Young adults are invited to Eucharistic Adoration March 17 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Schoenstatt in Austin. A social hour will follow adoration. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/schoenstattAustin.
Join us for Theology on Tap Thursday, March 12th at Casa Chapala (9041 Research Blvd. St. 100, 78758) where Deacon Dan Lupo will discuss “Making Connections During Times of Transition.” We will begin with fellowship at 6 p.m. followed by his presentation beginning at 7 p.m. We hope to see you there!
Helper's of God's Precious Infants Prayer Vigil
7 a.m. Meet for Mass at:
St. Paul Parish
10000 David Moore Dr.
Austin, TX 78748
7:50-10:30 a.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
For those who wish to stay and pray, special prayer manuals will be provided for adoration.
7:50 a.m. Car Caravan and Procession to Planned Parenthood
10:30 a.m. Benediction
10:40 a.m. Refreshments hosted by: St. Paul Parish
At the conclusion of the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, celebrated in 2014 to treat the topic, The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization, Pope Francis decided to make public the Relatio Synodi, the document which concluded the synod’s work. At the same time, the Holy Father indicated that this document would be the Lineamenta for the XIV Ordinary General Assembly to take place from 4 to 25 October 2015 to treat the topic, The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World.
The Relatio Synodi, which is sent as the Lineamenta, concludes in the following words: “These proposed reflections, the fruit of the synodal work that took place in great freedom and with a spirit of reciprocal listening, are intended to raise questions and indicate points of view that will later be developed and clarified through reflection in the local Churches in the intervening year leading to the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops” (Relatio Synodi, n. 62)
The Lineamenta has a series of questions aimed at knowing how the document is received and to generate an in-depth examination of the work initiated during the Extraordinary Assembly. It is a matter of re-thinking “with renewed freshness and enthusiasm, what revelation, transmitted in the Church’s faith, tells us about the beauty, the role and the dignity of the family” (Relatio Synodi, n. 4). From this vantage point, we have “one year to mature, with true spiritual discernment, the proposed ideas and to find concrete solutions to so many difficulties and innumerable challenges that families must confront” (Pope Francis, Concluding Discourse, 18 October 2014). The results of this consultation, together with the Relatio Synodi, will serve as the basis for the Instrumentum laboris of the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of 2015.
In the spirit of dialogue, Pope Francis wishes to receive further feedback from Catholics on the outcome of the Extraordinary Synod to help the Church prepare for the Ordinary Synod on the Family that is scheduled for 4-25 October 2015.
The Catholic Diocese of Austin would appreciate some of your time to fill in this survey so that we can help shape the response that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will send to Rome in April 2015. Feel free to answer all or only some of the questions that most interest you.
Due to the time needed by the Holy See to assemble this material, your responses to this survey must be received NO LATER THAN March 13, 2015.
Al terminar la III Asamblea General Extraordinaria del Sínodo de los Obispos sobre Los desafíos pastorales de la familia en el contexto de la evangelización, celebrada en el 2014, el Papa Francisco decidió dar a conocer públicamente la Relatio Synodi, documento con el cual se concluyeron los trabajos sinodales. Al mismo tiempo, el Santo Padre indicó que este documento constituirá los Lineamenta para la XIV Asamblea General Ordinaria sobre el tema La vocación y la misión de la misión de la familia en la Iglesia y en el mundo contemporáneo, que tendrá lugar del 4 al 25 de octubre de 2015.
La Relatio Synodi, que se envía como Lineamenta, termina con estas palabras: “Las reflexiones propuestas, fruto del trabajo sinodal que tuvo lugar en un clima de gran libertad y en un estilo de escucha mutua, desean plantear cuestiones e indicar perspectivas que deberán ser maduradas y precisadas por la reflexión de las Iglesias locales durante el año que nos separa de la Asamblea General Ordinaria del Sínodo de los Obispos prevista para octubre de 2015” (Relatio Synodi, n. 62).
A los Lineamenta se agrega una serie de preguntas para conocer la recepción del documento y para estimular la profundización del trabajo iniciado en el curso de la Asamblea Extraordinaria. Se trata de “repensar con renovada frescura y entusiasmo lo que la revelación, transmitida en la fe de la Iglesia, nos dice sobre la belleza y sobre la dignidad de la familia” (Relatio Synodi, n. 4). En esta perspectiva, estamos llamados a vivir un año “para madurar, con verdadero discernimiento espiritual, las ideas propuestas y encontrar soluciones concretas a tantas dificultades e innumerables desafíos que las familias deben afrontar” (Papa Francisco, Discurso conclusivo, 18 de octubre de 2014). El resultado de esta consultación junto con la Relatio Synodi constituirá el material para el Instrumentum laboris de la XIV Asamblea General Ordinaria del 2015.
Se invita a las Conferencias Episcopales a elegir las modalidades adecuadas para tal finalidad implicando a todos los componentes de las iglesias particulares e instituciones académicas, organizaciones, agregaciones laicas y otras instancias eclesiales. Las respuestas de las diócesis serán recogidas por la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos para ser transmitidas al Secretario General del Sínodo de Obispos reunido en asamblea por la Santa Sede.
Para los Católicos que deseen presentar sus respuestas a la Diócesis de Austin, les pedimos que lean cuidadosamente el cuerpo de los Lineamenta que se encuentra en el enlace proporcionado. Este contexto le ayudará a prepararse para abordar la serie de preguntas y ayudar en la formulación de una respuesta.
Debido al tiempo necesario para que la Santa Sede recopile este material, sus respuestas a esta encuesta, estas deberán ser recibidas A MAS TARDAR EL 13 de marzo de 2015.
Participate in the 2015 Synod on the Family Survey
At the conclusion of the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, celebrated in 2014 to treat the topic, The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization, Pope Francis decided to make public the Relatio Synodi, the document which concluded the synod’s work. At the same time, the Holy Father indicated that this document would be the Lineamenta for the XIV Ordinary General Assembly to take place Oct. 4-25 to treat the topic, The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World. The Lineamenta has a series of questions aimed at knowing how the document is received and to generate an in-depth examination of the work initiated during the Extraordinary Assembly. In the spirit of dialogue, Pope Francis wishes to receive further feedback from Catholics on the outcome of the Extraordinary Synod to help the Church prepare for the Ordinary Synod on the Family that is scheduled for Oct. 4-25, 2015. The Catholic Diocese of Austin would appreciate some of your time to fill in this survey so that we can help shape the response that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will send to Rome in April 2015. Feel free to answer all or only some of the questions that most interest you. Due to the time needed by the Holy See to assemble this material, your responses to this survey must be received no later than March 13, 2015.
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 report about the Pastoral Plan was presented to the Presbyteral Council and to the Deans. These priests offered insightful recommendations on how to engage everyone in the process of designing an Implementation Plan. In addition, the diocesan staff has had opportunities to reflect on the priorities and initiatives and to offer ideas about the implementation process. We are also inviting priests, deacons, religious and lay people to attend a gathering session to review the plan and provide ideas about the implementation. All sessions will be offered in English and Spanish and held from 7 to 9 p.m. as follows:
To have enough handouts and refreshments, please register, if you plan to attend. People may register individually or as a group.
The Mass of Ordination will be broadcast via livestream on austindiocese.org. The broadcast will begin at 1:45 p.m.
Please consider using the following meditation for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 15):
El Camino del Corazón: En Comunión con Dios se llevará a cabo el 14 de marzo en el Centro Católico de Retiros Cedarbrake en Belton de 9 a.m. a 2 p.m. Edgar Ramírez, Director del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Austin presentará este día de silencio, oración y reflexión para encontrar la fuerza y la sabiduría que guió a Jesús en el desierto, a la cruz y a la vida eterna. El Costo es de $25 e incluye el almuerzo y los materiales. Para registrarse, vaya a https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=ae3f68. Por favor regístrese antes del 10 de marzo.
Parish conversions will be ongoing through August 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 Holy Cross Parish in Austin, St. Martin de Porres Parish in Dripping Springs and St. Joseph Parish in Bryan.
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 register for the event at www.thrivetexas.org or call (512) 949-2486.
Deacon Dan Lupo will discuss "Making Connections During Times of Transition" at the next Theology on Tap on March 12 at Casa Chapala (9041 Research Blvd. St. 100, Austin, 78758). Fellowship begins at 6 p.m. with the presentation starting at 7 p.m.
Please consider using the following prayer intention for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 15):
To make upcoming retreats easier to find, the Diocese of Austin has created a “Retreat Center” link on the diocesan homepage under the “In Your Community” banner.
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.
Abortion, contraception, abortifacient drugs, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), embryonic stem cell research: some of the most controversial issues of our time. These are topics of daily conversation and affect the most intimate aspects of our lives, yet many of us either don’t know or don’t understand the Church’s teaching on them.
To prepare us for these conversations, to help us learn what the Church teaches, why the Church teaches it, and ethical alternatives, Founding President of The John Paul II Foundation for Life and Family Arland Nichols will present “Medicine & the Gospel of Life” on April 18 from 8:30 am until noon at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy.
“Far from a never-ending list of no’s, the Church’s teachings on these issues are primarily an affirmation of great goods to which the Church proclaims a resounding ‘YES!’”
A continental breakfast will be included. $10 tickets are available at www.jpiilifecenter.org in their calendar of events. Or for more information: info@jpiilifecenter.org or 512-407-2900.
I would like to express my gratitude for the prayers, hard work and support which made the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Daniel Garcia a truly prayerful and joyful event. As the Diocese of Austin continues to experience rapid growth, God has blessed us through this extraordinary gift of an auxiliary bishop. I especially acknowledge and thank our priests for their presence and fraternal support. In a special way, I thank the priests who had special roles in the liturgy that required an extra commitment of their time, particularly those who served as Masters of Ceremony. And, I am grateful for the deacons, their wives, men and women religious, and seminarians who attended the ordination.
To the Ordination Committee, Office of Worship, choir and musicians, diocesan staff, volunteers and generous sponsors, I express my heartfelt gratitude. Thanks to your tireless efforts and dedication of time, talent and treasure, the Episcopal Ordination of the first Auxiliary Bishop of Austin was solemn and uplifting.
Finally, I express my thanks to Rev. Dean Wilhelm, Rev. Uche Andeh, the fine parish staff and community of St. William Parish for hosting us on this special occasion. They were most gracious in collaborating with us and extending their hospitality.
At the conclusion of the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, celebrated in 2014 to treat the topic, The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization, Pope Francis decided to make public the Relatio Synodi, the document which concluded the synod’s work. At the same time, the Holy Father indicated that this document would be the Lineamenta for the XIV Ordinary General Assembly to take place Oct. 4-25 to treat the topic, The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World. The Lineamenta has a series of questions aimed at knowing how the document is received and to generate an in-depth examination of the work initiated during the Extraordinary Assembly. In the spirit of dialogue, Pope Francis wishes to receive further feedback from Catholics on the outcome of the Extraordinary Synod to help the Church prepare for the Ordinary Synod on the Family that is scheduled for Oct. 4-25, 2015. The Catholic Diocese of Austin would appreciate some of your time to fill in this survey so that we can help shape the response that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will send to Rome in April 2015. Feel free to answer all or only some of the questions that most interest you. Due to the time needed by the Holy See to assemble this material, your responses to this survey must be received no later than March 13, 2015.
On the weekend of March 14-15, all parishes in the Diocese of Austin are to take up a special collection for Catholic Relief Services. The following announcement should be read before all Masses that weekend:
The Mass of Chrism will take place on March 31 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin. To order oils for your parish, please order online by March 18 at www.austindiocese.org/chrism2015.
The 2015 Lumen Gentium ceremony will be June 16 at the Mayborn Center in Temple. An e-mail was re-sent yesterday to pastors explaining this year’s nomination process. Nominations are due March 20. For questions, contact Christian R. González at (512) 949-2456.
The Episcopal Ordination of the Most Rev. Danny Garcia as our Auxiliary Bishop underscores the significance of the tremendous growth occurring in our diocese. The development and implementation of our new Pastoral Plan also comes at a time when the diocese is experiencing demographic shifts. Bishop Vásquez encourages all to attend one of the parish gatherings to offer your ideas about how we could implement the Plan in the most effective and fruitful manner. All sessions will be offered in English and Spanish and held from 7 to 9 p.m. as follows:
To have enough materials and refreshments, please register, if you plan to attend. Registration may be done individually or as a group.
I am very grateful and humbled by the many signs of support which so many people offered me, prior, during and after my episcopal ordination. To the many people who worked behind the scenes, as well as to those directly involved in every aspect of the celebration -- Thank you!
I am especially grateful to Bishop Vásquez, my brother priests, deacons, seminarians, religious and diocesan staff for their presence and encouragement. I look forward to the work that I will now share in as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Austin. Please continue to pray for me as I accept these new responsibilities.
Please consider using the following meditation for the Fifth Sunday of Lent (March 22):
On March 24 the bishops of Texas and thousands of advocates will be at the Capitol for the Catholic Faith in Action Advocacy Day. Everyone in the diocese can participate by praying for this event and by calling their state representatives and senator in support of the bishops’ agenda. Those who want can come to the rally at the Capitol scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on March 24. All participants are encouraged to wear royal blue. Detailed information, including a call in-script is available at austindiocese.org/advocacyday.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity to the CSA. To date, we have received pledges from more than 17,000 families totaling more than $4.7 million. Follow-up letters to those who have not yet pledged were mailed last week. Follow-up phone calls are scheduled to begin on March 9. To see the latest parish reports click here.
Parish conversions will be ongoing through August 2015. We have converted 44 parishes to date. All parishes will be contacted by a diocesan database team member prior to their conversion date with information to prepare for the conversion. 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 Our Lady of the Lake in Sunrise Beach, St. Ann in Somerville and St. Michael in Uhland.
All women, ages 18-45, are invited to encounter the beauty of a vocation and the possibility of this call in their own lives, April 24-26, at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. The retreat will be led by the Consecrated Sisters of the Apostles of the Interior Life (AVI). There will be talks and time for prayer as well as “one-on-one” conversations with the sisters while experiencing community life with other young women discerning the will of God. For more information, contact the Vocation Office at (512) 949-2430. Cost is $35. Register online by April 20 at http://www.austinvocations.com/.
The Culture Project is traveling all over Texas to speak with middle and high school students, young adults and parents on both human dignity and sexual integrity. Parishes and schools can request they come to give a presentation before they depart on March 28 or come out and see them at the following locations:
Catholic Charities of Central Texas is now accepting appointments for help with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) for the week of March 17-20. All candidates must contact Catholic Charities at (512) 651-6125 before March 17 to receive important information regarding the costs and eligibility. Visit www.ccctx.org/DACA for more information.
Please consider Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for the month of March:
Please consider Bishop Vásquez’ prayer intention for the Fifth Sunday of Lent (March 22):
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.
Editor: On Jan. 21, Pope Francis appointed you the first auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Austin. What does this appointment mean to you?
Bishop Garcia: First, I am very grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for appointing me to serve alongside Bishop Joe Vásquez in this diocese where I was born and raised. For me, serving as auxiliary bishop provides me the opportunity to be of assistance to Bishop Vásquez. He, of course, will continue to shepherd the Diocese of Austin, and now with my help, we can be present to even more segments of the population throughout Central Texas.
On a personal level, as auxiliary bishop, I am beginning to understand what it means geographically to serve a larger group of people. As a pastor for many years, I was accustomed to serving a local parish, which was very small geographically. Now, first as vicar general and even more so as auxiliary bishop, I am meeting more people and serving more people from across the diocese as I attend various events and serve on committees.
Editor: You have mentioned before that you value the advice and guidance of several priests, who you consider your mentors. Tell us a little about that.
Bishop Garcia: In the 26 years I have been a priest, I have had wonderful examples of priests and bishops, young and old, living and deceased, who have modeled for me what priestly service is. They, as well as the people I have served, have enabled me to be the priest I am today. I am especially grateful for the love and support of all of my brother priests in the Diocese of Austin.
Over the years, I have worked with many priests, who I consider mentors. It’s probably kind of like when you become a parent for the first time and you turn to your friends who already have kids to ask questions and seek advice. Well, in many ways as a priest, I have often turned to my fellow priests for their advice and support. I have also been blessed to work closely with several bishops, all of whom have traits that I really admire. Each of them has modeled for me, in their own ways, the role of a bishop and how he serves his people. As I take on this new role as auxiliary bishop, I hope that I can glean from them a little bit of what I admired about them and I hope I can bring that to my role.
Editor: Tell us about your childhood.
Bishop Garcia: I was born in Cameron, which is a small town in Milam County about 30 miles southeast of Temple. My family actually lived in Waco for five years until I got ready to start school. My parents wanted me to attend Catholic school, so we moved back to Cameron so that I could start at St Anthony’s Catholic School, which was connected to St. Monica Parish. As a family we attended Blessed Sacrament Parish in Cameron, which was later destroyed by a fire.
Our faith was central to us as a family. Our grandparents instilled in us the importance of our faith and of serving others. On a daily basis, they exemplified Jesus’ call to love God and to love our neighbor.
My extended family was very large, thus in happy times and in times of crisis family support was always present. Likewise, growing up in a small town like Cameron, the faith expressions of the various cultures –– German, Czech and Hispanic –– were a blessing to me.
Editor: How long did you attend Catholic school?
Bishop Garcia: I attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School, which was run by the Divine Providence Sisters out of San Antonio, for five years from 1966-71 until the school closed. Then my sisters and I went to public school. It was a big change to go from Catholic school to public school. Since I had played baseball from the age of 6, I knew a lot of my classmates, which helped to ease my transition from Catholic to public school.
Editor: Tell us about your discernment for the priesthood.
Bishop Garcia: Like every young person, I had lots of ideas of what I was going to do with my life. I always said I wanted to become a doctor, and the idea of living a vocation in the church was not something I envisioned for myself. The priests who I knew well always encouraged me to consider being active in the church and open to God’s call. There were moments in my high school days when I remember priests asking, “Why don’t you go to the seminary?” or “Would you consider the seminary?” I quickly dismissed those questions because the priesthood was not on my radar at the time.
After a couple of years of college and then returning home to work at the local hospital, at the age of 21 or so, I began to ask myself some tough questions. It was at this time, I realize that my heart was much more open to exploring the priesthood. I naturally became more involved with the church as a young adult. Undoubtedly, my pastor at that time, Msgr. Louis Pavlicek, helped me to seriously consider the possible call to the priesthood. I always admired how Father Pavlicek worked and served the people of various cultures. He was a friend and a mentor who was always ready to listen to the questions I had as a young adult, including those I had on the priesthood.
I vividly remember the day I mentioned to Father Pavlicek that I was seriously considering the priesthood. It was very difficult to admit to myself that a possible call to the priesthood was stirring in my heart. I could no longer ignore the quiet yet persistent question from God, “Will you just give it a try?”
After I finally admitted to myself that this desire was growing inside me, it was actually a relief to say, “I am not sure I’m going to be a priest, but I am going to give it a try.” And now, ironically, more than 30 years later, here I am. Obviously, God had a plan for me and ultimately I had to be open to God’s plan.
Editor: You have been a priest for 26 years. It’s obvious you enjoy your vocation. When you celebrate Mass, there is joy and love for the Eucharist and for Christ. How do you maintain that?
Bishop Garcia: I think a priest must work to maintain a strong relationship with the Lord. This may sound funny, but my relationship with the Lord is no different from any other person who seeks a relationship with God. In fact, the priesthood does not guarantee a strong relationship with God. As a priest, I cannot help bring others closer to God if I don’t continuously work on my relationship with God –– I cannot give what I don’t have.
My relationships with the people I have served –– the laity –– have invited me to strive to be closer to Christ. Being a priest has allowed me to enter the lives of many wonderful people sometimes through moments of sadness and conflict but also in times of great joy. Through the loving presence of people, I have experienced the love of God.
Editor: With the new role comes more responsibility. How do you prioritize your prayer life?
Bishop Garcia: It’s not always easy, as I stated before, I too have to carve time in my daily schedule in order to listen to God. I jokingly have said to other brother priests that I always thought I was a person of prayer yet when Bishop Vásquez asked me to be vicar general of the diocese last March, I quickly realized I needed to pray more!
As my responsibilities have increased, I find myself praying even more. I have always encouraged lay people who are so busy to make the time for a few minutes throughout the busyness of the day to sneak away and pray. I have learned the importance of making the time to be quiet and listen to God.
Editor: Tell us about your dog, Micah.
Father Garcia: Yes, I have a little schnauzer named Micah who is about 6 years old. I got him as a puppy, and he has been a great comfort to me over the years. At the end of a long day, he sits with me and simply appreciates my presence. He is great company.
Editor: Describe what a typical day looks like right now.
Bishop Garcia: Well, my day here at the Pastoral Center begins at 9 and usually with a morning meeting with Bishop Vásquez. We go over the day and discuss the details of the topics at hand and how they should be prioritized. Then I usually have several meetings throughout the day as well as private appointments, phone calls and staff updates.
At noon, I often celebrate Mass here at the Pastoral Center, then I try to sneak away to get a bite to eat. I run home for lunch and visit with Micah a little bit, and then I come back and resume meetings and appointments.
The day ends usually about between 6 and 7 p.m. when I go home to rest. My weekly schedule may be altered a bit based on evening events that Bishop Vásquez may ask me to attend. In the months ahead, I expect to be attending more events on Friday evenings and Saturdays and Sundays. I look forward to visiting more parishes and celebrating Masses throughout the diocese.
Editor: Tell about the call you received from the nuncio when he told you that you would we the auxiliary bishop.
Bishop Garcia: Well, it was Monday afternoon and the day had already been very, very busy. I was returning to my desk and my administrative assistant, Janice (Ingram), said “Father Danny the Secretary for the Nuncio is on the phone and would like to speak with you.” I paused and said, “For me?” and she said, “Yes for you.”
She had received a similar phone call when my predecessor, Bishop Michael Sis, was appointed bishop of the Diocese of San Angelo. I knew by the look on her face that this was serious. So as I closed the door and walked to my chair I just began to pray because I knew my life may be about to change. We greeted one another and then he said, “I have news for you. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has named you auxiliary bishop …” At that point I could feel my heart beating outside of me. Then he said, “of Austin.” And in all honesty, I was surprised and relieved. I sincerely love this diocese and I enjoy the people that I serve, people who I have come to know over the years; therefore, I was glad to be able to continue serving here.
Then I double-checked that he had said “of Austin” and he chuckled and said, “yes.” I thanked him and accepted the appointment. The nuncio was very affirming, and actually once I said yes the fear and the nervousness subsided. Serving as the auxiliary bishop of Austin is certainly a blessing for me personally, to my family, and I hope to the Diocese of Austin. I sincerely look forward to working with Bishop Vásquez and working with my brother priests to serve the people of God.
Editor: What is your episcopal motto and how did you choose it?
Bishop Garcia: My episcopal motto is “Walk humbly with God,” which is from the book of the prophet Micah (6:8). This has always been a favorite passage of mine because God invites us to take on a sense of humility as we journey through life, thus adhering ourselves more and more to the ways and heart of God. We are all on a journey, and we must never forget that God is with us through thick and thin. We must also remember that everything we have is gift –– our lives, our faith, the people we encounter –– God has given all of this to us. A truly humble heart helps us to realize how awesome God is.
Reflecting upon these last few weeks prior to the ordination on March 3 has made me very aware of how I have been blessed –– particularly, in the relationships I have made over the years. I realize I am not deserving of the recognition I have been given, but for me this has been a true lesson in learning to receive. My desire is that what I have received, I can share with others. Through my ministry and my life, I pray I can emanate the love of Christ to whomever I encounter.
At the conclusion of the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, celebrated in 2014 to treat the topic, The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization, Pope Francis decided to make public the Relatio Synodi, the document which concluded the synod’s work. At the same time, the Holy Father indicated that this document would be the Lineamenta for the XIV Ordinary General Assembly to take place Oct. 4-25 to treat the topic, The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World. The Lineamenta has a series of questions aimed at knowing how the document is received and to generate an in-depth examination of the work initiated during the Extraordinary Assembly. In the spirit of dialogue, Pope Francis wishes to receive further feedback from Catholics on the outcome of the Extraordinary Synod to help the Church prepare for the Ordinary Synod on the Family that is scheduled for Oct. 4-25, 2015. The Catholic Diocese of Austin would appreciate some of your time to fill in this survey so that we can help shape the response that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will send to Rome in April 2015. Feel free to answer all or only some of the questions that most interest you. Due to the time needed by the Holy See to assemble this material, your responses to this survey must be received no later than March 13, 2015.
The Mass of Chrism will take place on March 31 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin. To order oils for your parish, please order online by March 18 at www.austindiocese.org/chrism2015.
On the weekend of March 14-15, all parishes in the Diocese of Austin are to take up a special collection for Catholic Relief Services. The following announcement should be read before all Masses that weekend:
Reflection question
Please consider using the following meditation for Palm Sunday (March 29):
The Culture Project is traveling all over the Diocese of Austin to speak with middle/high school students and parents on both human dignity and sexual integrity. They are available to speak at parishes and schools before they leave on March 28. All are welcome to attend one of their scheduled appearances. For questions e-mail info@thrivetexas.org or call (512) 949-2486.
The next Respect Life Prayer Vigil in Austin is scheduled for March 21. As an outward sign of love, prayer angels join together on the third Saturday of each month to celebrate Mass, pray the rosary and attend Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This month the prayer vigil begins at 7 a.m. at St. Paul Parish in Austin.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity to the CSA. To date, we have received pledges from more than 17,000 families totaling more than $4.7 million. Follow-up letters to those who have not yet pledged were mailed last week. Follow-up phone calls began on March 9. To see the latest parish reports click here.
Catholic Charities of Central Texas is conducting a workshop at St. John Parish in Marble Falls on March 28 to efficiently serve individuals who may be eligible for immigration relief under the DACA program. (Learn more at www.ccctx.org/executive-action.) Volunteers are needed to help individuals fill out the application. No prior immigration experience is necessary and training will be provided. Spanish-language skills are helpful, but not required. Lunch will be provided. Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteer training begins at 8 a.m. For more information contact Christina Vehar at (512) 651-6103.
Love Among the Ruins, a day of reflection, will be held March 28 at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. Father Angelo Bertini will lead an in-depth look at the book of Hosea. To register, call (254) 780-2436 or e-mail cedarbrake@austindiocese.org.
Please consider Bishop Vasquez’ prayer intention for Palm Sunday (March 29):
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.
Earlier this week, information was e-mailed to all priests with instructions on how to order a copy of Bishop Garcia’s official portrait. It is my hope that each parish will display a portrait of Pope Francis and Bishop Garcia near my portrait.
The Mass of Chrism will take place on March 31 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin. The oil order page is now closed. For questions on the oil orders, please contact Jorge Nuñez at (512) 949-2429.
The development of the Pastoral Plan is complete and ready for the next phase, which is to devise an implementation plan. You are invited to attend any one of the parish gatherings to offer your ideas about how we could implement the Plan in the most effective and fruitful manner. All sessions will be offered in English and Spanish and held from 7 to 9 p.m. as follows:
To have enough handouts and refreshments, please register, if you plan to attend. People may register individually or as a group.
Wednesday, March 25, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. We honor Mary’s willingness to trust God’s plan for her life. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary, may she enable us to have a courageous faith in our own “yes” to God.
Please consider using the following meditation for Easter (April 5):
Please send funds collected for the Retired Clergy and Religious special collection, taken up Dec. 13-14, and funds collected for the Feast of the Holy Family special collection, taken up Dec. 27-28, to the diocesan Finance Office as soon as possible. Send checks to Finance Office, Diocese of Austin, 6225 Highway 290 East, Austin, TX 78723.
The Spring 2015 Diocesan Adult Confirmation will take place on May 16 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Cedar Park. To register your candidates please visit www.austindiocese.org/dac15. The deadline for registration is May 5.
Parish conversions will be ongoing through August 2015. All parishes will be contacted by a diocesan database team member prior to their conversion date with information to prepare for the conversion. 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 Sacred Heart in Elgin, Ascension in Bastrop and St. Mary in Mexia.
Please consider using the following prayer intention for Easter (April 5):
The following priests on the anniversary of their ordination during the month of April: Rev. Thomas Niemira, April 4, 1965; Very Rev. William A. Wack, CSC, April 9, 1994; Very Rev. Matt Iwuji, JUD, April 21, 1974; Rev. Richard Dee Du, MF, April 22, 1999; Rev. Anthony Alphonse, April 23, 1992; Msgr. William Brooks, April 24, 1976; Rev. Kenneth Nielson, April 24, 1999; Msgr. Donald J. Sawyer, D. Min., April 27, 1974; and Rev. Ramon D. Frayna, April 29, 1986.
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.
In January 2014, 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 community gathering where we will seek guidance and input on the development of the implementation plan.
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.
http://www.austindiocese.org/2015-pastoral-plan-community-gatherings
In January 2014, 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 community gathering where we will seek guidance and input on the development of the implementation plan.
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.
http://www.austindiocese.org/2015-pastoral-plan-community-gatherings
In January 2014, 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 community gathering where we will seek guidance and input on the development of the implementation plan.
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.
http://www.austindiocese.org/2015-pastoral-plan-community-gatherings
In January 2014, 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 community gathering where we will seek guidance and input on the development of the implementation plan.
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.
http://www.austindiocese.org/2015-pastoral-plan-community-gatherings
In January 2014, 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 community gathering where we will seek guidance and input on the development of the implementation plan.
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.
http://www.austindiocese.org/2015-pastoral-plan-community-gatherings
Thanks to outgoing members of the vocation team, Rev. Charlie Garza and Rev. Will Straten, as they complete their terms on the diocesan Vocation Team. Their generosity in contributing to the success of the team is very much appreciated.
The E-Pistle will not be published on April 3, which is Good Friday. The next E-Pistle will be published on April 10.
All diocesan offices will close on April 2 (Holy Thursday) at noon and reopen on Tuesday, April 7 in observance of the Triduum and Easter.
The new Pastoral Plan invites the people and faith communities of Central Texas to an Encounter that Leads to Transformation. It challenges us to continue on the path of discipleship, to help people deepen their faith in Christ and calls for all leaders in ministry to work collaboratively. Parish gatherings have been scheduled to review the new Plan and offer participants a chance to share ideas about its implementation. All sessions are offered in English and Spanish and held from 7 to 9 p.m. as follows:
To have enough handouts and refreshments, please register, if you plan to attend. People may register individually or as a group.
The Mass of Chrism will take place on March 31 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin. For questions, please contact Jorge Nuñez at (512) 949-2429.
Please consider using the following meditation for the Second Sunday of Easter (April 12):
Please consider using the following meditation for the Third Sunday of Easter (April 19):
The Diocesan Fine Arts Council will host the opening reception of the Religious Art Gallery at the diocesan Pastoral Center April 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. All are invited to view and discuss the art with the artists in attendance. There will be light appetizers and refreshments served. Previous exhibits can always be viewed online at www.austindfac.org. Religious artists who would like to participate in future exhibits should contact Craig Kanewske.
All women, ages 18-45, are invited to encounter the beauty of a vocation and the possibility of this call in their own lives, April 24-26, at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. The retreat will be led by the Consecrated Sisters of the Apostles of the Interior Life (AVI). There will be talks and time for prayer as well as “one-on-one” conversations with the sisters while experiencing community life with other young women discerning the will of God. For more information, contact the Vocation Office at (512) 949-2430. Cost is $35. Register online by April 20 at austinvocations.com.
Registration is open for the annual Annunciation Maternity Home Banquet on May 7 at St. Helen Parish in Georgetown. Registration and Silent Auction begin at 6 p.m. Live auction, dinner, and program begin at 7 p.m. Online registration and more information can be found at www.thematernityhome.org or (512) 864-7755.
The next Theology on Tap is April 8 at Santa Rita Cantina (5900 W. Slaughter Ln. in Austin). Jeremy Rodriguez will present on the everlasting love of God. He will open the evening at 6 p.m. by leading music and his presentation will begin at 7 p.m.
The Spring 2015 Diocesan Adult Confirmation will take place on May 16 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Cedar Park. To register your candidates please visit www.austindiocese.org/dac15. The deadline for registration is May 5.
We have converted 53 parishes to PDS ChurchOffice to date. All parishes will be contacted by a diocesan database team member prior to their conversion date with information to prepare for the conversion. 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 Holy Rosary in Frenstat, St. Mary in Caldwell, Our Mother of Sorrows in Burnet, Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Marak and St. Joseph in Cyclone.
Please consider using the following prayer intention for the Second Sunday of Easter (April 12):
Please consider using the following prayer intention for the Third Sunday of Easter (April 19):
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.
With great sadness, we announce the death of Rev. George Tzanakas Jr. who died Saturday morning at the age of 82.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Vigil, March 31 at 7 p.m. at Gabriel’s Funeral Chapel in Georgetown.
Mass of Christian Burial, April 1 at 10 a.m. at St. Helen Parish in Georgetown.
Burial, following Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery in Georgetown.
Editor: Bishop, this newspaper will be in the homes during Holy Week. Explain the importance of this week to our faith.
Bishop Vásquez: Holy Week is the most important time of the year for Christians. This week begins on Palm Sunday and culminates at the Easter Vigil. This week is the conclusion of Lent, and it celebrates the Passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. We concentrate particularly on Christ’s Passion –– his suffering, death and resurrection –– because we believe that Christ’s actions saved and redeemed us. We believe Christ’s actions during Holy Week changed all of history and humanity.
On Palm Sunday, we hear the Passion of the Lord, which is taken from the Gospel of Matthew, Mark or Luke. This year we listen to Mark’s account. Almost half of Mark’s Gospel focuses on the Passion of Jesus Christ, so obviously for Mark this is the high point of understanding who Jesus is. Anyone who wants to know who Jesus is should read the Passion. There we begin to understand who Jesus is and how he is the Son of God and the Savior of the world and we see the humility with which God saves us.
On Tuesday of Holy Week the diocese celebrates a special Mass called the Chrism Mass. This is a most meaningful celebration for priests because it is the time when we as priests commit ourselves by renewing the promises we made on the day of our ordinations. Before the whole community of God, we pledge to live our lives for God and for his church.
At the Chrism Mass we bless the oils the church uses throughout the entire liturgical year. We bless the oil of the sick, which will be used to anoint those who are ill, home-bound, in nursing homes and in hospitals. We also bless the oil of catechumens, which is used to anoint those who are preparing to enter the church and to anoint young children who are baptized. This oil is a sign of the strength that comes from Christ to help the catechumens overcome sin and temptation.
The third oil blessed is called Holy Chrism, which is used for the major sacraments in the life of the church. This oil will be used for confirmations throughout the diocese, for children’s baptisms and for anointing the hands of newly ordained priests. It is also used to anoint the heads of bishops on the day of their consecration. The oils are also used to anoint the walls of new churches and to consecrate new altars. The oil is poured upon the altar, as a symbol of Christ himself.
On Holy Thursday the church begins the Holy Triduum (three days), which is the most special days of the year for us Catholics. The church has never made these celebrations obligatory because it hopes people will understand how sacred and important these days are. The evening Mass on Holy Thursday includes the washing of the feet, signifying the last night before his death when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. Christ showed them the meaning of servant leadership and the ministry of humility and service to each other. At the Last Supper, Jesus gives us a command that what he has done for us we are to do for one another. Also at the Last Supper, which was the first Mass, Jesus gave us the priesthood to continue the celebration of the Eucharist until he returns.
On Good Friday, we celebrate the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. On this day we listen to the Passion taken from the Gospel of John, and we celebrate the sacrificial love of Christ in giving himself completely to the Father for us. One of the central actions on Good Friday is the Veneration of the Cross. Good Friday is the only day in the liturgical year that no Eucharist is celebrated. We begin the ceremony in silence and we conclude in silence; it is a most solemn day recalling the great out pouring of love by Jesus Christ.
On Holy Saturday the church is in prayerful waiting for the resurrection literally all day. As night falls, we begin the Easter Vigil with the blessing of the sacred fire. We enter the dark church led by the paschal candle and we all share the same light with our individual candles. We listen to the Exsultet proclaiming the resurrection, which occurred that night. After this we listen to the readings from the Old Testament, which describe the salvific acts of God for his people. Then comes the Gospel that proclaims the resurrection of Christ and we sing the Alleluia for the first time since Lent. Then we move into the liturgies of baptism and confirmation for those who are to be received into the church. The culmination of the Easter Vigil celebration is the Eucharist where once again we are nourished by the body and blood of Christ, Our Risen Lord. It’s a new beginning for the whole church and for the next 50 days we celebrate Easter!
Editor: Recently a child asked me why is it called Good Friday? I probably did not give the best answer. What would your answer have been?
Bishop Vásquez: To young children what happened on Good Friday may not seem so good. However, when Jesus went to the cross on that first Good Friday, it was an act of great love. Jesus willingly allowed himself to be crucified out of love for us, out of love for humanity. God turned the crucifixion –– a horrible method of execution –– into a means of salvation for all of humanity. Not just Catholics or believers but all humanity for all time was saved by the cross. What Christ did once on the cross can’t be repeated, and it can’t be substituted. It is everlasting. The church believes the crucifixion has a retroactive effect, that is to say it looks back to all those who came before and it looks forward to all those who will come long after we are gone, and, of course, it applies right now to us in this particular moment.
There is a wonderful saying in Latin “Ave Crux Spes Unica,” which means “Hail to the Cross, our only hope.” There is no hope for us but the cross because without the crucifixion of Christ we would be completely lost. So Good Friday is indeed “good.”
Editor: Of course we celebrate the resurrection on Easter Sunday. For 50 days we celebrate Easter and then Pentecost. Explain the importance of those 50 days.
Bishop Vásquez: The 50 days from Easter to Pentecost is a wonderful time for the church. The mystery of the resurrection is so deep and profound that the church celebrates it over the course of 50 days. It’s like a banquet that begins slowly and lasts for a long time. The food we are eating is rich and flavorful so we want to appreciate it; therefore, we don’t rush to finish. We take it in slowly in order to appreciate the flavors and tastes. In a similar way we celebrate the mystery of the resurrection for 50 days because there are so many aspects to be integrated and understood. We need sufficient time to truly appreciate the mystery of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Editor: What is the significance of Pentecost?
Bishop Vásquez: At Pentecost, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit to the church. It is the birthday of the church. When Christ ascended to the Father, he left word to the apostles to pray and wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the Acts of the Apostles, we hear “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit pushes the apostles out of their confinement; they go outside and begin to witness about Jesus. They begin to proclaim boldly the message of Christ, the Resurrected Lord. Peter is the leader of the apostles and is the primary preacher; Peter is the “rock” on which the church was built. At Pentecost the church sends the apostles throughout the world to proclaim Christ.
Editor: What is your payer for the diocese during the Easter season?
Bishop Vásquez: My prayer is that we would be transformed and renewed through the Paschal Mysteries. May the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ renew us spiritually, so that our lives reflect the life of Christ. May this gift of spiritual renewal, which we receive from God, be experienced in the celebration of the sacraments and especially in the Eucharist.
“From afar the LORD appears: with age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you.” –Jeremiah 31:3
The next Theology on Tap will take place April 8th at Santa Rita Cantina (5900 W. Slaughter Ln., Austin, Texas 78749). Jeremy Rodriguez will present on the Everlasting love of God. He will open the evening at 6:00pm by leading music, and his presentation will begin at 7:00pm. We hope to see you there!
Auxiliary Bishop Daniel E. Garcia sent the following text as a memo to all priests of the Diocese of Austin on April 1, 2015:
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in which 1.5 million people perished and millions more were displaced and subjected to deportation, torture, starvation and massacre. In remembrance of this atrocity, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on April 12, 2015. Likewise, in the Diocese of Austin, Bishop Joe Vásquez will celebrate the 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin on Sunday, April 12, 2015.
On this day, he asks that all parishes join him in prayer remembering the innocent who died in the Armenian Genocide and all those who continue to suffer from religious persecution around the world. Please use this petition/prayer at the general intercessions at Mass:
Links to news stories and information on the Armenian Genocide:
