Texas Catholic Herald - Dec. 28, 2021 by Texas Catholic Herald

DECEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

REFLECTING ON 2021

A ‘CHOSEN’ CHRISTMAS

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A look back at some of the top stories from 2021.

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The hit TV series takes to the big screen for a Christmas holiday special.

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

DECEMBER 28, 2021

VOL. 58, NO. 14

THROUGH HIM, WITH HIM AND IN HIM

MINISTRY

Archdiocese to lift Mass dispensation HOUSTON - In a Dec. 28 letter to the Galveston-Houston Catholics, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston, announced that he would be lifting the dispensation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. The obligation will return on Jan. 2, 2022, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. “For nearly two years now, we have lived through the difficulties of the coronavirus pandemic,” Cardinal DiNardo wrote. The dispensation will still be granted to those who are ill or have underlying health concerns. Cardinal Dinardo first granted the dispensation in March of 2020, as the spread of the COVID-19 virus grew in Texas. †

FOR MORE, SEE CARDINAL’S COLUMN ON PAGE 2

PAGE 2 • A SHEPHERD’S MESSAGE

EDUCATION

Catholic schools introduce CROSS Academies BY LESLIE BARRERA Special to the Herald HOUSTON — For the eight campuses that make up what has been historically known as the Inner City Catholic Schools (ICCS) group within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, there is an extra special reason to celebrate this Christmas season—they will be starting the new year off with a brand-new name: The CROSS Academies. The acronym encompassed in the name, Christ’s Reflection of Service Schools, is a reflection of the heart of service that is found in the mission of Catholic education and of Jesus Christ, who is held to be the unseen teacher in every Catholic school. Since the beginning of the academic year, the members of the ICCS Operational Vitality Taskforce, chaired by Román Martinez, have been hard at work in consultation with the Catholic Schools

CNS PHOTO

Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz of Galveston-Houston, center, walks in procession for Mass at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome Jan. 21, 2020. Bishop Sheltz was in the Vatican for his “ad limina” visit to report on the status of their dioceses to the pope and Vatican officials. Bishop Sheltz died Dec. 21 at 75 years old. He had served as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese since his appointment in 2012.

A mirror of Christ: Bishop Sheltz’s life, legacy of serving the local Church A true servant leader, retired Auxiliary Bishop George Arthur Sheltz, a Houston native who served his home diocese for more than 50 years as a priest, died Dec. 21. He was 75 years old.

CHOOSE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

See ACADEMIES, page 13

HERALD FILE PHOTO BY JONAH DYCUS

Bishop Sheltz smiles during his ordination Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston on May 2, 2012.

THE FIRST WORD † 3

“There is real sadness for us at the death of Bishop Sheltz,” Daniel Cardinal DiNardo said. “He was such a kind and generous man, a faithful priest. Whenever I asked him to do anything, he always said ‘yes’ and did so cheerfully. He was a great model of a diocesan priest, conscientious. He mirrored Christ very much.” As a priest of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Bishop Sheltz served at six parishes: Assumption, Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, St. Vincent de Paul, Christ the Redeemer, Prince of Peace and St. Anthony of Padua in The Woodlands. He served as dean of the

COLUMNISTS † 14 - 15

ESPAÑOL † 18 |

San Jacinto Deanery and Episcopal Vicar of the Northern Vicariate while a parish priest. In 2000, Pope John Paul II named him a prelate of honor, with the title of Monsignor. “I’ve had a pretty interesting priesthood,” Bishop Sheltz said in a 2012 interview with the Texas Catholic Herald. “I’ve been at six parishes in 36 years as a parish priest — three as a parochial vicar, three as a pastor.” In the same interview, he recalled one of his favorite memories of serving at a parish.

MILESTONES † 20

See BISHOP SHELTZ, page 3

2 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • DECEMBER 28, 2021

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

A Shepherd’s Message

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By Daniel Cardinal DiNardo

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“This is a season of hope, a season when we hold fast to the reality that God is faithful.” Dear Sisters and Brothers, We have entered the season of Christmas, the time of the Church year when we focus our meditations and prayers on the great gift of the Incarnation, God taking on human flesh for our redemption. This is a season of hope, a season when we hold fast to the reality that God is faithful. For nearly two years now, we have lived through the difficulties of the coronavirus pandemic. At the outset of the pandemic, I enacted several protocols for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy in order to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19 at our parish churches. Over time, I have adjusted some protocols or given discretion for local pastors to use their best judgment. In the spring of 2020, I decreed a general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. I did so in order to instill peace of mind among all the faithful, especially those who would sincerely desire to fulfill their Mass obligations while also harboring serious concerns for contracting the coronavirus.

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Just as I have made changes to other protocols, I now announce a change for the dispensation from the Sunday and Holy Day Mass obligation. Effective Jan. 2, 2022, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, this dispensation is removed for all Catholics within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The faithful should fulfill their Sunday and Holy Day obligations joyfully and conscientiously. At the same time, I remind everyone that, from the Church’s law itself, the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday or a Holy Day of Obligation is not morally binding for those who find it impossible to attend Mass, e.g., due to illness, advanced age, caring for a sick person, or being at high-risk for contracting COVID-19 (cf. Canon, 1248). These persons should fulfill their obligations at home through some act of prayer or meditation upon the sacred scriptures for the Mass of the day. When there was great uncertainty about the manner of transmitting COVID-19, I suspended the use of holy water in our churches. I have recently directed pastors to resume the use of holy water beginning on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. May the peace that comes from the Lord Jesus Christ fill your hearts now and always. †

A PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR Remember us, O God; from age to age be our comforter. You have given us the wonder of time, blessings in days and nights, seasons and years. Bless your children at the turning of the year and fill the months ahead with the bright hope that is ours in the coming of Christ. You are our God, living and reigning, forever and ever. Amen.

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THE FIRST WORD Longtime faith leader remembered

IN BRIEF Registration for Steps for Students underway

BISHOP SHELTZ, from page 1

“One of our first Holy Week services (for Christ the Redeemer) was at the Milsap School,” Bishop Sheltz recalled. “That Good Friday, a West Texas sandstorm came through and blew out the power in the school in the middle of the service. People brought Coleman lanterns to the evening service. There was no AC, no lighting … when I was raising the Eucharist and saying, ‘This is the Lamb of God’ – boom! A loud noise was made, and the lights and electricity came back on. Everyone was ooh-ing and aw-ing.” TAPPED TO LEAD In 2007, Bishop Sheltz was named secretariat director for Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services. Since 2010, he served as vicar general, chancellor and moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, overseeing the administrative operations of the largest Roman Catholic diocese in Texas and the fifth-largest in the United States. On Feb. 21, 2012, he was named an auxiliary bishop of Galveston-Houston by Pope Benedict XVI. When asked in 2012 to discuss his aspirations when serving as bishop, Bishop Sheltz said, “I hope I will continue to be a good representative of the priesthood. I hope that I will be a good preacher of the life of Jesus Christ through my life and actions. I hope I will help others continue to grow in their faith.” Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, said that hope was realized in a life dedicated to faithful service. “Bishop George was a good man and a good and humble priest. And he was a bishop,” Bishop Dell’Oro said.“With great humility, George trusted that God had chosen him and served Him faithfully even through undue suffering until his death. Now, I trust that he is in God’s peaceful embrace.”

FILE PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD AND VATICAN MEDIA

Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz, center, celebrated the funeral Mass of Houston Police Sgt. Steve Perez, who died during Hurricane Harvey, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston Sept. 13, 2017.

During high school, he began to consider the possibility of studying for the priesthood for the thenDiocese of Galveston-Houston. With the encouragement of the Basilian Fathers at St. Thomas High School, he entered St. Mary’s Seminary. He graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and from the seminary with a Master’s in Theology. On May 15, 1971, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Galveston-Houston by Bishop STEPPING BACK John Morkovsky. Pope Francis accepted Bishop “The Archdiocese lost a fully Sheltz’s resignation on June 22 at dedicated and wonderful priest the age of 75. in the death of Bishop Sheltz,” “I am grateful for his Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. AUXILIARY friendship, counsel and boundless BISHOP GEORGE Fiorenza said. “He was a friend to commitment to the local faithful; all who knew him and ready to A. SHELTZ his knowledge and love of his help those in need of his priestly home diocese has always been evident in ministry and always offered good advice his words and actions,” Cardinal DiNardo to those seeking his help. I will miss him said upon Bishop Sheltz’s retirement. “In as a good and steady friend.” addition, his calm, insightful manner and dry sense of humor were invaluable in A FAMILY OF VOCATIONS overseeing the administrative operations Bishop Sheltz came from a family of of the Archdiocese as chancellor.” Houston vocations. His father, Deacon George Arthur Sheltz was born April George Sheltz Sr., was in the first class 20, 1946, in Houston, Texas, to (the late) of permanent deacons ordained for the George and Margaret Sheltz. The second diocese in 1972. His late brother, Anton oldest of three children, he was raised Sheltz, was ordained a priest for the thenin Houston and educated entirely in Diocese of Galveston-Houston in 1976. the Bayou City, attending Annunciation His uncle, Monsignor Anton Frank, was Catholic School in downtown Houston, St. the first native Houstonian ordained for Thomas High School, the University of St. the diocese in 1933. Thomas and St. Mary’s Seminary. “My uncle, Monsignor Frank, was a

At left, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo joined Bishop Sheltz in meeting Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.

beginning influence on my vocation,” Bishop Sheltz said. “My mother and father were very much an influence in my thinking about the priesthood. The Basilian Fathers at St. Thomas High School were a great inspiration to me. I learned from them that priests were men who could laugh, who could tell a joke, who could be holy, who could be serious. They were good role models.” INSPIRING OWNERSHIP OF FAITH For his motto, Bishop Sheltz used the phrase, “Through Him, With Him, In Him.” By these words from the Eucharistic prayer during Mass, Bishop Sheltz proclaimed that as a bishop, his ministry was to do all things through Christ, the Word sent into the world to proclaim God’s love for all humanity. “I’ve served at Mass since I was five years old,” Bishop Sheltz said. “In those days, the Mass was in Latin, and you had to have prayers memorized. We couldn’t just mumble the words. As I became comfortable with the Mass in English, the phrase, “Through Him, With Him, In Him” always struck me. When I sent out the invitations to my ordination to the priesthood, that (phrase) was on the card. It’s been part of my priesthood from the beginning.” Highlighting the strength in diversity of the local Church, Bishop Sheltz said, “The beauty of this Archdiocese is that people have been encouraged to be active participants in their faith lives. In this diocese, we’ve all been encouraged and challenged to take ownership of our faith. I always tried to make sure people in ministry take ownership of their faith. When you do that, they challenge and encourage others to get involved and lead their brothers and sisters.” At the the time of publication, Bishop Sheltz’s funeral arrangements were pending. For the latest information, visit www.archgh.org. †

HOUSTON — More than 12,000 participants are expected to gather downtown on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for the 17th Annual Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk. The event raises funds and awareness for the network of 56 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. The day starts with Mass at 6:30 a.m. followed by the presentation of the David Guite Spirit Award. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo will bless everyone present just before the 5K race begins at 8 a.m.; a post-race party will follow the event. Dec. 27 is the deadline to guarantee T-shirt sizes and the last day to order Dri-Fit shirts. The timed-event registration fee is $20 and increases to $30 after Jan. 31, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. The untimed-event registration fee is $18, and increases to $28 after Jan. 31, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. To register, or for more information, visit www.steps4students.org. †

Café Catholica Lite set for January HOUSTON — The Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministry will host the next Café Catholica Lite at St. Joseph Church, located at 1505 Kane St. in Houston, on Jan. 20, 2022, from 7 to 8:45 p.m. The speaker for the in-person event is Chris Donatto from Adore Ministries. His topic will be “Do You Love Your Neighbor: Living Community.” The night will include light snacks, the talk, a Q&A and communal prayer. The talk will be available to view online as well at www.archgh.org/cafecatholica. The Café Catholica program seeks to help young adults ages 18 to 39 encounter Christ and His Church. All young adults are invited to join us for Café Catholica Lite throughout the year. For more information, contact the Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministry at yacm@archgh.org or 713-7418778. †

DSF annual appeal to support Archdiocesan ministries continues

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

4 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • DECEMBER 28, 2021

POPE VISITS WITH CHILDREN FROM PEDIATRIC CLINIC

Pope Francis shared Christmas blessings with children, urging them to listen to and help people in need. ▪ SEE PAGE 16

"All who heard it were amazed..." "When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them." - Luke 2:15-20

Merry Christmas from the Texas Catholic Herald! PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

A stained glass window at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Nassau Bay depicts the Holy Family.

DECEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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¡Viva Our Lady of Guadalupe! HOUSTON — From Navasota to Pasadena, with drums, dances, pilgrimages, dozens upon hundreds of flowers and even a horse parade, Catholics across the Archdiocese celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12. Parishes hosted local gatherings and events, with the Archdiocesan celebration held on Dec. 5 at the Catholic Charismatic Center. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo celebrated the annual Mass, with Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell'Oro as homilist. Flowers overflowed at nearly every Guadalupe shrine in the diocese, with votive candles flickering in the wind near stacks of flowers, each petal honoring Our Lady and the roses she gave to St. Juan Diego. This tradition honors the time starting Dec. 9, 1531, on a hill near a rural village just outside Mexico City, when the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, appeared to a humble peasant on his way to Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. His native name in Nahuatl was Cuauhtlatoazin (“one who speaks like an eagle”). In Spanish, he was named Juan Diego, now a saint canonized by St. Pope John Paul II in 2002. Surrounded by light and speaking in his indigenous tongue of Nahuatl, Our Lady told Juan Diego that she wanted a church built to manifest the love of Jesus and hear the petitions of the faithful. At her request, he approached Bishop Juan de Zumarraga, who doubted the story. After Juan Diego met with the Virgin Mary again on Dec. 12, she arranged roses within his cloak and told him this would be the sign that he should present to the bishop. When Juan Diego opened the cloak or tilma to show the flowers, the bishop was presented with a miraculous imprinted image of Our Lady of Guadalupe that still exists. The name Guadalupe is a Spanish version of the Nahuatl word Coatlaxopeuh, meaning “the one who crushes the serpent.” The Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, which displays Juan Diego’s cloak, has become one of the world’s most-visited Catholic sites, second only to the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. † PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF HISPANIC MINISTRIES

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo incenses an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe during a Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 5 at the Catholic Charismatic Center.

“Let not your heart be disturbed… Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything.”

c a k b to g in t

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PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

A shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe is seen among flowers at St. Juan Diego Catholic Church in Pasadena on Dec. 13. Hundreds of flowers surrounded the large shrine.

- Our Lady of Guadalupe -

Heart of worship Saturday, February 12, 2022 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land

Special Guest Speaker: DEACON HAROLD BURKE-SIVERS

PHOTO BY NANCY RODRIGUEZ

At left, a horse bears a ribbon with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and at right, a man carries a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe during a horse parade at St. Matthias Catholic Church in Magnolia on Dec. 5. The annual event highlights Mexican horse riding culture and devotions to Our Lady.

Inspiring talks, praise & worship, dinner, Mass & Eucharistic Adoration

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Blessings await for pilgrims visiting the Holy Land - Part 2 BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald ISRAEL — The Israeli government, after closing its borders over Thanksgiving weekend for at least two weeks, decided to extend its border closures through Dec. 29 — as of press time — to noncitizens to prevent the Omicron coronavirus variant from spreading throughout the country. Even vaccinated travelers allowed into Israel will have to quarantine. Before the closure, only 11 of us from the Houston area were among the 30,000 tourists who entered Israel in the first half of this past November when the borders temporarily opened. That number palely compares to 421,000 tourists in November 2019, according to Israel’s Interior Ministry. Churches, store merchants, hotels, farmers, and all those in the service industries said they are feeling the stranglehold tightening for two years now and continuing through Christmas and Hanukkah, their biggest holiday seasons. But before the latest closure, Advent in the Holy Land started with fireworks and a big celebration of hope as churches and marketplaces in Jerusalem prepared for the holidays in early November. Giant Christmas trees in church courtyards spun up halfway decorated while whitelight stars twinkled in the marketplace in Jerusalem. But Bethlehem, under Palestinian Authority, appeared more somber under lockdown with hotels and inns ordered closed, blamed on COVID-19. Guard gates, checkpoints with Israeli soldiers and the separate metal wall act as barriers between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Our visit to Jesus’s birthplace was on a Sunday, so most Christian shops were closed. But our pilgrimage organizers arranged for the huge shop Bethlehem Nativity Souvenirs, a cooperative of Christian owners, to open especially for

PHOTO BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA/HERALD

A mother and child kneel at the 14-point silver star on the marble floor of the Grotto of the Nativity that bears the inscription in Latin “Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary” at the Church of the Nativity, first built in Bethlehem 1,600 years ago by Christian Roman Emperor Constantine.

our group. We’re sure the thousands of dollars our group spent were appreciated as much as we were grateful to fill our Christmas gift lists for family and friends with Rosaries, crucifixes and nativity sets legitimately made of olive wood in the Holy Land. Nativity store clerk Silvia Zamala, originally from Colombia, now lives in Bethlehem with her husband and family. “It’s been very hard for families with shops and other work closed for months. But my husband is still working in construction,” she said. Despite the wavering economy, construction cranes remain busy swinging throughout the country’s horizon. As to prove her point, roving street merchants with items of leather purses, key chains, Christmas decorations and other items would cry out,“Please help my

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family…” as they thrust the merchandise onto unsuspecting tourists. Our Houston group’s two priests, Father Peter Towsley, of St. Joseph Church downtown, and Father Joseph Nguyen of St. Vincent DePaul Church, celebrated Mass with us in Bethlehem at the oldest major church in the Holy Land — the Church of the Nativity. The basilica, located in the West Bank, Palestine, houses the grotto of Jesus’s birth site. First built about 330 AD by the first Christian Roman Emperor Constantine, it is the oldest site continuously used as a place of worship in Christianity for the past 1,600-plus years. UNESCO, the United Nation’s cultural agency, includes the Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem on its World Heritage List. In the years before COVID-19, a long line of people would stretch out from the front door of the Church of the Nativity waiting to enter a very low stone opening called the “Door of Humility,” which also worked in the past to keep out invaders. But our group quickly bent under the stone opening with no line at all. Municipal workers were busy stringing up Christmas lights behind the church in Manger Square. In A.D. 614, the Persians, who razed many other churches during wars with Byzantium, spared the Church of the Nativity, supposedly out of respect for a mosaic of the Magi shown wearing Persian attire, explained our guide George Stephan, an Arab Christian. The age of the church shows with scaffolding throughout because of ongoing extensive renovations. Not exactly the typical Christmas-card image, the place of Christ’s birth is a rock cave dimly lit by Orthodox lamps. Instead of a star shining above, a 14-point silver star on the marble floor of the Grotto of the Nativity bears the Latin inscription “Hic de Virgine Maria Jesus Christus natus est” (Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary). Reverence remains as pilgrims line up to kneel, kiss the star and lay their children upon it. Besides the ancient holy sites, another highlight of the journey is Israel’s sheer vastness of topography and diversity of its nine million in population — the majority Jewish, 21% Arabs, mostly Muslims responding to daily broadcasts

to prayer, and the dwindling Christian population down to only little more than 1%. But there are 103 Catholic Churches, evenly divided between Latin and Greek Melkite. Although only the size of the state of New Jersey, half of Israel is desert, including the aptly barren Valley of the Shadow of Death known as part of the Wadi Qelt. A deep reddish-brown gorge in the Judean Wilderness that runs from Jerusalem down to Jericho, the sandy starkness houses temporary lodges for the nomadic Bedouins and their livestock. But the remaining country is lush and fertile with olive trees, flowing red, white and pink bougainvillea, date and palm trees, banana trees and other crops that we tasted in the plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables in the local diet. On the northern shore of the ever-blue and glistening silver Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Beatitudes seemed the most heavenly place. Green, blue and yellow streaks across the sky turned out to be wild parrots or monk parakeets zipping between palm trees. The Mount of Beatitudes, one of the most beautifully serene places in the Holy Land, is believed to be the setting for Jesus’s most famous discourse Sermon on the Mount. A powerful summary of the fundamental teachings of Jesus proclaims the eight beatitudes, beginning with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven . . . .” (Matthew 5:3) Traveling from the expansive light and fresh air of the Mount, one is plunged into the shadows of narrow streets, alleys and shops of the Via Dolorosa, meaning “way of sorrows.” Located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, the mostly cobblestone path of about half-mile or just under one kilometer traditionally retraces the steps of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The 14 Stations of the Cross are stops along the Via Dolorosa where pilgrims pray to remember the torture, sentencing, carrying of the cross, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus of Nazareth. The final stations of 10 through 14 of the crucifixion and burial are within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, home to two of the holiest sites in Christianity — the site where Jesus was crucified, known as Calvary, and the tomb where Jesus was buried and then resurrected. Our small group of 11 was honored to celebrate Mass inside the tomb itself. Fathers Towsley and Father Nguyen used the tomb slab as the altar while we encircled the entrance of the tomb. Our hearts were full as we lifted up our prayers along with the aroma of incense and ointments from the garments that we had wiped on the Stone of Anointing, where Jesus’s body was prepared for burial. Father Towsley reminded us of Jesus’s transfiguration, shortly before His passion and foreshadowing His resurrection. “The transfiguration is also to transform you and me. It showed the fullness of the divinity of Jesus from the Mount to Calvary. We’re living in a dark place, and we are called to be light.” May our Advent and Christmas prayers include pleas to help the Christians and others struggling in the Holy Land. † Editor’s note: Part 1 of “Blessings await for pilgrims visiting the Holy Land” was featured in the Dec. 14 issue.

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DECEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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Ecumenical, Interreligious Commission plans collaboration with Interfaith Ministries in 2022 BY BRIDGET RICHARDSON Special to the Herald

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HOUSTON — The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Office of Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs (OEIA) recently visited Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston to discuss collaborative ideas and how to better represent the Catholic voice in interfaith and ecumenical dialogue efforts. They met with Jodi Bernstein, vice president of Interfaith Relations and Community Partnerships, Rev. Greg Han, director of Interfaith Relations and Education, and Kim Mabry, program manager for Interfaith Relations and Community Partnerships. Father Orrin Halepeska, officer of OEIA, said it’s imperative that the commission and other Catholics work with Interfaith Ministries. “The work they are doing serves our Houston community in so many ways, and Catholics need to be a part of the great work they are doing,” Father Halepeska said. “Our commission is dedicated to being a Catholic presence at their events going forward to show the diverse faiths already involved that we are dedicated to a shared mission of hospitality and care for the most vulnerable among us to carry on the great work of Archbishop Fiorenza.” Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza was one of the pioneers of these efforts, and the OEIA is excited to carry on the great foundation he has started with other faith

Archdiocesan Office of Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs Chair & Officer: Father Orrin Halepeska Phone: 281-342-3089 Web: www.archgh.org/ecumenism

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF ECUMENICAL AND INTERRELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

The Rev. Greg Han welcomes Jan Skrehot, vice chair of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Commission, and Father Orrin Halepeska to The Brigitte and Bashar Kalai Plaza of Respect at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston in December 2021.

leaders. OEIA strives to foster the ecumenical goals of Christian unity and to deepen interreligious relations with Jews, Muslims, and followers of other religious traditions. The office commits to promoting

knowledge and understanding among all religious traditions through prayer, dialogue, formation and collaboration in civic undertakings, with the primary goal of forming the Catholic faithful in Church teachings on matters of ecumenical and interreligious affairs.

Those interested in participating in the commission can visit the webpage on the Archdiocesan website at www. archgh.org/ecumenism or contact Father Halepeska at halepeska.o@aghclergy. org. Interfaith Ministries brings people of diverse faiths together for dialogue, collaboration, and service. They manifest the strength of shared beliefs through four areas of service to the greater Houston community: • Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston delivers more than one million meals each year to seniors in Harris county. • Refugee Services, in conjunction with the U.S. State Department, resettles hundreds of refugees in Houston each year. • Office of Disaster Preparedness and Response facilitates communication on behalf of Houston’s faith communities during relief and recovery efforts. • Interfaith Relations provides a safe harbor for greater Houston through its many interfaith programs and dialogue efforts. For more information, visit imgh.org. †

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • DECEMBER 28, 2021

Journeying together: Synod planning, training underway in Archdiocese BY JONAH DYCUS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Pope Francis has invited every diocese in the world to participate in the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will be held in October of 2023. The pope is encouraging dialogue among the faithful and with those in the peripheries to learn about their faith experiences, joys and concerns. The two-year process of listening and dialogue, being conducted by every diocese around the world, started this fall. “The goal is not solving a problem. That’s not what synods do. And that’s what Pope Francis has told us,” Daniel Cardinal DiNardo said at the Oct. 20 Opening Mass of the Synod for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. “(Pope Francis) wants us to talk together … we’re not going to know it if we just talk alone. We have to speak together because the Spirit is the relationship, the string that holds us together.” In a letter to the faithful, Cardinal DiNardo said the diocesan phase of this synod process is integral to the 2023 Synod, particularly the listening sessions that will be hosted in locations around Galveston-Houston in the coming months. The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) is assisting Cardinal in leading the diocesan phase, and recently, facilitator trainings were organized in

SYNOD RESOURCES PHOTO BY SEAN O’DRISCOLL/HERALD

Ricardo Medina, director of the Office of Family Life Ministry, leads a training session for Spanish-speaking listening session facilitators at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land on Dec. 11.

local parishes to help those tasked with leading these listening sessions. More trainings are scheduled in the new year (see link below for more information). While the request to collate information gathered during the listening sessions can seem daunting for both facilitators and participants alike, APC member Daphine Sands said the process dates back to the early Church. “Acts tells us that when people had questions and issues about what they should do in faith, those issues were sent to the Apostles who, through prayer

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Caring for Our Elders with the Compassion of Christ

and discernment, provided an answer. Almost 2,000 years later, that process still survives,” Sands said. “We all have to trust in Jesus on the outcome. For me personally, a synod is a way to get the people of God, which includes those who are actively participating in their faith, to interface with the disenfranchised and marginalized because we need to hear what they have to say.” Lee Schmoe, another APC member, said he was initially confused and skeptical about the process until he attended a training. “How could the voices of millions of Catholics be heard by Pope Francis through such a huge, complex process? Now I believe it’s not only possible but also critically important for the local and global Church at this time in history.” In addition to facilitator trainings at parishes, the Archdiocese also hosted a synod orientation for chancery employees serving in the Pastoral and Education Ministries Secretariat. Mark Ciesielski, Office of Aging director, and Julie Blevins, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis director, were among those in attendance. Thanks to the orientation, “I attained a better understanding of the purpose of the synod, which includes the sense that we as a people-centered Church are journeying together, clergy and laity, towards fostering our union with Christ as disciples,” Ciesielski said. “The sharing process enabled me to appreciate how much of our religious experiences we share in common, both the joys and hurts.” Blevins said the synodal process gives the faithful “time to add our voices to the discussion,” including those who may not normally be engaged in such dialogues involving the Church. “We need to hear all voices in the Church,” she said. “We need to openly listen to views that may be different from ours with respect, not expecting to respond to them but to record what was said. It will take effort to invite those in our parishes who may not be the ‘mainstream,’ but their presence is necessary for a good synod process because all of us are journeying together.” Ciesielski said he wants to listen to people’s faith journey experiences to better understand “their joys and trials as Catholic Christians. This includes their moments of grace (consolation, inclusion) and desolation (feeling marginalized,

For more information and resources about the local Synod process in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, visit the website at WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/SYNOD.

Synod on Synodality for Young Adults

All young adults are invited to attend an upcoming Synod on Synodality discussion on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at St. Dominic Chancery (2403 Holcombe Blvd.) from 7 to 9 pm. Come share with others on how the Church has journeyed with you. No cost to attend. Registration is required. Register online by February 13 at http:// bit.ly/AGHYA-Synod. For more information contact the Office of Young Adult & Campus Ministry at 713-741-8778 or yacm@archgh.org or www.archgh.org/yacm. † excluded, or not engaged). My hope would be that the synod experience helps us all to be more intentional disciples, more actively engaged with our brothers and sisters in Christ in building God’s Kingdom.” Respecting and discovering these various viewpoints is a key facet to the process of the synod discussions, Ciesielski said: “This is a Church for all — especially those on the periphery.” “If we can foster a respectful listening process and dialogue, then we have the opportunity to address and correct our faults and discover ways to be more inclusive and welcoming to all,” he said. “The key to evangelization is sometimes to listen with empathy,” Sands said. “That’s what we have been called to do: Listen and report what we find; without judgment and with love’s compassion. Once we do that, then the love of God can work.” Schmoe is encouraging all faithful to participate in the local synod process. “Too many Catholics have lost or are losing their sense of belonging to their parish and to the Church,” he said. “Restoring this love starts with parishes and the Church listening to us. Obviously, we can’t be listened to if we are not speaking.” To participate actively in the synod as a session facilitator, register for a nocost training session at https://archgh. cventevents.com/SynodFacTrng2022. The next training is on Saturday, Jan. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Prince of Peace Church. For more information and updates about the local synod process, visit www. archgh.org/synod. †

DECEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

LOCAL

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Adult formation deepens faith, discipleship to answer Christ’s call BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent HOUSTON — The universal call and duty of Christians worldwide to build up the Kingdom of God starts at home — with the local Church and families. Catholic adults in the Archdiocese have the opportunity to study basic theology and foster spiritual development to go deeper into their faith and gain a better understanding of their baptismal call to service as mature disciples. The core faith formation program PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF EVANGELIZATION AND CATECHESIS offered by the Archdiocese’s Formation A session of Formación Para el Ministerio Cristiano was held at St. Jerome Catholic Church in 2019. Toward Christian Ministry (FTCM), or Formación Para el Ministerio Cristiano (FPMC) in Spanish, is part of the Office associate director of OEC, the FTCM/ their increased knowledge and the of Evangelization and Catechesis (OEC). FPMC was formed to unite the efforts intentional opportunities to reflect and For over four decades, the ministry has of several offices and ministries within integrate that knowledge into their own provided authentic Catholic teachings the Archdiocese to provide a single spiritual lives,” said Garcia-Luense. “Faith taught by approved instructors with quality introductory formation program seeks understanding, and increased masters or doctoral degrees in theological for people involved in a number of understanding should lead to a deeper disciplines. parish ministries, including catechists, and more mature faith, but the impact of Both in-person and online, formation catechetical leaders, youth ministry FTCM/FPMC in the Archdiocese is much courses provide a solid introduction leaders and Catholic school teachers, broader than just those who participate to Scripture, doctrinal theology, moral among others. in the program directly. The primary theology, liturgical theology and Church He believes the formation programs, as purpose of the program is to provide history. Faculty members are professors well as Days of Reflection that are offered formation to those in parish ministries from the University of St. Thomas, to help participants integrate what they and encourage better ministers in theology teachers from local Catholic learn into their own spiritual life and whatever capacity they serve.” high schools, pastors specializing in ministries, encourage evangelization and Adrian Alberto Herrera, associate certain areas of systematic theology or formation of Christian discipleship that director of OEC and leader of the Spanish Scripture, Chancery employees, and benefits the local and domestic Church. program, agrees. adult faith-formation leaders in parishes. “I believe the participants themselves “I have seen people grow as Christian Rangel Agency Ad 10.375x6.75.qxp_Layout 12/6/21as 1:49Christian PM Page 1 disciples through According to12-21 Brian Garcia-Luense, 1grow disciples and feel better equipped to put

The 2021 Diocesan Services Fund theme draws from a hope: “Walk in the Light of Christ.” DSF operates in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston each year to help the Church carry out the ministries of teaching and sanctifying. DSF brings the needed financial resources to carry out 60-plus ministries. into practice what they learned back at their parish, either as a catechist, liturgical minister, etc.,” said Herrera. “By the end of the program, participants are committed and want to learn and become more fully engaged at their parish. This program helps people not only grow in their knowledge of their faith but also reflects on their particular calling and how they are supposed to use their gifts and talents for the betterment of their parish community and at home.” See FORMATION, page 12

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10 & 11 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

2021: YEAR in REVIEW

IN HOUSTON AND ABROAD, IT WAS A YEAR OF HIGHS AND LOWS AND CHANGES.

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • DECEMBER 28, 2021

PHOTOS: TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD AND CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Despite a global pandemic, with its ensuing variants and fluid responses, remaining as the year’s main focus, Texas Catholics faced a year unlike any other. An unusually cold winter froze the state, the loss of two beloved bishops and a joyous new appointment during the pandemic’s turmoil. Galveston-Houston Catholics stepped up to serve and lead, caring for one another in new and inventive ways with a strong resilience that carried each family, school and parish through 2021. And when some faltered, others rose to the occasion to lift each other up. We also can’t forget the bright light on faith and vocations as both consecrated men and women religious took to the world stage during the Astros’ World Series run, cheering for the hometown team. Here are a few of the top stories from the Texas Catholic Herald in 2021. COVID-19 continued to impact 2021

HOUSTON — As 2021 began, Catholic Charities food distributions quadrupled in Fort Bend County alone, underscoring historic need for food assistance amid pandemic during 2020. Other Archdiocesan and parishbased ministries continued to serve these growing needs. Major events throughout the Archdiocese continued online, including the annual Steps for Students 5K Run, as the Archdiocesan community embraced new technology to continue its ministry. After the initial rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, many parishes also in the Archdiocese hosted vaccination clinics to serve the community, especially those in underserved populations. Parish-based clinics continued through December. Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders then met for an interfaith roundtable discussion on June 2 about how faith supports people in the pandemic and plays an important role in building vaccine trust. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, among those meeting with Marc Boom, MD, president and CEO at Houston Methodist Hospital, said more than 150 local Catholic churches over 10 counties had to shut down within five days of the public health crisis announcement 15 months ago. Both schools and parishes adjusted to local and national health guidance, eventually reopening to full capacity by May. Catholic schools embraced additional precautions with the arrival of the Delta variant. Toward the beginning of fall, the COVID-19 surge showed signs of slowing down, enabling the leniency of protocols both at schools and Masses. †

Archdiocese loses beloved bishops, priest

ORDINATION OF AUXILIARY BISHOP ITALO DELL’ORO

2021 IN NUMBERS

903

466

MEN ORDAINED TO THE PRIESTHOOD IN 2021

MEN ORDAINED TO THE PERMANENT DIACONATE

HOUSTON — The Archdiocese lost two treasured leaders this year. On Dec. 21, Retired Bishop George A. Sheltz died at the age of 75. He was auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston from May 2, 2012, until his retirement on June 22 of this year. Before his time as bishop, he served at six Houston parishes: Assumption, Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, St. Vincent de Paul, Christ the Redeemer, Prince of Peace and St. Anthony of Padua in Woodlands. Bishop Sheltz had recently celebrated his 50th Jubilee in the priesthood in May. AUXILIARY Earlier in the year, retired Auxiliary Bishop Vincent M. BISHOP GEORGE Rizzotto, a Houston native and social justice advocate, A. SHELTZ died Jan. 17. He was 89 years old. Born the youngest of nine children, Bishop Rizzotto grew up in a tight-knit family that was close to each other and to the Church. That spiritual closeness may very well have been the seed for his vocation to the priesthood. Ordained a diocesan priest in 1956, Bishop Rizzotto studied at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He served as an official of the diocesan marriage Tribunal from 1967 to 1972. He also served at All Saints, St. Francis de Sales and St. Cecilia before he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Galveston-Houston by Pope John AUXILIARY Paul II. He received his episcopal consecration in 2001. Bishop Rizzotto BISHOP VINCENT M. RIZZOTTO selected as his episcopal motto,“Make Us One in Christ.” “All I want of our people is to find their own Christian vocation. All of this is God’s work,” Bishop Rizzotto said. Some six months after Bishop Rizzotto’s death, after a long battle with lung cancer, Father Ryan Stawaisz, parochial vicar of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, died on June 21. He was 31 years old. Having battled cancer before, Father Stawaisz’s latest diagnosis came in April 2019 as he was preparing for his ordination to FATHER RYAN the priesthood. STAWAISZ Yet Father Stawaisz found the strength to face his suffering within his Catholic faith. “As Catholics, adversity and hardship are not something to shy away from,” said Father Stawaisz said in a 2020 Office of Vocations video. “It’s not something to run away from, but to face it and embrace it with the grace of God.” †

Winter storm freezes Texas

CANDIDATES WHO ENTERED THE CHURCH AT EASTER

ELECT WHO ENTERED THE LOCAL CHURCH AT EASTER

PITCHES THROWN BY ‘RALLY NUN’ DOMINICAN SISTERS

AGE ARCHBISHOP FIORENZA TURNED ON HIS JAN. 25 BIRTHDAY

HOUSTON — As native son of Houston, Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz, announced his retirement, Pope Francis made an announcement of his own on May 18. Then-Father Italo Dell’Oro, vicar for Clergy and the secretariat director for Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services at the Archdiocese, would become the next bishop of Galveston-Houston. Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro, 68, has been a priest for almost 40 years, 30 of those in the Archdiocese. He was named vicar general in 2021. He is a priest of the Congregation of Somascan Fathers. Born in Italy on June 20, 1953, and entered the Somascan Novitiate and Theologate in Rome and made his final profession in 1981. He was ordained a priest in Italy in 1982 and then came to the U.S. in 1985. In reflecting on his call to the priesthood, he said: “Although I always felt some sort of attraction to it, as I had for other career options, it was at 15 that the possibility of being ‘called’ dawned on me. I went on building my life until, at 21 and 22, the ‘vocational restlessness’ grew to an unbearable level. I had to do something.” †

AGE POPE FRANCIS TURNED ON HIS DEC. 17 BIRTHDAY

PEOPLE EXECUTED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS IN 2021

APOSTOLIC JOURNEYS MADE BY POPE FRANCIS TO COUNTRIES OUTSIDE ITALY

YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH

FUNERAL OF RETIRED BISHOP VINCENT RIZZOTTO

PERMANENT DIACONATE ORDINATION

HOUSTON — On Valentine’s Day, freezing temperatures ravaged Texas, overwhelming its energy grid and leaving thousands without power, heat and water. At least 151 deaths were linked to the storm and subsequent power outages due to hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, home fires or driving accidents on icy roads. There were reportedly 50 in the Houstonarea alone. That tragic number sadly included three students from St. Laurence Catholic School — Nguyen siblings sixth-grader Olivia, second-grader Edison and kindergartener Colette — who died in a devastating house fire along with their grandmother, Loan Le. Just a few hours after the devastating fire in Sugar Land, the rectory at Holy Name Catholic Church went up in flames, one of several parishes that suffered damage during the winter storm. Catholic social service agencies, once again, stepped up to help those battered by the storm with financial and material needs. †

Galveston-Houston gets a new bishop

GALLONS OF OIL CONSECRATED DURING CHRISM MASS

PRIESTHOOD ORDINATION

POPE FRANCIS VISITS IRAQ

CHRISM MASS

THE RALLY NUNS

‘Rally Nuns’ spotlight vocations, consecrated life during the Astros’ World Series run

HOUSTON — There might have been angels in the outfield, but in the Space City, the Houston Astros had Dominicans in the stands. And in a sea of orange and blue, their bright white Dominican habits and black veils stood out. And it wasn’t just Dominicans, but consecrated (and to be consecrated) men and women religious from multiple congregations turned out for several games of the World Series and the American League Championship in Houston in late October. But it was the Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province, a growing Vietnamese consecrated women’s religious congregation located in Houston, who were dubbed the “Rally Nuns” and became a viral sensation when they

filled a prominent section of Minute Maid Park. The sisters, alongside a group of priests, seminarians and other women religious, witnessed the Astros take on the Atlanta Braves after the hometown team beat the Boston Red Sox to punch their ticket to the World Series. Despite the unfortunate outcome of the World Series, vocations and faith moved into the national spotlight, thanks to Houston legend Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and the sisters’ engaging spirit. Two sisters stepped up to the pitcher’s mound and threw the ceremonial first pitch for two games at Minute Maid Park. Sister Mary Catherine Do, OP, who previously taught at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School in Houston and now teaches in Shiner, Texas, threw the first pitch of Game 6 of the ALCS, and Sister Mary Augustine Pham, OP, threw the first pitch at Game 6 of the World Series. †

12 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • DECEMBER 28, 2021

IN MEMORIA

OBITUARIES

Pray for the following priests whose anniversaries of death are during the month of January:

Father Timothy Bucek

WHARTON — Father Timothy “Father Tim” Patrick Bucek, who began his priestly ministry in Houston, died Dec. 4. He was 74 years old. Father Bucek was ordained on May 15, 1976. His first priesthood assignment was with St. Mary Catholic Church in Texas City from 1976 to 1978 before moving to St. Francis de Sales in Houston, where he served from 1978 to 1981. He was then with Sacred Heart in Conroe for one year, then transferred to St. Patrick’s in Galveston, where he stayed from 1981 to 1987. In 1987, he moved to Sacred Heart in Brookshire where he remained until 1998. At that time, Father Bucek was called to Sts. Peter and Paul in Bellville and Immaculate Conception in Industry, where he remained until his retirement on Nov. 12. Funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 14 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Bellville. Interment is in Evergreen Memorial Park in Wharton. †

Salvador ‘Sal’ Anthony Fontana

LA GRANGE, Texas — Salvador “Sal” Anthony Fontana, father of Victoria Fontana Smith, administrative assistant for the Secretariat for Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services, died Dec. 14. He was 80 years old. He was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. Funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 20 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, with Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS as a celebrant. Interment is in New La Grange City Cemetery in La Grange, Texas. †

Gilma Rosa Zapata

SUGAR LAND — Gilma Rosa Zapata, mother of Father Juan Pineda, parochial vicar at St. Theresa Church in Sugar Land, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 4. Funeral services were pending at press time. †

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Jan. 1, 1945 Msgr. J.S. Murphy Jan. 1, 1959 Rev. Joseph L. Willett, CSB Jan. 1, 1973 Rev. C. Laumer Schoppe Jan. 1, 1976 Rev. Wilfred C. Sharpe, CSB Jan. 1, 2019 Rev. Serafin Cejudo Jan. 2, 2013 Rev. Joseph Shannon, CSB Jan. 3, 2006 Rev. Charles E. Burns Jan. 3, 2012 Rev. John Broussard, CSB Jan. 4, 1999 Rev. Marvin A. Hebert Jan. 5, 1955 Msgr. E.A. Kelly Jan. 5, 1955 Rev. Bertrand Abell, CP Jan. 5, 1994 Rev. Charles V. Patronella Jan. 7, 1975 Rev. Hugh J. Haffey, CSB Jan. 7, 1997 Rev. Sylvester Posluszny Jan. 12, 1878 Rev. Rudolph Krc Jan. 12, 1969 Rev. Carl M. Allnoch, CSB Jan. 16, 1976 Rev. T.W. Kappe Jan. 16, 1981 Msgr. Francis H. Connor Jan. 16, 2003 Rev. Donald McNally, OMI Jan. 16, 2015 Rev. Msgr. P. Le-Xuan-Thuong Jan. 16, 2005 Rev. William P. Somerville

Jan. 17, 2004 Rev. Gerard Joubert, OP Jan. 17, 2011 Msgr. Eugene Cargill Jan. 18, 1975 Rev. David Max Jan. 19, 1955 Rev. Cornelius P. Sullivan Jan. 19, 1996 Msgr. Edward S. Missenda Jan. 19, 1997 Rev. Mark That Tran Jan. 19, 1997 Rev. James F. Wilson, CSB Jan. 21, 1918 Bishop Nicholas A. Gallagher Jan. 22, 2006 Rev. Charles A. Christopher CSB Jan. 24, 1926 Msgr. James M. Kirwin Jan. 25, 1967 Rev. John D. Sheehy, CSB Jan. 25, 1976 Msgr. Timothy T. Cronin Jan. 25, 1978 Rev. Harold C. Perry, CSB Jan. 25, 2002 Rev. Gary F. Wanzong Jan. 26, 1882 Rev. James Miller Jan. 28, 1917 Rev. Clement Lowrey Jan. 29, 2000 Rev. Robert E. Lamb, CSB Jan. 30, 1929 Rev. M. Heintzelmann Jan. 30, 1993 Rev. J. Jesus Medrano, OSA Jan. 31, 1969 Rev. Finan Glynn, OCARM

FORMATION, from page 9

and teachings, the program has made an even bigger impression on her formation as a disciple and willingness to share her faith. “From a personal standpoint, as someone who was away from the Church for a number of years, FTCM has been an integral part of a new foundation as I grow in my own faith,” said Zayouna. “This has also allowed me to help my own children grow in their understanding of our faith as their questions arise. Furthermore, I am encouraged to become more involved in our Church as I find opportunities to do so.” As one of 60-plus ministries benefiting from the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), Zayouna believes it is important to have the support of the faithful in the Archdiocese so these quality educational opportunities and others offered by DSFsupported ministries may continue to be available and accessible. “I truly believe that we are very fortunate to have these programs available to us in our area, not just for those who are actively teaching, but also for any of us who are seeking a better understanding of Sacred Scripture, Church teachings and our shared history,” said Zayouna. Garcia-Luense said while participants pay a fee to take the courses, these fees typically cover only the cost of paying the instructors, so the DSF is critical. “All the costs of maintaining and administering these programs are borne by this Archdiocesan office and so supported by DSF,” said Garcia-Luense. “We would not have access to the virtual platform we are currently using without DSF. Adrian and I would not be able to dedicate the time we do to these programs without DSF.” †

Efrain Hernandez, a volunteer at St. Albert of Trapani Catholic Church, said the formation program has encouraged him to grow and learn more about his faith. “It really encouraged me to learn more about God, about Church doctrine, and the Church,” said Hernandez. “The experience I’ve gained has helped my family, especially when sharing the faith with my children. I feel that I have been empowered from what I have learned about my faith to share with others.” While he enjoyed all of the courses he took, Hernandez said his favorite was the Christology Course. “The impact was greater than the others because I learned so much about Jesus of Nazareth that led me to buy another book on Christology to go deeper into this area,” Hernandez said. “I would recommend this program to my brothers and sisters in Christ who must know the richness of our Catholic faith, including Scripture, Mother Mary, and most importantly, to know and love God. Now, I can say that I also really enjoy participating at Mass.” For Stephanie Zayouna, another participant in the formation program, the Catholic Beliefs course and Church History course were her favorites. “I would highly recommend these courses to anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of Church teachings and history, and I believe almost everyone could learn something new,” Zayouna said. “The instructors have all been very knowledgeable and engaging. They are also very open to answering questions.” Zayouna said in addition to growing in her understanding of the Catholic faith

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DECEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

EDUCATION ACADEMIES, from page 1 Office and the pastors and principals of the eight campuses. Together they assessed the best ways to serve and strengthen their communities. It was determined that the schools needed a new name to celebrate the unity of their commitment to Catholic education while preserving their campus’s uniqueness, strengths, and legacy of academic excellence. For more than 40 years, the ICCS have been a group of schools that offer a quality Catholic education to students in historically underserved areas in the Archdiocese. They receive additional operational support from The Cardinal’s Circle, generous donors and other Archdiocesan funding to make Catholic education available to more students PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE each year. The CROSS Academies principals, along with Father Bill Bueche, C.Ss.R., pastor of Holy Ghost parish In addition to their own school names, and school, Operational Vitality Taskforce Chairman Román Martínez, Assistant Superintendent Cathy the title of ICCS has been shared by the Stephen and Superintendent of Catholic Schools Debra Haney meet at the St. Dominic Chancery. eight campuses of Assumption Catholic School, Holy Ghost Catholic School, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in communicates our mission. Christian Some are now STREAM, others now Galena Park, Our Lady of Guadalupe service to others, especially those of offer one-to-one devices for students, and Catholic School, Resurrection Catholic greatest need, is a special charism of our others added extracurriculars they didn’t School, St. Augustine Catholic School, community,” Bates said. offer before. Our Lady of Fatima Catholic St. Christopher Catholic School and St. Ensuring the legacy of the schools School is now a bilingual school. Mary of the Purification Catholic School. was vital to the task force, and several “I think parents are going to see a Over time, the term “Inner City” no principals from the group served on task longer adequately described these force committees. campuses, as they are not all located For Lois Goudeau, principal of St. Mary within the inner loop of Houston. Upon of the Purification Catholic School on the hearing that the edge of the Texas schools were Medical Center, ready for a new the importance organizational of representing name, it was the the interests of Assumption Catholic School recommendation the families of the Holy Ghost Catholic School of the ICCS campuses and her Operational colleagues was a Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Vitality Taskforce task she took to School in Galena Park that the marketing heart. Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School committee assist “I am grateful to Resurrection Catholic School the group in be a part of a group selecting a new of professionals St. Augustine Catholic School name that served committed to our St. Christopher Catholic School the needs for: schools and our St. Mary of the Purification School I. Catholic students,” she identity; II. said. “That’s what Empowerment; and III. Longevity. makes us successful, our commitment.” To John William Bates V, principal Martinez said it was clear that this is of Assumption Catholic School and a the beginning of a new chapter for all member of the task force, the name eight schools. change just makes sense. “Assumption is “I’m just so excited about the CROSS not located in the inner-city of Houston, Academies, you know, I think it’s been a so the moniker of ICCS never really fit long time coming,” he said. “There are so our community well,” he said. many incredible things happening in the “We supported the re-branding of our eight schools.” schools so that others could see us for Martinez, a long-time supporter of the what we do, not where we are located. We schools and the neighborhoods they serve, are excited to move forward as a CROSS believes that the CROSS Academies have Academy as we feel the brand better a great deal to offer prospective families.

The 8 CROSS Academies

PASTORAL SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE In a continuing effort to provide pastoral care to victims of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo would like to remind the faithful of the Archdiocese of the availability of the Victims Assistance Coordinator. Anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel is encouraged to call Diane Vines at 713-654-5799. Please keep in daily prayers the healing of victims of abuse and all who suffer in any way.

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renaissance happening in these schools — it’s already underway,” he said. Alluding to the months-long rebranding process, Martinez and the members of the task force diligently advocated for all stakeholders, including currently enrolled families, to have a voice in the mix. “I believe that it’s important to note that the process included the task force, the school staff and administrators, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, the pastors of the schools, and the families of these campuses who cast their votes to make this such a successful process,” he said. “Now, I think the CROSS Academies will be able to utilize this new name to really build themselves into even greater gems than they already are.” The possibilities for growth that the next chapter brings are not lost on Irazema Ortiz, principal of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School. She and her colleagues are ready to move decidedly toward a bright future for their CROSS Academy campuses. “I’m really looking forward to this opportunity for our schools,” she said. “I think it’s a great direction in which we’re going. It was time for a change, and I’m looking forward to being part of that change.” †

14 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • DECEMBER 28, 2021

YOUTH A teen’s guide to evangelizing on social media

CMY

check what other people are doing or see what sports games are going on tonight or comment on posts is continuous. Anywhere we go, social media consumes our daily lives. As I drive to school, I look over at a red light and see other drivers on their phones. In hallways at school or in class, there are other students scrolling. At home, after soccer practice, my parents will browse through Facebook. Technology, phones and social media have grown so much. Whether positively or negatively, there is no doubt that social media influence the children of God. I am a junior at St. Thomas High School. Every day, I am surrounded by fellow Catholic students, teachers and teachings. We are taught that the ultimate goal is eternal life with God and the path to Heaven is the imitation of Jesus through our words, thoughts and actions. Yet, there is no teaching of how I can evangelize through my influence on social media. It is wild that the faith surrounds me, and I still am 1/11/21 11:35 AM not taught how to spread the Gospel on

my phone. It’s like I am alone again in the pew at church to fight the challenges of social media. But that is just it. I am not alone. Right in front of me at church, God was sitting in the tabernacle. Right next to me in the car, God is in the passenger seat. Walking in the hallway, God is locked in my arms. Getting home from soccer, God is walking through the door with me. God will always be with me and everyone. When we are on social media, God is also with us. Everything we do on our phones should be for evangelizing. We have such a powerful influence that we are wasting it if we do not choose to like, comment, and share for the purpose of spreading the Word of God. Now, I don’t see this as texting all of my friends Bible passages or posting on my Instagram story that God has risen, but rather by leading others by our actions. Everyone will see what I am doing on social media and, based on what I do, they will pay attention and follow. In order to evangelize on social media, we must show love, compassion, and

kindness in everything we like, comment, and share on our devices so that we can invite people into the conversation of Jesus Christ, to lead others to God through our actions, to uplift others, and to influence our peers. We have to make sure that everything we do on social media is in the eyes of Christ and should be for the intention of influencing people to Christ. This is easily the most effective way to show others God’s love. By acting as God’s children on social media, we are calling others to do the same. Just as a shepherd leads his sheep, we can lead our peers to the love of Christ. Remember to show God’s love in your actions on social media because it might just give someone eternal life. †

Thomas Pham is a junior at St. Thomas High School.

OFFICE OF VOCATIONS

On Sunday, I went to church with my family as we always do. My brother was off at college, my parents were singing in the choir, and there were too many altar servers for me to participate, which left me all alone 10 minutes early in the pew with my keys, wallet, and phone in my pockets. I put my keys and wallet on the bookshelf in front of me and left my phone in my pocket. After kneeling to silently pray, I put the kneeler back up and sat there just mindlessly listening to the parish news, trying to resist the urge to go on my phone and browse messages, Instagram, Snapchat, or anything more exciting than news. I was bored. I was by myself. No one would see me. It was like my phone was vibrating on the right side of my pants, calling to be pulled out while waiting for Mass to begin. I wanted desperately to go on social media and browse. Gladly, I was able to refuse until the church bells rang. I am not the only one dealing with this temptation. This to browse 2021 DSF temptation office of Vocations .pdf 1 the many social media platforms and

The Office of Vocations works with the future of the church. We accompany young people who are just exploring their relationship and identity in Jesus, that they’re sons and daughters of the heavenly father … and we’re trying to help them get to the next step. FR. RICHARD MCNEILLIE, Vocation Director

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COLUMNIST The historic mission, service of the Josephites The Basilian Fathers, Companions of the Cross, Dominican Friars, Spiritans, Jesuit Fathers, Somascan Fathers and the Redemptorist Fathers are just a few of the number of religious orders that serve our Archdiocese. One body of religious orders that serves the Archdiocese also has a unique charism for America — St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart. Called the Josephites, they are committed to serving the faithful of the Archdiocese, but they are also a community of Catholic priests and brothers committed to serving the African American Catholic community since its founding in 1871. The society is the only community of interracial and intercultural priests and brothers in the Catholic Church that is engaged exclusively in ministry to the African American Community. Founded by Herbert Cardinal Vaughn and Archbishop Martin John Spalding of Baltimore, the religious order’s mission

was to minister to the thousands recently released from slavery at that time. What began as a mission to help the newly freed slaves in America evolved into the broader task of assisting the African American by communities through FATHER REGINALD building churches and SAMUELS schools throughout the United States. The Josephites continue in the tradition of Cardinal Vaughn and by the commission of Pope Pius IX to be a religious order dedicated solely to the service of the African American community. Among the small founding group of St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart priests in 1893 was Father Charles R. Uncles. He was the first African American priest who was trained and ordained in the United

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SUNDAY MASS READINGS JANUARY 2 First Reading: Is 60:1-6 Resp. Psalm: Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13 Second Reading: Eph 3:2-3, 5-6 Gospel: Mt 2:1-12

JANUARY 9 First Reading: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11 Resp. Psalm: Ps 29:1-4, 3, 9-10 or Ps 104:1-4, 24-25, 27-30 Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38 or Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 Gospel: Lk 3:15-16, 21-22

States. Most Josephites in our Archdiocese work — and live — in parish settings, developing dynamic parishes through vibrant worship, authentic Catholic teaching, and ministries that address the needs of the African American faith communities. Currently, the Josephites serve and operate 34 parishes in 12 dioceses throughout the United States with parish and schools in Alabama, California, the District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Texas and Virginia. The Catholic communities and parishes that the Josephites serve in our Archdiocese include Our Mother of Mercy, Our Lady Star of the Sea, St. Peter Claver and Holy Family Parish in Baytown. The unique mission statement of the Josephites states: St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart, the Josephites, a religious community of Catholic priests and

brothers, is committed to serving the African American community through the proclamation of the Gospel and our personal witness. Our commitment is expressed through sacramental, educational and pastoral ministry, service to those in need and working for social justice. To hear and understand more about the St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart, the Josephites, I invite you to a special episode of “In His Light Podcast with Father Reginald Samuels” that features Father David Begany, SSJ, the Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Baytown and a member of the Josephites. “In His Light Podcast with Father Reginald Samuels” can be found on Spotify and Apple podcasts. † Father Reginald Samuels is the vicar of Catholics of African Descent and pastor of St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Deer Park.

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WORLD

Pope to kids: Jesus loves you and wants you to love others VATICAN CITY (CNS) — At a rather formal meeting in the Apostolic Palace and a more relaxed one with balloons and fun hats in the Vatican audience hall, Pope Francis told children that Christmas is a sign of how much God loves them, and they are called to share that love. The formality was not complete when meeting in the ornate Clementine Hall on Dec. 18 with young members of Catholic Action Children’s program, a parishbased program for youngsters 4 to 14. As a toddler roamed the room,

checking out everything, Pope Francis told the parents to let him be and told the other kids that they, too, should have the courage to investigate their surroundings. The appointment Dec. 19 in the Vatican audience hall was one that included gifts of warm coats and sweets for the little ones and a slightly belated and slightly marred birthday cake for the pope — two of the little ones who helped present the cake each ran a finger through the icing before the singing was over.

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Pope Francis had turned 85 on Dec. 17, and the children from the Vatican’s St. Martha pediatric clinic helped him celebrate.The clinic, run by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, helps families in need both of medical care and of help with clothing, food and diapers. Many of the parents are foreign workers or migrants without access to Italian government assistance or health care. The Catholic Action children’s groups have spent months on a religious education program with the motto, “Tailored for You.” “I like this theme,” the pope told them, because it starts with the idea of “clothes made to measure, with accessories appropriate for different people.” “It is beautiful because each of us is a unique person. No two are alike,” he said. “We are not photocopies; we are all original!” “This is how Jesus sees you,” Pope Francis said. “He loves you as you are, even if someone does not respect you and thinks you count for little.” “Jesus, who came into the world as a child, believes in a world on a child’s

scale, on the scale of everyone,” he said. “He made us understand this by being born in Bethlehem. But even today, He makes Himself close to the children of every country and people, and He does so every day. It is the style of God, which is described in three words: closeness, compassion and tenderness. This is God’s style. There is no other.” But the pope asked the children to be attentive because “the bad thing is when we want to imitate others and do the things that other people do, from originals we become photocopies.” Especially as Christmas approaches, Pope Francis asked the children to be close to others just as Jesus is close to them, to help their friends and relatives and anyone who seems in need. And, he said, don’t forget to talk to Jesus. With the children in the audience hall the next morning, the pope encouraged them to learn to listen and to see what other people need. “Listen” is an important word, he told them. “Someone who doesn’t listen to others only listens to themselves. And it’s boring to only listen to yourself.” †

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CNS PHOTO

Pope Francis greets a boy during a meeting with children assisted by the Vatican’s St. Martha pediatric clinic in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican Dec. 19. The pope offered Christmas blessings and urged the children to listen to and help people in need.

IN BRIEF Pope: Solidarity, dialogue needed to confront pandemic

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The ongoing pandemic serves as a reminder that the world cannot move forward without cooperation and solidarity, Pope Francis told a group of ambassadors beginning their service at the Vatican. In its effort to overcome COVID-19, the international community must come to the realization that “we are one human family; each of us is responsible for our brothers and sisters, none excluded,” the pope told the new ambassadors from Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Chad and Guinea-Bissau. “This is a truth that should compel us to confront not only the current health crisis but all the problems plaguing humanity and our common home — poverty, migration, terrorism, climate change, to name a few — in a solidary way and not in isolation,” he said. The seven new ambassadors were at the Vatican to present their letters of credential to Pope Francis Dec. 17. In his address, the pope said that at the beginning of the year, many believed vaccinations “heralded a quick end to the pandemic.” †

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STATE & NATION

In many parts of the U.S., both death sentences and executions are no longer being imposed WASHINGTON (CNS) — Courts in wide swaths of the United States no longer impose death sentences or carry out executions, according to a report issued Dec. 16 by the Death Penalty Information Center. “The death penalty is eroding everywhere in the United States, even in places that are still seeking to carry out executions,” said Robert Dunham, the center’s executive director, about “The Death Penalty in 2021: Year-End Report.” “At the state level, the states are one at a time abolishing the death penalty. So this year, Virginia abolished it. It was the first state in the South to do so. It was the state with the most executions to have ever done so, and it shows that even in previous strongholds of capital punishment, support is fading,” Dunham said. “We can look at it regionally as well. There is a death penalty-free zone from the Canadian border at Maine to the northern border of the Carolinas” along the Atlantic coast, he added. “There is an execution-free zone that spans the length of America’s Pacific Coast” and includes Hawaii, he added. “And when you go across the U.S.Canadian border, there is no state (along the border) that imposed the death penalty this year.” Dunham said, “We see the death penalty disappearing altogether in some regions, receding in others and it remains concentrated in a few outlier jurisdictions, mainly in the Deep South, and in those jurisdictions, the death penalty is part of a legal culture that is inseparable from the

IN BRIEF

CNS PHOTO

People protesting the death penalty gather near a correctional facility in Terre Haute, Ind., July 13, 2020.

legacy of slavery, lynching and Jim Crow.” There were many key events this year across the United States, according to the report. Among them were: • The Biden administration halted all federal executions and announced a policy review on the death penalty. • 2021 marked the seventh straight year with fewer than 50 new death sentences and fewer than 30 executions. • Just five counties now account for more than 20% of all U.S. executions. • The release earlier this year of a separate study finding that one of every seven executions involved a defendant who raised claims that the Supreme Court has said would require reversing their convictions or death sentences. Exonerations continued to make news in 2021. There were two such cases from Mississippi which involved false forensic testimony. A third case in Texas resulted

in the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals vacating the conviction of a death-row prisoner because the prosecutor who tried him was simultaneously on the payroll of the judge who presided over the trial and decided the defendant’s trial court appeals. An appellate court in this third case cited “judicial and prosecutorial misconduct,” and the prosecutor is no

The Biden administration halted all federal executions and announced a policy review on the death penalty. 2021 marked the seventh straight year with fewer than 50 new death sentences and fewer than 30 executions Just 5 counties now account for more than 20% of all U.S. executions. A 2021 study found that one of every seven executions involved a defendant who raised claims that the Supreme Court has said would require reversing their convictions or death sentences. longer permitted to practice law in Texas. “The recent advances toward death penalty abolition far outweigh the backslides into executions we are seeing in outlier states and jurisdictions,” said Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, who leads the Catholic Mobilizing Network.“Capital punishment is dying in the U.S., and Catholics have renewed encouragement for the work that lies ahead.” †

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MUNDO CATÓLICO

Papa lanza proceso sinodal para discernir llamado del Espíritu Santo HOUSTON — Basándose en los principios rectores de su papado, el papa Francisco invitó este año a los católicos — tanto aquellos en la corriente principal de la vida de la iglesia como aquellos en los márgenes — a expresar sus sueños, ideas, y preocupaciones en preparación para el Sínodo de los Obispos en 2023. La invitación del Santo Padre a discernir un camino para adelante para la iglesia se deriva de su creencia de que el Espíritu Santo inspira a todos sus miembros a ser discípulos misioneros, compartiendo creencias cristianas fundamentales al salir al mundo. El papa inauguró formalmente el proceso sinodal en el Vaticano en un evento del 9 al 10 de octubre. El mismo fue inaugurado en diócesis en todo el mundo el 16 y 17 de octubre. Bajo el tema “Por una Iglesia sinodal: Comunión, participación, y misión”, el Sumo Pontífice ha llamado a la iglesia a practicar la sinodalidad, es decir, no solo a oír sino a escucharse unos a otros en todas las facetas de la vida de la iglesia, explicaron coordinadores del esfuerzo de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos. La inauguración de octubre “es solo el primer paso en un proceso más amplio y a largo plazo para incorporar realmente los frutos del Vaticano II y convertirnos en una iglesia sinodal”, expresó Julia McStravog, ex empleada de la USCCB que es consultora de los obispos en el proceso. “Vamos a tener consultas. También será un proceso de aprendizaje sobre cómo participar realmente de una manera sinodal”, explicó McStravog. El lanzamiento comenzó un proceso de dos años que culminará en el Sínodo de los Obispos en octubre de 2023. Se espera que el sínodo adopte un documento final que guie el desarrollo continuo de una iglesia sinodal hacia el futuro.

FOTO DE CNS

El papa Francisco dirige una reunión con representantes de las conferencias episcopales de todo el mundo en el Vaticano el 9 de octubre. La reunión se produjo cuando el Vaticano lanzó el proceso que conducirá a la asamblea del Sínodo mundial de los obispos en 2023.

El llamado del Sumo Pontífice a la sinodalidad tiene sus raíces en su profunda participación como cardenal en 2007, en la redacción de un documento sobre la vida de la iglesia para el CELAM, un consejo episcopal latinoamericano que se reunió en Aparecida, Brasil. El documento emitió repetidos llamados a una “misión continental”, una iglesia que salga en busca de formas de anunciar el Evangelio a todos. En la primera fase que está en marcha, las diócesis y parroquias han comenzado a convocar debates, o consultas, en las que se ha invitado a participar a personas de toda la iglesia. Estas sesiones de escucha continuarán hasta junio. Se ha solicitado a cada diócesis enviar un informe resumido a la USCCB — o la oficina correspondiente de la conferencia

APOYO PASTORAL A VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSO SEXUAL DEL CLERO

En un continuo esfuerzo por facilitar atención pastoral a las victimas de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, el Cardenal DiNardo gustaría recordar a los fieles de la Arquidiócesis la disponibilidad del Coordinador de Ayuda a Víctimas. Si alguien ha sido victim de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, se les anima llamar a la Diane Vines al 713-654-5799. Por favor rece por la sanación de las víctimas del abuso y por todos los que sufren de alguna manera.

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episcopal — que tendrá hasta el 15 de agosto para presentar un informe al Sínodo de Obispos en el Vaticano. El proceso presenta oportunidades para dar la bienvenida al Espíritu Santo para guiar las discusiones, indicó Richard Coll, director ejecutivo del Departamento de Justicia, Paz y Desarrollo Humano de los obispos y quien está coordinando el esfuerzo para la USCCB. “El Sínodo de los Obispos está diciendo que no se enfoquen en cuál será el producto final. Concéntrese en el proceso en sí y en cómo el Espíritu guiará a la iglesia, representada, en parte, a través de la subsidiariedad en el trabajo que están haciendo a nivel diocesano”, señaló Coll. Las consultas diocesanas también son una invitación a la creatividad, agregó McStravog. “Este es un momento para ser cocreadores con el Espíritu . . . Es una oportunidad para revitalizar una comunidad comprometida a través de la creatividad y el llamado a estar abierto. Existe la oportunidad de reafirmar lo bueno y re imaginar algunas cosas que podrían ser mejores”, ella explicó. El obispo Daniel E. Flores de Brownsville, Texas, reiteró la invitación del papa a la creatividad mientras se dirigía los obispos en su asamblea general de otoño en Baltimore en noviembre. “Nadie carece de importancia en este tiempo de escucha”, acotó, animando a los obispos a recordar que la primera fase del proceso debe implicar la participación de toda la iglesia,“escuchando juntos, orando juntos, discerniendo juntos” la voz del Santo Espíritu. “El papa Francisco nos ha pedido que invitemos a la gente, que escuchemos a la gente, incluyendo aquellos que no se presentan en nuestras parroquias”, dijo el obispo Flores, quien, al concluir la asamblea, comenzó un mandato de tres años como presidente del Comité de Doctrina de los obispos. Él describió el proceso sinodal como un “camino deliberado y un estilo de

comunión”. Para facilitar el esfuerzo, el Sínodo de los Obispos, al mando del cardenal Mario Grech, secretario general, presentó documentos para orientar el trabajo que se está realizando en las diócesis. La USCCB también desarrolló un documento complementario. El documento principal del Vaticano es un “vademécum”, o manual, que ofrece apoyo a los equipos diocesanos “para preparar y reunir al pueblo de Dios para que puedan dar voz a su experiencia en su iglesia local”. El documento de la USCCB define aún más los materiales del Vaticano. Dicho documento incluye una lista de acciones necesarias, un cronograma propuesto para que las diócesis lo sigan, y una lista de materiales de antecedentes para ayudar a las parroquias y diócesis a recorrer el proceso inicial y garantizar una amplia participación. Un apéndice, desarrollado por el Comité de Culto Divino de los obispos de Estados Unidos, ofrece ideas para que las celebraciones litúrgicas puedan marcar la apertura y el cierre del proceso sinodal en las diócesis; también ofrece sugerencias para lecturas y temas musicales. Cuando comenzó la primera fase, varios prelados estadounidenses dijeron que este esfuerzo es una oportunidad para involucrar mejor a las personas en la vida de la iglesia. En San Diego, el obispo Robert W. McElroy expresó que espera que la diócesis se vuelva más sinodal en su funcionamiento a medida que se desarrolle la primera fase — mucho antes de que el Sínodo de los Obispos y el papa Francisco obtengan sus conclusiones en octubre de 2023. “Espero que esta sea una oportunidad no solo para que evaluemos el nivel de sinodalidad, que ya está presente en la vida de nuestra iglesia local, sino para desarrollarlo aun mas”, indicó. Mientras tanto, el obispo Frank J. Caggiano de Bridgeport, Connecticut, convocó a un equipo de 260 delegados que han sido encargados de salir y reunirse en oración con la gente. Desde reuniones en el consejo parroquial hasta conversaciones individuales, los delegados escucharán a la gente sobre preocupaciones, heridas, y esperanzas, expuso. “Al final, no estamos tratando de resolver un problema. Lo que estamos tratando de hacer es discernir la solución que ya está ahí. El Espíritu Santo ya sabe cuál es la solución”, explicó. Para varias otras diócesis, el proceso se basará en sínodos locales que aborden las prioridades locales, incluidos los adultos jóvenes, la vida familiar, y el ministerio a los miembros latinos. Cuando el Vaticano reciba los informes sintetizados de las reuniones diocesanas de las conferencias episcopales de todo el mundo, la Secretaría del Sínodo de los Obispos redactará para el otoño de 2022 el “instrumentum laboris”, o documento de trabajo, para guiar las asambleas eclesiales continentales o regionales que tomarán lugar hasta marzo de 2023. †

DECEMBER 28, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

WITHIN THE ARTS Hit in theaters and now online: ‘Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers’ BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Even if one has not seen “The Chosen” series about the life of Jesus, played by Catholic actor Jonathan Roumie, there is no denying its status as a global phenomenon. The Wall Street Journal has written about the production’s successful crowd-funded “Pay it Forward” campaign. So far, “The Chosen’s” worldwide audience has paid it forward $40 million to completely fund seasons one and two which is then offered free online. Season three will begin in spring 2022 with translations in 50 languages. Now the new episode “Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers” gives the overriding message “People must know.” To drum up even more support and funds for the series to continue, executive producer Dallas Jenkins, who is Evangelical, partnered with Fathom Events to offer special in-theater productions. While it was only scheduled for theaters from Dec. 1 through 10, the “Christmas with The Chosen” episode broke sales records for Fathom Events, which released it in 1,700 movie theaters nationwide. So now theater showings are extended through Dec. 21. Fathom Events reported sales topping $8 million for 640,000 tickets, making “Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers,” its best-selling and most highly attended event in its history. “The Chosen” is produced by Loaves & Fishes Productions and distributed by Angel Studios. Of the 110-person crew working on the show, 78 are from Texas, and 23 of the 54 season regulars are Texans. The title, “The Messengers,” refers to the angels who visited Joseph (Raj Bond) and a young Mary (Sara Anne) separately. As they travel to Bethlehem for the census, both tell each other about how the word they received from God has given them courage and determination to walk an unexpected and difficult path. They both hear their angels start off with,

CNS PHOTO

This is a scene from the film “Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers.”

“Do not be afraid.” Local parishioners from Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Charley Green and wife Mary, were among the first in Houston to watch the two-hour production on Dec. 1 at the Gulfpointe AMC 30 cinema. “We have been very strong advocates of ‘The Chosen’ since we saw the first episode several years ago. I think the prequel, ‘The Shepherd,’ is the very best Christmas video I have ever seen, and ‘The Messengers’ comes as a very close second for me,” Charley said. “Personally, it is all about the message rather than the messengers. People must know. I wish everyone could take this opportunity during the Christmas season for Christ. That’s my Christmas prayer.” But the first hour of production starts anticlimactically with mostly a Christmas concert by Christian singers impacted by the authenticity of “The Chosen.” Most are well-known and popular on Christian radio, including for King & Country; Leanna Crawford, Jordan Feliz and The Bonner Family, as well as one of the Catholic Church’s top worship leaders,

Matt Maher. Once the concert is done, the story in its second hour returns to the nativity as Joseph and Mary reflect on the events that led them to this moment in their lives together. Interweaving Biblical fact with a bit of script-writing fiction, Mary tells Joseph at one point, “Thank you for protecting me. I should have said something months ago. No one would have blamed you for divorcing me publicly.”Then she adds tenderly,“Joseph, you are a brave man. And you are godly. I should have said thank you.” Moments like these show the humanity as well as the divinity. The couple’s

increasing sense of desperation when there’s no place to stay in Bethlehem also shows a frustrated Joseph calling the innkeeper’s denial of space “bull droppings!” When the couple finally gets shuffled off to a lowly stable more rock than wood, a sweaty, dirty, exhausted Joseph shovels manure out of the way and places clean hay as Mary in labor has her water break. They try to make a “clean” spot for the Savior of the world to arrive—a place full of blood, dirt, poverty and oppression. And the two deliver the Lord together. A second storytelling strand woven throughout the episode takes place much later, after Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Mary Magdalene (Elizabeth Tabish) comes — at considerable risk — to visit the older Mary, Jesus’s mother (Vanessa Benevente). A feverish Mary isn’t well, but she embraces Mary Magdalene with great joy. And as they talk, Jesus’s mother reveals that she has never told anyone her poem of joy, what is now called the Magnificat. She invites Mary Magdalene to record it and to take the words to Luke, who is compiling his Gospel, including the Infancy Narrative. This glimpse of Mary in her later years offers a satisfying narrative bookend to the episode, as she was seen on the one hand having just given birth, and on the other looking back fondly on that moment decades later. After all, who else was present for the Annunciation, the Visitation and the Nativity who was still alive to tell the story? †

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

Catholic Charities

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

A-II – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS • American Underdog (PG) • Clifford the Big Red Dog (PG) • Encanto (PG) • Sing 2 (PG)

• Dune (PG-13) • Eternals (PG-13) • Ghostbusters: Afterlife (PG-13) • King Richard (PG-13) • Spider-Man: No Way Home (PG-13) • The King’s Man (R) • The Matrix Ressurections (R) • West Side Story (PG-13)

L – LIMITED ADULT AUDIENCE • • • • •

Antlers (R) House of Gucci (R) Last Night in Soho (R) Nightmare Alley (R) The Last Duel (R)

O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE • Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (R)

A-III – ADULTS • Being the Ricardos (R) • Belfast (PG-13)

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

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

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

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

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

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

San José Clinic

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

sanjoseclinic.org or 713-228-9411

20 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

MILESTONES A SISTERLY CELEBRATION

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • DECEMBER 28, 2021

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Catholic Charities presents charity in Action Awards

PHOTO BY MY-NGOC NGUYEN, CCVI POSTULANT

Following the Eucharist, a festive dinner honoring the sisters was held at the Villa de Matel dining room.

Two groups of CCVI Jubilarians celebrated anniversaries together HOUSTON — The Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI) gathered for the Eucharistic celebration on Nov. 20 with Father Evaristus Chukwu, MSP, as the presider. The Jubilarians renewed their vows as they held candles lit from the Pascal Candle. Sister Kevina Keating, Congregational leader, received their renewal of vows. Seven members of the congregation of CCVI were to have their Congregational Jubilee Celebration of Religious Profession of Vows on April 25, 2020; however, this did not take place due to COVID-19. The Diamond Jubilarians with 60 years as professed Sisters of the congregation are Sisters Margaret Christina Collins and Mary Jacqueline Driscoll (was not able to attend the celebration). Golden Jubilarians with 50 years as professed sisters of the congregation are Sisters Ann Mary Brangan, Kathleen Howard and Maureen Costello. Silver Jubilarians with 25 years as professed sisters of the congregation are Sisters Rose Nyambura Githuka (who could not attend the celebration) and Mary Wanjiru Kamara.

The sisters’ collective years of service to the Church are 320 years. They come from as far away as Molo, Kenya, and as close as Baytown, with Ireland and Cameron, Texas, in between. Their collective services in the congregation have been significant: educators in El Salvador, Guatemala, Kenya, and the U.S.; healthcare providers in the U.S. and in Ireland; promoters of social concerns in El Salvador and the U.S.; spirituality in ministry in Ireland and the U.S., even though spirituality is integral to all of their lives and how they have served in all the places they have been missioned. Additionally, they have provided multiple services internal to the congregation, serving as local community treasurers and local community leaders and in vocation and formation ministries, service on multiple task forces, committees and in congregational leadership. Love of the incarnate word has been and continues to be the integrating and sustaining spiritual source of their faithfulness to a committed and vowed religious life. †

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

Charity in Action volunteer awardees (from left) Pete Jakubenas (Fort Bend County), Clora Otems (Galveston County) and Carol Herrera (Harris County) are congratulated Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Catholic Charities President Cynthia Colbert at Catholic Charities’ 2021 Annual Meeting.

HOUSTON — Each year, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston shines a light on special people and groups who give their time, talent and treasure through service and support by presenting the Charity in Action Awards in three categories: to a parish, a group, and individual volunteers. St. Cecilia Catholic Church was honored for its outstanding support of Catholic Charities drive-through food distribution efforts throughout the pandemic, deploying teams of volunteers from the Knights of Columbus and Life Teen program. National Charity League — Azalea Chapter in Katy received recognition for pairing mothers and daughters in support of Catholic Charities’ Mamie George Community Center COVID-19 relief programs. Individual volunteers were honored from the Archdiocese counties where Catholic Charities has a service center. In Fort Bend County, Pete Jakubenas is known for his dedicated community

garden and food pantry service. In Galveston County, Clora Otems is an inspiration through her willingness to help in any way at the Beacon of Hope Center on Galveston Island. And in Harris County, Carol Herrera is known for giving time across programs, from distribution of diapers and school supplies to helping with holiday toy distributions. “Catholic Charities is blessed to have dedicated volunteers, board members, staff and leadership,” said outgoing board chair Ellen Ginty while presiding over the last annual meeting in her term in office. “It truly is a team effort to make a difference in the greater Galveston-Houston area.” Catholic Charities last year served 344,000 people in need through a network of life-changing programs that have continued to operate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. For additional information or to make a donation, visit CatholicCharities.org. †

AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE Editor’s Note: Contact event organizers for the latest updates and information. For deadline/submission details and other listings, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA.

JAN. 2, 2022

ANNIVERSARY FIESTA, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center (430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston). Family fiesta kicks-off 75th anniversary celebrations with food, games and family fun. Free.

JAN. 7-9, 2022

CATHOLIC MEN’S RETREAT, Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center (430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston). Men’s weekend retreat offers quiet time, prayer and sharing with other men. Register: 713-4640211 ext. 10; holynameretreatcenter.com.

JAN. 9, 2022

ICCC CATHOLIC MASS, 10:30 a.m., The Italian Cultural and Community Center (1101 Milford St., Houston). Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, celebrates the Italian Mass. A reception to welcome Bishop Dell’Oro with cake and breakfast sweets follows the Mass. Register: https://bit.ly/3EFC9Os. More info or sponsorship: 713-774-2628 or jcoles8433@sbcglobal.net.

JAN. 19, 2022

BABY SHOWER, 8:30 a.m., Mary Queen (606 Cedarwood Dr, Friendswood). The Bay Area Deanery Council of Catholic Women invite all women for a baby shower to support the Pregnancy and Parenting Support Center of Galveston County. 8:30 a.m. Mass, 9:30 a.m. refreshments and raffle, 10 a.m. short business meeting followed by viewing of Roe v. Wade

movie. Suggested donations: Similac Advance Infant Formula Powder in the blue can, diapers sizes 4 or 5, and baby wipes. More info: Terry Kelley, 281-827-4232.

JAN. 21-23, 2022

JAN. 29, 2022

YOUTH CONFERENCE, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Catholic Charismatic Center (1949 Cullen Blvd., Houston). Evolution 2022 Youth Conference for ages 13 to 18 with speakers Paul J. Kim, Michael Gormley and Father David Michael Moses. Hosted by Disciples In Growth Youth

Group. $25/person. Register: https://cccgh. com/evolution-youth-conference. More info: 713-385-5755; fsv210@hotmail.com. A NIGHT OF REFLECTION, 6:30 p.m., St. Cecilia Catholic Church (11720 Joan of Arc Dr., Houston). John Michael Talbot presents “Come Home, Little Children.” More info: faithformation@saintcecilia.org, 713-465-3414.

FEB. 19, 2022

RENEWAL CONFERENCE, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church (11011 Hall Rd., Houston). Emmaus Missionaries of Love invites all married couples to the renewal conference, “Holding Hands, Holding Hearts” hosted by Father Kingsley Nwoko, STL. $50 per couple, breakfast and lunch included. Childcare is available. Pre-Registration is required.