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shieldThe Friday E-Pistle
September 12, 2008 Print this issue

Address changes

Please send changes in staff and volunteer leaders to Shelley Metcalf or fax to (512) 949-2523 . This enables staff and volunteers to receive the Friday e-pistle and other diocesan communications.

Contact Us

The Friday e-pistle is sent to parishes and those serving the Catholic Church in Central Texas every Friday at mid-day. If you have information that you would like to have included in the Friday e-pistle, please send it by Tuesday noon to Christian González, director of Communications. This newsletter may be forwarded to all members of parish staffs and others who minister in the church, either in volunteer or paid positions.

Catholic Diocese of Austin
P.O. Box 15405
Austin, TX 78761-5405
512.949.2400

www.austindiocese.org

A message from Bishop Aymond

Official appointments

In order to serve the people of God, Bishop Aymond has made the following appointments:

• Harvey Bollich as Auditor (can. 1428) of the Canonical and Tribunal Services of the diocese, effective immediately until Sept. 2, 2012.
• Deacon John Pickwell as Assessor (can. 1424) of the Canonical and Tribunal Services of the diocese, effective immediately until Sept. 2, 2012.
• Deacon Larry Terrell as Auditor (can. 1428) of the Canonical and Tribunal Services of the diocese, effective immediately until Sept. 2, 2012.
• Robert T. Pine as Ecclesiastical Notary of the Canonical and Tribunal Services of the diocese, effective immediately until Sept. 2, 2012.
• Deacon Kevin Nissen as Advocate for the Respondent in English (can. 1483) of the Canonical and Tribunal Services of the diocese, effective immediately until Sept. 2, 2012.
• Deacon Raymond Sanders as Ad hoc Assessor (can. 1424) of the Canonical and Tribunal Services of the diocese, effective immediately, until Sept. 2, 2012.
• Deacon Ralph Arevalo Jr. as Advocate for the Respondent in Spanish (can. 1483) of the Canonical and Tribunal Services of the diocese, effective immediately, until Sept. 2, 2012.
• Joanne Sanders as Auditor (can. 1428) of the Canonical and Tribunal Services of the diocese, effective immediately, until Sept. 2, 2012.
• Deacon Don Gessler as Advocate for the Respondent in English (can. 1483) of the Canonical and Tribunal Services of the diocese, effective immediately, until Sept. 2, 2012.

Hurricane Ike

Please join me in prayer for the people in our diocese and in neighboring dioceses who will be affected by Hurricane Ike.

With the impending storms, if any of our diocesan departments can be of assistance to your parish, let us know. Please do not hesitate to contact the Chanceryat (512) 476-4888 for assistance.

Cancellations due to Hurricane Ike

The following events have been canceled:

• The Middle School Youth Rally
• The weekend session of the Institute for Spiritual Direction
• Next week’s Region X Family Life conference in San Antonio
• The EIM workshop at St. John Parish in Luling scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
• The EIM workshop at St. Margaret Parish in Giddings scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
• The Hispanic Young Adults’ Interparroquial Adoration Vigil called "Velada con Jesus" on Saturday at St. John the Evangelist in Marble Falls.
• The People’s Law School scheduled for Saturday in Austin. (A flyer for this event was included in the monthly mailing to select parishes.)
• Gabriel Project Training scheduled for Saturday at St. Austin Parish.

• Please check the diocesan Web site at www.austindiocese.org for more information regarding canceled events.

Assisting those displaced by Hurricane Ike

The Diocese of Austin, working through Catholic Charities of Central Texas, will provide assistance to those affected by Hurricane Ike. A range of services will be available to the most vulnerable families such as those without insurance, the elderly and the disabled, along with families who cannot access FEMA or other community resources.

Services provided by Catholic Charities may include emergency assistance with food, transportation expenses and case management services. Newly arrived evacuees are encouraged to contact first-responder agencies such as FEMA, American Red Cross and Salvation Army for shelter and immediate emergency assistance.

Catholic Charities is requesting monetary donation and gift cards to H-E-B, Wal-Mart and gas stations. These donations will help with long-term recovery efforts.
Donations can be mailed to: Catholic Charities of Central Texas, 1817 E. Sixth Street, Austin, TX 78702 or online through the Web site linked below.

Traveling for ordinations

I will be in Colombia from Sept. 18 to Sept. 22 for the priesthood ordinations of Deacons Luis Alberto Cáceres and Ramiro Tarazona.

Bishops to take up abortion and politics at November assembly

The Administrative Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said the full body of U.S. bishops will discuss the practical and pastoral implications of political support for abortion during their annual assembly, Nov. 10-13, in Baltimore.

At the conclusion of its Sept. 9-10 meeting in Washington, the Administrative Committee, which is the highest authority of the USCCB outside the conference’s plenary assemblies in November and June, cited concern for recent misleading remarks about Catholic teaching by Catholic politicians. The following statement was issued:

“In light of recent comments by Catholic politicians misrepresenting Catholic teaching, the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops affirms the statements that have been issued by Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop William E. Lori, chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Doctrine. We confirm the Catholic Church's constant teaching about the sanctity of all human life from the moment of conception and the intrinsic evil of abortion. As the teachers of the faith, we also point out the connectedness between the evil of abortion and political support for abortion. We plan to discuss the practical and pastoral implications of these serious matters at the U.S. bishops' November 10-13, 2008 general meeting in Baltimore.”

The U.S. bishop’s statements on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Joseph Biden are available at the links below.

Voter guides

Please be reminded that the only “voter guide” to be used in the Diocese of Austin is “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” The full document can be downloaded using the link below.

USCCB to publish Quinceañera ritual

The approved “Order for the Blessing on the Fifteenth Birthday,” the quinceañera ritual, will be published Sept. 19.

Communities can celebrate this bilingual ritual both within and outside of Mass. The Mexican-American Cultural Center in San Antonio developed the original text of the rite in 1999. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops acquired the rights to the text in 2007 and has collaborated with the Secretariat of Divine Worship in completing the final text.

Jesuit Father Allan Deck, executive director of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity, said the quinceañera ritual will be one of “many resources Latinos can use to preserve both Catholic and cultural identity.”

The quinceañera ritual can help young Catholics “learn more about the importance of upholding one’s baptismal commitment in a spirit of thanksgiving,” said Msgr. Anthony Sherman, executive director of the USCCB Secretariat of Divine Worship, because the ritual allows baptismal godparents or other couples serving as sponsors the option of presenting religious articles.

The book can be ordered online at the address linked below.

Priests’ Convocation

The deadline for registration for the 2008 Priests’ Convocation is Sept. 18. Please use the form linked below to register. Submission of the registration form will guarantee a hotel reservation unless the registration is for a commuter. It is not necessary to contact the Marriott for hotel reservations. For questions, contact Father Harry Dean or Celina Galvan at (512) 476-4888.

Resource Documents

Ministry conference

Online registration for the 2008 Symphony of the Faith: One in Christ is now open. The conference is Oct. 17-18 at the Austin Convention Center. The cost is $25, which includes lunch on Saturday. This year's conference features a keynote presentation by Matthew Kelly and a concert by Jaime Cortez on Friday night and two rounds of workshops and a vigil Mass on Saturday. To register, visit the Web site link below.

A note for pastors

Please see the memo to pastors, linked below, concerning the “Official Catholic Directory” and P. J. Kennedy & Sons Publishing. We have seen an increasing decline in the number of parishes that do not reply in a timely manner and some who do not reply at all. Please be aware that if you do not return the form to us, you will not be included in the OCD this year. All parishes received a copy of this memo in the September monthly mailing.

Please note: The form sent with the letter is a sample. Please only complete and return the form you receive in the mail from P.J. Kennedy & Sons Publishing.

Red Mass

We will celebrate the 17th annual Red Mass on Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin. The Red Mass marks the beginning of the judicial year. Judge Emilio Garza of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit will be the speaker. A reception will follow at the Bishop’s Hall.

Prayers requested

Please remember, in prayer, the mother of Brother Donald Blauvelt, CSC, who died Sept. 3.

Year of the Living Word

Reflection question


Please consider using the following reflection question for the Gospel reading of the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time:

• Which son in this Gospel story are you most like? Why?

Other resources for the Year of the Living Word, including a prayer and how to have a Scripture reflection at the beginning of meetings, are available in English and Spanish at the link below.

Vocations

Information needed for poster

The Vocation Office is in the process of gathering and updating information for the annual vocation poster. This poster features photos of men and women from the diocese who have entered religious communities to discern their call to religious life or priesthood. Please provide the Vocation Office names and contact information for these men and women by Sept. 19. Submit information to Celina Galván at at (512) 697-2030 or e-mail her at the address linked below.

Pro-Life and Chaste Living

Help Line training

A Pro-Life Help Line Training will be held Sept. 27 at the Gabriel Project Life Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1817 E. Sixth St., Austin. For more information about the training, contact Becky Cook at (512) 238-1756.

Dispatch

The weekly Dispatch newsletter from the Office of Pro-Life Activities is now available through the E-Pistle. Use the link below to read the most current issue.

Resource Documents

Young Adult Ministry

Theology on Tap

The next Austin-area Theology on Tap gathering is Oct. 1 at Mother Egan's Irish Pub, 715 W. Sixth St. in Austin. Music begins at 6 p.m. Michael Scaperlanda will discuss Faith and Politics at 7 p.m.

Criminal Justice Ministry

State conference

The statewide Criminal Justice Ministry Conference is Oct. 3-4 in Fort Worth. The conference will feature a workshop on assisting ex-offenders and their families within the parish community. Pastors are encouraged to send their parish social ministry workers along with their criminal justice volunteers to the conference. The diocesan Criminal Justice Office will pay the $75 registration fee. For more information, contact Deacon Doots DuFour at (512) 651-6108 or e-mail him at the address below.

Weekly notes

Bishop Aymond's prayer intention

Please consider Bishop Aymond’s prayer intention for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time:

• That as God has shown us mercy, we will be merciful to others. We pray to the Lord.

Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM)

Upcoming EIM Basic and Refresher Workshops

EIM Basic or 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 these sites 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 which is sent to parishes/schools a few months prior to each new schedule block. Additional workshops will not be not 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 or Colleen Schiller in the EIM Office at (512) 949-2400.

A schedule of 1˝ hour EIM Refresher Workshops can be found on the EIM homepage linked below:

3-hour EIM Basic Workshops currently scheduled and open to the public are listed here:

Date Time Location Phone
Sat, Sep 4, 2010 9 a.m. to noon St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, College Station 512-693-6994
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Emmaus Parish, Lakeway 512-261-8500
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 6 to 9 p.m. St. John Parish, Marble Falls - En Español 830-693-5134
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. St. Paul Parish, Smithville - En Español 512-237-3299
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 6 to 9 p.m. St. William Parish, Round Rock - En Español 512-255-4473
Thu, Sep 9, 2010 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. St. Mary Cathedral Parish, Austin 512-476-6182
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 9 a.m. to noon St. Mary, Church of the Assumption, Waco 254-753-0146
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 9 a.m. to noon St. Joseph Parish, Killeen 254-634-7878
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 9 a.m. to noon St. Mary Catholic School, West, West 254-826-5991
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 9 a.m. to noon St. John the Evangelist Parish, San Marcos 512-353-8969
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 9 a.m. to noon St. Patrick Parish, Hutto 512-759-3712
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 9 a.m. to noon Holy Family Parish, Copperas Cove 254-547-3735
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 9 a.m. to noon St. Edward's University, Main Bldg, Maloney Rm, 3rd flr 512-448-8548
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 9 a.m. to noon St. Joseph Parish, Bryan 979-822-2721
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 9 a.m. to noon Sacred Heart Parish, La Grange 979-968-3430
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 9 a.m. to noon Our Lady's Maronite, Austin, Austin 512-458-3693
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. St. Mary, San Saba - En Español 325-372-3679
Sat, Sep 25, 2010 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. St. Mary Parish, Brenham 979-836-4441
Sun, Oct 3, 2010 1 to 4 p.m. St. Luke Parish, Temple 254-773-1561
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. University Catholic Center, Austin 512-476-7351
Wed, Oct 6, 2010 6 to 9 p.m. St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Austin 512-892-2420
Thu, Oct 14, 2010 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. St. Louis Parish, Austin 512-454-0384

Click here to view sample bulletin announcements to let parishioners know of these workshops.