MAY 7, 2008
Texas Catholic Conference 2008 Restructure Plan
While gathered in Rome in 1963 during the Second Vatican Council, the Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Texas, who were then in attendance at the Council by a joint act initiated and established the Texas Catholic Conference. The purposes and structure of the organization were formalized in 1964 in Articles of Administration adopted by the Ordinaries of Texas. Under the terms of these Articles, other members of the Church in Texas, in addition to the founding bishops, were incorporated as integral parts of the Texas Catholic Conference, (hereinafter called the Conference) through affiliated departments. In 1970 the Conference was reorganized. A General Assembly was established to involve a still greater number of the faithful. A Constitution for the newly reorganized Conference was approved unanimously by the Ordinaries.
The constitution was revised and the Conference was reorganized in 1970, 1989, and most recently in 1996. In 2007 the Bishops created a committee to reorganize the Conference departments and revise the Constitution and By-laws. These revisions will be presented to the General Assembly in September 2008 for review and may be adopted by the Bishops of Texas in the fall of 2008.
The Restructure Committee (Bishop Armando Ochoa, Bishop Raymundo Peña, Bishop James Tamayo, and Bishop Patrick Zurek) adopted the following goal for the restructure: To streamline the Conference to focus on departments which assist the Bishops in carrying out their pastoral mission.
2007-2008 Restructure Process
The need to restructure the Conference was based on four primary issues:
1. Many of the 20 departments of the Conference were inactive for two years or more.
2. The ministries of the church in Texas have changed over the last 11 years.
3. The Bishops’ desire to focus the work of the conference on their pastoral mission.
4. A decrease in Conference department meetings, and their associated costs for dioceses, will allow for greater participation of dioceses, which should lead to more equitable representation.
All department chairs were asked to complete a survey of their activities. The Bishops learned that many of the departments were not meeting on an annual basis and did not conduct any activities. Departments that were inactive for two or more years were not included in the new structure. Based on the survey results, the Bishops decided to continue, merge, or close departments.
Click here to read the entire TCC Restructure Plan
MAY 6, 2008
| Please call your Senator and request that the Kerry-Snowe National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act (S. 2523) be included in the major housing bill that the Senate Banking Committee takes up this week or next week. The U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee will take up a major housing bill this week or next to address the foreclosure crisis. The bill is expected to include the Senate's version of regulatory reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including the creation of an Affordable Housing Fund. This fund will be the first source of dedicated funding for the National Housing Trust Fund. However as of yet, there is no commitment to take up S. 2523 (the Kerry-Snowe National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007) as part of this major housing bill. Unless the Kerry-Snowe bill is included, there is no assurance that 100% of the funds will go to housing, and no assurance that any of the funds will be targeted to extremely low income people. |
| Our Catholic Faith Catholic Social Teaching has long recognized housing as a basic human right. The Catholic community—through its parishes, diocesan structures, and Catholic Charities agencies—is one of the largest providers of shelter in the nation. Since the late 1960's, the federal government through the Department of Housing and Urban Development has solicited, encouraged, and funded a variety of Church sponsored housing--particularly senior housing, transitional housing, homeless shelters, and some family units. Bishop William Murphy, on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has written to the Senate urging support of a National Housing Trust Fund as “a genuine opportunity to let the American people know that the housing needs of low-income families are a national priority.” And to “demonstrate how vitally important housing is to the well-being of families and our communities.” |
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Act Now! Sample Message: "Hello. I am calling to ask you to please include the Kerry-Snowe National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act (S. 2523) in the major housing bill that the Senate Banking Committee takes up this week or next week. The bill is expected to include the creation of an Affordable Housing Fund which will be the first source of dedicated funding for the National Housing Trust Fund. However as of yet, there is no commitment to take up the Kerry-Snowe National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 as part of this major housing bill. Unless the Kerry-Snowe bill is included, there is no assurance that 100% of the funds will go to housing, and no assurance that any of the funds will be targeted to extremely low income people. |
APRIL 29, 2008
USCCB Official Praises Senate Passage Of ‘Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act’
The U.S. Senate voted 95 to 0 to pass the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (“GINA,” H.R. 493), which bars employers and health insurers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of their own or their family members’ genetic information, on April 24.
Deirdre McQuade, Assistant Director for Policy and Communications at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, praised its passage.
“Today the Senate took a stand for some of the most vulnerable members of the human family, whether born, yet to be born, or placed for adoption. No one should be discriminated against on the basis of genetic testing,” McQuade said.
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a nearly identical bill by a vote of 420 to 3 on April 25, 2007.
“The Pro-Life Secretariat is particularly grateful to Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) for ensuring that this bill’s protection against discrimination will cover the families of unborn children with adverse prenatal diagnoses, as well as children being adopted,” she said. “His advocacy on their behalf will empower families to welcome vulnerable children with special needs into their lives.”
“After minor technical differences between the House and Senate bills are resolved, we look forward to President Bush signing into law this important protection for American families,” McQuade said.
APRIL 25, 2008
Benedict XVI Addresses Educators
Below is a reflection from TCC Director of Education, Margaret McGettrick, who was present at Pope Benedict XVI's Meeting with Educators during his 2008 Papal Visit.
Pope Benedict XVI addresses Catholic Educators gathered at the Catholic University of America
in Washington
(CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)
On April 17, 2008, His Holiness Benedict XVI addressed about 250 College Presidents, Superintendents and other educators, representing over three million children and students, on the campus of The Catholic University of America. I was privileged to be one of those present as the Pope singled out this important ministry in the Church. As we waited in the Great Room, probably the size of a small parish hall, we, business suited invitees, talked among ourselves about the message that we were going to receive. However, regardless of the message, we were all very anxious to meet the messenger.
When he entered the room to a roaring applause the short figure of Benedict XVI exuded the energy of a man much younger than his eighty one years. His healthy bronze coloring and friendly eyes against the backdrop of his white robes enhanced his unique presence in the room. The content and tone of his message was delivered in a manner befitting the intellectual and caring person he is. It was well received by the audience.
Those of us in the room represented a ministry in the American Catholic Church that has undergone many changes in the past forty years. In 1965, Catholic schools enrolled almost 4.4 million students, or 12% of all U.S. students in elementary and secondary grades. At the current time Catholic schools enroll about 2.3 million students. Since 1990, more than 1,300 Catholic schools have closed, mostly in cities, notes a report released April 10 by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a Washington think tank.
Director of Education Margaret
McGettrick, along with several Diocesan
Superintendents from around the state.
From left to right: Sr. Elizabeth Ann Swartz SSND, Diocese of El Paso and San Angelo; Margaret McGettrick, Director of Education for the Texas Catholic Conference; Ned Vanders, Diocese of Austin; Sr. Marcella Ewers, D.C. Diocese of Brownsville, Sr. Kevina Keating, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Leo Cottenoir, Diocese of Lubbock.
His Holiness spoke of the sacrifice of many saying that:”The Catholic Community here has in fact made education one of its highest priorities…..Countless dedicated Religious Sisters, Brothers, and Priests together with selfless parents have, through Catholic schools, helped generations of immigrants to rise from poverty and take their place in mainstream society”. Unlike many other highly industrialized countries in the world where parents are free to choose a school of their choice regardless of income, parents in the United States are compelled to pay for this right. Likewise, many educators in Catholic schools sacrifice millions of dollars annually to work in our schools for a fraction of what they would earn in public schools.
Benedict XVI went on to speak about the ethos in our Catholic institutions: “A university or school’s Catholic identity is not simply a question of the number of Catholic students. It is a question of conviction – do we really believe that only in the mystery of the Word made flesh does the mystery of man truly become clear (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 22)? Are we ready to commit our entire self – intellect and will, mind and heart – to God? Do we accept the truth Christ reveals? Is the faith tangible in our universities and schools? Is it given fervent expression liturgically, sacramentally, through prayer, acts of charity, a concern for justice, and respect for God’s creation? Only in this way do we really bear witness to the meaning of who we are and what we uphold.
Clearly, then, Catholic identity is not dependent upon statistics. Neither can it be equated simply with orthodoxy of course content. It demands and inspires much more: namely that each and every aspect of your learning communities reverberates within the ecclesial life of faith. Only in faith can truth become incarnate and reason truly human, capable of directing the will along the path of freedom (cf. Spe Salvi, 23). In this way our institutions make a vital contribution to the mission of the Church and truly serve society. They become places in which God’s active presence in human affairs is recognized and in which every young person discovers the joy of entering into Christ’s “being for others” (cf. ibid.,28)
"After the meeting, I remember a reporter telling me that one noticeable difference between coverage of our present pope and our last is that people went to see John Paul II but people flock to listen to Benedict XVI..."
The Church’s primary mission of evangelization, in which educational institutions play a crucial role, is consonant with a nation’s fundamental aspiration to develop a society truly worthy of the human person’s dignity.” When I heard these words it reminded me of the formative education received by Melinda French, now Melinda Gates, when she attended Catholic schools in Dallas. It is obvious that she and her husband, Bill Gates, through their efforts to eradicate disease in third world countries as well as promoting educational opportunities for the disadvantaged in this country, have as their goal to make society truly worthy of a human person’s dignity.
Pope Benedict then went on to speak about “intellectual charity”. “This aspect of charity calls the educator to recognize that the profound responsibility to lead the young to truth is nothing less than an act of love. Indeed, the dignity of education lies in fostering the true perfection and happiness of those to be educated. In practice “intellectual charity” upholds the essential unity of knowledge against the fragmentation which ensues when reason is detached from the pursuit of truth. It guides the young towards the deep satisfaction of exercising freedom in relation to truth, and it strives to articulate the relationship between faith and all aspects of family and civic life. Once their passion for the fullness and unity of truth has been awakened, young people will surely relish the discovery that the question of what they can know opens up the vast adventure of what they ought to do. Here they will experience “in what” and “in whom” it is possible to hope, and be inspired to contribute to society in a way that engenders hope in others”.
In regard to faculty members at Catholic colleges and universities, he reaffirmed the great value of academic freedom and the insistence of faithfulness to the Church. He encouraged teachers in schools to acquire a clear and precise understanding of the specific nature and role of Catholic education and he appealed to the religious to renew their commitment to schools especially in poorer areas.
As he left the room to another wave of applause I felt that I had been in the presence of not only one of the great intellectuals in our Church but of someone who a teacher of humility and holiness. I know that we students had truly been touched by him. How lucky we are to have such a shepherd!
Click here to learn more about our Education issue advocacy
Click here to read Pope Benedict's speech from his meeting with Catholic Educators
APRIL 14, 2008 Welcome Holy Father
"Our devotion helps us to speak and act in persona Christi, to teach, govern and sanctify the faithful in the name of Jesus, to bring his reconciliation, his healing and his love to all his beloved brothers and sisters. This radical configuration to Christ, the Good Shepherd, lies at the heart of our pastoral ministry, and if we open ourselves through prayer to the power of the Spirit, he will give us the gifts we need to carry out our daunting task, so that we need never “be anxious how to speak or what to say” (Mt 10:19)."(CNS Photo/Nancy Wiechec)
- Pope Benedict, addressing the American Bishops, April 16, 2008
More Links:
- Meeting with Catholic Educators
- Responses of Pope Benedict to the questions posed by the American Bishops
- Celebration of Vespers and meeting with the Bishops of the United States of America
- Homily during the celebration of Holy Mass at the Washington Nationals Stadium
- Vatican web page for the 2008 Apostolic Journey to the United States
APRIL 10, 2008
The TCC Welcomes New Auxiliary in San AntonioThe Holy Father has announced the appointment of Rev. Oscar Cantú, from Holy Name Parish in the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston, as Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio. Cantú's ordination is set for June 2 in San Antonio. We welcome Bishop-Elect Cantú to the TCC!
He will be ordained a bishop in San Antonio on June 2 by Archbishop José H. Gomez. At 41, Bishop-elect Cantú will be the youngest bishop in the United States. Born and raised in Houston, TX, Bishop-elect Cantú is a product of Houston’s Catholic Schools and was ordained a priest in May of 1994. Since his ordination, he served in a number of parishes in the Houston metropolitan area. He currently is the pastor of Holy Name Parish in Houston, which was his childhood parish. He has also taught at the University of St. Thomas School of Theology and the University of St. Thomas at St. Mary’s Seminary.
“It is a great honor and responsibility for Bishop-elect Cantú,” Daniel Cardinal DiNardo expressed, “and it is a great joy for this local Church that one of our own priests has been elevated to the Office of Bishop. Fr. Cantú’s gifts, his loyalty and service to the Church, and his wise and compassionate pastoral care have shown him to be a priest of great maturity.”
While appointing Bishop Cantú San Antonio’s auxiliary bishop, Pope Benedict also named him Titular Bishop of Dardano. A titular bishop is a title given to a bishop who is not in charge of a diocese or archdiocese. These dioceses no longer exist, but centuries ago might have fallen into the hands of conquerors or were absorbed into larger dioceses. These appointments serve to memorialize these dioceses.
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APRIL 4, 2008
Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral Dedicated
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Photography © Aker/Zvonkovic Photography |
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A cathedral is a special church—the mother church of a diocese and the spiritual center of the prayer life of the local Catholic community. It is also the Bishop’s church, taking the name cathedral from the Bishop’s chair, the cathedra. From the cathedra, the Bishop teaches and presides over the flock of Christ entrusted to his care. A cathedral is the spiritual home for all the faithful of the diocese. -Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston The Rite of Dedication of a church is divided into four parts: Introductory rites, Liturgy of the Word, Prayer of Dedication, and Liturgy of the Eucharist. During the introductory rites, those in charge of the construction of the church presented the new building to Cardinal DiNardo. Next, the Cardinal blessed water and used it to sprinkle the people and the walls of the church. The sprinkling with water is a reminder of our baptism, the time when we became one in Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Cardinal began the Liturgy of the Word by elevating the Lectionary and presenting it to the faithful, proclaiming, “May the word of God always be heard in this place, as it unfolds the mystery of Christ before you and achieves your salvation within the church.”
After the profession of faith, the faithful sang the Litany of the Saints. Next, Cardinal DiNardo deposed the relics of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St Thérèse of Lisieux, St Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Maria Goretti, and Pope St. Leo the Great. The depositing of relics is an ancient tradition in the Church. The rite of dedication of a church directs that the relics must be authentic and of sufficient size to be recognizable. Relics are deposited to remind the faithful that the sacrifice of the martyrs and saints finds its source in the sacrifice of Christ. Photography © Aker/Zvonkovic Photography Following the deposition, the prayer of dedication was said. During this time, the faithful fervently implore Mary and all the saints to join their prayers with ours to make our prayer of dedication acceptable to God and invoke the Holy Spirit to make the church “an ever holy place” where “the waters of baptism overwhelm the shame of sin,” where God’s children may “be fed at the table of Christ’s word and Christ’s body”; where “the poor find justice” and “victims of oppression [may find] true freedom (Rite of Dedication of a Church, 62).”
Next, the altar and walls of the Cathedral were anointed. The altar, a symbol of Christ, was anointed with sacred Chrism. The walls of the church were then anointed at twelve places in keeping with ancient liturgical tradition. The anointing of the walls sets the building aside as a place of Christian worship. The altar was covered with a new cloth and prepared. The altar candles were lit, followed by the lighting of the church, which reminds us that Christ is “a light to enlighten the nations (Rite of Dedication of a Church, 16c).” The Liturgy of the Eucharist, the most ancient element of the Rite of Dedication of a Church, followed.
© Archdiocese Galveston-Houston To the everlasting Father, and the Son who reigns on high with the Holy Spirit proceeding fort from each eternally, be salvation, honor, blessing, might and endless majesty. Amen. Seating up to 2,000 faithful, the new Co-Cathedral will serve as the home for diocesan-wide events such as priestly ordinations. The faithful of the archdiocese will be able to visit the new co-cathedral beginning on Saturday, April 5, as the Church will host guided tours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza will be the main celebrant at the Solemn Vigil Mass that evening at 5:30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated in the new Co-Cathedral Sunday, April 6, at 9 and 11 a.m., 1 p.m. in Vietnamese and at 5 p.m. with Auxiliary Bishop Vincent M. Rizzotto as the main celebrant of the evening Mass. ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ MARCH 14, 2008 TCC will produce a new show every month. Click the play button above to listen to the first show titled “About the Texas Catholic Conference.” ........................................ Cord blood, which is donated following the birth of a healthy baby, is rich in blood-making cells which can be used, like bone marrow transplants, to treat children and adults with certain cancers and other fatal blood disorders. Diseases currently treated with cord blood include aplastic anemia, lymphoma, genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, and other blood cancers. Sometimes it is wrongly said that the Catholic Church opposes stem cell research. In fact, the Church supports ethically responsible stem cell research, while opposing any research that exploits or destroys human embryos. Because the Church opposes deliberately destroying innocent human life at any stage, for research or any other purpose, it opposes embryonic stem cell research as currently conducted. However, when scientists proposed avenues for possibly obtaining embryonic stem cells or their pluripotent equivalent without creating or harming embryos, Catholic leaders were among the first to welcome this idea. The Catholic Church has long supported research using stem cells from adult tissue and umbilical cord blood, which poses no moral problem. Catholic institutions at times have taken the lead in promoting such constructive research, which is already providing cures and treatments for suffering patients. For more information on Stem cells, click here. ........................................
WASHINGTON— The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) welcomes the House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ February 27 approval of a new, bipartisan bill to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. House debate is expected in March. ........................................
Bishop McCarthy's legacy extends well beyond the borders of this diocese. The Texas Catholic Conference and its broad mission of service to the state is a legacy of John McCarthy...He is a giant not only in the Catholic Community-but to all who know him. Recipients of the award have made an impact on significant numbers of persons or set a precedent or example which has affected many. Their achievements have effected progress toward eliminating social, economic, or political injustice or discrimination and the furthering of basic human dignity and rights as defined in Catholic social teaching. Bishop McCarthy with TCC Executive When Pope John Paul II named Bishop McCarthy Bishop of Austin in 1986, Bishop McCarthy organized new ministries to persons with AIDS, people facing domestic abuse, and made outreach to immigrants a priority, even as he continued to support the work of CCHD, CRS, the National Pastoral Life Center and other national Catholic organizations. The following is an excerpt from the Roundtable Award Banquet program: When people are hurting, retired Bishop of Austin John E. McCarthy doesn’t just rush to help, he builds institutions—institutions which both provide direct service and foment social change on behalf of and with poor and vulnerable people. From his local efforts in Texas ,fostering some of the earliest parish social ministry structures in the United States (1969-1973), serving as Executive Director of the Texas Catholic Conference (1973-1979), and promoting racial justice during and after the Civil Rights Movement, to his national ministries as the first Executive Director of the Bishops’ Committee for the Spanish Speaking (1966-1968), to his participation in the founding of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (1969), Bishop McCarthy’s ministry has been characterized by founding and developing structures which promote charity and justice. ........................................
........................................ Your Representative will have tremendous influence over what provisions will be included in PEPFAR because s/he is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, scheduled to consider this legislation on Wednesday, February 27th. ........................................
Additionally, in a statement released on February 7, Bishop Wester criticized the injustice of our immigration laws after the Senate and the House approved an economic and stimulus package that included language to prohibit undocumented immigrants from receiving tax rebates. Archbishop José H. Gomez, with the support of Bishop Patrick J. Zurek and Bishop Thomas J. Flanagan (retired) issued a statement in response to the appearance of Senator Hillary Clinton at St. Mary’s University. Statement concerning the appearance of Senator Hillary Clinton at St. Mary’s University
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The Senate package does expand tax rebate eligibility to include low-income senior citizens and disabled veterans. It also includes language to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving rebates. The package will provide rebate checks between $300 and $600 for individuals and up to $1200 for couples. Rebates will be capped at $75,000 for individual and $150,000 for couples adjusted gross income based on tax returns filed for 2007. A child credit may be claimed for up to $300 for each qualifying child under age 17.
The inclusion of rebates for poor families and low-wage workers including senior citizens and veterans is a step forward. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is disappointed that an extension of unemployment benefits or an increase for low-income home energy assistance or food stamp benefits was not included in the final package. Congress did leave open the possibility of including these benefits if another stimulus package is needed within the next several months. ........................................
Click here to visit the USCCB ........................................
“All human life is sacred to God and therefore is sacred to us.”
Click the image above to see our Pro Life day “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….” “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.” 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. ........................................ Statewide Roe v. Wade Commemoration ........................................ 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." ........................................ 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 Bishop Leon 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." 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
In 1959 Pope John XXIII recognized the tremendous growth and prominence of Houston as a major metropolitan area and redesignated the Diocese of Galveston to the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. Sacred Heart church in downtown Houston, established in 1897 as the fourth parish in Houston, was elevated to be a Co-Cathedral, co-equal in status with St. Mary in Galveston. St. Mary's Cathedral, the first cathedral of the Archdiocese, was dedicated in 1848.
"The Lord has no need of our praise but our desire to give thanks and praise is already God’s gift to us. The Cathedral is a place for thanks and praise, for Liturgy, for great public worship in Christ Jesus...It is a place that invites all people to come and experience a serious house grounded rightly to the earth but also soaring to transcendent heights."
"Let the triumphant victims take their place where Christ is the victim. He who suffered for all is above the altar; those redeemed by his sufferings are beneath the altar."
–Letter 22, 13; PL 16: 1066
"For today we come before you, to dedicate to your lasting service, this house of prayer, this temple of worship, this home in which we are nourished by your word and your sacraments... Here may your children, gathered around your altar, celebrate the memorial of the Paschal Lamb, and be fed at the table of Christ’s word and Christ’s body...Here may prayer, the Church’s banquet, resound through heaven and earth as a plea for the world’s salvation…Here may the poor find justice, the victims of oppression, true freedom. From here may the whole world clothed in the dignity of the children of God, enter with gladness your city of peace."
-Prayer of Dedication
Incense was then burned at the altar as the Cardinal prayed, “Lord may our prayers ascend as incense in your sight. As this building is filled with fragrance, so may your Church fill the world with the fragrance of Christ.”
At the conclusion of the prayer after communion, the Blessed Sacrament was carried in procession with incense and candles throughout the church and placed in the tabernacle. While the sanctuary lamp was lit, the ministers and faithful pray in silence.
The new Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart had been under construction for more than three years, as ground for the new church was broken, January 30, 2005.
-Tantum Ergo, Thomas Aquinas
The Archdiocesan Co-Cathedral web site has many resources, including a history of the Archdiocese and the Co-Cathedral, Catechetical tools such as lesson plans and coloring pages, notes on the anatomy of the Co-Cathedral, and a link to the Co-Cathedral's parish web site, where you can find mass schedules and other parish activities.
MARCH 28, 2008
Msgr. William L. Broussard, Rest in Peace
MARCH 18, 2008
Oppose the Shuler-Tancredo Bill:
We need comprehensive immigration reform that will secure our borders, restore the rule of law and legalize the status of immigrants in our country.
TCC airs radio program on Relevant Radio
The TCC's first radio show, Relevant to You, aired on Austin's Relevant Radio 970 AM on Friday, March 14. The hour-long show featured TCC Executive Director Andrew Rivas, as well as Ted Wrenn, General Manager for Relevant Radio in Austin. During the course of the show, Andrew discussed the history and role of the TCC in Texas, as well as the TCC's role as the public policy voice of Texas.
MARCH 12, 2008
TCC Staff Visit the Texas Cord Blood Bank
Last week TCC staff members visited the Texas Cord Blood Bank in San Antonio. Specially approved by the Texas legislature, the Texas Cord Blood Bank allows families to donate their infant's cord blood at no cost to the family.
There are many benefits to treating patients with cord blood cells. Because cord blood immune cells are less mature, they are more easily accepted by a patient when used in transplantation. As a result, patients with a less-than-perfect match can now be treated. In addition, there are fewer immune complications after transplantation and since cord blood is banked and ready to use, it is immediately available when a patient needs it. The Texas Cord Blood Bank partners with the National Marrow Donor program to help physicians find matches for their patients, and has the bank has already made 8 matches.
MARCH 3, 2008
Catholic Bishops Welcome New Bill For Global HIV/AIDS Relief
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Florida, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, and Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, both affirmed key provisions in the bill.
The reauthorization increases current funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to $50 billion over five years and provides assistance to additional countries in the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe.
“We welcome this strong reaffirmation of U.S. leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria on behalf of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people and communities,” Bishop Wenski said.
“The proposed reauthorization of PEPFAR is an essential life-giving response to an epidemic that continues to threaten current and future generations, especially in Africa,” he added.
If passed by Congress, this PEPFAR program has the potential to prevent twelve million new infections by 2012, support treatment for three million people already infected, and care for an additional twelve million people, including five million orphans and vulnerable children overseas.
Cardinal Rigali further commented, “The new bill reflects a commitment to saving human lives as well as our solidarity with those suffering overseas. It is vital to preserve and expand proven life-saving programs – especially abstinence and fidelity education – while refusing to dilute and distort a successful AIDS relief program with family planning and ‘reproductive health’ activities.”
“I join Bishop Wenski in urging Congress to build upon a consensus that maintains PEPFAR’s compassionate, life-saving focus,” Cardinal Rigali said.
Bishop McCarthy Awarded Harry A. Fagan Roundtable Award
Bishop John McCarthy, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Austin, was recently awarded the Harry A. Fagan Roundtable Award from the Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors. This award honors an individual or individuals who have made unique contributions to the achievement of the Catholic vision of social justice.
-Bishop Gregory Aymond, Diocese of Austin
Director Andrew Rivas and TCC Associate Director Jennifer Allmon
During his two years working with the USCCB Social Action Department (11968-1969) he helped develop many pastoral statements, including “Race Relations and Poverty,” “Farm Labor,” “The Crusade Against Poverty,” and “Welfare Reform Legislation.” Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston in 1979, he bought his pastoral concern for justice and peace to his new role as bishop, continuing to promote CCHD and serving on the Catholic Relief Services Board of Directors, while developing parish social ministry structures locally.
FEBRUARY 27, 2008
Bishop Zurek installed 8th Ordinary of the Diocese of Amarillo
On February 22, 2008 Bishop Patrick J. Zurek was installed as the eighth ordinary of the Diocese of Amarillo.
“It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm from the people of Amarillo for their new Bishop,” stated Andrew Rivas, executive director for the Texas Catholic Conference. “To have such a strong pastoral leader in such a faith-filled community will be a blessing for the entire state.”
Pope Benedict XVI officially accepted the retirement of Bishop John W. Yanta of Amarillo on January 3, 2008. Bishop Yanta served as Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio from 1994 to 1997, when he was appointed bishop of Amarillo by Pope John Paul II in January of 1997. Bishop Yanta praised the Holy Father’s choice in his statement to the people of his diocese, “Bishop Zurek has great experience in evangelizing, shepherding, teaching, sanctifying and serving the People of God…He has earned through experience a reputation for his respected, ecclesial and pastoral relationship with all.”
Prior to his installation, Bishop Zurek served as auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Archbishop José H. Gomez of the Archdiocese of San Antonio said he received the news of the appointment with mixed emotions, “Bishop 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.”
Bishop Zurek received word of the pope’s decision from Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Nuncio to the U.S. Describing the phone call Bishop Zurek said, “Within a twinkle of an eye, he gave the message from Pope Benedict, he congratulated me and that was it! I was a little shocked at the suddenness of the announcement, my acceptance and how life would change quickly. I was very happy that he had the confidence in me to appoint me a diocesan bishop. I started to realize that a new chapter in my life was about to unfold. It was exciting!”
Before becoming a bishop in 1998, Bishop Zurek served as a priest of the Austin Diocese. He served St. Mary Parish in Temple, St. Joseph Parish in Bryan and St. John Neumann Parish in Austin and he was the founding pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in College Station. He also served as the diocesan director of Vocations for 10 years prior to being named bishop.
Bishop Zurek continues to hold several important offices on the national, international and regional level. He serves on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Planning Committee to develop New Spanish Bible. He also remains a member of the Border Bishops Committee organized to discuss pastoral initiatives and immigration issues; and is the president and CEO of the Czech American Priests Association.
FEBRUARY 26, 2008
Urge House Committee to Improve Global HIV Legislation
TAKE ACTION NOW! There still is time to let your Representative know how important it is for our sisters and brothers around the world who are affected by HIV that the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) be reauthorized the right way. PEPFAR has saved millions of lives. Catholic Relief Services and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops want to ensure that it continues to do so.
Please visit the CRS Action Center now to contact your Representative and urge them to:
Maintain the bipartisan consensus around the successful PEPFAR program that has saved millions of lives.
Remove provisions in the proposed House bill that call for the integration and coordination of HIV prevention, care and treatment services with “reproductive health” and “family planning” services and that eliminate any designated funding for effective, evidence-based prevention programs focusing on abstinence and behavior change.
Retain provisions in the proposed House bill that significantly increase funding for PEPFAR, strengthen anti-malaria and anti- tuberculosis programming, build up the healthcare workforce in affected countries and increase food and nutrition programs for affected populations.
Click here to learn more about PEPFAR from the USCCB
This past summer, TCC Associate Director Jennifer Carr-Allmon participated in a CRS visit to Zambia and learned firsthand how PEPFAR is helping fight the spread of HIV/AIDs. Click here to read her blog updates from the trip.
Visit the CRS Action Center for more information about our position on PEPFAR reauthorization.
For more information, contact:
Tina Rodousakis, Grassroots Advocacy Manager, CRS, 410-951-7462, trodousa@crs.org
Gerry Flood, Counselor, International Justice and Peace, USCCB, 202-541-3167, gflood@usccb.org
U.S. Bishops Respond To Anti-Immigrant Tax Provision, Raids
En Espanol
WASHINGTON - Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Migration, and Bishop Jaime Soto, coadjutor bishop of Sacramento and Chairman of Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) sent a letter February 11 to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, and undersecretary, Julie Myers, expressing concern regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE's) intensified enforcement activities and the protocols followed for such actions.
"Although ICE has recently issued guidance regarding worksite enforcement operations, we believe that the guidance falls short of what is necessary," said the bishops in the letter as they urged ICE to adopt additional protocols including:
"The decision to prohibit undocumented immigrants from receiving tax rebates in the stimulus bill highlights the injustice in our immigration system. It proves that these workers pay into the tax system and help support our economy. It also reveals the hypocrisy of our laws. With one hand our government attempts to deport these workers, but with the other it holds tight the taxes they pay into the system. This perpetuates an underclass of workers without full rights. We should not accept the fruits of the labor of these workers at the same time we refuse to provide them the protection of our laws. As a democratic and free nation protective of human rights, we cannot have it both ways. Congress must mend a broken system and show the courage to enact comprehensive immigration reform."
I was surprised to learn of Senator Hillary Clinton’s appearance at St. Mary’s University. I was neither advised nor consulted by the university before the decision was made to have Senator Clinton speak at the university. Catholic institutions are obliged to teach and promote Catholic values in all instances. This is especially important when people look to our Catholic universities and colleges to provide leadership and clarity to the often complicated and conflicting political discourse.
It is clear that the records of Senator Clinton and some of the other candidates for president on important life issues are not consistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church.
It is not my intention to tell people for whom to vote. However, I encourage Catholics to understand the teachings of the church on the broad spectrum of public issues that are of great concern today. I urge the faculty and the ministry staff at St. Mary’s University to continue to carry out their responsibility to educate their students in their political duty in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The Catholic bishops of the United States, in their 2004 document “Catholics in Political Life,” affirmed that when dealing with political candidates and public office holders, “The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.”
In a statement distributed by St. Mary’s University, they wrote, “As a Catholic tax-exempt university, St. Mary’s does not endorse political candidates or their positions on issues and acknowledges the fundamental differences between those of the presidential candidates and the Catholic Church.”
Our Catholic institutions must promote the clear understanding of our deep moral convictions on an issue like abortion, an act that the church calls “an unspeakable crime” and a non-negotiable issue.
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FEBRUARY 12, 2008
Update: Economic Stimulus Package
On February 8, the U.S. Senate passed an economic stimulus package that is similar to the version passed by the House (H.R. 5140) on January 29. Both include rebates for lower income families who do not pay income tax, but do pay payroll taxes. This represents a significant step toward our priority. After failing to advance a broader stimulus package that included extensions to unemployment insurance, food stamps, and energy assistance, the Senate amended the House bill and passed the measure by a vote of 81-16. The House accepted the Senate changes late on Thursday evening by a vote of 380-34. The President said he will sign the bill on Wednesday, February 13.
Lent Begins
Lent offers us a time to prepare and reflect on the great Easter mystery, that "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son." To help Catholics during this season, the USCCB has created a Lenten Resources page with four main sections, What We Believe, What We Celebrate, How We Live, and How We Pray.
“Christ made Himself poor for you”
(2 Cor 8,9)
Pope Benedict XVI's Lenten Message
What We Believe lists Pope Benedict's Lenten message as well as suggested reading from the United States Catechism for Adults.
What We Celebrate includes Q&A about the sacraments and preparing for Holy Week, as well as devotions for lent. How We Live discusses Catholic Social Teaching and moral issues that we face as Catholics in the United States, and includes ways that the Church participates in community service, here and abroad. How We Pray has resources on daily reflections, the Stations of the Cross, a Rosary for Peace and a Rosary for the Church in Need, as well as other prayers. In addition to these pages, there are also resources for families, youth and young adults, RCIA, the parish, and the home.
Lent Resources page
Pro Life Day a success
Pro-Life Day in Austin brought hundreds together to pray, learn, and actively promote respect for human life from conception until natural death.
Bishop Gregory Aymond, Pro Life Mass
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.
video which includes pictures, excerpts from
Bishop Aymond's homily and Dr. Alveda King's speech
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.
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.
"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 here to learn about statewide events commemorating the 35th anniversary of Roe v Wade
Click here to test your knowledge of Roe v Wade and related issues
Pro-Life Resources
The Second Look Project (USCCB)
Roe v Wade: Questions and Answers
USCCB Roe v Wade page
Texas Catholic Conference Life Page
This week is National Migration Week
'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.
"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.
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.
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
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