Serving the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas Volume XXXV, No. 4 APRIL 2015 Martin County Convent A group of longtime residents of Martin County have begun an effort to restore the Carmelite convent in Stanton. Find out what they’re doing and how you can become involved in their effort to preserve the history of the struc- ture and grounds in Stanton / Pgs. 12-13. (Photo by Karen J. Patterson) INSIDE Living the Faith in the Home: The Domestic Church Rev. Knick and Sandie Knickerbocker (at right) write as the Catechism of the Catholic Church teach- es, the Christian family is a domestic church, a commu- nity of faith, hope, and love that is of singular impor- tance in the Church (CCC, #2204). Pg. 5 Speaking of Saints ... Mary Lou Gibson, at left, writes this month on Living Water Venerable Mother Casimira San Angelo Bishop Michael J. Sis, at right, baptizes a young girl during Easter Vigil Mass, April 4, 2015, at the Cathedral of Kaupas helped spread faith the Sacred Heart in San Angelo. More photos / Pg. 24 (Photo by Becca Sankey). in Lithuania. / Pg 8 DIOCESE OF SAN ANGELO NONPROFIT ORG. PO BOX 1829 US POSTAGE PAID Catholics descend on Austin for Advocacy Day SAN ANGELO TX 76902-1829 SAN ANGELO, TX ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT NO. 44 West Texas Angelus On Tuesday, March 24, Catholics from across the Lone Star State united for the Texas Catholic Most Reverend Conference's 2015 Texas Catholic Faith In Action Michael J. Sis, Advocacy Day. right, speaking on the steps of The bi-annual rally was hosted by the Texas Bishops the state capitol to promote the Church's values of Life, Justice, Charity, during Advocacy and Religious Freedom to members of the 84th Texas Day, March 24, Legislature. 2015. (Photo Bishops and event participants addressed a broad courtesy Jordan range of diverse issues including advance directives McMorrough, reform, school choice tax credit scholarships, payday Today’s Catholic) (Please See ADVOCACY/9) Page 2 APRIL 2015 The Angelus From The Bishop’s Desk Celebrate fully the fruits of the 50-day Easter Season By the Most Rev Michael J. Sis guided by the Holy Spirit to live out their Bishop of San Angelo faith in Jesus. Celebremos Completamente Just as the first Christians were embold- The fifty days from Easter Sunday, April ened by the Spirit to profess their faith in 5, to Pentecost Sunday, the midst of persecution, we are assured by el Tiempo Pascual May 24, constitute the our Easter faith that death, evil, and world- Easter Season. We cele- ly tragedies will not have the last word. By Bishop Michael J. Sis crecimiento de las primeras comunidades brate this joyful season Christ risen from the tomb gives us hope. cristianas en el primer siglo. Nos encon- as if it were one great In our churches during the Easter season, Los cincuenta días desde el Domingo de tramos con la alegría y el entusiasmo de feast day. We don’t call we continue to enjoy the symbols of Easter, Pascua, el 5 de abril, al Domingo de los primeros cristianos, ya que fueron these fifty days “after including Easter lilies. The lily rises each Pentecostés, el 24 de mayo, constituyen el guiados por el Espíritu Santo a vivir su fe Easter;” we call them year from a bulb deep in the earth, like a Tiempo Pascual. Celebramos esta tempo- en Jesús. “of Easter.” little resurrection from the tomb. The rada alegre como si se tratara de un gran Así como los primeros cristianos fueron The experience of the shape of the lily blossom reminds us of a día de fiesta. No llamamos a estos cin- envalentonados por el Espíritu a profesar Bishop Sis Death and Resurrection trumpet, proclaiming the joyful message of cuenta días “después de Pascua,” los lla- su fe en medio de la persecución, somos of Jesus Christ is such a profound mystery Christ’s victory over death. mamos “de Pascua.” asegurados por nuestra fe Pascual que la that it takes time to digest, unpack, and Another symbol that is very important in La experiencia de la Muerte y la muerte, el mal, y las tragedias mundanas ponder its powerful meaning. During this season is the paschal candle. Resurrección de Jesucristo es un misterio no tendrán la última palabra. Cristo resuci- Easter Time, we reflect upon the Easter Throughout the Easter Season, this candle tan profundo que se necesita tiempo para tado de la tumba nos da esperanza. mysteries and the effect they have in our is located on a tall stand in a prominent digerir, desenvolver, y reflexionar sobre su En nuestras iglesias durante el Tiempo own lives today. place in the sanctuary near the altar or the poderoso significado. Durante el Tiempo Pascual, continuamos a disfrutar de los The Mass readings in this season include de Pascua, reflejamos sobre los misterios símbolos de la Pascua, incluyendo los ambo. It is a symbol of the presence of the de Pascua y el efecto que tienen en nues- lirios de Pascua. El lirio se eleva cada año many passages from the Book of Acts, risen Christ among the people of God. We tras propias vidas hoy. de un bulbo desde lo profundo de la tierra, telling of the activity and growth of the light it during our liturgical celebrations Las lecturas de la Misa en esta tempora- como una pequeña resurrección de la early Christian communities in the first throughout this great season until da incluyen muchos pasajes del Libro de tumba. La forma de la flor de lirio nos century. We encounter the joy and enthusi- los Hechos, que hablan de la actividad y el (Mira OBISPO/20) asm of the early Christians as they were (Please See BISHOP/22) DIOCESAN BRIEFS Marriage Jubilee Mass Registration 7pm Mass Tues June 16 – San Angelo, Holy Angels St. Ann’s School Scholarship Golf Tournament It is time for couples to register to attend the Diocesan Church The Knights of Columbus Council 3071 will sponsor Marriage Jubilee Day 2015. This year's Eucharistic Alan’s services and God’s messages to us are for the annual St. Ann’s School Scholarship Golf Tournament Celebration will occur on May 17, 2015, at 3 p.m., at the everyone….not just those wanting to be healed. Alan’s Saturday, April 25, 2015, at Nueva Vista Golf Club. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in San Angelo. story and God’s message that Alan delivers are so pow- Registration is at 7:30 a.m. with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Couples celebrating their 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and erful, you won’t want to miss his talk and buy his books Format: 4-player best ball scramble. Entry fee for teams above wedding anniversaries are invited. Family and and other materials to understand God’s messages on is $500 for 4 green fees. Call Gene McQuitty at friends of the jubilarians are also encouraged to attend. how we must live our lives in order to gain eternal salva- 432.254.5524 or email [email protected] The Mass will include a renewal of vows and a reception tion. Alan has travelled to over 50 nations spreading for more information. will follow. God’s word. Many healings have occurred and informa- In order for individuals who are celebrating their sacra- tion about healing testimonials, Alan’s books and materi- Safe environment info mental marriage anniversaries to be accepted to attend als, his travel schedule, and more may be found in Alan’s The Catholic Diocese of San Angelo is firmly commit- the Marriage Jubilee Day and receive the blessing of the web site: alanames.org. ted to creating and maintaining the safest possible envi- bishop, it is necessary to send to the Bishop's Office ver- ronment for our children and young people. To report God gave Alan visions of the rosary which focus on the ification that the couple's marriage is a sacramental mar- allegations of sexual abuse by church personnel, contact Eucharist. Each of the 20 mysteries includes Jesus as riage. the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Lori Hines. To ensure Please send a copy of your sacramental marriage cer- the Eucharist and messages that Alan received. Many confidentiality in her outreach to victims, she can be con- tificate or a letter from your pastor stating that he verifies healings have occurred through these Eucharistic tacted privately at (325) 374-7609 (cell). Alleged victims the couple was married sacramentally. Either of these rosaries and are available at his services and on his web are advised of their right to report alleged abuse to civil methods of verification should be sent. site. Alan travels throughout the world to evangelize and authorities. RSVP to Lupe Castillo, Diocese of San Angelo, P.O. heal those in need. Alan’s service consists of a Mass, a Box 1829, San Angelo, TX 76902 by May 4, 2015. For 40 minutes talk and presentation, and individual prayers May 2015 Necrology over people who come to the altar. Alan will tell you that more information, call Lupe at 325.651.7500 2-Rev. Russell Schultz (2004) God chooses who God will heal. Healings may be imme- 5-Rev. Clifford Blackburn, OMI (2005) Healer Alan Ames returns to West Texas diate or over any length of time. Please note that anyone Bishop Michael Sis has invited Australian evangelist unable to attend may have another stand in and receive 7-Msgr. Kevin Heyburn (2001) and healer Alan Ames to return to West Texas in June. a blessing in their behalf.