The Friday E-Pistle| March 27, 2009 | Print this issue |
IN THIS ISSUE
- Official appointments
- Statement regarding the University of Notre Dame
- Offices closed
- Life and Family Life Advocacy Day
- Diocesan Pastoral Plan
- Divine Mercy Mass
- Special Collection on Good Friday
- Easter Vigil Information
- Special intention
- Diocesan Institute for Ecclesial Ministry
- Lumen Gentium 2009
- Christopher West presentations
- Prayers requested
- Reflection question
- Electronic giving seminar
- Stewardship conference
- El Siervo de Dios como Líder/Servant of God as a Leader
- Citizenship classes
- Newly consecrated Holy Oils
- Diocesan confirmation for adults
- St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School Open House
- Bishop Aymond's prayer intention
- Blessings and congratulations …
- Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM)
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
A message from Bishop Aymond
Official appointments
In order to serve the people of God, Bishop Gregory Aymond has made the following appointments:
• Father Rusty Richard at associate pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin, effective April 1.
• Deacon Bob Snigger to St. Mary Parish in Temple, effective May 1.
Statement regarding the University of Notre Dame
As was announced recently, the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., is presenting President Barack Obama with an honorary degree and have asked him to give the commencement address.
I, along with many other Catholics, express great disappointment and sadness that a Catholic university would honor someone who is pro-choice and who holds many values contrary to our Catholic belief.
In the midst of such a sad situation, as Catholics we must continue to be pro-life and to proclaim with even greater strength the values of Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
In my opinion, it is very clear that in this case the University of Notre Dame does not live up to its Catholic identity in giving this award and their leadership needs our prayerful support.
Offices closed
Wednesday, April 1, is a Day of Prayer for our diocesan staff; therefore, our offices will be closed.
Life and Family Life Advocacy Day
Tuesday, March 31, is Life and Family Life Advocacy Day at the Texas Capitol. The Diocese of Austin is joining the other Texas dioceses to encourage Catholics throughout the state to participate. We will celebrate Mass at St. Mary Cathedral at 8 a.m. Our delegation will be recognized at the opening of the House and Senate sessions. Teams of people will also present material to senators and representatives.
Diocesan Pastoral Plan
As of Tuesday, only 10 parishes had submitted the required paperwork for the meetings on instructing parish leaders on how to implement “Living our Legacy: Christ-Centered Communities,” the diocesan Pastoral Plan: 2009-2013. All of the meetings listed below are from 7 to 9:30 p.m.:
• May 11, St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin
• May 12, Dolores Parish in Austin
• May 14, St. Jerome Parish in Waco
• May 18, St. Anthony Parish in Bryan
• May 19, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Marble Falls
• May 20, St. Luke Parish in Temple
• May 21, Pastoral Center and distance learning (make up session)
For more information, contact Dr. Geri Telepak at (512) 949-2456 or e-mail her at the address linked below.
Divine Mercy Mass
We will celebrate the Divine Mercy Mass on April 19 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin. All are invited to attend.
Special Collection on Good Friday
The Diocese of Austin will conduct a special collection for the Holy Land on Good Friday, April 10.
Please read the message, printed below, before all liturgies on Good Friday:
• The Franciscans have been in the Holy Land since 1217, walking in Jesus’ footsteps, caring for the poor, educating young people, providing scholarships, protecting the Holy Shrines, conducting pastoral ministries and keeping Christianity alive. The daily news reminds us of the violence and instability plaguing the Middle East, but we rarely hear of the shrinking Christian community there, a community that struggles to remain in the land of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection. Please help support our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land by giving to this special collection. This Pontifical Collection allows the Franciscans and others to continue caring for Christianity’s holiest sites and for God’s people in the Holy Land. Please be generous in your support of this most worthy cause.
• Los Franciscanos han estado en Tierra Santa desde el año 1217, siguiendo las huellas de Jesús, cuidando a los pobres, educando a los jóvenes, proporcionando becas estudiantiles, protegiendo los Sepulcros Sagrados, conduciendo ministerios pastorales y manteniendo viva la Cristiandad. Las noticias diarias nos recuerdan la violencia e inestabilidad que acosa al Medio Oriente, pero rara vez escuchamos de la disminución de la comunidad cristiana en esos territorios, una comunidad que batalla para mantenerse en la tierra donde nació, murió y resucitó Cristo. Por favor apoye a nuestros hermanos y hermanas en Tierra Santa haciendo su donativo a esta colecta especial. Dicha colecta Pontificia permite a los Franciscanos y a otras personas, continuar protegiendo los sitios más sagrados de la Cristiandad y cuidando a la gente de Dios en Tierra Santa. Por favor sea generoso en su apoyo a esta digna causa.
Easter Vigil Information
• In those parishes that celebrate a Sunday liturgy in two languages, every effort should be made so that the three principal Triduum liturgies (Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Celebration of the Lord’s Passion and the Easter Vigil) are multilingual.
• The Easter Vigil celebration must begin after sunset. The time for sunset in Austin in 2009 is 7:56 p.m., therefore, the celebration of Easter Vigil should not begin before 8 p.m. on April 11.
• Only one vigil may be celebrated. Permission to hold more than one vigil may only be granted by the diocesan bishop. If a parish seeks to celebrate more than one vigil, they shall write for approval.
Special intention
Please continue to include in prayer at every Mass the following intention:
• For the elect and the candidates as they prepare to enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, we pray to the Lord.
• Por los electos y candidatos mientras se preparan para ingresar a la Iglesia Católica en la Vigilia Cuaresmal, oremos al Señor.
Diocesan Institute for Ecclesial Ministry
The first session of the Diocesan Institute for Ecclesial Ministry begins Aug. 1. Candidates for this pilot program are being sought. This 3½-year formation program addresses the intellectual, pastoral, human/behavioral and spiritual formation required by the Church. For more information, contact Joanne Sanders at (512) 949-2539 or e-mail her at the address linked below.
Lumen Gentium 2009
April 3 is the deadline for Lumen Gentium 2009 nominations. The documents needed for nominations are linked below. The ceremony for the honorees will be held June 3 at 7 p.m. at the Mayborn Civic Center in Temple. Please note: The forms have changed since last year.
Christopher West presentations
Thanks to Dr. Geri Telepak and all of those who assisted her in planning for the “Theology of the Body” seminars by Christopher West. More than 2,400 people attended the seminars. His presentations were well-received and informative.
Prayers requested
Please remember, in prayer, the following:
• Father Robert Mahoney who is recuperating from a hospital stay.
• Father Charles Davis who is recuperating from a hospital stay.
• Julia Sawyer, mother of Msgr. Donald J. Sawyer, pastor of Our Lady’s Maronite Parish in Austin, who is in hospice care.
Year of the Family
Reflection question
Please consider using the following reflection question for the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday):
• With each visit, Jesus greeted the disciples with a sign of peace. How do you offer peace in your family and parish community?
• En cada visita, Jesús saludó a los discípulos con una señal de paz. ¿Cómo ofrece paz a su familia y comunidad parroquial?
Other resources for the Year of the Family, in English and Spanish, are available at the link below.
Stewardship and Development
Electronic giving seminar
Faith Direct, a leader in electronic giving programs for Catholic parishes, will lead a presentation on April 28 at noon at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Austin. All pastors, business managers, finance council members and stewardship and development committee members are invited to attend. Lunch will be provided and there is no cost to attend. For more information, see the flyer linked below.
Stewardship conference
The Offices of Stewardship and Development and Hispanic Ministry and will co-sponsor a conference April 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Austin on the meaning of stewardship. The presenters will discuss the spirituality of stewardship, the practical aspects of a fully functioning stewardship parish and will answer questions about stewardship as a way of life. All who are interested in understanding stewardship or starting or strengthening a parish stewardship program are invited. Registration is $20. For more information, please contact Emily Powers at (512) 949-2444 or emily-powers@austindiocese.org, or Alaina Zachmann at (512) 949-2461 or alaina-zachmann@austindiocese.org.
Las Oficinas del Ministerio Hispano y Corresponsabilidad, patrocinarán una conferencia sobre el significado de la administración de los bienes de Dios, la cual se desarrollará en el Centro Pastoral diocesano en la ciudad de Austin. Dicha conferencia tendrá lugar el 4 de abril, de las 9 a.m. a las 3 p.m. Los conductores hablarán sobre la espiritualidad de la administración de los bienes de Dios, los aspectos prácticos de una parroquia en la que funciona del todo la administración de los bienes de Dios y darán respuesta a preguntas relacionadas con dicha administración como forma de vida. Se invita cordialmente a todas las personas interesadas en saber más de lo que representa la administración de los bienes de Dios, como iniciar un programa parroquial con relación a este importante ministerio, o bien fortalecer el ya existente. El costo de inscripción es de $20. Para mayor información, por favor comuníquese con Alaina Zachmann al (512) 949-2461.
- Register online for the stewardship conference
- Agenda for the conference
- Register by mail or fax for the stewardship conference
Hispanic Ministry
El Siervo de Dios como Líder/Servant of God as a Leader
The workshop, El Siervo de Dios como Líder/Servant of God as a Leader, is for all leaders of parish groups and lay movements that want to enhance their leadership skills and abilities to serve God most effectively. Presentations on having vision, development of personnel, resolving problems and more are included. The two-day workshop is being offered at St. Paul Parish in Austin beginning April 17, from 6:30 to 9:45 p.m. and continuing on April 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and to register, use the link below.
El Taller “El Siervo de Dios como Líder/ Servant of God as a Leader, está diseñado para todos los líderes de grupos parroquiales y movimientos laicos que deseen mejorar sus habilidades de liderazgo y destrezas para servir a Dios de manera más efectiva. Las presentaciones, incluyen entre otras, el desarrollo de personal, la solución de problemas y como tener mejor visión de las cosas. El taller se realizará en la Parroquia de St. Paul en Austin, los días 17 de abril de las 6:30 a las 9:45 p.m y el 18 de abril de las 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Para mayor información o para poder registrarse, por pavor use el enlace que aparece enseguida.
Catholic Charities of Central Texas
Citizenship classes
Catholic Charities of Central Texas is offering a series of citizenship classes for eligible immigrants. The six classes will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays (except during Holy Week) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Louis Parish in Austin. If you have not registered for the classes, but are interested in attending, come on the first day of class, March 24 at 6 p.m. Classes will continue on March 26, 31 and April 2, 14, 16. For more information call (512) 651-6100.
Caridades Católicas del Centro de Texas está ofreciendo una serie de clases en relación a la ciudadanía para inmigrantes que cubran los requisitos. La serie de seis clases se llevarán a cabo los martes y jueves (excepto durante la Semana Santa), en la Parroquia de St. Louis de la ciudad de Austin, de las 6:30 a las 8:30 p.m. Si no se ha registrado, pero está interesado en acudir, asista a la primera clase el día 24 de marzo a las 6 p.m. Dichas clases se ofrecerán también los días 26 y 31 de marzo y el 2, 14 y 16 de abril. Para mayor información, por favor llame al (512) 651-6100.
Worship Office
Newly consecrated Holy Oils
The cut-off date for special orders of 2009 consecrated oil was March 22. Orders sent after March 22 can be picked up after April 7. If an order was not submitted, your parish will have a box with 2 oz. of Sacred Chrism, 1 oz. of the Oil of the Catechumen and 1 oz. of the Oil of the Sick available for pick up at St. Margaret Mary Parish after the Chrism Mass on April 7 at 11 a.m. Any boxes not picked after the Mass will be available for pick up after April 7 at the Pastoral Center. For instructions on how to dispose of 2008 Holy Oils please see the information linked below.
Diocesan confirmation for adults
Bishop Gregory Aymond will celebrate the sacrament of confirmation for baptized Catholic adults on May 28 at 7 p.m. at St. Ignatius, Martyr Parish in Austin. Baptized Catholic adults who are prepared to receive the sacrament of confirmation are invited to celebrate the sacrament with the Bishop Aymond. Parish adult confirmation coordinators should contact Yvonne Saldaña at (512) 949-2429 or e-mail her using the link below. The parish participation form is linked below.
Catholic Schools
St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School Open House
All are invited to learn more about the new diocesan high school opening this fall. Bishop Aymond will attend an open house for St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School on March 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic School at 9400 Neenah Ave. in Austin. For more information, contact Principal Kevin Calkins at (512) 388-8846 or e-mail him at the address linked below.
Weekly notes
Bishop Aymond's prayer intention
Please consider Bishop Aymond’s prayer intention for the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday):
• For those who were baptized at the Easter Vigil and those who joined our Catholic family through a Profession of Faith, that they may know our care and welcome …
• Por aquellos que fueron bautizados en la Vigilia de Pascua y por quienes se han unido a nuestra familia católica a través de la Profesión de Fe, para que podamos recibirlos y cuidar de ellos…
Blessings and congratulations …
To the following priests on the anniversary of their priestly ordination:
Rev. John Korcsmar, CSC, April 6, 1974 and Rev. Francisco Morales, April 9, 1994.
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 1½ 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.