Youth Convention Draws Largest Crowd Ever

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DIOCESE OF AUSTIN Youth convention draws largest crowd ever ed about the event that brought we may say with confidence: opened for the sessions; par- youth ministry, music ministry BY JENNIFER KODYSZ about 2,200 people to the Waco ‘the Lord is my helper [and] ticipants eagerly awaited Mass, and much more. Workshops CORRESPONDENT Convention Center Jan. 20-22. I will not be afraid, what can prayer services, skits, entertain- included female and male only They came from more than 80 anyone else do to me?’” It was ment and keynote speakers Ennie sessions, sessions for adults only For months the excitement parishes throughout the diocese. also based on the message “Be Hickman and Jackie François. and workshops offered in Span- was mounting; a Twitter feed on This year’s conference drew not afraid,” from Blessed Pope In his keynote session on ish. On Saturday evening, teens the Austin Diocesan Catholic about 400 more participants John Paul II, and used an image Friday evening, Hickman of- who are seniors in high school Youth Conference (DCYC) web than DCYC in 2011. of the cruci x as its logo. fered a challenge for the week- had the opportunity to eat din- page kept participants informed, The theme “Unafraid,” was The excitement was evident end. For the first part of his ner with Bishop Joe Vásquez. urged them to pray and get excit- based on Hebrews 13:6, “Thus each time the conference doors challenge, he encouraged partici- Participants were also of- pants to “be intentionally quiet,” fered an opportunity to go to so they could hear God speaking the sacrament of reconciliation to them. The second part of at various times throughout the his challenge was to “give God weekend and experience Eucha- space,” to work in their lives; the ristic adoration Saturday eve- nal part of his challenge was to ning, which was led by Father “respond,” to God. Charlie Garza, associate pastor François used her musical of Santa Cruz Parish in Buda. talents to incorporate secular Father Garza used the con- and worship music into her ference theme of “Unafraid,” to keynote sessions where she dis- talk about fears and asking God cussed love, faith and what it to help us overcome our fears. means to be Catholic in our “When we offer our fears society. to God, they become trans- “We should never leave formed,” he said. Mass the same … every time Sunday morning concluded we leave Mass we should be with Mass celebrated by Bishop transformed by the body and Vásquez. He encouraged the blood of Christ,” she said. participants to take their expe- Saturday began with daily riences and what they learned Mass celebrated by Father Mi- over the course of the weekend, chael O’Connor, pastor of St. and go out and share it with John Vianney Parish in Round others. Rock. The day included mul- He also spoke about prayer tiple rounds of workshops in and told participants to “be the morning and afternoon. unafraid to pray … Jesus on the TEENS perform the hand motions to a song at the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference, Participants were able to choose cross is our hope,” he said. which was held Jan. 20-22 at the Waco Convention Center. More than 80 parishes sent from workshops topics about teens and their adult sponsors to the event. (Photo by Jennifer Kodysz) saints, Scripture, social justice, See DCYC on Page 3

A TOUCH OF MEET OUR

Periodical STAINED GLASS SEMINARIANS Postage Paid

at Austin, Texas Windows in adoration Supplement introduces chapel bring deeper the men studying meaning to space. for the priesthood. Page 4 Pages 15–18

BISHOP’S CATHOLIC INTERVIEW BOSS Love, no matter the Waco Catholic type, involves sacri ce featured on national and commitment. television show. Page 20 Page 25 Austin Diocese 290 East 6225 Hwy. 78723 Austin, Texas 2 VOICES CATHOLIC SPIRIT THE MISSION OF THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT As the of cial newspaper for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin, the CATHOLIC SPIRIT is dedicated to providing infor- mation, education and formation for the Catholic community of Central Texas. This mission calls for the newspaper: • to provide readers with an understanding of our Catholic faith and traditions; I know I can hear, but do I listen? • to be a primary source of information on Catholic issues relevant to the community; the middle of the night, my eyes pop open, my • to be a unifying element for faith communities, both rural BY SHELLEY METCALF heart starts pounding and my feet hit the oor and urban, throughout Central Texas; CATHOLIC SPIRIT STAFF running. My response to God’s voice is rarely • to show respect for and appreciation of all cultural groups as signi cant. Although there are times when and traditions; I chuckled to myself as I listened to the I hear God calling to me and act immediately, • to emphasize topics af rming the Catholic community and rst reading on Jan. 15 where God is calling typically I feel him calling me but I refuse to life, while acknowledging the humanity of the community and examining, with courage, topics that challenge and encourage Samuel as he is sleeping in the temple. Poor recognize it is God. In fact, he usually has to growth in the faith; Samuel is confused and thinks it’s Eli calling repeat himself over and over again before I rec- • to carry a commitment to social justice that will support him time after time but nally Eli, the wise ognize him and listen to what he is telling me. the renewal of the church in Central Texas. man that he is, realizes what is going on. I think there are two lessons for me in all of “Then Eli understood that the LORD was this. One is that God is forgiving, patient and HOW TO SUBMIT INFORMATION calling the youth. So he said to Samuel, “Go persistent. He is going to keep calling me until I Deadline for submission of articles or information for the to sleep, and if you are called, reply, Speak, recognize it is him and listen with an open heart. CATHOLIC SPIRIT is the 10th of the month for publication in the LORD, for your servant is listening.” When And the other is that when my daughter following month’s edition. Samuel went to sleep in his place, the LORD calls “Momma?”, I should not answer with my Deadline for the March issue is Feb. 10. came and revealed his presence, calling out as typical exasperated “What?” Perhaps, my re- You can submit material in any of the following ways: before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel answered, sponse should be something like, “Speak, child, • E-mail to [email protected]. “Speak, for your servant is listening.” your mother is listening.” Or maybe I just need • Mail to CATHOLIC SPIRIT, 6225 Hwy. 290 E., Austin, TX 78723. For additional information, call (512) 949-2443 or e-mail Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with to give her lots of hugs and kisses and tell her us at [email protected]. CATHOLIC SPIRIT has him, not permitting any word of his to be how much I love her, which is probably why unrestricted editing rights. without effect,” 1 Sm 3: 3b-10, 19. she calls to me anyway. I have to admit this type of thing happens at my house all the time, but it’s not God who HOW TO SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR SHELLEY METCALF lives in Cedar Park Readers are encouraged to express their opinions on is calling, or then again, maybe it is! My 4-year- with her husband and two children. articles published in CATHOLIC SPIRIT. Letters to the editor pro- old daughter has a habit of calling for me all the They are parishioners of St. Marga- vide a forum of discussion for the local Catholic community. time. When we are together, only a minute or ret Mary Parish. The views expressed in the letters do not necessarily repre- two can pass before I hear “Momma?” in that sent those of the editor or the publisher of CATHOLIC SPIRIT. sweet little voice and if I don’t answer, I hear Letters to the editor should be limited to 250 words. Name and full address of the writer must be provided, “Momma?” times four or ve or a thousand. though name will be withheld from publication on request. This little habit of hers can be annoy- Sister Palacios died at We reserve the right to edit or withhold all letters. Please ing, especially since most of the time she is e-mail to [email protected] or mail to Edi- not hurt or sick and she does not need me, age of 90 in Brenham tor, Catholic Spirit, 6225 Hwy. 290 E., Austin, TX 78723. she is just making sure I am within earshot. Poor Clare Sister Mary Joseph Palacios died Sometimes that little voice saying “Momma?” Jan. 22 at the age of 90. She was born in Oregon HOW TO SUBSCRIBE invades my dreams, kind of like God call- and prior to becoming a religious sister, she was Subscription rates are $12 for one year. To subscribe, ing Samuel as he slept. The voice startles me married and had three children. She joined the send check payable to Catholic Spirit to CATHOLIC SPIRIT, awake and I hurry to her room only to nd her Monastery of St. Clare in Corpus Christi in 1979 6225 Hwy. 290 E., Austin, TX 78723. Members of a parish sleeping peacefully. and moved to the Brenham monastery in 1984. in the Austin Diocese may receive the newspaper for a re- duced rate. Contact your parish staff for more information. I love this story of Samuel, and the key For more than 25 years, Sister Palacios held point of the story for me is learning the voice the roles of cook, bread maker, ceramic painter, of God. At rst, Samuel did not know God artist and storywriter at the Brenham monastery. ADDRESS CHANGES OR DUPLICATE MAILINGS was the one who was calling him, and Eli had She is survived by her three children, three Send all address changes to CATHOLIC SPIRIT, 6225 Hwy. 290 E., Austin, TX 78723. Please include your parish’s to help Samuel recognize God’s voice. I feel grandchildren and four great grandchildren. name and city. If receiving duplicate copies of the like Samuel quite often because I don’t recog- The Mass of Christian burial was celebrated CATHOLIC SPIRIT, call (512) 949-2443 or e-mail nize God’s voice much of the time. Jan. 24 by Father David Ivy, pastor of St. Mary [email protected]. When I hear my daughter’s little voice in Parish in Brenham.

STAFF Publisher: Most Rev. Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin Father Niehaus died from cancer Jan. 19 Editor: Shelley Metcalf; (512) 949-2400, [email protected] Schoenstatt Father Jonathan Niehaus died In 2009, the Assistant Editor: Christian R. González; (512) 949-2400, of lung cancer in Koblenz, Germany, on Jan. Schoenstatt com- [email protected] 19. Father Niehaus was born June 5, 1960, the munity called him Advertising: Shelley Metcalf; oldest of six children of Veronica and Melvin to join the team of (512) 949-2400, [email protected] Niehaus. He graduated from Ivanhoe High educators in Ger- Spanish translation: Beatriz Ferrer Welsh School in 1978 and from Southwest State Uni- many, from there Columnists: Barbara Budde, Mary Lou Gibson and Melinda versity in 1982. he travelled to In- Rodriguez He joined the community of Schoenstatt dia, Africa and Correspondents: Jennifer Kodysz, Cristina Lopez, Amy Fathers and lived at their house of studies in South America. Moraczewski, Enedelia Obregón, Michele Chan Santos, Muenster, Germany, while attending classes Last September Mary P. Walker and Donna Poston Williams at the Wilhelm University of Muenster. After doctors discovered Catholic Spirit subscribes to Catholic News Service nishing his studies there, he served one year Father Niehaus had (CNS) and is a member of the Catholic Press Association. as deacon at St. Mary Parish Elm Grove, Wisc. lung cancer that had Bishop Raymond Lucker ordained him to the metastasized to oth- Copyright 2012 by the Austin Diocese. All rights re- FATHER priesthood on June 4, 1994 in Sleepy Eye, Minn. er parts of the body. served. Reproduction of any editorial content, photograph, Jonathan Niehaus art or design is prohibited without written permission of the Beginning in 1996, Father Niehaus devoted A memorial publisher CATHOLIC SPIRIT (ISSN 0896-2715) is published 11 his time to the formation of Schoenstatt youth Mass was held Jan. times annually (monthly except one issue in July/August) and he wrote several books on Schoenstatt 23 at the H.L. Grant Catholic Student Center in by the Austin Diocese. Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, publisher, spirituality. San Marcos. A memorial fund in honor of Fa- 6225 Hwy. 290 E., Austin, TX 78723. Periodicals Postage He came to Austin in 2005 to join the com- ther Niehaus has been established at the center. Paid at Austin, Texas. munity of Schoenstatt Fathers and soon there- All donations will be used to support the mis- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Catholic Spirit, after Bishop Gregory Aymond appointed him sionary efforts of Saint Paul’s Outreach operat- 6225 Hwy. 290 E., Austin, Texas 78723. director of the H.L. Grant Catholic Student ing at the center. For more information, visit Center at Texas State University in San Marcos. www.txstatecatholic.org or call (512) 392-5925. February 2012 CENTRAL TEXAS 3 Retreat seeks to keep teens, young adults active in faith son worked with Msgr. Elmer parishioner at St. Margaret Mary Marty Afflerbaugh said their faith after TEC and be- BY ENEDELIA J. OBREGÓN Holtman to request permission Parish in Cedar Park, compared that as he and his daughter come full and active members SENIOR CORRESPONDENT for TEC to come to the diocese. it to the difference between high drove home from Kansas, it of their faith instead of drift- Their request was granted, school and college. hit him after the TEC gather- ing away. There’s a great debate as to and Alison Koederitz Tate, the “In high school, you’re there ing that “we were all one body Catholics have reason to why Catholics leave the church diocesan director of Youth, because you have to,” she said. in Christ.” worry about losing young peo- as young adults. While the hard Young Adults and Campus Min- “In college, you are paying be- “I’d never been in a retreat ple. A survey of the 2008 U.S. numbers are in dispute, anec- istry, is excited about the new cause you want to be there.” where I didn’t know some- Religious Landscape Survey by dotal evidence has people like opportunity for teens. Jimmy Colfer, 18 and a se- body,” he said. “We didn’t know the Pew Research Center’s Fo- Gracia Ávila worried. For sev- “TEC is a national program nior at Westwood High School anybody in Kansas. They were rum on Religion cited that one eral years, she and others at St. with a long tradition in the Unit- in Austin, said he has attended so welcoming.” of every 10 people in the U.S. Thomas More Parish in Austin ed States, and the Diocese of numerous retreats and thought Pearson said that is possible is a former Catholic. Of the 31 have searched for ways to stop Austin is happy to be a new part this would be another fun ex- because of the different ages and percent of people who say they young Catholics from falling of that movement,” she said. perience with an opportunity to backgrounds of those attending were raised Catholic, about 24 away from the church. Bishop Joe Vásquez ap- participate in fun activities and a diocesan-wide event. percent identify themselves as “I noticed once they were pointed Msgr. Holtman as spiri- meet new people. “By the time teens are ju- Catholic adults. con rmed or graduated we lost tual director for TEC in Febru- “It was different,” he said. niors or seniors they’ve met The reasons for this are as a lot of teens,” said Ávila, who ary 2011. “We spent a lot of time listening nearly everybody” in parish teen complex and varied as the in- with her husband, has volun- Pearson invited the Ávilas, to others.” programs, he said. “By this age dividuals. teered in youth activities since Msgr. Holtman and ve others Ávila said the in-depth they are ready to meet people For Allison Reeves, 21, who their now-grown children were to attend a TEC weekend in faith sharing at TEC is rmly outside their immediate scope. grew up Catholic, the change teenagers. “A lot of things seem January 2011 in New Orleans and grounded in Catholic teaching It’s an opportunity to meet the came when she moved away for to get in the way. I wanted to others attended a summer retreat and makes one “proud to be larger church.” a couple of years and she “lost nd something that helps young in Kansas. That core group of Catholic.” This includes not only Having a diocesan-wide pro- touch” with her faith. adults transition from high adults, young adults and teenag- teens sharing, but adults and gram also allows small parishes The Texas State University school to college.” ers will share their experiences people in religious life. with fewer resources the op- student and parishioner at St. Meanwhile, Joseph Pearson, at the rst three-day TEC retreat Colfer said teens “have to portunity for their teenagers and Margaret Mary Parish in Cedar a fellow parishioner, had ap- March 16-18 at Eagle’s Wings be courageous” to attend TEC. young adults to participate. Park is now on the TEC core proached Msgr. Mike Sis, then Retreat Center near Burnet. “You have to go and just say Megan Copeland, a parish- team. pastor at St. Thomas More, about The young people are ea- ‘yes’ like when Jesus called his ioner at St. John Vianney Parish “The assistant youth min- bringing Teens Encounter Christ ger to share their faith and the disciples,” Colfer said. “They in Round Rock, attended TEC ister asked me to go,” she said (TEC) to the Austin Diocese. excitement of the experience, dropped everything to follow hoping to encourage teenagers of the reason for attending the TEC is a recognized movement which they say is unlike any him. That’s what you have to from her parish to attend. She TEC retreat. “I was agnostic at of the Roman Catholic Church retreat they have ever attended. do: Just follow and trust.” liked the aspect of teenagers that point. I think God was us- that offers teenagers and young Lauren Afflerbaugh, 20, a The group also enjoyed the witnessing to other teens and ing (him). Otherwise I’d still be adults an experience in the Pas- sophomore at Texas Christian intergenerational aspect of the hopes that will also appeal to the agnostic.” chal Mystery of Jesus through a University, drove to Kansas weekend, since there were adult youth in her parish. At TEC, Reeves realized she three-day retreat. The program is with her father to attend a TEC of various ages helping. One “They were being awakened “missed being Catholic.” speci cally designed for teenagers weekend last summer. of those was Leland Butler, and giving the gift to someone “After TEC everything fell at least 17 years old and in their “Everyone is there volun- 67, a parishioner at St. Thomas else,” she said. “It’s the most re- into place,” she said. “I’m dif- second-semester as juniors in high tarily –– it’s not like a Con rma- More, who wonders how his warding thing to do. Sharing their ferent now. I’m different than I school through age 24. Pearson tion retreat where you have to life would have been different love of Christ with others the was six months ago.” attended TEC in 1978 at age 17. go,” she said. “It’s more mature if he’d been able to attend TEC same age is more effective …” To register for the retreat Msgr. Sis left St. Thomas and more re ective.” as a youngster. The core team is pray- in March go to http://tec-ctx. More to serve as the diocesan Melinda Szavo, a freshman “I had to pay my ‘tuition’ in ing that teenagers and young org/TEC/Home.html and click Vicar General in 2010, and Pear- at St. Edward’s University and life,” he said. adults will get red up about “applications.” More than 2,200 attend youth conference in Waco Eleven teens from parishes time. It’s something that you feel like a totally new person,” “You have to experience it DCYC across the diocese also served have to come and do and see she said. for yourself … you’re going to Continued from Page 1 in the unique leadership posi- for yourself. It’s an awesome Tiara Kirk, also a teen from change afterwards if you let the tion of youth animators for experience and it makes you St. Anthony Parish, agreed. Spirit move you,” she said. Angie Harmon, program the weekend. More than 40 coordinator for the diocesan teens applied to serve in this Of ce of Youth, Young Adult way; those who were chosen and Campus Ministry, consid- acted in skits, led hand mo- ered DCYC 2012 a success. tions for the theme song, in- “DCYC was an amazing troduced the keynote speakers event; we had great speakers, a and got the crowd excited for wonderful committee and gen- upcoming sessions. The teens erous sponsors, Harmon said. also shared faith together, as Local band Soundwave they lifted each other up in served as the house band for prayer in their personal lives the weekend. The band pro- as well as at the conference. vided their original song “Come “They were aware of the on,” to be used as the theme fact they were one of many song for the weekend. This is applicants; they were honored the third consecutive year that and humbled and that showed Soundwave has served as the at every retreat and rehearsal house band for DCYC. weekend and during DCYC,” “This is what we love to do, said Marlene Lopez, Youth we love to lead people into the Animator coordinator. Spirit of God through music; we Yvonne Hernandez, a teen love to worship with the youth from St. Anthony Marie de and we love to empower them Claret Parish in Kyle, enjoyed BISHOP JOE VÁSQUEZ celebrated Mass with the more than 2,200 present at the Di- to worship with us,” said Jeremy her experience at DCYC. ocesan Catholic Youth Conference Jan. 20-22 in Waco. (Photo courtesy the DiCarlos, Rodriguez, lead vocalist. “I’ve had a really amazing www.sundayschildsnapshots.com) 4 CENTRAL TEXAS CATHOLIC SPIRIT Windows add prayerful dimension to chapel

BY ENEDELIA J. OBREGÓN SENIOR CORRESPONDENT THE The centuries-old tradition ADORATION of stained glass windows has received a new, yet tradition- CHAPEL at al, look at Emmaus, Church Emmaus Par- of the Resurrection Parish in ish in Lakeway Lakeway. features three Last September the parish stained glass installed three stained glass windows. windows depicting a land- The chapel is scape in the adoration chapel. designed to Father Samuel Hose, pas- invite people tor of Emmaus Parish, said the response to the new windows to prayer, said in the chapel has been over- parish lead- whelming. ers. (Photo by “Last year after we opened Enedelia J. the chapel, we had presentations Obregón) and sign-ups for perpetual ado- ration and we had overwhelm- ing response,” he said. “The en- vironment is part of the reason.” Father Hose said when he arrived at Emmaus in June 2007, discussions began on expanding the facilities, including adding an adoration chapel. The build- the chapel. However, that was $40,000. The matching money the PLC area. the monstrance.” ing committee chose Heimsath an added cost. was quickly raised and architect “We wanted to connect it The windows are dominated Architects of Austin to oversee “We always intended to have Ben Heimsath got to work on with the rest of the space,” Heim- by bold colors such as cobalt the expansion. The architectural stained glass,” he said, but to do plans for the windows. sath said. “We wanted a reminder blue, greens and reds, Heimsath rm has worked with churches that a few years later. However, The windows were made that this isn’t just a social hall. said. Because the parish has for many years. a couple in the parish, who wish at Dick Bour Artglass in Fay- What happens (in the PLC) is a Perpetual Adoration, there are As plans progressed, Father to remain anonymous, offered etteville. continuation of what is happen- people inside praying at all hours Hose said the idea arose for $40,000 for the windows if the Heimsath, a parishioner at ing in the adoration chapel. We of the day and night. They did having stained glass windows in parish would match the other the University Catholic Center wanted to remind people that not want the windows to be a at the University of Texas, got day-to-day activities are an ele- black void at night. his inspiration from the former ment of prayer and all levels of The colors on the windows Ursuline Academy in San Anto- activity here are a celebration of change from bold in the morn- nio, built in 1851 and includes a our faith.” ing to softer, diffused tones in Gothic-Revival style chapel. The A giant cypress tree –– a the late afternoon light. The academy is now the Southwest traditional symbol of eternal light will also change with the School of Art. life –– dominates one panel. seasons. As the sunlight refracts Father Hose got his inspira- Its vine-covered branches with on the colored glass, the colors tion from a Chagall stained- bunches of grapes stretch into are re ected on the walls in the glass window at the Art Institute the other two panels. The giant chapel and across the cruci x and of Chicago. Working with Fa- tree in brown also helps diffuse monstrance. ther Hose, the donors and Joan the intense morning sun. “The windows change the Brown, who is in charge of the A seed is depicted at the bot- light and make the space liv- perpetual adoration schedule, tom of each panel. As the eye able,” he said. “We have such Heimsath rendered their ideas moves toward the top at the apex strong, intense sun that we had into a design. of each window, one can see a to manage it. That’s why we have The windows, which face cross. It is a reminder that the the tree.” roughly north to southeast, wrap seed that became Jesus through Father Hose said the adora- around three of the walls in the the Incarnation died on the cross. tion chapel makes it convenient hexagonal shaped chapel, bring- Heimsath said the panels for retreats such as Christ Re- ing the eye to the focal point, are traditional in some ways but news His Parish and ACTS, which is the crucifix and the modern in others. which have adoration as central stone altar with the monstrance “This is an adoration chapel,” to the experience. containing the Blessed Sacra- he said. “So the focus needs to be “We have it right here,” he ment. The wood on the wall be- on the Blessed Sacrament. The said. “If we can have people hind the altar is a gothic-shaped tree is a way to sew together the grow in their faith then those arch motif to re ect the images three designs.” people become more involved of the gothic arches from the Heimsath said having gures in liturgy and are more willing church. in the glass windows would dis- to serve others.” As one walks in, the small tract from the Blessed Sacrament. Father Hose said creating an window to the left of the altar Because of the nuance of shapes atmosphere that invites people may seem like an afterthought, and color on faces, the faces on to prayer pays for itself in count- but it continues the sky scene gures would have to be painted less ways. Something as tradi- from the three large panels and in. That would also require more tional as a stained glass window BEN HEIMSATH (left), an architect, and Father Samuel contains more blues. The win- frequent restoration. with the symbols embedded Hose, pastor of Emmaus Parish in Lakeway, stand in the dow also holds the sanctuary “I suggested pictures, but not give people a special environ- adoration chapel at Emmaus. Heimsath’s rm designed ame and shares a wall with the gures, which can be distract- ment for prayer. the chapel including the stained glass windows. (Photo new Parish Life Center, and can ing,” he said. “The action in the “It’s some place between be seen by those walking through windows was to point the way to heaven and earth,” he said. by Enedelia J. Obregón) February 2012 CENTRAL TEXAS 5 Workshop helps explain annulment process Struggling couples invited to retreat The Austin Diocese will host an Annulment Writing Workshop Feb. 10 from Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi) has helped couples at all stages of disillusion- 7 to 9 p.m. and Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center in ment or misery in their marriage. For con dential information about or to register Austin. The workshop will give participants a step-by-step explanation of annulment for the February English program beginning with a weekend on Feb. 24-26, call procedures, including how to tell one’s story and how to nd witnesses to back up 1-800-470-2230 or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com. one’s story. The sessions incorporate prayer breaks throughout with an emphasis on healing the pain that often surfaces during the annulment process. The cost of Cedarbrake offers Lenten retreats the workshop is $30. For more information or to register, contact Pat Thompson “Old and New Testament Dreams: What do they tell us?” will be presented at (512) 970-7063. Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. This day of re ection will re ect on ways God speaks to us today. The cost is $30. Silver Ring Thing focuses on abstinence An Ash Wednesday day of re ection will be held Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 The Diocese of Austin and The John Paul II Life Center are hosting “The Silver p.m. at Cedarbrake. The day will include Mass and the distribution of ashes. The Ring Thing – Catholic Edition” Feb. 17 at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in Austin. cost is $30, which includes lunch. The Silver Ring Thing promotes abstinence until marriage based on a Christ-focused “Discerning God’s Will In Our Lives,” a Lenten retreat, will be held March 23-25 relationship. The program has been presented more than 870 times in eight countries at Cedarbrake. The Apostles of the Interior Life Sisters will help participants discern and has shared Christ’s forgiveness with more than 500,000 teens, 200,000 of whom God’s will in their lives during this retreat. The cost is $155 for shared rooms or have committed to strive for chastity. The Silver Ring Thing presents two concur- $185 for a private room. rent programs: one for teens and one for parents. For more information, e-mail A day of re ection on Holy Week will be held March 28 at Cedarbrake. Holy [email protected]. Cross Father Bill Wack will help participants enter more fully into the mystery of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. The cost is $30, which includes lunch. Pastoral care for dying is topic of workshop For more information on any of these events, contact Cedarbrake at (254) 780- The diocesan Commission on Aging and the Chaplain Services Department 2436 or [email protected]. of Seton Hospital will present a free workshop on Pastoral Care for the Sick and Dying Feb. 18 from 8:30 a.m. to noon in McFadden Auditorium at Seton Medical Workshop focuses on women in Third World Center in Austin. The workshop will cover the church’s prayers and rituals for the The Theresians of Austin and the Austin Council of Catholic Women will sick and dying and church teaching on end of life and other pastoral care issues. host an event entitled “Women for Women: Awareness in Action” March 8 Register by calling Yvonne Saldaña at (512) 949-2486 or e-mailing yvonne-saldana@ from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Thomas More Parish in Austin. The program will feature austindiocese.org no later than Feb. 14. presentations highlighting aspects of Catholic Relief Services work for women and children around the world, HIV/Aids and health issues and economic de- Engaged couples invited to marriage prep velopment through fair trade. Fair trade merchants will have goods for sale. To “Together in God’s Love,” a marriage preparation class, will begin Feb. 21 from pre-register e-mail Gerri Misko at [email protected] or call Eunice 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Austin. Subsequent classes will be Washa at (512) 258-5243. held Feb. 28, March 6 and 13. The program will be offered in retreat format March 30-April 1 at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. Couples preparing for Tickets on sale for Pro-Life Bene t Gala marriage are encouraged to register as soon as possible, as these classes ll quickly. The Pro-Life Bene t Gala will be held April 14 at the Renaissance Austin Ho- The classes include talks on faith, communication, sexuality and stewardship in the tel and will feature Bishop Joe Vásquez and George Weigel. Weigel is a renowned context of Catholic marriage. For registration information, contact your parish or theologian and author of the best-selling biography of Blessed John Paul II, “Witness the diocesan Catholic Family Life and Family Counseling Of ce at (512) 949-2495 to Hope.” Sponsorships are also available. For more information and to purchase or [email protected]. tickets, visit www.centraltexasprolife.org or call (512) 949-2486.

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CHARLES GUENAT DOUG DEGROOT Join today – rbfcu.org Austin Toll-free 254-939-1981 512-294-2406 512-833-3300 1-800-580-3300 [email protected] [email protected] Temple • Belton Georgetown • Cedar Park Marble Falls • Burnet Federally insured by the NCUA 6 CENTRAL TEXAS CATHOLIC SPIRIT Bulk of Tribunal’s work focuses on marriage Editor’s note: Over the next its nature to the good of the workshops to help people in judicial vicar also needs to give church assumed greater jurisdic- few months, the Catholic Spirit spouses and the procreation and writing their petitions for annul- his approval. tion over marriage and other will feature a series of articles education of offspring, has been ments. Pat Thompson organizes aspects of society for the sake about the diocesan Office of raised by Christ the Lord to the these workshops and said they History of marriage of public good and order and Canonical and Tribunal Ser- dignity of a sacrament between can be a spiritual and healing The Catholic Church has a the concept of indissolubility vices, which handles a variety the baptized.” experience for people seeking long history regarding the institu- became formally added to marital of tasks dealing with the laws of Based on canon law, the an annulment. tion of marriage. In the rst two doctrine. the church. church has a fully developed centuries of the church, the typi- In reaction to the Protestant legal system. In the Austin Other concerns cal Catholic wedding was held in Reformation, the Council of BY HARVEY BOLLICH AND Diocese, Father Christopher The Of ce of Canonical and the house of the bride’s family. Trent in the 16th century de- MICHELE CHAN SANTOS Ferrer is the judicial vicar Tribunal Services is also highly The local bishop or priest was in- ned Matrimony as one of the CORRESPONDENTS and Father Jozef Musiol is involved in the process of cou- vited to pronounce the church’s seven sacraments, condemned the adjutant judicial vicar and ples marrying within the Catho- blessing over the couple, a role polygamy and taught that certain The diocesan Of ce of Ca- tribunal judge. The appeals lic Church. For example, if a otherwise performed by the marriages could be dissolved nonical and Tribunal Services at court for the Austin Diocese couple in the Diocese of Austin bride’s father. Beginning in the only by church authority. the Pastoral Center in Austin ex- is located in San Antonio; and is preparing to be married, but next century, the wedding was The Second Vatican Council ists to help the bishop carry out the Roman Rota, the church’s their wedding will take place in transferred to the local church in the 1960s raised the mutual the laws of the church, which is “Supreme Court” is in Rome. another diocese (for example, where more people could partici- welfare of the spouses on par known as canon law. Some of Robert Pine, a case man- the couple lives in Austin but is pate in the Eucharist in a public with the good of the children as the primary duties of the Tribu- ager and defender of the bond getting married in New Mexico) manner. The church became the main purpose of marriage. nal, as the of ce is commonly for the Tribunal, said 75 per- their forms will go through the increasingly involved in rules for Marriage is both unitive (a bond known, are to help those who cent of the cases handled by Tribunal Of ce. Janie Cuellar marriage because of the lack of of love) and procreative (open to are preparing to be married or the local Tribunal are related takes care of this process for the uniform practices in the lands children). Recently, Pope John who are seeking an annulment to annulments. For example, Austin Diocese. The couple’s of the newly legalized Christian Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI of a previous marriage. if someone were married packet –– containing their in- religion. have strongly upheld the divine On television at this very and then divorced, and later formation and documentation St. Leo the Great and St. dignity of faithful, permanent and moment, there are a number of sought to remarry within the that they completed a marriage Augustine clari ed that marriage fruitful marriage unions. reality shows about couples in Catholic Church, they would preparation course –– will be is between a man and a woman For more information, go the process of getting married. need an annulment of their approved by the Austin judicial for the spiritual and material to the Tribunal’s website go to Their focus is on the gown, first marriage. A declaration vicar and then sent to the other welfare of the couple and their www.austindiocese.org, click on the party, the food and church of nullity states that, accord- diocese where the marriage will children, and the couple’s com- the “Ministries” tab and then on decorations, but not on the reli- ing to church law, a given take place. And if a Catholic mitment is marked by delity the link to Canonical and Tribu- gious meaning of the ceremony marriage was not valid (and is marrying a non-Catholic in and permanence. nal Services or call the of ce at or the purpose of marriage itself. therefore not binding) at the a Catholic ceremony here, the By the sixth century, the (512) 949-2477. For the Catholic Church, mar- time the couple spoke their riage is a sacrament and it is not marriage vows. Annulments More information about Canon Law to be taken lightly. are also sought by people who have divorced and remarried What’s in the Code of Canon Law? The sacrament of and want their current mar- The Code consists of 1752 canons, divided into seven “books” (General Norms, the People marriage riage validated by the Catho- of God, The Teaching Of ce of the Church, The Sanctifying Of ce of the Church, Temporal Deacon John Pickwell, who lic Church. There are several Goods, Sanctions, and Processes). The reason why we have so few laws for the Church (as has worked with engaged and different types of nullities opposed to, for example, the civil or criminal codes in the United States) is due to the fact that married couples for more than (annulments); all of them are canon law is based upon Roman law, and not English common law. As such, it lays down eight years, reminds couples that handled by the Tribunal. basic principles that are then applied to individual cases by those who have the responsibility through their marital vocation, Father Robert Kincl said of governing the church. they undertake a heavy but not the work of the diocesan The reason for law in the church impossible burden. Tribunal is one of the great Sometimes people wonder why the church, inspired by the Spirit, needs a system of law. “St. Paul emphasized that works of justice and mercy by There is no opposition between those two things. As Pope John Paul II wrote when he issued matrimonial love reminds us of the church. the Code of Canon Law, “The Code [of Canon Law] is in no way intended as a substitute for the love which Christ has for “A person should never faith, grace, charisms, and especially charity in the life of the church and of the faithful. On his bride, the church,” he said. fear approaching the Tribunal the contrary, its purpose is rather to create such an order in the ecclesial society that, while “For those baptized in Christ, if he or she thinks a declara- assigning the primacy to love, grace, and charisms, it at the same time renders their organic marriage is a sacrament –– a tion of nullity is warranted. development easier in the life of both the ecclesial society and the individual persons who mystery and a sign –– that com- We are here to help with that belong to it.” Thus, the laws of the church are meant to make it easier for us to use the gifts municates God’s grace.” process,” he said. of the Spirit in a more organized and uni ed manner. In today’s society, about half Deborah Patin, the Tribu- of all marriages, including those nal’s of ce manager and case The three functions of law of Catholics, end in divorce, manager, said working with In general, the laws of the church do three things: they specify rights, set forth duties, and and most divorced couples later people seeking annulments is a provide for the vindication of rights. In specifying rights, the Code states who has a right to remarry. Therefore, the knowl- ministry of healing. do something; for example, who has a right to receive the sacraments, who has a right to edge and the counsel of the Tri- “It’s a healing process for be consulted in church matters, who has a right to expect compensation for their work in the bunal are in high demand. The couples who have divorced, church. At the same time, church law speci es who has a duty to do certain things. It details, Austin Tribunal Of ce handles which provides a new begin- for example, the responsibilities of bishops and pastors, so that people can know what they about 250 cases per year, ac- ning,” she said. can expect from the pastoral leaders of the church. Finally, the Code of Canon Law provides cording to Deborah Patin, the When someone petitions means by which people can vindicate their rights. Thus, if they do not feel their pastors are of ce’s case manager and of ce for an annulment, they are performing their duties correctly, or if they feel they have been injured by an action of another, manager. represented by an advocate or if they want to clarify their rights with regard to a previous marriage, people can approach Deacon Pickwell, who who is generally a priest or the church in order to vindicate their rights. works in the Tribunal as an as- deacon from their parish. The sessor or judge’s assistant, said Tribunal holds workshops to The purpose of law when it comes to marriages, the train the advocates in parishes This is all in keeping with the purpose of law, which is to allow people to use their gifts in the Tribunal’s work is governed by on how best to assist parishio- service of the good of the whole church. This ensures that no one has to live out the gospel the church’s canon 1055. ners in ling the proper forms calling apart from all of those who have been baptized. All that we do is done in the context “The matrimonial covenant, and documents, said Deacon of the community of believers. The Code of Canon Law assures that we have unity in our ser- by which a man and a woman Ray Sanders, an assessor in vice to one another, and that those who believe their rights have not been respected are able establish between themselves the Tribunal, who organizes to gain a fair hearing. –– Father Pat Legges a partnership of the whole of the advocate workshops. Reprinted with permission from the Archdiocese of Chicago life and which is ordered by The Tribunal also offers February 2012 CENTRAL TEXAS 7 Study group for women begins Feb. 15 Peter Kreeft visits Austin on March 3 ENDOW, a Catholic study group for women, will meet on Wednesdays from St. John Neumann Parish in Austin will present a 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 15 through April 18 at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in Austin. retreat featuring writer and philosopher Peter Kreeft Facilitated by DeeAnn Smith, the study is entitled “Redemptoris Mater” (Mother March 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme of the day of Our Redeemer) and examines the role of Mary in the church and helps deepen is “Whom Do We Meet in the Eucharist?” In his 40 devotion to the Blessed Mother. The cost of the course is $80, which includes the years as an academic, Kreeft has written “Angels (and study guide. There is no homework and scholarships are available. For more infor- Demons): What Do We Really Know About Them?, ” mation, contact DeeAnn Smith at (512) 899-0456 or visit www.EndowOnline.com. “How to Win the Culture War,” “Because God is Real: Sixteen Questions, One Answer,” and “Everything You Lenten conference focuses on healing Ever Wanted to Know about Heaven ... But Never “A Lenten Journey of Healing,” the seventh annual Lenten women’s conference Dreamed of Asking.” He has been a professor of phi- sponsored by the San José Council of Catholic Women, will be held Feb. 25 from 8 losophy at Boston College since 1965 and also teaches at a.m. to 3 p.m. at San José Parish in Austin. The conference will offer a time for re- King’s College in New York. The cost is $30 in advance Peter Kreeft ection, prayer and sharing on the many aspects of healing during the Lenten season. (visit www.sjnaustin.org to register) or $40 at the door. The keynote speaker will be Father Charlie Garza. The registration fee is $25, which Kreeft will also present on the topic of “Catholics and Muslims” during a spon- includes lunch and materials (not guaranteed for registrations after Feb. 15). For sorship dinner the evening of March 3 as well as at the weekly “Between the Masses” information and to register, contact Rosie Castillo at [email protected] or series on Sunday morning. For more information regarding these presentations, at (512) 444-7587 or Lydia Ruiz at [email protected] or call (512) 523-8327. contact Nancy Biehler at [email protected].

Depart May 14 or September 3, 2012 Price Reduced $200 European Pilgrimage

12 Days Departs May 14 or Sept 3, 2012 from $2898* ROME – VATICAN – PORTUGAL – FATIMA - SPAIN – FRANCE – LOURDES – PARIS Tour the Vatican including an audience (subject to his schedule) with Pope Benedict XVI! Tour Rome’s religious highlights including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and Rome’s first church, the “Cathedral of Rome and of the World.” Celebrate two Masses in Rome including private Mass at St. Peter’s. See ancient Rome, the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and more! Fly to Lisbon, Portugal; visit Lady of Fatima Church, celebrate private Masses at the Basilica of Fatima and Apariciones Chapel of Fatima; and tour the Batalha monastery. Travel to Salamanca, Spain; visit the Old Cathedral and New Cathedral; overnight in Valladolid, Spain. Visit Lourdes, France; celebrate Mass at the Grotto of Lourdes. Take the high-speed train to Paris for two nights. Wednesday’s Paris highlight includes The Shrine of the Miraculous Medal with Mass at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Thursday’s highlights include a full-day tour of Paris visiting the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Basilica of the Sacred Heart and more! Includes 10 Breakfasts & 10 Dinners.

Travel with National Parks Tour Father Frank

14 Days Departs June 22, 2012 from $1398* Kings Canyon - Sequoia - Yosemite - Arches - Canyonlands Bryce Canyon - Zion - Capitol Reef - Grand Canyon Take time for reflection of God’s remarkable creation! Take a relaxing trip on your luxurious coach as you travel with other Catholics through the changing desert landscapes of Nevada to the farmlands of central California. Witness the giant Redwood trees in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, then be amazed at the rock formations and waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. You’ll also visit majestic Lake Tahoe with 72 miles of pristine shoreline and stop in historic Virginia City, Reno, Winnemucca and Elko, Nevada. In Utah tour the world’s largest man-made excavation – the Kennecott Copper Mine; 2, 2/3 miles wide plus the Great Salt Lake! Next tour the unique rocks shaped by wind, water, sun and frost at Arches’ National Park; and Canyonlands, with enchanting vistas carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Next your Catholic group will visit Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks and drive through the Dixie National Forest. On Monday, July 2, you’ll arrive at the grandest of all National Parks, The Grand Canyon, for both a day and night. Enjoy the sunset that evening and sunrise the following morning! Spend the fourth of July in exciting Las Vegas with an included day excursion to Zion National Park. That evening enjoy all the hoopla and excitement Las Vegas is famous for on Independence Day including free fireworks shows. Your Chaplain is Father Frank Wittouck, SCJ, from Houston, Texas. He retired as an Army Chaplain in 2010 yet currently ministers in the Cypress Assistance Ministries. His recent YMT pilgrimage was to the Holy Land. Alaska Cruise Travel with other Catholics plus a YMT Pacific Northwest Vacation

15 Days Departs July 16, 2012 from $2398* Daily Mass aboard Holland America Line ms Oosterdam . Join other Catholics on this 15-day vacation including a seven-day deluxe cruise with Holland America Line and a seven-day Pacific Northwest vacation with YMT. Your group will fly into Salt Lake City for one night. The next day enjoy a city tour of the highlights before taking a scenic drive to Jackson Hole, WY. Then see Grand Teton National Park and spend two days in Yellowstone National Park before heading to Butte, MT. Travel through Montana’s “Big Sky Country” and through northern Idaho; see Lake Coeur d’ Alene; Spokane; Grand Coulee Dam; and end in Seattle, Washington. Board the 5-star ms Oosterdam in Seattle for your 7 night Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise. Next, travel through a wondrous maze of forested-island and glacier-carved fjords, past charming coastal villages, migrating whales and calving glaciers to Tracey Arm; Juneau; Sitka; Ketchikan; and spectacular Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island! After the cruise spend one more night in Seattle, with an included city tour, then depart for home. *Price includes the seven-day deluxe Alaska cruise, seven nights hotels, lots of motor coach sightseeing throughout the Pacific Northwest, baggage handling, port charges and taxes. Your YMT Chaplain/Priest, Fr. Walter Grabowski is pastor of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Eden, New York. This will be his 6th trip as your YMT Chaplain. *Prices per person, double occupancy. Airfare is extra. For details, itinerary, reservations & letter from YMT’s chaplain with his phone number call 7 days a week: 1-800-736-7300 To advertise, call (512) 949-2443. 8 CENTRAL TEXAS CATHOLIC SPIRIT Brenham priest stays busy despite retirement Msgr. Boleslaus Zientek, along 10 years after the inception, BY AMY MORACZEWSKI with four of their cousins. Pope John Paul II invited Father CORRESPONDENT His younger brother actu- Perkovich to celebrate the Polka ally served in the Diocese of Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Nine years into retirement, Austin for 30 years before Aus- Although the constant travel Msgr. Benedict Zientek is en- tin County was reassigned to can be exhausting, Msgr. Zi- joying his days back in Central the Archdiocese of Galveston- entek said that any gesture of Texas. After serving in the Di- Houston, where he is now re- appreciation makes it all worth- ocese of San Angelo for more tired. Despite the traditional no- while. “When people come and than 40 years, Msgr. Zientek tion of retirement, both brothers say ‘thank you,’ that means more returned to his roots in Bren- remain active in surrounding than anything else,” Msgr. Zien- ham, where he was ordained a parishes. Msgr. Benedict Zien- tek said. priest in 1958. tek likes to joke that he is “tired This gratitude is often felt He now resides on the and retired.” most in times of suffering. Msgr. farm in Brenham where he The 79-year-old priest re- Zientek emphasizes the impor- and his six siblings were raised fers to his new work as “week- tance of listening to people, picking cotton, milking cows, end supply.” But given that the especially when they have lost a and raking hay. He lives on rst two and a half months of loved one. 20 of the original 150 acres of 2012 were booked at various “At the time of death, peo- farmland that his family has parishes before Thanksgiving, ple really express their emotions. called home since 1939. To it appears he has yet to slow For me this is always an im- Msgr. Zientek, home is a farm down. “Whenever somebody portant moment because that’s but he clari es that, “Houston calls, I’ll go help,” Msgr. Zientek when people need someone to and Dallas people would call said. However, as the requests listen,” Msgr. Zientek said. it a ranch.” continue to pour in, Msgr. Zi- One of the most touch- When not called to duty entek says he is learning to spell, ing moments of his career elsewhere, Msgr. Zientek is only “N-O.” occurred just recently after a minutes from his home par- While his time at home funeral when he received a MSGR. BENEDICT ZIENTEK served the San Angelo ish of St. Mary’s in Brenham, is limited, Msgr. Zientek re- pecan pie, along with a pound Diocese for more than four decades. He retired to his where he attended grade school. mains happy to travel and serve of pecans, from the widow hometown of Brenham nine years ago. (Photo by Amy The small German town, best throughout the state. In early and son. Msgr. Zientek was Moraczewski) known as the home of Blue Bell December, he traveled to the astonished when the gift ar- which is open to both ordained elled each Sunday to celebrate Creameries, has been a substan- small town of Ellinger to cel- rived priority mail and dur- and lay people. Mass in a parishioner’s home. tial producer of Catholic priests ebrate their annual Polka Mass, a ing a pecan shortage no less! As the new kid on the block, Since there was no church, and as well. Since 1917, 11 priests role he inherited from his cousin No gesture goes unnoticed by Msgr. Zientek learned a great this was prior to the days of have been raised in the parish, when he passed away. The Polka him. deal from his Franciscan friends, face-to-face reconciliation, he beginning with Msgr. Zientek’s Mass was first celebrated in Another memorable mo- including the game of poker. He would hear confessions seated uncle. The next generation of 1973 by Father Frank Perkov- ment came while attending the recalls another priest upstag- in a closet of the home. the family provided Msgr. Bene- ich in Minnesota but quickly 50th anniversary celebration of ing the bishop during his rst While in Rotan, Msgr. Zi- dict Zientek and his brother spread across the U.S., and only the Diocese of San Angelo in evening at the poker table. After entek received the nickname November. As the only priest being asked, “Don’t you know “Padre Otras Cosas” after an- Quick Pro le on present both now and in 1961 you’re not supposed to beat nouncing, in his limited Spanish, when the diocese was founded, the bishop?” the priest replied, the upcoming meal of “tamales, Msgr. Benedict Zientek Msgr. Zientek was honored to “I put in as many chips as you menudo, enchiladas, y otras Hometown: Brenham be seated next to Cardinal Dan- did, Bishop, and I had the better cosas” and a parishioner was iel DiNardo, a privilege he had hand.” In that moment, Msgr. disappointed to discover he Parents: John & Frances looked forward to for 53 years, Zientek found a new pastime, could not get a plate of otras Siblings: two sisters and four brothers he said. new friends and a new perspec- cosas (“other things”) for din- Favorite Food: Roast Beef The anniversary celebration tive on authority. ner. The nickname stuck for one spawned recollection of the The Franciscan influence lady who recently recognized the Favorite Music: Polka early days, back when he arrived remains evident in West Texas, pastor from her childhood when Favorite Book: “Quiet Moments with Benedict in San Angelo to continue what where many parishes include he said Mass at St. Vincent Pal- Groeschel” the Franciscans had started. At mission churches located up to lotti Parish in Abilene. “Holy cow, they haven’t for- Favorite Sport: Football and Baseball the time, all of the parishes in 30 miles away. Msgr. Benedict the city and surrounding towns Zientek earned his rst job as gotten me!” said Msgr. Zientek. Favorite Sports Teams: Texas A&M Aggies, were staffed by Franciscans, pastor at St. Joseph in Rotan From his hat to his suspend- Texas Rangers, Houston Texans and while Msgr. Zientek was because of his ability to celebrate ers to his years of faithful service Favorite Vacation Destination: Lebh Shomea not initially af liated with the Mass in Spanish. With the par- as a priest, Msgr. Zientek is Silent Retreat Center near Sarita order, he was later invited to join ish, he also gained the mission indeed a man who will never be the Third Order of St. Francis, of Aspermont where he trav- forgotten.

Thinking about a will? Tour 13 days to Italy Wide and Switzerland with Fr. James Ekeocha Request a free Wills Kit from CRS. St. Luke Catholic Church, Temple TX Learn what you need to know Rome • Sorrento • Capri • Amalfi Coast • Pompeii • Tuscany • Florence • Venice before you see an attorney. Lake Como • Milan • Switzerland April 28-May 10 1-888-277-7575 ext. 7262 $3,999 508-340-9370 Airfare and all Inclusive Carmela A. Dupuis CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES www.proximotravel.com Executive Director Giving hope to a world of need. email: [email protected] 855-842-8001 February 2012 CENTRAL TEXAS 9 Affordable housing crisis calls us to action income families. Simple, quality it, Foundation Communities, ments are available for employed income tax preparation, after BY DONNA POSTON WILLIAMS houses are built by volunteers catches those who fall through families and rent is based on school care, adult literacy classes, CORRESPONDENT and then sold to qualifying indi- the cracks. income. Some of their complexes nutrition and tness classes. viduals who are currently residing Since 1990, Foundation have only ef ciencies, furnished Both Foundation Commu- “We love our nativity sets in substandard, overcrowded or Communities has been provid- and designated for single adults nities and Austin Habitat for which tout the fact that Jesus cost-burdensome housing. ing affordable, attractive apart- facing homelessness. Rents start Humanity rely heavily on the was born in a barn and slept in “You need to be employed ments and duplexes for families as low as $50 a month. Allow- generosity of volunteers. a feeding tough surrounded by and earning between 25 percent and individuals who have run ances are made for individuals “We have a wonderful op- farm animals – homeless,” Kevin and 50 percent of the median out of options. They own and who have no income at all. portunity to participate in real Berry reflected. “But how do family income,” Berry explained. manage 16 different residential There is no time limit for solutions for the homeless,” we react when we see someone “For a family of four, that’s complexes, offering housing to how long you can live in most of Berry said. “It couldn’t be more sleeping under a bridge or on a between $18,325 and $36,650 a more than 2,700 families, and the 16 properties. Many residents clear … as Catholics we are called park bench in our hometown?” year.” crucial support services for a wide stay for years, while others move to action.” Barry, a parishioner at St. Houses are built by Habi- range of low income Austinites - out and buy their own home. The U.S. bishops have re- Theresa Parish in Austin and ad- tat volunteers and cost about from the steadily employed to the Foundation Communities’ vamped their Poverty USA web- vocate for the homeless, recently $60,000, with a zero-interest chronically homeless. mission is to create housing site (www.usccb.org/about/ spoke at a forum sponsored by mortgage over a period of 15 to Usually referred by a case- where individuals and families catholic-campaign-for-human- his parish’s Ministry of Peace 35 years. Families must put in at worker or a shelter, Foundation can gain their independence development/povertyusa/) and and Social Justice. Declaring an least 400 hours of service toward Communities allows for a variety and succeed. The free support launched a new presence on “affordable housing crisis here building their home and others as of dif cult circumstances. One, services they provide include Facebook (www.facebook.com/ in Austin,” Berry explained, “the well as attend educational classes two and three bedroom apart- one-on-one nancial coaching, povertyusa). result is that we have a greater on nances and home owner- number of homeless. It’s be- ship. Once in the home, families coming increasingly expensive to get help with home maintenance live in this city and the poverty and have access to other support rate continues to soar. This is a services. sad reality for many people. We “Austin Habitat for Human- have large families crowded into ity is celebrating its 25th anniver- small deteriorating apartments in sary, and during that time they crime-ridden neighborhoods. Or have raised about $25 million to even worse, some are living out build and repair more than 300 of their cars or on the streets.” homes locally,” Berry said. “With Citing the Catholic Social the help of more than 75,000 Teachings, “a central and es- volunteers, who have rolled up sential element of our faith,” their sleeves and picked up a Berry said Catholics are charged paint brush or hammer, we have to “look out for the poorest and changed countless lives. Having a most vulnerable in our society,” home means so much more that and ensure their “basic necessities having a roof over your head,” of life: food and shelter.” Berry said. “It means dignity and He described his own volun- self-worth.” teer work with Austin Habitat for Berry pointed out that there Humanity and invited others to are some families in Austin who CATHOLIC PARISHES from throughout the Austin area are helping build a home at get involved. won’t qualify for a Habitat home, Founded on the principle “because they fail the background 6305 Sandshof through the Austin chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Construction on the that “a home is at the heart of ev- checks or they may have lost home will continue for the next several weeks, so volunteers and donations are needed. ery family and every community,” their job and just don’t have the To donate, visit https://secure.commonground.convio.com/AustinHabitat/catholicbuild/. Austin Habitat provides a home income to pay the mortgage.” To volunteer, visit www.austinhabitat.org/volunteer/index.php. (Photo courtesy Marcel ownership program for low- Another local nonprof- Sendejo)

The ‘little purple boxes’ are blue this year

ASHES TO EASTER LENTEN BOXES will be distributed to parishes this month. In years past, the boxes have been purple, but this year they are blue. During Lent, families are asked to contribute coins to the boxes and to pray for the missionaries for whom the money is collected. Last year, more than $100,000 was collected and distributed to various missionary groups who have ties to the Austin Diocese. Father Tom Frank, pastor of San José Parish in Austin, handles the distribution of the boxes and the diocesan Mission Council reviews the applications from missionaries seeking grants from the collection. For more information on the Ashes to Easter Lenten project, call Father Frank at (512) 444-7587. 10 IN OUR WORLD CATHOLIC SPIRIT Black Catholics’ survey nds strong ties to church fessor of psychology and vice 81 percent of white Protestants another way, 48 percent of black age gap, but African-Ameri- BY PATRICIA ZAPOR president and associate provost said the same. Catholics said being with others can young adults are also re- CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE Notre Dame. The difference was sharper in church is an important reason ligiously engaged. Whatever Still, “African-American when the question asked about to go, compared with 26 percent disengagement exists among African-American Catholics Protestants are clearly more parishes meeting social needs, of white Catholics, 58 percent of African-Americans, it cannot be are much more engaged in their highly involved by every mea- with 62 percent of black Catho- black Protestants and 52 percent attributed to a generation gap. church on a variety of levels sure of engagement,” they con- lics, 76 percent of black Protes- of white Protestants. White Catholic young adults, by than are white Catholics, con- tinued. Therefore, they said, the tants and 63 percent of white The survey did nd various contrast, have an extremely low cludes the rst National Black pattern “is taken as suggestive Protestants saying “well” or aspects of church life where level of religious commitment.” Catholic Survey. of a cultural effect, as opposed “very well,” while just 41 per- African-Americans consider im- It also found that black Whether in a majority black to a Catholic effect, whereby cent of white Catholics said so. provement is needed. Among Catholics were much more likely church, a mixed or mostly the historical and cultural norms Bishop Ricard said the nd- them that although most Afri- than their white counterparts to white parish, the survey found of the African-American com- ing that black Catholics are al- can-Americans do not consider say religion is important in their African-American Catholics munity weigh just as heavily on most as at-ease in mixed or the church racist –– 77 percent lives. They also are more likely feel satisfied and fulfilled in African-American Catholics as mostly white parishes as they are said they don’t consider it racist to say they would turn to their their parishes, explained retired on African-American Protes- in majority black parishes shows –– nearly a third have felt un- pastor or another church leader Bishop John H. Ricard of Pen- tants.” that efforts have been successful comfortable being the only black for help in times of crisis such sacola-Tallahassee, Fla., who is The survey was conducted in helping African-Americans in a church and a quarter have as a death in the family, marriage president of the National Black this summer in phone calls to to feel a part of the Catholic encountered people avoiding or alcohol problems. Catholic Congress. 3,215 people, including 2,104 Church and make it their own. them or refusing to shake hands. Johnnie Dorsey, the director By “engaged,” Bishop Ri- of the Of ce of Black Catho- card explained, the authors of lics for the Austin Diocese, the report mean African-Amer- Majorities of African-Americans said the church should put said the results of this survey icans are involved in their par- will be helpful in the diocese ishes well beyond simply attend- more effort into emphasizing black saints; promoting black and throughout the U.S. as the ing Mass somewhat regularly. vocations and black bishops; supporting issues such as church seeks to evangelize and That includes having strong to develop a more fruitful rela- networks of friends and family af rmative action and problems in Africa and promoting tionship with black Catholics. in their churches, participating racial integration. “This survey will further in multiple parish activities and enable the Office of Black saying their spiritual, emotional Catholics to promote in- and social needs are met there. African-Americans, propor- That model could hold les- Majorities of African-Amer- sight and knowledge of black Bishop Ricard, who is rec- tionally representing Catholics sons for dioceses and churches icans said the church should put Catholics and will assist with tor of the Washington semi- and Protestants according to that are struggling to help im- more effort into emphasizing evangelization and encultura- nary of his religious order, their ratio in the U.S. popu- migrants from Latin America black saints; promoting black tion efforts in Central Texas the Josephites, said the results lation. Seventy-six percent of and Asia feel like they belong, vocations and black bishops; and throughout our nation,” of the survey surprised and those surveyed said their parish he said. supporting issues such as af- Dorsey said. pleased him and the leaders of is not predominantly African- Like African-Americans, rmative action and problems He also said the data from the National Black Catholic American. No margin of error Latino and Asian immigrants in Africa and promoting racial the study will be used by the Congress who commissioned was given. have a strong cultural sense integration. National Black Catholic Con- it, along with the University In one set of comparisons, of community, Bishop Ricard But there was also hopeful gress as it prepares to develop of Notre Dame’s Institute for asking “how well does your said. “There is less emphasis news when it comes to young its five-year plan for pastoral Church Life and the of ce of parish meet your needs,” black on the individual and more on adults being involved, the survey priorities at the NBCC National the school’s president. Catholics, and both black and the communitarian aspects of found. Convention in Indianapolis July “This is a bright spot for white Protestants were more a church.” “African-American young 19-21. Approximately a thou- the church,” said Bishop Ri- likely than their white Catholic For instance, black Catho- adults, both Catholic and Prot- sand participants are expected to card at St. Joseph’s Seminary. counterparts to agree. For in- lics in the survey were much estant, are more religiously en- attend the national convention. Whatever their parish situation, stance, when the question asked more likely to say it’s important gaged and consider religion to For more information re- a majority of African-American about spiritual needs, 78 percent that their friends attend their be more important than whites garding the diocesan Of ce of participants in the attitudinal of black Catholics and 86 per- church. Just about 7 percent of of the same age,” the authors Black Catholics, contact John- survey conducted by Knowl- cent of black Protestants said white Catholics agreed with that wrote. “Older individuals are nie Dorsey at (512) 949-2449 or edge Networks, “feel af rmed “well” or “very well,” while 67 statement. But 27 percent of more religiously engaged than johnnie-dorsey@austindiocese. and have decided they are going percent of white Catholics and black Catholics said so. Phrased younger adults, and there is an org. to stay Catholic,” he said. “It’s a very optimistic message.” Among the conclusions of the survey were that black Catholics feel more committed Most Engaged to their parishes emotionally, spiritually and socially than do Religious engagement among blacks is markedly white Catholics. In those re- greater than among whites. Those who say they spects, as in many other aspects are ‘engaged’ or ‘strongly or engaged’ in their of the survey, black Catholics church or parish: were shown to be much more like black Protestants in their Black Catholics approach to church than they 59% are like white Catholics. “Compared with other re- Black Protestants ligious and racial groups, Afri- 66% can-American Catholics behave and look like African-American White Catholics Protestants,” said the execu- 35% tive summary written by study authors Darren W. Davis, a White Protestants professor of political science 46% and associate vice president for research at Notre Dame, and Source: 2011 National Black Catholic Survey © 2011 CNS Donald B. Pope-Davis, pro- February 2012 IN OUR WORLD 11 Pope stresses value of anointing of the sick “as God’s medicine ... offering BY FRANCIS X. ROCCA strength and consolation, yet at CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE the same time (pointing) beyond the moment of the illness to- Anointing of the sick is not ward the de nitive healing, the a minor sacrament, said Pope resurrection.” Benedict XVI, but one that Pope Benedict said that “deserves greater consideration anointing of the sick is one of today” because of its spiritual the church’s two “sacraments bene ts to both minister and of healing,” together with the recipient. “medicine of confession,” pen- The pope’s words appeared ance. in a message for the 2012 World When a sick person con- Day of the Sick, released by the fesses sins to a priest, “a time of Vatican Jan. 3. The day itself is suffering, in which one could be celebrated annually Feb. 11, the tempted to abandon oneself to feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. discouragement and hopeless- Pope Benedict noted that ness, can thus be transformed the sacrament, formerly known into a time of grace,” the pope as extreme unction, may be ad- said. ministered in “various human Both penance and the sac- situations connected with illness, rament of the sick “have their A PRIEST BLESSES Jean Wakeman with the anointing of the sick during a Feb. 11 Mass and not only when a person is at natural completion in eucharistic celebrating World Day of the Sick at St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator, Ill. The day, instituted the end of his or her life.” Communion,” Pope Benedict Anointing with olive oil re- said. “Received at a time of ill- by Pope John Paul II in 1992 and celebrated annually on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, calls the “double mystery of the ness,” Communion associates af rms the church’s duty to remember and serve the sick and the suffering. (CNS photo Mount of Olives,” the pope the “person who partakes of the by Nellie Williams, Catholic Post) said, as both the location of the body and blood of Christ to the Garden of Gethsemane, where offering that he made of himself parishes should ensure that the The text of the pope’s mes- news/28620.php?index=286 Jesus confronted his passion, to the Father for the salvation elderly and the sick enjoy the sage in English is posted on- 20&lang=it#TRADUZIO and the place where he ascend- of all.” “possibility of frequently receiv- line at http://press.catholica. NE%20IN%20LINGUA%20 ed into heaven. Oil thus acts Accordingly, the pope said, ing Holy Communion.” va/news_services/bulletin/ INGLESE. Immigration reform is urgent, say advocates in other states “and how best years, DHS has changed its mitted in September, are be- that laid broad guidelines for BY MARIE MISCHEL we can tackle the issue should priorities from large-scale ing reviewed, Sandweg said. how the immigration debate CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE adverse immigration legisla- raids on workplaces to ar- DHS policy is to focus on should be handled in Utah –– tion be proposed and pushed resting undocumented people undocumented people who was brought up several times The repressive immigra- in the Michigan Legislature,” who are convicted criminals, have committed felonies, as a model that could be used tion law passed last year by he told the “Intermountain those who have repeatedly vi- Sandweg said, and each year by other states. the Georgia General Assem- Catholic,” Salt Lake City’s di- olated immigration laws, those more of those who are de- The compact’s principles are bly, which “The New York ocesan newspaper. who are recently arrived and ported fall into this category. that there must be a federal solu- Times” called “one of the Issues addressed in the pan- those who are fugitives from “We are making a difference; tion to the immigration system; nation’s toughest,” was what els and workshops included an immigration courts, Sandweg it is changing,” he said, but that law enforcement should brought Frank Mulcahy, exec- overview of state immigration said. added that Congress must en- concentrate its efforts on fel- utive director of the Georgia enforcement laws and covered He acknowledged that DHS act reform for other changes ons, not immigrants whose only Catholic Conference, to Utah topics such as how to communi- made mistakes with the way it that Catholic advocates would crime is being undocumented; in mid-January. cate the Catholic bishops’ mes- introduced the ‘secure commu- like to see. that families shouldn’t be sepa- He was one of 230 im- sage on immigration through nities’ initiative, which allows Sandweg elded numerous rated by the immigration system; migration advocates from 43 the media. the FBI to send to Immigra- questions and complaints about that many businesses depend on states gathered in Salt Lake The most contentious panel tion and Customs Enforcement his department’s policies and immigrants; and that the U.S. is City for three days of panels, was that with John Sandweg, (ICE) ngerprints that it has re- actions. Kevin Appleby, director an inclusive, welcoming society. workshops and networking. special counselor to Janet Na- ceived from state agencies. ICE of migration policy and public “Here in Utah we used the The Jan. 11-13 conference, politano, secretary of the De- can then check the ngerprints affairs for the USCCB, said that compact as a rewall against “Immigration: A 50-State Is- partment of Homeland Security. against a national immigration was expected. harsh immigration enforce- sue,” was sponsored by the Sandweg discussed DHS database. “DHS is the agency of the ment proposals,” said Bishop U.S. Conference of Catholic policies, how those policies are Sandweg defended secure federal government that is re- John C. Wester of Salt Lake Bishops and the Catholic Le- enforced and some changes that communities as nothing more sponsible for a lot of these City in his keynote address gal Immigration Network. DHS has made to that enforce- than an identification tool, enforcement actions that are at the conference’s opening “We want to see it ment. but numerous immigration impacting families and com- dinner. changed,” Mulcahy said. In “We inherited a broken set advocates have decried the munities, and they need to be Bishop Wester, who was addition to causing the loss of of immigration laws,” Sandweg potential for abuse of the sys- held accountable to the great- chairman of the bishops’ millions of dollars in agricul- said at the beginning of his pre- tem, including the possibil- est extent possible as to how Committee on Migration from tural crops that have gone un- sentation. “I know that might ity of racial profiling. As a they go about that,” Apple- 2008-2010 and is now on the harvested for lack of workers, sound cliche, but we all believe result of the complaints that by said. “I think they got the board of Catholic Relief Ser- the law “created a climate of that.” were received about the ini- message pretty clearly from vices, added that the Utah fear,” he said. “Some parishes Although the system may tiative, DHS formed a task all the participants that there Legislature passed three im- where we had heavy Hispanic be broken, DHS is nonetheless force comprised of members is a lot of discord in the com- migration laws, only one of attendance, we saw big drop- charged with enforcing the law; of various law enforcement munities -- a lot of injustices which was enforcement ori- offs.” some discretion is allowed on agencies, attorneys, labor going on that need to be cor- ented. Paul Long, president and how the law might be enforced, union of cials, academics, so- rected.” “Similar compacts can be CEO of the Michigan Catho- but there is no discretion on cial service agency personnel The Utah Compact –– an useful tools for advocacy but lic Conference, also attended whether it is enforced, Sandweg and others. agreement signed by political, also are consistent with Cath- the immigration conference said. The task force’s recom- civic, business, religious, legal olic public policy based upon to learn what has been done Over the past couple of mendations, which were sub- and law enforcement leaders Catholic teaching,” he said. 12 IN OUR WORLD CATHOLIC SPIRIT Pope names 22 new cardinals, 2 from the US “This is not about Timothy The pope’s latest nomina- Vatican secretary of state, Car- Friars Minor and the Capuchins, BY FRANCIS X. ROCCA Dolan,” the New York cardinal- tions included 16 Europeans, dinal Tarcisio Bertone. There with the latter represented by CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE designate said. “This is an honor continuing a trend in his cardinal are seven Franciscan cardinals, Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of from the Holy Father to the appointments since his election divided between the Order of Boston. Pope Benedict XVI named Archdiocese of New York. ... in 2005. 22 new cardinals, including two It’s as if Pope Benedict is put- Seven of the new appoint- New cardinals, their role and age from the U.S., and announced ting the red hat on top of the ments are Italians, which will • Indian Archbishop George Alencherry of Ernakulam- a consistory for their formal Empire State Building, or the bring that nation’s total of car- Angamaly, major archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic induction into the College of Statue of Liberty, or on home dinal electors to 30, more than Church, 66. Cardinals on Feb. 18. plate at Yankee Stadium.” any other country. • German Jesuit Father Karl Josef Becker, retired professor Among those named were Cardinal-designate O’Brien None of the new cardinals of dogmatic theology, 83. Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan said his nomination reflected are from Africa, the region • Italian Archbishop Giuseppe Bertello, president of the of New York; Archbishop Ed- the “zealous faith” of Catho- where the church is experi- commission governing Vatican City State, 69. win F. O’Brien, pro-grand mas- lics in Baltimore, and Cardinal- encing its fastest growth, or • Italian Archbishop Giuseppe Betori of Florence, 64. ter of the Equestrian Order of designate Collins attributed his Oceania. • Brazilian Archbishop Joao Braz de Aviz, prefect of the the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem elevation to the pope’s “esteem Ten of the new cardinals are Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies who still is administering the for the role of Canada and of of cials of the Roman Curia, of Apostolic Life, 64. Archdiocese of Baltimore; and the Archdiocese of Toronto in whose of ces by tradition often • Italian Archbishop Domenico Calcagno, president of the Archbishop Thomas C. Collins the universal church.” entail membership in the col- Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See, who turns 69 of Toronto. The latest additions will lege. Pope Benedict, when he Feb. 3. The pope announced the bring the U.S. and Canada’s was known as Cardinal Joseph • Spanish Archbishop Santos Abril Castello, archpriest of nominations to the faithful in share of the College of Cardi- Ratzinger, spent more than 23 Basilica of St. Mary Major, 76. St. Peter’s Square at noon Jan. nals to 22. The U.S., which is years in the curia as prefect of • Italian Archbishop Francesco Coccopalmerio, president of the Ponti cal Council for Interpreting Legislative Texts, 73. 6, before praying the Angelus. home to about 5.5 percent of the Congregation for the Doc- • Canadian Archbishop Thomas C. Collins of Toronto, who Cardinal-designate O’Brien, the world’s Catholics, will pro- trine of the Faith, though he had will be 65 Jan. 16. who was in St. Peter’s Square vide almost 10 percent of the been elevated to cardinal in his • U.S. Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York, who when his name was announced, 125 cardinals under the age of previous role as archbishop of will turn 62 Feb. 6. said his priestly life has been “a 80, who are the only cardinals Munich-Freising, Germany. • Czech Archbishop Dominik Duka of Prague, 68. surprise at every step. I thought eligible to vote in a conclave for Four of the new cardinals • Dutch Archbishop Willem J. Eijk of Utrecht, 58. being appointed archbishop a future pope. are already over the age of 80 • Italian Archbishop Fernando Filoni, prefect of the Con- of Baltimore would be the last By contrast, only one of and, therefore, ineligible to vote gregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, 65. surprise, but I was wrong.” those named, Cardinal-designate in a conclave. The pope uses • Maltese Augustinian Father Prosper Grech, biblical He told Catholic News Ser- Joao Braz de Aviz, comes from such nominations to honor scholar, 86. vice that the ministries he had the country with the most Cath- churchmen for their scholarship • Chinese Bishop John Tong Hon of Hong Kong, 72. been appointed to, and now olics, Brazil. When the cardinals or other service to the church. • Portuguese Archbishop Manuel Monteiro de Castro, his elevation to cardinal, were are inducted in February, only Among the new so-called hon- major penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, 73. not things he could “anticipate, seven of the 22 cardinal elec- orary cardinals i s Cardinal-des- • Romanian Archbishop Lucian Muresan of Fagaras and Alba navigate or engineer. It’s just a tors from Latin America will ignate Karl Becker, a Jesuit and Iulia, major archbishop of the Romanian Catholic Church, 80. matter of being open and in the have been appointed by Pope former theology professor at • U.S. Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien, grand master of the right place at the right time and Benedict. Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, 72. good things happen.” With his latest appoint- University. • German Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki of Berlin, 55. In separate statements, the ments, Pope Benedict will have The Jesuits remain the reli- • Belgian Father Julien Ries, expert on history of religions, 91. North American cardinals were named more than 50 percent gious order with the highest rep- • Italian Archbishop Antonio Maria Veglio, president Ponti - quick to stress the collective of the current cardinal electors, resentation in the college, with cal Council for Migrants and Travelers, who turns 74 Feb. 3. rather than the personal nature with the rest having been named eight cardinals, followed by the • Italian Archbishop Giuseppe Versaldi, president of Pre- of the honor. by Blessed John Paul II. Salesians with six, including the fecture of the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, 68. Pope creates new US ordinariate for ex-Anglicans become Catholic priests in the urgy. of the early church fathers. Born BY NANCY FRAZIER O’BRIEN ordinariate and 1,400 individu- Father Steenson and his in Camp Rucker, Ala., he was CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE als from 22 communities have wife, Debra, have three grown raised on a farm in Hillsboro, expressed interest in joining. children –– a daughter and N.D., that has been in his family Pope Benedict XVI has In fall 2011, the members of two sons, and a grandson. since the 1880s. established a U.S. ordinari- St. Luke’s in Bladensburg, Md., Because he is married, the In a 2009 interview with ate for former Anglicans who and St. Peter of the Rock Com- 59-year-old Father Steenson Catholic News Service, Father wish to become Catholics and munity in Fort Worth, Texas, will not be ordained a bishop Steenson said he had been “at- named a married former Epis- were received into the Catholic and will not be able to ordain tracted to Catholicism all of my copal bishop to head it. Church with the intent of join- priests. He will, however, oth- life.” The Personal Ordinariate ing the ordinariate. erwise function as a bishop “It’s not negative things of the Chair of St. Peter –– It is the second such juris- and will be a voting mem- that turned me to the Catholic functionally equivalent to a diction established under the ber of the U.S. Conference of Church,” he said. “I just felt diocese, but national in scope provisions of Pope Benedict’s Catholic Bishops. God saying, ‘It’s time.’” –– will be based at a parish 2009 apostolic constitution After working briefly in a The new ordinariate has FATHER Jeffrey N. Steenson in Houston. It will be led by “Anglicanorum coetibus.” The New Mexico parish following been in the works since Sep- Father Jeffrey N. Steenson, rst was the Personal Ordinari- his ordination, Father Steenson tember 2010, when the Vati- the former Episcopal bishop ate of Our Lady of Walsingham, has been teaching theology at can Congregation for the located, called Father Steen- of the Rio Grande who was created for England and Wales the University of St. Thomas Doctrine of the Faith asked son “not only an outstanding ordained a Catholic priest of in January 2011; others are un- Center for Faith and Culture Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl patristic scholar, but a priest the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, der consideration in Canada and and at St. Mary’s Seminary, both of Washington to be its del- with a strong pastoral sense N.M., in February 2009. Australia. in Houston, since August 2009. egate for the implementation and an abiding respect for all The establishment of the The parishes and commu- He also is an assisting priest at of “Anglicanorum coetibus” people.” ordinariate and the naming of nities accepted into the ordi- St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish in in the U.S. “He will surely be an effec- its rst leader were announced nariate will be fully Catholic Houston. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNar- tive, kind and joyful leader who by the Vatican Jan. 1. but retain elements of their Educated at Harvard Divin- do of Galveston-Houston, in will love and guide God’s people More than 100 former An- Anglican heritage and tradi- ity School and at Oxford, he is whose archdiocese the ordi- with the attitude of Christ,” he glican priests have applied to tions, particularly in the lit- an expert in patristics, the study nariate’s headquarters will be added. February 2012 IN OUR WORLD 13 Pope warns of threat to religious freedom in US inevitably leads to the prevalence procedures and arti cial birth pointing to a growing apprecia- of Washington, greeted the pope BY FRANCIS X. ROCCA AND of “reductionist and totalitarian control. tion for “Judeo-Christian” civic with brief remarks that recalled SARAH DELANEY readings of the human person In response to such threats, values, and a “new generation of his 2008 visit to the U.S. CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE and the nature of society.” Pope Benedict said, the church Catholics,” who he said will play The pope addressed bishops The pope drew an opposi- requires an “engaged, articulate a “decisive role in renewing the from the District of Columbia, Pope Benedict XVI warned tion between current “notions and well-formed Catholic laity” church’s presence and witness in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, visiting U.S. bishops that “radi- of freedom detached from moral with the courage and critical skills American society.” West Virginia, the U.S. Archdio- cal secularism” threatens the truth” and Catholicism’s “ra- to articulate the “Christian vision Before the speech, Cardinal cese for the Military Services, and core values of American culture, tional perspective” on morality, of man and society.” He said Donald W. Wuerl, archbishop the Virgin Islands. and he called on the church in founded on the conviction that that the education of Catholic America, including politicians the “cosmos is possessed of an laypeople is essential to the “new and other laypeople, to render inner logic accessible to human evangelization,” an initiative that “public moral witness” on crucial reasoning.” Using the “language” he has made a priority of his social issues. of natural law, he said, the church ponti cate. The pope spoke Jan. 19 to a should promote social justice by Touching on one of most group of U.S. bishops who were “proposing rational arguments in controversial areas of church- in Rome for their periodic “ad public square.” state relations in recent years, the limina” visits, which included Coming at the start of an pope spoke of Catholic politi- meetings with the pope and election year, Pope Benedict’s cians’ “personal responsibility to Vatican of cials, covering a wide words were clearly relevant to offer public witness to their faith, range of pastoral matters. American politics, a connection especially with regard to the great Opening with a dire assess- he made explicit by mentioning moral issues of our time,” which ment of the state of American threats to “that most cherished of he identified as “respect for society, the pope told the bishops American freedoms, the freedom God’s gift of life, the protection that “powerful new cultural cur- of religion.” of human dignity and the promo- rents” have worn away the coun- The pope said that many of tion of authentic human rights.” try’s traditional moral consensus, the visiting bishops had told him The pope was not speci c which was originally based on of “concerted efforts” against about the bishops’ relationship religious faith as well as ethical the “right of conscientious ob- with such politicians, merely en- principles derived from natural jection ... to cooperation in in- couraging the bishops to “main- law. trinsically evil practices” –– an tain contacts” with them and Whether they claim the au- apparent reference to propos- “help them understand” their thority of science or democracy, als by the U.S. Department of duty to promote Catholic values. the pope said, militant secularists Health and Human Services, While acknowledging the POPE BENEDICT XVI meets Bishop W. Francis Malooly seek to sti e the church’s proc- opposed by the U.S. bishops, “genuine dif culties” facing the of Wilmington, Del., during a Jan. 19 meeting with U.S. lamation of these “unchanging that all private health insurance church in the U.S., the pope bishops on their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican. (CNS moral truths.” Such a movement plans cover surgical sterilization concluded on a hopeful note, photo by L’Osservatore Romano)

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Visit www.CSDATX.org to learn more about the transformative power of Catholic Education. 14 IN OUR WORLD CATHOLIC SPIRIT Recommendations issued for celebrating Year of Faith the problems facing the faith” Oct. 11, coincides with the an- ing it “in a new way, in order conform to church teaching; BY CAROL GLATZ and recognizes that without a niversaries of the opening of to respond to the questions of promoting Catholic principles CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE revitalization of faith rooted in the Second Vatican Council in our times,” it said. The note and the signi cance of Vatican a personal encounter with Je- 1962 and the promulgation of offers pastoral recommenda- II in the mass media; hosting In an effort to help Catho- sus, “then all other reforms will the Catechism of the Catholic tions aimed at aiding “both the events that bring artists, aca- lics have a better and correct remain ineffective,” it said citing Church in 1992, it would be an encounter with Christ through demics and others together to understanding of their faith and the pope’s Dec. 22 address to auspicious occasion to make the authentic witnesses to faith, and renew dialogue between faith become authentic witnesses to the Roman Curia. work of the council and the cat- the ever-greater understanding and reason; offering penitential Christ, the Vatican issued a list The year is meant to “con- echism “more widely and deeply of its contents,” it said. celebrations; and putting a focus of pastoral recommendations tribute to a renewed conversion known,” it said. Among the initiatives will on liturgy, especially the Eucha- for celebrating the upcoming to the Lord Jesus and to the The congregation said the be various ecumenical events rist, it said. Year of Faith. rediscovery of faith, so that the pope “has worked decisively for at the Vatican aimed at restor- It also called for Vatican II The Congregation for the members of the church will be a correct understanding of the ing unity among all Christians, documents, the catechism and Doctrine of the Faith released a credible and joy- lled witnesses council, rejecting as erroneous including “a solemn ecumenical its Compendium to be repub- “note” Jan. 7 outlining the aims to the risen Lord, capable of the so-called ‘hermeneutics of celebration in which all of the lished in more affordable edi- of the special year and ways tions and to distribute the texts bishops, dioceses, parishes and digitally and via other “modern communities can promote “the Some recommendations ... include ensuring there be technologies.” truth of the faith,” the congrega- The congregation said it tion said. better quality catechetical materials that conform to church wanted to promote the recom- It also announced that with- teaching; promoting Catholic principles and the signi cance mendations because the of ce’s in the Pontifical Council for “speci c functions include not Promoting New Evangelization, of Vatican II in the mass media; hosting events that bring only safeguarding sound doc- a secretariat would be set up to artists, academics and others together to renew dialogue trine and correcting errors but suggest and coordinate different between faith and reason; offering penitential celebrations; also, and foremost, promoting initiatives. The new department the truth of the faith.” will be responsible for launch- and putting a focus on liturgy, especially the Eucharist. The congregation’s note, ing a special website for sharing drafted on the orders of Pope useful information on the Year Benedict, was written in consul- of Faith. leading those many people who discontinuity and rupture’ and baptized will reaf rm their faith tation with other Vatican of ces Pope Benedict XVI wanted are seeking it to the door of promoting what he himself has in Christ,” it said. There will be and with the help of the Year of the Year of Faith, which runs faith,” the note said. termed the ‘hermeneutic of re- special Masses at the Vatican to Faith preparatory committee. from Oct. 11, 2012, to Nov. 24, Critical to renewing one’s form,’ of renewal in continuity” mark the opening and closing of The committee, which oper- 2013, to help the church focus faith and being a credible wit- with the church and tradition. the Year of Faith, it added. ates under the auspices of the its attention on “Jesus Christ ness is having a rm and correct The catechism “is an integral Some recommendations for doctrinal congregation, includes and the beauty of having faith understanding of church teach- part of that ‘renewal in conti- bishops, dioceses and parishes U.S. Cardinals William J. Levada, in him,” it said. ing, it said. nuity’” by embracing the old include ensuring there be better congregation prefect and Francis “The church is well aware of Because the year’s start, and traditional while express- quality catechetical materials that E. George of Chicago.

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To advertise, call (512) 949-2443. February 2012 MEET OUR SEMINARIANS 15

Please pray for our seminarians and priests but more are needed as the number of Catholics Single, Catholic women between the ages of 16 BY FATHER BRIAN MCMASTER continues to grow. and 45 are invited to Project Miriam, which will be VOCATION DIRECTOR With the image of Blessed John Paul II carrying held Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary Ca- the Blessed Sacrament in a Eucharistic procession, thedral in Austin. The day includes testimonials and We are pleased to feature our 41 diocesan semi- we are reminded that Christ leads the way in every prayer with religious sisters serving in the diocese, narians in this special insert of the Catholic Spirit. vocation and that we can be encouraged by Blessed as well as Mass and lunch with Bishop Joe Vásquez. These men have generously said ‘yes’ to follow John Paul II’s frequent words “Be not afraid!” We also host discernment dinners for young Christ in a potential vocation to the priesthood. men interested in learning more about seminary They represent different ages, come from differ- New Vocation Website life and the priesthood. High school-aged men will ent parts of our diocese, and each of them has a The Vocation Of ce for the Diocese of Austin meet March 7, April 4, May 7 and June 6 from 7 unique vocation story as to how Jesus Christ called is happy to unveil its new website, www.austinvoca- to 8:30 p.m. at the St. William Parish Rectory in them personally to explore the calling to priesthood. tions.com. The site was developed to help men and Round Rock. For more information, contact Father While in seminary, they continue to discern God’s women gather information to help them discern Jonathan Raia at (512) 255-4473 or frjonathan@ call while receiving formation that helps them grow God’s will. It is also designed to assist parishes, vo- saintwilliams.org. College-aged men and older will spiritually, personally, intellectually and pastorally. cation committees, youth ministers, educators and meet Feb. 8, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13 and Our men are located at one of four seminaries: Holy even those who simply want to pray for vocations. July 11 at the Borromeo House in Austin. For more Trinity Seminary in Irving, St. Joseph Seminary In its pages there is information about the priest- information, contact Father Brian McMaster at at College in Covington, La., St. Mary’s Seminary in hood and consecrated life in the Diocese of Austin, (512) 949-2430. Houston, and the Ponti cal North American Col- tools for prayer and discernment, helpful links and Everyone is invited to attend the following lege in Rome, Italy. Please keep our seminarians in pages that introduce viewers to our seminarians in Masses: the Transitional Diaconate Ordination on your prayers that each day their hearts may be more priestly formation. May 19 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Parish conformed to the heart of Jesus. Upcoming events in Cedar Park and the Priestly Ordination June 9 at Prayer Calendar Single, Catholic men between the ages of 16 10:30 a.m. at St. William Parish in Round Rock. This insert includes a suggested prayer calendar and 45 interested in learning more about discern- For more information about these events and voca- that guides us to pray for speci c seminarians and ment, the priesthood and seminary life are invited tions in general, visit www.austinvocations.com, e-mail priests each day of the month. A sample prayer is to attend Project Andrew, which will be held Feb. [email protected] or call (512) 949-2430. also provided. I encourage everyone to pray daily 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.at St. Mary Cathedral in Father Brian McMaster is the Vocation Director for vocations to the priesthood and for our priests Austin. The day will include prayer, testimonials by for the Austin Diocese. He was ordained June 16, 2001, who lead us in our spiritual journey. In our diocese, priests and seminarians as well as Mass and lunch and was named director of vocations in 2009 after serv- we are blessed with a large number of seminarians, with Bishop Joe Vásquez. ing in several parishes.

LAST YEAR, Bishop Joe Vásquez ordained four men to the transitional dia- conate. On June 9 with the help of God, Uchechukwu Andeh (far left), Kurtis Wiedenfeld, Ryan Higdon and David Trahan II will be ordained priests at St. William Parish in Round Rock. (Photo by Shelley Metcalf)

LAST JUNE, Bishop Joe Vásquez ordained Father Paul Hudson (left) and Father Ron Feather to the priesthood at St. Mary Cathe- dral Parish in Austin. (Photo by Shelley Metcalf) 16 MEET OUR SEMINARIANS CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Deacon Uche Andeh Ben Cramer Greg Gerhart St. Mary’s Seminary Holy Trinity Seminary Pon cal North American IV Theology I Pre-Theology College St. Albert the Great, St. Mary, College Sta on I Theology Aus n St. Thomas Aquinas, College Sta on

Augus ne Ariwaodo Barry Cuba Je Haecker St. Anthony, Kyle St. Mary’s Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary Pastoral Year III Theology I Theology Diocese of Aus n St. Catherine, Aus n St. Thomas More, Aus n

Payden Blevins Henry Cuellar Jr. Will Heath St. Mary’s Seminary St. Joseph Seminary Holy Trinity Seminary I Theology III College II College St. Louis, Aus n Santa Barbara, Aus n St. Theresa, Aus n

Jason Bonifazi Joseph Daheim Deacon Ryan Higdon St. Mary’s Seminary Holy Trinity Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary III Theology IV College IV Theology St. Mary, Mexia St. Luke, Temple St. Thomas More, Aus n

Alberto Carbajal Sean DeWi Doug Je ers St. Mary’s Seminary Pon cal North American Holy Trinity Seminary II Theology College II Pre-Theology St. Julia, Aus n I Theology St. Mary, College Sta on St. Mar n, Dripping Springs

Patrick Carlin Craig DeYoung Steve Kim St. Joseph Seminary St. William, Round Rock St. Mary’s Seminary I College Pastoral Year I Pre-Theology St. Albert the Great, St. Helen, Georgetown St. Andrew Kim, Aus n Aus n

Alex Caudillo Dung Dinh Darrell Kos ha St. Mary’s Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary III Theology I Pre-Theology II Theology St. Francis, Waco Holy Vietnamese Mar- Church of the Visita on, tyrs, Aus n Westphalia February 2012 MEET OUR SEMINARIANS 17

Brandon Marcos Paul Michael Piega Deacon David Trahan Fuentes St. Joseph Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary I Pre-Theology IV Theology II Theology St. Mary, College Sta on St. William, Round Rock St. Mary’s Cathedral, Aus n

Jesse Mar nez Sang Quan Sebas an Twesigomwe Holy Trinity Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary St. Joseph Seminary IV College II Theology IV College St. Mary’s, Caldwell Holy Vietnamese Mar- St. Albert the Great, Aus n tyrs, Aus n

Darrell Miller Amado Ramos Garret Twining St. Mary’s Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary St. Joseph Seminary II Theology II Theology II College St. William, Round Rock Santa Cruz, Buda St. Mary’s, College Sta on

Hai Nguyen Tom Reitmeyer Robert Vitela St. Mary’s Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary II Theology II Theology II Theology St. William, Round Rock St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Catherine, Aus n College Sta on

Tim Nolt Francisco Rodriguez III James Wenetschlaeger St. Mary’s Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary III Theology II Theology II Theology St. John Vianney, St. Helen, Georgetown St. Margaret Mary, Cedar Round Rock Park

Thomas Pe t Jose Rodriguez Deacon Kur s St. Mary’s Seminary St. Joseph Seminary Wiedenfeld II Pre-Theology II College St. Mary’s Seminary St. Patrick, Hu o St. John, Marble Falls IV Theology Holy Family, Copperas Cove

Brian Phillips Kevin Simmons St. Joseph Seminary Holy Trinity Seminary IV College III College St. Joseph, Bryan St. Joseph, Bryan 18 MEET OUR SEMINARIANS CATHOLIC SPIRIT Prayer calendar for seminarians and priests

We invite everyone to pray for vocations. The follow- ing prayer helps us pray for each of our seminarians as well as our priests.

Jesus, I thank you for leading me along the path of my personal call to holiness. I pray for all priests and seminarians today especially ______. Form their hearts to seek you above all things. Fill them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Supply them with steadfast charity, heroic generosity, and confidence in you. I ask you Jesus, to speak to the hearts of young men and encourage them to follow you in the priesthood. May they hear your voice: “Be not afraid!” In your name I pray. Amen. Our Father…, Hail Mary…, Glory be… St. John Vianney, patron of priests, pray for us. Vocations contact information For more information about vocations in the Austin Blessed John Paul II, pray for us. Diocese, contact the Vocations Office at (512) 949-2430 or [email protected].

Mailing addresses Rev. Brian McMaster Diocese of Aus n, Voca on Director The seminarians studying for the Austin Diocese enjoy get- (512) 949-2430 ting mail from the people they hope to serve. They often fr-brian-mcmaster@aus ndiocese.org receive birthday cards, inspirational notes and Christmas www.aus nvoca ons.com cards. The address for the seminaries where they are study- Also available on Facebook ing are listed below.

Holy Trinity Seminary St. Mary’s Seminary P.O. Box 140309 9845 Memorial Dr. Irving, TX 75014 Houston, TX 77024 Bishop Joe S. Vásquez Bishop of Aus n St. Joseph Seminary Ponti cal North American (512) 949-2400 75376 River Rd. College bishop@aus ndiocese.org Saint Benedict, LA 70457 00120 Vatican City State EUROPE www.aus ndiocese.org February 2012 GOOD NEWS 19

Seminarian has a message for youth of Central Texas together to offer their praise and wor- the vocation to which he calls us. Abbey Youth Fest. In its 11 year history BY HENRY CUELLAR JR. ship to the Creator of all things visible While the rst Benedictine mon- the Abbey Youth Fest has hosted more SEMINARIAN and invisible. The most amazing sight astery dates to around 530 AD, Saint than 25,000 teens. was when the sun fell into the horizon Joseph Abbey was founded in 1889 on You are in my prayers; may our Peace be with you and greetings and the night sky was illuminated by more than 1,200 acres of land in South- hearts, like St. Augustine’s, nd eternal from St. Joseph Seminary College in the moon and countless stars, the teens ern Louisiana. The monks used the land rest in the heart of God. St. Benedict, La. My name is Henry fell to their knees with candles in their to raise cattle and grow their own food. For more information and Cuellar Jr.; I am a seminarian from our hands to adore our Lord, Jesus Christ. Now, the wooded areas are used for pictures from previous festivals, visit diocese. I would like to extend an invi- That was an unforgettable experience peaceful walks on the trails and some www.AbbeyYouthFest.com and nd tation to all youth to the Abbey Youth that we just don’t get in the city. It was of the elds are used to host events like us on Facebook. Fest, a youth rally coordinated by my also great to see teens from all around seminary. the south come together and worship On March 10, St. Joseph Abbey our Lord through song and praise. Seminary College will host its 12th an- The theme for Abbey Youth Fest ARCHBISHOP GREG nual Abbey Youth Fest, which is a full 2012 is, “Restless,” which is taken day of contemporary Catholic music, in- from St. Augustine’s, Confessions: AYMOND of New Orleans spiring keynote speakers and the celebra- “My heart is restless until it rests in will celebrate Mass during tion of the Mass by Archbishop Greg you, O Lord.” The event will feature the 12th annual Abbey Aymond. As the sun sets, we unite with Mark Hart, vice president of Life Youth Fest, which will the Benedictines in vespers or evening Teen and youth speaker. Also, Catho- be held March 10 at St. prayer, and we end the night with adora- lic musicians L’Angelus and Ayleron Joseph Abbey Seminary tion of the Blessed Sacrament by candle- will provide a rocking good time! The College in St. Benedict, light. Throughout the festival, there is event will provide re ections upon and La. (Photo courtesy Abbey the opportunity for personal prayer in an an experience of the beauty of God. Youth Fest) outdoor chapel, the sacrament of recon- I especially encourage youth minis- ciliation with visiting priests, a tour of St. ters to get a group together and make Joseph Abbey, and exposure to several the trip to South Louisiana! I hope that religious orders and various ministries many youth from the Austin Dio- that set up information booths to share cese will be able to join me, 80 other their charisms with the thousands of seminarians, the Benedictine monks of Catholic youth in attendance. St. Joseph Abbey, several priests and My rst Abbey Youth Fest experi- religious from all over the country, and ence was in March 2009. It was amaz- thousands of Catholic youth in wor- ing to see more than 2,000 teens come shipping our Lord and searching for

OUR LADY OF THE Make some space… ROSARY CEMETERY AND PRAYER GARDENS

Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery serves Catholics from around our Diocese. Read what Rev. Dean E. Wilhelm from St. William Parish in Round Rock has to say about his experience. As Pastor of St. William Parish, I have counseled many families who have lost loved ones. This has given me the unique opportunity to become united “with them in Christ, just as we become one with Jesus as we receive the Eucharist. We believe in the resurrec- tion of the body and life in Christ everlasting. In that ...and time for yourself. capacity, Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery provides a unique, peaceful and reflec- Franciscan sisters invite you to join tive atmosphere for celebrat- ing the life of a loved one. other discerning women 18-30 The consecrated grounds re- mind us that our loved ones during Spring 2012 Retreats. are never far from us and will always be with us in the Body of Christ. As a priest, Visit www.fscc-calledtobe.org I am comforted to know that my fellow religious brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as myself, will be resting on blessed ground until we are once again reunited at the end of days. 330 Berry Lane, Georgetown,” Texas 78626 XXXPMPUSDPN
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 The World Needs You. God Calls You. We Invite You. 20 GOOD NEWS CATHOLIC SPIRIT

True love involves sacri ce and commitment

B ISHOP JOE S. and it can be negative if not guided other as well as we know ourselves. and gave himself completely to God VÁSQUEZ is the fth appropriately. This love is about desiring the best and to serving his people. bishop of the Austin Then there is “storge,” which is for someone and not about what we Editor: What is the signi cance Diocese. He shep- parental love or the love between fa- get out of the relationship. of the agape love in our faith tradi- herds more than ther, mother and child and the child’s Finally, we have the “agape” love, tion, especially with Lent begin- 500,000 Catho- love for the parents. This is a very which is the highest form of love. ning soon? lics in 25 Central strong love because it comes natu- This love is true charity, but not Bishop Vásquez: For us, as Texas counties. rally. This bond is strong because par- simply in the sense of giving money Catholics and as Christians, as we ents spend so much time caring for or assisting someone. Agape means prepare for Lent, we must think Editor: Bishop, February is and nurturing their children before giving of oneself completely, totally about the areas of our lives where we known (to Hallmark at least) as they grow up and become indepen- to the other and seeking the good of are not loving as we should. To put the month of love. There are four dent adults. This bond lasts forever; a the other while not expecting any- it another way, areas where we are different types of love. Please ex- father and a mother continue to care thing in return. This form of love has not living out our baptismal calling. plain them for us. for their child, and children continue its origins in God. From Scripture we Through our baptism, we are called Bishop Vásquez: Yes, there are to care for their parents. This love is know God is One, the Creator, as is to live and to love as Christ did. four types of love we take from the about protection. Storge is very sacri- expressed in the Old Testament. Our During Lent, the church gives Greeks, who had different types of cial and sel ess as parents often give God is personal and he is interested us three actions that help us purify love and commitment and affection. up a great deal to raise their children. in his creation, speci cally in man ourselves: fasting, praying and giving For them it was very important to Then we have “philia,” which is because we are made in his image alms. Through these three actions we distinguish them, so they have given what we call friendship. Philia de- and likeness. God is so in love with realize we are not the most important us these four different forms of love. scribes a special relationship between creation and man that eventually he person and we are able to focus on One is “eros.” Eros is about at- persons. True friendship focuses on becomes esh in the person of Jesus God. Those things that take us away traction toward another person; it how one person bene ts the other. Christ. This love is completely sel ess from putting God rst and oth- is the attraction between a man and It answers the question, “What can I and sacri cial. ers ahead of ourselves are things of woman that leads to romance. Eros do that will enhance who my friend I think there is some sacri ce which we need to let go. is neither planned nor willed. It can is?” Philia matures and develops into that is involved in all types of love. God can help us change through become passionate and consuming, intimacy in the sense of knowing the Even in the eros, there has to be a the power of his love. The agape love dying of self in order to reach out to means giving completely of one’s the one we are attracted to. In the self and that is a life-long challenge! storge, there is de nitely a dying to This love means helping the poor, or self involved as parents sacri ce so making more time for your children, much for the good of their children. or spending more time with your And the philia love, where one is spouse. It may mean visiting the willing to sacri ce for another indi- person down the street or reaching vidual because they care about them out in hospital ministry or in prison and are grateful for the friendship ministry. This love involves reaching that has developed. Agape love is out to others. the supreme love and it is what Jesus The ultimate sign of love for us as speaks about in the 15th chapter Catholics is Christ willingly dying on of the John’s Gospel: “This is my the cross. This sign reminds us of the commandment: love one another as perfect way to love. The season of I love you. No one has greater love Lent is about perfecting our love for than this, to lay down one’s life for others by focusing on God’s love for one’s friends.” This is what Jesus all of us. does as he willingly dies on the cross Editor: Christ commands us to for us. This is the highest under- love our neighbors as ourselves, standing of love. which is brotherly love. How can Editor: When people think of we better ful ll that command? romantic readings from the Bible Bishop Vásquez: I think to love in the 13th chapter of 1 Corin- thy neighbor as thyself means to see thians comes to mind, “Love is yourself in your neighbor. You see patient, love is kind.” What kind your neighbor and you realize you of love is Paul really talking about are just like them and that God loves here? them as much as he loves you. We Bishop Vásquez: That is a very all have struggles and challenges, and popular reading and it is used at many we all have gifts and blessings. We weddings. Paul is speaking about the all have dignity that has been given highest form of love, agape love. Paul to us by God and we are all re ec- goes on to say that love is more than tions of the presence of God. Age a feeling or a sentiment. True love doesn’t matter, education doesn’t will eventually bring a person to put- matter, wealth doesn’t matter, posi- ting himself second and his beloved tion or status doesn’t matter. All rst. So this love is a giving of one’s of us are required to respect one self to the other, which is based on another. This is what brotherly love divine love. Therefore, love is patient, is all about. love is kind, love is not arrogant, love Editor: So what is your prayer doesn’t put on airs, it doesn’t delight for all of us as we strive to love in that which is hurtful. It doesn’t de- God, our neighbors, our families light in seeing another person suffer. and our spouses more fully? This is the love that Christ shows Bishop Vásquez: I pray that us and Christ becomes the true ex- God who is love may give us the ample of love for all of us. His love capacity to love as Christ did. And in for God motivated Paul to extend loving others, may we commit our- this love to those in the communities selves to doing what is best for them, he served. He took a vow of celibacy seeking nothing in return. February 2012 GOOD NEWS 21

The enduring gift of Catholic education and colleges and with 42 years of CSDA provides the highest of aca- children a lifetime. The academic BY NED VANDERS, ED.D. experience as a teacher and administra- demic preparation, coupled with the foundation set by the Catholic elemen- SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS tor in Catholic schools, I believe that a broad enrichment opportunities that tary schools is strengthened in our six Catholic education is the best answer nurture our children’s minds, bodies Catholic high schools for acceptance The Catholic Schools Diocese of to every parent’s questions. A Catho- and souls. into college and life-long learning. Austin (CSDA) recently celebrated lic education is the enduring gift that CSDA offers excellent Catholic I encourage those who already National Catholic Schools Week Jan. parents give to their child now as a school opportunities for every child’s send their children to Catholic school 29 to Feb. 4. During the months of student and in the future as an adult. education! Find out more about our to invite their friends to investigate our February and March, the application As members of the CSDA system, exciting schools and their commitment Catholic schools for their children’s and registration process for the 2012- our 23 schools are part of a large or- to the highest academic, moral and education. Research has shown time 2013 school year moves into “high ganization dedicated to educating our spiritual standards at www.csdatx.org. and again that the most effective pub- gear.” children to be fruitful, moral members I invite visitors to look through the licity for Catholic schools is by word As a parent or legal guardian, of our society. We join the U.S. Con- website to further discover all that our of mouth. So those who love Catholic one of the most important deci- ference of Catholic Bishops in their Catholic schools have to offer. The schools should spread the word! sions in your life and in the lives of mission “to provide an atmosphere website has pro les of each school in With teamwork, we can build your children is that of choosing the in which the Gospel is proclaimed, a the diocese, information about open support for our Catholic schools and education that will most bene t them. community in which Christ is ex- house events, and information on the provide even more students with the You ask yourself many questions: perienced, service to our sisters and registration process. Application dead- enduring gift of a Catholic education. Where will they learn the most? How brothers is the norm, and thanksgiving lines for the fall are due very soon. do I help them prepare to live in the and worship of our God is cultivated” Our 17 Catholic elementary DR. NED VANDERS is diocesan Su- world around them? Who will be their (“Renewing Our Commitment to schools offer an excellent education, perintendent of Catholic Schools. He friends? Will they t in? Catholic Elementary and Secondary with an emphasis on academics and may be contacted at (512) 949-2497 Having attended Catholic schools Schools in the Third Millennium”). moral training, which will last our or [email protected].

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THYROID & ENDOCRINOLOGY 22 GOOD NEWS CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Forming consciences by examining Catholic social teaching any assault on human dignity such as education, to provide suf cient food and from discrimination and harassment. BY BARBARA BUDDE hate crimes, pre-emptive war, racism and shelter, etc. As Catholics, we are called COLUMNIST torture. to participate in the political process by Solidarity voting and helping to shape the laws that We are all one human family in the It is impossible to ignore that we The Call to Family, Com- govern our society. world despite national, ethnic, racial, eco- are in an election year. Once again, munity and Participation nomic or ideological differences. Learning the bishops have asked us to form our The family is the central social Option for the Poor and to practice the virtue of solidarity means consciences as we prepare to vote in institution that must be supported and Vulnerable learning that, “loving our neighbor,” has the primaries and later in the general strengthened. In community, we realize The Gospel calls Christians to put the global dimensions in an interdependent elections for 2012. Forming our con- the ful llment of our dignity and rights needs of the poor and vulnerable rst. A world. By working for justice, we ful ll sciences is always about listening to God in relationship with and to others. The common moral test of a society is how our mandate to build the body of Christ. through the teachings of Scripture and Holy Trinity –– a relationship of love it treats those on the margins. Wherever We acknowledge that we have a the church. These short re ections on between the Father and the Son and there is structural injustice, Christians are responsibility to the whole human family. church teaching and the public policy the fruits of that love, the Holy Spirit called to oppose it. Those with the great- In the area of public policy this awareness issues they touch were prepared to help –– helps us understand our responsibility est need require the greatest response. leads us to examine how trade policies, Catholics do the dif cult, but impor- to be God’s image of love not only within Above and beyond the common good, foreign aid, international relations and tant, work of being faithful citizens and our family but to society as well. Eco- our values call us to show special concern treaties would affect not only ourselves voting according to the dictates of a well- nomics and politics, law and policy, justice for the poor. In the arena of public policy, but others throughout the world. formed conscience. and charity, directly affect human dignity the church’s teachings cause us to exam- and our capacity to grow in community. ine the effects of legislation on the most Care for God’s Creation The Life and Dignity of the We, the Body of Christ, are called vulnerable. Our responsibility is to work We show our respect for the Creator Human Person to reject any policy that would adversely for laws that would assist the poor to move by our stewardship of creation. Care for Scripture expounds that we are made affect marriage and family, as well as out of poverty such as equal educational the earth is a requirement of our faith. It in the image and likeness of God, God the collective good of the community. opportunities, just tax policies, adequate calls us to protect people, the planet and who is love. The church in the modern The church defends traditional marriage shelter, a strong economic safety net, and to live our faith in relationship with all of world, state the documents of Vatican and examines the effects of tax policies, access to decent, affordable health care. God’s creation. The fundamental moral II, is to be a sign of the dignity of the welfare reform legislation, fair labor laws, and ethical dimensions of this challenge human person. Human life is sacred. We parental choice in matters of education; Dignity of Work and the cannot be ignored. believe that every person is precious, that and child welfare regarding family life. Rights of Workers Advocating for public policy deci- people are more important than things, Work is an expression of our sions that will protect the environment and that the measure of every institution Rights and Responsibilities dignity and of our involvement in against degradation is mandated through is whether it threatens or enhances the As created images of God, people God’s creation. People have a right to the church’s concern for God’s creation. life and dignity of the human person. have basic rights and responsibili- decent work, fair wages and private We are called to support policies that pro- The Catholic community is called ties. Every person has a fundamental property. If the dignity of work is to mote clean air and water to ensure that to shape public policy that protects right to life and a right to those things be protected, then the basic rights of these gifts are accessible and affordable to and defends human life and human required for human decency. Corre- workers must be respected –– the right all. We are particularly concerned for the dignity from the moment of concep- sponding to these rights are duties and to productive work, to decent and fair poor who have the least in uence. tion until the moment of natural death. responsibilities –– to one another, to wages, to organize and join unions, This would include legislation relating to our family and to the larger society. to private property and to economic BARBARA BUDDE abortion, embryonic stem cell research, Our rights ow from our human initiative. The economy exists to serve is the diocesan cloning, infanticide, physician assisted dignity and call us to public policy that people, not vice versa. director of social suicide and the death penalty. It would defends those things required for human Public policy issues that ow from concerns. She also include legislation relating to all life: food, shelter, health care, education this principle are clear: the human right can be reached at that is needed to support life, meaning and employment. It also calls everyone to work, the right to fair wages that sup- (512) 949-2471 or adequate food, shelter, health care, edu- to be responsible: to work honestly, to port a decent standard of living, the right barbara-budde@ cation and work; as well as condemning care for one’s health to seek adequate to working conditions that are safe, free austindiocese.org. Collection for Propagation of the Faith The special collection for the Propagation of the Faith was taken up Oct. 22-23, 2011. If your parish nds an error, call the diocesan Finance Of ce at (512) 949-2400. Parish Totals Parish Totals Parish Totals Parish Totals Austin Central Deanery Fayetteville, St. John $559.00 Manor, St. Joseph $535.85 San Saba, St. Mary $282.56 Austin, Holy Cross $766.00 Giddings, St. Margaret $1,080.55 P ugerville, St. Elizabeth $3,300.28 Sunrise Beach, Our Lady of the Lake $300.00 Austin, Our Lady of Guadalupe $1,304.60 Lexington, Holy Family $234.00 Round Rock, St. John Vianney $2,296.66 Lampasas/Marble Falls Deanery Totals $6,146.60 Austin, St. Austin $3,583.46 Old Washington on the Brazos, St. Mary $120.47 Round Rock, St. William $7,671.21 San Marcos Deanery Austin, St. Ignatius $5,999.10 Pin Oak, St. Mary $194.00 Taylor, Our Lady of Guadalupe $420.00 Blanco, St. Ferdinand $388.62 Austin, St. Julia $620.75 Rockdale, St. Joseph $380.60 Taylor, St. Mary of the Assumption $1,402.30 Buda, Santa Cruz $2,870.81 Austin, St. Mary Cathedral $2,820.84 Somerville, St. Ann $654.53 Georgetown/Round Rock Deanery Totals $23,759.53 Dripping Springs, St. Martin de Porres $1,699.33 Austin, San Jose $3,247.00 Brenham/La Grange Deanery Totals $5,057.85 Killeen/Temple Deanery Johnson City, Good Shepherd $207.00 Austin Central Deanery Totals $18,341.75 Bastrop/Lockhart Deanery Belton, Christ the King $1,102.00 Kyle, St. Anthony Marie de Claret $1,239.69 Austin North Deanery Bastrop, Ascension $1,878.47 Burlington, St. Michael $156.00 San Marcos, Henry L. Grant Student Center $619.82 Austin, Holy Vietnamese Martyrs $2,270.00 Elgin, Sacred Heart $655.88 Cameron, St. Monica $529.72 San Marcos, St. John $3,501.68 Austin, Sacred Heart $2,449.00 Lockhart, St. Mary of the Visitation $1,362.92 Copperas Cove, Holy Family $3,184.50 Wimberley, St. Mary $812.41 Austin, St. Albert the Great $2,824.00 Luling, St. John $540.30 Cyclone, St. Joseph $265.00 San Marcos Deanery Totals $11,339.36 Austin, St. Louis $3,909.00 Martindale, Immaculate Heart $491.90 Harker Heights, St. Paul Chong Hasang $3,698.00 Waco Deanery Austin, St. Theresa $3,563.00 Rockne, Sacred Heart $905.75 Killeen, St. Joseph $2,361.88 China Spring, St. Phillip $143.00 Austin, St. Thomas More $5,660.04 Smithville, St. Paul $826.00 Marak, Sts. Cyril and Methodius $187.00 Elk, St. Joseph $325.00 Austin, St. Vincent de Paul $2,898.31 String Prairie, Assumption $475.00 Rogers, St. Matthew $418.17 Hamilton, St. Thomas $236.00 Cedar Park, St. Margaret Mary $3,055.62 Uhland, St.Michael $188.20 Rosebud, St. Ann $195.65 McGregor, St. Eugene $491.30 Lago Vista, Our Lady of the Lake $1,229.95 Bastrop/Lockhart Deanery Totals $7,324.42 Salado, St. Stephen $370.00 Marlin, St. Joseph $172.42 Austin North Deanery Totals $27,858.92 Bryan/College Station Deanery Temple, Our Lady of Guadalupe $1,097.00 Mexia, St. Mary $518.85 Austin South Deanery Bremond, St. Mary $620.00 Temple, St. Luke $1,681.00 Moody, Our Lady of San Juan $80.00 Austin, Our Lady of Sorrows (Dolores) $657.92 Bryan, St. Anthony $868.64 Temple, St. Mary $2,625.85 Tours, St. Martin $675.00 Austin, St. Andrew Kim $200.00 Bryan, St. Joseph $1,505.87 Westphalia, Visitation $477.00 Waco, Sacred Heart $400.00 Austin, St. Catherine of Siena $5,256.68 Bryan, Santa Teresa $275.00 Killeen/Temple Deanery Totals $18,348.77 Waco, St. Francis on the Brazos $615.15 Austin, St. John Neumann $3,818.34 Caldwell, St. Mary $988.60 Lampasas/Marble Falls Deanery Waco (Hewitt), St. Jerome $2,703.50 Austin, St. Paul $2,222.73 College Station, St. Mary $2,854.11 Bertram, Holy Cross $216.50 Waco, St. John the Baptist $135.75 Austin, St. Peter the Apostle $1,380.00 College Station, St. Thomas Aquinas $4,956.72 Burnet, Our Mother of Sorrows $526.00 Waco (Bellmead), St. Joseph $837.00 Austin, Santa Barbara $436.50 Frenstat, Holy Rosary $786.00 Goldthwaite, St. Peter $138.00 Waco, St. Louis $3,711.49 Lakeway, Emmaus $888.00 Hearne, St. Mary $510.00 Horseshoe Bay, St. Paul the Apostle $1,343.50 Waco, St. Mary of the Assumption $1,019.58 Austin South Deanery Totals $14,860.17 Bryan/College Station Deanery Totals $13,364.94 Kingsland, St. Charles Borromeo $1,674.00 Waco, St. Peter Catholic Center $284.45 Brenham/La Grange Deanery Georgetown/Round Rock Deanery Lampasas, St. Mary $415.85 West, Church of the Assumption $1,713.00 Brenham, St. Mary Immaculate Conception $845.39 Andice, Santa Rosa $1,930.00 Llano, Holy Trinity $246.09 Waco Deanery Totals $14,061.49 Chappell Hill, St. Stanislaus $457.31 Corn Hill, Holy Trinity $1,079.00 Lometa, Good Shepherd $161.00 Dime Box, St. Joseph $219.00 Georgetown, St. Helen $4,069.23 Marble Falls, St. John $531.66 Grand Total $160,463.80 Ellinger/Hostyn Hill, St. Mary $313.00 Granger, Sts. Cyril and Methodius $1,055.00 Mason, St. Joseph $311.44 February 2012 GOOD NEWS 23

‘Miraculous’ oil still ows from tomb of St. Walburga were moved) and stops on Feb. 25 noble woman born in 710 in Devon- ny. She was also skilled in medicine, BY MARY LOU GIBSON (the anniversary of her death). Rose- shire, England to a West Saxon chief- using herbs for healing. COLUMNIST mary Guiley writes in “The Encyclo- tain. She entered Wimborne Abbey By the time she died, she was be- pedia of Saints” that St. Walburga’s at the young age of 11. According to coming well known for many miracles. St. Walburga spent all of her adult oil is credited with miraculous powers Burns, such schools offered virtually Gallick describes how she was once life in convents, rst as a nun, then as and still ows from her tomb. A ne the only education available to women guided at night to the home of a dying an abbess. However, it wasn’t her role collection of phials for the distribu- at that time. After more than 20 years, girl. She stood outside in the darkness as abbess or the missionary work she tion of her oils dating from the 16th she joined her brothers, Willibald and but did not identify herself. When the did in Germany that made her one of to the 20th centuries is housed at Winnibald, who were missionaries in girl’s father saw her, surrounded by his the most popular saints of the Middle Eichstätt. Germany helping St. Boniface convert erce dogs, he assumed that she was Ages. Rather it was her death in 779 So not only is St. Walburga noted the people of that country. an intruder. She then told him who and what happened afterwards that still for her miraculous oil, but she has Winnibald established a double she was and he welcomed her inside. draws pilgrims to her shrine in Eich- also became a part of German folk- monastery at Heidenheim. When She spent the night praying for the girl stätt, Germany. When she died, she lore. This started with her canoniza- he died, Willibald named her supe- who became completely recovered by was the abbess at the double monas- tion on May 1, 870, by Pope Adrian rior over both the nuns and monks. morning. tery at Heidenheim founded by her II. Her feast in Roman Martyrology This double monastery was the only St. Walburga is the patroness of brother, Winnibald. About a hundred is observed on May 1. This is also known example of its kind in Ger- Eichstätt and is invoked against fam- years later, 870-879, her body was the date for a pagan feast known as many, and Walburga was its superior ine. One of her emblems is three ears moved and interred next to her brother Walpurgisnacht, the beginning of until her death in 779. According to of corn. in Holy Cross Church at Eichstätt. summer and the revels of witches. Burns, being an abbess of a double There are churches dedicated to St. Soon something strange and So the observance of her feast day monastery re ected the culture of Walburga in Europe and in the U.S. wonderful began to happen. Editor merged with the traditions of pagan the times when women of high social The Abbey of St. Walburga is a small Paul Burns writes in “Butler’s Lives of revelries. Moreover, a German vari- rank often became nuns. She set an community of contemplative Benedic- the Saints” that an aromatic uid with ant of her name is Walpurgis and ecclesiastical precedent in this posi- tine nuns in Virginia Dale, Colo. There healing qualities began to ow from the composer Wagner’s “Walpurgis- tion and became something of a is also a Benedictine community is St. a ssure in the rock where her tomb nacht” music describes the witches’ Woman of Power, according to Sean Walburga Monastery in Elizabeth, NJ. and that of her brother stands. For Sabbath. Kelly and Rosemary Rogers writing in St. Walburga’s feast day is Feb. 25. the next 10 centuries, this substance But long before St. Walburga “The Saint-a-Day Guide.” (also called an oil) was collected by came to Germany, she was a student Not much is known of her years MARY LOU GIBSON is Benedictine nuns, bottled and given and later a Benedictine nun at Wim- as abbess. She was well educated and a member of St. Aus- to the faithful. It was consumed and borne Abbey near her birthplace of read and wrote in Latin. Her account tin Parish in Austin. used as an ointment. Devonshire, England. Sarah Gallick of Winnibald’s travels in Palestine She is a retired state The oil ow begins every year writes in “The Big Book of Women earned her a reputation as the rst employee. between Oct. 12 (the date her remains Saints” that she was an Anglo-Saxon female author of England and Germa- A few spots are still available 10 Day Journey to Greece & the Greek Isles May 12-22, 2012 $2,999 per person Spiritual leader: Father Brian Eilers (H.L. Grant Center in San Marcos) Host: Deacon Jerry Klement (St. Luke Parish in Temple) See the Acropolis in Athens…Visit Corinth…Cruise to Ephesus, Rhodes & Patmos…Visit Thessaloniki and Philippi PRICE INCLUDES: Roundtrip air from Austin, rst class hotels, 3-day Greek Isles cruise, most meals, comprehensive sight-seeing and more. For more information, contact Deacon Jerry Klement at (254) 773-1561.

Is there an abortion in your past?

We can help you nd healing and peace. Call Project Rachel

Toll free 1-877-We Care 2 in Austin: 238-1246 Of ce of Pro-Life Activities~Catholic Diocese of Austin Project Rachel Retreats are held several times each year. This is a retreat for anyone seeking reconciliation and peace after abortion. For more information, call (512) 238-1246 in the Austin area or toll-free 1-800-We Care 2. All calls are con dential. To advertise, call (512) 949-2443. 24 GOOD NEWS CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Initial Victory: Texas sonogram law ruled constitutional In explaining their ruling, the arguments made by pro-life advocates “Providing mothers access to BY JEFFERY R. PATTERSON three-judge panel said that opponents in lobbying for the bill during session. sonograms informs them about the TEXAS CATHOLIC CONFERENCE “failed to demonstrate constitutional The Texas Catholic Conference (TCC) risks and complications associated with aws” largely because “the required was persistent in arguing that, as Cath- abortion. These consultations save Plenty of happy advocates cel- disclosures of a sonogram, the fetal olics, we sanctify life as a precious gift lives by educating mothers who may ebrated on Jan. 10 when the U.S. Fifth not realize that the child they carry Circuit Court of Appeals struck down is exactly that –– a unique, irreplace- a temporary injunction prohibiting the “Providing mothers access to sonograms informs able human life,” said Cardinal Daniel state from enforcing the sonogram law them about the risks and complications associated DiNardo of Galveston-Houston. Both while its constitutionality was debated scienti c studies and practical experi- in federal court. with abortion. These consultations save lives by ence have proven that when mothers The law, which was passed dur- educating mothers who may not realize that are fully informed about their pregnan- ing the recent 82nd Texas Legislature, cies, they are more likely to choose life. requires doctors who perform abor- the child they carry is exactly that –– a unique, While some may grumble that this tions to completely inform mothers irreplaceable human life.” falls short of the total and complete of their baby’s stage of development –– Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston. eradication of abortion for which we and to hear the baby’s heartbeat in continue to pray and work, we should her womb prior to the procedure. never take any success for granted. However, before the law could be heartbeat, and their medical descrip- given to all of us from God. It is a gift Providing comprehensive information enacted, abortion proponents led suit tions are the epitome of truthful, non- that should be nurtured and protected ensures that every Texas woman seek- in federal court blocking its execution, misleading information.” at all stages. Laws must be in place that ing an abortion has all the facts about claiming it a violation of doctors’ rst Because abortion is not used protect the life of the unborn child and the life she is carrying and understands amendment rights because it required strictly as a medical procedure, but educate mothers who may not realize the devastating impact of such a life- them to disclose information that the as an exercise in self-determination, that the life in their womb is exactly ending decision. Every child lost to woman may not want or need to hear. informed consent is essential. that: a unique, irreplaceable human life. abortion is a tragedy; and every child Austin District Judge Sam Sparks sided “The point of informed consent This is the beauty of the sonogram we may save through education and with them, issuing a temporary order laws is to allow the patient to evaluate law. By requiring informed consent compassion is a joyous victory. preventing the state from enforcing the her condition and render her best deci- and access to a sonogram 24 hours law while the opponents challenged its sion,” wrote the court’s Chief Judge before an abortion occurs –– including JEFFERY R. PATTERSON is the execu- constitutionality in court. The Texas Edith H Jones. “Denying her up-to- a face-to-face conversation between tive director of the Texas Catholic Attorney General appealed Judge date medical information is more of mother and a physician –– the law pro- Conference. The conference fosters Sparks’ temporary order to the Fifth an abuse to her ability to decide than vides a last opportunity for mothers to cooperation and communication Circuit Court, who overturned the providing the information.” recognize the humanity of the unborn among the dioceses of Texas. For injunction. Judge Jones’ ruling echoed the child in their womb. information, visit www.txcatholic.org.

C EDARBRAKE R ETREAT C ENTER . EDARBRAKE ETREAT ENTER C R C . EDARBRAKE ETREAT ENTER .

5602 N. Hwy. 317 in Belton, just 1 hour north of Austin

To register, please call (254) 780-2436 or email us at [email protected].

For a full listing of our retreats go to austindiocese.org/cedarbrakelog.

Old and New Testament Dreams: What Do They Tell Us? LLooookkiinngg AAhheeaadd ffoorr Sat., Feb. 18, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. God chose to communicate his will to the people of Israel through dreams or “visions of the night” in 22001122 the Hebrew Scriptures. The use of dreams, as an instrument of Divine communication and the plan for human salvation, continued in the New Testament. We will look at these Scriptures and reflect on April 14 ways in which God speaks to us today. Jane Gutloff, M.Div. & Catholic Chaplain will be the presenter.

Scripture Reflections Cost is $30, lunch included. with Father Bertini Ash Wednesday, Feb 22 So often many people make “New Year Resolutions.” The church offers us an opportunity to make April 28 “Spiritual Resolutions” this Lenten season to rid ourselves of the old and put on the new. The journey

“My Life With The begins Ash Wednesday and you are invited to start this holy season with us. Brian Egan, Bev Collin Saints.” and Father Angelo Bertini will present this day. Cost is $30 and includes lunch. Special appearance by

the author Lenten Retreat: Discerning God’s Will In Our Lives, March 23-25 Father James Martin What is God’s will for us? How do we know if we are following his will? These questions help us to Through Skype discover “The Plan” God has in mind for us. Sisters Brugnoli, Cavallin and Menin from College Station will be presenting this weekend. The cost is $155 for a shared room and $185 for a private room.

Reflections on Holy Week, March 28 Holy Week is the most sacred time of the year for Catholics and Christians. Father Bill Wack, a Holy Cross priest and pastor of St. Ignatius, Martyr Parish in Austin, will lead this day of reflection. Father Bill will help us enter more deeply into the mystery of God’s love for us, the ultimate sacrifice of Je- sus’ Passion and Death, and the glory of the Resurrection. Cost is $30 and includes lunch.

February 2012 CULTURE 25 Waco Catholic goes undercover for CBS reality series er stuff that creeps into your BY MARK PATTISON life.” CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE Her “Undercover Boss” segment shows her at a morn- Dina Dwyer-Owens, CEO ing Mass at St. Louis Parish of the Dwyer Group, a col- in Waco and chatting with lection of home service fran- the parish pastor, Father John chises, donned a wig, pearls Guzaldo. Waco is in the Dio- and blue jeans to check in on cese of Austin. her employees for an upcom- “He’s such a cool priest,” ing episode of the CBS real- Dwyer-Owens said. “I can ity series “Undercover Boss.” text him and he responds.” And, by and large, she liked There’s a closing segment what she saw. showing her praying alone in- “To see how much our em- side St. Louis. “I’m not very ployees and our franchisees care good on meditating on Bible is really awesome,” Dwyer-Ow- Scriptures and being focused. ens said in a Dec. 15 telephone I find things I need to do interview with Catholic News around the home (instead),” Service from Dwyer Group she said. “I need to be in a headquarters in Waco. place that quiets me.” “Being out there in the Dwyer-Owens said the rou- van with the service profes- tine of near-daily Mass came sionals and the franchisees for early in her tenure as CEO after a day or half a day really doing she succeeded her father, who DINA DWYER-OWENS, CEO of the the work that they do, I have founded the company 30 years Dwyer Group, a collection of home service a whole new appreciation and ago. The Dwyer Group had respect for these profession- bought a company that was franchises, donned a wig, pearls and blue als,” she said. “I look at my- bigger than the original Dwyer jeans to check in on her employees for a self and think, ‘I wonder what business, and with the purchase January episode of the CBS reality series their day’s going to be like came a seemingly endless string “Undercover Boss.” Dwyer-Owens is a pa- today.’ Their work is hard. It’s of things to do. rishioner of St. Louis Parish in Waco. (CNS hard work. It was hot when I “I found I was getting very photos courtesy CBS (top) and Dwyer was out there with them, and caught up in the activities on Group (left) they were doing it every day.” the to-do list,” she said. “I When the “Undercover was nding that I was letting Boss” production team met negativity seep into my day. with Dwyer-Owens before ar- I was getting bogged down ranging her visits, they asked by the to-do’s instead of the her what she did in a typi- to-be’s. I found that going to cal day. One part of her an- Mass was the best way to keep swer was making pancakes for me grounded and focused on campus of Baylor University is going to be the Year of es herself to the people she breakfast. Another part was what I needed to do in life.” in Waco, she saw a banner Faith,” she said, adding that worked with while undercov- going to Mass. Even the undercover that read, “Baylor University. her supervisor, Wayne, while er. “That was so much fun. I “My goal is to go to Mass name she chose, Faith Brown, Encouraging Baylor, Encour- she was undercover working tend to have too big of a heart three to four times a week. has its roots in, well, her faith. aging Faith.” “It’s a sign –– a for Mr. Rooter, would sing a sometimes. It’s nice to have During the seasons of Ad- “Everything became faith. sign to me,” Dwyer-Owens George Michael oldie: “You heart,” she said. vent and Lent, I try to go ve I drove by a church and the said. gotta have faith, faith, faith.” This episode of “Under- days a week,” Dwyer-Owens billboard said, ‘Is faith impor- Even when reading this CBS asked CNS to not cover Boss” originally aired told CNS. “It just keeps me tant?’ I said to myself, ‘You newspaper, the Catholic Spirit, disclose the “reveals” –– what on Jan. 22. It may be viewed grounded in doing the right better believe it!’” Later on, she noticed that Pope Bene- happens when Dwyer-Ow- at www.cbs.com/shows/ things instead of all the oth- as she was driving past the dict XVI “announced that this ens, sans disguise, reintroduc- undercover_boss/video/.

Pastoral support for victims of sexual abuse The Diocese of Austin is committed to providing con dential and compassionate care to victims of sexual abuse, particularly if the abuse was committed by clergy or a church representative. If you have experienced abuse by someone representing the Catholic Church, please contact the diocesan coordinator of pastoral care at (512) 949-2400. Apoyo pastoral a las víctimas de abuso sexual La Diócesis de Austin se compromete a proporcionar ayuda con dencial y compasiva a las víctimas de abuso sexual, especialmente si el abuso fue cometido por el clero o un representante de la iglesia. Si usted ha sufrido abusos por parte de alguien que representa la Iglesia Católica, por favor comuníquese con el coordinador diocesano del cuidado pastoral al (512) 949-2400. How to report an incident of concern The Diocese of Austin is committed to preventing harm from happening to any of our children or vulnerable adults. If you are aware of sexual or physical abuse and/or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, state law requires you to report that information to local law enforcement or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at (800) 252-5400 or www.dfps.state.tx.us. Additionally, if the suspected abuse is by clergy or an employee or volunteer of any diocesan parish, school or agency, a Con dential Notice of Concern should be submitted to the diocesan Ethics and Integrity in Ministry Of ce at (512) 949-2400. The Con dential Notice of Concern can be found at www.austindiocese.org (click on the link HOW TO REPORT ABUSE). Reports may be made anonymously. Cómo reportar un caso de abuso La Diócesis de Austin está comprometida a la prevención del daño que se cause a cualquier niño o adulto vulnerable. Si usted está enterado del abuso sexual o físico y/o abandono de un niño o adulto vulnerable, la ley estatal requiere que se reporte esa información a la policía local o el Departamento de Servicios Familiares y de Protección del Estado de Texas al (800) 252-5400 o al sitio: www.dfps.state.tx.us y además, si la sospecha de abuso es por parte del clero, empleado o voluntario de cualquier parroquia, escuela u organización de la diócesis, se debe enviar un Reporte Con dencial de Abuso y debe ser presentado a la O cina de Ética e Integridad en el Ministerio de la diócesis al (512) 949- 2400. El Reporte Con dencial de Abuso se encuentra en nuestra página de Internet diocesana: www.austindiocese.org ( Haga click en la liga COMO REPORTAR UN CASO DE ABUSO). Estos reportes pueden ser hechos de manera anónima. 26 BULLETIN BOARD CATHOLIC SPIRIT NFP classes...... For Your The Creighton Model of natural naturally plan their family. Couples will family planning cooperates with the receive a certi cate of attendance. The couple’s own natural fertility process. cost is $20 per couple. Information Come and learn more about it Feb. 9 at 7 The Austin Couple to Couple p.m. at Seton Medical Center in Austin. League will offer a natural family plan- To register, e-mail name and the date of ning Introduction Seminar Feb. 19 at 7 the class to [email protected]. p.m. at St. Thomas More Parish in Austin. The Assembly of Catholic Profes- end of life and other pastoral care is- An introductory session to the The class will satisfy the Austin Diocese sionals will meet Feb. 8 at 11:30 a.m. at sues. This workshop is offered without Creighton Model of natural family plan- requirement for marriage. To register, the Hyatt Regency Town Lake in Austin. charge, but parking in the garage south ning will be held Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at St. call Nick and Monica Warren at (512) Dr. Richard Grant will give a talk on of the hospital will cost approximately Mary Catholic Center in College Station. 257-0857 or e-mail [email protected]. “The Four Gospels at Work.” Registra- $5. Register by calling Yvonne Saldaña Learn how women can understand and An introductory seminar on the tion must be made before Feb. 2 at www. at (512) 949-2486 or e-mailing yvonne- monitor their reproductive health. Learn Billings Ovulation Method of natural austindiocese.org/acp and select “RSVP/ [email protected] no later than how couples can naturally plan their family planning will be held Feb. 23 at Purchase Admission.” Feb. 14. family. Registration fee is $20. To regis- 7:30 p.m. at St. Thomas More Parish in The Austin Chapter and 54 coun- A training for those who would ter online visit www.aggiecatholic.org/ Austin. To learn more about this meth- cils of the Knights of Columbus in the like to administer the Prepare-Enrich fccsm or e-mail [email protected]. od, visit www.woomb.org. To attend Austin Diocese (south) invite all priests, Assessment in their parish or deanery will The Sympto-Thermal Method the seminar, contact Amanda and Ryan deacons and their wives, religious sis- be held Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at of natural family planning will be taught Ransom at [email protected]. ters and brothers to the annual Clergy/ the diocesan Pastoral Center in Austin. To in a series of three classes spaced about The Creighton Model of natural Religious Appreciation Dinner Feb. 9 register or for more information, contact one month apart for engaged or married family planning cooperates with the beginning at 5:30 p.m. at St. Helen Par- Rick Bologna at (512) 949-2495 or rick- couples. Classes will begin Feb. 11 at 2 couple’s own natural fertility process. A ish in Georgetown. Bishop Joe Vásquez [email protected]. p.m. at St. William Parish in Round Rock. class with more information about this will be the featured speaker. This event Those who feel called to befriend To register, visit http://register.ccli.org. method will be presented Feb. 25 at seeks to honor the clergy and religious women in need, particularly those in An introduction seminar on natu- 10 a.m. at Seton Williamson in Round for their dedicated ministry to the church. crisis pregnancies, are invited to a Ga- ral family planning will be held Feb. 16 Rock. To register, e-mail name and the For more information, contact Jeremiah briel Angel training on Feb. 18 from 9 at 7 p.m. at St. Austin Parish in Austin. date of the class to austinfcc@gmail. O’Fihelly at jo [email protected] or (830) a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. John the Evan- NFP is a way for couples to learn how to com. 739-5271. gelist Parish in San Marcos. Gabriel The Austin Diocese will host an Angels offer one-on-one spiritual and Annulment Writing Workshop Feb. 10 emotional support to a mother during Retreats...... from 7 to 9 p.m. and Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. and after her pregnancy. Lunch and all to 3 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center materials will be provided. Registration “Old and New Testament 2:30 p.m. at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat in Austin. The workshop will give partici- is due no later than Feb. 13 as space is Dreams: What do they tell us?” will Center in Belton. The day will include pants a step-by-step explanation of annul- limited. For more information, call (512) be presented Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to Mass and the distribution of ashes. The ment procedures, including how to tell 949-2488 or e-mail rebecca-niemerg@ 2:30 p.m. at Cedarbrake Catholic Re- cost is $30, which includes lunch. For one’s story and how to nd witnesses to austindiocese.org. treat Center in Belton. Dreams are used more information, contact Cedarbrake back up one’s story. By the time the work- The diocesan Office of Black throughout Scripture to reveal important at (254) 780-2436 or cedarbrake@ shop is complete, participants will have Catholics is sponsoring a Black His- messages from God. This day of re ec- austindiocese.org. written a rst draft of their annulment tory Month Mass Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. at tion will re ect on ways God speaks Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi) case. The sessions incorporate prayer Holy Cross Parish in Austin. For more to us today. The cost is $30, which has helped couples at all stages of disil- breaks throughout with an emphasis on information, contact Johnnie Dorsey includes lunch. For more information, lusionment or misery in their marriage. healing the pain that often surfaces during at (512) 217-9616 or johnnie-dorsey@ contact Cedarbrake at (254) 780-2436 or For con dential information about or the annulment process. The cost of the austindiocese.org. [email protected]. to register for the February English workshop is $30. For more information Pax Christi Austin will meet Feb. “Together in God’s Love,” a mar- program beginning with a weekend on or to register, contact Pat Thompson at 19 at 7 p.m. at the Father John Payne riage preparation series, will begin Feb. Feb. 24-26, call 1-800-470-2230 or visit (512) 970-7063. House at St. Ignatius, Martyr Parish in 21 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the diocesan www.HelpOurMarriage.com. The diocesan Religious Education Austin. Pax Christi Austin, which meets Pastoral Center in Austin. Subsequent St. John Neumann Parish in Aus- Of ce will host a Publisher’s Day Feb. the third Sunday of every month, is a classes will be held Feb. 28, March 6 tin will present a retreat featuring writer 13 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the diocesan member of Pax Christi International and and 13. Couples preparing for marriage and philosopher Peter Kreeft March 3 Pastoral Center in Austin. Approved Pax Christi USA, the Catholic peace and are encouraged to register as soon as from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme of publishers will be on site with materials justice movement that works and prays possible, as these classes ll quickly. the day is “Whom Do We Meet in the and resources for review. Each publisher to create a world that re ects the peace The classes include talks on faith, com- Eucharist?” The cost is $30 in advance will make a presentation and discuss their of Christ. For more information, contact munication, sexuality and stewardship (visit www.sjnaustin.org to register) or products. For more information, contact Bob Rankin at [email protected]. in the context of Catholic marriage. For $40 at the door. Kreeft will also present Carolyn Martinez at (512) 949-2461 or Catholic School religion coordina- registration information, contact your on the topic of “Catholics and Muslims” [email protected]. tors will meet Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to parish or the diocesan Catholic Fam- during a sponsorship dinner the evening The Diocese of Austin and The 3 p.m. at St. Ignatius Catholic School in ily Life and Family Counseling Of ce of March 3 as well as at the weekly John Paul II Life Center are hosting Austin. For more information, contact at (512) 949-2495 or rick-bologna@ “Between the Masses” series on Sunday “The Silver Ring Thing – Catholic Edi- Irma Perez at irma-perez@austindiocese. austindiocese.org. morning. For more information regard- tion” Feb. 17 at St. Michael’s Catholic org or (512) 949-2497. An Ash Wednesday day of re ec- ing these presentations, contact Nancy Academy in Austin. The Silver Ring Hispanic young adults are invited tion will be held Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to Biehler at [email protected]. Thing promotes abstinence until marriage to Mass (in Spanish) Feb. 24 at 9 p.m. at based on a Christ-focused relationship. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Austin. The Silver Ring Thing presents two con- Participants will pray the rosary beginning current programs: one for teens and one at 8:30 p.m. For more information, con- Send in your items! for parents. For more information, e-mail tact Juan Torres at (512) 415-5908 or Lily CATHOLIC SPIRIT offers this page, “For Your [email protected]. Morales at (512) 363-3609 or pjhaustin@ Information,” as a “community bulletin board.” The diocesan Commission on gmail.com. Items of general interest of upcoming parish and Aging and the Chaplain Services De- The diocesan Office of Black diocesan events, including parish social events, partment of Seton Hospital will present Catholics is sponsoring a Day of Re- will be printed at no charge at the discretion of a workshop on Pastoral Care for the ection March 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sick and Dying Feb. 18 from 8:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Parish in Austin. The day the editor. The deadline for material is the 10th to noon in McFadden Auditorium at is in preparation for the National Black of the month, with publication occurring the Seton Medical Center, 1201 West 38th Catholic Congress to be held in India- rst week of the following month. Material may St. in Austin. The workshop will cover napolis in July. For information, contact be e-mailed to catholic-spirit@austindiocese. the church’s prayers and rituals for the Johnnie Dorsey at (512) 217-9616 or org or faxed to (512) 949-2523. sick and dying and church teaching on [email protected]. February 2012 BULLETIN BOARD 27 Parish and community events...... Catholic Scripture Study meets Retreat on Feb. 11 beginning at 2 p.m. February 20 begins the 33 days of New York, Tokyo, Singapore and Lon- on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at St. Louis Charlie and Beth Balsam will be the preparatory prayers for “Total Conse- don until leaving the rm in 2001. He Parish in Austin (a group also meets at retreat leaders. The retreat includes an cration to Jesus through Mary” that con- has written several books. For tickets or St. Margaret Mary Parish in Cedar Park). afternoon Mass and evening “Valentine’s” tinue until March 24. Each day of prayer, more information about the 2012 Savio Classes consist of prayer, small group dis- dinner with entertainment. Registration is representing one year in the life of Christ, Soiree, go to www.saviochs.org or contact cussion, lecture, and fellowship. The rst available at www.sjnaustin.org. is to be done privately in our own homes Mark Sloat at (512) 388-8846 or msloat@ Wednesday of every month is Intro Day, The Cursillo School of Leaders using the consecration preparation books saviochs.org. where visitors are invited throughout the meets the second and fourth Tuesday of (contact local Legion of Mary for a book). A Boy Scout Retreat will be held year to attend a session and register for every month in Jarrell. Those who have After these 33 days of prayers, all are in- March 3 at Holy Trinity Parish in Corn class. For more information, visit www. attended a Cursillo are invited to attend. vited to make or renew their consecration Hill. This retreat satis es the Ad Altare cssaustin.org or contact Patty Hogan For information, contact Robin Spencer at Mass on the Annunciation of the Lord. Dei and Pope Pius retreat/day of re ec- (Austin classes) at (512) 267-4789 or at (254) 518-3609 or [email protected]. For a book or for more information, visit tion requirement. For information, con- [email protected] or Bob Gorski The Ladies of Charity of Austin www.TexasToJesusThroughMary.org. tact Kathleen Lossau at klossau@austin. (Cedar Park classes) at (512) 636-2927. will meet Feb. 11 at the diocesan Pastoral The Knights of Columbus Council rr.com. The Heart of Texas Ultreya Com- Center in Austin. Father Matt Iwuji will of Caldwell will host Fish Fry Friday The Knights of Columbus Council munity for the English Cursillo move- celebrate Mass at 9:30 a.m. and a meeting Dinners Feb. 24, March 9, 16, 23 and 30 of Caldwell will host their 2012 Annual ment of the Austin Diocese meets the will follow at 10 a.m. For information, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s gym Homecoming Festival March 4 beginning rst Sunday of the month from 3 to 5 contact Jo Alvarez at (512) 452-4588 or in Caldwell. The cost is $8 per plate. at 10:30 a.m. at the SPJST Hall on Hwy. p.m. at Ft. Hood in the 58th St. Chapel. [email protected]. St. John Neumann Parish in Aus- 36 South in Caldwell. Activities include The meetings include group sharing, ENDOW, a Catholic study group tin will host a Fish Fry at 6 p.m. and the an auction at 12:30 p.m., a silent auction, prayer and personal re ection. Those in- for women, will meet on Wednesdays Stations of the Cross will follow at 7 music and games for all ages. Barbecue terested in starting an Ultreya community from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 15 through April p.m. on the Fridays during Lent. Dinner plates will be served for $8. in their area may contact Robin Spencer 18 at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in includes fried cat sh, cole slaw, fries and Sarah’s Hope is a spiritual support at (254) 518-3609 or [email protected]. Austin. Facilitated by DeeAnn Smith, the hush puppies. Suggested donation is $5 or program for couples struggling with Catholic singles from throughout study is entitled “Redemptoris Mater” $15 for families. fertility problems or pregnancy loss. The the Austin Diocese are invited to a pre- (Mother of Our Redeemer) and exam- “A Lenten Journey of Healing,” next women’s support group meeting is sentation entitled “Catholic Dating: What ines the role of Mary in the church and the seventh annual Lenten women’s March 7; the rosary will be prayed at 6:45 Does It Mean?” Feb. 10 at San José Par- helps deepen devotion to the Blessed conference sponsored by the San José p.m. and discussion begins at 7 p.m. at ish in Austin. Father Charlie Garza will Mother. The cost of the course is $80, Council of Catholic Women, will be held the Vitae Clinic in Austin. For informa- be the presenter. The evening will begin which includes the study guide. There is Feb. 25 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at San José tion, contact SarahsHopeAustin@gmail. with Mass at 5:45 p.m. in the Sacred Heart no homework and scholarships are avail- Parish in Austin. The keynote speaker will com. Sarah’s Hope is not a ministry of the Chapel, and the presentation will begin at able. For information, contact DeeAnn be Father Charlie Garza and Missionary Austin Diocese. 6:45 p.m. in the school building, Room Smith at (512) 899-0456 or visit www. Catechist of Divine Providence Sister The Theresians of Austin and the 1A. A potluck and discussion will be held EndowOnline.com. Mary Louise Barba will be the program Austin Council of Catholic Women at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to Catholic Charismatic Renewal presenter. The registration fee is $25, will host an event entitled “Women for bring a warm or cold dish to share. For of Austin will host an evening with which includes lunch and materials (not Women: Awareness in Action” March information, contact Susan Torres at su- Maria Vadia Feb. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at guaranteed for registrations after Feb. 15). 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Thomas More [email protected] or (512) 369-3976. Cristo Rey Parish in Austin. The Catholic For information, contact Rosie Castillo at Parish in Austin. The program will fea- St. William Parish in Round Rock Charismatic Renewal of Austin (CCRA) [email protected] or at (512) ture presentations highlighting aspects of will host a Sweetheart Dinner and Dance will host a conference featuring Vadia 444-7587 or Lydia Ruiz at ruiz_lydia49@ Catholic Relief Services work for women Feb. 10 at the St. William Parish Hall. Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Sacred yahoo.com or call (512) 523-8327. and children around the world, HIV/ Doors will open at 6 p.m., with dinner Heart Parish in Austin. The cost is $10 if The third annual Savio Soiree will Aids and health issues and economic de- from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and the dance from pre-registered or $15 for late registration. be held March 2 at 7 p.m. at St Dominic velopment through fair trade. Fair trade 8 p.m. until midnight. Music will be pro- Lunch is included. For more information, Savio Catholic High School in Austin. merchants will have goods for sale. Doors vided by Ruben Ramos. Advance tickets visit www.ccraustin.org. The event features keynote speaker Chris open at 6 p.m. and a donation of $10 will are $30 per person, which includes dinner. St. Joseph Parish in Manor will host Lowney. Formerly a Jesuit seminarian, go to the work of CRS. To pre-register Tickets will be $35 per person at the door. a Christian Casino Night Feb. 18 in the Lowney was named a Managing Direc- e-mail Gerri Misko at gerri.misko@ For ticket information, call Julio Campos parish hall. Ticket includes a meal, music tor of J.P. Morgan & Co. while still in prutxrealty.com or call Eunice Washa at at (512) 635-4707, Gloria Vallejo at (512) and games. Door prizes will be available. his thirties and held senior positions in (512) 258-5243. 968-2197, or Bea Wills at (512) 600-8152. Tickets are limited. For more informa- The Adult Faith Formation pro- tion, contact the parish of ce at (512) gram at St. John Neumann Parish in 272-4004. Discernment...... Austin will host a World Marriage Day The inaugural St. Ignatius, Mar- tyr Catholic School 2012 Mardi Gras A Discernment Dinner for single, Catholic men (ages 18 and older) with an Masquerade will be held Feb. 18 at 6 openness to a priestly vocation and discernment will be held Feb. 8 from 7 to 8:30 Burse p.m. in the Father Gene Dore Family p.m. at the Borromeo House in Austin. The evening includes dinner, prayer, and The Diocesan Council of Catholic Center at 120 W. Oltorf St. in Austin. a presentation with discussion on topics such as the priesthood, seminary, prayer, Women has completed a burse for The masquerade will begin with a French discernment, and spiritual life. For more information, contact Father Brian McMaster the Clerical Endowment Fund (CEF) Quarter reception filled with many at (512) 949-2405 or [email protected]. in memory of Martha Sweed Walker. NOLA traditions. The evening will con- Project Andrew will be held Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.at St. Mary Cathedral The totals for the burse as of Dec. tinue with Cajun dining, a live and silent in Austin. Catholic men between the ages of 16 and 45 interested in learning more 31, 2011, are listed below by council. auction, and live music. All proceeds will about discernment, the priesthood and seminary life are invited to attend. There will Austin Council $845.00 bene t the students at St. Ignatius, Martyr be time for prayer, testimonials by priests and seminarians as well as Mass and lunch Brazos Valley Council $1,223.00 Catholic School by providing new desks with Bishop Joe Vásquez. For more information, visit www.austinvocations.com. Central Council $156.00 and furniture. Tickets start at $25 with Project Miriam will be held Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral Eastern Council $882.00 table sponsorships available. For more in Austin. Single, Catholic women between the ages of 16 and 45 are invited to at- Northern Council $1,772.00 information, call (512) 422-8547 or visit tend. The morning includes testimonials and prayer with religious sisters serving in Southern Council $811.00 www.st-ignatius.org/school. the diocese, as well as Mass and lunch with Bishop Joe Vásquez. For more informa- Temple Council $1,973.00 The Sts. Cyril and Methodius Par- tion, contact the Vocation Of ce at (512) 949-2430 or [email protected]. Western Council $335.00 ent-Teacher Club will sponsor its 25th A Discernment Dinner for high school age Catholic men will be held March 7 at Previous Balance $4,760.52 Anniversary Mardi Gras Casino Night 7 p.m. at St. William Parish Rectory in Round Rock. Men with an openness to encoun- Total $12,757.52 Fundraiser Feb. 18 at the SSCM Recre- tering Christ, discovering their identity, and their mission are invited to join others for The Clerical Endowment Fund pro- ation Hall in Granger. Doors will open at dinner, evening prayer, a presentation, and discussion. For more information, contact vides low-cost loans to parishes. Interest 6 p.m. Games begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets Father Jonathan Raia at (512) 255-4473 or [email protected]. from the loans is used to educate diocesan are $50 per person, which includes games, The Salesian Sisters will host a “Come and See” weekend March 9-11 in Cor- seminarians. For information, contact ei- beverages and appetizers. For more in- ralitos, Calif. Women who are discerning a call to religious life are invited to spend ther Father Ed Karasek at (254) 826-3705 formation, call Sts. Cyril and Methodius the weekend with the Salesian Sisters. For more information, contact Sister Jeanette or Mary Ann Till at (512) 353-4943. Catholic School at (512) 859-2927. Palasota at [email protected] or visit www.salesiansisterswest.org. 28 ESPAÑOL CATHOLIC SPIRIT

El amor implica compromiso y sacri cio cristo. Este amor es totalmente desinte- de enfocarnos en Dios. Esas cosas que Obispo Vásquez: Yo creo que EL OBISPO JOE S. resado y sacri cado. nos alejan de poner a Dios primero y los amar a tu prójimo como a ti mismo VÁSQUEZ es el quinto Creo que hay un sacri cio que está demás por encima de nosotros mismos signi ca verse a sí mismo en el prójimo. obispo de la Diócesis involucrado en todos los tipos de amor. de Austin. Es pastor son las cosas que tenemos que dejar ir. Ves a tu prójimo y te das cuenta que eres para casi 500,000 Incluso en eros, tiene que haber una Dios puede ayudarnos a cambiar a través como ellos y que Dios los ama tanto católicos en 25 muerte de uno mismo a n de acercarse de la fuerza de su amor. El amor ágape como él te ama. Todos tenemos luchas condados en el a quien se sienta atraído. En storgé, de- es dar por completo de sí mismo y, ¡es y desafíos, y todos tenemos dones y Centro de Texas. nitivamente hay un morir de sí mismo un reto para toda la vida! Este amor bendiciones. Todos tenemos la dignidad como los padres que sacri can tanto implica ayudar a los pobres, o hacer que se nos ha dado por Dios y todos Editora: Señor Obispo, febrero se por el bien de sus hijos. Y el amor lía, más tiempo para sus hijos, o pasar más somos el re ejo de la presencia de Dios. conoce (por lo menos para Hall- donde uno está dispuesto a sacri carse tiempo con su cónyuge. Puede signi car La edad no importa, la educación no im- mark) como el mes del amor. Exis- por otra persona, ya que se preocupa por que visite a la persona por la calle o ayu- porta, no importa la riqueza, no importa ten cuatro diferentes tipos de amor. ella y estamos agradecidos por la amistad dar en un hospital del ministerio o en el la posición o condición. Todos nosotros Por favor, explíquelos para nosotros. que se ha desarrollado. El amor ágape es ministerio de prisión. Este amor implica estamos obligados a respetarnos unos a Obispo Vásquez: Sí, hay cuatro el amor supremo y es del que Jesús habla acercarnos a los demás. otros. Esto es de lo que el amor fraternal tipos de amor que tomamos de los en el capítulo 15 del Evangelio de Juan: El último signo de amor para se trata. griegos, quienes de nían diferentes tipos “Este es mi mandamiento: Ámense los nosotros, como católicos, es Cristo vo- Editora: ¿Y qué es la oración para de amor, compromiso y afecto. Para unos a los otros como Yo les he amado. luntariamente muriendo en la cruz. Esta todos nosotros en nuestra lucha por ellos era muy importante distinguirlos, Nadie tiene mayor amor que éste, que señal nos recuerda la manera perfecta de amar a Dios, a nuestro prójimo, a por lo que nos han dado estas cuatro uno entregue su vida por sus amigos”. amor. La temporada de Cuaresma es el nuestras familias y a nuestras parejas formas diferentes de amor. Esto es lo que Jesús hace cuando perfeccionamiento de nuestro amor por más plenamente? Uno de ellos es “eros”. Eros es voluntariamente muere en la cruz por Dios para los demás. Obispo Vásquez: Oro porque Dios la atracción hacia otra persona, es la nosotros. Este es el entendimiento más Editora: Cristo nos manda a amar que es amor, nos de la capacidad de atracción entre un hombre y una mujer elevado del amor. a nuestro prójimo como a nosotros amar como Cristo lo hizo. Y amando a que conduce al romance. Eros no es ni Editora: Cuando la gente piensa mismos, que es el amor fraternal. los demás, que nos comprometamos a planeado ni forzado. Puede llegar a ser en las lecturas románticas de la ¿Cómo podemos cumplir con ese hacer lo que es mejor para ellos, bus- apasionado, consumidor y puede ser Biblia, el capítulo 13 de 1 Corintios mandato? cando nada a cambio. negativo si no se guía adecuadamente. viene a la mente, “El amor es paci- Luego está “storgué”, que es el amor ente, es bondadoso.” ¿Qué clase de de los padres o el amor entre padre, amor es del que Pablo está realmente madre e hijo y el amor del niño por los hablando aquí? Penitencia cuaresmal padres. Este es un amor muy fuerte, ya Obispo Vásquez: Esta es una lec- que es natural. Este vínculo es fuerte tura muy popular y se utiliza en muchas porque los padres pasan mucho tiempo bodas. Pablo está hablando de la forma ABSTINENCIA atendiendo y cuidando a sus hijos antes más alta de amor, el amor ágape. Pablo de que crezcan y se conviertan en adul- dice que el amor es más que una sen- tos independientes. Este vínculo es para sación o un sentimiento. El verdadero No pueden comer carne, siempre; un padre y una madre siguen amor eventualmente lleva a una persona los mayores de 14, el cuidando a sus hijos y los niños siguen a ponerse en segundo término y a su Miércoles de Ceniza y cuidando de sus padres. Este amor es amado en primero. Por lo que este amor todos los viernes. protección. Storgué es muy sacri cado es el darse uno mismo al otro, que se y desinteresado ya que los padres a basa en el amor divino. Por lo tanto, el menudo sacri can mucho para criar a amor es paciente, es bondadoso, el amor sus hijos. no es arrogante, el amor no se da aires, AYUNAR Luego tenemos “ lía”, que es lo que no se goza en el dolor. No se deleita en llamamos amistad. Filía describe una ver a la otra persona sufrir. relación especial entre las personas. La Este es el amor que Cristo nos ense- Limitarse a una sola verdadera amistad se enfoca en cómo ña y Cristo se convierte en el verdadero comida, las personas de 18 una persona bene cia a la otra. Respon- ejemplo de amor por todos nosotros. a 59 años, el Miércoles de de a la pregunta, “¿Qué puedo hacer que Su amor por Dios motivaba a Pablo a Ceniza y todos los viernes. eleve a mi amigo(a)?” “Filía” madura y extender este amor a aquéllos en las co- se desarrolla en la intimidad en el sentido munidades que servía. Él tomó un voto de conocer al otro, así como a nosotros de celibato y se entregó por completo a mismos. Este amor es desear lo mejor Dios y al servicio de su pueblo. SACRIFICIO para otra persona y no se trata de lo que Editora: ¿Cuál es el signi cado sacamos de la relación. del amor ágape en nuestra tradición Actos voluntarios de Por último, tenemos el amor de fe, especialmente con la Cuares- “ágape”, que es la forma más alta de ma que pronto empieza? privarse de las cosas amor. Este amor es caridad verdadera, Obispo Vásquez: Para nosotros, que a uno le gustan, se pero no simplemente en el sentido de como católicos y como cristianos, al recomiendan durante los dar dinero o ayudar a alguien. Ágape prepararnos para la Cuaresma, tenemos días de la cuaresma. signi ca darse a sí mismo completa- que pensar en las áreas de nuestras vidas mente, totalmente al otro y buscar el en el que no amamos como deberíamos. bien del otro sin esperar nada a cambio. Para decirlo de otra manera, las áreas ORACIÓN Y CARIDAD Esta forma de amor se origina en Dios. en donde no estamos viviendo nuestra Por las Escrituras sabemos que Dios es vocación bautismal. A través de nuestro Uno, el Creador, como se expresa en bautismo, estamos llamados a vivir y Puede incluir misas diarias, el Antiguo Testamento. Nuestro Dios amar como Cristo lo hizo. estudio de la Biblia, vía es personal y Él está interesado en su Durante la Cuaresma, la Iglesia creación, especí camente en el hombre, nos da tres acciones que nos ayudan a crucis, caridad y mostrar porque hemos sido creados a su imagen puri carnos: el ayuno, la oración y la misericordia y bondad a y semejanza. Dios está tan enamorado limosna. A través de estas tres acciones los demás. de la creación y el hombre, que con el nos damos cuenta que no somos la per- tiempo se encarna en la persona de Jesu- sona más importante y somos capaces ©2010 CNS February 2012 ESPAÑOL 29 Crisis de vivienda asequible nos llama a la acción calles”. con una hipoteca sin interés Foundation ha proporcio- dentes permanecen durante POR DONNA WILLIAMS POSTON Citando la doctrina social durante un período de 15 a nado apartamentos asequibles años, mientras que otros se CORRESPONSAL católica, “un elemento central 35 años. Una vez en el hogar, y atractivos y duplexes para mueven al comprar su propia y esencial de nuestra fe”, dijo las familias se ayudan con el familias y personas que han casa. “Amamos nuestros Berry los católicos somos res- mantenimiento del hogar y quedado sin opciones. Poseen La misión de Communi- nacimientos que promocionan ponsables de “cuidar de los tienen acceso a otros servi- y administran 16 diferentes ties Foundation es la creación el hecho de que Jesús nació más pobres y más vulnerables cios de apoyo. complejos residenciales, que de la vivienda donde los indi- en un establo y durmió en un de nuestra sociedad”, y asegu- “Habitat for Humanity de ofrecen vivienda a más de viduos y las familias puedan pesebre duro rodeada de ani- rar sus “necesidades básicas Austin celebra su 25 aniver- 2,700 familias, y los servicios recuperar su independencia y males de granja - sin hogar”, de vida: alimento y refugio”. sario, y durante ese tiempo se esenciales de apoyo para una éxito. Los servicios de apoyo re exionó Kevin Berry. “Pero, Él describió su propia la- han recaudado alrededor de amplia gama de Austin de técnico gratuito que ofrecen ¿cómo reaccionamos cuando bor voluntaria en Habitat for $25 millones de dólares para bajos ingresos –– desde los incluyen asesoría financiera vemos a alguien durmiendo Humanity de Austin e invitó construir y reparar más de empleados constantes a los personal, preparación de im- bajo un puente o en una banca a otros a participar. 300 viviendas a nivel local”, faltos de vivienda crónicos. puestos, cuidado después de del parque en nuestra ciudad”? Fundada en el principio dijo Berry. “Con la ayuda de Por lo general, referidos la escuela, clases de alfabe- Barry, un feligrés de la pa- de que “una casa se encuen- más de 75,000 voluntarios, por un trabajador social o un tización de adultos, clases de rroquia St. Theresa en Austin tra en el corazón de cada que se han puesto a traba- refugio, Communities Foun- nutrición y salud. y abogado de las personas sin familia y cada comunidad,” jar cogiendo una brocha o dation permite una variedad Ambas, Communities hogar, habló recientemente Austin Habitat ofrece un pro- un martillo, hemos cambia- de circunstancias difíciles. Foundation y Habitat for Hu- en un foro auspiciado por el grama de propiedad de vi- do muchas vidas. Tener un Apartamentos de una, dos manity de Austin dependen Ministerio de Paz y Justicia vienda para familias de bajos hogar significa mucho más y tres recámaras están dis- en gran medida de la genero- Social de la parroquia. Con ingresos. Casas sencillas, la que tener un techo sobre su ponibles para familias de em- sidad de voluntarios. la declaración de una “cri- calidad es construida por vo- cabeza”, dijo Berry. “Signi ca pleados y el alquiler se basa “Tenemos una maravi- sis de vivienda asequible en luntarios y luego se venden a dignidad y autoestima”. en los ingresos. Algunos de llosa oportunidad de partici- Austin”, Berry explicó: “el re- individuos cali cados que ac- Berry señaló que hay al- sus complejos tienen sólo par en soluciones reales para sultado es que tenemos un tualmente residen en vivien- gunas familias en Austin que apartamentos de una pieza, las personas sin hogar”, dijo mayor número de personas das precarias, sobre pobladas no tendrán derecho a una amueblados y designados Berry. “No podría estar más sin hogar. Es cada vez más o costosas. casa de Habitat, “porque no para los adultos que enfren- claro... como católicos esta- caro vivir en esta ciudad y “Hay que estar empleados pasan las verificaciones de ta la falta de vivienda. Los mos llamados a la acción”. la tasa de pobreza sigue cre- y ganar entre el 25 y 50 por antecedentes o han perdido alquileres empiezan tan bajo Los obispos de Estados ciendo. Esta es una triste ciento de ingresos familiares su trabajo y simplemente no como $50 al mes. Hacen ex- Unidos han remodelado su realidad para muchas perso- medios”, explicó Berry. “Para tienen los ingresos para pagar cepciones para las personas página web, La pobreza de nas. Tenemos familias numer- una familia de cuatro, es en- la hipoteca”. que no tienen ningún ingreso USA. (www.usccb.org/about/ osas amontonadas en peque- tre 18,325 dólares y 36,650 La Communities Foun- en absoluto. catholic-campaign-for-human- ños apartamentos deteriora- dólares al año”. dation, otro grupo local sin No hay límite de tiempo development/povertyusa/) y dos en barrios con alta crimi- Las casas son construidas fines de lucro, ayuda a los para que puedan vivir en la pusieron en marcha una nueva nalidad. O peor aún, algunos por voluntarios de Habitat y que fallan en cali car. mayoría de las 16 propie- presencia en Facebook (www. viven en sus coches o en las cuestan alrededor de $60,000, Desde 1990, Communities dades. Muchos de los resi- facebook.com/povertyusa). Masses in Spanish/Misas en Español

Austin Buda Lakeway Salado St. Mary Cathedral – domingo: 1:45 p.m. Santa Cruz – domingo: 8:30 a.m. Emmaus – domingo: 12:15 p.m. St. Stephen – Domingo: 11:30 a.m. Cristo Rey – domingo: 6 a.m., 7 a.m., Caldwell Lampasas San Marcos 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m.; St. Mary – sábado: 7:30 p.m. St. Mary – domingo: 12:15 p.m.; jueves: 6 p.m. Guadalupe Chapel - sábado: 5:30 p.m. jueves: 7 p.m. Cameron Lockhart y miércoles; 7 p.m. Dolores – domingo: 8 a.m., mediodia; St. Monica – domingo: 7 a.m. St. Mary – domingo: 7:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.; St. John - domingo: 9:30 a.m., 1:30 martes-viernes: 8:30 a.m. martes: 6:30 p.m. p.m.; sábado: 8 a.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe – sábado: 6 Cedar Park St. Margaret Mary – domingo: mediodia Luling San Saba p.m.; domingo: 7:45 a.m. y 6 p.m. St. Mary – domingo: mediodia Sacred Heart – sábado: 7 p.m.; domingo: College Station St. John – domingo: 8 a.m. 9:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 5:30 p.m.; St. Mary – sábado: 7 p.m. Manor Smithville St. Paul – domingo: 6 p.m. martes, miércoles, jueves: 7 p.m. Elgin St. Joseph – domingo: 7 a.m., 11 a.m. St. Ignatius – domingo: 1 p.m. Sacred Heart – domingo: 7:30, 11:30 a.m. Marble Falls Stoney Point St. Julia – domingo: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. St. John – domingo: 12:30 p.m. San Juan Diego – sábado: 6 p.m.; Gatesville jueves: 6 p.m. St. Louis – domingo: 6 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5 Our Lady of Lourdes – domingo: mediodia Marlin p.m.; martes, jueves: 6 p.m. Taylor Georgetown St. Joseph – domingo: 11:30 a.m. St. Paul – domingo: 12:30 p.m. Martindale Our Lady of Guadalupe – domingo: 8 St. Peter -- domingo: 1 p.m. St. Helen – domingo: 7:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.; a.m. y 1 p.m.; martes-viernes: 8 a.m. miércoles: 6:30 p.m. Immaculate Heart of Mary – domingo: 8 San Francisco Javier – domingo: 8 a.m., a.m.; sabado: 6 p.m.; jueves: 7 p.m. Temple mediodia; miércoles, viernes: 6 p.m. Giddings Our Lady of Guadalupe – domingo: 8 a.m., San José – domingo: 7:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m.; St. Margaret – domingo: 11 a.m. McGregor St. Eugene – domingo: 8 a.m. 11:45 a.m., 6 p.m.; martes-viernes: 6 p.m. jueves: 7 p.m. Hamilton Uhland Bastrop St. Thomas – sábado: 7 p.m. Mexia St. Mary – domingo: mediodia; jueves: 6 p.m. St. Michael – domingo: 5 p.m. Ascension – domingo: mediodia Hearne Waco Belton St. Mary – domingo: 11 a.m. P ugerville St. Elizabeth – domingo: 1:30 p.m. Sacred Heart – domingo 8: a.m.; mediodia Christ the King – domingo: 8 a.m. Hornsby Bend St. Francis on the Brazos – sábado: Blanco Santa Barbara – domingo: 8 a.m. Rockdale 7 p.m.; domingo: 8 a.m.; mediodia St. Ferdinand – domingo: 11 a.m.; Killeen St. Joseph – domingo: mediodia St. Peter Catholic Center – viernes: 7:30 p.m. segundo y cuarto domingos: 1 p.m. St. Joseph – domingo: 9 a.m. Rogers West Brenham Kyle St. Matthew – domingo: 9 a.m. Assumption – primer y tercer domingo: St. Mary – domingo: 12:30 p.m. St. Anthony – domingo: mediodia, Rosebud mediodia Bryan martes & jueves: 6:30 p.m. St. Ann – domingo: 11:15 a.m. Wimberley Santa Teresa – sábado: 7 p.m.; domingo: La Grange Round Rock St. Mary – domingo: 1 p.m. St. William – domingo: 7:30 a.m., 1:30 8 a.m., mediodia, 2 p.m. Sacred Heart – Primer y tercer domingos: Send corrections to mediodia p.m.; martes: 6 p.m.; jueves: 6 p.m. [email protected]. 30 ESPAÑOL CATHOLIC SPIRIT

La Gracia de Dios ... por encima del entendimiento

POR EDGAR RAMIREZ DIRECTOR DEL MINISTERIO HISPANO LA CUARESMA En este mes comenzamos la cele- empieza el bración de la cuaresma –– cuarenta Miércoles días que el calendario de la Iglesia nos regala para re exionar, orar y de Ceniza, viajar hacia el interior de nuestros que es el 22 corazones. Comenzamos este tiempo de febrero. litúrgico con el Miércoles de Ceniza, (CNS foto las cenizas son un signo que acompa- de Victor ñado de las palabras: “polvo eres y en Aleman, Vida polvo te convertirás”, ó “arrepiéntete Nueva) y cree en el Evangelio”, nos recuer- dan nuestra realidad perecedera y nuestro destino nal: la vida eterna. En este camino de cuarenta días la Palabra nos guiará preparándonos para entrar al misterio de la muerte y resurrección de Jesús. Caminare- mos re exionando sobre nuestras intenciones en nuestras prácticas religiosas, confrontaremos nuestras tentaciones, tentaciones a las que accedemos en los momentos de soledad, de tristeza, de hambre. Este camino cuaresmal nos llevará a preguntarnos el por qué de nuestra Iglesia Católica, nalmente nuestra cruz le dice al mundo y a nosotros conocer a un Jesús que confronta las participación en las prácticas religio- fe. Estas tradiciones nos han trans- mismos que nuestra fe está viva aun creencias de su tiempo, que clara- sas de nuestras comunidades. ¿Cuál formado y dado identidad en medio en medio de todas las circunstancias. mente señala que aquel que lo siga es nuestra intensión al participar de de las muchas transiciones que nues- Las cenizas nos ayudan a expresar debe perderlo todo, incluso su vida. todos los ritos religiosos en los que tra comunidad hispana ha pasado nuestra realidad imperfecta y el deseo Esta jornada de 40 días no terminara hemos participado y participaremos? en Latinoamérica y en los Estados de recibir las gracias de Dios. en la Cruz, es en la Cruz donde se Nuestra comunidad Hispana Unidos. En muchas de estas tradi- Es aquí donde divinamente el comienza otra nueva jornada, un tiene una riqueza enorme en cuanto ciones hemos descansado cuando Evangelio del miércoles de ceniza camino nuevo, hacia la tumba vacía. a tradiciones religiosas. Estas tradi- nuestra identidad ha sido amenazada, nos recuerda que cualquier rito, cu- Pero antes de entrar a este misterio, ciones expresan nuestro carácter conquistada e incluso perseguida. alquier práctica religiosa que haga- antes de hacer todas esas re ex- comunitario, deseo de justicia, la Somos Católicos como somos mexi- mos o en la cual participemos tiene iones es importante re exionar y profunda e histórica relación con la canos, brasileños, colombianos, etc. que tener una intensión transforma- Pero con un sentido más profundo dora, intima y personal. que el que un país nos da o una nacio- Cuando recibimos las cenizas en “La Total Consagración a Jesús a través de nalidad, este sentido es el sentido de la nuestras frentes, es importante pre- fe, la fe en que Dios siempre proveerá, guntarnos: ¿por qué hago esto? ¿Qué María” que Dios está ahí cuando procesamos, signi ca para nuestra Iglesia, para El 20 de Febrero empiezan los 33 días de oraciones de preparación para cuando rezamos el rosario, cuando nuestra comunidad, para mí? ¿Cómo “La Total Consagración a Jesús a través de María” que continúan hasta el 24 cantamos las mañanitas a la Virgen, me ayuda esto a ser mejor persona? de Marzo. Cada día de oración, representa un año en la vida de Cristo, se hace cuando vestimos a los santos y les ¿Cómo puedo hacer que mi vida en la privacidad de su hogar usando los libros de la consagración. Los libros ponemos veladoras, cuando hacemos re eje mejor mi participación en estos de Preparación serán dados por la Legión de María de su parroquia durante las el viacrucis, cuando damos el pésame ritos? Lo invito a re exionar sobre misas del 5-19 de Febrero. Después de estos 33 días de oraciones, todos están a la virgen, ó bendecimos el carro ó esto al participar en todas las ricas invitados a hacer o renovar su Consagración en Misa en la Anunciación del Se- celebramos los quince años. tradiciones que celebraremos como ñor. Para esta Consagración, se ofrecerá una misa en 4 Iglesias. Por favor visite En mis años de ministerio he comunidad esta cuaresma. www.TexasToJesusThroughMary.org para reservar su libro gratis y para mas aprendido lo importante que es el Ultimadamente la gracia de Dios información. miércoles de ceniza para nuestra está por encima de nuestro enten- comunidad. En esta celebración dimiento y la gracia que las cenizas Los jóvenes adultos hispanos religiosa cientos de hermanos y ofrecen, es la gracia que Dios tiene Los jóvenes adultos hispanos están invitados a la Misa en español que será cele- hermanas participan con mucho planeada para usted y para mi, sin brada el 24 de febrero a las 9 p.m. en la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe entusiasmo y alegría. Llegan a las ninguna otra agenda o pero, sino en la ciudad de Austin. Los participantes rezarán el rosario a partir de las 8:30 p.m. parroquias con una sed profunda simplemente se nos da. Esta misma Para mas información comuníquese con Juan Torres al (512) 415-5908 o Lily Morales de conectarse con Dios, con ellos gracia es la que nos gano la vida eter- al (512) 363-3609 o [email protected]. mismo, con su fe. Ya que muchos na con Jesús. El deseo de recibir esta Los jóvenes adultos hispanos están invitados a la reunión Interparroquial que será miembros de nuestra comunidad por gracias por medio de este símbolo: las el día 3 de Marzo en la Parroquia de St. Margaret Mary comenzando a las 5:30pm. alguna razón o por otra, no partici- cenizas, puede ser exactamente la gra- Para más información comuníquese con Juan Torres al (512) 415-5908 o Lily Morales pan de la Eucaristía o de algún otro cia que nuestra comunidad necesita al (512) 363-3609 o [email protected]. sacramento, el miércoles de ceniza para seguir adelante consagrándose a es una oportunidad para recibir Dios. La cruzada del Rosario de Austin algo tangible que los conecta con Que esta cuaresma usted y yo ten- La cruzada del Rosario de Austin celebra su 37 aniversario de la promoción del su fe. Las cenizas se convierten en gamos un encuentro con esta gracia y Rosario y la evangelización con un retiro de 8 a 4 el sábado, 10 de marzo de 2012 en un signo –– la cruz en la frente, que seamos transformados por ella. el Hall de la parroquia de St. Ignatius, Martyr, 126 Oltorf W. en Austin, TX 78704. nos hace saber y al mundo conocer Edgar Ramirez es el Director del El programa consta de un ligero desayuno, música, Rosario, confesiones, exposición que estamos buscando a Dios, que Ministerio Hispano para la Diócesis del Santísimo Sacramento, Santa Misa, servicio de curación y altavoces. La entrada le pertenecemos, que pertenecemos de Austin. Se le puede llamar al (512) es gratuita. La comida es $5 para adultos y gratis para los niños. El programa está a una comunidad identi cada por 949-2468 o por correo electrónico a en español. Para obtener más información, llame a Ignacio Moreno, Coordinador este mismo signo en la frente, esta [email protected]. de (512) 443-4111 o al (512) 940-0698. February 2012 SITINGS 31

DIRECTORS of religious education at parishes in Temple and Killeen gathered for a Christmas social at St. Mary Parish in Temple. Catechists also THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS from Killeen attended the Waco Festi- prepared and donated food baskets for needy val of Catechists. (Photos families during the Christmas holidays. To- courtesy Mary Alaniz) gether with the Sociedad Culthispana Group, the Knights also prepared Christ- mas dinner for the elderly at the Gilmore Cen- ter in Killeen. (Photos courtesy Gilbert Barrata- chea)

FOUR NEW GUIDES for Prayer and Life Work- STUDENTS from Holy shops of Father Family Catholic School Ignacio Larrañaga in Austin donated and have been trained wrapped gifts for those in and sent forth to of- need during the Christmas fer the workshops. holiday. (Photo courtesy (Photo courtesy Kelly Hagemeier) Aida Calderon)

THE FAITH FOR- MATION PRO- GRAM at Emmaus Parish in Lakeway held appreciation receptions for the catechists Dec. 11 and 14. (Photo courtesy Linda Rives) THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Council from Caldwell and their fami- lies prepared Christmas baskets for needy families in the Caldwell area. THE FOURTH GRADE religious education (Photo courtesy Tina Vavra) EACH THURS- students at St. Martin de Porres Parish in DAY, members Dripping Springs constructed a church laced of the Knights with royal icing and adorned with candy for and Ladies of the residents of a local senior care facility. St. Peter Claver (Photo courtesy Susan Bonner) deliver hot meals to elderly, sick or shut-in residents in East Austin. (Pho- to courtesy Johnnie Dorsey)

JAKOB HURLIMANN, a junior at THE LAMPASAS-MARBLE St. Dominic Savio Catholic High FALLS Council of the DCCW School, improved an outside heard the story of Angela Lewis, area Holy Family Catholic School who had a bilateral lung transplant. in Austin by adding decorative THE BOYS’ BASKETBALL TEAMS from St. Louis Catholic (Photo courtesy Father Melvin stone to an area where no grass School in Austin and St. Helen Catholic School in Georgetown Dornak) would grow and created a prayer played Dec. 16 at the Cedar Park Center before the Austin garden in a nearby grove of trees Toros game. (Photo courtesy Debbie Chaney) for his Eagle Scout project. (Pho- to courtesy Emily Hurlimann) 32 SITINGS CATHOLIC SPIRIT

DAVID MER- CADO’S artwork was selected for the cover of the 2011 Advent Issue of A CHRISTMAS PAGEANT portrayed by Unidos en Cristo/ children was held Dec. 24 at San José United in Christ Parish in Austin. (Photo courtesy San Missal by Oregon José Parish) Catholic Press. About 300,000 mis- sals distributed to parishes throughout the U.S. Mercado’s parents are parish- THIRD AND FOURTH GRADERS from the ioners of San José religious education program at San José Parish in Austin. Parish in Austin sang Christmas carols for (Photo courtesy their parents before the Christmas holidays. Margaret Mercado) (Photo courtesy Anita Perez)

PARISHIONERS of THE DUKE ENERGY FOUNDATION St. Joseph Parish in awarded grants totaling $40,000 to San Juan Rockdale gave Christ- Diego Catholic High School and St. Gabriel mas gift bags to the Catholic School in Austin. San Juan Diego residents at Manor Catholic High School will use its $20,000 Oaks Nursing Home in grant to enhance its Corporate Work Study Rockdale. (Photo cour- Program. Ted tesy Robin Manthei) Matula, Deputy General Counsel for Duke Energy, played a key role in helping the THE CHILDREN of schools receive the St. Catherine these grants. of Siena (in Austin) (Photos courtesy Parents Morning Out Laurie Osman) Program presented their annual Nativity program to family and friends on Dec. 15. (Photo courtesy Jo Ann Campbell) STUDENTS at St. Austin Catholic School were visited by Santa’s Head Elf before Christ- mas. He delivered letters from the North Pole and spread good THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS cheer and magical Council #10209 of St. Paul Parish in snow akes in the hall- Austin built and sold 60 lighted crosses ways. (Photo courtesy to support the idea of keeping Christ in Leah F. Esparza) Christmas. Schoenstatt Father Chris- tian Christensen blessed the crosses as they were be- ing built. (Photos courtesy Tom Natoli)

CHILDREN from the FISCHE homeschooling group reenacted the appearance of Our Lady of Guadal- upe to Juan Diego at St. Mary Cathe- ON CHRISTMAS EVE Father Bud Roland (middle) and dral in Aus- Bishop Emeritus John McCarthy celebrated the rst Mass tin. (Photos in the new church at St. John Neumann Parish in Austin. courtesy Ar- The church will be dedicated by Bishop Joe Vásquez on len Nydam) March 17 at 3 p.m. (Photograph by Donald R. Winslow)

Send photos by the 10th of the month to [email protected].