Bishop Sis Issues Statement Regarding Global Ebola Concerns Editor’S Note: When Ebola Killed a Man and Brought the Quaran- Is Causing Increased Worry Locally
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Smile & Click Pray for Armed Forces Deacon Felix Archibong, left, addresses the congregation at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Midland during his "I would like to ask people to join in a moment Transitional Ordination Mass, October 11, 2014. of silent prayer, wherever they are, at Noon Photos, Pgs. 12-13. on Veteran's Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014, to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present. In this moment of prayer, I would suggest that we express gratitude for their service, pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died, and pray for the intentions of those still living. Many of our men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have returned with post- traumatic stress disorder, injuries, loss of limbs, and other painful situations. They answered the call to service. They need our support and prayers." Serving the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas — Bishop Sis Volume XXXIV, No. 11 NOVEMBER 2014 Bishop Sis issues statement regarding global Ebola concerns Editor’s note: When Ebola killed a man and brought the quaran- is causing increased worry locally. practices to prevent the spread of this virus. tines of two nurses at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, many The most severely impacted countries are Guinea, Along with other non-governmental agencies such as bishops in Texas, including the Most Rev. Michael J. Sis, Bishop of San Angelo, issued statements to the people of their dioce- Liberia, and Sierra Leone, all of which have severely Caritas Internationalis, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is ses regarding the disease. Following is Bishop Sis’s statement. underfunded health care systems. Their situation is made responding to the Ebola outbreak by working closely with more complicated by a lack of clean water and basic local government health officials to distribute information By Bishop Michael J. Sis hygiene services. about the virus, how it is spread, and how to prevent trans- The Church is trying to give people hope in a variety of mission. CRS has committed more than $1.5 million in The Ebola epidemic has claimed more than 4,400 lives, ways. Throughout Western Africa, the Catholic Church is private funds to continue its emergency response to the and its destructive impact continues to expand. Since some involved in health care, treating patients in its clinics and Ebola epidemic in West Africa. cases have been confirmed in the United States, the disease hospitals. All churches and faith communities have a vital If you would like to support this emergency work of role to play in promoting good hygiene and safe funeral (Please See EBOLA/22) 50-year milestones Stephen Kent, Fr. Richard Barron, Fr. Ron Rolheiser and others in “Catholic Voices” to be celebrated by Pages 8-11 diocese, December 22 Friend the Diocese of San Angelo on The Angelus Facebook for the latest news, and sub- scribe to DOSAMail weekly updates at SAN ANGELO — Two special occasions flocknote.com/dosamail. will be celebrated at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in San Angelo, December 22, 2014. At 6:30 p.m., a Mass will mark the 50th anniversaries of the consecration of the cathe- dral, and the 50th priestly ordination of the DIOCESE OF SAN ANGELO Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI, retired PO BOX 1829 NONPROFIT ORG. SAN ANGELO TX 76902-1829 US POSTAGE PAID bishop emeritus of San Angelo. SAN ANGELO, TX The current Sacred Heart Church in down- ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT NO. 44 town San Angelo, was dedicated August 1, 1961. Following the naming of San Angelo as a diocese, it was named principal church and then, on December 21, 1964, raised to the dignity of cathedral, at which time it was consecrated by Bishop Thomas Drury, first bishop of the diocese. Bishop Emeritus Pfeifer served as shep- herd of the Diocese of San Angelo from 1985-2013. He was ordained a priest of the Bishop Michael J. Sis holds a newborn baby following the order of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate on transitional ordination Mass of Deacon Felix Archibong, December 21, 1964. He was succeeded by Saturday, October 11, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Bishop Michael Sis on January 27, 2014. Midland. Page 2 NOVEMBER 2014 The Angelus From The Bishop’s Desk Reflections on the 2014 Extraordinary Synod on Family By Bishop Michael J. Sis of the many complex challenges faced by marriage and the family in our world today. Many people have questions about the The reflections that were put forward in this Reflexiones sobre el Sinodo Extraordinary Synod on the Family that took Synod were intended to raise questions and place last month in Rome. After seeing a indicate perspectives that will need to be variety of different claims matured and made clearer by further reflec- Extraordinario de 2014 in the secular media, tion in the year between now and the some have been left won- Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Por el Obispo Michael J. Sis suponía de lograr. Este evento no hizo, y dering just what hap- Bishops to take place in October of 2015. nunca tuvo la intención de hacer, ningún pened in this Synod Press coverage of the Synod was some- Mucha gente tiene preguntas sobre el cambio a la doctrina de la Iglesia. El regarding our teaching on times focused exclusively on the controver- Sínodo Extraordinario Sobre la Familia Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica aún es marriage. sial topics of Communion for the divorced que se llevó a cabo el mes pasado en valido. The two-week gather- and remarried and homosexual relationships. Roma. Después de haber visto una var- El propósito del Sínodo Extraordinario ing at the Vatican from However, those two topics were only a small iedad de diferentes reclamos en los de 2014 era para comenzar una discusión October 5-19 was accom- part of the overall discussions. Despite the medios de comunicación seculares, extensa de los muchos desafíos comple- Bishop Sis panied by a dramatic variety of observations and suggestions that algunos se han quedado preguntándose jos que se afrentan el matrimonio y la media frenzy of controversy and consterna- came forth in the process, there emerged a qué realmente pasó en este Sínodo familia en nuestro mundo hoy día. Las tion. Much of the anxiety was rooted in a common need to encourage families to live tocante nuestra enseñanza sobre el matri- reflexiones que se pusieron ante este misunderstanding of what this Synod was out their calling with fidelity, assuring sup- monio. Sínodo fueron con la intención de hacer meant to accomplish. This event did not, and port to those who are called to the vocation La reunión de dos semanas, del 1-19 de resaltar preguntas e indicar perspectivas was never intended to, make any changes in of Holy Matrimony. octubre, en el Vaticano, fue acompañada que tendrán que madurarse y aclararse Church doctrine. The Catechism of the The Synod affirmed the positive testimony por una histeria de medios dramáticos de por medio de más reflexión durante el Catholic Church is still valid. of Christian families. It spoke of the need to controversia y consternación. Mucha de año desde ahora hasta que se lleve a cabo The purpose of the 2014 Extraordinary la ansiedad fue enraizada en un mal Synod was to begin an extended discussion (Please See BISHOP/18) entendimiento de lo que este Sínodo se (Mira OBISPO/18) DIOCESAN BRIEFS Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Christ into your marriage so it can be a service and you are invited to assist them Ray to host mission in Midland A Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat is sched- greater marriage. Let God be the strength with their ongoing retirement and elder- Catholic apologist Steve Ray will lead a uled for November 14-16 in the Diocese of your marriage by attending the next care needs. On behalf of the 34,000 reli- four-night mission, culminating with the of Lubbock. For more information, contact Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend gious now over the age of 70 and the premiere of “Abraham,” part of his multi- [email protected] or 806.577.5912. on November 21-23, 2014 at the Grand ever increasing numbers of religious who part video series. His schedule is as fol- Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats, which are Hotel in Midland. Please register online at will be retiring soon, a heartfelt thank you. lows: Sunday, January 11-Tuesday, completely confidential, strive to attempt www.mewesttexas.org. For more informa- May God bless you for your continued January 13, 2015 — Mission at St. to help heal the pain of abortion. tion, you may contact Pete & Kathleen generosity. Stephen’s Catholic Church. Wednesday, “May Rachel’s Vineyard be an instru- Molina at 432-528-3324 or Val & Cindy January 14, 2015: Social hour with ment of the thirst of Jesus to heal and Luna at 432-349-3690. Safe environment information Steve, dinner, “premier” showing of DVD restore to life the fullness of life which The Catholic Diocese of San Angelo is “Abraham”, comments by Steve Ray, Jesus promised, even now to those seek- Retirement Fund for Religious firmly committed to creating and maintain- meet Steve after dinner, video. Thursday, ing His peace.” — St. Teresa of Calcutta. On December 13-14, 2014, you will ing the safest possible environment for January 15, 2015: Knights of Columbus have the opportunity to participate in the our children and young people. To report Clergy Appreciation Dinner, guest speak- Fr. Romanus celebrates 25 2014 Retirement Fund for Religious allegations of sexual abuse by church er Steve Ray at St. Stephen’s Church.