Welcome to the Texas Catholic Conference, the Official Public Policy Voice of the Catholic Bishops of Texas.
OUR MISSION
The primary purpose of the Conference is to encourage and foster cooperation and communication among the dioceses and the ministries of the Catholic Church of Texas.
A major function of the Conference is to be the public policy arm of the Conference's Board of Directors, the bishops of Texas, before the Texas legislature, the Texas delegation in Congress, and state agencies. The public policy issues addressed by the Conference include institutional concerns of the Catholic Church as well as issues related to Catholic social teachings.
Pro-Life Day in Austin brought hundreds together to pray, learn, and actively promote respect for human life from conception until natural death.
The Day's activities began at 7 a.m. with a prayer vigil at an abortion clinic in downtown Austin. Despite the brisk air, organizers estimated that there were approximately 90 people in attendance, including Dr. Alveda King, niece of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King.
After the vigil, hundreds gathered at San Jose parish in Austin for a pro-life rosary and Mass, celebrated by Bishop Aymond.
Click the image above to see our Pro Life day video which includes pictures, excerpts from Bishop Aymond's homily and Dr. Alveda King's speech
“God’s dream is that all human life will be respected,” stated Bishop Aymond during his homily. “We have a dream not just for the unborn but for all human life. We have a dream that the terminally ill will not be in danger of losing their lives. We have a dream that those on death row will be given a chance to repent, instead of taking their life from them. We have a dream that the poor and the homeless and the hungry will be invited to someone’s table….”
Also present at the Mass were diocesan priests and seminarians, the Knights of Columbus, the Guadalupanas, and youth groups from the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Juan Diego High School, and other nearby parishes.
The next leg of the day began at Republic Square, where a large crowd gathered to begin the march to the Capitol for the Texas Rally for Life. Rally organizers passed out balloons and signs with the Rally's theme: Protect Every Heart. As marchers walked through the streets of Austin, they chanted, "Hey Hey Ho Ho Roe v Wade has got to go." Others holding "Honk if you're pro-life" signs received audible support from cars waiting for the marchers to pass.
The Texas Rally for Life program began with the Catholic African American Mass Choir from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Bishop Aymond led the crowd in prayer, and Alveda King gave a heartfelt speech on her history of civil rights advocacy, her own experiences with abortion, and her optimism regarding the pro-life movement.
“This is not a battle based on one ethnic group or another, one denomination or another,” stated King. “This is for all people fighting for the civil rights of the weakest and it is certainly a violation of a person’s civil right, when they are innocent, to kill them.”
After the Rally, many headed to the University Catholic Center for the Party for Life, hosted by Catholic Longhorns for Life. Those under 35 received t-shirts stating “I am a Survivor” and all in attendance were able to enjoy pizza, donuts, and good company.
2008 marks the second year that the Texas Catholic Conference participated in the Texas Rally for Life as a member of the Steering Committee. The Texas Catholic Conference is the statewide association of the Roman Catholic dioceses in Texas. One of the Conference’s functions is to be the public policy arm of the Conference’s Board of Directors, the bishops of Texas, before the Texas legislature, the Texas delegation in Congress, and state agencies. The public policy issues addressed by the Conference include institutional concerns of the Catholic Church as well as issues related to Catholic social teachings.
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Statewide Roe v. Wade Commemoration
"Seven members of the Supreme Court took the issue of abortion out of the hands of the American people and their duly elected lawmakers. In doing so, they declared that the tiniest human beings have no claim on life and that, therefore, their lives can be terminated. In doing so, those seven did more than write new laws; they invented a constitutional concept that had never been envisioned; in doing so, they contravened two of our nation’s most precious values: the recognition of a God-given, inalienable right to life, and the promise of equal protection under law. All this, increasing numbers of Americans are coming to understand, and there is hope in this.”
-Cardinal William H. Keeler, homily at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C, January 23, 2005
Click hereto learn about statewide events commemorating the 35th anniversary of Roe v Wade
Click hereto test your knowledge of Roe v Wade and related issues
'From Many, One Family of God' is the theme for this year's National Migration Week, sponsored by Migration and Refugee Services of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB/MRS), and to be observed January 6-12. The message is one of assurance of the providence of God as well as a reminder that His abundance is meant to be shared with all people.
Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, new chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, said that this year's theme "reminds us that though we come from many cultures and places, we are all part of one human family and members of the one Body of Christ. Sadly, rather than embracing newcomers to our land whose circumstances have compelled them to seek new lives among us, we too often respond in fear and harbor attitudes of resentment and suspicion."
"The miracle of the loaves and fishes is God's promise not only to the disciples but to us as well. If we fail to minister to the needs of these newcomers, we fail our Lord himself," Bishop Wester said. "National Migration Week 2008 is a celebration of the diversity and richness of the family of God…When we set aside our concerns and share our resources, God's blessings extend to all of us."
After failure by the U.S. Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform last summer, the Catholic Bishops have vowed to continue raising their "prophetic voice calling the faithful and all people of goodwill to reach out in love and understanding to our migrant brothers and sisters. We must learn of the realities that cause them to leave all that is precious behind for an uncertain future, learn the truth about the many contributions they make and gifts they bring to our society, and work to reform our immigration laws that cause family disintegration and strife within communities," the bishops say.
The Migration and Refugee Services of the USCCB has made several materials available to facilitate the observance of National Migration Week 2008. These materials include a prayer for migrants and refugees, bulletin inserts explaining the meaning and purpose of the celebration, a bilingual poster and a calendar for reflection for each day during the week of observance. Each day is devoted to one particular topic and contains a Scripture passage and suggestions for action.
Information and materials for National Migration Week 2008 can be found at www.usccb.org/mrs/nmw.shtml.
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All Souls' Day Border Mass
Out in the desert on Friday, Nov. 2, approximately 500 people attended the binational All Souls’ Day Mass at the border of Sunland Park, N.M. and Anapra, Mexico. Bishops Armando X. Ochoa, of El Paso,and Ricardo Ramirez, of Las Cruces, and Bishop Renato Ascensio Leon of Juarez concelebrated the Mass on both sides of the tall chain link fence. The altars were simple folding tables covered with white cloths. Bright paper flowers adorned the fence. Small wooden crosses were displayed in memory of the many who died crossing the border in past years.
"The Mass is a tradition on the border and is meant for the living as much as for the dead. We gather together to remember those who have lost their lives and to challenge the living to do what we can to look for comprehensive immigration law," said Bishop Ochoa.
Las Cruces Bishop Ramirez and Juarez BishopLeon took turns leading the worship, each one on his side of the fence.
Bishop Ramirez sees the annual Border Mass as, "…one of the newest traditions and gets more attention. We celebrate on both sides and this unites us."
During the sharing of peace men, women and children reached fingers out to each other through the openings on both sides of the fence. Just before the Mass ended red, white and blue balloons were released into the air accompanied by Mexico’s green and red balloons. They billowed out floating together.
A special collection was taken up for the Tabasco, Mexico flood victims.The crowd of religious and laity included locals and travelers from other parts of the U.S. and even Europe. Two Annunciation House volunteers were pleased they had the opportunity to participate in the event. Susanna Schechinger, from Bavaria in Munich, related, "There’s a lot of injustice, but I am happy to see people celebrate Mass as a sign of unity. This brings us together and makes us all equal."
Article by Mary Ann Herman-Bogle. Picture and article reprinted from the Rio Grande Catholic
Pope Accepts Resignation Of Amarillo Bishop John Yanta, Names San Antonio Auxiliary Bishop Patrick Zurek To Succeed Him
Bishop John Yanta
Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Bishop John W. Yanta, 76, as bishop of Amarillo, Texas, and named San Antonio Auxiliary Bishop Patrick J. Zurek, 59, to succeed him.
Bishop Patrick Zurek
"I wish to express my gratitude to our present Holy Father Benedict XVI for his confidence in me continuing as Diocesan Bishop these 15 months after my 75th birthday," stated Bishop Yanta. "I have loved and enjoyed my tenure as Bishop of Amarillo."
"Your new Diocesan Bishop has been a bishop for ten years, speaks Spanish fluently and has great experience in evangelizing, shepherding, teaching, sanctifying, and serving the People of God," continued Bishop Yanta. "He has many years of fruitful experience in mission work in Honduras in a joint collaboration with the Diocese of Amarillo. Both as a priest and a bishop, your new diocesan pastor has been committed to Pro-Life ministry. Your new shepherd has earned through experience a reputation for his respected ecclesial and pastoral relationship with all."
Archbishop José Gomez of the Archdiocese of San Antonio also praised Bishop Zurek, stating, "Bishop Patrick Zurek has been a blessing in many ways to me personally and to all the people of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. All who have worked alongside him will miss a good friend and a talented and dedicated bishop. However, I am happy that the Diocese of Amarillo will now benefit from his inspired leadership and dedication. For nearly a decade Bishop Zurek ministered effectively in a variety of areas throughout the Archdiocese of San Antonio. His ability to work with a collaborative spirit enriched the implementation of the Archdiocesan Synod, ACTS Missions, Assumption Seminary, CTSA and many other ministries and initiatives."
Bishop Zurek, a native of Wallis, Texas, was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Austin, Texas, in 1975. He was ordained a bishop in 1998.
Patrick Zurek was born on August 17, 1948. He attended local elementary and secondary schools and received his bachelor's degree in mathematics and chemistry from the University of Houston. He also attended the Seminary of St. Mary, studying philosophy at the University of St. Thomas, Houston, and the North American College, Rome, studying theology at the Angelicum University. Subsequently he earned a licentiate in moral theology at the Alphonsian Academy, Rome.
After several parochial assignments, Bishop Zurek served as pastor of St. Thomas Church, College Station, Texas, and pastor of St. John Neumann Church, Austin, and as diocesan director of vocations. He also served as vice president and president of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocations Directors.
As a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Zurek served on the Committee on the North American College and the Ad Hoc Committee for the Spanish Language Bible. His installation will be on Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. in Amarillo.
The Amarillo Diocese has 26 counties and 25,800 square miles, and includes the part of Texas known as the Panhandle. The total population of the diocese is estimated at 422,428 people, with 41,692 of them Catholic.
Bishops praise New Jersey lawmakers for vote to abolish death penalty
Congratulations to Archbishop Fiorenza
Archbishop Fiorenza will be honored on January 26th for his commitment to abolishing the death penalty in Texas by the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. The Texas Catholic Conference applauds Archbishop Fiorenza, who has worked tirelessly on behalf of this life issue.
Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston stated that New Jersey's recent abolition of the death penalty is "a great step forward."
“I hope it is a harbinger of things to come and that people will realize, like New Jersey, that the death penalty is no longer necessary in order to properly deter horrendous crimes,” said the Archbishop. “The use of the death penalty usurps God's absolute dominion over human life. That’s what states do when they put someone to death. They are usurping God’s power over all human life.”
The governor of New Jersey, Jon Corzine, approved the measure on December 17 and also issued an order to commute the sentences of the eight men on the state's death row to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
He thanked advocacy groups, naming the New Jersey Catholic Conference and the American Civil Liberties Union among others, for their efforts "that put pressure on those of us in public service to stand up and do the right thing."
He also noted that the state Legislature "showed courageous leadership" with its decision.
Bishop Smith of Trenton, N.J., who testified before state lawmakers to oppose capital punishment, likewise said the legislators showed "a great deal of courage" to take an unpopular position against the death penalty.
In a phone interview with Catholic News Service, he said the state will not be the first to abolish the death penalty, but the first to stop its use since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976 after a three-year suspension. The practice was reinstated in New Jersey in 1982, but no one has been executed by the state since 1963.
Currently 37 states have capital punishment.
Bishop Smith told CNS he hoped the state's decision to repeal the death penalty and replace it with life in prison would encourage other states to pass similar measures.
He credited the combined efforts of lawmakers and a coalition of lobbyists -- including law enforcement officials and representatives of religious groups who testified against capital punishment -- with helping the measure secure the necessary votes for passage.
The bishop noted that many people who testified were family members of victims of "horrible murders." Family members were on both sides of the issue, he said; some felt the death penalty was justified, and others said the appeals process for the convicted murderer involved them in so much litigation they could never resume normal lives and did not experience the closure they sought.
Bishop Smith said he was pleased to be in the coalition speaking up against the death penalty, noting that "there is confusion in the church" over this issue.
He said the U.S. Catholic bishops have been actively campaigning against the death penalty since 2005. Since then, New Jersey's Catholic bishops have issued three statements opposing it. He said the statements mainly tried to get across the message that the death penalty "takes human life and should be abolished."
In a Dec. 10 statement Bishop Smith delivered to the General Assembly, he said the Catholic Church is guided by its belief "that every person has an inalienable right to life."
The bishop, quoting a statement released by the New Jersey Catholic Conference in Trenton and signed by the state's bishops, described capital punishment as "controversial, emotional and not an easy matter to address," particularly for victims' families, who "suffer with their loss through the years."
While he affirms the state's duty to "punish criminals and to prevent the repetition or occurrence of crime," he said he also believes "greater efforts must be made to bring the criminal to repentance and rehabilitation."
Elsewhere in the country in 2007, bills to abolish the death penalty failed to get enough votes in Montana, New Mexico, Nebraska and Colorado, according to the Death Penalty Information Center in Washington.
In 2005, New Jersey enacted a moratorium on carrying out the death penalty while a commission examined the justice system for fairness and accuracy.
First Texas Cardinal receives praise from Governor Perry
Austin, Texas—"Honor is given to me but I say that honor is given to the dynamic Catholic presence here in the state of Texas,” said Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, who was honored on December 12, at a luncheon hosted by Governor Rick Perry.
"Our state’s faith tradition is a strong one, continued by the millions of people who daily live out their faith by obeying the law, loving one another, and helping the less fortunate," said Governor Perry. "Cardinal DiNardo embodies the example of a life lived by faith. He understands the unique culture of our state and is living proof that the Roman Catholic faith is alive and well and thriving in Texas."
Cardinal DiNardo and TCC staff
Cardinal “I think what the Holy Father and the Holy See are saying is that the whole south and southwestern part of the United States with its variety of people, obviously a major portion of whom are Hispanic, is a noteworthy and beautiful addition for the Catholic Church in the United States and they wanted to recognize that,” Cardinal DiNardo said.
Bishop Gregory Aymond of the Diocese of Austin agreed, stating that the elevation “is a clear indication of Pope Benedict XVI’s awareness of the growth of the Catholic Church in Texas.”
Cardinal DiNardo celebrates his elevation with his brother bishop Gregory Aymond
of the Diocese of Austin, as well as Austin seminarian Kevin Jackson and Jason Bonifazi, a seminarian from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Texas’ Catholic roots date as far back as the 1520s when the first Europeans arrived.[i]Spanish explorer Juan de O
Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo), ca. 1860-1868.
Following the Texas War of Independence in 1836, Catholics found themselves cut off from Church authorities in Mexico and appealed to Rome for assistance.
In response to these appeals, Pope Gregory XVI designated Texas as an Apostolic Prefecture in 1839 with Father John Timon, C.M. as Prefect Apostolic. Father Jean Marie Odin, C.M., was named the Vice Prefect. When Father Odin arrived in Texas in 1840, there were five parishes for the entire state serving 12,000 Catholics. Recognizing the growth of Catholics in Texas, Pope Gregory XVI raised the Prefecture of Texas to the level of a Vicariate Apostolic in 1842, and Father Odin, C.M. was ordained a bishop to care for the Vicariate.[v]
Father Odin
Five years later in 1847, Pope Pius IX created the Diocese of Galveston, which included the entire state of Texas, and selected Father Odin as the first bishop.[vi]
In 1849 Bishop Odin brought the Oblates of Mary Immaculate to Texas to aid in ministering to Catholics in the diocese. The sisters began the horseback ministry, visiting more than 100 ranchos and communities located along the Rio Grande river.[vii]
The Church in Texas continued to grow and in 1874 the Vicariate Apostolic of Brownsville was established.[viii]The Vicariate was home to between 30,000 and 40,000 Catholics, the majority of whom could trace their heritage to settlers brought in the mid-eighteenth century by José de Escandón, known as the “father of the Rio Grande Valley” for his colonization efforts.[ix]
Oblate Missionaries were often known as the “Cavalry of Christ.” Here the missionaries are accompanied by Bishop Ledvina of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, 1920s.
By the end of the 1840s, Texas’ Catholics included native Hispanics as well as Catholics from France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland and other parts of Europe and the United States. For the next 50 years, dozens of Texas towns would be created by these groups of Catholic settlers.[x]
Two hundred Irish Catholic families from New York established the town of San Patricio de Hibernia by 1834.[xi]As early as the 1840s, Czech and German Catholics settled Texas towns including Dubina, Warrenton, West and Ammansville. Czechs who settled Hostyn established the first Czech Catholic school in Texas in 1868.[xii]
2007 marks 25 years of a Culture of death in Texas
Austin, Texas—“Many of us say that we live in a culture of death,” stated Bishop Gregory Aymond during a press conference at the State Capitol.
Click the picture above to play the video
Click hereto read a transcript of Bishop Aymond’s remarks.
Bishop Aymond, speaking on behalf of the Texas Catholic Conference, reiterated Catholic Teaching on the death penalty, stating, “We do not believe as people who believe in Jesus, that it is right to continue this cycle of death. Even if someone has experienced or committed the terrible, egregious crime of taking the life of another, does that give us the right to take their life?”
This year, which marks Texas’ 25th year of the use of the death penalty, the state accounted for 62% of all executions that took place in the United States this year, according to a new report from the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP).Baze>Luckily, the number of new death sentences in Texas have declined by 50% over the last five years, mirroring national trends. Seven inmates scheduled for execution this year have received last-minute stays, due to concerns about their possible innocence, the fairness of their trial, or issues related to lethal injection. Texas also commuted the death sentence of Kenneth Foster to life in prison. The Texas Catholic Conference, along with numerous other groups around the state, actively vied for this commutation. Click here to read the Bishops’ letter requesting clemency for Kenneth Foster. “Jesus seems to have been pretty clear when he said it’s not an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth but it is rather compassion and justice and mercy,” stated Bishop Aymond. “Jesus himself has said [he does] not desire the death of a sinner but rather that he or she be converted and live.”
Concluding his remarks, the Bishop reiterated, “We must become a voice for life.”
Click hereto read a transcript of Bishop Aymond’s remarks.
Click herefor the TCC death penalty resources page.
Click here to sign up for the TCC email newsletter.
Bishop Aymond's Remarks
We live, unfortunately, in a culture today, throughout our country and all across the world as well, that is not a culture that respects the dignity and the reverence of human life. And that’s why many of us say that we live in a culture of death. And I suggest that there is a great deal of evidence around us that suggests that we do live in a culture that encourages death. We do not believe as people who believe in Jesus, that it is right to continue this cycle of death. Even if someone has experienced or committed the terrible, egregious crime of taking the life of another, does that give us the right to take their life. And so we as Christians, and certainly as Catholics, stand very, very strongly, and I represent not just myself, but the Catholic Church and all the Catholic bishops of Texas, in saying that we are concerned. And we appreciate you being here today. We appreciate you listening to this and carrying the message forward. We must become a voice for life.
Spe salvi (Saved by hope), the second encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI, offers inspiration to all believers, said Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
“Pope Benedict calls us personally and as a community to a hope rooted in Jesus,” he said. Cardinal George made his remarks November 30, the day the encyclical was released at the Vatican.
Spe Salvi instructs readers that the Christian message is not only “informative” but also “performative,” that is, “the Gospel is not merely a communication of things that can be known – it is one that makes things happen and is life-changing,” Pope Benedict says. It is in receiving God through Jesus Christ that we receive hope. He illustrates this point narrating the life of the African slave, St. Josephine Bakhita.
The Pope outlines the concept of faith-based hope in the New Testament and early church and says that Christianity did not bring to the Roman world a hopeful message of social revolution. Jesus, who died on a cross, brought a totally different kind of hope. He made possible an encounter with “the Lord of all lords, an encounter with the living God and thus an encounter with a hope stronger than sufferings of slavery,” which therefore transformed life.
This hope exceeds the physical laws of nature and evolution. It is ultimately not these laws that govern the world and mankind and have the final say; a personal God governs the universe – “reason, will, love – a Person,” Pope Benedict says.
For the Pope, Christian hope is not individualistic. It is community oriented – all of us are becoming the people of God – the body of Christ, he says. Because our hope is a hope that incorporates all men and women, this hope spurs us not only to obtain eternal life, but to also manifest this hope of eternal life here on earth. We do this by striving to make our life on earth a heavenly life – a life of productivity, justice, peace, and goodness – a positive world order that prospers.
The Holy Father also notes the importance of Christian faith-hope in the modern age. In the encyclical letter, Pope Benedict analyzes the false utopian dreams of the modern age and points out the untold suffering they have caused human beings. From this point of view, redemption is no longer through faith in God’s saving action but from what human beings can achieve through the application of technical knowledge to all of society’s problems. A praxis-oriented science draws on an understanding of progress as the overcoming of all dependency to make room for a “kingdom” in which God is no longer at the center. Pope Benedict reflects that when reason renounces faith in revelation or the moral wisdom of the great religions, it has led to scientific developments which in some cases evoke fear among our contemporaries. Just as man needs God in order to sustain hope, reason needs faith to make the world a more human place. “Reason needs faith to be completely itself,” the pope says.
Pope Benedict also observes that prayer leads to hope. “A first essential setting for learning hope is prayer. . . . When I can no longer talk to anyone or call upon anyone, I can always talk to God,” he says.
He adds that action and suffering are also settings for learning hope. “We can try to limit suffering, to fight against it, but we cannot eliminate it,” he says. “It is not by sidestepping or fleeing from suffering that we are healed, but rather by our capacity for accepting it, maturing through it and finding meaning through union with Christ, who suffered with infinite love.”
A person “cannot accept another's suffering unless he personally is able to find meaning in suffering, a path of purification and growth in maturity, a journey of hope. Indeed, to accept the ‘other’ who suffers, means that I take up his suffering in such a way that it becomes mine also. Because it has now become a shared suffering, though, in which another person is present, this suffering is penetrated by the light of love,” he says also.
Pope Benedict highlights the practice of praying for the dead saying it reveals another important element of the Christian concept of hope. “As Christians we should never limit ourselves to asking: how can I save myself? We should also ask: what can I do in order that others may be saved and that for them too the star of hope may rise? Then I will have done my utmost for my own personal salvation as well,” he says.
Spe salvi is the second encyclical of Pope Benedict. His first, “Deus caritas est,” (God is love) explored the meaning of Christian love and how it is expressed in everyday life. He issued it December 25, 2005.
Click here to read the encyclical. Click here to download the encyclical.
Stem cell breakthrough advances science without "ethical landmines," says Cardinal
“Studies published this week in the journals Cell and Science offer new hope for advancing stem cell research and therapies while fully respecting the dignity of human life.
“Scientists in Japan and Wisconsin used four genes to ‘reprogram’ ordinary adult human cells, creating ‘induced pluripotent stem cells’ (iPS cells). James Thomson, head of the Wisconsin team and the founder of human embryonic stem cell research, says these cells ‘meet the defining criteria’ for pluripotent human embryonic stem cells, ‘with the significant exception that the iPS cells are not derived from embryos.’
“Thus the goal sought for years through failed attempts at human cloning – the production of ‘pluripotent’ stem cells that are an exact genetic match to a patient – has been brought within reach by an ethical procedure. This technology avoids the many ethical landmines associated with embryonic stem cell research: it does not clone or destroy human embryos, does not harm or exploit women for their eggs, and does not blur the line between human beings and other species through desperate efforts to make human embryos using animal eggs. Ian Wilmut, head of the team that cloned ‘Dolly’ the sheep, now says he is abandoning efforts at human ‘therapeutic cloning’ to pursue this adult cell reprogramming avenue instead, because it is technically superior as well as ‘easier to accept socially.’
“I am grateful today for scientists who took up the challenge of finding morally acceptable ways to pursue stem cell research, and for government leaders who have encouraged and funded such avenues. This advance reminds us once again that medical progress and respect for human life are not in conflict; they can and should support and enrich one another for the good of all.”
Ralph McCloud, Texas Social Ministry Leader, Named To Head Catholic Campaign for Human Development
TCC congratulates Ralph McCloud, leader of the Diocese of Fort Worth’s Department for Community and Pastoral Services, for being named head of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). CCHD is the bishops’ anti-poverty program which funds community organizing and economic development projects that address root causes of poverty in the United States.
CCHD is part of the Human Development, Justice and Peace Department of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). In his new position, McCloud will lead and coordinate on a national level CCHD’s grant-making and the promotion and integration of CCHD’s domestic anti-poverty work.
McCloud has coordinated the peace and justice ministry in the Fort Worth Diocese and directed CCHD in the diocese since 1995. He has headed the diocese’s African American ministries since 1990. He also serves as a board member of the Roundtable, the National Association of Diocesan Social Ministry Directors.
Bishop Kevin Vann of Fort Worth has praised the appointment saying, “Ralph has served the Diocese of Fort Worth for 14 years, assisting faithfully both the late Bishop Joseph Delaney and myself. He will be a great asset at the USCCB.”
US Bishops speak on War in Iraq
During their November 2007 meeting, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement calling for Bipartisan Cooperation on a Responsible Transition in Iraq, as well as FAQs on the War in Iraq. Click hereto read these documents.
Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States
Respect for the dignity of every human being is a foundation for Catholic teaching about “faithful citizenship.” The statement explains the necessity of opposing actions that are intrinsically wrong, such as abortion and euthanasia, because these actions involve directly and intentionally ending an innocent human life. It also affirms the obligation to promote the common good by combating such threats to human life and dignity as hunger, poverty, racism, unjust immigration policies, and unjust war. “Both opposing evil and doing good are essential obligations.”
The bishops warn of two temptations for Catholics in public life. “The first is a moral equivalence that makes no ethical distinctions between different kinds of issues involving human life and dignity. The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life…is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. It must always be opposed.” A second temptation involves “dismissing or ignoring other serious threats to human life and dignity. Racism and other unjust discrimination, torture, the use of the death penalty, resorting to unjust war, war crimes, the failure to respond to those who are suffering from hunger or lack health care, or unjust immigration policies are all serious moral issues that challenge our consciences and require us to act.”
The bishops call Catholics to a different kind of political engagement shaped by the moral convictions of well-formed consciences and focused on the dignity of every human being, the pursuit of the common good, and the protection of the weak and the vulnerable.” They add, “Participation in political life in light of fundamental moral principles is an essential duty for every Catholic and all people of good will.”
The bishops also acknowledge the challenges faced by Catholic voters. “Catholics may feel politically disenfranchised sensing that no party and too few candidates fully share the Church’s comprehensive commitment to the dignity of the human person.” They add, “As Catholics we are not single issues voters. A candidate’s position on a single issue is not sufficient to guarantee a voter’s support. Yet a candidate’s position on a single issue that involves an intrinsic evil, such as support for legal abortion or the promotion of racism, may legitimately lead a voter to disqualify a candidate from receiving support.”
Despite these challenges, the statement urges Catholics “to become more involved: running for office, working within political parties, and communicating concerns to elected officials.” It suggests that Catholics should be “guided more by our moral convictions than by our attachment to a political party or interest group.” As they prepare for the elections, the statement says “Catholic voters should use Catholic teaching to examine candidates’ positions on issues and should consider candidates’ integrity, philosophy, and performance.”
The twofold purpose of punishment is to encourage the re-insertion of the condemned person into society and also to foster a justice that reconciles, a justice capable of restoring harmony in social relationships disrupted by the criminal act committed (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, #402 and #403).
The Act provides funding for many different programs that assist in reintegration including:
DemonstrationGrants and Mentoring Grants.Provides grants to promote the safe and successful re-integration into the community of individuals who have been incarcerated.
Offender Reentry Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Drug Treatment Program. Creates grants to improve the availability of drug treatment to offenders and their families.
Federal Reentry Initiative, Reentry Research, National Adult and Juvenile Offender Reentry Resource Center. Authorizes research on re-entry. The Act has passed through the House and its Senate committee, so now is the time to contact our Senators in support of it.
Clickhereto contact Senator Hutchison. Clickhereto contact Senator Cornyn.
Sample Message:
I am asking you to please support the Second Chance Act which eases the transition from prison or jail into the community. As a Catholic, I believe that public authority must exercise the right and the duty to inflict punishment but I also believe that punishment is an instrument for the correction of the offender and an opportunity for rehabilitation that ideally leads to re-insertion of the condemned person into society. The Second Chance Act will help with rehabilitation and re-insertion by funding mentoring, drug treatment programs, and research on re-entry. This Act is a great opportunity to fulfill the mission of the Texas criminal justice system to promote positive change in offender behavior and to reintegrate offenders into society.
Again, I urge you to please support the Second Chance Act. Thank you for your time.
Support the Mexico City Policy
Urge your US House Representative and Senators to support the Mexico City Policy today! Click here for a sample message and legislator contact information.
The Mexico City Policy specifies that federal funds for family planning are not available to non-governmental organizations that perform and promote abortion as a method of family planning in other countries. Abortion, according to our Catholic Teaching, is an unspeakable crime.
"Procured abortion is the deliberate and direct killing, by whatever means it is carried out, of a human being in the initial phase of his or her existence, extending from conception to birth.
The unborn child is totally entrusted to the protection and care of the woman carrying him or her in the womb. And yet sometimes it is precisely the mother herself who makes the decision and asks for the child to be eliminated, and who then goes about having it done. It is true that the decision to have an abortion is often tragic and painful for the mother, insofar as the decision to rid herself of the fruit of conception is not made for purely selfish reasons or out of convenience, but out of a desire to protect certain important values such as her own health or a decent standard of living for the other members of the family. Sometimes it is feared that the child to be born would live in such conditions that it would be better if the birth did not take place. Nevertheless, these reasons and others like them, however serious and tragic, can never justify the deliberate killing of an innocent human being (Evangelium Vitae, 58).”
Cardinal Rigali, Chairman for the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life activities, wrote a letter earlier this year asking for support of the Mexico City Policy, stating,
“The Mexico City Policy was promulgated by President Reagan in 1984 and has continued in law since then, except for an eight-year gap during the Clinton administration. It was first announced at the 1984 United Nations International Conference on Population in Mexico City, where member nations approved the following policy in their final report: “ Governments are urged…to take appropriate steps to help women avoid abortion, which in no case should be promoted as a method of family planning, and whenever possible, provide for the humane treatment and counseling of women who have had recourse to abortion.” (To read Cardinal Rigali’s full letter, click here)
Contact your US Senators and Representative today!
To contact your House Representative, clickhere. Click hereto contact Senator Hutchison. Click hereto contact Senator Cornyn.
Sample Message:
I am writing to urge you to support the Mexico City Policy which prohibits non-governmental organizations that perform and promote abortion from receiving federal funds for family planning. As a Catholic I believe that abortion is always wrong because it violates the dignity of the unborn human life. I also believe that abortion is a false “answer” to family planning.
Again, I urge you to support the Mexico City Policy. Thank you for your time.
Support SCHIP and the Unborn Child Rule The Senate is expected to vote on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) bill this week. The SCHIP program is now in the process of being reauthorized. Temporary funding for SCHIP has been included in the Continuing Resolution (H.J. Res. 52) that will keep the government running to November 16, 2007. A first bill (H.R. 976) was vetoed by the president, and the veto was sustained. A revised bill (H.R. 3963) was passed by the House on October 25, 2007 by a vote of 265-142. This is not a veto proof majority. It is expected that the Senate will act on the legislation during this week. The president has threatened to veto the revised bill in its current form.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated:
"[We have] worked persistently to support and strengthen the nation’s vital efforts to provide adequate and affordable health care, especially to the most vulnerable members of our society, our children. We have joined with Catholic Health Association and Catholic Charities USA to encourage Congress to strengthen, expand and improve the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). We urge the Congress not to turn away from this essential national priority, but to renew its efforts to enact a strong, effective and improved national investment in the health of our children.
Catholic teaching affirms the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death and the inherent dignity of every human being. We insist that access to adequate health care is a basic human right, necessary for the development and maintenance of life and for the ability of human beings to realize the fullness of their dignity. A just society protects and promotes fundamental human rights and dignity, with special attention to the basic needs of children and the vulnerable, including the need for safe and affordable health care." Please call your Senators and tell them to support a State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) bill that includes codifying the unborn child rule. See below for a sample message and contact information for Senators Cornyn and Hutchison.
For more information on the unborn child rule click here.
To see a copy of at letter from USCCB to the Senators, click here.
Sample Message:
Dear Senator, please help Congress improve the SCHIP bill and garner strong bipartisan support. The bill can be improved in ways that will strengthen and increase support for SCHIP by making the regulation providing states the option to enroll the unborn child in their SCHIP programs permanent.
A final SCHIP reauthorization should codify the unborn child rule, so states are secure in being able to choose life-affirming health services for needy children and their mothers without involvement in abortion. Without the unborn child option, the only way states could provide prenatal care would be by defining the pregnant woman as the patient in need of “child health assistance," which would trigger funding for abortion. Also, many children born as U.S. citizens would not receive needed prenatal care because of their mother’s immigration status.
The legislation should also maintain and expand coverage, reduce enrollment barriers, and expand outreach. Sufficient funding should be included in order to provide health care coverage to an additional four million more low-income children, reducing the number of uninsured children by nearly half.
DREAM Act 10/24/2007 The US Senate is expected to vote on the DREAM act today, Wednesday, October 24. Bishop Wenski of the Diocese of Orlando is a vocal supporter of the DREAM act has stated:
"The DREAM act, which stands for the Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act would allow immigrant students who have grown up in the U.S., graduated from high school here, and can demonstrate good moral character to qualify for "conditional lawful permanent resident" status, which would normally last for six years. During the conditional period, the immigrant would be required to go to college, join the military, or work a significant number of hours of community service. At the end of the conditional period, those who meet at least one of these requirements would be eligible for regular lawful permanent-resident status.
If enacted, the Dream Act would have a life-changing impact on the students who qualify. And not only on the qualifying students, but all of American society would benefit as the success stories of earlier generations of child immigrants -- like the Cuban children of the 1960s Operation "Pedro Pan" have amply demonstrated. These children talk like Americans -- in perfect U.S. accents; they think like Americans -- sometimes to the consternation of their parents; they certainly eat like Americans." (Quoted from an opinion submitted to the Orlando Sentinal).
TCC is requesting that you contact Senators Cornyn and Hutchisontoday to state your support for the Dream Act.
A sample message is:Please vote FOR the DREAM Act (S. 774), a bipartisan piece of legislation sponsored by Senators Durbin (D-IL), Hagel (R-NE), and Lugar (R-IN). The DREAM Act provides a 6-year path to legal status for individuals who were brought to the U.S. years ago as undocumented children and who have stayed in school and out of trouble. This year, about 65,000 of these young people will graduate from high school. These graduates cannot put their lives on hold while Congress debates, so the DREAM Act must pass now, not next year or the year after that. So please SUPPORT this important legislation.
To contact Senator Cornyn call (202) 224-2934 or click hereto find a local phone number. To email him, click here.
To contact Senator Hutchison call (202) 224-5922 or click
hereand scroll to the bottom of the page to find a local phone number. To email her, click here.
For more information on the DREAM ACT go to the Justice for Immigrants action site here.
Congratulations to Cardinal-designate Daniel DiNardo! The Texas Catholic Conference congratulates Archbishop Daniel N. DiNardo, who was recently named Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI. He will be installed at the Vatican on November 24, 2007, along with 22 others. A Cardinal is appointed by the Pope to serve as one of his key advisers. The College of Cardinals is also the body that elects new popes. “This appointment is wonderful news,” stated Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Fiorenza, also of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. “Archbishop DiNardo is a hardworking wonderful bishop who is greatly appreciated both here in his diocese and in Rome. This appointment is a recognition of his wonderful priestly qualities, and is an important recognition by the Vatican of the Church of Galveston-Houston, of the South and of the Southwest.” Cardinal-designate DiNardo, currently Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, will be the state’s first Cardinal. He was appointed Archbishop of Galveston-Houston in February, 2006, making him the pastoral leader of 1.3 million Catholics in the Archdiocese. Texas has over 7 million Catholics.
"Archbishop DiNardo’s appointment is a particular joy to Texas, a state rich in Catholic history and presence,” stated Bishop James Tamayo of the Diocese of Laredo, who is the previous chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Hispanic Affairs.
In addition, Bishop Tamayo recognizes the importance of this appointment for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, an area with the second largest population of Hispanics in the United States. “I am delighted that we are acknowledged by the Holy Father for our years of fidelity to the Church and the continued growth of the Church in the Southwest. I think it is distinct honor for the Southwest part of the United States to have a Cardinal within our territory.”
Attesting to his personal experiences with Cardinal-designate DiNardo, Bishop Tamayo stated, “Having served as an auxiliary bishop in the community of Galveston-Houston, I am delighted that Archbishop DiNardo’s care and concern for the multicultural communities of that Archdiocese are recognized by Rome, bestowing honor not only upon himself, but also the multicultural church in Galveston-Houston.”
Cardinal-designate DiNardo currently serves on the Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He also serves as the USCCB Advisor to the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., and the National Catholic Partnership for Persons with Disabilities, Washington, D.C.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI named 23 new cardinals, including U.S. Archbishop John P. Foley, grand master of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher, and U.S. Archbishop Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, the first cardinal from a Texas diocese.
The pope announced the names at the end of his weekly general audience Oct. 17 and said he would formally install the cardinals during a special consistory at the Vatican Nov. 24.
Cardinal-designate Foley was in St. Peter's Square when the announcement was made; he told Catholic News Servicehe had gone into the square, wading into the midst of the crowd, after going to a doctor's appointment.
While rumors were running strong that the pope would name cardinals at the end of the audience and his nomination was almost a given, Cardinal-designate Foley said he was shocked to be the second name announced by the pope. The order in which the cardinals are announced determines their seniority with the College of Cardinals, which has little practical effect except in liturgical processions.
Naming 18 cardinals under the age of 80, the age limit set for voting in a papal conclave, Pope Benedict said he was setting aside the limit of 120 potential papal electors established by Pope Paul VI and confirmed by Pope John Paul II.
After the new cardinals are installed in late November, there will be 121 potential voters.
The 23 new cardinals will bring the total membership of the College of Cardinals to 202.
The nomination of Cardinals-designate Foley and DiNardo brings to 17 the number of U.S. cardinals; after the consistory, the U.S. contingent will include 13 potential papal electors.
The November ceremony will mark the second time Pope Benedict has created cardinals since his election in April 2005. At a March 2006 consistory, he created 15 new cardinals.
The new cardinals represent 15 countries on five continents. Eight of the new cardinals are current or retired Vatican officials, 13 are current or retired heads of archdioceses around the world and two are former rectors of the main pontifical universities in Rome.
The Texas Catholic Conference has issued a statement regarding Amnesty International's new policy change. Texas Bishops Respond to Amnesty International October 8, 2007 We, the Bishops of Texas, are instructing all parish and diocesan staff and other Catholic organizations to no longer support financially or through publicity, or participate in joint projects or events sponsored by the organization known as Amnesty International. This instruction is based on Amnesty International’s decision to limit its human rights agenda by promoting abortion as a way to curb violence against women, especially women in developing countries. In promoting abortion, Amnesty International divides its own members, many of whom are Catholics, and others who defend the rights of unborn children and jeopardizes its support by people in many nations, cultures and religions who share a consistent commitment to all human rights. Our assessment is that Amnesty International is now violating its original mission to protect human rights worldwide and has lost its moral credibility.
While no human rights organization should turn away from the suffering that women face daily in the form of sexual violence, it should not prioritize a mother’s life above that of her unborn child. It is better to advocate advancing her educational and economic standing in society and resist all forms of violence and stigmatization against her and her child. Abortion is an act of violence against both the child and its mother. Any organization truly committed to women’s rights must put itself in solidarity with women and their unborn children.
Discontinuing participation with Amnesty International does not mean the Catholic Church in Texas will cease to protect human life and promote human dignity in all circumstances. We will continue to oppose the use of the death penalty, unjust incarceration and the crushing effects of dehumanizing poverty in our state. We will continue to stand with refugees, migrants, and other oppressed peoples. But, we will seek to do so in authentic ways, working most closely with organizations who do not oppose the fundamental right to life from conception until natural death.
“It is a day for celebration for the Catholic Church as Pope Benedict XVI has named twenty-three new cardinals, including 2 from the United States. We especially send our prayers and congratulations to Archbishop Daniel DiNardo of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese. He will be the first cardinal from the state of Texas to serve the Church. His integrity and unselfish service to God’s people has been a blessing. I look forward to continuing to work with him on issues important to the life of the Church in Texas.”
-Archbishop José H. Gomez, S.T.D., Archdiocese of San Antonio
--- "This is a first-ever in the great state of Texas, and we need to celebrate this wonderful event. Congratulations, dear Cardinal DiNardo. May God pour out many blessings upon you."
–Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI Diocese of San Angelo --- “This is indeed a great honor for Texas.The Holy Father has chosen a great person who I know will represent Texas and the United States at the highest level.We are pleased not only for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston but for all Catholics in Texas.”
-Bishop Kevin Farrell, Diocese of Dallas --- "Our Holy Father, Benedict XVI, has honored the South and especially the Church in Texas by elevating Archbishop DiNardo to the level of Cardinal."
-Bishop Edmond Carmody, Diocese of Corpus Christi --- "Pope Benedict XVI has accorded great honor to this deserving man and to the Texas see of Galveston-Houston. The Diocese of Galveston was an ancient see, the mother diocese of all the dioceses in the State of Texas today. From that one small community missionaries went out into the wilderness to preach the good news of the Gospel and from that somewhat larger faith community today, the pope has selected a good and holy man to become a cardinal.
Cardinal-designate DiNardo is a man of wide experience, a man of great intelligence, a man of infectious enthusiasm. He will be for us a symbol of the growth of our faith over the centuries and a light into the future. He will receive his red hat in a November 24 consistory at the Vatican,just two days after the American Thanksgiving. That Saturday will be a day of great rejoicing in Texas."
-Bishop Álvaro Corrada, SJ, Diocese of Tyler --- "As the senior bishop in the Metropolitan Province of Galveston-Houston, I have congratulated Cardinal-designate Daniel DiNardo with great joy. The well deserved honor bestowed upon our Archbishop speaks to his exceptional leadership ability as well as to the rich Catholic heritage in the State of Texas."
-Bishop Raymundo J. Peña, Diocese of Brownsville --- "The naming of Archbishop DiNardo as a Cardinal is a great blessing for the South and a laudable recognition of the steadfastness and vitality of the Catholic Church in Texas. Since the start of my days in the seminary in 1946, I have witnessed the creation of 9 new dioceses in Texas (of the present 15).
I had the privilege of knowing Cardinal-Elect DiNardo in 1987 when he was one of my professors in Rome for a Continuing Education course for priests. He is an experienced, highly capable shepherd.
The Diocese of Amarillo and I congratulate Cardinal-Elect DiNardo and praise God for his new position as a Prince of the Church!"
-Bishop John W. Yanta, Diocese of Amarillo
---
“The elevation of Archbishop Daniel DiNardoto cardinal is cause for great joy and celebration in Texas. It is a clear indication of Pope Benedict XVI’s awareness of the growth of the Catholic Church in Texas. Archbishop DiNardo has been a tireless co-worker in the vineyard of the Lord and I have enjoyed sharing ministry with him. The people of the Diocese of Austin offer congratulations and prayers to him.”
The Day's activities began at 7 a.m. with a prayer vigil at an abortion clinic in downtown Austin. Despite the brisk air, organizers estimated that there were approximately 90 people in attendance, including Dr. Alveda King, niece of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King. 
Also present at the Mass were diocesan priests and seminarians, the Knights of Columbus, the Guadalupanas, and youth groups from the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Juan Diego High School, and other nearby parishes. 
The Texas Rally for Life program began with the Catholic African American Mass Choir from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Bishop Aymond led the crowd in prayer, and Alveda King gave a heartfelt speech on her history of civil rights advocacy, her own experiences with abortion, and her optimism regarding the pro-life movement.
After the Rally, many headed to the University Catholic Center for the Party for Life, hosted by Catholic Longhorns for Life. Those under 35 received t-shirts stating “I am a Survivor” and all in attendance were able to enjoy pizza, donuts, and good company. 
