March 3, 2015 at 2 p.m.

St. William’s Catholic Church, 620 Round Rock W Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681

Please note that the Mass is at 2 p.m. but the choir will be called an hour earlier.

In order to participate in the Diocesan Choir, you must be able to attend the music rehearsals for each liturgy.

***If you are signing up for multiple events, you will need to register for each one of them individually.***
 

Registration Deadline for the Ordination of Bishop-Elect Garcia:

Monday February 9, 2015 by 5:00 p.m. CT

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9500 Neenah Ave., Austin, TX 78717

Please note that the Mass is at 10:30 a.m. but the choir will be called an hour earlier.

Registration Deadline for the Chrism Mass:

Monday February 9, 2015 by 5:00 p.m. CT

June 6, 2015

10:30 a.m.

St. William’s Catholic Church, 620 Round Rock W Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681 Please note that the Mass is at 10:30 a.m. but the choir will be called an hour earlier.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, April 24, 2015 BY 5:00 P.M. CT

July 11, 2015

10:30 a.m.

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9500 Neenah Ave., Austin, TX 78717

Please note that the Mass is at 10:30 a.m. but the choir will be called an hour earlier.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, April 24, 2015 BY 5:00 P.M. CT

A message from Bishop Vásquez

Lumen Gentium

The 2015 Lumen Gentium ceremony will be June 16 at the Mayborn Center in Temple. A letter was sent last week to pastors explaining this year’s nomination process. Nominations are due March 20. For questions, contact Christian R. González at (512) 949-2456.

A message from Bishop-Elect Garcia

Ordination Mass

The Episcopal Ordination will be held on March 3 at 2 p.m. at St. William Parish in Round Rock. Due to space limitations, this will be a ticketed event. More information about tickets will be made available in the coming weeks.

Reflection question

Gospel Meditation

Please consider using the following meditation for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Feb. 15):

• The healed leper in today’s Gospel could not conceal the joy of his healing even though Jesus instructed him to remain quiet. The man was sharing the joy of the Gospel. Have you read Pope Francis’ "Joy of the Gospel"? You can find it at www.vatican.va.
• El leproso sanado del Evangelio de hoy no pudo ocultar el gozo de su curación incluso cuando Jesús le indicó que permaneciera callado. El hombre estaba compartiendo el gozo del Evangelio ¿Ha leído usted el "Gozo del Evangelio" del Papa Francisco? Lo puede encontrar en www.vatican.va.

Social Concerns

CCHD art contest

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is hosting a multimedia art contest for students in grades 7-12 in the Austin Diocese. This is a great opportunity to join with Catholic students nationwide to learn about and creatively express the root causes of poverty and the work of social justice in our community. All art should be submitted to the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools by March 4. Visit the USCCB's website for more information and contest rules. If you have any questions, contact Natalie Ross.

Vocation Office

Project Andrew

Discovering one’s vocation is about meeting a person: the person of Christ. Project Andrew is for Catholic men (ages 16-45) interested in learning more about discernment, the priesthood and seminary life. Join us for prayer, testimonials by priests and seminarians, Mass and lunch with Bishop Vásquez on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin. Register at austinvocations.com.

Office of Religious

Open House for Consecrated Life: Feb. 8

Bishop Joe Vásquez and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops encourages all parishes in the Diocese of Austin to host an event promoting vocations to consecrated life on Feb. 8. Events such as an Open House highlighting consecrated life or a prayer service with your families, ministry groups, or faith formation students. Other activities parishes could offer are a tour of the church, a simple reception, family activities or presentations on the history of religious communities in your parish. A list of planned events is available on the Year of Consecrated Life webpage.

Mission Office

Mission Gathering for the New Year

The Office of Mission and Mission Education and the Diocesan Mission Council are hosting a Mission Awareness and Mission Animation gathering. Bishop Vásquez will offer remarks and participants will review the diocesan mission activities of the past, hear from several lay missionary groups and discuss possibilities for the future. The event is on Feb. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Austin. Complimentary brunch and lunch will be provided. To sign up, contact Christina Krueger at (512) 949-2407. No registration fee required. Deadline for sign up is Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Stewardship and Development

Parish Renewal Workshop: Feb. 7

The Diocese of Austin is hosting a Parish Renewal Workshop on Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin. We will explore the spirituality of Catholic stewardship and develop a plan to spread the spirituality of stewardship through our parish communities. There will be a keynote speaker with additional presentations by Paul Henderson of Pastoral Strategies and Tim Potrikus of Liturgical Publications, Inc. To register, contact Danielle Madrid at (512) 949-2440.

Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

Culture of Life Celebratory Dinner

A Culture of Life has blossomed within Central Texas because of the efforts of the volunteers within the Diocese of Austin. Let us break bread together as we recognize parishes and their works to extend the hand of Christ to God’s people. Join us at Culture of Life Celebratory Dinner on Feb. 12 at St. Helen Parish for dinner and keynote speaker Chad Judice, an award winning author who will share his story of faith, strength and love of the gift of his son. Registration will begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. View www.centraltexasprolife.org to purchase tickets or contact the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living at (512) 949-2486 or e-mail Yvonne Saldaña for more information.

THRiVE! Upcoming Dates

Given the culture in which we live, it is often difficult to speak a message of truth, hope and love when society’s counterfeit speaks so much louder. Teens and young adults are in more danger now than in the last 20 years, but together we can learn what it takes to THRiVE! in today’s society.

THRiVE! Teen Rallies will take place on March 6 in Bryan, March 8 in Austin and March 19 in Waco. These free rallies for grades 7-12 will feature The Culture Project missionaries who are part of a movement of young people committed to building a Culture of Life by educating teens and young adults on the pro-life and chastity messages. Parents are welcome.

THRiVE! Adult Seminars will take place on Feb. 27 in Waco, March 6 in Bryan and March 8 in Austin. These Adult Seminars are for parents and all adults who help guide and shape teens and young adults.

Find details and RSVP for the event at www.thrivetexas.org or call (512) 949-2486. Download the THRiVE! flier here.

Weekly notes

Bishop Vásquez’ prayer intention

Please consider Bishop Vásquez' prayer intention for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Feb. 15):

• For vocations to consecrated life ...
•  Por las vocaciones a la vida consagrada ...

Organ available

St. John Neumann Parish in Austin is offering a pipe organ for sale to any interested parish. The organ is an 11 rank two-manual Reuter pipe organ originally built for Concordia Lutheran University in Austin in 1968, enlarged and relocated to St. John Neumann in 2008. It features electro-pneumatic combination action, an enclosed swell division, and a crescendo pedal. For a stoplist and photos, visit http://goo.gl/dSutmj or contact Chad Nusbaum at (512) 328-3220, ext. 100, for more information.

Ethics and Integrity in Ministry

Upcoming EIM Basic and Refresher Workshops

EIM Basic and Refresher Workshops are scheduled on a quarterly basis by the EIM Office, coordinating with the EIM site administrator at parishes, schools and other diocesan agencies. Staff of any site wishing to host a workshop must coordinate with their EIM site administrator. The EIM site administrator should make all workshop requests on the Workshop Request Table. Additional workshops will not be added to the EIM workshop calendar unless the EIM Office determines a particular need. EIM site administrators may direct inquiries about EIM workshop scheduling to Emily Hurlimann in the EIM Office at (512) 949-2400.

For general information about EIM Basic or Refresher workshops, please click here.

Anyone needing an EIM workshop will sign up online through their EIM account. The sign-up process is explained once you access your EIM account; please contact your parish or Catholic school EIM site administrator if you need assistance or if you do not have Internet access.

Click here to login to your EIM account in order to find the schedule of EIM workshops and to sign up. Instructions are provided in case you do not recall how to login to your EIM account.

Last January, we began the process to develop a new Pastoral Plan by hosting listening sessions, focus groups and surveys. We are now ready for the next step, which is to design an Implementation Plan. To do this, we are inviting all parishioners, priests, deacons, religious and lay people to attend a consultation session.

All sessions are held from 7:00 – 9:00 pm, offered in English and Spanish and will be held on the following dates and locations:

Monday, March 23 - St. Joseph Catholic Church – Bryan

Thursday, March 26 – Pastoral Center - Austin

Monday, April 13 - St. John the Evangelist - Marble Falls

Thursday, April 16 – St. John the Evangelist - San Marcos

Thursday, April 23 – St. Louis Catholic School – Waco

To provide enough handouts and refreshments, please register for the site you plan to attend.

If you have previously registered for a consultation day and need to change your registration day please enter the requested information below.

A message from Bishop Vásquez

Pastoral Plan Update

Last January, we began the process to develop a new Pastoral Plan by hosting listening sessions, focus groups and surveys. We are now ready for the next step, which is to design an Implementation Plan. To do this, we are inviting all priests, deacons, religious and lay people to attend a consultation session. All sessions will be offered in English and Spanish and will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. as follows:

• Monday, March 23 - St. Joseph Parish in Bryan
• Thursday, March 26 – Pastoral Center in Austin
• Monday, April 13 - St. John the Evangelist Parish in Marble Falls
• Thursday, April 16 – St. John the Evangelist Parish in San Marcos
• Thursday, April 23 – St. Louis Catholic School in Waco

To have enough handouts and refreshments, please register, if you plan to attend.

A message from Bishop-elect Garcia

Mass of Episcopal Ordination

Thank you for your offers of congratulations and prayers as I prepare for my ordination as auxiliary bishop of Austin. I am sincerely grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for this appointment.

Invitations to the Mass of Episcopal Ordination have been mailed. The Mass will be on March 3 at 2 p.m. at St. William Parish in Round Rock. Unfortunately, because of space limitations this will be a ticketed event. Please be sure to RSVP as tickets will only be issued to those who RSVP.

Reflection question

Gospel Meditation

Please consider using the following meditation for the First Sunday of Lent (Feb. 22):

• In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us to “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” How long has it been since your last confession? Lent is the perfect time to seek out this sacrament. Why not make plans to go before Holy Week?
• En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús nos dice "Arrepiéntete y cree en el Evangelio". ¿Cuánto tiempo ha pasado desde su última confesión? La Cuaresma es el tiempo perfecto para buscar este sacramento ¿Por qué no hacer planes para confesarse antes de la Semana Santa?

Worship Office

Lenten Overview

The Worship Office has prepared a resource guide for Lent for all those who help prepare the parish liturgies.

Easter Vigil

According to the Roman Missal, “the entire celebration of the Easter Vigil must take place during the night, so that it begins after nightfall.” Since sunset will take place at 7:52 p.m. on April 4, all Easter Vigil Masses in the Diocese of Austin cannot begin before 8:15 p.m. Only one vigil liturgy may be celebrated.

Vocation Office

Project Andrew

Discovering one’s vocation is about meeting a person: the person of Christ. Project Andrew is for Catholic men (ages 16-45) interested in learning more about discernment, the priesthood and seminary life. Join us for prayer, testimonials by priests and seminarians, Mass and lunch with Bishop Vásquez on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin. Register at austinvocations.com.

Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

Culture of Life Celebratory Dinner

A Culture of Life has blossomed within Central Texas because of the efforts of the volunteers within the Diocese of Austin. Let us break bread together as we recognize parishes and their works to extend the hand of Christ to God’s people. Join us at Culture of Life Celebratory Dinner on Feb. 12 at St. Helen Parish for dinner and keynote speaker Chad Judice, an award winning author who will share his story of faith, strength and love of the gift of his son. Registration will begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. View www.centraltexasprolife.org to purchase tickets or contact the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living at (512) 949-2486 or e-mail Yvonne Saldaña for more information.

Finance Office

Special Collection money due

Please send funds collected for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Special Collection, taken up Nov. 22-23, to the diocesan Finance Office as soon as possible. Send checks to Finance Office, Diocese of Austin, 6225 Highway 290 East, Austin, TX 78723.

Family Life Office

Men’s Conference

The third annual Men’s Conference will be Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. William Parish in Round Rock. Jesse Romero is one of the keynote speakers. Tickets are $39 and are available for purchase at www.catholicarmorofgod.com. The event is sponsored by the Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men and The Knights of Columbus.

Weekly notes

Pope Francis prayer intentions

Please consider Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for the month of February:

• That prisoners, especially the young, may be able to rebuild lives of dignity ...
• Para que los encarcelados, en especial los jóvenes, tengan la posibilidad de reconstruir una vida digna ...
• That married people who are separated may find welcome and support in the Christian community ...
• Para que los cónyuges que se han separado encuentren acogida y apoyo en la comunidad cristiana ...

Bishop Vásquez’ prayer intention

Please consider Bishop Vásquez' prayer intention for the First Sunday of Lent (Feb. 22):

• For missionaries who fearlessly proclaim the Gospel in all corners of the world …
• Por los misioneros quienes valerosamente proclaman el Evangelio en todos los rincones del mundo ...

Ethics and Integrity in Ministry

Upcoming EIM Basic and Refresher Workshops

EIM Basic and Refresher Workshops are scheduled on a quarterly basis by the EIM Office, coordinating with the EIM site administrator at parishes, schools and other diocesan agencies. Staff of any site wishing to host a workshop must coordinate with their EIM site administrator. The EIM site administrator should make all workshop requests on the Workshop Request Table. Additional workshops will not be added to the EIM workshop calendar unless the EIM Office determines a particular need. EIM site administrators may direct inquiries about EIM workshop scheduling to Emily Hurlimann in the EIM Office at (512) 949-2400.

For general information about EIM Basic or Refresher workshops, please click here.

Anyone needing an EIM workshop will sign up online through their EIM account. The sign-up process is explained once you access your EIM account; please contact your parish or Catholic school EIM site administrator if you need assistance or if you do not have Internet access.

Click here to login to your EIM account in order to find the schedule of EIM workshops and to sign up. Instructions are provided in case you do not recall how to login to your EIM account.

Austin Central Deanery

• No dates reported

Austin North Deanery

• March 5, 7 p.m., St. Albert the Great in Austin, English & Spanish
• March 12, 2 p.m. &  7 p.m., St. Louis in Austin, English & Spanish
• March 15, 4 p.m., Holy Vietnamese Martyrs in Austin, English & Vietnamese
• March 19, 6:30 p.m., St. Mary, Our Lady of the Lake in Lago Vista, English
• March 23, 7 p.m., St. Margaret Mary in Cedar Park, English & Spanish
• March 24, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., St. Theresa in Austin, English
• March 25, 7 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul in Austin, English
• March 26, 7 p.m., St. Thomas More in Austin, English

Austin South Deanery

• No dates reported

Bastrop/Lockhart Deanery

• February 26, 7 p.m., Immaculate Heart of Mary in Martindale, English & Spanish
• March 18, 7 p.m., Sacred Heart in Elgin, English & Spanish
• March 19, 7 p.m., Ascension in Bastrop, English & Spanish
• March 23, 7 p.m., Sacred Heart in Rockne, English & Spanish
• March 25, 7 p.m., St. Paul in Smithville, English & Spanish
• March 26, 7 p.m., St. Mary of the Visitation in Lockhart, English & Spanish

Brenham/LaGrange Deanery

• No dates reported

Bryan/College Station Deanery

• No dates reported

Georgetown/Round Rock Deanery

• No dates reported

Killeen/Temple Deanery

• No dates reported

Lampasas/Marble Falls Deanery

• No dates reported

San Marcos Deanery

• February 26, 7 p.m., St. Mary in Wimberley, English & Spanish
• March 3, 7 p.m., Our Lady of Wisdom in San Marcos, English & Spanish
• March 11, 7 p.m., St. Anthony in Kyle, English & Spanish
• March 17, 7 p.m., St. Ferdinand in Blanco, English & Spanish
• March 18, 7 p.m., Santa Cruz in Buda, English & Spanish
• March 24, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd in Johnson City, English & Spanish
• March 26, 7 p.m., St. Martin in Dripping Springs, English & Spanish
• March 27, 7 p.m., St. John in San Marcos, English & Spanish

Waco Deanery

• No dates reported

Bishop-designate Garcia will be ordained bishop at a Mass March 3 at 2 p.m. at St. William Parish in Round Rock. 

Editor’s note: Lent is fast approaching as Ash Wednesday is Feb. 18. Below are a few “frequently asked questions” about Lent from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website www.usccb.org, which has many helpful resources for Lent and all other topics related to our faith. I pray our readers will find this helpful in understanding “why we do what what we do.”
Q. Why do we say that there are 40 days of Lent? When you count all the days from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, there are 46.
A. It might be more accurate to say that there is the “40 day fast within Lent.” Historically, Lent has varied from a week to three weeks to the present configuration of 46 days. The 40 day fast, however, has been more stable. The Sundays of Lent are certainly part of the time of Lent, but they are not prescribed days of fast and abstinence.
Q. So does that mean that when we give something up for Lent, such as candy, we can have it on Sundays?
A. Apart from the prescribed days of fast and abstinence on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and the days of abstinence every Friday of Lent, Catholics have traditionally chosen additional penitential practices for the whole time of Lent. These practices are disciplinary in nature and often more effective if they are continuous, i.e., kept on Sundays as well. That being said, such practices are not regulated by the church, but by individual conscience.
Q. I understand that all the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat, but I’m not sure what is classified as meat. Does meat include chicken and dairy products?
A. Abstinence laws consider that meat comes only from animals such as chickens, cows, sheep or pigs –– all of which live on land. Birds are also considered meat. Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat. Thus, such foods as chicken broth, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, as well as seasonings or condiments made from animal fat are technically not forbidden. However, moral theologians have traditionally taught that we should abstain from all animal-derived products (except foods such as gelatin, butter, cheese and eggs, which do not have any meat taste). Fish are a different category of animal. Salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, (cold-blooded animals) and shellfish are permitted.
Q. I’ve noticed that restaurants and grocery stores advertise specials on expensive types of fish and seafood on Fridays during Lent. Some of my Catholic friends take advantage of these deals, but somehow I don’t feel right treating myself to the lobster special on Fridays during Lent.
A. While fish, lobster and other shellfish are not considered meat and can be consumed on days of abstinence, indulging in the lavish buffet at one’s favorite seafood place sort of misses the point. Abstaining from meat and other indulgences during Lent is a penitential practice. On the Fridays of Lent, we remember the sacrifice of Christ on Good Friday and unite ourselves with that sacrifice through abstinence and prayer.
Q. I understand that Catholics ages 18 to 59 should fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday, but what exactly are the rules for these fasts?
A. Fasting on these days means we can have only one full, meatless meal. Some food can be taken at the other regular meal times if necessary, but combined they should be less than a full meal. Liquids are allowed at any time, but no solid food should be consumed between meals.
Q. Are there exemptions other than for age from the requirement to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday?
A. The norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding from age 14 onwards. Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women. In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting.

Our 2015 Conference will host international missionary and evangelist Maria Vadia along this Fr. Charlie Garza and Fr. Robert Becker on Feb 27-28 at San Jose Catholic Church. 
Please see enclose flyer and registration form, for your convenience you can register online at our website  http://www.ccraustin.org  space is limited so register early and take advantage of discounted fee as well.
 
What words would you use to describe your current experience as a Christian?
Growing. Frustrated. Disappointing. Fulfilled. Forgiven. Stuck. Struggling. Joyful. Defeated. Exciting. Up and down. Empty. Discouraged. Duty. Intimate. Mediocre. Painful. Dynamic. Guilty. Vital. So-so. Others?
 
Do you desire more?
 
Come to hear about the Fire of God and changes you can make in  your life, Moses was transform with the Fire of God,  "The Burning Bush"
Jesus said,“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:37, 38). What did Jesus mean? John, the biblical author, went on to explain, “By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified” (John 7:39).
 
HOLY SPIRIT---HOLY FIRE---DIVINE GIFT
God has given us His Spirit so that we can experience intimacy with Him and enjoy all He has for us. The Holy Spirit is the source of our deepest satisfaction.

1. The Holy Spirit is God’s permanent presence with us. (John 14:16, 17)
2. The Holy Spirit enables us to understand and experience all God has given us. (1 Corinthians 2:12).

           a)  A genuine new spiritual life (John 3:1–8)
           b)  The assurance of being a child of God (Romans 8:15, 16)
           c)  The infinite love of God (Romans 5:5; Ephesians 3:18, 19)
 
 
Hope to see you there.
 
Blessings,
In His love
 
Christina Turullols
WWW.CCRAUSTIN.ORG
 

A message from Bishop Vásquez

Official appointment

• Rev. Harry Dean Jr. as parochial vicar at Church of the Resurrection, Emmaus in Lakeway, effective Feb. 2, 2015.

A message from Bishop-elect Garcia

Mass of Episcopal Ordination

Thank you for your offers of congratulations and prayers as I prepare for my ordination as auxiliary bishop of Austin. I am sincerely grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for this appointment.

Reflection question

Gospel Meditation

Please consider using the following meditation for the Second Sunday of Lent (March 1):

• Like the Transfiguration, Lent is a time of transformation for us. Why not use Lent as a time to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel?
• Como la Transfiguración, la Cuaresma es un tiempo de transformación para nosotros ¿Por qué no usar la Cuaresma como un tiempo para alejarnos del pecado y ser fieles al Evangelio?

Hispanic Ministry

2015 Conferencia de Hombres Catolicos

• All Spanish-speaking men are invited to a free Catholic men’s conference featuring keynote speaker Jesse Romero. The conference is Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at San José Parish in Austin.
• Todos los hombres hablantes de Español están invitados a una conferencia Católica para hombres gratuita que presentará como orador principal a Jesse Romero. La Conferencia se llevará a cabo el 19 de febrero a las 6:30 p.m. en la Parroquia de San José en Austin.

Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center

March 13-15: Living the Beatitudes

A Lenten Retreat: Living the Beatitudes will be held March 13-15 at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. Sister of St. Joseph Carol Cimino will lead retreatants through the beatitudes. The cost is $195 for a private room, $160 for a shared room or $85 for commuters. To register, contact Cedarbrake at (254) 780-2436 or cedarbrake@austindiocese.org.

Stewardship and Development

Stewardship conference in Chicago

Registration for the 2015 International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) conference in Chicago is now open. The conference runs from Oct. 23-25 and provides opportunities to learn about Christian stewardship, share ideas and meet other parish stewardship leaders. Through Feb. 13, participants can register online for the discounted rate of $399. If mailing a registration, participants can receive the discounted registration rate through Feb. 28, but only by marking REGION X EARLY BIRD RATE on the registration. Registration is also available by calling (800) 352-3452.

PDS update

Parish conversions to PDS began in September and will be ongoing through July 2015. All parishes will be contacted by a diocesan database team member prior to their conversion date with information to prepare for the conversion. Three parishes will be converted each week. The parish will have two weeks to review their data after their conversion. Please see the website at http://www.austindiocese.org/pds for the schedule as well as training sessions.

The upcoming conversions this week are: Santa Barbara Parish in Austin, Cristo Rey Parish in Austin, St. Mary of the Visitation Parish in Lockhart and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Temple.

Vocation Office

Project Miriam

All single, Catholic women (ages 16-45) are invited to Project Miriam to discover more about consecrated life at St. Mary Cathedral on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The morning includes testimonials and prayer with religious sisters serving in the diocese, Mass and lunch with Bishop-elect Daniel E. Garcia.

Please go to austinvocations.com to register for this free event.

Family Life Office

Facilitator training for Prepare-Enrich

A Prepare-Enrich Facilitator Training will be held March 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Austin. This training will prepare participants to give the Prepare-Enrich premarital inventory to couples preparing for marriage and to discuss the results in a manner that has been shown to effectively reduce later marital conflict. The Prepare-Enrich inventory has a specially designed version for Catholic couples and is available in both English and Spanish. For more information, contact Sarah Lockey in the Family Life Office at (512) 651-6150.

Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

THRiVE! presentation

Parents and students in grades seven through 12 are invited to a “THRiVE!” presentation on Feb. 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Santa Cruz Catholic School in Austin. A dynamic group of young-adult speakers, well-formed in spirituality and catechesis, will present a message of chastity.

• 7-9th graders will hear a talk on “Human Dignity”
• 10-12th graders will hear a talk on “Sexual Integrity” (boys & girls will separate after gathering)
• There will be a separate talk for parents

Please consider coming! This is an opportunity to celebrate the dignity of the human person. For more information you may visit the THRiVE website.

Weekly notes

Bishop Vásquez' prayer intention

Please consider using the following prayer intention for the Second Sunday of Lent (March 1):

• For all those preparing to enter into the church during the Easter Vigil …
• Por todos aquellos que se encuentran preparándose para unirse a la Iglesia durante la Vigilia de Pascua...

Ethics and Integrity in Ministry

Upcoming EIM Basic and Refresher Workshops

EIM Basic and Refresher Workshops are scheduled on a quarterly basis by the EIM Office, coordinating with the EIM site administrator at parishes, schools and other diocesan agencies. Staff of any site wishing to host a workshop must coordinate with their EIM site administrator. The EIM site administrator should make all workshop requests on the Workshop Request Table. Additional workshops will not be added to the EIM workshop calendar unless the EIM Office determines a particular need. EIM site administrators may direct inquiries about EIM workshop scheduling to Emily Hurlimann in the EIM Office at (512) 949-2400.

For general information about EIM Basic or Refresher workshops, please click here.

Anyone needing an EIM workshop will sign up online through their EIM account. The sign-up process is explained once you access your EIM account; please contact your parish or Catholic school EIM site administrator if you need assistance or if you do not have Internet access.

Click here to login to your EIM account in order to find the schedule of EIM workshops and to sign up. Instructions are provided in case you do not recall how to login to your EIM account.

A message from Bishop Vásquez

Official appointments

• Very Rev. Kirby Garner as Dean of the San Marcos Deanery, effective Feb. 18, 2015.
• Rev. Raymundo Chávez Vázquez as parochial vicar of Santa Cruz Parish in Buda, effective Feb. 6, 2015.

A message from Bishop-elect Garcia

Thank you for the many gestures and offers of congratulations and prayers as I prepare for my episcopal ordination as auxiliary bishop of Austin. I am sincerely grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for this appointment and I continue to look forward to serving the people of the Diocese of Austin.

Reflection question

Gospel Meditation

Please consider using the following meditation for the Third Sunday of Lent (March 8):

• Jesus drove out the money changers and traders from the temple in order to cleanse it and to restore the fullness of its sacredness. What can you do or stop doing to show greater respect for the church grounds and all of its facilities?
• Jesús echó a los cambiadores de dinero y a los comerciantes del templo para limpiarlo y restaurar la totalidad de su santidad ¿Qué puede usted hacer o dejar de hacer para mostrar un respeto más grande por los espacios abiertos de la iglesia y sus instalaciones?

Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living

Spanish NFP seminar for engaged couples

• Austin FertilityCare Center, providers of the Creighton method of natural family planning, will be holding a new class for Spanish-speaking engaged couples preparing for marriage. This class meets the NFP portion of marriage preparation. The program will be at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Austin on March 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. A certificate will be provided to the couple to present to their marriage preparation program. To register, Diana Arteaga at Austin FertilityCare Center at (512) 474-2757 or e-mail info@austinfcc.org. Cost is $35 per couple.
• El Centro FertilityCare de Austin  que enseña el método Creighton, ofrecerá una clase nueva en español para parejas comprometidas que se están preparando para casarse en la Diócesis de Austin. Esta clase cumplirá con el requisito sobre la planificación natural de la familia (PNF) de la preparación matrimonial. La clase se llevará a cabo en el Centro Pastoral en Austin el día 7 de marzo de 10:00 a.m. al medio día (12:00 p.m.). Un certificado será otorgado a las parejas para que lo presenten a su programa de preparación para el matrimonio. Para registrarse, contacten a Diana Arteaga en el Centro FertilityCare de Austin, llamando al (512) 474-2757 o escribiendo a info@austinfcc.org. El Costo es de $35 por pareja.

THRiVE!: Adult Seminar Upcoming dates

THRiVE! Adult Seminars will take place on Feb. 27 in Waco (6:30-8 p.m.), March 6 in Bryan (7-8 p.m.) and March 8 in Austin (4-5:30 p.m.). Spanish interpretation will be available at these events. These free events will feature The Culture Project missionaries who are part of a movement of young people committed to building a Culture of Life by educating on pro-life and chastity messages. Parents, pastors and educators are welcome. Please RSVP for the event at www.thrivetexas.org or call (512) 949-2486.

Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center

March 7: RCIA Retreat

Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton presents a day of reflection for RCIA Candidates, Catechumens and sponsors on March 7. Tracy Rodenborn, RCIA director for Emmaus Parish in Lakeway and adjunct professor at Notre Dame, will lead this day. Cost is $20 and includes lunch. those interested in attending may call (254) 780-2436 or e-mail cedarbrake@austindiocese.org to register.

March 13-15: Living the Beatitudes

A Lenten Retreat: Living the Beatitudes will be held March 13-15 at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. Sister of St. Joseph Carol Cimino will lead retreatants through the beatitudes. The cost is $195 for a private room, $160 for a shared room or $85 for commuters. Click here to register or contact Cedarbrake at (254) 780-2436.

Weekly notes

Bishop Vásquez' prayer intention

Please consider using the following prayer intention for the Third Sunday of Lent (March 8):

• For Bishop Daniel Garcia who was ordained as auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Austin …
• Por el Obispo Daniel García que fue ordenado como obispo auxiliar de la Diócesis de Austin

Blessings and congratulations to …

The following priests on the anniversary of their ordination during the month of March: Rev. Joseph Thomas Varickamackal, March 3, 1977; Rev. Jesus Ferras, ISP, March 6, 2004; and Rev. Mario Castro Martinez, OFM Conv., March 10, 2001.

Free pews

Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton has free pews to give to any parish willing to pick them up. The pews are in good condition and would work well in a small chapel. For more information, contact Beverly Collin at (254) 780-2436.

Ethics and Integrity in Ministry

Upcoming EIM Basic and Refresher Workshops

EIM Basic and Refresher Workshops are scheduled on a quarterly basis by the EIM Office, coordinating with the EIM site administrator at parishes, schools and other diocesan agencies. Staff of any site wishing to host a workshop must coordinate with their EIM site administrator. The EIM site administrator should make all workshop requests on the Workshop Request Table. Additional workshops will not be added to the EIM workshop calendar unless the EIM Office determines a particular need. EIM site administrators may direct inquiries about EIM workshop scheduling to Emily Hurlimann in the EIM Office at (512) 949-2400.

For general information about EIM Basic or Refresher workshops, please click here.

Anyone needing an EIM workshop will sign up online through their EIM account. The sign-up process is explained once you access your EIM account; please contact your parish or Catholic school EIM site administrator if you need assistance or if you do not have Internet access.

Click here to login to your EIM account in order to find the schedule of EIM workshops and to sign up. Instructions are provided in case you do not recall how to login to your EIM account.

Catholic Charities of Central Texas (CCCTX) will hold a workshop for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) March 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Francis on the Brazos Parish in Waco. For more information, visit www.ccctx.org/executive-action.

The Catholic Business Network will hold its next meeting on March 4th  at St. William Catholic Church, Round Rock, TX.  All Catholic Business Professionals are invited to attend and network in an effort to form trusted relationships based on Catholic values   The meeting begins at 7:30am and will end by 9am.  To register, go to:  http://catholicbiznetwork.org/  This month we are privileged to have Christopher Sperling MA, a trained facilitator and Marriage and Family Therapist. He will be expanding on The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team.

The Ladies of Charity of Waco will host the 35th annual Easter Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick April 8 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Parish in Waco. Refreshments will be served following the service in St. Mary's Parish Hall. For more information, call (254) 876-2277.