November 2019 - Vol. 54 No. 10

SERVING THE CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

South Texas

Catholic N O V E M B E R 2 019

Thank You Lord W W W. S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C .C OM

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Peggy and Bob May on their 500-mile El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage last year, during a rainy and foggy day at 4,900 feet near O’Cebreiro, Spain. The Mays said, thankfulness for God’s presence in their lives was the primary reason for their 500-mile pilgrimage on the El Camino de Santiago trail. The Mays are parishioners at Most Precious Blood.

ON THE

VOL. 54 NO. 10 Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD Director of Communications Julie Stark jstark@diocesecc.org Communications Board Father Jose A. Salazar, Sister Rosa Maria Ortiz, IWBS, David Campa, Regina Garcia, Zach Everett, Shannette Hoelscher, Deacon Richard Longoria, Elizabeth Nguyen and Benjamin Nye Managing Editor Mary Cottingham MCottingham@diocesecc.org Theological Consultant Ben Nguyen, JD/JCL. BNguyen@diocesecc.org Office Manager Adel Sauceda ARivera@diocesecc.org

COVER

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Contributed photo

15 & 17

STC Support Staff Madelyn Galindo Correspondents Jesse De Leon and Rebecca Esparza Translator Gloria Romero

Catechists inspire the gift of faith at Our Lady of Pilar La catequesis inspira el don de la fe en Nuestra Señora del Pilar

Photographers Ervey Martinez and David Mendez

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FROM THE BISHOP 4 MESSAGE Happy Thanksgiving NEWS BRIEFS 7 Coastal Bend Day of Giving, pre-registration begins Nov. 3 VOCATIONS 8 Families: the Foundation for Vocation

Nov. 3-9 is Vocations Awareness Week.

Calendar Items

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FORMATION Premont altar servers’ model deep appreciation for God’s love

NEWS 29 NATIONAL Sasse resolution: Church beliefs should not jeopardize tax-exempt status

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VATICAN NEWS Pope puts virtue and family at center of World Food Day message

Keep up with the faith at www.SouthTexasCatholic.com

November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 3

MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP

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s we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of what Blessed Solanus Casey, an American priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, encouraged us to do: “Thank God ahead of time.” Trusting that God has our good at the center of all that he does or permits enables us to let go and let God take care of every situation and with thanksgiving, take all our petitions to him.

Although the month of November is characterized as a time to give thanks, being grateful is not only something that is assigned to a certain time of month or season, being grateful is a fundamental trait of being a child of God. The Bible tells us over and over that we should be thankful. In Psalms 100:4, it is written, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” and in 1 Chronicles 16:34, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever,” as well as many other verses.

The gift of the Eucharist, which itself means “thanksgiving,” is the source and summit of our faith. Here Jesus gave body, blood, soul, and divinity to make it possible that we should have eternal life. What immense love he showed and what great a gift to us! St. Ignatius of Antioch tells us that the Eucharist is “the antidote to prevent us from dying.” Therefore, truly, it is the very source of life eternal. The only adequate response to Jesus’ sacrifice is to offer ourselves completely to him in thanksgiving for his life-giving gift.

Gratitude is what should permeate our heart and soul, in recognition that everything in our lives is a gift, even the sufferings which allow us to deepen our roots of faith in God, with the trust that everything is geared towards helping us in our journey towards heaven.

Let us live in a way that Thanksgiving happens not only one day a year but becomes an integral and essential part of our daily Christian life. Let us be thankful to God, who, in his immense love, is constantly present to us and will be until the day in which we will enter eternity.

HAP P Y

T HA N KS GIVING TO YO U A N D YO U R FAM I LY

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MENSAJE DEL OBISPO

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l entrar en esta temporada de Acción de Gracias, recuerdo lo que el Beato Solanus Casey, un sacerdote estadounidense de la Orden Menor de Frailes Capuchinos, nos anima a hacer: “Dar Gracias a Dios de antemano”. Confiando en que todo lo que Dios hace y permite que suceda, es básicamente por nuestro bien, podemos dejar que suceda y dejar que Dios se encargue de cada situación, y dándole las gracias, entregarle todas nuestras peticiones.

Aunque el mes de noviembre se caracteriza por ser un tiempo de dar gracias, el ser agradecido no es algo que solo se asigna a un determinado momento del mes o de la temporada, ser agradecido es un rasgo fundamental de ser un hijo de Dios. La Biblia nos dice una y otra vez que debemos ser agradecidos. En el Salmo 100: 4, está escrito: “¡Entrad por sus puertas dándole gracias; en sus atrios alabándole; Dadle gracias; y bendecid su nombre! “y en 1 Crónicas 16:34,” Den gracias al Señor, porque él es bueno; su amor perdura para siempre”, así como muchos otros versos.

El don de la Eucaristía, que en sí misma significa una “acción de gracias”, es la fuente y la cumbre de nuestra fe. Aquí Jesús dio su cuerpo, su sangre, su alma y divinidad para hacer posible que nosotros tengamos vida eterna. ¡Qué inmenso amor mostró y qué gran regalo para nosotros! San Ignacio de Antioquía nos dice que la Eucaristía es “el antídoto que nos impide morir”. Por lo tanto, verdaderamente, es la fuente misma de la vida eterna. La única respuesta adecuada al sacrificio de Jesús es ofrecernos completamente a el en acción de gracias por la entrega de su vida que nos regaló.

Es gratitud lo que debe salir de nuestra alma y corazón, en reconocimiento de que todo en nuestras vidas es un regalo, incluso los sufrimientos que nos permiten profundizar nuestras raíces de fe en Dios, con la confianza de que todo está orientado a ayudarnos en nuestro viaje hacia cielo.

Vivamos de manera que el Día de Acción de Gracias ocurra no solo una vez al año, sino que se convierta en una parte integral y esencial de nuestra vida cristiana, todos los días del año. Agradezcamos a Dios, quien, en su inmenso amor, está constantemente presente para nosotros y lo estará hasta el día en que entremos en la eternidad.

+Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi

¡FELIZ

DÍA DE ACCIÓN DE GRACIAS PARA TI Y TU FAMILIA!

November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 5

†† NEWS BRIEFS

Mary Cottingham | STC

Pink C.A.R.E. firetruck leads St. John Paul II High School cheerleaders to the football field on campus. Both Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory and St. John Paul II students walked behind them and participated in the 6th Annual Cancer Walk. See more photos at southtexascatholic.com/news/cancerwalk.

Bishop Garriga held their 6th Annual Cancer Walk Hundreds of students from Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School (BGMPS) and St. John Paul II High School participated in the 6th Annual Cancer Walk on Oct. 4.

The walk, sponsored by the BGMPS 3H Club, included the Corpus Christi Fire Department’s pink C.A.R.E. firetruck, both school’s cheerleaders, Centurionettes, bands, the Centurion Mascot, along with some colorful dinosaurs.

Father Peter Martinez led the students,

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faculty, and parents in prayer.

The students raise over $1,000 every year to donate to cancer services.

Kayla Hanson from the local branch of the American Cancer Society said the donations will help people in the community.

“We will be able to help those diagnosed with cancer and breast cancer for things like rides to their treatment. A lot of times people need to travel to places like Houston and stay for an extended period of time and we will be able to help them stay there.”

Speakers included middle and high school students Victoria Cantu, Madelyn Garza and A.J. Garcia who have all been personally affected by the disease. A.J. said his mother’s cancer strengthened his faith in God through prayer.

Band and math teacher Molly Demel sang “Amazing Grace” for those who had lost their fight with cancer and those still fighting.

100% of the proceeds went to the American Cancer Society.

†† NEWS BRIEFS

Coastal Bend Day of Giving, pre-registration begins Nov. 3 For the 2019 Day of Giving, 26 matching donors have come together to provide a matching fund of $950,000, enabling each of the 50 participating nonprofits to raise at least $38,000 if they make the match in individual online donations!

This community day of giving begins at midnight on Nov. 12 with a minimum gift of only $10. For matching purposes; however, you may also preschedule your donation on the website from Nov. 3 through

Nov. 11 and it will be processed on Nov, 12. Of course, contributions made directly to the nonprofits at other times are always welcome.

Administered by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, it is a community-wide event to show off the Coastal Bend’s spirit of giving, raise awareness about local nonprofits, and celebrate the collective effort it takes to make this area great. For more information go to coastalbenddayofgiving.org.

Corpus Christi Cathedral Catholic Daughters of America (CDA) #246 celebrated their 105th Anniversary with Mass on Aug. 25. Under the patronage of the Blessed Mother, the CDA are united by their faith in Jesus Christ, in their devotion to the church and the Holy See. Together in Corpus Christi Cathedral with seminarian Charles Silvas, Catholic Daughters in the back row, from left, are Valerie Commons, Sylvia Gonzales and Lynn Landenberger. Catholic Daughters in the front row, from left, are Dorothy Shenkir, Pauline Garza, Mary Helen Rios, Barbara Coco, Betty Silvas and Elizabeth Collins Pellusch.

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Catholic daughters celebrate 105th Anniversary

Six IWBS Sisters celebrate their jubilee, honored in Mass

Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament (IWBS) honored their Jubilarians at a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Mulvey at St. Patrick Church on Oct. 19. Celebrating an anniversary of profession this year are IWBS Sisters, from left, Agnes Marie Tengler (75 years), Catherine Brehony (70 years), Mary Paul Hon (60 years), Jude Janecek (60 years), Maria Irma Gonzalez (50 years) and Anna Marie Espinosa (50 years). See photos and story of this event at SouthTexasCatholic.com/news/SixIWBS November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 7

Adel Sauceda | STC

†† VOCATIONS

Seminarian Charles Silvas, center teaches RCIA class during his pastoral year at Corpus Christi Cathedral. Adults in the class pictured in the back row, from left are Rene Martinez, Amanda Martinez, Anastacio Martinez Jr., Orfie Hernandez (assistant), Silvas, Jamie Villanueva, Rockford Gudim, Nellie Serna (assistant) and Stephanie Martinez. Pictured in the front row, from left are Joanna Castillo, Alberto Rincon, Olga Castillo and Melinda Gudim. Those also in the class, but not pictured are Tomas Martinez, Victoria Morrow, Ricardo Sandoval, Frankie Santiago, Lisbeth Santiago and Esveri Cantu.

Seminarian gives thanks for his pastoral year

By Jesse De Leon

O Correspondent

n a Monday evening in a Corpus Christi Cathedral classroom, seminarian Charles Silvas is teaching the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for his first time. While many seminarians are studying away at college or seminary, Silvas is currently in his pastoral year of formation, wearing a Roman collar, but not yet ordained and embracing the challenges and rewards of parish life.

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Under the direction of Silvas, the cathedral RCIA class and two assistants, Orfie Hernandez and Nellie Serna, discussed a Sunday reading from the Gospel, Luke 17:11-19. According to the reading, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one came back to thank him. Silvas encouraged the catechumens and candidates to talk about what they were grateful for and to consider the obstacles keeping them from being grateful.

Silvas says Cathedral parishioners are always eager to learn more about their faith and they selflessly display the joy that it

inspires. “I find joy in working with people, and I’m happy being there for them at whatever stage in their life,” he said.

Other than teaching RCIA, Silvas is involved in a wide variety of activities that include helping parishioners with sacramental preparation and teaching Religious Education, second-year confirmation. He organizes altar servers, lectors and Eucharistic ministers. He also organizes funerals, quinceañeras, holds a communion service at Trinity Towers, gives reflections and chooses wedding liturgies.

Adel Sauceda | STC

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Seminarian Charles Silvas is living out his pastoral year at Corpus Christi Cathedral. Teaching RCIA classes is one of his many duties.

Silvas’ days are not only filled with plenty to do; they are also rife with challenges. One of his biggest challenges is learning how to be present to everyone to be an effective minister and guide. “As I learn about what is important to people, their issues and concerns quickly become just as important to me,” he said. “I want to make them feel welcomed as they encounter Christ.”

Serna, an RCIA assistant, describes Silvas as “a beautiful soul. “It’s been a real joy, getting to know him.” She has known Silvas since he was in high school. “He had obstacles,” Serna said. “I think that because of his upbringing, he has more compassion.”

Silvas comes from a blended family. He had four sets of grandparents and their parents. His parents each have children from other spouses. “It wasn’t easy. I was going back and forth between the households and having to meet the expectations of each household.” He is quick to add that both families support him 110%.

According to Silvas, growing up in that environment helped him be patient with people. “Even in our brokenness, great things can come from it. We don’t always

know what people are going through, and sometimes they just need someone to listen in their pain and joy or just be with them.

That’s why we have priests to remind them that God is with them.”

Both his grandmothers had a significant influence on his choice to be a priest. His grandmother on his mother’s side, lived with him, while he was growing up. He recalled that she had been a very simple lady. “She taught me how to be happy with the simple things in life and how to be joyful in just what you have.”

His grandmother on his father’s side gave him a strong sense of commitment through the example in her own marriage. “When my grandfather had a stroke, she cared for him for 15 years. She showed me how to give of yourself when you say, ‘I do.’ It’s just like in the Church you’re not always going to have great experiences,” he said.

“There will be times that are trying and challenging – but you don’t give up.”

The parish’s collective commitment to its spiritual journey also fuels Silvas’ own prayerful devotion and deeply felt thankfulness for all the blessings his pastoral year

has brought upon him.

For Silvas the call to service is also a call to commitment, and commitment is strengthened by compassion, determination, and endurance as he continues his journey to the priesthood.

“Ultimately, I am thankful to God for the way he is present in all of my experiences,” Silvas said. “I also give thanks for all of the situations and opportunities of my pastoral year.”

The pastoral year usually falls between the second and third years of theological studies.

For Silvas and many other seminarians, the pastoral year is a unique opportunity to get a firsthand look at the day-to-day demands of parish life.

After living out his pastoral year, which began in June and will continue until May 2020, Silvas will be going back to get his master’s in theology at the Theological College, the national seminary of The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. (Mary Cottingham contributed to this story) November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 9

The De La Rosa family gathered for a photo last Christmas at their home parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Corpus Christi. From left to right: Carlos De La Rosa, Cristian, Seminarian Carlos De La Rosa and Janida.

Contributed photo

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†† VOCATIONS

Parents taught him to be a man of God

By Rebecca Esparza

C Correspondent

Five-year-old kindergartener Carlos De La Rosa decided to be a priest for Career Day at Meadowbrook Elementary.

He’s holding “Day by Day Bible” story book, which his mother Janida would read to him everyday, until he eventually memorized the stories. His mother still has the book.

him to be a holy man of God. “That’s really the fundamental spiritual foundation I received growing up. My parents taught me about being a man of God. As I continue in formation, I keep trying to grow in that. I’m grateful for the foundation they gave me,” he said.

Janida said when their parish received a new priest after Carlos had entered the seminary; she asked if they could start a vocation awareness ministry.

“This November it will be five years since we started the vocations ministry. Every two weeks we have a family in the church that gets the traveling crucifix and they pray for all of our seminarians,” she said.

Janida said she and her husband Carlos are approached frequently from parents of young adults asking what she and her husband did to raise a priest.

“I can’t answer that question. That is from God, not from us,” she said. “But it was the hardest thing we have ever done, hand our son over to God,” added her husband. “We raised him for 18 years and then gave him to the church with faith he would be well taken care of, which he has.”

Even before graduating from high school, De La Rosa wasted no time starting his new life with God. Bishop Mulvey accepted

Contributed photo

arlos De La Rosa, 24, was a young child when he first thought about becoming a priest one day.

As he grew older, the feelings waned and he didn’t think much more about it. But as a sophomore at St. John Paul II High School, he began reflecting on it again and then had a powerful experience in the sacrament of reconciliation.

“The priest told me: ‘Your sins don’t define you.’ And that was profound for me,” he recalled. “I feel like God told me ‘It’s time for you to take down the boundaries you created between you and what you know is my call for you. I want you to be my priest.’ And I have not looked back since.”

De La Rosa is currently in his pastoral year of the seminary, serving at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles in Annaville.

His parents, Carlos and Janida De La Rosa recall he was four years old when he would use a tape recorder with a microphone and pretend to preach to his family.

“We thought it was cute. Then when he was in kindergarten, he wanted to be a priest for career day. He brought me his black turtle neck and asked me to sew a little white block in the middle,” she recalled fondly.

They also clearly remember the time they learned from their son Carlos that he was interested in pursuing a life dedicated to God. “Our youth director at Our Lady Perpetual Help at the time, Deacon Alfonso Ramirez, invited Carlos to a luncheon with the bishop for young people discerning vocations. He had already been to a retreat and had not said much, but after the luncheon, he confirmed he was ready,” she said.

The couple was thrilled at his decision.

“We were happy and honored,” Janida said, fighting back tears.

“We thought, oh my goodness, he is truly ready. We pray for our children all the time that they stay on the path that God has set before them. That is really all we can do.”

Janida pointed out she and her husband were careful not to discourage either of their children to consider the priesthood.

“God gives them the call. We didn’t have anything to do with that,” she said.

Seminarian Carlos De La Rosa explained his parents raised

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†† VOCATIONS

Rebecca Esparza | for STC

Seminarian Carlos De La Rosa prepares the altar before Mass at St. Peter Prince of the Apostle Church in Annaville recently. De La Rosa is currently serving his pastoral year at the church.

him into seminary school on a Thursday morning, graduated high school later that day and the next Monday he was working his first assignment at Mother Teresa Shelter.

From there, he attended Holy Trinity Seminary and obtained his Bachelor Degree in Philosophy. Upon graduating, Bishop Mulvey personally asked him to proceed to The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. At first, seminarian De La Rosa was hesitant and expressed his concern to Bishop Mulvey.

“I had heard it was a challenging environment. The school is really well known

and home to many intellectual giants. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to handle it. I remember Bishop Mulvey’s response was: ‘Carlos, it’s the will of Christ that you go there.’ How could I argue with that,” he chuckled.

He obtained his Master Degree at the Theological College at Catholic University and after finishing his pastoral year at St. Peter, he will return to Catholic University for two more years of studies. At the end of one year, he will be ordained a deacon and at the end of the second year, he will be ordained a priest.

For now, the plan is for him to return home once he is ordained a priest, where

Serving those who Serve

he will serve somewhere to be determined within the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

“In my experience, the most important aspect of discernment is not to get in your own way,” he said. “Father Jacques Philippe, one of my favorite spiritual writers, wrote: ‘The biggest obstacle to holiness may be to cling too closely to the image we have of our perfection.’”

The De La Rosas encourage others to pray for vocations, including sending notes of support directly to each seminarian. For addresses of each seminarian or for more information on vocations or discernment in the Diocese of Corpus Christi visit ccpriest.org/meet-our-seminarians.

2019 Triennial National Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

NOV. 9-10 12 South Texas Catholic | November 2019 2019 Triennial naTional

ColleCTion

for The

Rebecca Esparza | for STC

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Parishioners at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus recently celebrated the feast of St. Theresa by organizing a eucharistic procession through the streets of Premont. The procession started at the church, went to the city’s gazebo in the center of town and returned to the church for a short service afterwards.

Premont altar servers’ model deep appreciation for God’s love

By Rebecca Esparza

C Correspondent

arlos Gonzalez remembers attending St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Parish in Premont since he was a young child. He and his twin brother, Alex, have been altar servers since shortly after they moved to the area in elementary school.

Now, the brothers are both attending Texas A&M University-Kingsville, studying criminology. But their love of their childhood church is stronger than ever, as they continue serving as not only altar servers, but lectors and eucharistic ministers, as well.

“We’re not the biggest of groups, but we are all family,” Alex Gonzalez said of his fellow parishioners at St. Theresa. “Whenever I’m here, I definitely feel Christ’s presence.

It’s something we all share and keeps me

coming back.”

For two years, St. Theresa had three sets of twins, all serving as altar servers. Today, one set has moved away for college, but still visit, noted Omar Pena, coordinator of the church’s Altar Server program.

Pena, who has overseen the program since 2007, added he grew up at St. Theresa and was an altar server at the church as well.

“The servers at this parish have always shown a deep love for this ministry and serving the church,” said Pena. “I know what it is like to witness older servers practice their faith and be great role models for the younger ones. We have amazing high school servers and young adults who model a deep appreciation for God’s love to the current younger servers.”

Although the church is relatively small,

it boasts a dedicated and active group of 31 altar servers, from third grade up to high school.

“We are a very small parish, but our love for God is as great as any other,” Pena said.

“Many people support our servers and our youth, so we are grateful for them.”

Recently, the church celebrated the feast of St. Theresa by holding a eucharistic procession through the streets of Premont. It’s an event that has not been done at the church in at least several decades. Pena said a few altar servers had the privilege of participating in a eucharistic procession for the feast of Corpus Christi. They asked why they could not hold a similar event in Premont.

“It was the first time they had ever experienced such a beautiful event, walking with November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 13

Rebecca Esparza | for STC

†† FORMATION

Sabestian Chapa holds a picture of St. Theresa during a Eucharistic Procession in Premont recently, while altar servers Alex Gonzalez (foreground) and Angel Rodriguez (background) also participate in the ceremony.

Rebecca Esparza | for STC

Jesus Christ through the streets of a city. They were so moved by to many more years of being the guiding force for St. Theresa’s the procession,” explained Pena. “When I brought the idea up young people, specifically for the Altar Server program. to Father John Ouellette, he was amazed that our youth were “Knowing that I get to be a small part of God’s work in interested in having a procession, so he let me run with the idea. the lives of our young people keeps me going,” he said. “I have This goes back to the love and devotion our servers have for the always had a passion for doing God’s work and bringing others Church. They could have easily participated in the procession closer to God. We all have the same goal, destination, and that in Corpus Christi and been done with it, but they felt called to is heaven; so, it’s only fitting that we help each other on this bring Christ to others that same way in our hometown. It is a journey.” beautiful testament to this ministry.”

The eucharistic procession started at the church, with a police escort at the front and a fire department escort at the tail end. From the church, participants walked to the center of town, where they prayed at the gazebo. Participants then headed back to the church, where the Catholic Daughters of America hosted a reception.

Father John Ouellette reminded parishioners that St. Theresa taught us that in little ways, great things could happen.

“God walked through our city today.

Miracles will happen, and hearts can change, including our own,” Father Ouellette said. “Today, we consecrated this city to her. May we have many more days like this, many more opportunities to ask for St. Theresa’s special intercessions on our behalf. When she passed from this world, Twins Alex and Carlos Gonzalez have been altar servers at St. Theresa she said she would spend her time in eterof the Infant Jesus since they were in grade school. The two continue nity showering little roses on us.” to serve at the church, despite attending classes at Texas A&M Meanwhile, Pena said he looks forward University-Kingsville.

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Gloria Romero | for STC

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Catechists inspire the gift of faith at Our Lady of Pilar

The children of Our Lady of Pilar attend catechism lessons every Sunday, where they learn the meaning of Mass.

By Gloria Romero

W

Correspondent

hen religious education classes begin at Our Lady of Pilar Parish, the Molina neighborhood is transformed – it’s as if everyone has come to attend a party. Every Sunday morning, church bells ring, and the streets and grounds are filled with cars arriving. Children and youth, accompanied by parents, spill out of cars to begin the courses that will prepare them to receive the sacraments and learn more about their Catholic faith.

The first lesson begins with the celebration of Mass in English, where children and young people learn to participate in the Mass, always coordinated by the catechist in charge. There is an established order where the pews closest to the altar are first filled with small children and youth, while parents fill the pews behind them.

After the eucharistic celebration, churchgoers meet in the parish hall for breakfast and fellowship. Spanish speaking students from neighboring parishes arrive, eager to attend the classes with the other children in their age group.

Our Lady of Pilar offers classes in both English and

Spanish. Esperanza Dávila, an educator by profession, is the coordinator of catechesis in Spanish, while Yolanda Moreno is the coordinator of the English classes.

Dávila began teaching catechism at Our Lady of Pilar 25 years ago. She saw the need for catechism classes in Spanish since many of the families who attended Mass did not speak English. So, after speaking with Msgr. Marcos Martinez, she volunteered to teach it herself. She started with seven students, and at one time, has been charged with up to 140 students.

“I feel honored, blessed, and grateful to the Lord to be able to work with children and teach the Catholic faith,” Dávila said.

Ever since she can remember, Davila has wanted to teach catechism. She recalls that her mother was a coordinator of catechism classes in Cuspala, a little town where she grew up in Jalisco, Mexico. As a child, she knew that she liked to serve, help the little ones and the elderly.

Well, they say that the most important teacher is in the home and for Dávila that is true. Her greatest inspiration is her family. “We were 16 siblings, we all have a lot of faith in God, and in one way November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 15

or another, we are involved in church ministries. The youngest of my sisters is a religious sister. It is from her that we learn a lot,” she said.

These days she worries about teenagers and young people who want to be in a gang, “not because they are bad, but because they have not been educated in the love of God. You have to talk with youth and instruct them in religion and moral values. To guide them in their way of thinking and of conducting themselves in life,” she said.

As a coordinator, she works with confirmation classes because she feels that it is the young people who have the most need for guidance. “I talk to them a lot, not just about the sacraments and the commandments, but about so many temptations in the world, about evil and different issues,” she said. Her experience as an educator in public schools where she worked, made her notice the significant absence of God and values.

For Dávila, infusing the teachings of the catechism in childhood is essential, to lead them step by step through the sacraments and commandments is to give them tools for a path of greater happiness. Sometimes, it is difficult for parents to make them understand the importance of the catechism when children are older, but she tells them that as they prepare for the life of this earthly world, going to school and studying a career or trade, so we have to prepare for the eternity that we will have with our Lord.

The program that both coordinators follow is very similar, they use some books, but their main source of knowledge is the Bible, and the readings and the Gospel each Sunday is woven into the teachings of the classes, according to the age group and educational level.

Moreno, the coordinator of catechesis in English, is in charge of eight classrooms of students, starting from age four to adolescence.

Moreno says that she began teaching catechism when one day during his homily, Msgr. Martinez invited parents to enroll their children in catechism classes and actively participate in their teaching. She remembers registering her eldest daughter in classes for first Communion.

Gloria Romero | for STC

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16 South Texas Catholic | November 2019

Yolanda Moreno, catechism coordinator in English, at left and Ramira Hernandez, register her granddaughters Anaya and Anabel Benavides in the background.

Her daughter was seven years old at the time; now, she is 24. She proudly says, “since then, I have not failed any Sunday.” For her, the experience of sharing her knowledge of the Catholic faith was a sign from God. What she had learned as a child was what she began to teach. Now they follow the same program in English and Spanish. During the week, they prepare the material they will use Sunday, focusing on the Gospel and liturgical seasons, such as Lent, Advent, or a saint’s feast day.

To Moreno’s surprise, Msgr. Martinez offered her the position of coordinator ten years ago, which she gratefully accepted. “Since I started teaching about God, I found purpose in my life, which makes me happier. It fills me with love.”

Moreno’s family is her greatest inspiration. Her daughters, who have been altar servers for many years, hope that the chain of faith and love for God will

continue through generations to come.

This month the children will choose a saint for the feast of All Saints. Each child will choose a saint that they feel trust or devotion to. The parish provide the clothing the children will wear for the presentation. Through this small action, a conversation begins, and all age levels learn about the saints.

“I believe this program has been successful because the children who have been in catechesis finish their preparation. I have students who return and become catechists,” Moreno said. For Moreno, the most important seed they can plant in each student is faith and learning about the life of Jesus. It has been so in her own life and that of her daughters. She says that what stimulates growing in faith is the support and enthusiasm of their children and the community because they get involved.

It’s like the love of a big family.

†† FORMATION

La catequesis inspira el don de la fe en Nuestra Señora del Pilar Por Gloria Romero

C Corresponsal

uando las clases de catecismo empiezan en la parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, el barrio de Molina se transforma: es como si todos acudieran a una fiesta. Cada domingo por la mañana, poco antes de que las campanas de la iglesia llamen a Misa, las calles y los terrenos de alrededor de la parroquia se llenan de autos de donde niños y jóvenes, acompañados por sus padres, salen para comenzar los cursos que los prepararán para recibir los sacramentos y aprender más sobre su fe católica.

La primera lección comienza con la celebración de la misa en inglés, donde niños y jóvenes aprenden a participar e interactuar con su sacerdote, siempre coordinados por el catequista a cargo.

Hay un orden establecido donde las bancas más cercanas al altar se llenan primero con los más pequeños y después siguen los mayores, mientras que los padres llenan las bancas traseras.

Después de la celebración eucarística, los feligreses se reúnen en el salón parroquial para recibir el desayuno. Al mismo tiempo, estudiantes de otras áreas, en su mayoría de habla hispana acuden ansiosos a reunirse con sus maestras y compañeros

de acuerdo a su grupo de edad.

Nuestra Señora del Pilar ofrece clases en inglés y español. Esperanza Dávila, educadora de profesión, es la coordinadora de catequesis en español, mientras que Yolanda Moreno es la coordinadora de las clases en inglés.

Dávila comenzó a enseñar catecismo en Nuestra Señora del Pilar hace 25 años.

Ella vio la necesidad de clases de catecismo en español porque muchas de las familias que asistían a misa no hablaban inglés y tenían muchos niños en edad de recibir los sacramentos. Entonces, habló con Mons. Marcos Martínez, (quien era el párroco) y le sugirió las clases de

Gloria Romero | for STC

Los niños y niñas de Nuestra Señora del Pilar asisten a su primera lección de catecismo cada domingo, donde aprenden el significado de la Misa.

November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 17

Gloria Romero | for STC

†† FORMATION

Esperanza Dávila, coordinadora de catecismo en español está de visita con maestras de educación religiosa, de izquierda a derecha, Olga Garza y ​​Lupita Araiza. El niño es Daniel Ciprés.

catecismo en español, El Padre le dijo que no tenía maestras que lo enseñaran y ella se ofreció para hacerlo. Comenzó con siete estudiantes, y el numero ha crecido hasta tener a su cargo, 140 estudiantes. “Me siento honrada, bendecida y agradecida al Señor, por poder trabajar con niños y enseñar la fe católica”, dijo Dávila.

Desde que tiene recuerdo, Dávila ha querido enseñar catecismo. Recuerda que su madre era coordinadora de clases de catecismo en Cúspala, un pequeño pueblo donde creció en Jalisco, México.

Desde niña, le gustaba servir, ayudar a los pequeños y a los ancianos.

Bueno, dicen que el maestro más importante está en el hogar y para Dávila eso es cierto. Su mayor inspiración es su familia. “Éramos 16 hermanos, todos tenemos mucha fe en Dios y, de una u otra forma, estamos involucrados en los ministerios de la iglesia. La más joven de ellas, es una hermana religiosa. Es de ella de quien todos aprendemos mucho”, dijo.

En estos días le preocupan los 18 South Texas Catholic | November 2019

adolescentes y los jóvenes que son rebeldes y buscan pertenecer a algo, muchas veces quieren formar parte de pandillas, “no porque sean malos, sino porque no han sido educados en el amor de Dios”.

“Es muy importante hablar con los jóvenes e instruirlos en la religión y en los valores morales; para guiarlos en su forma de pensar y de conducirse en la vida”, dijo.

Como coordinadora, ella trabaja en las clases de confirmación porque siente que son los jóvenes quienes necesitan más orientación. “Les hablo mucho, no solo sobre los sacramentos y los mandamientos, sino también sobre otros temas y peligros que hay en el mundo”, dijo. Su experiencia como educadora en escuelas públicas donde trabajó por muchos años le hizo notar que hay una gran ausencia de Dios y de valores humanos.

Para Dávila, infundir las enseñanzas del catecismo en la infancia es esencial, guiarlos paso a paso a través de los sacramentos y mandamientos es darles herramientas para un camino de mayor felicidad. A veces, es difícil para los padres

hacerles comprender, la importancia del catecismo, especialmente, cuando los niños son mayores, pero ella les dice que hay que hacerles entender, que así como se preparan para la vida de este mundo terrenal, van a la escuela y estudian una carrera o un oficio, del mismo modo tenemos que prepararnos para la eternidad que tendremos con nuestro Señor.

El programa que siguen ambas coordinadoras es muy similar, usan algunos libros y materiales didácticos, pero su principal fuente de conocimiento es la Biblia. Las lecturas y el Evangelio, de la misa de cada domingo, se entrelazan con las enseñanzas de las clases, de acuerdo a su grupo de edad y nivel educativo.

Moreno, coordinadora de la catequesis en inglés, está a cargo de ocho aulas de estudiantes, desde los cuatro años hasta la adolescencia.

Moreno dice que ella comenzó a enseñar catecismo, motivada por una homilía de Mons. Martínez que invitó a los padres de familia, a inscribir a sus hijos en clases de catecismo y también a participar activamente en su enseñanza,

†† FORMATION

ya que se necesitaban voluntarios en la iglesia. a través de muchas generaciones.

Ella recuerda que registró a su hija mayor en Para la celebración de la fiesta de todos los clases para la primera comunión, cuando su hija Santos, las catequistas, han preparado a los tenía siete años; ahora tiene 24 años y dice con niños y a los padres de familia, para que cada orgullo, “desde entonces, no he fallado ningún niño que quiera participar elija a un santo domingo”. Para ella, la experiencia de compartir con el cual sienta confianza o devoción. Los su conocimiento de la fe católica fue una señal padres apoyan a sus hijos en el aprendizaje de de Dios que le dio propósito a su vida. la vida del santo al igual que los maestros. La Al principio empezó a enseñar lo que había parroquia proporciona la ropa que los niños aprendido de niña y poco a poco se fue superando vestirán en la presentación. Es así, a través y creciendo en la Fe. de estas pequeñas acciones, que se inicia En la actualidad siguen el mismo programa en un dialogo entre todos los niveles de edad y inglés y español. Durante la semana, preparan el todos aprendemos sobre los santos.

Esperanza Dávila material que usarán el domingo, enfocándose en “Creo que este programa ha sido exitoso el Evangelio y en las estaciones litúrgicas, como por los resultados, porque muchos de los la Cuaresma, el Adviento o por ejemplo en la Fiesta de todos niños que terminan su preparación, regresan y se convierten los Santos y el Día de Gracias. en catequistas”, dijo Moreno.

Para sorpresa de Moreno, Mons. Martínez le ofreció el puesto Eso mismo, es una realidad para Dávila, quien también tiene de coordinadora hace diez años, lo cual ella aceptó agradecida. catequistas que fueron sus estudiantes anteriormente. Para “Desde que comencé a enseñar sobre Dios, encontré un propóambas coordinadoras, como para su equipo de catequistas, la sito en mi vida, es lo que me hace más feliz. Me llena de amor “. semilla más importante que pueden plantar en cada estudiante La familia de Moreno ha sido su inspiración; las enseñanzas es la fe y el aprendizaje sobre la vida de Jesús. Así ha sido en de sus padres y la ayuda de sus hermanas, han jugado un papel su propia vida y en la de sus familias. Ellas dicen que lo que importante para que ella haya continuado educando a sus hijas estimula el crecimiento en la fe, es el apoyo y el entusiasmo de la misma manera, las dos, han crecido en la comunidad de los niños y de la comunidad porque todos se involucran. parroquial y han servido como monaguillos por muchos años.

Todos se quieren y se conocen, es como el amor de una gran Tiene la esperanza, que la cadena de fe y amor por Dios continúe familia.

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Ayudenos a Prevenir el Abuso Financiero La Diócesis de Corpus Christi por medio de la recomendación del Concilio Diocesano de Finanzas y el Concilio Presbiteral han llevado su dedicación mas allá para la buena administración y responsabilidad nanciera en nombre de donantes generosos al instituir un “hotline” para reportar el abuso nanciero.

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Personas que llamen tienen el derecho de mantenerse anónimas.

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Oficina de un Ambiente Seguro y de Servicios para Niños y Familia

November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 19

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

El Camino de Santiago: A LifeChanging Walk Across Spain

By Rebecca Esparza

F

Correspondent

or Bob and Peggy May, parishioners at Most Precious Blood, age is just a number, and their faith in God is bigger than any perceived limitations. Last fall, the couple walked 10-12 miles every day for a total of 500 miles in five weeks. As pilgrims on the El Camino de Santiago in Spain, they trekked up steep hills, down treacherous trails, in the stifling heat, pouring rain and across mountainous terrain.

Bob and Peggy have been married 53 years and have three children and 10 grandchildren. Bob is a retired surgeon, and Peggy is a retired registered nurse.

“Our thankfulness for God’s presence in our lives was the primary reason for our pilgrimage,” Peggy said. “Knowing that every one of our blessings – even, our challenges – come from God is powerful.”

El Camino de Santiago is an intricate network of hiking trails from France across Northern Spain and was designed to “follow the way of St. James.” The famous religious pilgrimage attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world every year, and the Mays believed it would be an incredible test of faith and endurance to conquer the trails. It is believed the remains of St. James are entombed in Santiago, Spain, where the 500-mile pilgrimage ends.

“There were a few times I would wake up in the middle of the night and tell myself I didn’t think I could get up in the morning and do it again,” recalled Peggy. “But the morning would come, we’d start getting ready, and there was never a question if we were going to go.”

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and quite an adventure,” Bob added.

Inspired by Msgr. Thomas McGettrick, who did a 100-mile segment of the Santiago Walk in his early 80s, the couple

Peggy and Bob May during the first day of their 500-mile walk through El Camino de Santiago (also known as “The Way of Saint James”), which started in France and took them through Northern Spain.

20 South Texas Catholic | November 2019

knew almost immediately they wanted to complete the entire 500-mile walk.

“It took five weeks, and we were gone for two months. It was hard being gone from home that long,” Peggy said.

“Most people do the entire pilgrimage in chunks. They complete 100 miles in one trip and come back the next year and pick up where they left off.”

For several months the Mays trained before their trip. They would wake up at 4 a.m. and walk along the Corpus Christi Bayfront every day.

Their children were supportive of their trek. “In the beginning, I was a little worried about telling them what we were going to do because I thought they would tell me: ‘You’re crazy!’” Peggy chuckled. “But they didn’t. One of our sons said he wants to do it someday, and our granddaughters helped us create a blog to document our travels with photos and stories.”

The trip, although arduous, was life-changing for the Mays.

Rebecca Esparza | for STC

“We were so reliant on God throughout our trip. We did not have the modern conveniences we have grown accustomed to, so we relied on God to protect us and give us what we needed when we needed it,” said Peggy.

Bob added that when you are walking for 10 hours at a time, every day, there is plenty of time for introspection.

“Since we were walking so much, it gave me time to be in touch with my own thoughts. It’s a nice, quiet time for reflection,” Bob said. “You just don’t get the chance to do that in the United States.”

Peggy says she wholeheartedly recommends the Camino de Santiago for anyone wanting to grow spiritually and as a person. “It will expand your horizons, and you’ll gain a wide array of experiences in a short amount of time. You’ll talk to people from all over the world.”

The Mays noted they were never fearful during their journey because the pilgrimage lends itself to large groups of people who travel for this religious experience or for an exciting adventure. There are hostels where pilgrims can stay for little money and a church at every major stop.

While on their pilgrimage, they had the opportunity to attend Mass many times and were struck by the consistency of the Holy Mass in Europe compared to the United States. Both Bob and Peggy are thankful for their Catholic faith, not only in their lives here in Corpus Christi but throughout their pilgrimage, where they were able to receive the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and God’s mercy through the sacrament of confession.

“No matter where we are in the world, the Mass is the same. In a tiny chapel or a grand cathedral, the Lord is present in the Liturgy in every language,” she said. “I printed the Order of the Mass in Spanish and English, comparing the two side-by-side, and we learned more Spanish that way.”

“We had to learn to be frugal with our packing since our backpacks traveled everywhere, we went. We figured out early on we had packed too many things, so we learned about a service that will deliver items for you and have them waiting for you at the next stop,” Peggy said. “When we first started our trek, our backpacks weighed 20 pounds.”

They started out staying at the hostels, where you sleep in a large room with 25-30 other men and women. But after 10 days in Spain, they learned about local homeowners who rent out a private room to pilgrims for just a few more euros more than the hostels.

“The hostels were not for us. There would be snoring and talking at all hours.

We learned quickly it was not conducive to good sleep. Plus, you are sharing one bathroom with so many people and could be waiting a long time,” Peggy added.

The Mays agree their experience conquering El Camino de Santiago was breathtaking, with blessings happening every day.

“I felt like God’s arms were continually around us,” Peggy May said. “It was really beautiful to experience that. Some of the trails were treacherous, especially walking downhill. Bob and I each fell one time, but not even on the trails. I felt like that was a message from God, telling us: ‘I told you I was going to take care of you!’”

Read more about the Mays’ 500-mile spiritual journey on El Camino de Santiago at bobandpegscamino.home.blog

November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 21

†† NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Last year, Bob and Peggy May walked 500 miles only missing two days during their six week trip. The Mays reminisce about their trip while holding a photo of them walking the trails, which was taken by a fellow pilgrim.

Bbo Stronach, OFS | for STC

✝ NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Bishop Mulvey celebrates Mass to help launch the Secular Franciscan Order National Chapter Meeting at Pax Christi Liturgical Center in Calallen. This was the first time the secular order held its national gathering in Corpus Christi.

Bishop helps kick off National Secular Franciscan gathering Mary Stronach, OFS

U Contributor

nder a domed ceiling depicting Christ feeding the multitude, Bishop Michael Mulvey shared spiritual food with Secular Franciscans as he helped them launch their National Chapter, held Oct. 15-20 at Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center. It was the first time the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States held its national gathering in Corpus Christi, with some 80 participants from across the country and Guam.

Like St. Francis, he noted, Secular Franciscans are “called to renew the church with the living spirit of Christ.”

Bishop Mulvey began his homily by sharing an affinity with the Franciscan charism, noting that his grandmother was a Secular Franciscan who brought him to Franciscan gatherings as a child, that his great aunt became a Poor Clare nun, and that he celebrated his second Mass as a priest at the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi.

22 South Texas Catholic | November 2019

So, “it’s good to be among family.”

Bishop Mulvey said that it can sometimes be hard for people “to accept reality as it is,” and, quoting Pope Francis, they can become “mummified.”

For example, when the Jews were wandering in the desert, they wished they could go back to Egypt. “We want to leave things the way they were, but the promised land is ahead of us…We need a different mentality today, one that is not ‘mummifying.’

“Unless we remain in the living spirit of Christ, we dry out and wither,” and “we become mummified.”

The bishop urged Secular Franciscans to work with other groups to help the Church.

If we “come together – Franciscans as Franciscans, Carmelites as Carmelites, we could be a powerhouse! God has called you to be Franciscan today with the charism of Francis and Clare lived today.”

He said: “Let’s not point fingers at the Church. Let’s get in there and help them as Francis and Clare would have done. Never

be a part of the difficulty; be a part of the solution.”

He added: “We are in the desert. It’s not an easy task. But with the body of Christ (Corpus Christi), many parts and one head…we can become a powerhouse of spiritual strength that will renew the Church.”

Quoting the saint of the day, St. Teresa of Avila, he closed with a reassuring message, “If Jesus dwells in a person, that person can endure all things.”

The joyful sound of guitar music was provided by Bob Conces, OFS, from St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity in San Antonio.

At the close of the opening Mass of the Chapter, National Minister Jan Parker, OFS, thanked Bishop Mulvey for his encouragement to rebuild and renew the Church. “The (Franciscan) Rule says we are united most intimately with the Church…

We are one body, one Lord. We are with you. You are in our hearts and our prayers.”

†† LAITY

Christian and Muslim students at 40 schools in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan are financially supported by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

Corpus Christi faithful focused on the Holy Land Tom Cullinan

I

Contributor

t’s neither a well-kept secret nor a secret society, but a growing number of Catholics in the Diocese of Corpus Christi have made a faith-filled commitment to support Christians in the Holy Land. They are part of a lay apostolate known worldwide as the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The order is an international group of Catholics dedicated to propagation of the faith, defense of the weak, and it is especially focused on charity toward Christians in the Holy Land.

The ongoing hostility in the Middle East and the Holy Land is evident in the denial of religious freedom and the destruction of churches, shrines, and other holy sites. Persecution of the

Church has forced many thousands of middle-class Christians out of the region. It is a true exodus, reducing their number to barely two percent of the population and still declining. Those few who remain are mainly craft workers, tradesmen, and hospitality workers financially supported by visiting pilgrims.

Corpus Christi members of the order continue to respond to the oppression.

“We were first attracted to support the Holy Land through the order once I understood that there were no other logical parties to do so,” explained Bobby Gough. “The rapid loss of Christians — due to the lack of business opportunities and the inherent dangers of living among terrorists — means that outside

help is desperately needed.”

Daphne and Paul Laudadio also feel called to alleviate the suffering. “We want them to know that, even as far away from their plight as we were, they are in our prayers and given tangible financial assistance,” Paul said.

Small minorities persist only if their skills are high enough to earn them the esteem of the society in which they live, and this can only be achieved with high standards of education and training. The order provides spiritual, financial, and humanitarian assistance to help these Christians achieve educational and professional standards, thus enabling them to play active and productive roles in their own countries.

Through the Latin Patriarch of

November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 23

Contributed photo

†† LAITY

Dame Kathleen Cullinan of Corpus Christi receives the pilgrim shell from Bishop Boulos Marcuszzo, Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine.

Jerusalem, the order provides contributions that fund schools, seminaries, renovations, and other projects. For example, it currently pays the salaries of more than 1,500 teachers and staff at 40 schools in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan where Christians and Muslims study and learn to live together. It also provides direct support for needy families and refugees in the biblical lands, including housing.

Christian and Muslim students at 40 schools in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan are financially supported by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

“My total dedication became more personal when I spoke with a priest in Palestine and asked for his thoughts about the difficulty for those who remain there. He told me straight out that the church could not survive without the help of the order,” said Bishop Michael Mulvey, Bishop of Corpus Christi, who has been a member for some 15 years.

24 South Texas Catholic | November 2019

A primary goal for all knights and dames of the order is to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land where they walk in the terrain and discover sites depicted in the Bible, giving life to what might previously have been mere mental images. This is done not as a sightseeing trip or vacation, but rather as a joyful act of faith. The waves of pilgrims have been rising, from 11,000 in 2016 to 16,000 in 2017 and 26,000 last year. Not surprisingly, during these years the number of groups bringing them doubled to 770, with likely more in 2019.

For members of the order, the Holy Land pilgrimage is experienced personally as a religious reawakening and learning experience in the land of Jesus. It is also an opportunity to meet a few of the people they are supporting and to show them they are not forgotten.

Bishop Mulvey remembers entering a cave where Jesus was held overnight in Caiphus’ house before the crucifixion. “The brutality, starkness, and coldness of that space struck me very deeply,” he recalled. “It gave me chills. I could only imagine being in there with him and knowing how much he suffered out of love for me and for every person.”

“Our Holy Land pilgrimage experience was surreal,” said Paul Laudadio. “We were walking in the land that our Lord Jesus Christ embodied here on earth.”

Father James Stembler, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, added, “It is truly a blessing to walk in the same land that the Son of God walked.”

Pilgrims are permitted to enter the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre and participate in a Solemn High Mass. “While waiting to enter his tomb, my legs became weak and shook as I was humbled and blessed to be there,” recalled Bobby Gough. “Entering the tomb with free-flowing tears was the most significant and powerful moment in my life.”

As a symbol of completing the journey, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem confers a pin with special distinction on members — a pilgrim shell to be worn on their cloaks. An average of 12 groups of the order from across the world visit the Patriarchate each month. Pilgrimages sponsored by the order are also available to nonmembers and non-Catholics on a space-available basis.

In Corpus Christi, members of the order assemble regularly to strengthen their faith, including a holy hour of adoration at the “pink sisters’” Blessed Sacrament Convent Chapel each month. Members participate in the Chrism Mass and feast of the Exaltation of the True Cross held at the Corpus Christi Cathedral in September and worship at their home parish for the feast of Our Lady of Palestine in October. They also gather for social events each spring and prior to Christmas.

Some members say that participating in the order reinforces their attitude about the good works of the Catholic church.

Marcy and Neil Hayes observed that while they have always been involved in the church, “During our 10 years in the order, we became even more involved.”

To learn more about the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and its Southwest Lieutenancy, visit eohssouthwest.com or email Chuck Cazalas at hccazalas@sbcglobal.net.

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Working www.usccb.org/cchd Copyright © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: Getty Images.

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS

CCHD

on the Margins NOV 23-24 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas

7522 Everhart Road Corpus Christi, Texas 78413

(361) 991 - 4400

Schedule of Latin Masses

Sundays at 12:15 p.m. /

First Friday Mass & Devotion at 6:30 PM /

First Saturday Mass & Devotion at 8:00 AM

Website: https://www.stjohnthebaptistcc.org

Find us on Facebook: stjohnbapt.org

26 South Texas Catholic | November 2019

†† LIFE ISSUES

Bishop Mulvey’s lifeaffirming generosity

By Jesse De Leon

W

Correspondent

hile they sometimes seem to be at leukemia or lymphoma,” Leticia Mondragon said. Monopposite ends of the spectrum, gen- dragon is a Donor Development and Engagement Specialist erosity and thankfulness are more with GenCure in partnership with Be the Match. “It is a very connected than they might initially simple process to sign up on the registry because we have recently gone digital. People can appear. With do it on their smartphones, and we a selfless act make it convenient because we want of kindness to a stranger, without people of all ethnic backgrounds expectation of repayment or recogrepresented.” nition, a genuine spirit of giving is According to Mondragon, the created. That spirit was genuinely donor must match the person in present when Bishop Michael Mulneed based on ethnicity – not blood vey chose to participate in the Be the type. Donors must be between the Match marrow registry. The registry ages of 18 to 44 and will remain connects patients searching for a cure eligible to donate until they are 61. with life-saving bone marrow donors.

And by texting CureCC to 61474, “When I was assigned in Austin the relatively short process of signing years ago, one of our very charitable up can be done from anywhere, any and active parishioners was signing time, day or night. up people for Be the Match,” recalled In Matthew 10:8, “St. Matthew Bishop Mulvey. “I appreciated her says what you have received as a commitment and dedication to this gift, give as a gift,” Bishop Mulvey cause, and after hearing more about said. “We must always remember the registry, I signed up.” that everyone’s life is a gift and true His decision to dedicate his bone gratitude is expressed when you are marrow proved to be a moment that willing to give back and share what would resonate not only in his life you have.” but also, in the life he would save.

“We are thankful Bishop Mulvey As it happened, Bishop Mulvey was a Bishop Michael Mulvey wanted to share his story, because it perfect match for a woman with young children who had a form of blood cancer. After being con- is so important that we have leaders like him promoting our tacted by Be the Match, arrangements were made for the global life-saving mission,” Mondragon said. bishop to go to San Antonio and undergo a peripheral stem cell donation, which saved the woman’s life.

According to Bishop Mulvey, going through this procedure to help another person was a humbling experience. “Knowing that because of the life I have been given by God – I was November is National able to give back and make a big difference in this person’s life, in the life of her children and her family is something I Marrow Awareness Month have thought of quite often,” he said.

Sign-up: Although Bishop Mulvey has never met the recipient, he Text CureCC to 61474 is very conscious of that person and gives thanks to God for being able to help.

Donors must be 18 - 44 years of age Bishop Mulvey’s story is one that exemplifies the imporFor more information about donating tance of giving. It underscores the constant need for indior hosting a marrow registry drive, call viduals to learn more about Be the Match, so a more diverse group of people can be available on the registry.

Leticia Mondragon at (361) 480-2820.

“Every three minutes someone is diagnosed with a life-threatening blood cancer or blood disorder, such as November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 27

†† TEMAS DE LA VIDA

La generosidad que afirma la vida del obispo Mulvey Por Jesse De Leon

S Corresponsal

i bien a veces parecen estar en los extremos opuestos del espectro, la generosidad y el agradecimiento están más conectados de lo que podrían parecer inicialmente.

Con un acto desinteresado de amabilidad hacia un extraño, sin expectativas de reembolso o reconocimiento, se crea un espíritu genuino de entrega. Ese espíritu estaba realmente presente cuando el obispo Michael Mulvey eligió participar y registrarse como donador de médula en la organización; ‘Sé Compatible’ o ‘Be the Match’. El registro conecta a los pacientes que buscan una cura con donantes de médula ósea que salvan vidas.

“Cuando me asignaron en Austin hace años, una de nuestras feligreses muy caritativa y activa, estaba inscribiendo personas para Be the Match”, recordó el obispo Mulvey. “Aprecié su compromiso y dedicación a esta causa, y después de escuchar más sobre el registro, me inscribí”.

Su decisión de hacer la prueba de donación de su médula ósea, resultó ser un momento que resonaría no solo en su vida sino también en la vida que salvaría.

Como sucedió, el obispo Mulvey tuvo una compatibilidad perfecta, para una mujer con niños pequeños que tenía una forma de cáncer de sangre. Después de ser

contactado por Be the Match, se hicieron arreglos para que el obispo fuera a San Antonio y se sometiera a una donación periférica de células madre, lo que salvó la vida de la mujer.

Según el obispo Mulvey, pasar por este procedimiento para poder ayudar a otra persona fue una experiencia de humildad.

“Sabiendo que debido a la vida que me ha sido dada por Dios, pude retribuir y hacer una gran diferencia en la vida de esta persona, en la vida de sus hijos y de su familia es algo en lo que he pensado con bastante frecuencia”. dijo.

Aunque el obispo Mulvey nunca ha conocido a la destinataria de su donación, él ha sido muy consciente de la existencia de esa persona y le agradece a Dios, el haberla podido ayudar.

La historia del obispo Mulvey es una que ejemplifica la importancia de dar.

Subraya la necesidad constante de que las personas aprendan más sobre Be the Match, de manera que un grupo más diverso de gente, pueda estar disponible en el registro de donadores.

“Cada tres minutos, alguien es diagnosticado con un cáncer de sangre o un trastorno sanguíneo potencialmente mortal, como leucemia o linfoma”, dijo Leticia Mondragon. Mondragon es especialista en desarrollo y compromiso de donantes con

GenCure en sociedad con Be the Match.

“Es un proceso muy simple enlistarse en el registro de donadores porque recientemente nos hemos vuelto digitales. Las personas pueden hacerlo en sus teléfonos inteligentes, de manera fácil, porque queremos que toda la gente con diferentes orígenes étnicos esté representada”.

Según Mondragon, el donante debe ser compatible con la persona necesitada según su origen étnico, no según el tipo de sangre. Los donantes deben tener entre 18 y 44 años de edad y seguirán siendo elegibles para donar hasta que cumplan 61 años. Y enviando un mensaje de texto a CureCC al 61474, el proceso de inscripción es relativamente corto y puede realizarse desde cualquier lugar, a cualquier hora del día o de la noche.

En Mateo 10: 8, “San Mateo dice que lo que has recibido como un regalo, lo des como regalo”, dijo el obispo Mulvey.

“Debemos recordar siempre, que la vida de todos es un regalo y la verdadera gratitud se expresa cuando estás dispuesto a devolver y compartir lo que tienes”.

“Estamos agradecidos de que el obispo Mulvey haya querido compartir su historia porque es muy importante que tengamos líderes como él que promuevan nuestra misión global de salvar vidas”, dijo Mondragon.

Noviembre es el mes nacional de concientización sobre la médula

Regístrate: Texto CureCC al 61474 Los donantes deben tener entre 18 y 44 años de edad.

Para obtener más información sobre cómo donar o alojar una unidad de registro de médula, llame a Leticia Mondragon al (361) 480-2820.

28 South Texas Catholic | November 2019

Albert H. Teich | Shutterstock

†† NATIONAL NEWS

Senator Ben Sasse, who introduced the resolution in the Senate, pictured at the National Press Club, Oct. 2018.

Sasse resolution: Church beliefs should not jeopardize tax-exempt status

By Matt Hadro

O

Catholic News Agency

ne U.S. senator is looking to bring up a vote on protecting churches from attempts to police their beliefs, after a presidential candidate said churches should lose their tax-exempt status if they oppose same-sex marriage.

Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) has introduced a resolution in the Senate expressing support for freedom of conscience (S.J.Res. 58). He said on Wednesday that his measure aims to put senators on the record on protecting the tax-exempt status of houses of worship, amidst attempts to condition that status on a church’s support for samesex marriage.

Introduced Wednesday, the joint resolution recognizes the importance of religious freedom to the framers of the Constitution and the role of religion in the history of the U.S., and says that the government cannot condition religious

protections such as tax-exempt status upon certain viewpoints it deems “correct.”

The resolution states that “government should not be in the business of dictating what ‘correct’ religious beliefs are; and any effort by the government to condition the receipt of the protections of the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the United States, including an exemption from taxation, on the public policy positions of an organization is an affront to the spirit and letter of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.”

Sasse introduced his resolution on Wednesday in response to comments by Democratic presidential candidate and former congressman Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke at a “#PowerOfOurPride” town hall on LGBTQ issues sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign and broadcast

by CNN on Oct. 10.

At the town hall event, O’Rourke had

said in response to a question by moderator Don Lemon that “religious institutions like colleges, churches, charities” should be stripped of their tax-exempt status if they oppose same-sex marriage.

O’Rourke’s campaign later offered a clarification, saying he was not referring to the tax-exempt status of houses of worship but rather access to public grants and tax dollars of religious-based charities.

On Sunday, O’Rourke told MSNBC, “when you are providing services in the public sphere, say, higher education, or health care, or adoption services, and you discriminate or deny equal treatment under the law based on someone’s skin color or ethnicity or gender or sexual orientation, then we have a problem.”

Despite the clarification, however, the comments sparked backlash and questions about the constitutionality of such a proposal.

Sasse, on Wednesday, issued a rebuke

November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 29

†† NATIONAL NEWS

of O’Rourke’s original proposal on the Senate Floor, calling them “extreme intolerance,” “extreme bigotry,” and “profoundly un-American.”

“I don’t care what some nitwit said on CNN last week to satisfy his fringy base and try to get a sound bite in a presidential debate. The American people ought to know that this body stands for the historic First Amendment, that’s what we all took an oath to uphold and to defend and that’s what we ought to vote to affirm again,” Sasse said.

The government cannot regulate the speech of churches and cannot “define true and false religion,” he said.

“Government doesn’t rifle through your pastor’s or your rabbi’s sermon notes, government doesn’t tell your clerics what they can or can’t say, government doesn’t tell your religious leaders how they will perform their services, government doesn’t tell you where or when you will worship,” Sasse said.

The Supreme Court ruled in a 1970 decision Walz v. Tax Commission of the City of New York that tax exemptions for houses of worship did not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

In a 7-1 decision, the Court said that such exemptions did not single out one particular religious group for favor, but rather “creates only a minimal and remote involvement between church and state, far less than taxation of churches would entail.” Furthermore, two centuries of tax exemptions for churches “has not led to an established church or religion, and, on the contrary, has helped to guarantee the free exercise

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30 South Texas Catholic | November 2019

of all forms of religious belief,” the Court said.

Other presidential candidates—Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Pete Buttigieg—said in the past week that they would not take such action to strip churches of tax exemptions.

“Religious institutions in America have long been free to determine their own beliefs and practices, and she [Warren] does not think we should require them to conduct same-sex marriages in order to maintain their tax exempt status,” a statement from the Warren campaign to NBC News read.

On CNN on Sunday, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor and Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg said that removing tax exemptions “means going to war not only with churches, but I would think with mosques and a lot of organizations that may not have the same view of various religious principles that I do.”

He added that “if we want to talk about anti-discrimination law for a school or an organization, absolutely. They should not be able to discriminate.”

At the same town hall where O’Rourke made his original comments, fellow presidential candidate Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), was also asked if he would strip houses of worship of tax-exempt status for opposing same-sex marriage, and responded that such a move would produce a “long legal battle,” but added that “if you are using your position to try to discriminate others, there must be consequences to that. And I will make sure to hold them accountable using the DOJ or whatever investigatory [body].”

Bishop Michael Mulvey and the staff of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources are committed to assisting in the healing process for victims and survivors of abuse.

If you or someone you know is in need of such services, call Stephanie Bonilla, Director of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources at: (361) 882-6191 for immediate assistance.

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Pregnancy

Resource Center

Daniel Ibanez | CNA

Pope puts virtue and family at center of World Food Day message

P

Catholic News Agency

ope Francis voiced his concerns about the world’s approach to food, and called for a global attitude of virtue towards nutrition in his World Food Day message to the UN Food & Agriculture Organization on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

The theme of this year’s World Food Day is “Our Actions Are Our Future. Healthy Diets for a #ZeroHunger World,” which Pope Francis said he hoped would serve as a reminder that throughout the world, people are not eating in a healthy manner.

“It is a cruel, unjust and paradoxical reality that, today, there is food for everyone and yet not everyone has access to it, and that in some areas of the world food is wasted, discarded and consumed in excess, or destined for other purposes than nutrition,” the pope said in a message sent to the Director General of the UNFAO, Mr. Qu Dongyu, on Oct. 16.

Francis said that while steps have been taken to help solve the issues of malnutrition and hunger, the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has not yet been fully implemented worldwide.

While 820 million people in the world suffer from hunger, nearly the same number of people are overweight-- these he said were ”victims of improper dietary habits.”

“We are in fact witnessing how food is ceasing to be a means of subsistence and turning into an avenue of personal destruction.”

The pope said he was concerned that obesity is to be found not only in rich countries, but in poorer countries where people are imitating diets that come from other more developed areas, and damaging their health in the process.

“Due to poor nutrition, pathologies not only from the imbalance caused by ‘excess,’ often resulting in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other forms of degenerative diseases, but also by ‘deficiency,’ as documented by an increasing number of deaths from anorexia and bulimia,” said Francis.

Anorexia and bulimia are eating disorders.

To fight this, the pope called for a “conversion in our way of living and acting,” and said that improved nutrition is “an important starting point.” He said that the only way to fight these “nutritional disorders” is by creating a lifestyle that is “inspired by gratitude for the gifts we have received” along with “the adoption of a spirit of temperance, moderation, self-control, and solidarity.”

By embracing these virtues, Francis said that people will become more concerned for one another, and “grow in a fraternal solidarity that seeks the common good and avoids the individualism and egocentrism” that perpetuates societal ills. This will further lead to a healthier relationship with oneself, others, and the environment.

The pope said the family, particularly farming families, has a “primary role to play” in accomplishing this societal shift.

The family, he said, teaches how to embrace

the earth, without abusing it. Through the family, “we also discover the most effective means for spreading lifestyles respectful of our personal and collective good,” Francis added.

He praised the “increasing interdependence of nations” as a way for people to put aside other interests and create a sense of trust and friendship, particularly related to food concerns. Citing his environmental encyclical letter Laudato Si, he said that there needs to be a promotion of institutions and initiatives that assist the poor with access to basic resources, and that the current system is failing the neediest.

In his message, Francis criticized “the logic of the market” and the quest for profit, which he said resulted in food being “regulated to a mere commercial product subject to financial speculation,” instead of being seen as something with “cultural, social and indeed symbolic importance.”

Instead of taking this view of food, Francis suggested shifting views so that care of the human person is more of a concern than a profit margin. This approach, he said, will result in more effective programs that will solve the issues of hunger and obesity.

“When priority is given to the human person, humanitarian aid operations and development programs will surely have a greater impact and will yield the expected results,” said Pope Francis.

“We must come to realize that what we are accumulating and wasting is the bread of the poor.”

November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 31

†† VATICAN

Pope Francis at the General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, Oct. 16.

November Liturgical Calendar

1 | Fri | ALL SAINTS | white | Solemnity [Holyday of Obligation] Rv 7:2-4, 9-14/1 Jn 3:1-3/Mt 5:1-12a (667) Pss Prop 2 | Sat | The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed | white or violet or black (All Souls’ Day); Wis 3:1-9/Rom 5:5-11 or Rom 6:3-9/Jn 6:37-40 (668) or any readings from no. 668 or from the Lectionary for Mass (vol. IV), the Masses for the Dead, nos. 1011-1016 Pss Prop 3 | SUN | THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Wis 11:22—12:2/2 Thes 1:11—2:2/Lk 19:1-10 (153) Pss III 4 | Mon | Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop | white | Memorial | Rom 11:2936/Lk 14:12-14 (485) 5 | Tue | Weekday | green | Rom 12:516b/Lk 14:15-24 (486) 6 | Wed | Weekday | green | Rom 13:810/Lk 14:25-33 (487) 7 | Thu | Weekday | green | Rom 14:712/Lk 15:1-10 (488) 8 | Fri | Weekday | green | Rom 15:1421/Lk 16:1-8 (489)

9 | Sat | The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica | white | Feast | Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12/1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17/Jn 2:13-22 (671) Pss Prop

17 | SUN | THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green Mal 3:1920a/2 Thes 3:7-12/Lk 21:5-19 (159) Pss I

10 | SUN | THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | green 2 Mc 7:1-2, 9-14/2 Thes 2:16—3:5/Lk 20:27-38 or 20:27, 34-38 (156) Pss IV

18 | Mon | Weekday | green/white/ white [The Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles; USA: Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, Virgin] 1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63/Lk 18:35-43 (497) or, for the Memorial of the Dedication, Acts 28:1116, 30-31/Mt 14:22-33 (679)

11 | Mon | Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop | white | Memorial | Wis 1:1-7/Lk 17:1-6 (491) Pss Prop 12 | Tue | Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr | red | Memorial | Wis 2:23—3:9/ Lk 17:7-10 (492) 13 | Wed | USA: Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin | white | Memorial | Wis 6:1-11/Lk 17:11-19 (493) 14 | Thu | Weekday | green | Wis 7:22b—8:1/Lk 17:20-25 (494) 15 | Fri | Weekday | green/white [Saint Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor of the Church] Wis 13:1-9/Lk 17:26-37 (495) 16 | Sat | Weekday | green/white/ white/white [Saint Margaret of Scotland; Saint Gertrude, Virgin; BVM] Wis 18:14-16; 19:6-9/Lk 18:1-8 (496)

19 | Tue | Weekday | green | 2 Mc 6:1831/Lk 19:1-10 (498) 20 | Wed | Weekday | green | 2 Mc 7:1, 20-31/Lk 19:11-28 (499) 21 | Thu | The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary | white | Memorial | 1 Mc 2:15-29/Lk 19:41-44 (500) 22 | Fri | Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr | red | Memorial | 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59/Lk 19:45-48 (501) 23 | Sat | Weekday | green/red/white/ red/white [Saint Clement I, Pope and Martyr; Saint Columban, Abbot; USA: Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, Priest and

Martyr; BVM] 1 Mc 6:1-13/Lk 20:27-40 (502) 24 | SUN | OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE | white | Solemnity | 2 Sm 5:1-3/Col 1:12-20/Lk 23:35-43 (162) Pss Prop 25 | Mon | Weekday (Thirty-Fourth or Last Week in Ordinary Time) green/ red [Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr] Dn 1:1-6, 8-20/Lk 21:1-4 (503) Pss II 26 | Tue | Weekday | green | Dn 2:3145/Lk 21:5-11 (504) 27 | Wed | Weekday | green | Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28/Lk 21:12-19 (505) 28 | Thu | Weekday | green/white [USA: Thanksgiving Day] Dn 6:12-28/ Lk 21:20-28 (506) or, for Thanksgiving Day, any readings from the Lectionary for Mass (vol. IV), the Mass “In Thanksgiving to God,” nos. 943-947 29 | Fri | Weekday | green | Dn 7:2-14/ Lk 21:29-33 (507) 30 | Sat | Saint Andrew, Apostle | red | Feast | Rom 10:9-18/Mt 4:18-22 (684) Pss Prop

S UNDA Y, JA N UA RY 12, 2020

WWWWWWWWW

The Office of Family Life would like to invite all couples who are celebrating their Silver (25 yrs.) or Golden (50 yrs.)

Wedding Anniversary to an Anniversary Mass with Bishop Michael Mulvey at Corpus Christi Cathedral.

Anniversary Mass celebration will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 at Corpus Christi Cathedral.

Due to limited space, regretfully the couple is limited to two guests to join them for the reception.

Registration deadline is Dec. 31, 2019 You may register online at Diocesecc.org/anniversary-mass 32 South Texas Catholic | November 2019

2 & 3 2

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Nov. 2 at St. Patrick School (3340 S. Alameda St.) Our Lady of Knock Hall in Corpus Christi.

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Nov. 2-3. Begins on Saturday at the 5 p.m. vigil Mass and continues Sunday at the 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Mass at St. Joseph Church (710 S. 19th St.) in Corpus Christi.

Bring your photos in honor of our upcoming 70th Anniversary in July of 2020, we wish to thank all those who have served in the Armed Forces.

Nov. 2 from 7-10 p.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish (603 E. 5th Street) in Alice. There will be two age groups competing (age 20 and below and age 21 and over) for a $200 prize for the 1st place winners. Sign up at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/73MVMV2G. There is a $25 entry fee. Food trucks will be competing in a Best Tasting Food contest judged by the people attending the event. 1st prize wins $200. There is a $75 food contest entry fee. For more information call Conrado Carrillo at (361) 562-3912.

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National Vocations Awareness Week Celebrated on Nov. 3-9, is an annual week-long celebration of the Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.

Please pray for vocations.

Coastal Bend Day of Giving pre-registration This community give-together begins at midnight on November 12 with a minimum gift of only $10. For matching purposes; however, you may also preschedule your donation

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Nov. 7-10, beginning Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and ending Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana). Register ourladyofcorpuschristi.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish 12th Annual Fall Fest BBQ Nov. 3 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Jim Wells County Fairgrounds (3001 S. Johnson St.) in Alice. The Fall Fest will feature a delicious barbecue dinner, bingo, a silent auction, games and fun activities for the kids, hayride, sweet shop, music, and more. Barbecue plates with all the trimmings will be served between 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $8 per plate. For more information call parish office at (361) 664-6481.

Mass honoring veterans

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Karaoke Contest

Spiritual Exercises Retreat 7 Women’s

on the website from Nov. 3-11 and it will be processed on November 12. Go to coastalbenddayofgiving.org.

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Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the parish hall at St. Patrick Church (3350 S. Alameda).Featured events include a silent auction and raffle. Featured booths include baked goods, crafts and collectibles and various tables with visiting vendors.

Call the parish rectory for more information at (361) 855-7391.

Back From the Dead Nov. 3 from 7-7:40 p.m.; 7:20-8 p.m.; 7:40-8:20 p.m.; and 8-8:40 p.m. at St. Joseph Church (710 S. 19th St.) in Corpus Christi.

Ages 13+ tickets are limited.

Hosted by and benefiting the St. Joseph High School Youth Group. For more information and tickets go to https://www. eventbrite.com/e/back-fromthe-dead-tickets-72173702487

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St. Theresa 11th Annual Thanksgiving Fest

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Christmas Bazaar at St. Pius X

Bible Study with Jeff Cavins at St. Patrick Nov. 5 and every Tuesday from 7-9 at St. Patrick Church, Our Lady of Knock Hall (the corner of S. Alameda and Rossiter Street.) “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible,” presented by Jeff Cavins for 8-weeks. For more information call the parish office at (361) 855-7391.

6 OLCC Annual Banquet

Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi (1200 Lantana) in Corpus Christi. There will be prayer, music, dinner and an auction. Tickets available at ourladyofcc.org.

St. Anthony of Padua Church & School Fall Festival Nov. 9 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church grounds (204 Dunne Ave.) in Robstown. The fall festival is a time and a place for family and friends to come together for fun and laughter. There will be a silent auction, food and game booths, cakewalk, live music, and much more.

REVIVE at St. Joseph Nov. 4 and every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Joseph (710 S. 19th St.) in Corpus Christi. Register online at stjosephcorpuschristi.com/ revive or call the office at (361) 882-7912.

St. Patrick Altar & Rosary Christmas Bazaar

Nov. 9 from 4-11 p.m. at the Community Life Center in Premont. Come to a fun-filled evening with many food booths, games, prize bingos and music for everyone to enjoy.

Nov. 9 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. in the St. Pius X (737 St. Pius Drive) Parish Hall. Admission is $3.

Enjoy an evening of holiday shopping and refreshments. Get your Christmas shopping done and check off those lists. If you are interested in being a vendor, stop by the school office to fill out a form.

November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 33

†† NOVEMBER CALENDAR

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‘Live Well with Diabetes,’ a Diabetes Self-Management Education

†† NOVEMBER CALENDAR

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Theology on Tap Nov. 12 and every second Tuesday of every month from 7:15-9:15 p.m. at Bar Under the Sun (702 N Chaparral St.) in Corpus Christi. The diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adults is coordinating Theology on Tap. Theology on Tap is an invitation for young adults to learn more about their faith and to share in the Catholic community. For ages 21-39.

Free Care Provider Training Nov. 13 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Area Agency on Aging (2910 Leopard St.) Free 8-hour training.

Learn to provide personal care to seniors and persons with physical disabilities and to enhance and promote the quality of care in the home. Seating is limited call (361) 883-3935, ext. 5153 to reserve your space.

Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience - English Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience™ is a holy encounter with God under the watchful care of Our Lady of Lourdes which re-creates a pilgrimage to Lourdes without ever leaving home through projected images. This prayerful experience draws pilgrims nearer to God in the company of Our Lady as they are guided through a prayerful visit to the Grotto, the experience of the water, prayer in a Rosary procession and a Eucharistic blessing.

Healing Retreat at OLCC Nov. 15-17, beginning on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and ending on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana). Discover the ways we block God’s grace in our life and remove obstacles that prevent us from growing in our relationship with God. The weekend consists of a series of talks on healing, periods of quiet reflection asking God to reveal where we need healing, and concludes with a Healing Service. Register ourladyofcorpuschristi.org or call (361) 2899095, ext. 321.

de un Peregrinaje 15 Experiencia virtual a Lourdes en Español

Viernes, 15 de Noviembre a las 7 p.m. (Español) y Our Lady of Perpetual Help (5830 Williams Drive).

Marriage Prep 16 Diocesan – One Day Workshop

Nov. 16 from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish (16602 FM 624) in Robstown Cost is $150 ($175 for couples outside the diocese). The Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is designed to inform couples of the spiritual and practical aspects of Catholic marriage and facilitate couple dialogue.

Registrations are due one week prior to

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the seminar. To register go to diocesecc.org/ onedayworkshop.

Diocesan NFP Class Nov. 16 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at 1426 Baldwin.

Learn to recognize the natural cycles of fertility and infertility that occur naturally in every woman.

Natural Family Planning (NFP) allows couples to plan pregnancies while following the teachings of the Church and respecting the gift of their married love. Marriage formation couples should plan to begin NFP education no less than three months prior to wedding date. For more information email enguyen@diocesecc.org or visit diocesecc.org/ natural-family-planning.

of lay apostolates 16 Meeting of St. Dominic

Nov. 16 and every third Saturday of each month at 3:45 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary School (next to St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2233 Waldron Road) in Flour Bluff. The group is under the spiritual guidance of Sister Claudia Ongpin, O.P., of the Religious Missionary Sisters of St. Dominic.

16 Grounded in Truth at OLCC

Nov. 16 and every third Saturday of the month.

An hour of adoration with praise and worship in the OLCC Perpetual Adoration Chapel 7-8 p.m., followed by music and fellowship in Cafe Veritas (attached to Our Lady of Corpus Christi’s Bookstore) from 8-9:30 p.m. All music led by talented local musicians. Call (361) 289-0807 for more information.

18 Adult Faith Formation-New Class

Nov. 18 and every Monday until Dec. 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Annex (710 S. 19th St.) in Corpus Christi. A Journey through the Catechism: Pillar I – The Creed. The cost is free. The host is Robert Mirabal.

22 Father and Son Retreat

Nov. 22-24, beginning Friday at 5:30 and ending Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center (1200 Lantana). This retreat is intended to help build up your relationship, give you time to pray and have some fun together. Register ourladyofcorpuschristi.org or call (361) 289-9095, ext. 321.

Advent Day of Recollection 1 An for all Women

Dec. 1 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Schoenstatt Movement Center (4343 Gaines St.) in Corpus Christi. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and closes with Mass at 2:30 p.m. $5 donation fee with lunch available for purchase. For more information contact Ana De La Rosa (361) 688-2829 or (361) 992-9841.

To see more calendar events go to: SouthTexasCatholic.com/events click on Ongoing Events to the right of the screen.

Our Lady of Consolation Church 2019 / 105th Annual

Thanksgiving Day Picnic Thursday, Nov. 28 Vattmann, Texas

South of Kingsville on Farm Road 628

(5 miles east of US-77/as if you’re going to King’s Inn)

Family Style Turkey Dinner (all you care to eat) 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Includes: fresh baked turkey, homemade dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, cucumber and green bean salad, bread, coffee, tea and desserts (pies/cakes – limited to one serving) soft drinks and beer are available.

Dinners to go also available.

Entertainment

Turkey Shoot (Trap and Target) H Country Store H Kids Games H Fish Pond H Ring Toss H Raffles H Drinks H Silent Auctions H Centennial Memorabilia H Cook Books H Daub Bingo (2-6 p.m.)

Country Western Dance featuring

Tumble Dry Low

8 p.m.–12 midnight Drinks and setups available

Sacred Heart in Odem

invites you to a 6 mile procession to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Edroy in celebration of our

9th Annual Feast Day Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe SUNDAY, DEC. 8, 2019 The celebration will begin at 9 a.m. with a 6 mile walk from Sacred Heart (401 W. Willis St.) in Odem to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Edroy (18012 CR 1598) where we will serenade our Blessed Mother before 12 p.m. Mass.

For more information call Servando Gomez at

(361) 688-0842

For Directions using Google, Bing or Yahoo Maps: 204 Palm Avenue, Riviera, TX

The Singing For Christ Ministry is looking for a guitarist and singers to join us in bringing a little touch of Jesus to our brothers and sisters in Christ in nursing homes. Visits are once a week to a nursing home singing English and Spanish songs.

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“Well done good and Faithfull Servant your faithful Service is an offering to God.” –Matthew 25:21

Juan Olivares (361) 739-5364 Juan5Olivares@gmail.com November 2019 | South Texas Catholic 35

November 2019 Issue SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC 555 N Carancahua St, Ste 750 Corpus Christi, TX 78401-0824 (361) 882-6191