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February 03, 2012 |
February 3, 2012
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Overturn HHS Mandate
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that religious employers will be required to provide health care plans that include coverage of sterilization, contraceptives, and abortifacients. Catholic schools, hospitals, and charities are not exempt from this mandate. This violation of religious liberty is unconscionable and unnecessary.
The TCC HHS Mandate web page includes up-to-date news and videos on the Bishops' response to this issue, as well as information on how you can contact your U.S. Representative and the White house and urge them support conscience protection. Click here to visit the page.
Bishop Mulvey Defends Religious Liberty in Latest Texas Catholic Podcast
Corpus Christi Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey explains how the Obama Administration's forcing of religious employers to provide contraceptive and abortifacient coverage is an assault on religious liberty in the most recent episode of the Texas Catholic Podcast.
The podcast, available via iTunes or on the Texas Catholic Conference Audio Archive, was recorded during Bishop Mulvey's homily at the Corpus Christi Cathedral on January 29, 2012. Bishop Mulvey stressed that his objections to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate were not political in nature, but were instead, "a matter of conscience. This is a matter of religious freedom.”
Dioceses Celebrate Catholic Schools Week
 Catholic Schools across the state participated in spirit days, prayer services, special Masses, and other activities in celebration of National Catholic Schools week (Jan. 29 - Feb. 4). This year's theme - "Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service" - underscores the key strengths of a Catholic education. The week is an annual celebration of the important role that Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the country play in providing a values-added education for America's young people. Click here to access a link to the Catholic schools in your diocese. Doctors wonder how federal mandate will affect practice of medicine By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service  Whether they are just starting out or nearing the end of their careers, Catholics who want to practice medicine in conformity with the church's teachings wonder how a new federal regulation requiring health plans to cover contraceptives and sterilization free of charge will affect their work. Although the requirement will not directly impact physicians, some said it represents a governmental intrusion into health care that could grow in the future.
The first Pastoral Letter of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter
 The first Pastoral Letter of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter in the territory of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, was sent by the Ordinary, Fr Jeffrey Steenson, to Anglican ministers and faithful who have decided to enter into full and visible communion with the Catholic Church. The letter’s aim was to inform and accompany the faithful on this important journey. “The Ordinariate”, it read, “is finally off and running, after much anticipation, work, and prayer. We have just completed a wonderful Formation Weekend in Houston for the priest candidates and their wives for the Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter. With deeply moving contributions from His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, we have begun to take the first steps in preparing a group of very dedicated men for ordination. As the Ordinariate was only established this month, this was our first opportunity to come together in mutual discernment and encouragement.
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The Texas Catholic Voice is the E-Newsletter of the Texas Catholic Conference - The Official Public Policy Voice of the Texas Bishops.
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