DECEMBER 8, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
texas catholic herald
CARDINAL GREGORY
SISTER NORMA GOES BEYOND
Black Catholics rejoice with elevation of first African American cardinal ▪ SEE PAGE 13
Named to ‘Time’ Top 100 People, McAllen sister speaks at Houston Proclaim conference ▪ SEE PAGES 5 & 14
Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 1964
DECEMBER 8, 2020
A SHEPHERD’S MESSAGE
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VOL. 57, NO. 12
UPON THIS ROCK
‘Heralds of hope and grace’ BY DANIEL CARDINAL DINARDO Archbishop of Galveston-Houston For almost all of us in the United States and, in fact, throughout the world, the Year 2020 has been very difficult. It has been by turns anxious, sorrowful and frustrating. We are waiting for it to end, or at least, to go away! COVID-19 has tended to define this year and has made the year very dark except for one piercing light advancing, the vaccines to modify or end it. On the other hand, the year 2020 has also brought us remarkable stories of heroism, cooperation and great care for the sick as well as assistance to those unemployed, worried or destitute. Individuals and communities have moved to action and commitment. Such witness has certainly been true in our own Catholic faith with our Catholic Charities, San José Clinic, schools and parishes rising up to be heralds of hope and grace. There has been remarkable and imaginative use of the media for building up communities in engagement and accompaniment with one another. Light as well as darkness has shown See SHEPHERD, page 2
CNS PHOTO
Pope Francis watches new cardinals greet retired Pope Benedict XVI at the retired pope’s residence after a consistory at the Vatican Nov. 28. A group of 13 new cardinals from eight different nations were created at the consistory. For more see stories on pages 12 and 13.
EMBRACING ADVENT
Advent is a time for intentional prayer, grace especially in 2020 BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — When holiday music hit the radio early this year, many people were ready to hear about the good times again. The First Sunday of Advent saw the first Advent candle lit, a familiar tradition that signals the beginning of a period of waiting and anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ that comes before the Christmas season. While these traditions might be the touch of normalcy some might crave, this Advent during a rocky period offers a unique and new chance to dive deeper into the faith, said Matt Zelinsky, coordinator of high school ministry at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in
Honoring the ‘Mother of the Americas’ Parishes to dance on and celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe despite cancelation of downtown procession
BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — In what would have been its 48th anniversary, the huge procession of drummers and dancers swirling through downtown Houston in honor of the Dec. 12 feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been canceled because of the pandemic, organizers said. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, in a message to pastors on Advent and liturgical celebrations for Christmas, said, “On behalf of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and the board of directors of the Archdiocesan Asociación Guadalupana, we wish to inform you that the popular devotions and Liturgy that take place at the George R. Brown Convention Center for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been canceled for this See GUADALUPE, page 7
See ADVENT, page 4
THE FIRST WORD † 3
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EDUCATION † 10
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PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD
Flowers surround a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Houston in 2019.
COLUMNIST † 11
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ESPAÑOL † 14
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DECEMBER 8, 2020
A Shepherd’s Message BY DANIEL CARDINAL DINARDO SHEPHERD, from page 1 through this year. 2020 has brought us Wisdom. Advent has now come, the time of preparation for Christmas and for Christ’s Second Coming. In classical antiquity, the word was employed to announce the arrival of an important king or emperor or the visit of a “god” coming out of hiddenness. Christian Advent beckons us to see and meet the arrival of the Word Made Flesh, the Word who is always with us but draws especially close as we recall His birthday from the Virgin Mary, His intimacy with those who are heavy laden and burdened, the sick, the lonely, the elderly and the orphan. In other words, GOD IS HERE (Emmanuel), has not withdrawn from us and our concerns; has not left us alone! In the midst of the pandemic, God wants to become more intimate with us, our hopes and fears, our waiting and our joys. In normal times and daily activities, we have little occasion to be alone, let alone find time with the Lord. Society, the news, entertainment, jobs — all of these possess us. Activities outside us overpower us as though we have become overgrown gardens. We are propelled by our activities and preoccupations and lose our inner lives. But the gift of Advent is that God comes near to draw us out of all this. God is waiting for us. In our many difficulties, anxieties, even sickness, we are asked, even obliged, to wait, to sit in silence. The stillness may allow us to hear the Lord, to actually experience a little bit what Jesus said about pruning the vine so that it bears more fruit! We are all the richer for this pruning though we cannot calculate, count or compute how it is working within us. This is the joy of a visit, an “Advent,” by the Lord. And such a moment is indeed beautiful — even this year! I heard a more recent Christmas Carol a few years back, “The Shepherd’s Carol,” that I found very moving and perceptive about silence, the brightness of the Lord, the voice of Advent. A Blessed Advent! “We stood on the hills, Lady, Our day’s work done. Watching the frosted meadows That winter had won. The evening was calm, Lady, The air so still, Silence more lovely than music Folded the hill. There was a star, Lady, Shone in the night, Larger than Venus it was and bright, so bright. Oh, a voice from the sky, Lady, it seemed to us then Telling of God being born in the world of men. And so we have come, Lady, Our day’s work done, Our love, our hopes, ourselves we give to your Son.” †
“In the midst of the pandemic God wants to become more intimate with us, our hopes and fears, our waiting and our joys.”
THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
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THE FIRST WORD IN BRIEF
O ANTIPHONS
T
he Roman Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from Dec. 17 to 23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.
DECEMBER 17 O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge! DECEMBER 18 O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!
DECEMBER 21 O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. DECEMBER 22 O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! DECEMBER 23 O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!
DECEMBER 19 O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! DECEMBER 20 O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!
S
For resources on how to celebrate the Advent season, including prayers and more, visit www.archgh.org/advent.
Next Café Catholica Lite set for Jan. 14, 2021 with popular podcast host
HOUSTON — The next Café Catholica Lite will be held online Jan. 14, 2021 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry will host Heather Khym from Life Restoration Ministries and the Abiding Together podcast. Her topic will be “Christ, Our Firm Foundation.” The night will include the talk, Q&A and communal prayer. Open to all young adults. For more information, contact the Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministry at www.archgh.org/ cafecatholica or yacm@archgh.org or 713-741-8778. To register, visit https://bit.ly/CatholicaLite. †
DSF annual appeal to support Archdiocesan ministries continues
HOUSTON — This year the theme of the annual Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) appeal is “Bring Your Greatest Gifts to The Lord.” 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 all ministries supported can be found at www.archgh.org/dsf. The Archdiocese counts on DSF funds to help meet the needs of people struggling throughout our region. To make a pledge online, visit www.archgh.org/dsf. For more, call 713-652-4417. †
Food distributions continue to offer help during pandemic
HOUSTON — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston continues offer food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Food pantries are open for drive-through food distribution at three locations: Guadalupe Center in Houston, where appointments are required; Mamie George Community Center in Richmond; and Beacon of Hope Center in Galveston, a Galveston County super distribution site, where distribution is on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and no appointment is required. In Fort Bend, The Mamie George Community Center is a Houston Food Bank super distribution site and no appointment is necessary. The last distribution of 2020 in Fort Bend will be on Dec. 12. from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For hours and addresses, visit www.catholiccharities.org/ covidfooddistribution or call the Catholic Charities COVID Assistance Line at 713-874-6521. †
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GIVING BACK DURING THANKSGIVING
St. Mary of the Purification Catholic School had all the ingredients to make a Thanksgiving meal for families in the Third Ward.
▪ PAGE 10
Advent ‘is a yearning for something truly joyful’ ADVENT, from page 1
ADVENT RESOURCES
VISIT ARCHGH.ORG/ADVENT FOR MORE TIPS AND RESOURCES ON CELEBRATING ADVENT
Houston. “Finding time for intentional prayer as a family is key to lifelong discipleship,” Zelinsky said. And because the pandemic forced many families to stay home in quarantine, so-called family time has changed, especially when it comes to prayer. “It isn’t just about praying the Rosary or doing some of the ‘normal’ traditions, but just really being present — but not overbearing — with faith when we’ve spent so much time at home this year,” Zelinsky said. ANTICIPATING SOMETHING GOOD Zelinsky, who saw his youth ministry program at St. John Vianney morph and change with the pandemic, said his teens were looking more towards the end of the year than Advent as the school semester drew to a close. Despite some bickering with the early arrival of Christmas decorations, Zelinsky saw a silver-lining when EMBRACING houses started to sparkle with ADVENT lights. “I think people putting up Christmas lights early is a sign of anticipating something good at the end of a tough year,” he said. “There is a yearning for something truly joyful.” Intentionally setting aside time for prayer, whether at home or at work, is a simple way to take advantage of the Advent season, he said. Especially for his teens, he suggested a few simple ways to be intentional with prayer, like praying in the morning before leaving the house or taking a break from screens to pray together as a family for
PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD
A nativity scene at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood depicts Jesus in a manger surrounded by Mary, Joseph and one of the three kings.
just two minutes every night. Personally, Zelinsky chose to try to attend Daily Mass every day, even on Saturdays. The pandemic restrictions with Mass earlier in the year made him realize how much he missed Holy Mass. FINDING PEACE He also committed to put his devices down and keep screens off for 30 minutes before going to bed to try and truly rest and “be less anxious and tired ... in a stressful time.” Something he learned in his ministry with teens was how few people the teens really prayed with outside of Mass or mealtimes. He encouraged teens with siblings to pray with each other; just a simple and
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intentional question, “How can I pray for you? Can we pray together?” can have a big impact on relationships, especially in families. A CONTINUOUS CALL TO HOPE After his Nov. 29 Angelus, Pope Francis said, “Advent is a continuous call
to hope.” Advent “reminds us that God is present in history to lead it to its ultimate goal and to lead us to its fullness, which is the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. “God is present in the history of humanity; He is the ‘God-with-us,’ God is not distant, He is always with us, to the extent that very often He knocks on the door of our heart.” Even after Advent, “God walks beside us to support us. The Lord does not abandon us; He accompanies us through the events of our lives to help us discover the meaning of the journey, the meaning of everyday life, to give us courage when we are under duress or when we suffer,” he said. “In the midst of life’s storms, God always extends His hand to us and frees us from threats,” he continued. The pope reflected the prophet’s message in the Book of Deuteronomy, who said, “For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us?” The pope said: “No one, only we have this grace of having God close to us. We await God, we hope that He manifests Himself, but He too hopes that we manifest ourselves to Him!” †
PRAYERS AT HOME Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene
In its present form the custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ owes its origin to St. Francis of Assisi, who made the Christmas crèche or manger for Christmas Eve of 1223. The blessing of the Christmas manger or nativity scene may take place on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time. When the manger is set up in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another family member. All make the sign of the cross as the leader says: Our help is in the name of the Lord. Response: Who made heaven and earth. One of those present or the leader reads from sacred Scripture, for example, Luke 2:1-8 or Isaiah 7:10-15 Reader: Response:
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
The leader prays with hands joined:
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God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love. Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise our thoughts to him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. — From Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers
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Houston sisters hail Sister Pimentel as immigrant champion Rio Grande Catholic Charities director named Time’s Top 100 Most Influential People of 2020 SPECIAL TO THE HERALD HOUSTON — As part of their participation in priorities of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), Region XII, the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston and the Dominican Sisters of Houston were thrilled with the recognition by Time Magazine of Sister Norma Pimentel, Missionary Sister of Jesus. The magazine recently named the McAllen-based sister as one of its “100 Most Influential People of 2020.” MODEL OF CHRIST’S CALL TO LOVE “Sister Norma has long been an inspiration to us as a model of Christ’s commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves, especially when our neighbor is escaping poverty and violence and seeks relief at our hands,” said Sister Kevina Keating, CCVI, congregational leader of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in Houston. Sister Pimentel, who is executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, has received many awards and recognitions for the crucial ministry she has rendered to immigrants who have arrived at the Texas border since 2014, primarily from Central America.
The sisters said she is admired for her selflessness and humility in recognizing the efforts of the entire Rio Grande Valley community and beyond to care for immigrants. She consistently credits the collaboration and generosity of the many volunteers and organizations that have responded to the cry for help from the multitudes of young families with children who could no longer tolerate the grave violence and persecution in their countries of origin. “Sister Norma’s selfless love is a living example of how to see the face of Christ in our neighbor, embrace the sanctity of life and affirm the dignity of every human person,” said Sister Donna M. Pollard, OP, prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Houston. Over the past six years, more than 100,000 people have been served and housed by the welcoming centers created by Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley and at Annunciation House in El Paso. Numerous non-profit organizations and advocacy groups such as the Salvation Army have joined her efforts to offer support to the humanitarian crisis at the border. WE CANNOT TURN OUR BACKS A number of Houston sisters support local ministries serving immigrants and also engage in advocacy efforts for those
with their lives to finally being released from detention with perhaps no way to get to family ready to receive them in distant cities. Sister Pimentel’s ministry covers the gamut of needs.
PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD
Sister Norma Pimentel, a member of the Missionaries of Jesus, who is executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in Texas and a longtime advocate for immigrants and refugees, was named to Time Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People of 2020.
who later join family or otherwise settle in Houston and other cities. “We are a people of God, people driven by the presence of God in ourselves and in others,” Sister Pimentel said in response to being recognized by Time Magazine. “When we see human suffering, we cannot turn our backs; we must respond. It is my hope that this recognition will bring more understanding and help people see more clearly what we can each do to respect all human life,” she said. The sisters said immigrants face an array of difficulties — from awaiting court hearings and clearance to move on
CROSSING BORDERS Her ministry is also international. Due to recent changes in immigration regulations, she now regularly visits the Matamoros tent camp of those still hoping for asylum in the U.S. She and the few volunteers allowed by Mexican officials take what is needed to alleviate the suffering families and to be the presence of Christ for those who continue to hope for their day in court even though, for now, the legal process has been suspended. During a virtual papal audience at Sacred Heart Church in McAllen in 2015, Pope Francis called Sister Pimentel forward to thank her and all who worked with her for offering hospitality and aid to migrants, declaring, “I love you.” The Time Magazine recognition shows that Sister Pimentel has become a powerful beacon of hope and an enduring model of compassion for Houston’s religious communities, all who see and hear the cry of the poor, and especially those seeking help at the border. “As a Church, like Sister Norma, we cannot turn a blind eye or ignore the needs of the immigrants among us,” said Sister Lauren Beck, CVI, general superior of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in Houston. †
“We don’t know what the future holds, but it’s all God’s work,” says Sister Theresa McGrath (center), 86, a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio. In good times and bad, she and the religious shown here have devoted themselves to God’s work. They are among nearly 30,000 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your gift helps provide medications, nursing care, and more. Please be generous.
Retirement Fund for Religious
Please donate at your local parish December 12–13 or by mail at:
National Religious Retirement Office/GAL 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194 Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.
retiredreligious.org
Please give to those who have given a lifetime. Above, from left: Sister Alice Garcia, SSCJ, 91; Brother Martin Gonzales, OCSO, 95; Sister Theresa McGrath, CCVI, 86; Sister Anne Cecile Muldoon, OSU, 93; Abbot Emeritus Peter Eberle, OSB, 79. ©2020 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC • All rights reserved • Photo: Jim Judkis
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Helping those who helped us: Dec. 12 to 13 special collection supports retired religious HOUSTON — The Archdiocese will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection through parishes Dec. 12 to 13. The National Religious Retirement Office TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RETIRED (NRRO) coordinates this annual appeal RELIGIOUS SPECIAL COLLECTION VISIT and distributes the proceeds to assist WWW.RETIREDRELIGIOUS.ORG eligible U.S. religious communities with their retirement needs. Nearly 30,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious Francesca Kearns, CCVI, vicar for order priests benefit. religious for the Archdiocese. “I love the Last year, the Archdiocese donated story of the Ursuline Sister who rang $669,703.76 to the collection. In 2020, the the church bell all night of the 1900 Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Storm so that people in boats knew Province and the Missionary Carmelites the direction to follow for safety. That of St. Teresa received night they rescued more than financial support made 1,500 people from the rough possible by the Retirement waters.” CARING Fund for Religious. In 1988, Catholic bishops of “The generosity of U.S. the United States initiated the FOR Catholics enables us to Retirement Fund for Religious OTHERS continue our ministry for collection to help address aging women and men the deficit in retirement religious,” said Presentation funding among U.S. religious Sister Stephanie Still, the congregations. Each NRRO’s executive director. congregation is responsible “We are overwhelmed with for the care and support of its gratitude.” members. Financial distributions from the COURAGE AND FORTITUDE collection are sent to a congregation’s In historical times like pandemics central house and may be applied and natural disasters, “the decades toward immediate expenses — such of time collapse and the courage and as medications or nursing care — or fortitude of our religious communities invested for future eldercare needs. inspire us to respond in solidarity Historically, Catholic sisters, brothers with the suffering people,” said Sister and religious order priests served for
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“The decades of time collapse and the courage and fortitude of our religious communities inspire us to respond in solidarity with the suffering people.” SISTER FRANCESCA KEARNS, CCVI
VICAR FOR RELIGIOUS FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE
little to no pay. Today, many religious communities lack sufficient retirement savings. RISING COSTS Of 531 communities providing data to the NRRO, only 29 are adequately funded for retirement. Rising health-care costs and a growing number of senior members compound the challenge to meet retirement expenses. The 2019 collection raised $26.2 million, and in June, the NRRO disbursed $25 million in financial assistance to 341 religious communities. Throughout the year, additional
HOUSTON - After reopening parishes following the state-mandated closure, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo continued the second step in the phased reopening of parishes in the Archdiocese. Parishes were permitted to expand to 50% capacity provided they, and parishioners, observe health guidelines set by the State of Texas when attending Mass. These include at least the following:
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KEEPING HOLY THE SABBATH EVEN AT HOME The Archdiocese continues to offer an online hub of SPIRITUAL RESOURCES with links to how to keep the faith while at home including: • Online Mass worship aids and stream links • Spiritual Reflections videos presented by priests in English, Spanish and Vietnamese • Daily Readings, online prayer guides and links to Pope Francis’s prayers and Liturgies • Special prayers for the pandemic
WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/SPIRITUALRESOURCES
BEST WAYS OF SUPPORT “During these trying times, we know the best way to support senior religious is to continue helping their communities address retirement and eldercare challenges,” said Sister Still. “Our grateful prayer is with all whose love and generosity sustain this mission.” The COVID-19 experience has been unique to religious communities in many respects, said Sister Kearns. “In this pandemic, the vulnerable are religious who for years served the most vulnerable. Now, they are among the most vulnerable,” she said. “But they continue to serve by their diligent following of three Ws: Wash hands, wear masks and watch their distance. Many of them have made thousands of masks for essential workers. They also actively support Church ministry by their prayer, witness and wisdom. Their generosity inspires us to be grateful and generous even as they were.” For more, visit retiredreligious.org to learn more. †
Guidelines remain as parishes continue at 50% capacity
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funding is allocated for resources and services that help communities improve eldercare delivery and plan for longterm retirement needs. For example, a new online webinar offers professional guidance on adapting care protocols to address issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic.
Wash hands often and for 20 seconds
Cover mouth and nose with a mask or cover when around others
Keep a safe social distance and avoid gathering after Masses
Avoid close contact; Share a ‘Sign of Peace’ from a distance
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
Stay at home if feeling sick
For more information, visit www.archgh.org/healthupdates
SUNDAY MASS READINGS DEC. 13
First Reading: Is 61:1-2, 10-11
Responsorial Psalm: Lk 1:46-50, 53-54
Second Reading: 1 Thess 5:16-24
Gospel: Jn 1:6-8, 19-28
DEC. 20
First Reading: 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29
Second Reading: Rom 16:25-27
Gospel: Lk 1:26-38
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Faithful bring needs and petitions to Our Lady GUADALUPE, from page 1 year as we continue to live in a time of pandemic.” But individual churches will continue their local celebrations with matachines, who are parishioners performing dances dressed in indigenous costumes, said Priscella Marquez, president of the Asociación Guadalupana. Rosaries and early morning Masses practicing social distancing and maskwearing will begin the celebrations. Afterward, participants can feast on tamales and other food, she said. Marquez, a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Harrisburg, said, “We will be performing and singing from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. Then Mass at 6 a.m. and afterward food booths will be available to purchase to go.” As many churches do, the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be decorated, and dozens of flowers, mostly roses, will be given out of respect and love, she said. The event is expected to last throughout the day so people can visit as their schedules allow. One event that was not canceled was the Guadalupe Torch Relay, which began in Mexico City, carrying an official image of Our Lady of Guadalupe starting from its official shrine all the way to New York. It is accompanied by a lit torch carried the whole way by runners similar to the Olympic torch. The relay made a stop in Houston’s Holy Ghost Catholic Church on Oct. 30 before moving on to Beaumont and
points north, said Holy Ghost pastor Father Bill Bueche. Following COVID-19 protocols, parishioners remained in their cars during a 7 p.m. outdoor Mass that evening and afterward were able to drive by the image and receive a holy card touched to the picture, Father Bueche said. When informing his parishioners, he said, “Our Blessed Mother is making a special visit once again! Please make plans to come and greet her. Bring your needs and petitions. Bring your thanks and gratitude. Bring your love and devotion!” Holy Ghost has one of the largest groups of local folk dancers of all ages, some wearing elaborate feathered headpieces and traditional Aztecstyle dress. They stomp to drumbeats and blowing conch shells. After the procession would arrive at the downtown convention center, Cardinal DiNardo and other priests would celebrate noon Mass. All 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”) and in Spanish was named Juan Diego, now a saint canonized by St. 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
PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD
A statue of St. Juan Diego with his tilma bearing the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is seen at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
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 miraculously imprinted image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The name Guadalupe is a Spanish version of the Nahuatl word Coatlaxopeuh, meaning “the one who crushes the serpent.” In 1945, Venerable Pius XII, in his radio message commemorating the 50th anniversary of the crowning of the Guadalupe image, called her “Empress of the Americas,”according to the University of Dayton. In 1960, St. John XXIII called her the “celestial missionary of the New World” and “Mother of the Americas.” Then in 1979, St. John Paul II called Our Lady of Guadalupe the “Mother of the Church in Latin America” and also the “Star of Evangelization” of the whole sub-continent. The Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, which displays St. Juan Diego’s cloak, has become one of the world’s most-visited Catholic sites, second only to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel in Rome. †
YOU CAN BRING BACK HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Need Help? If you or a loved one is in need of help this season, contact our Archdiocesan social services listed below:
Catholic Charities
Food, clothing, emergency financial assistance, counseling, immigration assistance, veterans assistance, disaster recovery, refugees services, senior services and more.
catholiccharities.org/need-help or 713-526-4611
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Home visits, food network, disaster relief, clothing and furniture.
svdphouston.org/get-help or 713-741-8234
San José Clinic
Primary and specialty health care services, counseling and mental health services, dental and vision.
Will you help families in crisis this Christmas? The COVID-19 pandemic has hit vulnerable families the hardest. You can give these families the help they need to avoid hunger and homelessness by supporting Catholic Charities. Your gift will provide them with food, emergency financial assistance and give us the flexibility to meet whatever needs arise from this crisis. Please give today.
Make a gift online today at
CatholicCharities.org/donate
sanjoseclinic.org or 713-228-941
2900 Louisiana Street • Houston, Texas 77006
8 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
DECEMBER 8, 2020
Catholic school alums can help with virtual Steps for Students support BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Catholic schools are among those impacted by the pandemic this year, so they are reaching out to alumni and supporters to help with the virtual Steps for Students 5K fundraiser set to begin Feb. 20, 2021. The annual fundraiser, which traditionally draws thousands of participants to downtown Houston and raises almost $1 million each year, will go virtual to keep Catholic school students and staff safe. Catholic Schools Office Assistant Superintendent Cathy Stephen said, “The Steps for Students 5K provides major support for tuition assistance for many schools. That support means so much for families who may have suffered job loss or reduction of pay this year and want their children to be able to remain in a consistent, Catholic learning environment.” She added, “Steps for Students also supports improving and expanding educational technology which is now the way many students — if not able to attend class — stay connected to their learning environments. Thanks to the funds raised by each campus for their own needs, our teachers are able to offer both in-person and online learning when and where necessary.” As part of the network of 16,000 Catholic school students locally, each
PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL
JOIN THE RUN
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo high-fives the Viking mascot of St. Theresa Catholic School in Memorial Park during the 2020 Steps for Students 5K Race. The annual event will go virtual on Feb. 20, 2021, and sponsors and participants are still needed.
separate school community can still virtually be part of the larger celebration to gather safely outdoors while raising money together, Stephen said. Each Catholic school will receive a “race in a box” with spirit items such as banners to hold its own 5K while keeping socially distant. St. Theresa Catholic School across from Memorial Park in Houston is among schools swinging away with
RaisingSTEPS Awareness & SupportVIRTUAL for Catholic FOR STUDENTS 5K Education
WHEN SATURDAY, FEB. 20, 2021 WHERE YOUR OWN FRONT DOOR REGISTER WWW.STEPS4STUDENTS.ORG
several events. The church held its annual mascot “Viking Cup” golf tournament for sponsors on Dec. 4 and is also encouraging students to run the Steps for Students 5K this coming February as part of its athletic program, said the church and school’s Development Director Cynthia Garza. Garza said,“We don’t have options that public schools do with public funding. We have to depend on private funding. Support is not only about participating in the event; it’s about our mission.” “Many of our family-owned businesses who have sponsored us before have been really hurt,” Garza said. “But there are others who are alumni still helping. More than ever, we need to come together as a community and build closer relationships.” One of those businesses that keeps on supporting despite the crisis is Lodge Lumber Co. While President and CEO John Lodge said his business has been hit as most have, he believes it remains important to give to the church and school. “I attended first grade through sixth grade at St. Theresa school, and I’ve been baptized at the church as well as all my kids. The good Lord taught me that it’s the right thing to give back,” Lodge said. “They have done such a good job with renovations with funds we raised. Father has done a fabulous job,” he said. St. Theresa Pastor Father Phillip Lloyd,
in his recent stewardship letter, stated, “If there is one thing that this pandemic has taught us, it is that our unwavering faith will lead us to new ways to love and care for one another.” Garza agreed, “It’s even more crucial this year. Steps for Students is our main family event that involves the students, their parents and families, and peers, so we don’t want to lose that. Since many sports have been canceled, our coaches are working with students to exercise and stay healthy, so preparing for the 5K is part of that.” Another St. Theresa parishioner, Rose Lopez, whose family owns Nick Lopez Tailoring, said she feels compelled to continue helping the church and school even though her daughters have long graduated. “I graduated from Incarnate Word Academy, and all my daughters attended Catholic school, and now my grandchildren are also attending Catholic schools. The excellent academics and the moral teachings are so important to continue,” Lopez said. For the logistics of Steps for Students, registrants will be asked to download an app called RaceJoy, an interactive race experience, said Steps race timer Richard Littrell. “Runners and spectators can download the app, fill out a profile for registration and hit start whenever they’re ready to run,” Littrell said. The app automatically times and stops when the 5K mark is reached, he said. Registration is open, and the price is $20 per person. To register and donate, visit www. steps4students.org. †
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FOR RACE INFORMATION VI
MOVIE RATINGS By Catholic News Service A-II – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS • • • • •
Come Away (PG) Come Play (PG-13) The Croods: A New Age (PG) The War With Grandpa (PG) The Witches (PG)
A-III – ADULTS • • • • • • • •
Fishbowl (NR) Honest Thief (PG-13) Let Him Go (R) Mank (R) Martin Eden (NR) Mulan (PG-13) On the Rocks (R) Rebecca (PG-13)
• The Last Vermeer (R) • The Trial of the Chicago 7 (R) • Yellow Rose (PG-13)
L – LIMITED ADULT AUDIENCE • Us (R)
O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE • • • • • • •
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (R) Divine Love (NR) Freaky (R) The Boys in the Band (R) The Broken Hearts Gallery (PG-13) The Life Ahead (PG-13) Unhinged (R)
LOCAL
DECEMBER 8, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
texas catholic herald
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Giving a voice to youth to help form lifelong discipleship in the Church BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent HOUSTON — Providing opportunities for youth to have their voices heard by Church leadership is key to reaching today’s adolescents with the Gospel message. The Archdiocesan ministry that focuses on forming Catholic adolescents into lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ is the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization (OACE). Its mission is to provide leadership, formation and resources in comprehensive youth ministry for parishes. According to its director, Timothy Colbert, the ministry’s main priority is to give adolescents a voice to help OACE interpret the needs of today’s youth and advocate for their concerns to the members of Archdiocesan leadership. The Archdiocesan Youth Council was formed for this purpose. Colbert said the young people chosen for the council become servant leaders in various capacities and encourage the Archdiocese to attend to their needs. Each parish and Catholic high school in the Archdiocese is eligible to enter two representatives. Currently, the council consists of 115 young people.
Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization is supported by the Diocesan Services Fund. The 2020 DSF theme draws from an important meaning of the Catholic faith: “Bring Your Greatest Gift to the Lord.� DSF operates in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston each year to help the Church carry out the ministries of teaching and sanctifying. Of the 60plus programs under its umbrella, DSF brings the needed financial resources to carry out these ministries. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF ADOLESCENT CATECHESIS AND EVANGELIZATION
Archdiocesan Youth Conference attendees gather during a session of the 2019 gathering in Houston. The 2020 event, which usually draws more than 2,500, was held virtually due to the pandemic.
provides adult leadership, formation and resources in comprehensive youth ministry. The Basic Certificate in Youth Ministry Formation, offered in both English and Spanish, is a ministrytraining program for those in leadership with youth. “Our adult leadership training equips youth ministers with the entry-level skills and understanding needed for creative and comprehensive ministry with younger and older adolescents,� said Colbert. The program was recently revised to reflect current research, in addition to adding a new hybrid online and in-person coursework. The coordinator of youth ministry at St. Peter and Paul Church in Bellville, Cynthia Luongo, has attended several of OACE’s adult leadership training programs since 2009. She said she feels well-trained and educated by its staff through certification programs, catechetical days, youth programming, retreats, conferences, webinars and personal support. “From the very beginning, I have been supported on both a professional and personal level by the staff at OACE,� said Luongo. “They are incredibly responsive, eager and knowledgeable, and my role at the parish would be greatly diminished without them. Also, OACE’s youth programming has enabled me to grow our parish youth ministry in ways I could not have done in our rural, isolated setting alone.�
HEART AND SOUL “The Archdiocesan Youth Council represents the heart and soul of who we are,� said Timothy Colbert. “They provide a direct window into the lives of adolescents today, which enables our office to respond to the unique characteristics of each generation. In addition, the council provides excellent leadership for them in a variety of programs.� Colbert said the youth council aims to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and works in the faithful community of the People of God. It also promotes spiritual and personal growth of its peers by facilitating active participation of youth in Archdiocesan events. One such event is the annual Archdiocesan Youth Conference sponsored by OACE, which is one of the largest Archdiocesan evangelizing events in the nation available to high school youth that gathers over 2,500 participants. Young people are challenged to live out their faith and learn from exciting and informative national speakers and worship leaders. Another event is the Junior High Youth Rally that brings together 700 younger adolescents each year. They gather together in community for a day of prayer, sharing, learning and celebrating their Catholic faith with the larger Archdiocesan family. The day features speakers, service, workshops and games. A third event, a Celebration of Youth of African Descent, brings together young people to celebrate and experience their shared faith and culture. The day consists of presentations, workshops, prayer    � � � � � �� � �
 experiences and community life.
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Correctional Ministries
EQUIPPING LEADERS Colbert said to form and train adult leaders to effectively minister to the adolescents in their parishes, OACE
Archdiocesan Office
713-741-8732 archgh.org/correctionalministries
Luongo said OACE also has helped her with crisis management so the parish can continue ministering to the youth amid the strict COVID-19 modifications. This year, because of these restrictions, Colbert said most of OACE’s largegroup events and training were either postponed or moved to an online format. He said staff and volunteers have been moved out of their comfort zones to learn new methods and technology, which has ultimately allowed them to gather more regularly with both parish leaders and young people. “We now have a much greater capacity to serve our [Church],� said Colbert. More than 700 joined for the online experience. Colbert said he was grateful to Cardinal DiNardo for offering the resources to provide the conference free of charge during the pandemic. SUPPORTING PARISHES One of more than 60 ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), OACE directly benefits from the efforts of the faithful in the Archdiocese that contribute each year. Colbert said support from the DSF ensures that parishes receive the support they need from OACE and other ministries to effectively proclaim God’s word and grow lifelong disciples at all levels of the Archdiocese.
“Supporting the DSF is an acknowledgment that we are united as a diocesan Church,â€? said Colbert. “We are a community of communities ready, willing, and able to reach beyond our own parish boundaries to ensure the needs of our sisters and brothers in Christ are met. Although the focus of ministry to the people of God is in the parishes, parishes rely on the diocesan offices and ministries to support their work.â€? Colbert said the DSF helps fund resources to support OACE’s Archdiocesan Youth Council and the development of life-changing moments of evangelization for younger and older adolescents through large programming efforts. He said the office is also enabled to develop and implement training and formation programs to youth ministry leaders and volunteers in parishes to ensure that the Archdiocesan youth are receiving safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate, culturally appropriate and Christ-centered formation. Luongo agreed it is important to support the DSF to help ministries like OACE. “It’s already an uphill battle in the days of social media, misinformation about the faith and evangelical youth programming to distract our youth,â€? said Luongo. She said OACE, in its events and programming, helps provide tools and opportunities “to encourage and excite the youth about our incredible faithâ€? and also helps care for those who teach the youth.â€
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10 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
DECEMBER 8, 2020
EDUCATION JPII band member earns position in orchestra with different instrument PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Thy Yen Tong, an eighth-grader at St. John Paul II Catholic School, auditioned for the Texas Music Educators Association Region 23 Middle School Orchestra on violin. She was selected for the top orchestra in the region, placing 14th out of 208 who auditioned. Tong is a first-chair clarinet player in the St. John Paul II Catholic School band.
IN SHARING WE RECEIVE
St. Mary of the Purification school partners with Society of St. Vincent de Paul to feed 13 Third Ward families
WE ARE ACADEMY WOMEN PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MARY OF THE PURIFICATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL
St. Mary of the Purification Catholic School celebrated Thanksgiving this year in unique way. Each classroom, Pre K-3 through eighth grade, along with teachers and administration, planned a Thanksgiving menu for a family of four. Each classes brought in all the ingredients to make the meal and packaged the 13 bundles in beautiful fall color boxes, bags and baskets. With the help of HEB Director of Community Affairs at the McGregor location, Victoria Hart, each basket included a Butterball turkey. Yvonne Freeman, president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary of the Purification Church, helped the school distributed the Thanksgiving meal bundles to families in need in the Third Ward.
LOCAL CATHOLIC NEWS.
WHERE YOU WANT IT. WHEN YOU WANT IT.
FIND OUT WHO WE ARE To learn more about who we are, visit st-agnes.org/admissions/who-we-are Application deadline is December 15, 2020
WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/DIGITALEDITIONS
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.
Did you know you can find issues and stories of the Texas Catholic Herald online?
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In an effort to serve readers at home and online, our stories are available online to read on any mobile device! To check them out, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/TCH and enjoy!
DECEMBER 8, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
texas catholic herald
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YOUTH Social media and the universal call to communion “Today we are living in a world which is growing ever ‘smaller’ and where, as a result, it would seem to be easier for all of us to be neighbors,” said Pope Francis on the 48th World Communications Day in the summer of 2014. “... Communications technology [is] bringing us closer together and making us more connected, even as globalization makes us increasingly interdependent. Nonetheless, divisions, which are sometimes quite deep, continue to exist within our human family...” These words from our Holy Father point to the deep contrast presented in today’s digital world. We act as citizens of this digital world every day primarily through social media, communicating on platforms that “create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (www.merriam-webster.com).” The creation of social media platforms reveals the ache for communion at the center of every human heart. In the Garden of Eden, man dwelt with each other and their Creator in closeness and intimacy. At the heart of every human person is the longing to go back to the Garden. You and I are made for this very communion. The human person, made in the image of their Creator, is called to act as His holy representative here on earth, co-partnering to bring about new life, creation and to invite others back into the Garden where they can become a part of God’s family. Social media becomes a powerful tool under this paradigm. We can not only spread the
Gospel message through the explicit content that we share and post but by interacting with other persons on social media platforms across vast distances and even social circumstances. Here we are actively participating in God’s call and mission to make us one family, with Jesus as our head. Our base desire to connect is inherently good, as we recognize our own dignity by desiring to be known and recognizing another’s by wanting to know them. Despite these good intentions, this mission is rarely what we find as we scroll through our social media feeds. It seems like division between different groups of people becomes even more distinct via social media. You are more likely to find Christian accounts that only cater to Christians, as much as certain news sources only cater to those with a particular political ideology. You may find different accounts that tend to be aggressive and incredibly inflammatory in oversharing messages, and accounts that are just as aggressive in contradicting these messages. As followers of Jesus, we must acknowledge that we are not of this digital world, while we may be called to be in it. This requires that we recognize what is at the heart of social media promotion, and that is algorithms working on trying to tell you what you care about and what you should care about. This should not be a surprise or shock; it is simply the reality of increasingly smart technology. If I am going to attempt to use social media platforms to further the Gospel message and connect with my brethren across the globe, I have to
first understand where my allegiance truly lies. What I post on social media does not “cover” my Christian mission. If I post a video on social media sponsoring a particular political by candidate in order to maintain social justice, I KATIE VILLARREAL must also be looking for opportunities to serve the poor and marginalized in my own community. If I share a post about a saint who exemplified true forgiveness, am I intentionally working to deal with the things going on in my heart that make it hard for me to forgive? If I write a long Facebook post about being Pro-Life, how do I interact with the homeless man I drive by every day from work? In the same way, we must understand as Christians that social media is truly only pixels on a screen.
†
As much as it can be a powerful tool, it cannot be the end. Social media cannot take precedence over the mission that is before us in every single moment of our lives, which is to love. I am called to love the person that is in front of me more than I am called to make sure I have scrolled through the entirety of my Instagram feed. I invite us all to re-examine the way we use or rely on social media in our lives and to ask Jesus to come and reconcile with that part of our heart that has become comfortable with separating our social media use from a true charitable, evangelical mission. May we follow after Jesus and His mission to bring the whole world together in Himself. † Katie Villarreal is the coordinator of youth ministry at St. Faustina Catholic Church in Fulshear.
Raising Awareness & Support for Catholic Education
The Christian Renewal Center is financially operated and managed by the laity. Your support has never been more critical to keep the CRC operating. During the season of Advent as you increase your fasting, praying, and almsgiving we ask you consider making a donation to the Christian Renewal Center. The CRC is the largest capacity Catholic retreat center in the Archdiocese. Your gift truly makes an impact at the CRC.
Donate online at retreatcentercrc.org or mail in your donation to Christian Renewal Center, PO Box 699, Dickinson, Texas 77539 AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE Email event details to TCH@ARCHGH.ORG for possible inclusion in the Around the Archdiocese section. There is no charge for listings but space is limited. Visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA for more information on how to submit events.
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12 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
DECEMBER 8, 2020
WORLD At Mass with new cardinals, pope warns against worldliness VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Concelebrating Mass with newly-created cardinals, Pope Francis said Advent is a time to be vigilant, hopeful and helpful. People of faith who believe in the heaven that awaits them should not be caught up with earthly concerns, he said during a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica Nov. 29, the first Sunday of Advent, which marks the start of a new liturgical year. “Why should we be anxious about money, fame, success, all of which will fade away? Why should we waste time complaining about the night when the light of day awaits us?” he asked. The Mass was celebrated the day after Pope Francis created 13 new cardinals from eight different nations. The new cardinals included Wilton Cardinal Gregory of Washington. Wearing purple vestments, the 11 new cardinals who were able to travel to Rome concelebrated the Mass with Pope Francis. Cardinals Jose F. Advincula of Capiz, Philippines, and Cornelius Sim, apostolic vicar of Brunei, did not attend the consistory because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. They joined a number
“drowsiness.” There is the “slumber of mediocrity,” he said, “when we forget our first love and grow satisfied with indifference, concerned only for an untroubled existence.” This “lukewarm, worldly” life slowly eats away at faith, which must not be lukewarm, but a fire that burns, “a desire for God, a bold effort to change, the courage to love, constant progress,” he said. Faith “is not a tranquilizer for people under stress; it is a love story for people in love!”
CNS PHOTO
Pope Francis arrives to celebrate a Mass with new cardinals in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Nov. 29. A set of TV screens in the background show a number of cardinals who could not attend the consistory due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
of other cardinals who attended virtually due to pandemic measures. The congregation at the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter included a number of Rome-based cardinals, 12 pastors or
Help us make a lasting difference We are very excited to announce that we’re only $229,000 away from our $1.2M fundraising goal for Project Renovaré! With your help, along with generous contributions, we have raised over $970,000.
foundation $1.2M
$970K
As a challenging 2020 comes to a close, we are once again focusing our end-of-year campaign on reaching our $1.2M fundraising goal for Project Renovaré. The completion of this project will bring much joy to our residents and staff, and ensure our community’s future success. Every gift received will make a lasting impact in the lives of our residents and staff. Thank you in advance for your support! For naming opportunities and other inquiries please contact Monica Snell at 713-391-2685 or msnell@stdominicvillage.org. Please mail checks to: c/o Development St. Dominic Village 2401 Holcombe Blvd. | Houston, TX 77021 You can also donate online at: stdominicvillage.org/end-of-year or text "RENOVARE" to 44321
rectors of the 13 Rome churches to which the new cardinals were associated and about 100 others who had been invited by the new cardinals. COME LORD JESUS In his homily, Pope Francis said the two key phrases for the Advent season were God’s closeness and people’s vigilance against indifference and mediocrity. Advent reminds people that God came down “to dwell in our midst” and that they must always call for His assistance, he said. “The first step of faith is to tell God that we need Him” and to ask that He “come close to us once more,” the pope said.“God wants to draw close to us, but He will not impose Himself; it is up to us to keep saying to Him, ‘Come!’” People should repeat this short prayer frequently throughout the day — “before our meetings, our studies and our work, before making decisions, in every important or difficult moment of our lives — ‘Come, Lord Jesus!’” the pope said. People must be watchful and focused on what is essential in life, the pope said, because “one great mistake in life is to get absorbed in a thousand things and not to notice God.” People must not let themselves “be overcome by discouragement,” but live in hope, he said. “If we are awaited in heaven, why should we be caught up with earthly concerns?” he asked. “Why should we be anxious about money, fame, success, all of which will fade away?” DANGER OF DROWSINESS Waiting and being watchful are difficult, though, he said, and everyone is vulnerable to dangerous kinds of
STAY AWAKE AND VIGILANT Another danger is “the slumber of indifference” when people show no concern for those around them and “everything revolves around us and our needs,” he said. “We immediately begin to complain about everything and everyone; we start to feel victimized by everyone” and then end up believing everything is part of a conspiracy, he said. Instead, Pope Francis said, people must stay awake and remain vigilant through charity and compassionate service to others. “When the Church worships God and serves our neighbor, it does not live in the night. However weak and weary, she journeys toward the Lord,” he said. Before praying the Angelus at noon with people in St. Peter’s Square, the pope again spoke of the importance of believing in a God who comes to dwell among His people. “We are well aware that life is made up of highs and lows, of lights and shadows,” and life has been especially difficult for so many because of the pandemic, he said. THE LORD IS OUR HELP, SHIELD The worry, fear and discouragement so many people feel actually risk turning into “pessimism, closure and apathy.” People should remember the Lord “is our help and our shield,” the pope said; He is “present in history to lead it to its ultimate goal and to its fullness, which is the Lord Jesus Christ.” For Christians, God is the “God-withus,” who “walks beside us to support us” and to help people discover the meaning of life, “to give us courage when we are under duress or when we suffer,” he said. “In the midst of life’s storms, God always extends His hand to us and frees us from threats.” The pope asked that people use this time of great difficulty to pray simply as a family, live more moderately and to reach out to help their neighbors in a way that is respectful and discreet. †
Employment Opportunities Those interested in the current Archdiocesan employment opportunities may visit www.archgh.org/employment to learn of the latest openings. Consider the many ways you can use your talents in service of the Archdiocese’s mission, ministries, programs and services!
DECEMBER 8, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
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NATION & STATE
Black Catholics rejoice with elevation of first African American cardinal WASHINGTON (CNS) — To Father Robert Boxie III, the Catholic chaplain at Howard University in Washington, the naming of Washington’s archbishop “as a cardinal is huge, it’s historic.” On Nov. 28, Pope Francis elevated 13 new cardinals from around the world to the College of Cardinals at a consistory in Rome. Wilton Cardinal Gregory, who has been Washington’s archbishop since 2019, was among them. The pope had announced the new cardinals Oct. 25. Father Boxie said the fact that it came in November, Black Catholic History Month, is also very symbolic. A priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, he was one of several Black Catholics who spoke to the Catholic Standard, Washington’s archdiocesan newspaper, about what Cardinal Gregory’s elevation means to them and to the Church as a whole. A GREAT GIFT TO SEE A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Father Boxie was ordained in 2016 and began serving this summer as the chaplain at Howard, one of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities. “This is a long time coming. We will be witnessing and experiencing something in the Church that has never happened before, an African American cardinal. In the Church’s 2,000 years, this has never happened, and we have the great gift, the great privilege to witness this,” Father Boxie said. The priest noted that Cardinal Gregory’s elevation “puts the stamp of approval on the ministry, the service, the pastoral leadership that Archbishop Gregory himself has done for our Church in the United States, all of his accomplishments and his contributions individually.” It also “is a stamp of approval for the community that he represents, the community that he comes from, and the community that formed him, African American Black Catholics,” Father Boxie added. “It says that the faith, the contributions, the witness, the experience of Black Catholics truly do matter, and that’s an important voice and an important gift to the Church universal,” he said. “The voice of Black Catholics will be now that much closer to the Holy Father.” The elevation of Cardinal Gregory makes Father Boxie feel “extremely excited and proud, especially as an African American priest, I hold my head up a little bit higher, I stick out my chest a little bit more, because one of our own, from our community, is now a prince of the Church, especially when for so long in our country, Black men were denied the opportunity to even enter into seminary here.” MANY FIRSTS Washington Auxiliary Bishop Roy E. Campbell Jr., who serves as the president of the National Black Catholic Congress, said Cardinal Gregory’s elevation “is significant because there are so many
different firsts” for the churchman. “This is a man, who as a boy, embraced the faith that he was not baptized into and reared into until he chose to follow it,” explained Bishop Campbell, who also is pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Largo in Largo, Maryland. “And then to go on to become a priest and to do wonderful things as a bishop of Belleville (Illinois) and then to lead the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops (as president), especially when we had to deal with the outbreak in 2002 of the clergy sexual abuse scandal throughout the country, and as archbishop of Atlanta and then coming here.” He’s the first Black archbishop in Washington, “the seat of democratic power and importance in the world,” the bishop said, and now “to be named a cardinal, the first Black cardinal from the United States — that’s significant.” EVERYONE HAS GIFTS TO OFFER “And it shows that the Church recognizes that everyone has gifts to offer to the Church, to their community, to their fellow man wherever they are, and they recognize that in naming him a cardinal,” he said. “And young Black men who may wonder, ‘Could I be called to the priesthood?’ can see that, yes, not only can you be called, but the gifts that you bring with that call will be recognized by the Church.” For Black Catholics, Cardinal Gregory’s elevation means “our faith, our talents, our willingness to be part of and work for the Church in our community, we have an impetus to continue to do that because a leader who looks like us has been recognized at the highest level in the universal Church, that means influence in the direction the Church takes in reaching all of the people of the world.” “His talents for helping the Church, for helping Black Catholics, for helping all Catholics and all people in this country, and now worldwide have been recognized,” Bishop Campbell added, “and the Church wants to put them to use.”
CNS PHOTO
Pope Francis places the red biretta on new Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington during a consistory for the creation of 13 new cardinals in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Nov. 28, 2020.
A TIME FOR HEALING Sister Patricia Chappell said Cardinal Gregory’s elevation “is good news” and “a very historic moment.” “I certainly rejoice. ... For those of us who are African American Catholics, to have the first African American cardinal named is just wonderful,” said the Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, who is the former president of the National Black Sisters’ Conference. She also is the former executive director of Pax Christi USA and now serves on the leadership team for her religious order. Pope Francis, she believes, also particularly understood there is “much healing that certainly needs to take place with the Catholic Church in the United States, so I think he’s made a wise decision in calling forth a holy man ... a See CARDINAL GREGORY, page 15
See CARDINAL GREGORY, page 15
14 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
DECEMBER 8, 2020
MUNDO CATÓLICO
‘Hermana Norma’ participa en Proclaim, nombrada una de las personas más influyentes por Time HOUSTON — La hermana poder de las autoridades, injusticia, la Norma Pimentel, misionera de Jesús división de el país y hasta la indiferencia. y directora ejecutiva de Caridades “Hay muchas razones por las cuales Católicas del Valle del Río Grande ha nos atemorizamos y nos paralizamos recibido numerosos premios a lo largo por el miedo”, ella dijo. “Es porque falta de los años por su trabajo en Texas con Dios en nuestra sociedad, en nuestros los migrantes de la frontera entre México corazones y en nuestras familias.” y Estados Unidos. Ahora, ella puede Le hermana Pimentel dijo que hay agregar un nuevo título a su lista como que fortalezer los corazones de con la una de las 100 personas más influyentes presencia de Cristo para conocerlo a Él. del mundo por la revista Time. “Saber quien es Jesús en mi, En un mensaje de Facebook el 22 de personalmente”, ella dijo. “Llegar a septiembre en respuesta a este gran conocer a Jesús intimamente para que Él honor, Pimentel dio crédito a todos los rompa todas esas barreras y todas esas que trabajan con ella en la Diócesis cosas que nos paralizan, nos limita, nos de Brownsville, Texas, “restaurando la evitan de ser, de descubrir realmente esa dignidad humana a los necesitados”. presencia de Él en mi”. “Es un reconocimiento a la generosidad Le hermana Pimentel dijo que para ser de la gente del Valle del Río Grande y de un testigo valiente de Dios, aique conocer todo Estados Unidos. Juntos reconocemos y amarse a uno mismo, reconociendo el que tenemos una responsabilidad. Somos amor de Dios en uno mismo. un pueblo de Dios, un pueblo impulsado “Ese amor me transforma, me da la por la presencia de Dios en nosotros fortaleza, la seguridad para atreverme, mismos y en otros. Cuando para no tener miedo a amar. vemos el sufrimiento Para no tener miedo de ser humano no podemos dar la testigo de su gran amor”, espalda, debemos responder dijo. “, expresó. Ella dijo que ahora Ella espera que su es el tiempo cuando de nombre en la revista, entre reunificarnos “como puebo, deportistas, políticos, como Iglesia, como familia”. activistas, y artistas, “logre “Necesitamos buscar traer más comprensión y como ser esa Iglesia ayude a la gente a ver más nuevamente unida”, dijo la claramente lo que podemos hermana Pimentel. “Hay que hacer para respetar toda poner las diferencias que vida humana, especialmente tenemos — las maneras de la más vulnerable”. pensar diferentes — a un HERMANA En noviembre, la lado y buscar las cosas que si NORMA hermana Pimentel fue parte nos unen... el echo que todos PIMENTEL de una conferencia de la somos hijos de Dios”. Arquidiocesis de GalvestonComo hija de inmigrantes Houston llamada Proclama. mexicanos, la hermana Pimentel cruzaba Este año, la conferencia se ofreceió con frecuencia la frontera de Brownsville en formato digital en inglés, español y a Matamoros, México, para de esta manera vietnamés. Las presentaciónes fueron poder estar con la familia en ambos lados grabadas y todavía están disponibles de la frontera. Nació en Texas mientras en linea. El tema de este año proviene sus padres esperaban la respuesta de las de Marcos 10, 49 cuando los discípulos autoridades estadounidenses sobre su le dicen al ciego de Bartimeo que se solicitud de residencia. anime porque Cristo lo está llamando. En su reflexión sobre los inmigrantes En tiempos sin precedentes de nuestro en el libro “A Pope Francis Lexicon” (“Un mundo, la llamada a la valentía resuena Léxico del Papa Francisco”), escribió: con todos. “Soy ciudadana estadounidense por En su presentación, la hermana ‘chiripa’ (pura casualidad)”, señalando Pimentel habló de ser testigos valientes que creció en dos países, México y en un tiempo de mucho miedo por la Estados Unidos. pandemia, violencia, racismo, abuso de Este verano, en un artículo de
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.
opinión en The Washington Post, la hermana Pimentel hizo un pedido público para que la gente no olvide la difícil situación de los solicitantes de asilo durante la pandemia por el coronavirus. “Nuestro campamento es una ‘ciudad de tiendas de campaña’ improvisada, llena de aproximadamente 1,500 mujeres, hombres, y niños vulnerables que esperan fallos sobre sus solicitudes de asilo en Estados Unidos. Estas familias viven en tiendas de campaña donadas a merced del clima extremo”, expresó. Instó a los lectores imaginar “vivir en tal incertidumbre, donde incluso los elementos básicos como el agua
corriente y un lugar para ducharse son inexistentes; donde tienes que depender de organizaciones externas para la comida, que tienes que cocinar en una fogata”. “Al igual que las prisiones y los asilos de ancianos que han sido caldo de cultivo para el virus en los Estados Unidos”, la hermana Pimentel expuso, “el campamento está lleno de gente que por ahora no va a ninguna parte”. Para ver la presentación de la hermana Pimentel en la conferencia Proclama, visite www.archgh.org/proclaim para registrarse. † — Por Rebecca Torrellas y CNS
¿Algo o Alguien? En estos tiempos de Adviento, es de suma importancia respetar la preparación previa ante la venida de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Lamentablemente, la mercadotecnia y las campañas agresivas después del día de Acción de Gracias se visten de Navidad, pero aun no estamos ahí. ¡Que importante es vivir este tiempo de Adviento! Y mas en estos tiempos de pandemia. Y parece coincidencia, pero ya estamos a casi nueve meses de vivir esta pandemia que ha azotado al mundo. ¡Todo un embarazo! Y desgraciadamente, se han perdido muchas vidas, y todos hemos sido afectados directamente por lo que ha hecho esta pandemia. Nuestra Madre María esperó nueve meses el nacimiento de su Hijo, que es el Hijo de Dios y el Salvador. Mientras esperaba, se preparó para recibirlo. Lo valioso de rescatar en estos tiempos oscuros que vive la humanidad y que el propio Adviento nos enseña es que el foco no es la pandemia, sino Jesús de Nazaret, el Verbo Encarnado. El es el salvador de la humanidad, el gran amor de Dios que está a próximo de hacerse uno como nosotros excepto en el pecado. El tiempo de Adviento no es preparación para desfalcar la billetera y complacer a todos los familiares con regalos, o unirme a las campañas agresivas de la sociedad que visten todo de Navidad y no haber vivido de manera correcta este tiempo de Adviento. El adviento es un tiempo especial para pensar sobre el sentido de nuestra vida personal, familiar y social. ¿Entonces, como debe un Católico vivir el Adviento? Debe ser vivido como un tiempo de espera, de una expectativa, es decir de un carácter marcado de esperanza en una contemplación detallada del Mesías que llega. No hablo de una espera pasiva, no ese tipo de esperas que uno deja que la vida rutinaria acapare nuestro tiempo y digamos después, “O
que rápido se llegó Diciembre”, “o que traerá Papa Noel esta Navidad”. No, no es ese tipo de espera la que se habla del Adviento, sino de aquella espera donde el creyente de by manera vigilante (no por miedo sino por ADRIAN HERRERA amor) pone su mirada y su esperanza en alguien más grande que sus propias fuerzas y limitaciones — la llegada del Nacimiento de Nuestro Salvador. Es el tiempo donde uno puede ir preparando el camino de nuestras vidas al Señor, el de configurar tu vida en pesebre y estar listos para recibir el gran regalo de amor. ¿Cómo hacer esto? Una catequesis simple y sencilla es aprendiendo y explicando lo que es una corona de Adviento, sus colores, sus velas, etc. Otra manera sencilla es leer las lecturas del evangelio del día cada noche ya sea en familia o de manera personal. Al momento de leer o escuchar la Palabra de Dios, echa a volar tu imaginación y trata de adentrarte en la escena, pon atención a todos los pequeños detalles, a los personajes (Virgen María, Juan Bautista, profeta Isaías), los ruidos, la escena, etc. Este ejercicio de escucha y contemplación puede fomentar la convivencia y el dialogo entre familiares y también a volver a enamorarte de la persona de Jesús de Nazaret. Pero recuerda, el foco del Adviento es la llegada de Jesús de Nazaret y de avivar en los creyentes la espera del Señor. Es presencia encarnada del cristiano que cada vez que hace el bien, reactualiza la Encarnación y la Natividad de Jesucristo. †
†
Adrian Alberto Herrera es director asociado en la Oficina de Evangelización y Catequesis de la Arquidiocesis.
DECEMBER 8, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
texas catholic herald
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MILESTONES Catholic Charities, Harris County share $60 million in COVID-19 aid Fund assist 50,000 families devastated by pandemic SPECIAL TO THE HERALD HOUSTON — Jamie Martin was deeply concerned. When COVID-19 hit, her hours were cut at the assisted living facility where she is a caregiver, threatening her ability to cover rent for the new apartment she had recently moved into with her 16-year old son. All household expenses were now a burden, including the grocery bill for her teenager. Doug Tillis was also worried about how he would provide for his two daughters. He was hired for a new job in January at a manufacturing plant, but the pandemic brought layoffs, and Tillis’s position evaporated. He tried to file for unemployment while looking for new work, but he could never get through to the Texas Workforce Commission, which was bombarded by calls from thousands of other people who lost jobs to the pandemic. Not long after, his lights and water were turned off. Fortunately, both Martin and Tillis received aid through Catholic Charities Help (or the Harris County COVID-19 Emergency Direct Assistance Program), the Harris County-funded program administered by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Initially a $40 million initiative, the CARES-funded program provides one-time $1,200 payments to families whose financial security has been most severely undermined by the pandemic. County officials approached Catholic Charities to administer the program. Well-versed in leading disaster recovery efforts, Catholic Charities leaped into action, in turn providing employment for the dozens of team members needed to interact as quickly and compassionately as possible with scores of applicants. Each team member received training in Catholic social teaching to ensure their adherence to Catholic Charities’ values in treating every applicant with respect and dignity. The need in the community is breathtaking in its scope. During a public application period, 76,000 applications were submitted, added to more than 400,000 existing applications already on hand from an earlier Harris County COVID-19 relief effort. “Everyone’s been impacted by COVID-19 in one way or another — it’s the great equalizer,” said Cynthia Colbert, president and CEO of Catholic Charities. “Our mission is to serve the community in good times and bad alike, and
IN BRIEF Catholic Charities Cares coat drive collection underway
HOUSTON — Catholic Charities is accepting new and gently used coats for men, women and children from now through Dec. 19. These coats help children and families in need stay warm this winter. Coats may be dropped off at the Coat Donation Box located at the Catholic Charities Central Office, 2900 Louisiana St. near downtown Houston, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Know someone who may be in need of a coat? To request coats, call 713-5264611. Sizes and availability are limited. For more information, contact Patricia Garcia at 713-874-6670 or PGarcia@ CatholicCharities.org. † this program is another way that we can serve as the hands and feet of Christ.” Several months later, as COVID-19 continues to devastate those most vulnerable, Harris County allocated an additional $20 million in CARES funding, making it a $60-million program to help a total of 50,000 families. The Catholic Charities team disburses up to a million dollars each day from the fund, which means 833 new people each day, like Martin and Tillis, are receiving money that could make the difference between covering their family’s rent and losing their home. All funds will be disbursed by the end of December. Catholic Charities continues to help people in need through its existing programs. Since March, the agency has provided more than 3.3 million pounds of food and more than $1.8 million in emergency financial assistance. Programs have adapted to the challenges of serving during the pandemic. The Blessed Beginnings program reaches pregnant and new mothers through online classes and support groups. The St. Frances Cabrini Center uses video technology for outreach and education, in addition to setting up partitions for in-person counsel with immigrants and victims of human trafficking. The 27th annual Share Your Blessings Christmas gift campaign will use drive-through distribution to provide Christmas toys to children whose stockings would otherwise go empty. The list of recipients filled up weeks before Thanksgiving, but help is always welcome. Parishes and families who wish to contribute to the effort can get information from CatholicCharities.org/SYB. †
AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE Editor’s Note: Contact event organizers for the latest updates and information. View additional listings or updates online at www. archgh.org/ata.
DEC. 7 – 11
ADVENT SILENT RETREAT, at Christian Renewal Center (1515 Hughes Rd., Dickinson). Includes four nights lodging, meals, Sacraments, daily spiritual direction, and daily reflections for meditation, hosted by Kim Brown. Cost: $459 (early registration). www.retreatcentercrc.org
RECOGNIZING SERVICE
DEC. 12
SELF-GUIDED ONLINE MINI-RETREAT, 9 a.m., Cana Family Institute hosts online Advent Morning of Reflection for mothers of young children. Retreat prepares hearts for Advent transformation. Register by Dec. 9 to receive digital retreat guide, which includes Mass, Confession, and content for three reflections. Free. Register: CanaFamilyInstitute.com/ events. info@canafamilyinstitute.com View additional listings or updates online at www.archgh.org/ata.
PHOTO BY FREDERICK WARREN
Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz greets an altar server after an altar server appreciation Mass and award ceremonies hosted by the Serra Club at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Oct. 31.
Masses recognize altar servers’ dedication HOUSTON — Daniel Cardinal DiNardo favorably responded when Serra District 10 proposed an Altar Server Appreciation Mass, awards ceremony and luncheon for those who have been altar servers for five years or longer. Candice Tyrrell, then-Serra Club governor, approached Daniel Cardinal DiNardo with the idea for the special Mass. Though the pandemic had forced the cancellation of the luncheon, Tyrrell, chair of event, with Sandy Higgins, director of the Office of Worship, realized a second Mass was necessary when more than 200 altar servers said they would attend. “It was a happy problem to have,” Higgins said. Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz celebrated the Mass and led award ceremony on Oct. 31. During his homily, Bishop Sheltz asked the young altar servers to open their hearts and not be afraid to listen if God is calling them to become a priest or sister in their vocation. Cardinal DiNardo celebrated the Nov. 14 Mass and led award ceremony. He gave the attendees advice on how to be good altar servers and thanked them for their willingness, faithfulness and dedication. Both Masses, which were held at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, concluded with the presentation of certificates, gold crosses and a prayer book from Serra District 10. † CARDINAL GREGORY, from page 13 man who really listens to the people, a man who is steeped in his faith, and a man who will journey with the people. So I’m just blessed, I’m grateful.” Asked about Cardinal Gregory’s leadership qualities, Sister Chappell pointed to “his ability to listen” and be able “to listen to diverse opinions and to try to find the common threads that somehow can unite people. And yet, he’s also a man of integrity; he’s a man also rooted in prayer and his faith, so he doesn’t back away from his beliefs. What I have seen him do is to try to bring people together, to look at how do we make it better, how do we bring the good news to all God’s people.” GREAT SIGN OF ENCOURAGEMENT Monsignor Raymond East, pastor of St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Washington, and a nationally known evangelist and speaker, said Cardinal Gregory’s elevation is “a great sign of encouragement” the Church is recognizing “the gifts of the Black Catholic community, which is both African Americans who have been here for a long time, newly-arrived African immigrants, people from the Caribbean, Afro-Latinos, people from
Haiti and from all the islands, the whole African diaspora.” Cardinal Gregory “who is one of the most gifted Church leaders in the whole country,” Monsignor East said. “He’s been a great light to us, and we’re so blessed to have him here in this diocese, and to have him in this very special place, in our nation’s capital, to be the first African American Catholic cardinal, it’s tremendously exciting.” Hilda McDougald, a 100-yearold parishioner of St. Luke Parish in Washington, attended a Mass thenArchbishop Gregory celebrated at St. Luke Church on Oct. 24, one day before Pope Francis named him as a new cardinal. When asked what it meant to her that the pope named Archbishop Gregory as a cardinal, she said, “Things are changing, times are (changing) ... What a change, what a change!” She recalled how during times of segregation, Black Catholics had to sit in the back of church and wait until the end of the Communion line to receive Communion after white Catholics. As for Cardinal Gregory, she said, “I just love him. I admire him, I really do. In fact, I admire all of our priests. All (of them).” †
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