the freedom to choose desks to suit their needs.

Circle. Most recently, the school used its funds from the organization to supply students with flexible seating so students have the freedom to choose to suit their needs.

“Some students may prefer the traditional desk and chair combination.

Others want to sit but choose to place a ‘wobble cushion’ on their chair to allow for some movement,” she said. “A few classrooms have wobble stools, which allow a full range of motion while in a seated position. The last option is a standing desk, where students can literally stand up or choose to sit on a taller stool to reach the table height to complete their work.”

Watso said these options allow students to have movement of the body while still focusing on the lesson.

“All students have different needs, including their learning environment,” she said. “Flexible seating is one way we are trying to meet a need to help students work more efficiently and effectively inside the classroom.”

Watso said The Cardinal’s Circle funds have also provided Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School the opportunity for their middle school students to attend a retreat at the Christian Renewal Center in Dickinson to dive deeper into their spirituality and relationships with God.

Festival of

Lessons & Carols Thursday, December 14, 7:30 p.m.

Join Cardinal DiNardo and the Cor Jesu Choir of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for a celebration of song and prayer as we approach the Christmas season!

Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston, TX 77002 This event is free and open to the public.

Free parking available. All are welcome!

“Our principal, Irazema Ortiz, also attended the NCEA Conference for the first time because of The Cardinal’s Circle. She networked with other Catholic leaders and learned about valuable resources to bring to our campus,” she said. “Because of her visit, we have begun the Friendzy Social and Emotional Learning program on our campus in 2023-2024, as well as Theology of the Body.”

Watso said that, in the future, they hope to continue to provide field trip experiences for our students — including transportation, which is the largest cost — technology upgrades inside the classroom, expand their religion resources,“and aim to continue to support students in their social, emotional and spiritual growth.”

Andrea B. Maher and her husband, Jim, have been loyal members of The Cardinal’s Circle since 2015, and in 2016, she was invited to be part of The Cardinal’s Circle committee.

A strong believer in Catholic education, Maher said, “Catholic education should be available to anybody independent of their financial situation.”

“I think a Catholic education provides the strongest foundation to the education of a child,” she said. “It teaches a set of values, ethics and morals so that a child can

CROSS Academy Campuses Assumption School Holy Ghost School Our Lady of Fatima School - Galena Park Our Lady of Guadalupe School Resurrection School St. Augustine School St. Christopher School St. Mary of the Purification School become a righteous person without diluting or distorting the academic aspect of education.”

Maher attended a Catholic school from kindergarten to 12th grade, and both of her children attended Catholic schools from kindergarten to 12th grade in Houston. They both currently attend the University of Notre Dame, which Maher said was entirely their choice.

She said her strong belief in Catholic education is what drew her to join The Cardinal’s Circle.

“The Catholic Church has always been a strong supporter of intellectual values, but a Catholic education also considers the spiritual side of the human being, which has a very important role in a person’s life,” she said. “As you know, one of the most important aspects of our Catholic faith is to serve one another, and the mission of The Cardinal’s Circle promotes this aspect by allowing us to give back to our community.”

For more information, visit www. choosecatholicschools.org/cc. †

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NOVEMBER 14, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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Hispanic ministry leaders find hope, challenges in implementing new U.S. bishops’ pastoral plan

BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald

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HOUSTON — Thirty years ago, a group of Hispanic ministry leaders from around the U.S. gathered in Houston to discuss plans and initiatives to minister to the Hispanic and Latino Catholics living in the U.S. This Oct. 10 to 13, the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry’s (NCADDHM) annual conference returned to Houston, gathering 250 Hispanic ministry leaders 2022 DSF_14x4.625_generic final.pdf 1 1/10/22 1:43 PM from 109 dioceses in the U.S. The national conference — which took place at the tail end of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 — also gathered some six bishops, several of who lead U.S. bishops’ committees on Hispanic ministry and cultural diversity in the Church.

The NCADDHM conference focused on the new “National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry,” a new document approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in June that was developed through a process of consultation, discernment and leadership over multiple years.

The plan is a response to the Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry (V Encuentro) process to help Hispanic laypeople and Church leaders meet the needs of the fastest-growing demographic of the Catholic Church in the U.S. At the Houston conference, Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, assistant director of USCCB’s Subcommittee for Hispanic Affairs and national coordinator for the V Encuentro, said the pastoral plan was a direct reflection and response to the “priorities, needs and aspirations” of Hispanic and Latino Catholics and has “the potential to transform the Church in the U.S.” The Encuentro was a multi-year . series of diocesan, regional and national 1 Corinthians 10:31 meetings involving tens of thousands of Hispanic and Latino leaders that culminated with a national gathering in Grapevine, Texas, in 2018 and identified key pastoral priorities for Latino Catholics.

Among the 10 priorities highlighted in the pastoral plan were the engagement of youth and young adults, vocations, faith formation, accompaniment of families, ministry to the marginalized, and immigration and policy advocacy.

DuringFamily the conference, leaders heard Life bishops and theologians from speakers, Ministry who talked about the implications of the Wedding pastoral plan.

In addition to daily Mass Jubilee and presentations, participants broke Mass into small groups at different times to share how the new plan would look like in their ministries and their regions.

For Olga Lucía Villar, executive director of the Miami-based Southeast Pastoral Institute — which coordinates and assists Hispanic ministries in 30

S

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo delivers the homily during the opening Mass on Oct. 10 for the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry’s annual conference in Houston. More than 250 diocesan and Hispanic ministry directors gathered for the annual event, which was last held in Houston 30 years ago.

dioceses of the Southeastern U.S. — and one of many speakers at the conference, the new pastoral plan could not come soon enough.

She sees the pastoral plan as helping the Church become more sensitive to the multicultural reality of the present Catholic Church in the U.S. “Especially at times where it is difficult, where there are more issues that might divide us racially, I think that the plan is placing us at a good point to continue healing the processes of reconciliation and focus on belonging and being sent off by Christ,” she told OSV News.

Villar saw a parallel between the Encuentro process and the more recent synod effort led by Pope Francis and said that “the plan walks us toward being a synodal Church.”

Since the first Encuentro was held in 1972, Villar said, the efforts have been bringing the Church together to reflect, dialogue and look together for ways to move forward as Hispanic Catholics in the U.S. That continues to be the case, although the demographic landscape has changed.

Since 1972, the number of Hispanics in the U.S. has increased sevenfold, from about 9 million to 63.7 million, according to 2022 U.S. census data. And even though there have been reports of an increase in disaffiliation, recent demographic data showed that about 31 million Hispanics and Latinos identify as Catholic.

“We are talking more as we belong to this Church. We’re not going anywhere.

It’s our Church, too, and we want to be part of it,” Villar said. “And I think that the whole synod process, and the way that Pope Francis encourages (us) to move forward in that direction, we’ve been doing it in small steps throughout these 51 years.”

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Lázaro Contreras, director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry of the Archdiocese, said he looks forward to seeing how each parish and Catholic community in the region will uniquely

implement the pastoral plan.

“With this pastoral plan, I hope that people are motivated and encouraged to make it their own,” he said. “Hispanic ministry is a work that we don’t do alone.

It’s a work that we all do as one church.

That is why these kinds of gatherings are a constant reminder that, in that work of pastoral ministry of accompaniment to Hispanic Catholics, is done by the whole Church.”

Now that the pastoral plan is out in the hands of ministry leaders, AguileraTitus said that the plan emphasizes the importance of diversity and intercultural engagement and includes practical guidelines and resources for creating a sense of unity and belonging.

He noted how a parish can thrive when it embraces diverse cultures present in a congregation through its shared Catholic faith.

“When they develop relationships with one another across cultures, they begin to develop a new sense of identity as a diverse Catholic community,” Aguilera-Titus said. “The plan has a language that is inclusive, engaging and is meant for not only Hispanic/Latino Catholics, but for the entire Church.

We hope that it will bring new ways to bring the Gospel to life and create a more synodal and diverse Church.” †

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‘Transmitting the love and tenderness of God’ SYNOD, from page 1 joined members of the assembly in giving thanks to God. The assembly’s discussions set the stage for a year-long period of reflection that will culminate in the second and final synod assembly in late 2024 on the same topic.

The 41-page synthesis report voted on paragraph-by-paragraph on Oct. 28, described its purpose as presenting “convergences, matters for consideration and proposals that emerged from the dialogue” on issues discussed under the headings of synodality, communion, mission and participation.

Every item in the report was approved by at least two-thirds of the members present and voting, synod officials said.

They published a complete list of the votes.

Within the synod topics, members looked at the role of women in the Church, including in decision-making and at the possibility of ordaining women deacons.

The report asked for more “theological and pastoral research on the access of women to the diaconate,” including a review of the conclusions of commissions Pope Francis set up in 2016 and 2020.

The paragraph, one of several on the theme of women deacons, was approved 279-67, which was more than the needed two-thirds support but still garnered among the highest negative votes.

Among members of the assembly, the report said, some thought the idea

want a place to call ‘home’ where they can feel safe, be heard and respected, without fear of feeling judged.”

The report emphasized the “listening” that took place on the local, national and continental levels before the assembly and the “conversations in the Spirit” that took place during it, which involved each person speaking in his or her small group, other participants at first commenting only on what struck them, silent reflection and then discussion.

In several places throughout the report, assembly members insisted that greater efforts must be made to listen to the survivors of clerical sexual abuse and those who have endured spiritual or psychological abuse.

“Openness to listening and accompanying all, including those who CNS PHOTO have suffered abuse and hurt in the Wyatt Olivas, a synod member and undergraduate at the University of Wyoming, reads during Pope Church, has made visible many who Francis’ Mass marking the end of the first session of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops on synodality have long felt invisible,” it said. “The long in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Oct. 29. journey toward reconciliation and justice, of women deacons would be a break the spirit of the age.” including addressing the structural with tradition, while others insisted it The paragraph on how different conditions that abetted such abuse, would “restore the practice of the Early members explained their support of remains before us and requires concrete Church,” including at the time of the or opposition to women deacons was gestures of penitence.”

New Testament, which mentions women also approved by more than two-thirds Members of the assembly said the deacons. of the voting members, but it received process helped them experience the “Others still discern it as an more negative votes than any other item, church as “God’s home and family, a appropriate and necessary response passing 277 to 69.

Church that is closer to the lives of her to the signs of the times, faithful to the Assembly members also discussed people, less bureaucratic and more tradition, and one that would find an pastoral approaches to relational.” echo in the hearts of many who seek new welcoming and including However, it said, the terms SYNOD energy and vitality in the Church,” it said. the lives of parishes people “synodal” and “synodality,” But, the report added, some members who have felt excluded, which “have been associated OF thought that would “marry the Church to including the poor, people with this experience with disabilities, LGBTQ+ and desire,” need further BISHOPS Catholics and Catholics clarification, including whose marriages are not theological clarification and, recognized by the Church. perhaps, in canon law.

The synthesis report did Some participants, it said, not use the term “LGBTQ+” questioned how an assembly or even “homosexuality” and spoke only where about 21% of participants were generally of issues related to “matters of lay women, lay men, religious and priests identity and sexuality.” could be termed a Synod of Bishops.

Jesuit Father James Martin, a synod The report also acknowledged fears, member involved in outreach to LGBTQ+ including that “the teaching of the Catholics, told Catholic News Service, Church will be changed, causing us to “From what I understand, there was too depart from the Apostolic faith of our much pushback to make using the term forebears and, in doing so, betraying the ‘LGBTQ’ viable, even though it was expectations of those who hunger and contained in the ‘Instrumentum Laboris,’” thirst for God today.” or synod working document.

In response, though, assembly “This opposition came up often in the members said, “We are confident that plenary sessions, along with others who synodality is an expression of the argued from the other side, that is, for dynamic and living tradition.” greater inclusion and for seeing LGBTQ “It is clear that some people are afraid people as people and not an ideology,” he that they will be forced to change; others said. fear that nothing at all will change or that The synthesis said that “to develop there will be too little courage to move at authentic ecclesial discernment in the pace of the living tradition,” the report these and other areas, it is necessary to said. approach these questions in the light of “Also,” it added, “perplexity and the Word of God and Church teaching, opposition can sometimes conceal a fear properly informed and reflected upon.” of losing power and the privileges that “In order to avoid repeating vacuous derive from it.” formulas, we need to provide an Members of the assembly described opportunity for a dialogue involving the the synodal process as being “rooted in human and social sciences, as well as the tradition of the Church” and taking philosophical and theological reflection,” place in light of the teaching of the it added.

Second Vatican Council, particularly its The divergences in the assembly, emphasis on “the Church as Mystery and it said, reflected opposing concerns: People of God, called to holiness.”

SCAN QR CODE TO APPLY TODAY! “If we use doctrine harshly and with Synodality, they said, “values the a judgmental attitude, we betray the contribution all the baptized make, Gospel; if we practice mercy ‘on the according to their respective vocations,” cheap,’ we do not convey God’s love.” and thus “constitutes a true act of further Still, it said, “In different ways, people reception of the council.” who feel marginalized or excluded from The report also insisted the purpose of the Church because of their marriage synodality is mission. status, identity or sexuality also ask to “As disciples of Jesus, we cannot shirk be heard and accompanied. There was a the responsibility of demonstrating and deep sense of love, mercy and compassion transmitting the love and tenderness of felt in the assembly for those who are or God to a wounded humanity,” the report feel hurt or neglected by the Church, who said. †

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LOCAL

texas catholic herald 9

Enhancing clergy retirement by caring for physical, emotional and spiritual needs

BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent HOUSTON — The Catholic Church is committed to supporting and honoring those who have received Holy Orders, especially upon retirement age. For nearly 17 years, the Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry in the Archdiocese has been providing unwavering support and care to retired priests, deacons and their spouses.

“Our ministry promotes the social teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church by addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of all retired Archdiocesan clergy residing within and outside the Archdiocese,” said John Descant, coordinator of the Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry.

Descant said the ministry’s staff and volunteers strive to maintain open lines of communication regarding special events, Archdiocesan news and community resources to keep retired clergy informed and connected with the Archdiocese. This includes personal visits, phone calls, mailings, group events and personal assistance to cultivate relationships with retired clergy to ensure an optimal quality of life that is healthy, secure and hopeful.

The Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry serves priests at age 75 and deacons at age 70. Currently, there are

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLERGY PASTORAL OUTREACH MINISTRY

The Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of all retired Archdiocesan clergy residing within and outside the Archdiocese.

40 retired priests and 110 retired deacons and their wives. Out of these, 29 retired priests either reside at the Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Priest Retirement Residence at St. Dominic Village or St. Dominic Village Maloney Hall.

Being one of 64 ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), the Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry heavily relies on the generous support of the faithful in the Archdiocese who contribute to the annual DSF appeal.

“We are funded by the DSF, and without the DSF, we wouldn’t be able to operate as we do,” Descant said. “We have retired clergy who depend on us for assistance in a myriad of ways, such as transportation to and from

doctor appointments, attending social events like birthday parties and sharing information with the retired clergy. Of course, we have volunteers and deacons assigned to the ministry, but our services simply would not be available without funding from the DSF.” In its ongoing mission to enhance the quality of life for retired clergy, Descant said the Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry is addressing a new need by replacing furniture, including beds and powered recliners with lift features, at the eight-year-old Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Priest Retirement Residence.

“We encourage participation in the DSF each year,” Descant said. “It seems that if everyone participates, even just a

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. little, the needs of the Archdiocese are met. This includes all the other ministries that are supported by the DSF.” Father Eric Pitre, a two-year resident of the Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Priest Retirement Residence, said he has directly benefited from the Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry because “it is a good place to live” for several reasons.

See OUTREACH, page 10

10 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL

‘IN SOLIDARITY WITH ONE ANOTHER’

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 14, 2023

2023 BISHOPS SHELTZ ALTAR SERVER MASS

PHOTO BY FREDERICK WARREN

At least 500 altar servers from more than 60 parishes were honored at the Bishop George Sheltz Altar Servers Appreciation Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, on Nov. 4 at the CoCathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston.

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo receives the offertory during White Mass at the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Houston on Oct. 16.

IN BRIEF

Annual White Mass lifts up healthcare workers in prayer

Registration for Steps for Students continues

HOUSTON — At least 150 attendees, many from Houston’s healthcare community, were greeted by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo as he celebrated the annual White Mass on Oct. 16 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Houston near the Texas Medical Center.

In his homily, Cardinal DiNardo thanked the healthcare workers for their tireless efforts “in making people well.”

He recognized the great strides brought about by technological advances, but Cardinal DiNardo reminded the congregation that it is the fact that, as healthcare workers, they “are in solidarity with one another, not in competition.”

“You will show forth in the work of your hands the beauty of the Creator through your talents,” he said. “My hope is that we will respond to You [God], thank You, praise You for Your work, and beg You to continue to help us and especially to help our families. May God bless you.”

The event, which included a reception with Jason Johnson with the Christian Alliance for Orphans, was co-sponsored by the Catholic Chaplain Corps, San José Clinic and the Archdiocesan Office of Pro-Life Activities. The annual Mass, concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, unites the healthcare community in Houston, which is among the largest in the world. †

Feed a hungry family for just $10 per 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.

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. † OUTREACH, from page 9 “There are a lot of things, including (receiving) both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, right here,” Father Pitre said.

“We can get technical support when needed, like help with the printer.

We also have extra eyes to watch out for us, and decent meals, available Sacraments and Mass held every day.”

He also believes it is important to give to the DSF that supports ministries like the Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry.

“We belong to something larger: the Archdiocesan Church,” Father Pitre said.

“Participation in DSF allows the Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry, and others, to exist; it’s larger than just a parish. As a pastor, I always supported DSF.” Staff member Ramon Parparcen is also thankful the DSF provides funding to support the Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry efforts to assist the

priests and deacons in retirement, as well as his full-time position as the aide to the retired clergy and their driver for the past eight months.

“It is important to support the activities of the Church,” Parparcen said. “It supports the priests in the Priest Retirement Residence and nursing home.”

To learn more about the Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry, including volunteer opportunities, such as helping with activities or transportation, call the office at 713440-3436 or visit www.archgh.org/ clergyoutreach. 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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NOVEMBER 14, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

EDUCATION

St. Agnes taps new head of school as Dominican high schools embrace transition in sponsorship HOUSTON — St. Agnes Academy Houston, Congregation of the Sacred has hired Dr. Karen Jakuback as its next Heart: St. Agnes Academy and St. Pius X head of school, beginning with the 2024- High School.

25 academic year.

Speaking at both Houston schools, The appointment of Jakuback was Sister Donna Pollard, OP, prioress of the unanimously approved by a search Dominican Sisters of Houston, reminded committee, the St. Agnes Academy board students, teachers and staff of how this of directors and the board of trustees of moment of transition was consistent Dominican Veritas Ministries with the 800-year history of the Inc. (DVM).

Order of Preachers, founded by Jakuback has dedicated St. Dominic. most of her career to Catholic “Dominicans belong to education — which spans 27 an itinerant order — an years — and is currently the order founded on change, president of Ursuline Academy growth, evolution, transition of New Orleans. and adaptation. St. Dominic Chair of the Board of founded an order that would Directors Tammy Ahlgren said, respond to the signs of the times “I truly believe Dr. Jakuback is and change as the mission and DR. KAREN the perfect fit for the St. Agnes ministry requires.”

JAKUBACK community, and as a board, we Sister Pollard said the are confident that Dr. Jakuback transition is a real-life example will be the strong leader St. Agnes of how Dominicans are responding to the expects. We are deeply grateful to our “signs of the times.” interim head of school, Deborah Whalen, “Together as Dominicans, we are for laying an exceptional foundation for looking to the future of our schools with Dr. Jakuback and a smooth transition for the assurance that they will continue as the school community.”

Catholic schools rooted in our Dominican Hiring Jakuback is a continuation of a charism, now with a new sponsorship transfer of nine Dominican schools in the model, Dominican Veritas Ministries,” she nation into a new model of sponsorship. said.

Sept. 1 marked the official activation of In a statement, St. Piux X High DVM as a canonical sponsor and the School officials said students, staff and transfer of schools, including two schools board members hosted a Sponsorship sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Transition Ceremony on Oct. 3. St.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. AGNES ACADEMY

St. Agnes Academy hosted a ceremony on Oct. 2 to mark the transition of sponsorship from the Dominican Sisters of Houston - Congregation of the Sacred Heart to Dominican Veritas Ministries Inc.

Agnes Academy held its own ceremony on Oct. 2. DVM provides support to the Dominican Sisters of Houston schools, including resources and administration.

These schools are canonically connected but operate separately.

After a six-year process, representatives from five different Dominican congregations in the U.S., including congregations from Adrian, Houston, Peace, Sinsinawa and Springfield activated the DVM. DVM Executive Director Kristin Barstow Melley, PhD, said she was enthusiastic for the sisters and the future of their schools.

“DVM is the next chapter and

continuation of the inspiring story and witness of these congregations of Dominican Sisters and the schools they founded. We celebrate with gratefulness the establishment of this new community, created to nurture and sustain the vibrant Catholic, Dominican identity alive in these schools.”

The DVM community is grateful for all the hands, hearts and minds that contributed to this achievement. Over the next two months, each school will recognize this historic moment with a special ceremony honoring the incredible legacy of their founding congregations and celebrating their transition into DVM. †

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Discover Catholic Schools Week is November 12–18 Visit ChooseCatholicSchools.org for more information

12 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 14, 2023

YOUTH

Black Catholic history is Catholic history

From the beginning of the Church, people of African descent have played a prominent role. St. Simon of Cyrene was from a city in northern Africa, and he had the great honor of carrying Christ’s cross. There is a common misconception that Africans and people of African descent were only exposed to Christianity after the transatlantic slave trade and missionaries traveling to Africa; while it may be true for some, many Black Catholics’ faith comes from their ancestors passing their faith and love of Christ down through the generations.

The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the U.S. designated November as Black Catholic History Month on July 24, 1990, to celebrate the long history and proud heritage of Black Catholics.

There are currently six black Americans on the road to sainthood. Born into slavery, racism and adversity, their faith in Jesus and devotion to Catholicism never wavered.

Venerable Pierre Toussaint was born a slave in Haiti and brought to New York as an apprentice. He became the most

sought-after hairdresser of high society women, gaining his freedom at the death of his master. He became very wealthy, but instead of living an extravagant life, he and his wife devoted their by lives to philanthropy.

CHERIE They supported the WADE Church by raising WASHINGTON money for the city’s first cathedral, founded one of New York’s first orphanages, and sheltered refugees and the unhoused in their home. He also risked his life during the yellow fever epidemic by nursing the sick and praying with them.

Servant of God Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange was a native of the Caribbean and foundress of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first religious congregation of African American women in the Catholic Church. She, along with three other women, had the goal of educating and evangelizing

African Americans. They were catechists for the youth and provided a home for orphans. They educated freed slaves and nursed the terminally ill during the cholera epidemic of 1832. Sister Lange served as a domestic at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore.

Venerable Henriette Delille was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and would dedicate her life to helping those in need. Throughout her life, her love of Jesus and her teaching those around her to follow the path of Jesus helped her to persevere through adversity. Delille’s mission was met with resistance by the ruling population of New Orleans to the idea of a black religious congregation, lack of funds to do the work, the taunts and doubts of people in her mission, and the lack of support from both the Church and civil authority. Despite adversity, Delille practiced heroic virtue and love.

Venerable Augustus Tolton was the first U.S. Roman Catholic priest publicly known to be black. A former slave, Father Tolton was baptized, raised Catholic and formally studied in Rome.

He led the development and construction of St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Chicago as a black “National Parish Church.” He quickly earned national attention in the Catholic hierarchy with

his success in ministering to Black Catholics.

Servant of God Julia Greeley was born into slavery in Missouri. Freed by the Emancipation Act of 1865, she worked as a domestic serving white families in several states. She entered the Catholic Church in Denver at Sacred Heart Parish. Greeley was considered the most enthusiastic promoter of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus by the Jesuits who ran the parish. She would visit every fire station in Denver and deliver literature of the Sacred Heart League to the firemen, Catholics and non-Catholics.

Sister Thea Bowman was the only child to middle-aged parents in Canton, Mississippi. She converted to Catholicism through her teachers and pastors at Holy Child Jesus Church and School in Canton. Sister Bowman was considered a religious sister who was close to God and lovingly invited others to encounter the presence of God in their lives. †

Cherie Wade Washington is a middle school catechist and youth minister at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church.

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 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.

texas catholic herald 13

NOVEMBER 14, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

COLUMNIST

The WYD journey mirrors the journey of faith

This past summer, I was blessed to lead the Archdiocesan trip to World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon. One of the young adult pilgrims said, “The journey of WYD mirrors the journey of my life with Christ.”With that in mind, this is the story of our Houston pilgrims and the closing Vigil of WYD mirrors well the journey of faith that each of us walk.

In our WYD planning meetings, I tried to explain the vigil to all the pilgrims. I told them to bring their sleeping bags and pillows since we would walk anywhere from five to 20 miles and sleep under the stars on the last night with 1 million other pilgrims.

As I shared, I could see their eyes glaze over as they tried to imagine what it would be like. I knew there was only so much I could do to prepare them — they just had to live it.

On Saturday morning of WYD, our 100 young adult pilgrims, all wearing their red Archdiocesan WYD T-shirts, gathered outside our hotel, ready with sleeping bags, tarps and backpacks.

by ANGIE POMETTO

Thankfully, our hotel was very close to the vigil site. No more than 10 minutes after we began our walk, we arrived at one of the food pick-up spots. As we walked by, the WYD volunteers handed us a 10-pound bag full of food and 1.5 liters of water. That bag of food was meant to be our lunch, dinner and breakfast during the

next 24 hours.

As we got closer to the main entrance, the crowd intensified. There were 1.5 million pilgrims all heading to the same location. The large, two-lane highway was packed shoulder to shoulder with people. As soon as we entered the crowd, I quickly lost sight of the big group. The eight to 10 pilgrims still close to me grabbed each other’s backpacks so we wouldn’t get separated.

Like cattle, we moved along with the crowd, made it through the entrance gate, and kept moving toward our section of C14. When we arrived, we found the spot that would be our home for the night. Instead of grass, the ground was covered with dust, rocks and weeds. The pilgrims started filling in spaces by laying out their tarps and sleeping bags.

Through the afternoon’s 100-degree heat, the Houston pilgrims stayed still and sheltered from the sun under hats, umbrellas and mini tents. However, as the sun began to set, people came out from hiding. The camp became a beautiful cacophony of friends talking, pilgrims singing and laughing.

As the sun disappeared, Pope Francis arrived and began the evening prayer vigil. Using Mary at the Visitation as an example, he encouraged all the young people to be missionaries of joy. Mary went to visit Elizabeth “without anyone asking it of her. Mary’s gesture … was done because she loves, and the one who

loves is joyful. … Joy is missionary. Joy is not for oneself; it is to carry to another.”

After his address, Pope Francis opened a time of Eucharistic Adoration.

When it began, the entire site of 1.5 million pilgrims came to perfect silence.

All the pilgrims knew that Jesus was now in their midst and turned their hearts to prayer. Everything was still and peaceful in the presence of our God. This journey of WYD mirrors our own faith journeys. When we begin our journey of faith, we often don’t know exactly what to expect. The only way to learn is by diving in and beginning.

Along the journey, God always provides what we need — even including a 10-pound bag of food. And despite the many challenges and difficulties, God remains present to us and calls us to intimate moments of silence in prayer. † Angie Pometto serves as the director of the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry.

First Reading: Prov 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128:1-5

Second Reading: 1 Thess 5:1-6

Gospel: Mt 25:14-30 or Mt 25:14-15, 19-21

NOV. 26

First Reading: Eze 34:11-12, 15-17

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 23:1-3, 5-6

Second Reading: 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28

Gospel: Mt 25:31-46

he ft o

An

n

u n ci

at i o n

The Churc h

NOV. 19

introducing the Annunciation Rosary Center

1869 Est. Help share in devotion to Our Lady and join us after the 8 o’clock morning Mass on Saturday, December 2 at the historic Church of the Annunciation, 1618 Texas Avenue in Downtown Houston, for a complete Rosary, First Saturday prayers, and complimentary breakfast.

Father Paul Felix will share how you can be a part of Annunciation Catholic Church’s newest apostolate: the Annunciation Rosary Center (ARC).

RSVP required, please visit: www.annunciationcc.org

14 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 14, 2023

WORLD

Religious sisters who fight human trafficking are honored for their work LONDON (OSV News) — On Oct. 31 in London, the spotlight was on the exceptional contribution of Catholic religious sisters to the anti-trafficking movement at the inaugural Sisters AntiTrafficking Awards (SATAs).

The SATAs are co-hosted by the Arise Foundation, the Conrad H. Hilton Foundation and the International Union of Superiors General, which represents about 600,000 women religious from 80 countries. Organized for the first time, the SATAs brought together 200 people from across and beyond the anti-trafficking and Catholic spheres.

The event in London honored Sister Seli Thomas of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate from India, Sister Patricia Ebegbulem of the Sisters of St. Louis from Nigeria and Sister Francoise Jiranonda of the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres from Thailand. The three women “have demonstrated courage, creativity, collaboration and achievement in the protection of their communities from human trafficking,” Arise said.

Former British Prime Minister Theresa May delivered a keynote address stressing the importance of front-line leadership, including Catholic sisters and survivors

OSV NEWS PHOTO

Sister Francoise Jiranonda, a sister of St. Paul of Chartres from Thailand, receives the Servant Leadership Award from Sister Mary Barron, a sister of Our Lady of Apostles, at a London ceremony Oct. 31. Sister Barron is president of the International Union of Superiors General, a sponsor of the inaugural Sisters Anti-Trafficking Awards along with the Arise foundation and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

of trafficking, in the fight against this exploitation. May spoke after her recent launch of the Global Commission on Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking, which she will chair.

May discussed the ability of sisters to spot vulnerabilities and build better lives for survivors. “Local groups are key to eradicating slavery,” she said. “We also need to provide better opportunities for those who have survived slavery.”

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In her keynote address, she also drew attention to the importance of listening to the voices of survivors of trafficking when making policy and developing business practices.

British athlete and Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah, who last year revealed he is a survivor of human trafficking, said during the ceremony that “while many people feel powerless against this crime and look the other way, Catholic sisters are doing the work daily, bravely, humbly, across the communities all over the world.”

Sister Ebegbulem, from Lagos, Nigeria, won the Human Dignity Award for lifetime achievement in addressing exploitation. She established and is running a shelter for victims of human trafficking, organizing support services for returning survivors of sex trafficking.

She runs mass awareness programs across high-risk rural areas and schools

and is a national leader on the issue of trafficking.

“Stopping trafficking is an uphill task, but I will not say it is impossible,” Sister Ebegbulem said in a video produced by Arise. “Because with God, nothing is impossible.”

Sister Thomas, from Krisnanagar, India, won the Common Good Award for courage and creativity in addressing exploitation. She aims to prevent young people from being exploited by reaching out to the children of Krisnanagar’s brothel district as well as running awareness camps and training women.

Sister Thomas provides free legal aid and conducts seminars and workshops for the villages, schoolteachers and students on safe migration and human trafficking.

She has helped rescue exploited girls and prosecute traffickers.

Sister Jiranonda, from Bangkok, won the Servant Leadership Award for excellence in network building. She has opened two schools, which protect vulnerable young Thai women from the sex trade.

“For me personally, the fight against human trafficking is an important duty,” Sister Jiranonda said.“We have to prevent youth from becoming victims,” she said of her work in a country that is a traffickers’ hotspot, pointing to education as the most important element of prevention. †

IN BRIEF Jesus loves those who put their trust in Him, pope says at memorial Mass VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God seeks and loves those who are humble because it allows Him to be a part of their lives, Pope Francis said.

“This is Christian humility, which is not simply one virtue among others, but the basic disposition of life: believing ourselves to be in need of God, making room for Him and putting all our trust in Him,” the pope said in his homily Nov. 3.

The pope celebrated a memorial Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for Pope Benedict XVI and the six cardinals and 147 bishops who died over the past year. The Lord is especially compassionate and close to orphans, widows and “strangers,” those who are “most alone and forsaken, having no one else to trust but God,” the pope said.

“These are the people closest and dearest to the Lord,” he said. “We cannot be close and dear to God if we ignore those who enjoy His protection and preferential love, for one day they will be the ones to welcome us to heaven.” †

MOVIE RATINGS By OSV News A-I – SUITABLE FOR ALL • Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (PG) • Journey to Bethlehem (PG) A-II – SUITABLE FOR OLDER CHILDREN • A Million Miles Away (PG)

A-III – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS • Five Nights at Freddy’s (PG-13) • Freelance (R) • Killers of the Flower Moon (R) • Priscilla (R) • Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (PG-13) • The Creator (PG-13) • The Marvels (PG-13)

► To read more full movie reviews online, visit www.osvnews.com/category/reviews.

L – LIMITED MATURE AUDIENCE • Dumb Money (R) O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE • Saw X (R) • The Exorcist: Believer (R)

texas catholic herald 15

NOVEMBER 14, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

NATION

Pro-life protesters gain partial win over major city’s ‘abortion bubble’ restrictions (OSV News) — In a partial legal win for pro-life protesters outside abortion clinics, a federal judge in Minneapolis has allowed a First Amendment challenge to proceed against the city’s 2022 “abortion bubble” ordinance.

U.S. District Court Judge Eric C. Tostrud, in his Oct. 30 ruling, rejected the assertion by the Christian nonprofit Pro-Life Action Ministries — which provides “sidewalk counseling” to abortionminded women outside abortion clinics — that the words “physical” and “disrupt” in Minneapolis’ ordinance are so vague they don’t give protesters adequate notice of what is and is not prohibited.

The judge called that claim “implausible.”

But Tostrud allowed the complaint to proceed through the court system on free-speech grounds since the lawsuit asserted the city’s ordinance was overly broad and “it would be premature to dismiss the overbreadth challenge at the pleadings stage.”

The lawsuit was brought in April by the Thomas More Society, a Chicago-based public interest law firm.

The ordinance creates “an unconstitutional, content-based exclusion zone, created exclusively for the purpose of shutting down pro-life speech outside of abortion facilities,” Thomas More Society lawyer Erick Kaardal said in a

statement when the suit was filed.

“The ministry of pro-life sidewalk counseling is a peaceful interaction with pregnant women to convey life-affirming alternatives to abortion,” he said. “Yet the City of Minneapolis has specifically enacted an ordinance designed to prevent any success at conducting this peaceful interaction.”

Volunteers and staff members from Pro-Life Action Ministries customarily approach cars entering the parking lot or people on foot approaching the door of the only Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in Minneapolis.

However, the ordinance, enacted in November 2022, prohibits them from entering even the public sidewalk portion of the parking lot entrance when doing sidewalk counseling.

The ordinance, Tostrud’s ruling observed, “is content neutral. It serves purposes unrelated to the content of expression,” including public safety, patient access to health care, and unobstructed use of sidewalks. And it “does not require law enforcement to examine the content of the message conveyed to determine whether a violation has occurred.”

The ruling concluded that when women arriving at the clinic are stopped by Pro-Life Action Ministries protesters, “they do physically disrupt, hinder, or obstruct the person from entering

IN BRIEF After mass shooting, Maine parish becomes hub of healing

LEWISTON, Maine (OSV News) — A Maine parish has become a hub of healing as its community grapples with a devastating mass shooting.

“It’s been miraculous what the Holy Spirit has done,” said Tyler Nadeau, director of evangelization and catechesis at Prince of Peace Parish in Lewiston, Maine.

“I can say with 100% certainty that God has sent legions of angels into our community.”

Nadeau spoke with OSV News after an Oct. 29 prayer vigil — organized by Lewiston officials and hosted by the parish — drew some 4,000 residents to the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, one of the five churches that comprise the parish. The evening gathering commemorated the 18 victims killed in an Oct. 25 shooting rampage at two locations in Lewiston. The attack was the deadliest mass shooting since 21 people were killed at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, in May 2022.

“We were able to come out as one,” Nadeau said. “So many people just walked (into the basilica) and said, ‘We had forgotten how beautiful this is.’” As the basilica’s bells tolled for the dead, some 2,000 people remained outside watching a livestream. The parish has already raised well over $10,000 for the victims’ medical and funeral expenses, he said. †

or exiting the Planned Parenthood facility, within the meaning of the ordinance.”

Lawsuits involving pro-life sidewalk activities have become the new legal battleground in the wake of the 2022 Supreme Court decision, Dobbs v.

Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned prior jurisprudence recognizing abortion as a constitutional right established by Roe v. Wade in 1973.

In August, a federal judge in Illinois issued a preliminary injunction against a new law in that state, blocking the law’s restrictions on speech that were affecting the state’s 100 pregnancy resource centers.

The lawsuit, also brought by the Thomas More Society, seeks to keep Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul from enforcing the Deceptive Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers Act (S.B. 1909), which declares both advertising and counseling by the centers, including sidewalk counseling, to be a “deceptive business practice.”

Violation could bring fines of up to $50,000.

It is slightly broader than the lawsuit filed in Vermont by Alliance Defending Freedom, which is suing that state over a law that restricts advertising by the centers and prohibits non-licensed healthcare professionals from working there. †

As wars rage, Catholics in U.S. gather to pray, fast for peace PHILADELPHIA (OSV News) — With close to 30 major wars and conflicts raging throughout the world — among them, the Israel-Hamas war and Russia’s war on Ukraine — Catholics across the country gathered on Oct. 27 in response to Pope Francis’ call for a worldwide day of prayer for peace.

At St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope presided over evening prayers for peace and invited Christians of all denominations, as well as all people of faith and goodwill, to pray, fast and do penance to end violence and restore peace.

In Philadelphia, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez celebrated a Mass at that city’s Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, who concelebrated the Liturgy, reflected that “peace is when we are with God, in communion, when things are in order,” without chaos or war, and urged faithful to “be carriers of peace (and) … flow into its source, in union with our Creator.” †

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 14, 2023

MUNDO CATÓLICO La persona del catequista El día de hoy, todavía existe una percepción o entendimiento erróneo de que es un catequista. Usualmente cuando se le pregunta a la gente, se describe a la persona del catequista como una mujer que imparte clases de religión a un grupo de niños en un espacio como salón de clase o en un patio de la Iglesia. Estas respuestas tienen cierta verdad, pero son incompletas.

Primero, tratemos de entender ¿Qué es catequesis? Catequesis es más que una instrucción, de hecho, San Juan Pablo II lo describía de esta manera, la catequesis es un “conjunto de esfuerzos realizados por la Iglesia para hacer discípulos, para ayudar a los hombres creer que Jesús es el Hijo de Dios”.

(Catechesi Tradendae, n.1) Por lo tanto, ya que hemos definido que es catequesis, ahora nos lleva a preguntarnos ¿Quién es un catequista?

La persona del catequista es un cristiano/a que recibe un llamado particular de Dios en virtud del Bautismo y la Confirmación recibidas, para transmitir la fe e iniciar a otras personas en la vida cristiana.

Estas otras personas pueden ser jóvenes, adultas o niños. ¡No hay edad limite para recibir la fe! Por consecuencia, un catequista no solo instruye a niños, sino también a jóvenes y adultos, sin importar la edad.

Consiguientemente, el Directorio para la Catequesis acentúa tres características que todo catequista es y debe de ser: 1. Testigo de la fe y custodio de la memoria de Dios — el testimonio por de vida de la persona es un criterio fundamental.

ADRIAN 2. Maestro y HERRERA mistagogo — la persona del catequista transmite el contenido de la fe de manera integra y a la vez, conduce a otras personas en la celebración de los misterios de la salvación.

3. Acompañante y educador — la persona del catequista debe saber escuchar y acompañar a las personas en su crecimiento espiritual, humano y emocional y llevarlas a Cristo Jesús.

La persona del catequista debe de configurarse con el mismo corazón que Jesús ama a su Iglesia y entregarse a ella. Por lo tanto, el/la catequista no es maestro en sentido de tutor o maestro de escuela, sino discípulo de Cristo, que está dispuesto aprender del maestro y ser fiel en las pequeñas cosas. Y en ese aprender, el/la catequista se grabará las palabras de San Juan Pablo II: “Debe ser la de comunicar, a través de su enseñanza y su comportamiento, la

doctrina y la vida de Jesús. No tratará de fijar en sí mismo, en sus opiniones y actitudes personales, la atención y la adhesión de aquel a quien catequiza; no tratará de inculcar sus opiniones y opciones personales como si éstas expresaran la doctrina y las lecciones de vida de Cristo. Todo catequista debería poder aplicarse a sí mismo la misteriosa frase de Jesús: “Mi doctrina no es mía, sino del que me ha enviado.” (Catechesi Tradendae, n. 6) Consecuentemente, la persona del catequista esta llamado a formarse, a prepararse en las distintas ciencias que le puedan ayudar a transmitir de manera fiel e integra el contenido de la fe buscando modos nuevos y frescos que puedan llegar al corazón de la persona para que esta transforme su entorno y su cultura a la luz del evangelio. Todo esto es posible, cuando la persona del catequista, ante todo, se siente y vive enamorada/o por Jesucristo y mantiene la chispa viva en la relación, en pocas palabras, ha tenido un encuentro personal con Cristo y está en íntima comunión con Él.

Cuando la persona del catequista tiene esta fuerte conexión con Jesucristo y su Iglesia, reconoce que la fe recibida es un don, reconoce que no es dueño/a del Evangelio. Concisamente, sabe que no puede utilizar el evangelio como armamento, negocio, o interpretarlo a su manera, sino que aprende a descubrir el sentir de la Iglesia, y poco a poco se convierte en un discípulo misionero que esta dispuesto a comunicar la belleza, la misericordia, y el amor de Cristo que ha

hecho en su vida.

Cuando uno se enamora de Jesús, sabe que el camino del discipulado será arduo, angosto y que tiene forma de cruz, pero vale la pena recorrerlo, porque Cristo ya lo recorrió y salió victorioso. Reconocerá que el Espíritu Santo (Maestro interior) irá transformando su vida en un testigo de Cristo, y esto le ayudará a ser más sencillo, humilde y no orgulloso.

El Papa Francisco nos recuerda a todos los que somos llamados a la evangelización a “no tener permanentemente cara de funeral” o “pesimistas quejosos y desencantados con cara de vinagre.” (Evangelii Gaudium, nos. 10, 85) Consecuentemente, la persona del Catequista recibe el llamado para comunicar la vida entera de Cristo, “su silencio, sus milagros, sus gestos, su oración, su amor al hombre, su predilección por los pequeños y los pobres, la aceptación del sacrificio total en la cruz por la salvación del mundo, su resurrección y el cumplimiento de la revelación” (Catechesi tradendae, n. 9), resumidamente, la persona del Catequista nunca se debe de cansar en transmitir y compartir el amor que Dios Padre ha manifestado en su hijo Jesucristo y lo que Cristo ha hecho por nosotros. † Adrian Alberto Herrera es director asociado para la Oficina de Evangelización y Catequesis.

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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 Campaña Católica para el Desarrollo Humano

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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.

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texas catholic herald 17

NOVEMBER 14, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

WITHIN THE ARTS

Journey to Bethlehem movie musical aimed at children and teens

BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Actor Antonio Banderas plays a mean King Herod in the newly released movie musical “Journey to Bethlehem” that was released on Nov. 10 in theaters, demonstrating his strong pipes in singing as he did in his Golden Globe-nominated role in the movie “Evita.”

The two main stars who play Mary and Joseph in this Christmas nativity film are definitely aimed at a younger audience. Fiona Palomo, 24, plays a sweet but strong-willed mother of God to-be and is known for her role in Netflix’s young adult drama Outer Banks. Milo Manheim, 22, as Joseph, is best known for his starring role in Disney Channel’s Zombies and its sequels.

A retelling of the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus, the film is a live-action Christmas musical weaving new pop songs and classic Christmas melodies with humor and faith.

Their joking jabs at each other make the story much more light-hearted but

PHOTO COURTESY OF “JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM”

Milo Manheim as Joseph and Fiona Palomo as Mary in a scene from the movie “Journey to Bethlehem.” It was released in theaters Nov. 10.

also light on Scripture. The fast-paced singing and dancing, though, move the story along quickly in an hour and 38 minutes.

Manheim, in a statement, said, “I hope this music goes down in history because I’m going to be listening to it for a long time. It’s one of the best musicals I’ve ever been a part of.”

The soundtrack was released before the movie.

The film is also beautifully shot in Spain with desert landscapes, Herod’s sumptuous palace, and the villagers’ homes of roughly hewn blocks of stone, wood beams and smootheddown clay.

The story stays true to form about a young woman with an unimaginable responsibility, singing about carrying a child while she needs God “to carry me.”

Joseph is aptly torn between love and

honor, while the jealous king will stop at nothing to keep his crown and power.

The three Magi are comedic relief, playing off each other and calling themselves the “three wise guys” in song.

But they also remember to bring their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The Romans are played seriously as the ones who force Joseph and Mary to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted in the census as part of Joseph’s family line from King David. The couple traditionally travel those 70 miles over rough terrain for several days via a donkey that has its own personality as well.

A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this Christmas musical is unlike any before it. But don’t expect Mary to speak the Magnificat upon greeting a pregnant Elizabeth in the movie.

Plus, the Archangel Gabriel also doesn’t even say the “Hail Mary” lines that churchgoers are familiar with in attending Nativity plays. The angel is played by Christian rapper Lecrae, See JOURNEY, page 18

18 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 14, 2023

AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE NOV. 17-18

► FOR SUBMISSION DETAILS AND MORE LISTINGS, VISIT WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA.

CHRISTMAS MARKET, Christmas Market, Friday: 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. St. Michael the Archangel Room PLC-A (1801 Sage Rd., Houston). Friday VIP ticketed access only ($20 presale, $25 at the door) to be first to shop 40 vendors, includes beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Event features raffles, free parking, free admission for kids 12 and under, and entertainment from the children’s choir. stmichaelchurch.net/catholic-daughters-ofamerica; rocketlews11@hotmail.com.

NOV. 15

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.

NOV. 16

CRAFT MARKET, 1 to 7 p.m., St. Laurence Ave Maria Parish Life Center (3103 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land). 60 vendors with 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.

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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.

PRESENTATION, 9:30 to 11:45 a.m., Dominican Center for Spirituality (6501 Almeda Rd., Houston). The Dominican Sisters of Houston host Brandon Mack on “The Criminalization of Early Childhood Behavior.” Free and open to the public. RSVP: croeger@domhou.org; 713440-3714.

NOV. 18-19

CCHD COLLECTION, Annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development collection supports organizations that combat poverty and improves communities. 25% of all contributions remain in the Archdiocese. archgh.org/cchd.

NOV. 19

CHOIR CONCERT, 3 p.m., Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston).

Under the direction of Dr. Rick Lopez, the Archdiocesan Choir presents its annual “In Memoria” concert requiem, this year by Howard Goodall with works by Moses Hogan, Andrae Crouch and Mark Wilberg. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Cost: $25 per person, with senior

and student discounts available. Tickets: archgh.org/inmemoria.

NOV. 29

BUS TRIP, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Bernadette (15500 El Camino Real, Houston). Men and women 50 years of age or older are welcome to “Home for the Holidays in Old Town Spring.” Cost: $15.

Lunch is on your own. RSVP by Nov. 27 to 832605-8360; gretchenmitchell@gmail.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.

DEC. 1

EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL NIGHT, 7 p.m., St. Angela Merici (9009 Sienna Ranch Rd., Missouri City).

Event includes music, guest speakers and Eucharistic Adoration.

DEC. 3

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, for free resources on how to embrace the Advent season, including links to how to make an Advent wreath, prayers and blessings at home, videos and more, visit archgh.org/advent.

DEC. 1-2

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE MARKET AND LUNCHEON, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mary Queen (606 Cedarwood Dr., Friendswood). 60 local vendors and artisans with quilts, home décor, crafts, jewelry, wreaths, ornaments, soaps, dips, ceramics and more.

Lunch served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DEC. 2

WORKSHOP, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Emmaus Spirituality Center (12211 Memorial Dr., Houston). “Releasing the Power of Prayer: Deepening Our Image of God” explores understanding how God’s image can be distorted and understanding the lifetime process of healing with God. Cost: $75. emmausspiritualitycenter.com.

DAY OF REFLECTION, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Angela Merici (9009 Sienna Ranch Rd., Missouri City).

Kathleen Messina, director of the Emmaus Spirituality Center’s Spiritual Direction Institute,

archgh.org 2023 Liturgical Calendar Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 26 First Sunday of Advent December 3 Second Sunday of Advent December 10 Third Sunday of Advent December 17 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24

JOURNEY, from page 17 another nod to young people.

Christian singer-turned-actor Joel Smallbone of the band For King and Country plays Antipater, the notorious King Herod’s son in the film. Smallbone noted that the musical direction of “Journey to Bethlehem” is a tribute to one of the Gospel’s most theatrical moments.

“The nativity story is sort of a musical at the heart of it,” he explained. “These angels show up, and they’re singing to the shepherds.”

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angels, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” (Lk 2:13) “This is the story that turned BC to AD,” Smallbone said in a recent interview about why this film is important. “Everything changed with

hosts “Re-Igniting Our Hope” reflection. Free with registration. www.stamericigh.com; 281778-0400.

DEC. 9

ARCHDIOCESAN GUADALUPE CELEBRATION, 8 a.m., Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston). 8 a.m. procession begins at 1700 Bell St. and ends in front of the downtown Chancery (1700 San Jacinto St.) followed by 10 a.m. Mass at the Co-Cathedral with traditional dancing and singing to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe at 12 p.m. Mass livestreamed online at archgh.org/live.

DEC. 9-10

RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS COLLECTION, Annual collection benefits 24,000 elderly religious sisters, brothers and religious order priests across the U.S. Several men’s and women’s religious congregations in the Archdiocese have benefited from this collection in the past.

DEC. 15

ADVENT MASS & LUNCHEON, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Mary’s Seminary (9845 Memorial Dr., Houston). The Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston Council of Catholic Women hosts a Mass celebrated by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, and luncheon supporting the Seafarers Port Ministry with Port Chaplain Father Jan Kubisa and Spiritual Advisor Monsignor Dan Scheel.

Cost: $25 per person or $240 for reserved table of 8. ghcw.org.

JAN. 26-27

AGING CONFERENCE, Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Prince of Peace - St. Andrew Community Center (19222 Tomball Pkwy., Houston). Office of Aging hosts “Nurturing The Roots of Our Communal Tree: A Catholic Conference to Honor and Support Aging,” a two-day event with presentations and vendors that support pastoral and practical care for families with older adults. Friday’s sessions are geared for parish leaders; Saturday is for older adults and family members. View agenda and register at archgh.org/aging.

••• To find additional listings online, visit the website at WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA.

the birth of Jesus.”

He joined his wife Moriah, who was cast in the film first playing Mary’s sister. The entire show was formed under the direction of Adam Anders, whose ear for music won him awards for his work on “Glee” and “High School Musical.”

Anders, in a press release, commented, “I have had a dream to create a Christmas musical for years, and to see it come to life with a stunning cast has exceeded every expectation. We could not be more excited for this film to be a classic for years to come.” This is the first musical release from Affirm Films, the Christian films label of Sony, the same studio behind such movies as “War Room,” “Fireproof” and “Miracles from Heaven.”

Tickets for the film are already on sale for the limited release, which will run exclusively in theaters starting Nov. 10. †

texas catholic herald 19

NOVEMBER 14, 2023 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

MILESTONES

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Quartet of events bring service, charity in focus HOUSTON — Across separate events, hundreds gathered to celebrate and honor a quartet of organizations in Houston.

St. Dominic Village hosts fourth Annual Fall Luncheon HOUSTON — The fourth Annual Fall Luncheon was held on Oct. 12 in the auditorium on the grounds of St. Dominic Village, located in Houston’s Medical Center.

This annual event is one of St. Dominic Village’s largest fundraisers of the year. The event included vendors, information booths, and a St. Dominic Village Pop-Up Shop, with full proceeds benefiting the organization.

The vendors offered holiday goods ranging from Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas décor.

The keynote speaker was Louise Parsley, award-winning author of the book “Revelations in the Rearview Mirror: One Mother’s Hard-won and Hilarious Epiphanies on the Road to the Empty Nest,” delivered an account of her life as a wife, mother, philanthropist and author.

Within her message, Parsley captured the essence of some of the St. Dominic Village residents whom she had the pleasure of spending time with weeks prior.

The event raised $33,000 for St. Dominic Village.

Fabrizio receives award from Father Donald Nesti Center for Faith & Culture HOUSTON — “A Way of Life in the Light of Faith” was the theme of the 13th annual Faithful Citizenship Dinner hosted on Oct. 14 at the River Oaks Country Club by the University of St. Thomas-Houston (UST) Donald S. Nesti, CSSp, Center for Faith & Culture.

Mary Frances Fabrizio received this year’s Faithful Citizenship Award for her exceptional post-retirement volunteerism with many Catholic organizations.

Her service includes the Catholic Chaplains Corps, Catholic Charity Guild as archivist and historian for its 2022 centennial celebration and serving as Dame Commander in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Nearly 200 people attended the celebration that benefited the Nesti Center for Faith &

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAN JOSÉ CLINIC

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON

Dinner chairs (from left to right) Douglas and Ashley Plaeger join Catholic Charities President Cynthia Colbert with co-chairs Disney and Max Harris at Oct. 14 Wine & Dine Dinner, benefiting Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. DOMINIC VILLAGE

Local award-winning author Louise Parsley spoke at a luncheon benefiting St. Dominic Village on Oct. 12.

Culture, which brings the Catholic voice to the ongoing conversation about the meaning of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness held in common as Americans.

Wine & Dine event benefits Catholic Charities HOUSTON — Guests feasted and sipped wines paired with four courses at the Wine & Dine Dinner, benefiting Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Chairs were Ashley and Douglas Plaeger and Disney and Max Harris, hosting 300 guests at The Revaire for an evening focused on fine dining and philanthropy. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo provided a blessing for the meal.

Last year, Catholic Charities provided service to people in need 354,000 times in Fort Bend, Galveston and Harris counties through programs that prevent hunger and homelessness and answer needs such as employment, positive mental health and immigration legal assistance.

Forever healing those with limited access to healthcare

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS - HOUSTON

Founding director of the Nesti Center for Faith & Culture, Father Donald S. Nesti, CSSp, Honoree Mary Frances Fabrizio with Honoree Event Chairs Mills and Steve Toomey.

Richard R. Torres, president and executive director of CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare, accepted an award on behalf of the organization, which was honored at San José Clinic’s Forever Healing Gala held Oct. 13. Margo Melchor-Hernandez, CEO and president of San José Clinic, and Daniel Cardinal DiNardo presented the award.

HOUSTON — San José Clinic’s Forever Healing Gala, held Oct. 13, honored the CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare. The event raised over $425,000 for the clinic to continue its mission of providing healing through quality healthcare and education with respect and compassion for those with limited access to care.

The event included a reception, dinner, wine pull, live auction and more. †

Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Working on the Margins www.usccb.org/cchd Copyright © 2022, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: © Getty Images.

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • NOVEMBER 14, 2023

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

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MEN FOR OTHERS

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