“We try to present the Catholic faith in its fullness.” –Msgr. Leonard Pivonka Knights of Columbus council, a thriving Catholic Daughters of the Americas circle and the Altar and Rosary Society. The parish also recently added a Eucharistic Adoration chapel that is available to all parishioners at anytime but with scheduled adorations each First Friday of the month. St. Elizabeth also has an active youth ministry with newly ordained Deacon Ernest Gutierrez in charge of the Life Teen group that numbers 40 high school-age youth. The altar servers number more than 70 and some 200 public school students participate in religious education classes. The parish also provides formation through St. Elizabeth School, which operates classes from K3-sixth grades and has an enrollment of 185 students. The school opened in 1949 and was initially staffed by the School Sisters of Notre Dame but now is run by lay educators. Faith formation also involves works of mercy, and the parish–together with Our Lady of Guadalupe, operates a Works of Mercy storehouse in downtown Alice that provides food, clothing and financial assistance to the needy. The generosity of parishioners is also evident with the success of their recent Legacy of Faith~Future of Hope campaign in which St. Elizabeth met 260 percent of their goal. This faith-filled community has also nurtured seven vocations to the clergy and consecrated life. Sister Rose Ann Bacak, SSND, took her first vows in 1959, two years after graduating from William Adams High School in Alice and six years after graduating from St. Elizabeth School. Ten years later her fraternal sister, Barbara Joan Bacak, also took her first vows with the School Sisters of Notre Dame. In 1985, Bishop Rene Gracida ordained the first priest from St. Elizabeth, Father Robert Dunn who is now pastor at Most Precious Blood Parish in Corpus Christi. In June 2011, Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey ordained Father John Chavarria, a second priestly vocation from St. Elizabeth. Father Chavarria is assigned to St. Gertrude in Kingsville. In addition to Deacon Gutierrez who was ordained November 2012, St. Elizabeth has given the diocese two other permanent deacons; Deacon Alan Borse, now retired, and Deacon Jim Carlisle, who serves at St. Elizabeth. “Living the faith is a gradual thing and patience is required,” Msgr. Pivonka said. www.SouthTexasCatholic.com
Help Us Prevent Financial Abuse The Diocese of Corpus Christi at the recommendation of the Diocesan Financial Council and Presbyteral Council have furthered their commitment to good stewardship and ¿nancial accountability on behalf of generous donors by instituting a ¿nancial abuse hotline. The Diocese of Corpus Christi has selected an independent third party, The Network, to provide you with a new way to anonymously and con¿dently report ¿nancial abuse and fraud. Employees, parishioners, volunteers, vendors and other interested parties will be encouraged to report concerns they have regarding ¿nancial misconduct within the Diocese of Corpus Christi. All inquiries will be treated promptly and discreetly. Callers will have the right to remain anonymous. Call 1-877-571-9748
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